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Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Dec 2023REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by a loss of atonia of skeletal muscles during REM sleep, associated with acting out behaviors during dreams....
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by a loss of atonia of skeletal muscles during REM sleep, associated with acting out behaviors during dreams. Knowledge of this pathology is important to predict neurodegenerative diseases since there is a strong association of RBD with diseases caused by the deposition of alpha-synuclein in neurons (synucleinopathies), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Proper diagnosis of this condition will enable the use of future neuroprotective strategies before motor and cognitive symptoms. Diagnostic assessment should begin with a detailed clinical history with the patient and bed partner or roommate and the examination of any recorded home videos. Polysomnography (PSG) is necessary to verify the loss of sleep atonia and, when documented, the behaviors during sleep. Technical recommendations for PSG acquisition and analysis are defined in the AASM Manual for the scoring of sleep and associated events, and the PSG report should describe the percentage of REM sleep epochs that meet the criteria for RWA (REM without atonia) to better distinguish patients with and without RBD. Additionally, PSG helps rule out conditions that may mimic RBD, such as obstructive sleep apnea, non-REM sleep parasomnias, nocturnal epileptic seizures, periodic limb movements, and psychiatric disorders. Treatment of RBD involves guidance on protecting the environment and avoiding injuries to the patient and bed partner/roommate. Use of medications are also reviewed in the article. The development of neuroprotective medications will be crucial for future RBD therapy.
Topics: Humans; REM Sleep Behavior Disorder; Parkinson Disease; Movement; Multiple System Atrophy; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38157884
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777111 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2023The concept of hypersexuality belongs to modern parlance, according to a predominantly clinical meaning, and is understood as a psychological and behavioural alteration... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The concept of hypersexuality belongs to modern parlance, according to a predominantly clinical meaning, and is understood as a psychological and behavioural alteration as a result of which sexually motivated stimuli are sought in inappropriate ways and often experienced in a way that is not completely satisfactory.
METHODS
Literature up to February 2023 was reviewed, with 25 searches selected.
RESULTS
Forty-two articles were included in the review.
CONCLUSION
Hypersexuality is a potentially clinically relevant condition consisting of one or more dysfunctional and pathological behaviours of one's sexual sphere and graded according to the severity of impairment of subjective acting out; for this reason, the Perrotta Hypersexuality Global Spectrum of Gradation (PH-GSS) is suggested, which distinguishes high-functioning forms (pro-active and dynamic hypersexuality) from those of attenuated and corrupted functioning (dysfunctional and pathological hypersexuality of grades I and II). Future research is hoped to address the practical needs of this condition, such as the exact etiopathology, the role of oxytocin in dopaminergic hypotheses (and its ability to attenuate the symptomatology suffered by the patient in terms of manic drive), the best structural and functional personality framing of the subject, and the appropriate therapy to pursue.
Topics: Humans; Sexual Behavior; Paraphilic Disorders; Compulsive Behavior; Personality Disorders; Sexuality
PubMed: 37239570
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105844 -
Iranian Journal of Child Neurology 2022Given the importance of having a continuous performance for the academic and social life of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in this study,...
OBJECTIVES
Given the importance of having a continuous performance for the academic and social life of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in this study, a Continuous Performance Test (CPT) was used to compare the effect of long-acting methylphenidate and modafinil on attention and impulsivity of these children.
MATERIALS & METHODS
A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 50 children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years in the child and adolescent psychiatric departments of Imam Hossein and Mofid hospitals, Tehran, Iran. The children were selected by availability sampling and randomly assigned into two equal groups (n=25 in each). While the first group was treated with long-acting methylphenidate, the second was treated with modafinil for 14 days. The CPT was carried out before and after the treatment. The obtained data were analyzed by F and t tests.
RESULTS
Long-acting methylphenidate and modafinil were both effective in improving attention and impulsivity in children with ADHD. There was no significant difference between the two drugs in terms of effectiveness on attention and impulsivity.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study showed that long-acting methylphenidate and modafinil are equally effective in improving attention and impulsivity in children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years.
PubMed: 36204437
DOI: 10.22037/ijcn.v16i2.32541 -
Reproductive Health Jan 2022Increasing access to family planning helps to ensure the reproductive right, decrease unintended pregnancy, improve the health and nutritional status of children,...
BACKGROUND
Increasing access to family planning helps to ensure the reproductive right, decrease unintended pregnancy, improve the health and nutritional status of children, reduction of maternal mortality, and enhance longer birth spacing. However, there is continually low utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods among low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs) and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the West Guji Zone, Ethiopia.
METHODS
An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 507 women of reproductive age in the West Guji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from April 15 to May 15, 2018. Data were collected by a structured, pretested, and interview-based questionnaire with open ended and closed ended questionnaire, then entered, and analyzed by SPSS Version 20. Bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. A 95% confidence interval (CI) AND P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistically significant variables.
RESULT
The current utilization of LAPMs at West Guji zone among the reproductive-aged group was found to be 51.1%. More than the median of participants had negative altitude (72.4%) and poor knowledge (57%) towards the LAPMs. Educational status of women, the number of alive children, acceptance of utilization of LAPMs, how treated by other staff, and waiting time during service delivery are significant determinant factors of LAPMs.
CONCLUSION
Overall, more than half of women had a negative attitude and poor knowledge of LAPMs. Educational status of women, the number of alive children, acceptance of utilization of LAPMs, how treated by other staff, and waiting time during service delivery were factors affecting utilization of LAPMs. Therefore, sustained, and appropriate information on LAPMs should be provided to raise knowledge and build the attitude of women and the community. Treating the clients with respect, reducing the waiting time, and collaborative work with health extension worker will enhance utilization of LAPMs.
Topics: Adult; Child; Contraception; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Family Planning Services; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Reproduction
PubMed: 35101057
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01337-6 -
JAMA Nov 2022
PubMed: 36368009
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.17232 -
Tijdschrift Voor Economische En Sociale... Jul 2020In this contribution we focus on togetherness, as one of the key notions in the current COVID-19 crisis. Globally, it is seen as vital to stand and act together to...
In this contribution we focus on togetherness, as one of the key notions in the current COVID-19 crisis. Globally, it is seen as vital to stand and act together to combat the virus, and avoid a tragedy of the commons, in which actors are acting out of self-interest and counterproductively to the general interest. In this essay we analyse the current geographical dissonant developments that the required human togetherness across the globe is facing. We find that the main conflicting tendencies, that we summarise as utilitarian locking up, nationalistic locking in and exclusionary locking out, are all employing a notion of togetherness which is largely based on an in-group solidarity based on either age, gender, ethnicity, nationality or fitness. We argue that such narrow definition of togetherness falls short in dealing with the crisis in an effective as well as non-discriminatory manner, and potentially could even lengthen or worsen the corona crisis. We end with a plea for a different conceptualisation of solidarity in the combat of the crisis, a radical non-dividing form of togetherness: agape.
PubMed: 32834146
DOI: 10.1111/tesg.12438 -
Psychology in Russia : State of the Art 2022Patients with Celiac Disease (CD) experience psychological disorders and emotion-regulation disruptions. Although following a gluten-free diet alleviates their symptoms,...
BACKGROUND
Patients with Celiac Disease (CD) experience psychological disorders and emotion-regulation disruptions. Although following a gluten-free diet alleviates their symptoms, these patients report social relationship problems.
OBJECTIVE
The first aim of this study was to analyze the level of FFMQ mindfulness (describing emotions, acting with awareness, observing, non-judging of inner experience, and non-reactivity to inner experience) and harmony in life (HiL) in patients with CD. The second goal was to examine the relationship between the FFMQ and HiL scales in patients with CD. The third was to detect the effects of the duration of the illness, education level, and employment status on FFMQ-measured mindfulness and HiL.
DESIGN
The study involved 111 Turkish patients with CD (N Females = 75, 67.6%) living in Turkey. The patients filled out the FFMQ and HiL questionnaires via a google form survey. The duration of their diagnosis, age, employment status, and education level were nominal variables. A Pearsons' correlation test, independent t-test, multiple linear regression, and one-way ANO VA were implemented.
RESULTS
The results showed that patients with CD had a low level of HiL. The total FFMQ score was positively related to the HiL scale. Education and duration of diagnosis had a significant impact on the FFMQ and HiL scores. Age affected the level of describing emotions, and employment status had a strong effect on acting with awareness. However, gender affected neither the FFMQ nor HiL levels.
CONCLUSION
The results showed that patients with CD expressed a low level of HiL. Non-reactivity to inner experience, observing, and acting with awareness were positive predictors of the HiL scores. Moreover, since the HiL and FFMQ scales showed high internal consistency, the FFMQ and HiL questionnaires can be used in further studies of patients with CD.
PubMed: 36699818
DOI: 10.11621/pir.2022.0103 -
BMJ Open Dec 2022To investigate the relationship between burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience of gastroenterology nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the...
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the relationship between burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience of gastroenterology nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the factors associated with these specific variables.
DESIGN
A multicentre cross-sectional study with anonymous self-reporting was conducted from 24 November 2021 to 26 December 2021.
SETTING
The study was conducted in Fujian Province, China.
PARTICIPANTS
The participants were 345 gastroenterology nurses from 7 tertiary hospitals.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES
Burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience were the primary outcome measures. Using a convenience sampling method, the data were collected using Questionnaire Star (a tool for questionnaire surveys) via WeChat. The Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Chinese version of the Emotional Labour Scale and the Chinese version of the Psychological Resilience Scale were used to evaluate burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience, respectively.
RESULTS
The total scores for burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience in gastroenterology nurses were 53.07±19.63, 38.79±12.22 and 69.97±22.38, respectively, with less use of deep acting and more use of surface acting. Pearson correlation analysis showed that burn-out was positively correlated with two dimensions of emotional labour; surface acting and emotional expression, and negatively correlated with deep acting. There was a negative correlation between emotional labour and all three dimensions of psychological resilience.
CONCLUSIONS
Greater adoption of deep acting by nurses can be promoted by improving their psychological resilience during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which can help improve emotional labour, thereby reducing burn-out and decreasing turnover rates. Senior management in hospitals must pay attention to nurses' psychological status. Further interventional studies could be conducted in the future to explore relevant measures.
Topics: Humans; Resilience, Psychological; Cross-Sectional Studies; Gastroenterology; Pandemics; COVID-19; Burnout, Professional; Tertiary Care Centers; Surveys and Questionnaires; Nurses
PubMed: 36585132
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064909 -
Pharmaceutics Jun 2020The remarkable number of new molecular entities approved per year as parenteral drugs, such as biologics and complex active pharmaceutical ingredients, calls for... (Review)
Review
The remarkable number of new molecular entities approved per year as parenteral drugs, such as biologics and complex active pharmaceutical ingredients, calls for innovative and tunable drug delivery systems. Besides making these classes of drugs available in the body, injectable depot formulations offer the unique advantage in the parenteral world of reducing the number of required injections, thus increasing effectiveness as well as patient compliance. To date, a plethora of excipients has been proposed to formulate depot systems, and among those, lipids stand out due to their unique biocompatibility properties and safety profile. Looking at the several long-acting drug delivery systems based on lipids designed so far, a legitimate question may arise: How far away are we from an ideal depot formulation? Here, we review sustained release lipid-based platforms developed in the last 5 years, namely oil-based solutions, liposomal systems, in situ forming systems, solid particles, and implants, and we critically discuss the requirements for an ideal depot formulation with respect to the used excipients, biocompatibility, and the challenges presented by the manufacturing process. Finally, we delve into lights and shadows originating from the current setups of in vitro release assays developed with the aim of assessing the translational potential of depot injectables.
PubMed: 32575406
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060567 -
Polymers Sep 2023Several analytical methods for the fiber pull-out test have been developed to evaluate the bond strength of fiber-matrix systems. We aimed to investigate the debonding...
BACKGROUND
Several analytical methods for the fiber pull-out test have been developed to evaluate the bond strength of fiber-matrix systems. We aimed to investigate the debonding mechanism of a fiber-silicone pull-out specimen and validate the experimental data using 3D-FEM and a cohesive element approach.
METHODS
A 3D model of a fiber-silicone pull-out testing specimen was established by pre-processing CT images of the typical specimen. The materials on the scans were posted in three different cross-sectional views using ScanIP and imported to ScanFE in which 3D generation was implemented for all of the image slices. This file was exported in FEA format and was imported in the FEA software (PATRAN/ABAQUS, version r2) for generating solid mesh, boundary conditions, and material properties attribution, as well as load case creation and data processing.
RESULTS
The FEM cohesive zone pull-out force versus displacement curve showed an initial linear response. The Von Mises stress concentration was distributed along the fiber-silicone interface. The damage in the principal stresses' directions S11, S22, and S33, which represented the maximum possible magnitude of tensile and compressive stress at the fiber-silicone interface, showed that the stress is higher in the direction S33 (stress acting in the Z-direction) in which the lower damage criterion was higher as well when compared to S11 (stress acting in the XY plane) and S23 (stress acting in the YZ plane).
CONCLUSIONS
The comparison between the experimental values and the results from the finite element simulations show that the proposed cohesive zone model accurately reproduces the experimental results. These results are considered almost identical to the experimental observations about the interface. The cohesive element approach is a potential function that takes into account the shear effects with many advantages related to its ability to predict the initiation and progress of the fiber-silicone debonding during pull-out tests. A disadvantage of this approach is the computational effort required for the simulation and analysis process. A good understanding of the parameters related to the cohesive laws is responsible for a successful simulation.
PubMed: 37765521
DOI: 10.3390/polym15183668