Subjective Anxiety Research Articles

Cannabidiol (CBD) Products: Use Patterns and Perceptions Within a Sample of Anxious Users

Introduction Cannabidiol (CBD) shows promise for a variety of indications, including anxiety. Prior survey work indicates anxiety ranks as a top reason for which people use cannabidiol (CBD), but no work has evaluated individuals using CBD specifically for anxiety. Method The current study evaluated CBD product use patterns and perceptions within a sample of 81 participants (Mage = 32.63, SDage = 12.99) who reported using CBD products for anxiety-related concerns within the past 30 days. Results Family and friends, followed by popular and scientific literature, were the most common sources informing participants’ decision to use CBD products to target anxiety. On average, participants reported using CBD products daily for at least a year and indicated it was very effective in targeting anxiety-related symptoms. The top three ranked symptoms improved by CBD products were subjective anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, and irritability. These findings were despite the fact that the most frequent dosing levels (∼50mg) were well below those empirically observed to yield anxiolytic effects. Most participants denied side effects, adding to the literature supporting CBD products’ safety and tolerability. Finally, participants were generally poorly informed about the nature of CBD products (e.g., distinction from THC), suggesting a need for consumer education. Conclusion Collectively, the current study extends prior survey work suggesting powerful expectancies about CBD products, particularly in terms of anxiety reduction, including among those using it to target anxiety-related symptoms. Findings also highlight the importance of addressing the gap between scientific and consumer knowledge.

Are within- and between-session changes in distress associated with treatment outcomes? Findings from two clinical trials of exposure for eating disorders

ObjectiveImaginal exposure is a novel intervention for eating disorders (EDs) that has been investigated as a method for targeting ED symptoms and fears. Research is needed to understand mechanisms of change during imaginal exposure for EDs, including whether within- and between-session distress reduction is related to treatment outcomes. MethodStudy 1 tested four sessions of online imaginal exposure (N = 143). Study 2 examined combined imaginal and in vivo exposure, comprising six imaginal exposure sessions (N = 26). ED symptoms and fears were assessed pre- and posttreatment, and subjective distress and state anxiety were collected during sessions. ResultsSubjective distress tended to increase within-session in both studies, and within-session reduction was not associated with change in ED symptoms or fears. In Study 1, between-session reduction of distress and state anxiety was associated with greater decreases in ED symptoms and fears pre-to posttreatment. In Study 2, between-session distress reduction occurred but was not related to outcomes. ConclusionsWithin-session distress reduction may not promote change during exposure for EDs, whereas between-session distress reduction may be associated with better treatment outcomes. These findings corroborate research on distress reduction during exposure for anxiety disorders. Clinicians might consider approaches to exposure-based treatment that focus on distress tolerance and promote between-session distress reduction.

Impact of animal-assisted therapy on subjective anxiety ratings and objective blood pressure measurements in children at an outpatient psychiatric setting

Impact of animal-assisted therapy on subjective anxiety ratings and objective blood pressure measurements in children at an outpatient psychiatric setting

Executive function performance in children and adolescent patients with narcolepsy type 1

ObjectiveThe executive function profile in patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) has been mentioned; however, limited research exists on children and adolescent patients with NT1.This study aims to assess executive function in children and adolescent patients with NT1 in China, examine potential influencing factors and evaluate the short-term treatment effect on executive function. Methods53 NT1 patients (36 males, age 12.2 ± 3.4 years) and 37 healthy controls (23 males, age 12.2 ± 2.5 years) underwent self-reported measures assessing subjective sleepiness, depression, anxiety and sleep quality. A comprehensive neuropsychological test was administered to assess executive function domains, including processing speed, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory. These assessments were repeated in NT1 patients after three-day regular drug treatment. ResultsNT1 patients exhibited higher levels of excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality compared to healthy controls. Patients showed impaired processing speed, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility (p < 0.05), whereas working memory was unaffected (p > 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that parameters from sleep monitoring, such as sleep efficiency and sleep latency, were correlated with executive function performance after controlling for age, gender, and education years. The short-term treatment led to improvements in inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. ConclusionThe findings showed that executive function was impaired among children and adolescent patients with NT1, which was associated with objective sleep parameters. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the necessity of neuropsychological assessments and early interventions among children and adolescent NT1 patients.

A cross-sectional mental-health survey of Chinese postgraduate students majoring in stomatology post COVID-19 restrictions.

The psychological status of Chinese postgraduate students majoring in stomatology after the COVID-19 restrictions still remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the mental status through a cross-sectional survey and gather related theoretical evidence for psychological intervention on postgraduate students majoring in stomatology. An online survey was administered, and subjective well-being, anxiety, stress and depression symptoms were assessed using the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively, wherein suicidal ideation and sleep-related problems were measured with PHQ-9 and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). A total of 208 participants who completed one questionnaire were considered as valid. It was found that female respondents generally exhibited significantly higher levels of PSS-10, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores and shorter physical activity hours than male students. Students from rural areas demonstrated significantly higher levels of PHQ-9, suicidal ideation, and less portion of good or fair family economic support. Additionally, individuals from only-child families reported increased levels of activity hours (1.78 ± 2.07, p = 0.045) and a higher portion (55.10%, p = 0.007) of having clear future plan as compared with multiple-child families. The risk factors for anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score) were higher scores of PSS-10 (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09-1.22), PHQ-9 (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.22-1.49), and ISI-7 (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.06-1.23), while owning a clear graduation plan was the protective factor (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.31-0.98). Moreover, the risk factors for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) included PSS-10 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04-1.16), GAD-7 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.25-1.52), suicidal ideation (OR = 5.66, 95% CI = 3.37-9.51), and ISI-7 (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.09-1.25). Approximately 98.08% of Chinese postgraduates studying stomatology reported experiencing at least moderate stress after the COVID-19 restrictions. Within the limitations of this study, senior students were more inclined to stress, while anxiety symptoms were related to severer levels of stress, depression, and insomnia. Depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, insomnia, suicidal ideation, and lower levels of self-reported well-being. Thus, psychological interventions for postgraduates should be timely and appropriately implemented by strengthening well-being, reasonably planning for the future, and good physique, thereby mitigating the psychological issues after COVID-19 restrictions.

Anxiety meets nature: the role of nature in the relationship between socioeconomic status, anxiety and well-being / Ansiedad y naturaleza: el papel de la naturaleza en la relación entre estatus socioeconómico, ansiedad y bienestar

People with lower subjective socioeconomic status are more prone to experiencing anxiety and poorer subjective well-being. Nature’s restorative ability can play an important role among this group, given that spending time outdoors is often associated with better overall mental health and well-being. In this study, we aim to explore the moderating effect of recent visits to green and blue natural spaces on the mediated relationship between subjective socioeconomic status, anxiety and subjective well-being. A nationally representative sample of 946 Portuguese respondents was recruited. Results showed that anxiety mediated the relationship between subjective socioeconomic status and subjective well-being. In addition, the mediation effect was weaker for those who visited natural spaces more frequently, suggesting that spending time in nature buffers against the anxiety associated with lower subjective socioeconomic status from translating into poorer subjective well-being. These findings highlight the importance of using nature as a cost-effective strategy to assist in mitigating the negative effects of low subjective socioeconomic status.

Đánh giá tình trạng sức khoẻ tâm thần của người đang điều trị Methadone có HIV tham gia chương trình tư vấn can thiệp “băng ghế tình bạn” tại một số cơ sở điều trị Methadone ở Hà Nội, giai đoạn 2022-2023

Introduction: Mental health intervention counseling helps improve common mental disorders in people with HIV and/or substance abuse. However, there are very few mental health intervention programs for this population in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess mental health in people who are on methadone maintenance treatment and live with HIV participating in the “Friendship Bench” intervention counseling program in some Methadone clinics in Hanoi in the period 2022-2023. Research subjects and methods: This is a randomized controlled trial. 75 people on methadone maintenance treatment and with HIV were individually randomized 1:1:1 to one of three arms: intervention by health providers, or intervention by lay counselors, or standard of care. Results: The intervention was effective immediately after 6 weeks of intervention in both intervention groups. The problems of depression, anxiety, and stress of subjects in all three study groups did not change much at 3 and 6 months after intervention. Conclusion: Mental health of all study subjects was improved after participating in the “Friendship Bench” program. Keywords: Common mental disorders, Methadone, HIV, intervention counseling.

Особенности тревожности и саморегуляции психической деятельности в виртуальной среде

&lt;p&gt;The problem of anxiety research is the most relevant in Russian psychology. High rates of anxiety lead to a decrease in the efficiency and productivity of people's activities, to difficulties in their socialization and interpersonal communication. An important task of modern science and practice is the timely diagnosis of anxiety of subjects and the development of productive methods and techniques for regulating their behavior. The empirical study is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of self-regulation of mental activity and anxiety of subjects in a virtual environment (students aged 18-23 years). As part of the diagnostic stage, the methodology of Ch.D. Spielberger - Yu.L. Khanin and the questionnaire "Style of self-regulation of behavior" (SSPM) by V.I. Morosanova were used. At the formative stage, students were involved in conducting virtual reality programs from the first person. The reliability of differences in indicators of situational anxiety (p = 0.000711, (p &amp;le; 0.05)), personal anxiety (p = 0.000609, (p &amp;le; 0.05)) and behavioral styles on all scales after the subjects' work in a virtual environment was confirmed by the Wilcoxon statistical criterion.&lt;/p&gt;

Anxiety in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in southern-Tunisia: Level and associated factors

IntroductionAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is the second most common rheumatic disease after rheumatoid arthritis. The significant functional impact of this chronic disease can affect patients’ mental health.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety in subjects with AS in Southern-Tunisia and to identify its associated factors.MethodsIt was a retrospective study conducted in 2021 over a period of 5 years on patients with AS consulting the rheumatology department at the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in SFAX, Southern-Tunisia. The “Anxiety and Depression scale” was used to screen for anxiety. A score ≥11 defined confirmed anxiety symptoms.ResultsOf the 62 patients, 35 were male (56.5%), giving a male to female ratio of 1.3. Twenty-seven patients (43.5%) were aged between 35 and 50 years. The level of education was primary in 19 cases (30.6%) and university in 15 cases (24.2%). A family history of chronic disease was present in 32 cases (51.6%). Severe fatigue was noted among 27 patients (43.5%). Quality of life was poor in 39 patients (62.9%). The mean anxiety score was 11.35±4.6. Thirty-four subjects (54.8%) had confirmed anxiety symptoms and 19 (30.5%) had borderline symptoms. Confirmed anxiety was significantly associated with the educational level (p=0.03) (illiterate: 87.5%, primary: 68.4%, secondary: 35% and university: 46.7%). Similarly, having a family history of chronic disease (OR=3.3; p=0.02), suffering from severe fatigue (OR=36, p&lt;0.01), having associated depression (HAD score≥11) (OR=19.5; p&lt;0.001) and having poor quality of life [Ankylosing spondylitis quality of life questionnaire (Asqol) Score ≥13] (OR=15.8; p&lt;0.001) were statistically associated with higher prevalence of confirmed anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsIt was found that patients treated for AS frequently suffer from psychological co-morbidities, particularly anxiety, which can lead to a further deterioration in their quality of life and even their withdrawal from active life. Thus, anxiety should not be ignored when treating these patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Virtual Reality Adaptive Training for Personalized Stress Inoculation.

To evaluate a personalized adaptive training program designed for stress prevention using graduated stress exposure. Astronauts in the high-risk space mission environment are prone to performance-impairing stress responses, making preemptive stress inoculation essential for their training. This work developed an adaptive virtual reality-based system that adjusts environmental stressors based on real-time stress indicators to optimize training stress levels. Sixty-five healthy subjects underwent task training in one of three groups: skill-only (no stressors), fixed-graduated (prescheduled stressor changes), and adaptive. Psychological (subjective stress, task engagement, distress, worry, anxiety, and workload) and physiological (heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, and electrodermal activity) responses were measured. The adaptive condition showed a significant decrease in heart rate and a decreasing trend in heart rate variability ratio, with no changes in the other training conditions. Distress showed a decreasing trend for the graduated and adaptive conditions. Task engagement showed a significant increase for adaptive and a significant decrease for the graduated condition. All training conditions showed a significant decrease in worry and anxiety and a significant increase in the other heart rate variability metrics. Although all training conditions mitigated some stress, the preponderance of trial effects for the adaptive condition supports that it is more successful at decreasing stress. The integration of real-time personalized stress exposure within a VR-based training program not only prepares individuals for high-stress situations by preemptively mitigating stress but also customizes stressor levels to the crew member's current state, potentially enhancing resilience to future stressors.

A feasibility study on indoor therapeutic horticulture to alleviate sleep and anxiety problems: The impact of plants and activity choice on its therapeutic effect

IntroductionTherapeutic horticulture (TH) is increasingly being applied for sub-health or patient mental health care. Whether plant and activity type will affect TH’s effectiveness is unclear. AimTo evaluate the feasibility of an indoor TH for alleviating the anxiety symptoms and sleeping problems of people with poor sleep quality, and explore the potential affection of plant and activity type on health benefits. MethodThirty subjects (all with sleep problems and half with anxiety problems) were randomly assigned to three groups to do horticultural activities with ornamental plants, general aromatic plants, or aromatic plants with reported mental health functions, respectively. Six indoor TH activities were then held sequentially within two weeks. Psychological scales, subjective feedback questionnaires, and physiological indicators were used as evaluation indexes before and after horticulture activities. ResultsThe TH relieved subjects' sleep and anxiety problems and was particularly effective in alleviating anxiety among people with high anxiety levels. Using ornamental plants was more effective in relieving stress while functional aromatic plants performed better in sleep improvement and satisfaction to TH. Each horticultural activity could improve mood state but showed different effects on the vitality of the participants. ConclusionThe above findings provided some basis for the potential benefits of selecting plants and activities based on psychological care needs in the development of TH plans. Future research that expands upon the current project is warranted. A larger sample size is beneficial for obtaining more powerful statistical results.

Transcranial focused ultrasound of the amygdala modulates fear network activation and connectivity

BackgroundCurrent noninvasive brain stimulation methods are incapable of directly modulating subcortical brain regions critically involved in psychiatric disorders. Transcranial Focused Ultrasound (tFUS) is a newer form of noninvasive stimulation that could modulate the amygdala, a subcortical region implicated in fear. ObjectiveWe investigated the effects of active and sham tFUS of the amygdala on fear circuit activation, skin conductance responses (SCR), and self-reported anxiety during a fear-inducing task. We also investigated amygdala tFUS’ effects on amygdala-fear circuit resting-state functional connectivity. MethodsThirty healthy individuals were randomized in this double-blinded study to active or sham tFUS of the left amygdala. We collected fMRI scans, SCR, and self-reported anxiety during a fear-inducing task (participants viewed red or green circles which indicated the risk of receiving an aversive stimulus), as well as resting-state scans, before and after tFUS. ResultsCompared to sham tFUS, active tFUS was associated with decreased (pre to post tFUS) blood-oxygen-level-dependent fMRI activation in the amygdala (F(1,25) = 4.86, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.16) during the fear task, and lower hippocampal (F(1,27) = 4.41, p = 0.05, η2 = 0.14), and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (F(1,27) = 6.26, p = 0.02; η2 = 0.19) activation during the post tFUS fear task. The decrease in amygdala activation was correlated with decreased subjective anxiety (r = 0.62, p = 0.03). There was no group effect in SCR changes from pre to post tFUS (F(1,23) = 0.85, p = 0.37). The active tFUS group also showed decreased amygdala-insula (F(1,28) = 4.98, p = 0.03) and amygdala-hippocampal (F(1,28) = 7.14, p = 0.01) rsFC, and increased amygdala-ventromedial prefrontal cortex (F(1,28) = 3.52, p = 0.05) resting-state functional connectivity. ConclusionstFUS can change functional connectivity and brain region activation associated with decreased anxiety. Future studies should investigate tFUS’ therapeutic potential for individuals with clinical levels of anxiety.

The effect of subjective exercise experience on anxiety disorder in university freshmen: the chain-mediated role of self-efficacy and interpersonal relationship.

Anxiety disorder is a significant concern in the context of mental health among university students. This study aimed to examine the impact of subjective exercise experience on anxiety disorder in freshmen and verify the mediating role of self-efficacy and interpersonal relationships between them. A total of 1,308 Chinese freshmen underwent an investigation using the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Interpersonal Relationship Comprehensive Diagnostic Scale (IRIDS). The outcomes of this study are as follows: (1) Boys exhibited marginally greater performance in physical activity assessments compared to girls while displaying somewhat lower scores than girls in measures of anxiety disorders, self-efficacy, and interpersonal relationship tests. Of these, 63.39% were diagnosed with mild anxiety, 51.73% were diagnosed with moderate anxiety, and 10% were diagnosed with severe anxiety; (2) The subjective exercise experience had a significant negative correlation with an anxiety disorder (r = -0.36, p < 0.01), and the subjective exercise experience had a direct negative impact on anxiety disorder (β = -0.112, t = -11.776, p < 0.01). Furthermore, subjective exercise experience positively predicted self-efficacy (β = 0.125, t = 13.236, p < 0.01) and interpersonal relationship (β = 0.395, t = 12.359, p < 0.01). Self-efficacy had a substantial impact on interpersonal relationships (β = 0.724, t = 12.172, p < 0.01) and anxiety disorders (β = -0.148, t = -8.387, p < 0.01). Interpersonal relationships had a significant positive predictive effect on anxiety disorder (β = -0.081, t = -10.441, p < 0.01); (3) Self-efficacy and interpersonal relationships were identified as important mediators between subjective exercise experience and anxiety disorder. The intermediary effect accounted for 18.84% of the total effect. Specifically, subjective exercise had a direct impact on anxiety disorders through self-efficacy mediators (2.90%), interpersonal mediators (1.45%), and self-efficacy and interpersonal chain mediators (14.49%). Subjective exercise experience has a significant positive predictive effect on university students' self-efficacy, interpersonal relationships, and anxiety disorder. Moreover, self-efficacy and interpersonal interactions serve as intermediaries between subjective exercise experiences and anxiety disorders. These findings have immense importance in advancing the mental well-being of freshmen and serve as a theoretical foundation for formulating intervention strategies. However, the study had certain limitations, such as the specificity of the sample and the use of self-reported data. Further research could enhance the sample size and utilize various assessment techniques to validate these findings.

Participatory action ultrasound imaging in increasing clinician confidence with new approaches to trigger point dry needling of the lateral pterygoid

Upon self-reflection, some clinicians privately confess a lack of confidence in being able to safely perform trigger point dry needling (TrPDN) or trigger point injection (TrPI) on craniofacial muscles. Procedural performance anxiety seems to be more pronounced relative to those muscles that cannot be palpated and/or have an increased risk of iatrogenic injury to neurovascular structures. Participatory action ultrasound imaging (PAUI) can be a useful tool in enhancing clinician confidence. A clinician-subject with a left lateral pterygoid trigger point was dry-needled under ultrasound guidance by a clinician-needler with extensive training and experience relative to evaluation and treatment of patients with craniofacial pain. Prior to PAUI, both the clinician-needler and clinician-observer describe low-to-moderate anxiety in the performance of TrPDN of the lateral pterygoid, using a lateral-to-medial approach. By contrast, both the clinician-needler and clinician-observer expressed high anxiety, objectively confirmed by the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) form Y-1 (STAI Y-1), in the performance of a newly learned cephalo-caudal approach. Following an initial round of clinical training without PAUI, subjective anxiety remained high despite a lower theoretical risk to the maxillary artery using the cepalo-caudal approach. A second round of training was performed with the addition of PAUI; the clinician-needler was able to reach the target tissue within 2 min in each of 3 attempts. Upon visual inspection and interpretation of the images and cine, the clinician-needler and clinician-observer both expressed a “significant” decrease in self-reported anxiety in performing the cephalo-caudal approach, objectively verified by improvements in the STAI Y-1 score of both clinicians. This case report presents PAUI as a means for future research and clinician education regarding risk assessment of TrPDN or TrPI of muscles with risk of iatrogenic injury.

Effect of Low-Fat Dairy Products Fortified with Encapsulated Vitamin D3 on Anxiety, Depression and Stress in People with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide condition, which has been linked to a variety of health-related issues. Vitamin D can be beneficial to cardiovascular patients and those suffering from depression and anxiety, based on Survey of Ultraviolet Intake by Nutritional Approach (SUVINA study), ,showing the potential effects of vitamin D-fortified dairy products on anxiety, depression, and stress in subjects with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Methods: It was a quadruple-blind randomized controlled trial. Individuals were randomly allocated to one of four groups: fortified low-fat milk (FM), non-fortified low-fat milk (NFM), fortified low-fat yogurt (FY), and non-fortified low-fat yogurt (NFY). FM and FY groups were fortified with 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3. Anthropometric parameters as well as depression, anxiety, and stress scores were measured at baseline and after a ten-week trial in Mashhad, Iran. Results: Totally, 289 participants (143 men, 146 women) with a mean age of 41.86±7.81years were enrolled in the study. There was no statistical difference between the scores of depression, anxiety, and stress in participants with and without CVD risk factors (P&gt;0.05). No statistical difference was found in the subgroup analysis based on milk and yogurt consumption. Conclusions: Fortified low-fat milk containing 1,500 IU of vitamin D has no impact on improving depression, anxiety, and stress during ten weeks. However, further studies with higher vitamin D doses for a longer duration are recommended.

Another way to measure balanced time perspective: Development and validation of the Time Perspective Inventory.

The existing scales for measuring balanced time perspective (BTP) have limitations, such as poor-fitting structures or a complex calculation method. Based on previous studies, we conceptualize BTP as an individual's overall positive outlook on the past and future and mindfully living in the present. The present study aimed to develop the Time Perspective Inventory (TPI) for Chinese adults, determine its psychometric properties, and examine a simple calculation method for generating a score to represent BTP. In study 1, a 7-factor structure of TPI - Past Positive, Past Negative, Mindful Present, Present Hedonistic, Present Excessively Task-oriented, Future Positive, and Future Negative - was established through exploratory (sample 1, N = 529) and confirmatory (sample 2, N = 577) factor analyses. Findings supported the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion-related validity of the TPI. We proposed using the score difference between positive time perspectives and negative time perspectives to calculate the BTP. Findings showed that the correlations between BTP and subjective well-being indicators and anxiety were higher than among individual dimensions of TPI. Study 2 (sample 3, N = 713) compared the effects of the TPI and the Chinese version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI-C) on well-being indicators and anxiety. Results indicated that the variance of life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, and anxiety explained by BTP measured with TPI was higher than deviation from BTP (DBTP) measured with ZTPI-C. Together, the TPI yields reliable and valid BTP scores among Chinese adults.

The use of mixed reality technology within the donor collection experience.

Mixed reality (MR), a form of virtual reality (VR), provides an immersive and interactive experience for the user. Given VR's benefits in patients undergoing needle insertion procedures, MR's usability, impact on anxiety, and safety were evaluated in the blood donation setting. Whole blood donors ≥18 years old (yo) were enrolled at two blood centers and provided a MR headset with independently developed software to wear during blood donation. Pre- and post-donation questionnaires were conducted, and reaction data were reviewed. A post-study questionnaire was also completed by staff who assisted donors with MR. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multinomial logistic regression were performed, and p values determined statistical significance between variables. A total of 282 donors completed the study. 84% wanted to try MR because it seemed fun/different/cool/interesting, and most staff (69%) and donors (68%) found MR easy to use. Baseline subjective anxiety, reported by 50.3% (more often in females, first-time donors, and donors <20 yo), was reduced by MR in 68.4% of donors, and there was a 3.6 times higher odds of anxiety reduction with MR. 54% of donors with baseline anxiety would use MR again with the highest future interest in young donors. Donor reactions while using MR were mild and included pre-faint reactions and hematomas. This study demonstrates the potential of MR in reducing donor anxiety, its feasibility during blood donation, and its safety in blood donors. MR is an innovative technology that holds promise to increase donor engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila improves irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms and related behavioral disorders in mice

ABSTRACT Gut – brain communications disorders in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are associated with intestinal microbiota composition, increased gut permeability, and psychosocial disturbances. Symptoms of IBS are difficult to medicate, and hence much research is being made into alternative approaches. This study assesses the potential of a treatment with pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila for alleviating IBS-like symptoms in two mouse models of IBS with different etiologies. Two clinically relevant animal models were used to mimic IBS-like symptoms in C57BL6/J mice: the neonatal maternal separation (NMS) paradigm and the Citrobacter rodentium infection model. In both models, gut permeability, colonic sensitivity, fecal microbiota composition and colonic IL-22 expression were evaluated. The cognitive performance and emotional state of the animals were also assessed by several tests in the C. rodentium infection model. The neuromodulation ability of pasteurized A. muciniphila was assessed on primary neuronal cells from mice dorsal root ganglia using a ratiometric calcium imaging approach. The administration of pasteurized A. muciniphila significantly reduced colonic hypersensitivity in both IBS mouse models, accompanied by a reinforcement of the intestinal barrier function. Beneficial effects of pasteurized A. muciniphila treatment have also been observed on anxiety-like behavior and memory defects in the C. rodentium infection model. Finally, a neuroinhibitory effect exerted by pasteurized A. muciniphila was observed on neuronal cells stimulated with two algogenic substances such as capsaicin and inflammatory soup. Our findings demonstrate novel anti-hyperalgesic and neuroinhibitory properties of pasteurized A. muciniphila, which therefore may have beneficial effects in relieving pain and anxiety in subjects with IBS.

Luteolin reversed anxiety and depressive-like behavior via modulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in the hippocampus of rats subjected to sleep deprivation.

In this study, we assessed the impact of luteolin (LUT) on mood disorders (specifically anxiety and depression) induced by sleep deprivation (SD) by regulating pathways associated with neuroinflammation. Rapid eye movement (REM) SD was employed to induce anxiety and depression in the animal subjects. The animals were treated with PAX (15 mg/kg, positive control) and LUT (10 and 20 mg/kg) for a duration of 21 days. The anxiety and depressive disorders were evaluated using behavioral tests. Following the sacrifice of the animals, hippocampal tissues were stored for molecular investigations. SD resulted in anxiety, as evidenced by the elevated plus maze test and open field test. Furthermore, the findings from the sucrose performance test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test confirmed the presence of depressive-like behaviors in the animals. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components, including apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC), NLRP3, and active Caspase-1, were up-regulated in the hippocampus (HC) of the animals subjected to REM SD. However, treatment with LUT demonstrated a significant reversal of the behavioral changes by modulating the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome components in the HC. It can be concluded that LUT demonstrated antidepressant effects via regulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis components in the HC.

A multimodal group-based immersive virtual reality intervention for improving cognition and mental health in patients with post-covid-19 condition. A quasi-experimental design study.

Adults with Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) may show cognitive impairments in attention, processing speed, memory, and executive function. Multimodal programs that combine cognitive training, physical activity and emotional tasks, such as mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), may offer a suitable alternative for improving PCC treatments. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is a promising technology that can enhance traditional cognitive training, physical activity, and MBIs. The use of IVR technology may increase engagement with these interventions and potentially enhance the individual benefits of cognitive training, exercise and MBIs. The current study evaluated the impact of a multimodal IVR intervention, comparing this with a usual care intervention (control group), in order to assess changes in cognition and mental health in adults with PCC. We also aimed to assess user experience factors such as enjoyment, perceived improvement, and fatigue following each multimodal IVR session within the experimental group. Thirty-one participants with PCC symptoms were assigned to either the experimental group (IVR, n = 15) or the control group (usual care intervention, n = 16) in a quasi-experimental design study. The multimodal IVR intervention consisted of MBI, cognitive training and physical exercise and was delivered in a 60-min group session with 5 participants, twice a week, for 8 weeks (16 sessions in total). Measures of global cognition, attention, processing speed, verbal episodic memory and subjective memory complaints (primary measures), and depressive and anxiety symptoms and fatigue (secondary measures) were assessed at baseline and also after 8 weeks (post-intervention). Mixed between-group (group) and within-group (pre-post assessments) ANOVAs revealed significant group*time interactions in global cognition, simple attention, processing speed, memory and depressive symptoms, with large effect sizes (p < 0.05; partial η2 > 0.14). There was also a marginally significant group*time interaction for executive function (p = 0.05). Follow-up analyses comparing pre-and post-intervention outcomes for each group separately showed that the experimental group significantly improved in global cognition, processing speed, memory and depressive symptoms, while the control group showed no significant pre-post changes. Friedman tests showed a significant main effect of time (χ2(2) = 6.609, p = 0.04), with a gradual increase in enjoyment from the first, to the mid, and then to the final session. In addition, perceived improvement scores remained high throughout the intervention, and patient-reported fatigue levels did not fluctuate significantly throughout the intervention. To our knowledge, no previous research has combined cognitive training, physical exercise and MBI using an IVR paradigm in adults with PCC. Despite their inherent limitations, our findings mark a pioneering step toward improving cognition and mental health outcomes in PCC through the innovative use of new technology and multimodal approaches. This first study should be accompanied by more extensive, randomized clinical trials aimed at further exploring and refining these interventions.