Changes In Mental State Research Articles

Improvement of physical qualities of servicemants, who received concusion of the brain

Ensuring a high level of combat capability of servicemen is a necessary and sufficient condition for their successful fulfillment of the task of defending our state. The activity of a serviceman is characterized by increased physical and mental stress, the impact on the psyche of various stressors, performing tasks in special conditions associated with risk to life and health [1, 2, 3]. However, extreme stress, eating disorders and rest, as well as other harmful factors of work, no doubt, reduce the body’s adaptive reserves and lead to the development of maladaptation syndrome, psycho-emotional status and disability [4].The participation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in hostilities in the east of the country has led to a significant increase in the number of servicemen with combat injuries, mutilations or injuries. According to experts, almost all participants in hostilities have health problems, in particular 2–3 times higher probability of diseases such as hypertension, gastritis, osteochondrosis, spinal hernia [5; 6]. One of the most common combat injuries is contusion, its prevalence among the total number of injuries is 70 [7; 8; 9; 10]. Changes in mental and physical states are observed in servicemen with contusions [5; 11; 12]. This contingent of servicemen is important for the Ukrainian army, as their combat experience is important as a basis for the development and improvement of military training. But their health can be an obstacle to the successful performance of their duties.Therefore, the purpose of our study is to substantiate, develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive program of ergogenic orientation for servicemen after contusion to increase their combat capability. To achieve this goal, the following tasks are defined:- analysis and generalization of modern scientific and methodological approaches to the recovery and rehabilitation of servicemen who had combat injuries;- analysis of the peculiarities of the way of life and the state of special physical qualities of servicemen who had contusions as factors that ensure combat readiness;- substantiation and development from the theoretical and methodological standpoint of measures to optimize the lifestyle and physical training program for servicemen who have suffered a concussion.Material: The article analyzes and summarizes modern scientific and methodological approaches to the recovery and rehabilitation of servicemen who have suffered injuries, substantiates measures to optimize lifestyles and physical training programs for servicemen who have suffered a concussion.Results: Our previous studies have found that the dosed use of exercise balances the processes of excitation and inhibition in the central nervous system, enhances its regulatory role in coordinating the activities of important organs and systems involved in the pathological process

Multi-Parameter Physiological State Monitoring in Target Detection Under Real-World Settings.

Mental state changes induced by stimuli under experimental settings or by daily events in real life affect task performance and are entwined with physical and mental health. In this study, we developed a physiological state indicator with five parameters that reflect the subject’s real-time physiological states based on online EEG signal processing. These five parameters are attention, fatigue, stress, and the brain activity shifts of the left and right hemispheres. We designed a target detection experiment modified by a cognitive attention network test for validating the effectiveness of the proposed indicator, as such conditions would better approximate a real chaotic environment. Results demonstrated that attention levels while performing the target detection task were significantly higher than during rest periods, but also exhibited a decay over time. In contrast, the fatigue level increased gradually and plateaued by the third rest period. Similar to attention levels, the stress level decreased as the experiment proceeded. These parameters are therefore shown to be highly correlated to different stages of the experiment, suggesting their usage as primary factors in passive brain-computer interfaces (BCI). In addition, the left and right brain activity indexes reveal the EEG neural modulations of the corresponding hemispheres, which set a feasible reference of activation for an active BCI control system, such as one executing motor imagery tasks. The proposed indicator is applicable to potential passive and active BCI applications for monitoring the subject’s physiological state change in real-time, along with providing a means of evaluating the associated signal quality to enhance the BCI performance.

Explaining smartphone-based acoustic data in bipolar disorder: Semi-supervised fuzzy clustering and relative linguistic summaries

Smartphones enable to collect large data streams about phone calls that, once combined with Computational Intelligence techniques, bring great potential for improving the monitoring of patients with mental illnesses. However, the acoustic data streams recorded in uncontrolled environments are dynamically changing due to various sources of uncertainty. In addition, such acoustic data are usually difficult to interpret by psychiatrists. Within this study, we propose an approach based on Linguistic Summaries with Fuzzy Clustering (LS-FC) aiming at the development of human-consistent and easily interpretable summaries about relations between acoustic data and mental state of a patient affected by Bipolar Disorder, e.g., Most calls in the state of hypomania have low loudness compared to the state of euthymia [T = 1]. To capture the dynamics of acoustic data streams, we apply a dynamic incremental semi-supervised fuzzy clustering that synthesizes data into clusters. These clusters are represented by prototypes which are used for the construction of the membership functions describing linguistic terms e.g., low loudness, and then, linguistic summaries. The main contribution of this paper is the incorporation of information about clusters’ prototypes in the generation of linguistic summaries. The primary goal of this research is explainability. The semi-supervised learning algorithm is used mainly for deriving clusters and building improved linguistic summaries. Numerical results indicate that linguistic summaries provide intuitive and clear information about voice features in a patient’s affective state and they are consistent with clinical observation. In particular, during most calls in hypomania/mania both the quality of the patient’s voice and the dynamics of change in the spectrum signal reflected in spectral flux are low compared to euthymia. The proposed approach enables to summarize large data streams into meaningful descriptions that, although relatively simple, offer information granules that are very intuitive for clinicians and are promising to support the smartphone-based monitoring of bipolar disorder patients to inform about the potential change of mental state.

Anxiety, Depression and Influencing Factors of the Elderly Disabled Under the Influence of COVID-19 Outbreak: Evidence from China.

The elderly disabled have experienced serious negative emotions during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the causes of anxiety and depression are not clear. This study aims to explore changes in mental states and influencing factors of the elderly disabled under the influence of the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 253 cases of elderly disabled in Wuhan, China were selected as the research group and observed from April to June 2020. Another 181 cases of elderly disabled in Yichang, China were observed from April to June 2020 and denoted Group A, while 100 cases of elderly disabled in Wuhan were investigated from August to November 2020 and denoted Group B. Another 100 cases of the elderly without disability were chosen as the control group. The Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) were used. HAMA and HAMD scores of the research group are higher than those of Groups A and B and the control group. HAMA and HAMD scores of Groups A and B are higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). Solitude; pre-existing diseases; no stable and fixed friends; disability level-3 or -4; unmarried, divorced, or widowed; living in Wuhan; COVID-19 are risk factors for developing anxiety and depression in the elderly disabled after multivariate logistics regression (p<0.05). The incidence rate of anxiety and depression is very high in the elderly disabled under the influence of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Inducing low energy availability in trained endurance male athletes results in poorer explosive power

PurposeLow energy availability in males needs more original research to understand its health and performance consequences. The aim of the study was to induce low energy availability in previously healthy male endurance athletes by reducing energy availability by 25% for 14 consecutive days and measure any potential changes in performance, health, mental state or energy markers.MethodsEnergy availability was reduced in 12 trained, well-trained and elite endurance athletes by increasing energy expenditure and controlling energy intake. After intervention, health was assessed by blood draw, body composition was measured, energy markers by measuring resting energy expenditure, performance with three specific tests (measuring endurance, agility and explosive power) and two questionnaires were used for psychological assessment (the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and Well-being questionnaire).ResultsReduced energy availability (22.4 ± 6.3 kcal/kg FFM/day) caused significantly lower haemoglobin values (t(12) = 2.652, p = 0.022), there was a tendency for lower iron and IGF-1 (p = 0.066 and p = 0.077, respectively). Explosive power was reduced (t(12) = 4.570, p = 0.001), lactate metabolism was altered and athletes reported poorer well-being (t(12) = 2.385, p = 0.036). Cognitive restriction was correlated with energy availability (r = 0.528, p = 0.039).ConclusionThis is the first research providing direct evidence that suboptimal energy availability negatively impacts explosive power before hormonal changes occur in male endurance athletes. It is also the first to show direct association of low energy availability and higher cognitive restriction. We also observed worse well-being and lower haemoglobin values. 25% of energy availability reduction as not enough to elicit changes in resting energy expenditure.

Нейроэндокринные нарушения при COVID-19 и постковидном синдроме и особенности их лечения препаратами гамма-аминомасляной кислоты (обзор литературы и собственные данные)

В статье освещены основные патогенетические механизмы развития нейроэндокринных нарушений при COVID-19 и постковидном синдроме. К проявлениям поражения центральной нервной системы относятся жалобы на головную боль, часто очень сильную, повышенную утомляемость, «мозговой туман» и периодическое кратковременное головокружение, изменения психического состояния и когнитивных функций. Поражение периферической нервной системы проявляется аносмией и гипогевзией, болями в мышцах и суставах, миофасциальными болями, болями, похожими на невропатии, гиперестезией кожи. Наблюдаются нарушения эндокринного статуса в виде аутоиммунного тиреоидита с дисфункцией щитовидной железы, нарушения толерантности к углеводам или инсулиннезависимого сахарного диабета (2-го типа), дисменореи у женщин и эректильной дисфункции у мужчин. Патогенетические изменения персистенции вируса SARS-CoV-2 вызывают состояние хронического стресса с гипоталамической дисфункцией. Также выявлены гистологические изменения в виде нарушений нейроглиальных взаимодействий: с учетом тесной связи астроцитов и нейронов изменения метаболизма в астроцитах нарушают функцию нейронов, влияют на синаптическую функцию трансмиссии гамма-аминомасляной кислоты. Актуальна оптимизация терапии у пациентов с COVID-19, постковидным синдромом с нейроэндокринной симптоматикой. Гамалате В6 — препарат гамма-аминомасляной кислоты, имеющий лучшие характеристики для таких пациентов.

Intervention Effect of Rapid Rehabilitation Nursing Combined with Continuous Nursing after Discharge on Patients with Cerebral Infarction in Recovery Period and the Changes in Motor Function, Mental State, and Quality of Life.

Objective To explore the effect of rapid rehabilitation nursing combined with continuous nursing after discharge on patients with cerebral infarction (CI) in recovery period and its influence on motor function, mental state, and quality of life. Methods From January 2018 to December 2020, 136 patients with CI in recovery period were selected and randomly divided into control group (n = 68) and observation group (n = 68). The control group was given routine nursing, and the observation group was given rapid rehabilitation nursing combined with continuous nursing after discharge. The general clinical data of the two groups were recorded, and the nursing efficiency, modified Barthel index scale (MBI), stroke patients motor assessment scale (MAS), self-rating anxiety and depression scale (SAS and SDS), and quality of life assessment scale (QLI) were compared between the two groups. Results The nursing effective rate of the observation group (94.12%, 64/68) was higher than that of the control group (82.35%, 56/68) (P < 0.05). The MBI score, MAS score, and QLI score in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, while the SAS and SDS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Rapid rehabilitation nursing combined with continuous nursing after discharge can promote the rapid recovery of patients with CI in recovery period, which can improve the patient's motor function, reduce unhealthy psychology, and improve the quality of life.

Humour-based interventions for people with schizophrenia.

Humour-based interventions are defined as any intervention that promotes health and wellness by stimulating a playful discovery, expression, or appreciation of the absurdity or incongruity of life's situations. Humour-based interventions can be implemented in different settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and day care centres. They have been posed as an adjunct to usual care for people with schizophrenia, but a summary of the evidence is lacking. To examine the effects of humour-based interventions as an add-on intervention to standard care for people with schizophrenia. On 31 July 2019 and 10 February 2021 we searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's study-based register of trials, which is based on CENTRAL, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.Gov, Embase, ISRCTN, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and WHO ICTRP. We included all randomised controlled trials comparing humour-based interventions with active controls, other psychological interventions, or standard care for people with schizophrenia. We excluded studies fulfilling our prespecified selection criteria but without useable data from further quantitative synthesis. Two review authors independently inspected citations, selected studies, extracted data and appraised study quality, following the guidance from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. For binary outcomes we calculated risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For continuous outcomes we calculated the mean differences (MDs) and their 95% CIs. We assessed risks of bias for included studies and created summary of findings tables using the GRADE approach. We included three studies in this review for qualitative synthesis, although one study did not report any relevant outcomes. We therefore include two studies (n = 96) in our quantitative synthesis. No data were available on the following prespecified primary outcomes: clinically-important change in general mental state, clinically-important change in negative symptoms, clinically-important change in overall quality of life, and adverse effects. As compared with active control, humour-based interventions may not improve the average endpoint score of a general mental state scale (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score: MD -1.70, 95% CI -17.01 to 13.61; 1 study, 30 participants; very low certainty of evidence); positive symptoms (PANSS positive symptom score: MD 0.00, 95% CI -2.58 to 2.58; 1 study, 30 participants; low certainty of evidence), negative symptoms (PANSS negative symptom score: MD -0.70, 95% CI -4.22 to 2.82; 1 study, 30 participants; very low certainty of evidence) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI): MD -2.60, 95% CI -5.76 to 0.56; 1 study, 30 participants; low certainty of evidence). Due to the small sample size, we remain uncertain about the effect of humour-based interventions on leaving the study early as compared with active control (no event, 1 study, 30 participants; very low certainty of evidence). On the other hand, humour-based interventions may reduce depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): MD -6.20, 95% CI -12.08 to -0.32; 1 study, 30 participants; low certainty of evidence). Compared with standard care, humour-based interventions may not improve depressive symptoms (BDI second edition: MD 0.80, 95% CI -2.64 to 4.24; 1 study, 59 participants; low certainty of evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of humour-based interventions on leaving the study early for any reason compared with standard care (risk ratio 0.38, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.80; 1 study, 66 participants; very low certainty of evidence). We are currently uncertain whether the evidence supports the use of humour-based interventions in people with schizophrenia. Future research with rigorous and transparent methodology investigating clinically important outcomes is warranted.

Comparison of psychological states of runners within urban and nature environments: the application of electroencephalography (EEG), geographic information systems (GIS), and fitness tracker

ABSTRACT Engagement with natural environments has been shown to enhance mental well-being and reduce stress and frustration. However, little research has been conducted on the influence of urban and built environments on psychological state during real-time exercise. This study explored the changes in mental state for 19 avid runners over the course of a casual 10k run through urban and natural settings. Participants wore mobile encephalograms, fitness trackers, and GPS devices to track neurological, physiological, and geographic data for the entire run. Results indicate significant increases in relaxation from pre to post-run measurements, with variant mental status throughout the experience, based on environmental context, distance, and climb rate. The trajectory of mental processes was similar to those reported in previous studies, though not supportive of a restorative mental influence of natural settings during vigorous activity. Results are discussed with previous research and implications for activity planning and urban planning.

Quantum Cognition.

Uncertainty is an intrinsic part of life; most events, affairs, and questions are uncertain. A key problem in behavioral sciences is how the mind copes with uncertain information. Quantum probability theory offers a set of principles for inference, which align well with intuition about psychological processes in certain cases: cases when it appears that inference is contextual, the mental state changes as a result of previous judgments, or there is interference between different possibilities. We motivate the use of quantum theory in cognition and its key characteristics. For each of these characteristics, we review relevant quantum cognitive models and empirical support. The scope of quantum cognitive models encompasses fallacies in decision-making (such as the conjunction fallacy or the disjunction effect), question order effects, conceptual combination, evidence accumulation, perception, over-/underdistribution effects in memory, and more. Quantum models often formalize psychological ideas previously expressed in heuristic terms, allow unified explanations of previously disparate findings, and have led to several surprising, novel predictions. We also cast a critical eye on quantum models and consider some of their shortcomings and issues regarding their further development.

Estimation of Emotional Arousal Changes of a Group of Individuals During Movie Screening Using Steady-State Visual-Evoked Potential.

Neurocinematics is an emerging discipline in neuroscience, which aims to provide new filmmaking techniques by analyzing the brain activities of a group of audiences. Several neurocinematics studies attempted to track temporal changes in mental states during movie screening; however, it is still needed to develop efficient and robust electroencephalography (EEG) features for tracking brain states precisely over a long period. This study proposes a novel method for estimating emotional arousal changes in a group of individuals during movie screening by employing steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), which is a widely used EEG response elicited by the presentation of periodic visual stimuli. Previous studies have reported that the emotional arousal of each individual modulates the strength of SSVEP responses. Based on this phenomenon, movie clips were superimposed on a background, eliciting an SSVEP response with a specific frequency. Two emotionally arousing movie clips were presented to six healthy male participants, while EEG signals were recorded from the occipital channels. We then investigated whether the movie scenes that elicited higher SSVEP responses coincided well with those rated as the most impressive scenes by 37 viewers in a separate experimental session. Our results showed that the SSVEP response averaged across six participants could accurately predict the overall impressiveness of each movie, evaluated with a much larger group of individuals.

Influence of Psychological Nursing Intervention on Psychological State, Treatment Compliance, and Immune Function of Postoperative Patients with Rectal Cancer.

In order to explore the clinical effect of psychological nursing intervention on postoperative chemotherapy for rectal cancer, 120 cases of rectal cancer patients were selected as the research subjects. The control group received conventional nursing treatment after operation, and the research group received comprehensive psychological nursing intervention on this basis. The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) scores, self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores, hope level scores, nursing satisfaction, mental state changes, treatment compliance, and immune function of two groups were analyzed and compared. There was no significant difference between the two groups of patients in the preoperative SAS, SDS, and hope level scale scores. After the intervention, postoperative SAS and SDS scores and CD8+ value of the research group were significantly lower than those of the control group. In contrast, the postoperative hope level score, treatment compliance, and postoperative CD4+/CD8+ of the research group were significantly higher, and the nursing satisfaction was better than that of the control group. The application of psychological nursing intervention in postoperative chemotherapy for patients with rectal cancer can effectively relieve anxiety and depression of patients, promote patients to establish a healthy and coordinated mental state, improve treatment compliance, improve immune function, and promote disease recovery.

Workplace Mental State Monitoring during VR-Based Training for Offshore Environment.

Adults are constantly exposed to stressful conditions at their workplace, and this can lead to decreased job performance followed by detrimental clinical health problems. Advancement of sensor technologies has allowed the electroencephalography (EEG) devices to be portable and used in real-time to monitor mental health. However, real-time monitoring is not often practical in workplace environments with complex operations such as kindergarten, firefighting and offshore facilities. Integrating the EEG with virtual reality (VR) that emulates workplace conditions can be a tool to assess and monitor mental health of adults within their working environment. This paper evaluates the mental states induced when performing a stressful task in a VR-based offshore environment. The theta, alpha and beta frequency bands are analysed to assess changes in mental states due to physical discomfort, stress and concentration. During the VR trials, mental states of discomfort and disorientation are observed with the drop of theta activity, whilst the stress induced from the conditional tasks is reflected in the changes of low-alpha and high-beta activities. The deflection of frontal alpha asymmetry from negative to positive direction reflects the learning effects from emotion-focus to problem-solving strategies adopted to accomplish the VR task. This study highlights the need for an integrated VR-EEG system in workplace settings as a tool to monitor and assess mental health of working adults.

Premenstrual changes in physical and mental state experienced by women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their impact on daily living activities

Premenstrual changes in physical and mental state experienced by women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their impact on daily living activities

Encephalopathy caused by disulfiram

IntroductionDisulfiram is an alcohol detox drug that has been approved by the FDA for over 50 years. Among the various side effects that can cause there is encephalopathy. Its incidence is currently unknown, according to some authors it is estimated between 1 and 20%.ObjectivesIn this article we report the case of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and alcohol use disorder, presenting with encephalopathy.MethodsWe discuss about our diagnostic and therapeutic approach.ResultsFortunately, the rapid identification of this rare condition led to a favorable outcome in our patient.ConclusionsEarly detection of any acute change in mental state, especially in early stage of therapy, is important. Cessation of disulfiram is recommended in case of suspicion about disulfiram encephalopathy. This case underscores the importance of awareness of this serious complication during disulfiram treatment. If suspected early, appropriate diagnosis and treatment can prevent rapid progression.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

106 A Whole Hospital Delirium Audit with 20 Week Follow-Up

Abstract Introduction Delirium is a common manifestation of acute illness, characterised by fluctuating changes in mental state. Its aetiologies and presentations are diverse. This can lead to underdiagnosis. We screened all adult inpatients at Barnet Hospital for delirium. 20 weeks follow-up data was collected, including mortality and admission to institutional care. Methods The 4AT and Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) were recorded for every adult inpatient (n = 220) in Barnet Hospital on 13/03/2019. Hospital notes were reviewed to establish whether delirium assessments were performed during admission. Electronic records were used to establish length of stay, discharge destination, mortality and readmission rate over 20 weeks. Results 30% (n = 65) of inpatients had possible delirium (4AT score ≥ 4). Delirium was more common in older, frailer patients (Table 1). Most patients with delirium were under the care of geriatric (40%) or acute medicine (26%). Only gastroenterology and gynaecology had no patients with delirium. Patients with delirium were 3 times more likely to die during their admission and were twice as likely to be discharged to institutional care (Table 1). 20 week mortality of patients with delirium was 26%. Conclusion Delirium is common in hospital inpatients. Delirium has a high morbidity and mortality. Better diagnosis of delirium in hospital may improve outcomes. Table 1: Mean(SD) unless stated. *p &amp;lt; 0.05 Delirium (n = 65) No Delirium (n = 155) Male: % 46 46 Age* 81(11) 71(20) Clinical Frailty Score* 5.6(1.7) 3.8(1.8) Dementia (%)* 53 10 Assisted living: n(%) o Pre-admission * 18.5 3.2 o Post Admission * 44.6 22.6 Length of stay 33 (25) 30.6 (28) Mortality (%) o Hospital * 10.7 3.9 o 20 Weeks * 26.2 14.2 Readmission rate (%) 30.8 31.

Therapeutic effect of long-snake moxibustion combined with western medication on diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome of spleen and kidney yang deficiency

To compare the therapeutic effect between long-snake moxibustion combined with western medication and simple medication on diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) of spleen and kidney yang deficiency. A total of 60 patients with IBS-D of spleen and kidney yang deficiency were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the control group, loperamide hydrochloride capsule (2.0 mg each time, 3 times a day) and bacillus licheniformis live capsule (0.5 mg each time, 3 times a day) were given orally. In the observation group, long-snake moxibustion was added on the basis of the treatment in the control group, ginger-partitioned moxibustion was applied from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoshu (GV 2) of governor vessel, once a week. The treatment was given for 8 weeks in both groups. The scores of main symptom and IBS quality of life questionnaire (IBS-QOL) were observed before and after treatment, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated in both groups. Compared before treatment, the symptom scores of abdominal pain, defecation frequency, mucous stool and appetite reduction were decreased (P<0.05), the scores of daily social intercourse, daily activity, diet, work, emotion, sleep quality, mental state and energy change were increased in both groups (P<0.05). After treatment, each sub-item score of main symptom in the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.05), each sub-item score of IBS-QOL was higher than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 96.7% (29/30) in the observation group, which was superior to 73.3% (22/30) in the control group (P<0.05). Long-snake moxibustion combined with western medication can effectively treat the IBS-D of spleen and kidney yang deficiency, relieve the clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life, the effect is superior to the simple treatment of oral western medication.

Treatment, Persistent Symptoms, and Depression in People Infected with COVID-19 in Bangladesh.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected people’s lives globally. While important research has been conducted, much remains to be known. In Bangladesh, initial treatment (self-administered, hospitalized), persistent COVID-19 symptoms (“long COVID-19”), and whether COVID-19 leads to changes in mental state, such as depressive symptoms, of people are not known. This study aimed to examine treatment, persistent symptoms, and depression in people who had been infected with COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1002 individuals infected with COVID-19 (60% male; mean age = 34.7 ± 13.9; age range = 18–81 years), with data taken over a one-month period (11 September 2020 to 13 October 2020). A self-reported online questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographics, lifestyle, COVID-19 symptoms (during and beyond COVID-19), medication (over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed), and depression (assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)). Results: Twenty-four percent of participants self-medicated with over-the-counter medicine when they were first diagnosed with COVID-19. Self-medication was higher among female vs. male respondents (29.6% vs. 20.2%, respectively, p = 0.002). A minority (20%) reported that they experienced persistent COVID-like symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. The most reported persistent symptoms were diarrhea (12.7%) and fatigue (11.5%). Forty-eight percent of participants were categorized as having moderate to severe depression. Based on multivariate regression analysis, depression during COVID-19 was positively associated with lower family income, poor health status, sleep disturbance, lack of physical activity, hypertension, asthma/respiratory problems, fear of COVID-19 re-infection, and persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions: The findings suggest a need for appropriate interventions for COVID-19 patients to promote physical and mental wellbeing.

Study on the Efficacy of Nanoantibiotics in Rats with Sepsis Based on MicroRNA-195 and TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway.

In order to explore the efficacy of nanoantibiotics in rats with sepsis based on MicroRNA-195 and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, a total of 160 Wistar rats with sepsis were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of general antibiotics (GA) treatment group and nanoantibiotics treatment (NT) group, MicroRNA-195 treatment (MT) group and TGF-β1/Smads (TS) treatment group with 40 sepsis rates in each group. After each group was treated for 24 hours, the supernatant was centrifuged, the enzyme-labeled reagent was added to sample wall, the absorbance value of each well in sequence was measured, and the linear regression equation of the standard curve was calculated based on the concentration and absorbance value of the standard. Before and after the experiment, the changes in body weight, mental state, activity, respiration, and abdominal cavity of species rats in each group were observed and measured; the expression of Interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad7 were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that the expression levels of IL-1, TNF-α, TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad7 in sepsis rats in GA group were higher than those in the NT group (P < 0.05); the myocardial cells in MT group were significantly smaller and the cell arrangement was tighter and more orderly than those in TS group; and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad7 were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In summary, the MicroRNA-195 and TGF-β1/Smads may promote cardiac remodeling in sepsis rats by up-regulating the nanoantibiotics signaling transduction pathway, thereby having objective curative effect on sepsis rats. The study results of this paper provide a reference for further research on the efficacy of nanoantibiotics in sepsis rats based on MicroRNA-195 and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Test\u2013retest reliability of laser evoked pain perception and fMRI BOLD responses

Pain perception is a subjective experience and highly variable across time. Brain responses evoked by nociceptive stimuli are highly associated with pain perception and also showed considerable variability. To date, the test–retest reliability of laser-evoked pain perception and its associated brain responses across sessions remain unclear. Here, an experiment with a within-subject repeated-measures design was performed in 22 healthy volunteers. Radiant-heat laser stimuli were delivered on subjects’ left-hand dorsum in two sessions separated by 1–5 days. We observed that laser-evoked pain perception was significantly declined across sessions, coupled with decreased brain responses in the bilateral primary somatosensory cortex (S1), right primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area, and middle cingulate cortex. Intraclass correlation coefficients between the two sessions showed “fair” to “moderate” test–retest reliability for pain perception and brain responses. Additionally, we observed lower resting-state brain activity in the right S1 and lower resting-state functional connectivity between right S1 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the second session than the first session. Altogether, being possibly influenced by changes of baseline mental state, laser-evoked pain perception and brain responses showed considerable across-session variability. This phenomenon should be considered when designing experiments for laboratory studies and evaluating pain abnormalities in clinical practice.