Mood Scores Research Articles

Towards Sustainable Mental Health Using the Finnish Mood Scale

The interest in mental health in a sports context has increased in recent years. However, there is no scientifically sound measurement tool for assessing sport-related mental health symptoms in the Finnish language. One of the most frequently used measurement tools for such symptoms in English is the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS). The purpose of the present study was to adapt and validate a Finnish version of the BRUMS, referred to as the Finnish Mood Scale (FIMS). The 24-item, 6-factor FIMS was administered to 445 Finnish participants concurrently with Finnish versions of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Psychobiosocial States Scale (PBS-S). The sample consisted of 259 females (58.2%), 177 males (39.8%), and 9 who did not disclose their gender (2%), aged 16 to 75 years (M = 35.65, SD = 13.70). Sixty-two participants (13.9%) reported being a competitive athlete, 273 (61.3%) were regular exercisers, and 109 (24.5%) did not exercise regularly. A six-factor modified CFA model indicated an adequate fit to the data (CFI = 0.944, TLI = 0.934, RMSEA = 0.060). Concurrent measures correlated with FIMS in line with theoretical predictions, supporting convergent and divergent validity. Males reported significantly more positive mood scores than females. Physically active participants reported significantly more positive mood scores than inactive individuals, endorsing the mental health benefits of physical exercise. Findings indicate that the FIMS is a suitable measurement tool to screen mood modalities in Finnish populations aged 16 years and older. FIMS may be useful for the early detection of mental ill-health, thus, promoting sustainable mental health.

Pain Candidate Genes 5-HTTLPR and COMT Affect Anxiety and Mood in Japanese Ballet Dancers: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

The balance of mental, physical, and technical aspects is essential in improving ballet performance. Ballet dancers’ emotional and behavioral characteristics vary, even under identical stress conditions. This study aimed to investigate the association between the pain candidate genes 5-HTTLPR and COMT and anxiety in Japanese ballet dancers. Participants were 18 youth elite ballet students with professional aspirations (Y-Elite) and 16 dancers in a professional ballet company (Pro). We administered psychological questionnaires, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), to participants under the following four different stress conditions: standard practice day, cast decision day, rehearsal day, and one week before competition day. In addition, the genotypes of 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met were examined. The distribution of 5-HTTLPR was not different between Y-Elite and Pro dancers, although one of the COMT genotypes was different. Y-Elite dancers had higher trait anxiety scores than Pro dancers for these genotypes before competition (ps < 0.03), although no significant association was observed between both genotypes and scores on the STAI across conditions. Their moods were significantly different through the four conditions (p < 0.004). Pro dancers’ moods were also more stable than those of the Y-Elite dancers in the presence of pain. The results indicate that 5-HTTLPR and COMT play a crucial role in dancers’ anxiety and mood during pain (ps < 0.05). Pro dancers are probably predicted by their lower neuroticism and mood scores and their better adaptation to stress than Y-Elite dancers. The 5-HTTLPR and COMT genes may be influencing the sensitivity to the environment. Youth elite ballet dancers need to understand the relationship between pain and physical activity from an early stage.

Associations between genotype, phenotype and behaviours measured by the Rett syndrome behaviour questionnaire in Rett syndrome

IntroductionRett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with developmental impairments, comorbidities, and abnormal behaviours such as hand stereotypies and emotional features. The Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) was developed to describe the behavioural and emotional features of RTT. Little is known how RSBQ scores are associated with genetic and clinical characteristics in RTT. This study investigated relationships between genotype, age, walking, hand function, sleep, and RSBQ total and subscale scores in RTT.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in the Australian Rett Syndrome Database and the International Rett Syndrome Phenotype Database. Parent caregivers completed the RSBQ and Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children [subscales for disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS), disorders of excessive somnolence (DOES)], and provided information on age, variant type, functional abilities (mobility, hand function), seizure frequency and gastrointestinal problems. Associations between the RSBQ scores and the independent variables were modelled using linear regression.ResultsData were available for 365 individuals with RTT [median (range) age 17.8 (2.9–51.9) years, 2 males]. Compared to adults, 2- to 12-year-old children had higher mean Total, Night-time Behaviour and Fear/Anxiety scores. Compared to individuals with a C-terminal deletion, individuals with the p.Arg255* variant had higher mean Total and Night-time Behaviours scores, whereas the p.Arg294* variant had higher mean Mood scores. Individuals with intermediate mobility and hand function abilities had a higher mean Total score. Total RSBQ and subscale scores were similar across categories for seizures, constipation, and reflux, but were higher with abnormal DIMS and abnormal DOES scores.ConclusionExcept for associations with sleep, the RSBQ measures the behavioural phenotype rather than clinical severity in RTT, as traditionally conceptualised in terms of functional abilities and comorbidities. When designing clinical trials, the RSBQ needs to be complemented by other outcome measures to assess specific core functions and associated comorbidities in RTT.

Gene expression of kynurenine pathway enzymes in depression and following electroconvulsive therapy.

This study aimed to investigate changes in mRNA expression of the kynurenine pathway (KP) enzymes tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO), indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 and 2 (IDO1, IDO2), kynurenine aminotransferase 1 and 2 (KAT1, KAT2), kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO) and kynureninase (KYNU) in medicated patients with depression (n = 74) compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 55) and in patients with depression after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Associations with mood score (24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HAM-D24), plasma KP metabolites and selected glucocorticoid and inflammatory immune markers known to regulate KP enzyme expression were also explored. HAM-D24 was used to evaluate depression severity. Whole blood mRNA expression was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. KAT1, KYNU and IDO2 were significantly reduced in patient samples compared to control samples, though results did not survive statistical adjustment for covariates or multiple comparisons. ECT did not alter KP enzyme mRNA expression. Changes in IDO1 and KMO and change in HAM-D24 score post-ECT were negatively correlated in subgroups of patients with unipolar depression (IDO1 only), psychotic depression and ECT responders and remitters. Further exploratory correlative analyses revealed altered association patterns between KP enzyme expression, KP metabolites, NR3C1 and IL-6 in depressed patients pre- and post-ECT. Further studies are warranted to determine if KP measures have sufficient sensitivity, specificity and predictive value to be integrated into stress and immune associated biomarker panels to aid patient stratification at diagnosis and in predicting treatment response to antidepressant therapy.

The Careful Project: Evaluating the acceptability of local virtual reality experiences as a leisure activity for residents in aged care.

The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of virtual reality (VR) as a leisure activity for people living in residential aged care. Virtual reality experiences may offer alternatives for residents with limited mobility, or during times when older people are unable to leave residential care. The intervention used VR videos delivered via a head-mounted device. Video content was created by a local artist specifically for use with older Western Australian adults and used local content. VR sessions were videotaped for analysis. The evaluation included structured observation of video content to assess mood and engagement and post-intervention interviews with participants. Mood and engagement scores indicated overall favourable mood and considerable positive engagement with the VR experience. Interview content analysis reflected the enjoyment participants took in visiting places they had once been and the surprising ways that the experience made them feel and act as though they were actually there. Videos featuring coastal visits were the most popular and videos featuring music were the most engaging. Some participants found the head-mounted device uncomfortable. VR was considered potentially beneficial for residents with limited mobility or living with cognitive impairment. Overall VR is a feasible and acceptable leisure activity for older people in residential care. The use of local content has the potential to prompt memories and generate new conversations. Future use of VR may consider different modes of video delivery and advancements in evaluation.

Noninvasive modulation of subcallosal cingulate and depression with focused ultrasonic waves

BackgroundSevere forms of depression have been linked to excessive subcallosal cingulate (SCC) activity. Stimulation of SCC with surgically implanted electrodes can alleviate depression, but current noninvasive techniques cannot directly and selectively modulate deep targets. We developed a new noninvasive neuromodulation approach that can deliver low-intensity focused ultrasonic waves to the SCC. Methods: Twenty-two subjects with treatment-resistant depression participated in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. Ultrasonic stimulation was delivered to bilateral SCC during concurrent functional MRI to quantify target engagement. Mood state was measured with the Sadness subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule before and after 40 minutes of real or sham SCC stimulation. Change in depression severity was measured with the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS- 6) at 24 hours and 7 days. Results: Functional MRI demonstrated a target-specific decrease in SCC activity during stimulation (p=0.028, n=16). In 7 of 16 participants, SCC neuromodulation was detectable at the individual-subject level with a single 10-minute scan (p<0.05, small-volume-correction). Mood and depression scores improved more with real than with sham stimulation. In the per-protocol sample (n=19), real stimulation was superior to sham for HDRS-6 at 24 hours and for Sadness (both p<0.05, d>1). Non-significant trends were found in the intent-to-treat sample. Conclusions: This small pilot study indicates that ultrasonic stimulation modulates SCC activity and can rapidly reduce depressive symptoms. The capability to noninvasively and selectively target deep brain areas creates new possibilities for future development of circuit-directed therapeutics, and for the dissection of deep-brain circuit function in humans.

Analgesic Use of Virtual Reality for Burn Dressing Changes in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Feasibility Study.

The paucity of pain management options in resource-limited settings is a significant and systemically unaddressed problem. To improve global health equity, it is important to bridge this gap in care without introducing the peril of opioid dependence. We present a proof-of-concept case series wherein virtual reality (VR) was successfully used to manage discomfort in patients undergoing burn dressing changes in sub-Saharan Africa. Nine patients presenting with burn injuries of variable severity underwent routine stabilization and dressing as part of standard-of-care treatment. During dressing changes, a VR intervention consisting of the Dream Flight interactive game displayed on an Oculus Quest 2 headset was offered to patients. Patient mood scores were collected before VR initiation and at the conclusion of the dressing change by a translator using the Youth Feelings Scale. There were no adverse events associated with use of the VR headset and no patients elected to terminate the VR during their procedure. Patients and physicians subjectively reported satisfaction with the device's utility in the procedure. Before VR initiation, the 95% confidence interval for patient mood score was 4.89 ± 1.725. After VR initiation, the 95% confidence interval for patient mood score was 8.78 ± 1.40. Our results of this proof-of-concept case series to suggest both feasibility of use and positive influence on patient discomfort and periprocedural satisfaction. We propose that VR should be explored as an analgesic alternative and/or adjunct to narcotics in resource-limited countries, particularly for high-pain, low-duration procedures.

IMPACT OF HABITUAL SMOKING ON THE ORGANISM OF ADOLESCENTS LIVING IN THE NORTH OF RUSSIA

The aim of the work is to analyze the impact of habitual smoking on the physiological systems of adolescents living in the north of Russia (65º N). Materials and Methods. Using generally accepted methods, morphofunctional, physiometric, physiological and psychological parameters were determined in 34 boys aged 14–15 years (11 smokers for at least 2–3 years and 23 non-smokers). The level of physical health was assessed according to Apanasenko method. Results. Compared with non-smokers, smoking adolescents have statistically significantly higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), mean blood pressure (MBP) during exercise, heart rate (HR) during exercise and its increase while working, HR recovery after exercise (Martine-Kushelevsky test), rate pressure product (RPP), and scores of activity (WAM questionnaire). At the same time, they demonstrated lower strength index (SI), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), vital capacity (VC), vital index (VI), Skibinskaya index (SI), level of physical health (LPH), and WAM parameters. Smokers, compared to 11 non-smokers of the same weight, have statistically significantly lower height, strength and SI, Genchi test time, MEP, VC, VI, SI, LPH, and scores of well-being and mood (WAM parameters). However, they have higher HR during exercise, its increase while working, and HR recovery. Excess body weight in smokers leads to hypertension, while long-term smoking in teenagers living in the north of Russia causes physiological decline and physical health deterioration. In some cases, our results (decrease in strength, Genchi test time, VC, VI, increased HR, hypertensive reactions, and health deterioration in smokers) correlate with the data obtained both in our country and abroad.

A - 129 Healthcare Disparity between Dominant English Versus Spanish-Speaking Deep Brain Stimulation Candidates with Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract Objective The existence of healthcare disparities is well documented, although data regarding mental health disparities in pre-surgical deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains emergent. In this study, we compare mood, apathy, and quality of life (QoL) in dominant English and Spanish-speaking PD-DBS candidates. We hypothesized that presurgical PD-DBS Spanish-speakers would have greater disease burden and lower mood and QoL compared to native English-speakers. Method Demographic and disease specific characteristics including disease duration and severity (Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)), mood (Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Starkstein Apathy Scale (SAS)), and QoL (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39)) were compared. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and chi-square tests to identify group differences based on language dominance (English (n = 20), Spanish (n = 20)). Results Spanish-speakers had higher disease burden (MDS-UPDRS “on”: p = 0.018; “off”: p = 0.023), but no other statistical significance in demographic or clinical motor characteristics. There were significant group differences in mood (BDI-II: p = 0.046), PDQ-39 Total and subdomain scores (Total: p = 0.017; ADL: p = 0.005; Mobility: p = 0.007; Emotional Wellbeing: p = 0.029; and Bodily Discomfort: p = 0.007) with Spanish-speakers reporting poorer QoL. No significant group differences were found regarding apathy. Conclusion(s) Spanish-speakers demonstrated greater disease burden and endorsed significantly lower QoL and depression symptoms compared to English speakers. These data add to our understanding of healthcare disparities among presurgical PD-DBS candidates and suggest that underrepresented groups, such as dominant Spanish-speakers, may have less access to early intervention, missed PD symptomology, and/or cultural apprehension about seeking medical care, thus increasing disease burden and impacting QoL over time.

Correlation Between the Fractional Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuation and Cognitive Defects in Alzheimer's Disease.

The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFFs) can detect spontaneous brain activity. However, the association between abnormal brain activity and cognitive function, amyloid protein (Aβ), and emotion in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients remains unclear. This study aimed to survey alterations in fALFF in different frequency bands and the relationship between abnormal brain activity, depressive mood, and cognitive function to determine the potential mechanism of AD. We enrolled 34 AD patients and 32 healthy controls (HC). All the participants underwent resting-state magnetic resonance imaging, and slow-4 and slow-5 fALFF values were measured. Subsequently, the study determined the correlation of abnormal brain activity with mood and cognitive function scores. AD patients revealed altered mfALFF values in the slow-5 and slow-4 bands. In the slow-4 band, the altered mfALFF regions were the right cerebellar crus I, right inferior frontal orbital gyrus (IFOG), right supramarginal gyrus, right precuneus, angular gyrus, and left middle cingulate gyrus. Elevated mfALFF values in the right IFOG were negatively associated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores, Boston Naming Test, and Aβ1-42 levels. The mfALFF value of the AD group was lower than the HC group in the slow-5 band, primarily within the right inferior parietal lobule and right precuneus. Altered mfALFF values in AD patients are linked with cognitive dysfunction. Compared with HCs, Aβ1-42 levels in AD patients are related to abnormal IFOG activity. Therefore, mfALFF could be a potential biomarker of AD.

The Effect of Group Counseling with Chinese Folk Dancing on the Psychological Quality of College Students

Background and Aims: Chinese folk dancing is an energetic and essential part of Chinese culture, helping to uphold customs, promote a sense of community, and honor the rich diversity of Chinese cultural heritage. The objectives of this study were 1) to compare the mood states of university students before and after participating in dance movement activities, and 2) to compare the mood states of a control group and an experimental group after participating in the dance movement activities. Methodology: The sample group was the university students of the Chongqing Vocational University of Mechanical and Electrical Technology. The experimental group, consisting of 30 students, participated in a dance program, while the control class, also comprising 30 students, did not engage in dance courses. The experimental group used dance movement activities, while the control group followed traditional teaching methods. Data was collected using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale which is commonly used in China. It was analyzed using SPSS descriptive analysis and t-test. Results: The results of this study are as follows: 1) After the end of the experiment, the positive mood score of the students in the dance movement activities was higher than before the experiment, the negative mood score was lower than before the experiment, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt;0.05). 2) The positive mood score of the experimental group receiving dance movement activity was higher than that of the control group, and the negative mood score was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the results show that students' positive moods significantly improved and their negative moods significantly decreased when they participated in dance movement activities, both within the experimental group and when compared to the control group. This suggests that dancing movement activities have substantial emotional benefits.

Effect of physical exercise on negative emotions in Chinese university students: The mediating effect of self-efficacy

ObjectiveThis study investigates the impact of physical activity on negative emotions among university students and examines the mediating influence of self-efficacy, aiming to furnish empirical insights and a theoretical framework to enhance and optimize the mental health of this population comprehensively. MethodsUsing the cluster random sampling method, 5341 university students were selected from three universities. The questionnaire included demographic information about university students, physical exercise behaviors, expressions of negative emotions such as depression and anxiety, and self-efficacy in physical exercise. The types of questionnaires included the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Results76.877 % of university students had low exercise. The detection rates of depression, anxiety and stress in negative mood were 77.041 %, 64.276 % and 47.931 %, respectively. There were significant differences in physical exercise and negative mood scores among university students of different genders and grades. University student. Negative emotions were significantly correlated with physical exercise and self-efficacy (P < 0.001). According to the regression model, physical exercise can significantly predict negative emotions and self-efficacy. The mediating effect of self-efficacy is evident. ConclusionPhysical exercise among university students typically comprises light workouts, associated with a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms. Self-efficacy acts as a mediator in the effects of physical exercise on negative emotions within this group.

Whole-Body Cryostimulation: An Effective Complementary Treatment in Fibromyalgia? A Follow Up Study.

Recent evidence suggests that whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) may be beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia (FM), but little is known about the duration of such effects. The purpose of this study was to verify the duration of clinical-functional benefits after one cycle of WBC. We conducted a follow-up study on the medium and long-term effects of WBC on well-being, use of pain-relieving/anti-inflammatory medications, pain level, fatigue, sleep quality, and psychological aspects such as mood and anxiety. Twelve months after discharge, we administered a 10 min follow-up telephone interview with FM patients with obesity who had undergone ten 2 min WBC sessions at -110 °C as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program (n = 23) and with patients who had undergone rehabilitation alone (n = 23). Both groups reported positive changes after the rehabilitation program, and similar results regarding fatigue, mood, and anxiety scores; however, the implementation of ten sessions of WBC over two weeks produced additional benefits in pain, general well-being status, and sleep quality with beneficial effects lasting 3-4 months. Therefore, our findings suggest that adding WBC to a rehabilitation program could exert stronger positive effects to improve key aspects of FM such as general well-being, pain level, and sleep quality.

MEASURING THE PREVALENCE, SEVERITY, AND SOURCES OF DISABILITY: A NEW APPROACH

BackgroundDisability is an important multifaceted construct. Identifying sources of disability could help optimise patient care. The aim of this study was to test an approach that not only estimates severity of disability, but also identifies the source(s) of this disability.MethodsAn online survey was used to collect data from a convenience sample, recruited via email and social media invitations. Two generic measures of disability, the 8-item Universal Disability Index (UDI8) and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) were used to estimate the prevalence and severity of disability in this sample. Non-zero UDI8 item responses generated conditional sub-questions, in which participants could attribute their activity limitations to one or more sources (pain, fatigue, worry, mood, and other). This allowed for a decomposition of UDI8 scores into source components.Results403 participants enrolled; 334 completed all UDI8 and GARS items. Of these, 85.3% (285/334) reported at least one restricted activity via the UDI8, while 43.4% (145/334) reported some reduced independence via the GARS. Disability severity increased with age until approximately 40 years, after which it decreased gradually. Pain component scores were high in all individuals with higher and lower disability severity, whereas fatigue component scores were highest in individuals reporting higher disability severity. Worry, mood, and other component scores were not high at any level of disability severity.ConclusionsThis approach should be used to identify the prevalence, severity and sources of disability in the general population and in specific patient groups.Conflicts of interestNo conflicts of interestSources of fundingNo funding obtained

Understanding the family burden and caregiver role in stroke rehabilitation: insights from a retrospective study.

Stroke negatively impacts both patients and their families, who must face multiple changes after the onset of the disease. Family caregivers must face new problems with a possible sense of inadequacy, stress and burden. Our retrospective study aimed to assess the burden of caregivers during the rehabilitation process of patients with Stroke. This study included patients with a diagnosis of stroke and their caregiver, who attended the Day Hospital of the IRCCS Neurolesi Center "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy, between January 2018 and October 2019, using electronic recovery system data. The final sample consisted of 30 patients and their caregivers. Significant improvements were observed in patients' cognitive and mood scores, reflecting the efficacy of rehabilitation therapies. Additionally, a correlation emerged between patients' reported anxiety levels and caregivers' reported depression levels, highlighting a dynamic interaction between the emotional states of the two groups. The study highlights the intricate interplay between caregiver characteristics, patient outcomes, and family dynamics in the context of caregiving. Targeted interventions aimed at improving family resilience and coping mechanisms are crucial to optimizing the well-being of both caregivers and patients.

Clinical Evaluation of Effectiveness and Safety of Combined Use of Dietary Supplements Amberen® and SmartB® in Women with Climacteric Syndrome in Perimenopause.

Perimenopause is a time of transition in a woman's life that links her reproductive years to the cessation of ovulation, or menopause. For many women, this time is characterized by a variety of physiological and lifestyle changes, including increasing irregularity in menstrual bleeding, frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms, etc. Therapies evaluated specifically for the perimenopausal women are very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Amberen® (a succinate-based non-hormonal supplement) combined with a SmartB® (vitaminB) complex in women with typical (without complications) mild to moderate climacteric syndrome during perimenopause. Women up to 50years of age, in perimenopause, with vasomotor and psychosomatic symptoms of the climacteric syndrome were enrolled for the study. The trial was randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, comparative, and prospective. A total of 106 participants were enrolled in the trial and, per protocol, 105 completed the trial. We observed statistically significant improvements in most of the Greene Climacteric Scale symptoms, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Well-being, Activity, and Mood (WAM) scores. The intervention was well tolerated with few adverse effects reported to be mild and transient. The use of this dietary supplement is safe and eliminates or improves vasomotor and psychosomatic symptoms of climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women: it improves sleep and cognitive abilities, lowers depression and anxiety, improves mood and well-being, and positively affects quality of life. NCT03897738.

Anxiety and Mood Disruption in Collegiate Athletes Acutely Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

To report the symptom burden of anxiety and mood-related indicators following mTBI in collegiate student-athletes. Retrospective cohort study of varsity collegiate athletes. University sports medicine at a tertiary care center. Division I college varsity athletes diagnosed with mTBI at a single institution between 2016 and 2019. Pre- and post-injury. Comparisons between baseline testing and post-mTBI symptom scale assessments were made to determine changes in scores at the individual and group levels. The primary outcome was the prevalence of post-mTBI symptoms from within 72 h of injury through return to play. Associations with sport, sex, age, and return-to-play time were included. Compared to baseline, mood and anxiety symptom scores were significantly higher acutely following mTBI (2.1 ± 3.3 vs. 14.3 ± 12.2; p < 0.001). A family history of migraine was significantly associated with higher mood and anxiety symptom scores (20.0 ± 14.9 with history vs. 13.3 ± 11.3 without history; p = 0.042). Mood and anxiety symptom scores were highly correlated with non-mood and anxiety symptom scores for all athletes, including the subgroup with prolonged symptoms (r = 0.769; p < 0.001). Symptoms of anxiety or mood disruption are common during the acute period post-injury in varsity college athletes. Risk factors for higher symptom reports immediately following mTBI and for prolonged symptoms (>10 days) included female sex, those with a family history of migraine, and those with an overall higher symptom burden post-injury.

Effect of inpatient rehabilitation on the quality of life and life satisfaction in spinal cord injury.

Assess the impact of inpatient rehabilitation on the quality of life and life satisfaction of individuals with spinal cord injury by considering the level of injury. QuasiExperimental study. Rehabilitation Hospital. A total of 71 Patients with Spinal cord injury were admitted for rehabilitation. The quality of life and life satisfaction of patients were assessed both before and after 63 days of inpatient rehabilitation. Functional independence measure score (FIM), the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS). The average age of the study population was 34 ± 14 years. At the end of 63 days, significant improvements were observed in FIM, mood, health, physical performance, role physical, role emotional, pain, and total score of LSS (Π - Value <0.05). The variation in FIM changes significantly improved the total LSS score in the thoracic and thoracolumbar subgroups, but not in the cervical group. In addition, the total score of SF36 was improved significantly just in the cervical subgroup (Π = 0.006). No significant correlations were found between SF-36 and LSS scores (before and after the intervention) in relation to marriage, education, and time. In the context of spinal cord injury, inpatient rehabilitation can play a role in improving functional independence which, in turn, impacts certain aspects affecting life satisfaction and the quality of life. It is important to note that the extent of this correlation varies among patients with different injury levels. In some cases, even minor changes, such as those seen in quadriplegic patients, could have a significant impact on their quality of life.

Three-Year Follow-up of PositiveLinks: Higher Use of mHealth Platform Associated with Sustained HIV Suppression

PositiveLinks (PL) is a mHealth platform to support care engagement by people with HIV (PWH). Daily reminders prompt the user to report medication adherence, mood, and daily stress. Higher response rate to PL check-ins has been associated with better suppression of viral load over 6–18 months. We conducted a retrospective chart review for a three-year period collecting demographic information, average mood and stress scores, and all viral loads obtained in usual patient care. We performed multivariable logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with loss of viral load suppression and a time-to-event survival analysis until first unsuppressed viral load stratified by PL usage. Of the 513 PWH included, 103 had at least one episode of viral non-suppression. Low users of PL were more likely to have an unsuppressed viral load with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 5.8 (95% CI 3.0-11.5, p < 0.001). Protective factors included older age (aOR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.98, p = 0.003) and income above the federal poverty level (FPL) (aOR 0.996; 95% CI 0.995–0.998, p < 0.001). High PL use was also associated with better viral load suppression (VLS) over time (p < 0.0001 ((aHR) of 0.437 (95% CI 0.290–0.658, p < 0.001)) after adjusting for age and FPL. High stress scores were related to subsequent loss of viral suppression in an exploratory analysis. High check-in response rate on the PL app, older age, and higher income are associated with sustained VLS over time. Conversely, lack of response to check-ins or increased reported stress may signal a need for additional support.

Exploring Age Differences in Absorption and Enjoyment during Story Listening

Using naturalistic spoken narratives to investigate speech processes and comprehension is becoming increasingly popular in experimental hearing research. Yet, little is known about how individuals engage with spoken story materials and how listening experiences change with age. We investigated absorption in the context of listening to spoken stories, explored predictive factors for engagement, and examined the utility of a scale developed for written narratives to assess absorption for auditory materials. Adults aged 20–78 years (N = 216) participated in an online experimental study. Participants listened to one of ten stories intended to be engaging to different degrees and rated the story in terms of absorption and enjoyment. Participants of different ages rated the stories similarly absorbing and enjoyable. Further, higher mood scores predicted higher absorption and enjoyment ratings. Factor analysis showed scale items approximately grouped according to the original scale dimensions, suggesting that absorption and enjoyment experiences may be similar for written and spoken stories, although certain items discriminated less effectively between stories intended to be more or less engaging. The present study provides novel insights into how adults of different ages engage in listening and supports using naturalistic speech stimuli in hearing research.