Positive Treatment Effect Research Articles

Evaluating the effectiveness of intensive family preservation services: A multi-level meta-analysis.

Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) are an important part of child welfare. They are short-term, in-home treatment programs aimed at preventing imminent out-of-home placements, however, today, their overall effectiveness remains unclear. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of IFPS effectiveness, evaluate a wide range of outcomes, and analyze the impact of various factors on its success. A three-level meta-analysis was conducted on 33 controlled trial studies comprising 226 effect sizes to test whether the effectiveness of IFPS was influenced by study, program, target, sample, and outcome characteristics. Analyses showed that IFPS did have a modest overall effect on treatment outcomes (g=0.18), with notable variations across different outcome measures, showing small and positive effects on out-of-home placement (g=0.31), family functioning (g=0.19), juvenile delinquency (g=0.19), and parental psychopathology (g=0.34). Greater program intensity was associated with smaller effects, and follow-up assessment yielded larger effects than post-test assessments, indicating that positive intervention effects increased over time. The findings suggest a rather limited effectiveness of IFPS, indicating that both practice and policy should take this into account. Recommendations for future research are provided to further enhance understanding and improvement of IFPS interventions.

Breathing in virtual reality for promoting mental health: a scoping review

Breathing techniques have long been recognized as effective strategies for promoting mental health-related outcomes such as relaxation and emotional regulation. Virtual reality (VR), with its immersion and interactivity, offers the possibility to amplify the effectiveness of breathing techniques in promoting mental health. Recently, there has been an increasing use of VR to support breathing, although a formal summary of this integration is lacking. Following the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines, this scoping review aims to investigate the integration of breathing techniques and VR experiences and examine their potential effects on mental health-related outcomes. The synthesis of the reviewed studies (n = 18) reveals that different VR experiences can be used to strengthen breathing techniques. VR can, for example, reduce distractions and enhance focus during breathing exercises, provide direct, real-time feedback on the practice, and be used to create personalized environments, allowing users to train their breathing techniques in various contexts, from calming virtual nature settings to safe environments for practicing breathing skills that can be applied to real-life situations. Furthermore, this scoping review reveals the positive effects of VR-based breathing interventions on reducing clinical symptoms and increasing well-being and physical health outcomes. Overall, while acknowledging some methodological heterogeneity in the existing studies, the findings demonstrate the unique and promising potential of integrating breathing techniques with VR experiences. Future research is recommended to understand long-term effects, user experience, and the potential customization of interventions for diverse clinical and well-being contexts.

GDF11 restores the impaired function of EPCs-MA by promoting autophagy: GDF11 ameliorates endothelial progenitor cell aging by promoting autophagy

Abstract Objective Our study aimed to assess the effects of Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) on the function of endothelial progenitor cells in middle-age individuals (EPCs-MA) isolated from mouse bone marrow and to explore the mechanistic relationship between GDF11 and age-related ALP impairment. Methods Bone marrow-derived EPCs were isolated, culture and GDF11 treatment. In vivo, the mice model of myocardial ischemia (MI) was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and mice were randomly divided into MI group and EPCs transplantation group (EPCs-Y, EPCs-MA, EPCs-MA/GDF11). The positive effect of GDF11 treatment of EPCs-MA on MI was verified by echocardiography and the average ratio of fibrotic area to left ventricular (LV) area. In vitro, the effect of GDF11 on ameliorating EPCs aging by promoting autophagy was confirmed by transwell assay, immunofluorescence staining, characterization of EPCs ultrastructure through transmission electron microscope (TEM), lysosome imaging and Western blot. Result Our findings demonstrate that GDF11 enhances the migration capacity of EPCs-MA and improves recovery of impaired cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI) in mice, with EPCs isolated from young mice (EPCs-Y) as controls. Moreover, GDF11 restored functional phenotypes of EPCs-MA to levels akin to EPCs-Y, promoting the expression of CD31, endogenous NO synthase, and the restoration of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and CDH5 expression patterns, as well as the formation of Weibel-Palade bodies—key organelles for storage and secretion in endothelial cells and EPCs. Furthermore, GDF11 significantly enhanced the autophagic clearance capability of EPCs-MA by promoting ALP. Conclusions Our results suggest that GDF11 ameliorates cardiac function impairment by restoring the activities of EPCs from aging mice through enhanced ALP. These findings suggest that GDF11 may hold therapeutic potential for improving aging-related conditions associated with declined autophagy.

Improving postsurgical paresis in brain tumor patients by transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Recently, reduction of transcallosal inhibition by contralateral navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) improved neurorehabilitation of glioma patients with new postoperative paresis. This multicentric study examines the effect of postoperative nrTMS in brain tumor patients to treat surgery-related upper extremity paresis. This is a secondary analysis of two randomized and three one-arm studies in brain tumor patients with new/progressive postoperative paresis. Patients underwent either low frequency contralesional nrTMS or sham stimulation followed by physiotherapy. Outcome was assessed on postoperative day 1, 7, and after 3 months using British Medical Research Council score (BMRC), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). A total of 135 patients (mean age of 53.8 years, 60 women) were included, of whom 51 patients were treated in RCTs (30 treatment group, 21 sham group) and 84 in prospective, single-arm studies. Linear mixed models showed an advantage for the treatment group for the BMRC (7 days: OR 3.28; 95%CI: 1.08-9.99; 3 months: OR 2.03, 95%CI: 0.65-6.39) and KPS (7 days: mean difference (MD) 11, 95%CI: 2-19; 3 months: MD 11, 95%CI: 2-20), less pronounced for the FMA (7 days: MD 0.28, 95%CI: -0.34-0.9; 3 months: MD 0.14, 95%CI: -0.52-0.81). A stronger treatment effect was evident with proven ischemia on the postoperative MRI. To observe an improvement by at least one grade at 3 months, the number needed to treat (NNT) for the entire cohort is 4 (BMRC) and 3 patients (KPS), respectively. Our multicenter data confirm the positive treatment effect of nrTMS to reduce transcallosal inhibition with a considerably low NNT - especially if caused by ischemia.

P1088 Positive effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on depression, stress and perceived control, but not on disability in patients with Crohn’s disease: results from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) often leads to significant disability and psychological distress, significantly reducing patients’ quality of life. We evaluated the impact of a mindfulness-based intervention on disease-related disability in patients with CD on stable maintenance therapy. Additionally, we wanted to assess the impact of mindfulness on anxiety, depression, stress, disease acceptance, perceived control, and disease activity. Methods We conducted a monocentric randomized controlled trial (RCT), where participants were randomly assigned to an immediate intervention group or a waitlist control group that received the same intervention after six months. The IBD Disability Index at baseline (IBD-Disk ≥40 or <40) was used as a stratification factor. Disease activity was assessed through patient-reported outcomes (PRO-2) and biomarkers (faecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein), measured at baseline, at 1.5 and at 3 months follow-up. Psychological factors including anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed with the DASS21 scale. Disease acceptance and perceived control were measured using the SHE model, and mindfulness levels were assessed with the FFMQ-SF. The intervention consisted of a total of four mindfulness group sessions of three hours each over six weeks. The primary outcome was the mean change in the total IBD-Disk score at three months and was analysed using a constrained longitudinal data analysis (cLDA). Based on power calculation (α=0.05, power=0.80), 54 patients had to be randomized. Results As shown in Table 1, 56 patients (38% male, median age 49.5 years) were randomized into the immediate intervention group (n=28) or the six-month waitlist control group (n=28). Two patients dropped out in each group before reaching the primary endpoint. Compared to the waitlist, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in depression, stress, perceived control, and mindfulness after three months (see Table 2). Although improvements in disease-related disability, anxiety, and disease acceptance showed positive trends, these items did not reach statistical significance. No changes were observed in clinical and biochemical markers of disease activity. Conclusion A 6-weeks mindfulness-based intervention can significantly improve depression, stress, perceived control, and mindfulness in patients with CD, with effects sustained 3 months post-intervention. Although numerically better, no significant effects were found on disease-related disability. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term benefits and underlying mechanisms of mindfulness in CD management.

The role of Iowa gambling task performance in response to citalopram treatment for cocaine use disorder

ABSTRACT Background: Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is associated with executive functioning impairments linked to serotonergic function. Previous studies reported efficacy with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram in reducing cocaine use. Objectives: The current study explored moderation and mediation of citalopram effects on cocaine use by performance across executive function domains. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Bayesian adaptive trial investigating citalopram efficacy in CUD treatment-seeking adults. At baseline and mid-treatment, participants completed assessments of decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task; IGT), attention, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. Outcomes were longest duration of abstinence (LDA; count of consecutive cocaine-negative urine tests) and Treatment Effectiveness Score (TES; count of cocaine-negative urine tests from study midpoint to endpoint). Bayesian models estimated independent moderation and mediation effects of cognitive ability on the association between treatment (citalopram 40 mg vs. placebo) and LDA/TES. Results: Of the four assessments, only the IGT demonstrated concurrent moderation and mediation in the sample (N = 80; 82% males). Treatment effects on LDA (IRR = 1.02) and TES (IRR = 1.03) were strongest in participants with higher baseline IGT scores, which indicate less risky decision-making (posterior probabilities >93%). Models supported a positive indirect effect of treatment on TES (IRR = 1.12, posterior probability = 81.6%), with 52.3% of the total effect mediated by changes in IGT scores from baseline to mid-treatment. Conclusion: We found evidence for IGT as a moderator and mediator of citalopram’s effects on cocaine use. Decision-making ability may play a role in predicting who responds to citalopram and how.

Polysomnographic features of hypoglossal nerve stimulation efficacy: Looking deeper than the apnea-hypopnea index.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is a promising surgical option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Efficacy studies for HGNS stimulation largely focus on the apnea-hypopnea index and/or oxygen desaturation index. This study's objective was to show the physiological effects of HGNS stimulation on upper airway patency, airflow, and treatment effect during polysomnography (PSG) testing. PSG tracings from patients implanted with an Inspire© HGNS device were reviewed for this study. Nasal pressure was utilized as a surrogate for respiratory flow and chin electromyography was used to detect HGNS stimulation, allowing for breath-to-breath analysis. Per our sleep laboratory protocol, the HGNS device was turned on and off at different periods of the night. Respiratory tracings during these periods were visually analyzed. Analysis of on-off periods of HGNS therapy during PSG allows for a concise assessment of HGNS efficacy. The presence of inspiratory flow limitation and subsequent apneas or hypopneas upon turning off HGNS stimulation with restoration of stable, unobstructed breathing upon resuming HGNS stimulation indicates a positive treatment effect related to HGNS therapy. Despite the respiratory-sensing capacity of the Inspire HGNS device, desynchrony of stimulation and inspiration is observed. Desynchrony yields partially captured inspiratory cycles, allowing for assessment of HGNS effect on an individual breath. Night-to-night and intranight variability in OSA severity makes assessing the effect of HGNS complex. Strategic testing protocols during postoperative PSG can provide critical insight into the effect of this therapy on upper airway obstruction during sleep. On-off periods of stimulation provide a concise assessment of the effect of HGNS on preventing upper airway collapse and help to account for night-to-night and intranight variability. Respiratory desynchrony associated with HGNS therapy exists. Observing partially-stimulated inspiratory cycles allow for assessment of HGNS's effect on a single breath. 4.

Understanding Rett Syndrome: Genetic, clinical and therapeutic perspectives - literature review

Introduction and Objective: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that predominantly affects the female. The disease develops after 6 months of age causing abnormalities in the child's development. The aim of this article is to bring together the latest information and clinical, genetic and therapeutic perspectives on RTT. Review Methods: The review was based on publicly available PubMed and Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2019 to 2024 using the following phrases: rett syndrome, rett syndrome treatment, rett syndrome rehabilitation, MECP2. Publications were analyzed using a non-systematic review method to create a brief synthesis of the available information. Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: Rett syndrome is characterised by a loss-of-function mutation in the MECP2 gene, which is located on the long arm of the X chromosome. The diagnosis is confirmed by clinical criteria such as complete loss of acquired targeted hand skills, spoken language, gait abnormalities and confirmation of the mutation in the MECP2 gene. Treatment focuses on multidisciplinary management of the symptoms associated with the disease and an individualised rehabilitation programme. Recent studies show positive effects of trofinetide treatment, and gene therapy, genome editing and ataluren promise to be a promising treatment for RTT. Summary: The authors highlight the need for development of early diagnosis of RTT in infants, rehabilitation focused on family-centred care (FCC) and the need for further research towards innovative treatments for Rett Syndrome.

Effects of Exergaming on Physical Fitness of Youth with Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Due to the exponential growth in technology, exergames emerged as a potential tool to foster physical activity (PA) levels. This study provides an overall view of the literature on the effects of exergaming on physical fitness components among overweight and obese children and adolescents. A systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Among the 618 articles identified at the first screening stage, 17 were retained for analysis. The results indicate positive effects of exergaming interventions in body composition outcomes, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and skills performance. Results from the randomized studies with the control group revealed significant effects of exergames in decreasing body mass index (mean difference = 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06 to 0.43, P = 0.01) and increasing cardiorespiratory fitness (Hedges's g = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.46, P = 0.00). Although not statistically significant, participants submitted to exergames interventions also showed decreased body weight compared to their control peers. The results emphasize the ability of exergames to enhance PA levels and physical fitness components, which might influence the health status of overweight and obese youth. However, due to the limited number of studies included in the meta-analysis (n = 4), future randomized controlled experiments are still needed to improve the understanding of the impact of exergames interventions on physical fitness.

Efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy on psychological rehabilitation in cancer patients treated with proton and heavy ion therapy: a non-randomized controlled trial.

To develop an appropriate intervention utilizing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) tailored specifically for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, and to investigate its impact on hope, psychological resilience, psychological flexibility, and psychological distress among cancer patients receiving proton and heavy ion therapy. Eighty participants were allocated into an intervention group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40) based on their admission time. The control and intervention groups underwent a 3-week health education program, with the intervention group additionally participating in a 3-week, 6-session acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) group psychological intervention. Discrepancies in hope levels, psychological resilience, psychological flexibility, and psychological distress between the two groups were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and a 3-month follow-up using linear mixed-effects analysis (LMM). LMM analyses revealed that at the end of the intervention, scores for hope and psychological resilience were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.025, P = 0.003), and scores for psychological flexibility were lower in the intervention group (P = 0.001). Furthermore, at the 3-month follow-up, HHI scores remained higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.015). In contrast, scores for psychological flexibility and psychological distress were lower in the intervention group (P = 0.001, P = 0.001). These differences persisted even after adjusting for baseline values. A psychological intervention program based on the ACT model of treatment helps to promote psychological recovery in cancer patients with radiotherapy. Evidence is provided for the effectiveness of positive clinical psychological interventions. The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300068349) on 15th February, 2023.

Does a Prolonged Sham Theta Burst Stimulation Intervention Regimen Outperform Standard Care in Terms of Functional Recovery and Pain Relief After an Upper Limb Fracture?

In a recent sham-controlled 13-session prolonged continuous theta burst stimulation intervention protocol, recovery from upper limb fracture at both 1 and 3 months was better than anticipated in patients assigned to the sham intervention group. To determine whether potential placebo effect and close patient monitoring affected recovery, the current study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between sham-treated participants who also received standard care with similarly injured patients who only received standard care. Twenty participants with isolated upper limb fractures from the sham group were seen 13 times post-fracture (1 baseline session, 10 treatments, and 2 follow-ups [1 and 3 months]) over 3 months. They completed the self-reported Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Numerical Rating Scale for pain assessment at 1 and 3 months post-fracture. Two control groups were recruited: 43 participants at 1 month post-fracture and another 40 participants at 3 months post-fracture. These control groups completed the same questionnaires online, without any lab visits. At 1 month, patients from the sham group reported significantly less functional impairments on the DASH (p = .010). At 3 months, significantly more patients from the control group reported functional limitations (72.5% versus sham's 40%, p = .015). Although preliminary, these findings suggest clinically significant beneficial effects of the sham intervention over the standard care groups. This positive sham intervention effect may be attributed to a placebo response that includes the placebo effect associated with sham rTMS, but also the impact of various factors such as the close monitoring of the injury.

Improving the acidification kinetics, structural and sensory properties of low-fat yoghurt using high-pressure homogenization treatment

In this study, the impact of high pressure homogenization at 50, 100 and 150 MPa, on the physicochemical, rheological, textural, microstructural, and sensory properties as well as acidification kinetics of low-fat yoghurt was investigated. The results showed that a shorter fermentation time was obtained for yoghurt samples produced from high-pressure homogenized milk compared to the control sample. Homogenization of milk at high pressures resulted in an increase in the water holding capacity from 42.83 to 52.67 % and firmness from 1.01 to 1.45 N of yoghurt samples. The viscosity (Ƞ50) of yoghurt increased up to 0.446 Pa.s by milk homogenization and all yoghurt samples showed shear thinning behaviour. Microstructural analyses revealed that control sample had a typical open porous gel network of casein, while fewer porous and more dense protein network was observed in yoghurts from high pressure homogenized milk. The positive effect of the milk homogenization treatment on the sensory properties of yoghurts was observed as well. Principal component analysis visualized the effect of high pressure homogenization treatment and confirmed the close relationship between structural properties and overall acceptability. Among the tested low-fat yoghurts, high pressure milk homogenization at 150 MPa had the greatest potential for improving yoghurt structure, whereas 100 MPa pressure imparted the most acceptable sensorial properties.

Silencing the Phantom - Pregabalin Misuse in Amputation Patients: A Case Report

In the aftermath of amputation, individuals face not only physical pain but also psychological challenges as their body's integrity is suddenly disrupted. Phantom limb sensations, characterized by the feeling that the amputated limb still exists, are common after amputation. Phantom limb pain often accompanies these sensations. Beyond the physiological aspects, patients' psychological adaptation journey is pivotal. This case report delves into the intricate relationship between phantom limb sensations, psychological factors, and pregabalin use disorder in a right-arm amputee patient. A 25-year-old right-arm amputee male patient went to an addiction outpatient clinic for pregabalin addiction treatment. He had a history of cannabis use to cope with his sadness during his adolescence. While cannabis use initially provided emotional relief, it later turned to pregabalin misuse, escalating to alarming doses (3000mg/day). Many pharmacological agents, including pregabalin, are being tried to treat phantom limb pain. Beyond its positive effects in phantom limb pain treatment, many studies have been published about its addictive features recently. This case underscores the need for comprehensive care for amputees, including psychological support, early prosthetic intervention, social reintegration, and judicious medication management. This case report serves as a reminder that the post-amputation period is not just a physical struggle but also a complex psychological journey toward healing and reintegration into a fulfilling life..

Preliminary study of Kinesio Taping in rectus abdominis diastasis treatment and abdominal circumference improvement in postpartum women: a retrospective study

Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) is a key factor in the rehabilitation of postpartum women. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) in RAD treatment and abdominal changes. The medical records of women with RAD who received KT treatment at the hospital were reviewed. A total of 138 women were included and their demographic characteristics were reviewed, including data before and after RAD treatment, abdominal circumference at the umbilicus and both above and below the umbilicus, as well as the distance from the xiphoid to the umbilicus, distance from the umbilicus to the pubic symphysis. The width of RAD decreased from 4.58 ± 1.74 cm to 2.33 ± 0.90 cm after KT treatment (t = P < 0.001) compared to before treatment. After treatment, the proportions of women with normal, mild, moderate, and severe RAD were 28.1%, 44.6%, 26.6%, and 0.7%, respectively, showing statistical significance (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed in the abdominal circumference reduction at the umbilicus and above and below the umbilicus before and after KT treatment. However, no statistically significant difference was noted in terms of the changes in the distance from the umbilicus to the pubic symphysis. A statistically significant difference was observed before treatment in abdominal circumference below the umbilicus between the cured and non-cured groups. Preliminary analysis results showed a positive effect of Kinesio Taping treatment in promoting rectus abdominis diastasis recovery and improving abdominal circumference. Furthermore, rectus abdominis diastasis was positively correlated with lower abdominal circumference and anterior abdominal injury.

Positive dementia caregiving in 30 days (PDC30): Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial of a self-guided automated online training program.

The Benefit-Finding Intervention, a face-to-face psychoeducation program with a focus on the positive meanings of caregiving, has been found to reduce depressive symptoms and burden in dementia caregivers. The program was revamped into a computer-delivered web-based program to enable 24/7 access without location restriction. This study evaluates the efficacy of this new online program called Positive Dementia Caregiving in 30 Days (PDC30). A 2-arm (PDC30 vs. waitlist control) parallel-group randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Target sample is 200 mildly depressed dementia family caregivers with internet access and fluency in English, who will be recruited globally through a YouTube video promoted on social media and through service agencies. The primary outcome is depressive symptoms whereas secondary outcomes are anxiety symptoms, burden, and positive gains, all collected at baseline and 1, 2, and 3months. The treatment x time (both linear and quadratic) interaction effects will be examined using mixed-effect regression. Additionally, possible therapeutic mechanisms via strengthened self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts and positive reappraisal coping will be examined in a mediation path model. If positive treatment effects are found, the potential public health benefits, given the ease of access, universal availability, and flexible approach, of this online intervention are considerable.

COCHLEA: Longitudinal Cognitive Performance of Older Adults with Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implants at 4.5-Year Follow-Up.

Hearing loss is highly prevalent in older adults and is independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline. Cochlear implants are usually the only effective treatment for people with severe-profound hearing loss, who have the highest risk of cognitive decline and dementia, however, very few receive them. Current evidence of the effects of cochlear implant use on cognitive decline/dementia outcomes is limited and unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cochlear implant use on longitudinal cognitive performance, as this intervention may be an effective method of modifying cognitive outcomes for older adults with significant hearing loss. This prospective longitudinal observational study investigated cognitive performance in a convenience sample of older adults (mean age 74 years) with cochlear implants over 4.5 years post-implantation, comparing this with that of community-living adults with untreated hearing loss/normal hearing over 3 years (Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing; AIBL). All participants were assessed at 18-month intervals from baseline using the same measures. Panel regression was used to compare cognitive trajectories. Cochlear implant users demonstrated significantly improved performance in executive function and working memory, as well as stability in attention, psychomotor function, and visual learning at 4.5-year follow-up. Comparatively, AIBL participants showed significantly greater worsening performance per year in attention and psychomotor function, and stability in working memory and visual learning at 3-year follow-up. Cochlear implant use may delay cognitive decline and/or improve cognitive performance in older adults with severe-profound hearing loss, providing proof-of-concept evidence of the positive effects of hearing intervention on cognitive performance in older adults with hearing loss.

Unravelling the benefits of thermal waters enhancing oral health: a pilot study

BackgroundOral health represents a public health problem due to its remarkable social impact and medical costs. Crenotherapy with sulfur water is shown to be a complementary, less toxic, and traumatizing therapy, but the number of studies that evaluate the effect of natural mineral waters effect on oral health are scarce. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the impact of thermal water therapy on the oral health of the participants, assessing parameters such as plaque index, gingival bleeding index and periodontal probing depth as well on the perception of symptoms of oral mucosa diseases (OMD).MethodsAn observational, longitudinal and comparative study was designed, and 90 thermalists were randomly allocated to two treatment groups for 14 days: Thermal sulfuric natural mineral water of the Amarante Thermal baths group (TW_TA group) (n = 45) or saline solution (control group) (n = 45), in May 2022. The study was based on clinical observation and application of a self-response questionnaire involving sociodemographic data and quality of life assessment. The evaluation was carried out in 2 different moments: before and at the end of treatment (14 days).ResultsThe study involved 90 thermal practitioners, evenly split between the TW_TA group and a control group. Most participants were women (70%), with a similar average age in both groups. Oral examination showed a high prevalence of filled and missing teeth, and around 25% of participants used removable prostheses, predominantly in the control group. Thermal treatment had a positive impact on oral health. In the TW_TA group, gingival bleeding significantly decreased from 68.9% to 40%, while it remained unchanged in the control group. Periodontal health improved, with no participants in the TW_TA group having pockets deeper than 5 mm by the end of the study, indicating reduced periodontal pathology. Also, plaque levels dropped in both groups after treatment, as assessed by the O’Leary index. Additionally, quality of life related to OMD improved, particularly in the TW_TA group. The overall reduction in symptoms was significant, although the differences between groups were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the positive effects of thermal water treatment on oral health, including reduced gingival bleeding and plaque levels, along with improved quality of life related to OMD. Further targeted research is needed to explore the benefits of thermal water effects and optimize oral health practices in Portugal using thermal waters.

Transforming family dynamics: unexpected positive effects of treatment for adolescent gaming problems on family relationships

IntroductionWhile parenting is important for the development of adolescent problem gaming, it is unknown whether treatment of such problems in adolescents has a bearing on parenting. This study aims to explore the effects of individual relapse prevention (RP) treatment for adolescent problematic gaming on parenting practices and family dynamics.MethodsA total of 72 adolescents (74% male; Mage = 14.5 SD = 1.4), participated in the study, with n = 39 in the intervention group and n = 33 in the control group. Pre- and post-treatment data were collected on parenting practices (e.g., monitoring and communication) and family dynamics. Changes in parenting measures were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Svensson's method of change analysis.ResultsAdolescents in the intervention group reported reduced family conflict and changes in specific parenting practices, including less inquiry, fewer rules and intrusion regarding gaming post-treatment. In contrast, the control group reported a decline in family cohesion at post-treatment assessment.DiscussionThe results highlight adolescents' active role in shaping family dynamics and underscore the positive spillover effects of treating adolescent problematic gaming on parenting practices and family relationships. These findings are relevant to clinical practice and deepen our understanding of the relationship between adolescent gaming, parent-child interactions, and treatment spillover effects.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05506384, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05506384.

Can a Universal Mindfulness Intervention in Schools Reduce ADHD Symptoms among Adolescents? A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Existing studies suggest that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can reduce ADHD symptoms when delivered as targeted clinical programs to young people diagnosed with ADHD. However, there is currently a lack of research on whether MBIs are effective in reducing elevated ADHD symptoms when delivered as universal programs to whole classes in schools. This study investigated the effects of a universal nine-week MBI (.b program) on students' elevated ADHD symptoms using an cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. The modifying effects of pupils' baseline characteristics (gender, age, and socioeconomic status) and home-practice intensity were examined. A total of 3519 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years from Finnish schools were randomized into an MBI group, a relaxation-based active-control group, and a passive-control group. ADHD symptoms were measured at baseline (T0), at nine weeks (T9), and at 26-weeks (T26, follow-up) using parent-reported assessments. The study found no positive intervention effects on parent-reported ADHD symptoms in the MBI group compared to the control groups. Neither boys nor girls benefited from the MBI. The same was true of different age groups and socioeconomic levels. Moreover, regular home practice during the follow-up period did not strengthen the intervention effects. The results do not support the use of brief, universal MBIs in whole school classes as part of the routine curriculum to reduce elevated ADHD symptoms in adolescents. Further research is essential to identify optimal content and delivery methods for MBIs in schools. Particularly among adolescents with elevated ADHD symptoms, targeted MBIs, adapted to the unique needs of this subgroup, should be examined. Trial Registration: Healthy Learning Mind-a school-based mindfulness and relaxation program: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) ISRCTN18642659 retrospectively registered on 13 October 2015. The full trial protocol can be accessed at http://rdcu.be/t57S.

Cultural adaptation of positive behavioral interventions and supports tier 1 in a Chinese elementary school.

Research has shown the positive effects of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) on student outcomes. Despite its effectiveness, there is limited research on the cultural adaptation of PBIS in other cultures, especially in Asia. Based on cultural adaptation frameworks, the current case study reports the cultural adaptation and implementation process of PBIS Tier 1 in a Chinese elementary school, including the steps and strategies in its engagement, design, and implementation. Using multiple questionnaires, we also examined the pre- and postintervention differences in students' emotional and behavioral problems, their perceptions of school climate, and important factors related to academic engagement. Mainly, students' prosocial behaviors, emotional symptoms, and their interpersonal relationships with teachers and peers improved. However, there was also an increase in hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems. Limitations and future directions are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).