Somatic Score Research Articles

OP07 Psychosocial factors are associated with risk of flare in IBD; results from the PREdiCCt study

Abstract Background Patients with IBD suffer a high prevalence of psychological disorders. The impact of psychosocial factors on the risk of a disease flare is unknown. We aimed to assess associations between psychosocial factors and disease flare. Methods The PREdiCCt study is the largest prospective study of the causes of IBD flare. 2629 patients in clinical remission were recruited from 47 UK sites and followed up for 24 months. At study entry, patients completed questionnaires evaluating anxiety (HADS-A), depression (HADS-D), sleep quality (PSQI), physical activity (GPAQ) and somatization (PHQ15). We investigated associations between psychosocial factors and risk of clinical flare (patient-reported from IBD-Control 8 score) and hard flare (clinical flare and CRP >5 mg/L or faecal calprotectin (FC) >250 mcg/g and change in treatment). Survival analyses with Cox frailty models were performed, separately for Crohn’s disease (CD) and UC/IBDU, adjusting for baseline FC, sex, index of multiple deprivation, hospital site + age. Results We included 1641 patients [CD=830, UC/IBDU=811] who had a complete dataset for analysis (Table 1). Clinical flares were reported by 595 patients [CD=280, UC/IBDU=315], with an overall two-year flare rate of 36%. Hard flares were recorded for 219 patients [CD=99, UC/IBDU=120; two-year flare rate: 13%]. UC patients with higher depression scores had an increased risk of both clinical [elevated HADS-D scores of 8-10: aHR 1.72 (95%CI 1.21-2.43, p=0.002)] and hard flare [aHR 2.50 (p<0.001); Figure 1]. Anxiety was associated with an increased risk of clinical flare [elevated HADS-A scores of 11-21: UC/IBDU: aHR 1.46 (1.08-1.99, p=0.01); CD: aHR 1.86 (1.38-2.52, p<0.001)]. In addition, IBD patients with higher somatization scores were at increased risk for clinical flare [CD: aHR 3.86 (2.33-6.40, p<0.001); UC/IBDU: aHR 1.96 (1.25-3.07, p=0.003)], with a borderline effect for hard flare only in CD [aHR 2.34 (1.02-5.38, p=0.05)]. Significant associations were found between sleep deprivation and clinical flare risk in CD [aHR 1.58 (1.22-2.04, p<0.001)]. UC/IBDU patients who did not meet WHO-recommended exercise levels were at increased risk of hard flare [aHR 1.55 (1.03-2.32, p=0.03)]. Conclusion In this large prospective IBD cohort study we demonstrated a significant burden of several psychosocial factors. Anxiety, depression, somatization, and sleep disturbances were associated with an increased clinical flare risk. Depression and lack of exercise were associated with an increased hard flare risk in UC patients. These findings emphasize the need for a holistic IBD treatment approach. Table 1: baseline characteristics Figure 1: Clinical flare risk (left) and hard flare risk (right adjusted for site [fixed effect], sex, IMD, FC + age)

FEATURES OF THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH COMORBID CORONARY HEART DISEASE, TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS, AND OBESITY, ACCORDING TO THE FUNCTIONAL CLASS OF CHRONIC HEART FAILURE

The purpose of this study is to assess the presence and nature of changes in the components of emotional status in patients with comorbidity of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus or its combination with obesity, according to the functional class of chronic heart failure. Subjects and methods. This study involved 225 patients with chronic heart failure secondary to coronary heart disease, divided into groups based on the presence of metabolic disorders. Group 1 included patients with chronic heart failure, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity (n = 75). Group 2 consisted of patients with chronic heart failure and coronary heart disease, along with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 50). Group 3 included patients with chronic heart failure and coronary heart disease, with concomitant obesity (n = 50). The comparison group, Group 4, consisted of patients with ischemic chronic heart failure without metabolic disorders (n = 50). All groups were comparable in age and sex. The Beck Depression Inventory scale was used to assess the presence and nature of depressive disorders. Results. In patients with chronic heart failure II functional class and a combination of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, the cognitive-affective subscale scores were lower than in patients with chronic heart failure III functional class by 23.4% (p<0.01) and chronic heart failure IV functional class by 83.8% (p<0.01). Similar differences were noted for the somatic subscale scores in patients with chronic heart failure in coronary heart disease in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. The somatic subscale scores in patients with chronic heart failure II functional class were significantly reduced when compared with chronic heart failure III functional class by 40.7% (p<0.01) and chronic heart failure IV functional class by 105.7% (p<0.01). Analyzing the components of emotional status in patients with ischemic chronic heart failure and concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus, an increase in cognitive-affective subscale scores in patients with chronic heart failure III functional class by 21% (p<0.01) was found, compared with chronic heart failure II functional class. In patients with chronic heart failure IV functional class, cognitive-affective subscale scores were higher than in patients with III functional class by 72.3% (p<0.01). Somatic subscale scores in patients with IV functional class of chronic heart failure significantly exceeded those in patients with III functional class by 63.8% (p<0.01). When comparing somatic subscale scores in patients with II and III functional class of chronic heart failure of ischemic origin against the background of concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus, no significant differences were found (p>0.05). Conclusions. The deterioration of emotional status in patients with ischemic chronic heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs in proportion to the worsening of symptoms, particularly on the cognitive-affective subscale. At the stage of pronounced cardiac decompensation, progressive somatic depressive manifestations emerge. In patients with coronary heart disease and combined metabolic pathology, changes in both the cognitive-affective and somatic subscales are observed, correlating with an increase in the functional class of heart failure.

Rumen-protected methionine supplementation improves lactation performance and alleviates inflammation during a subclinical mastitis challenge in lactating dairy cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected Met on lactation performance, inflammation, and immune response, and liver glutathione of lactating dairy cows during a subclinical mastitis challenge (SMC). Thirty-two Holstein cows (145 ± 51 DIM) were enrolled in a randomized complete block design. At -21 d relative to the SMC, cows were assigned to dietary treatments, and data were collected before and during the SMC. Cows were blocked according to parity, DIM, and milk yield and received a basal diet (17.4% CP; Lys 7.01% MP and Met 2.14% MP) plus 100 g/d of ground corn (CON; n = 16) or a basal diet plus 100 g/d of ground corn and rumen-protected Met (SM, Smartamine M at 0.09% of dietary DM; n = 16), fed as a top-dress. At 0 d, the mammary gland's rear right quarter was infused with 100,000 cfu of Streptococcus uberis (O140J). Milk yield was recorded twice daily from 0 until 3 d relative to SMC. Milk samples were collected during each milking from 0 to 3 d relative to SMC, blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h relative to SMC. The mTOR pathway activation was assessed in immune cells in blood and milk samples by measuring quantity and phosphorylation status of mTOR-related proteins, including AKT, S6RP, and 4EBP1. For the ratio of phosphorylated to total AKT, S6RP, and 4EBP1, blood samples were collected at 0, 12, and 24 h, and milk samples at 24 h relative to SMC. Liver biopsies were performed at -10 d and 24 h relative to SMC for measurement of glutathione. Linear mixed models with repeated measures were used to analyze the results. There was a trend for greater milk yield per milking (+ 0.8 kg) and per day (+1.7 kg) after SMC in SM cows compared with CON. The DMI was not affected by dietary treatments. Reactive oxygen metabolites were lower in SM cows than in CON. Milk somatic cell linear score was not affected by dietary treatments, and a score >4 at 24 h confirmed subclinical mastitis. The SM cows had greater milk fat percentage at 24 and 36 h post SMC, resulting in overall greater milk fat. Milk protein tended to be greater in SM cows than in CON. We observed greater liver glutathione in SM cows than in CON. Among inflammation biomarkers, ceruloplasmin was lower for SM cows compared with CON. In milk, greater phosphorylated (p) AKT:AKT and pS6RP:S6RP ratios were observed in immune cell populations from SM cows compared with CON. Blood neutrophils had a greater p4EBP1:4EBP1 ratio in SM cows compared with CON. Overall, our results show that Met supplementation during an SMC positively affected milk performance, lowered the risk of oxidative stress, and attenuated inflammation partially by increasing liver glutathione and immune cells' protein synthesis via mTOR signaling.

Somatic Symptoms in a Population-Based Sample from Childhood to Adolescence: Stability and Concurrent and Longitudinal Predictors.

The present study investigated group and individual stability and predictors of somatic symptoms from childhood to adolescence in a population-based sample. 259 youth were evaluated at 6-12 years (M 8.1) and 8 years later (M 15.2). Sixteen somatic symptoms from the parent-rated Pediatric Behavior Scale were used for analyses, in addition to psychopathology subscales. Most somatic symptom prevalence rates decreased from childhood to adolescence. Group mean scores were relatively stable over time. Individual stability for the absence of somatic symptoms in childhood and adolescence was high, yet individual stability for the presence of somatic symptoms at both time points was low. Most symptoms remitted for the majority of youth. New cases in adolescence were common. Significant correlates of childhood and adolescent somatic symptoms varied. Longitudinal predictors were childhood somatic symptoms and adolescent medication status. Childhood psychopathology scores did not predict the total adolescent somatic symptom score.

Findings Consistent with a Breast Implant–associated Somatic System Disorder (BIA-SSD) Among Patients Self-reporting Breast Implant Illness

Background: Self-reported breast implant illness (BII) has been found to be associated with anxiety as well as medically diagnosed anxiety and depression. Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a relatively common mental health condition that includes anxiety and somatic symptoms, often without a clear cause. Methods: We evaluated patients with BII symptoms, with or without a history of an anxiety disorder, for findings consistent with SSD. A total of 120 women were evaluated in 2 cohorts, 60 women with somatic symptoms and breast implants desiring explantation as well as 60 women desiring explantation without BII symptoms. Patient demographics, a patient survey, and validated anxiety scale and somatic symptom scale measurements were obtained. Results: Patients with a history of an anxiety disorder and BII symptoms had very high levels of anxiety and highly elevated somatic symptom scores. Patients with a combined diagnosis of anxiety and BII symptoms demonstrated an SSD prevalence of 70.2%, with the difference between the BII/anxiety group and other groups statistically significant (P < 0.01). Other patients with BII symptoms and no history of anxiety had a lower SSD prevalence (21.7%). Patients without a history of BII had little to no SSD inclusion. Conclusions: Our data suggest that a significant subset of patients with somatic symptoms have findings consistent with a breast implant–associated somatic symptom disorder. Patients with persistent or excessive thoughts about somatic symptoms will benefit from counseling and referral to an SSD specialist if they wish to maintain breast implants.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of depressive symptoms: a retrospective longitudinal study from the population-based CONSTANCES cohort.

Should COVID-19 have a direct impact on the risk of depression, it would suggest specific pathways for prevention and treatment. In this retrospective population-based study, we aimed to examine the association of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection with depressive symptoms, distinguishing self-reported v. biologically confirmed COVID-19. 32 007 participants from the SAPRIS survey nested in the French CONSTANCES cohort were included. COVID-19 was measured as followed: ad hoc serologic testing, self-reported PCR or serology positive test results, and self-reported COVID-19. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center of Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Outcomes were depressive symptoms (total CES-D score, its four dimensions, and clinically significant depressive symptoms) and exposure was prior COVID-19 (no COVID-19/self-reported unconfirmed COVID-19/biologically confirmed COVID-19). In comparison to participants without COVID-19, participants with self-reported unconfirmed COVID-19 and biologically confirmed COVID-19 had higher CES-D scores (β for one interquartile range increase [95% CI]: 0.15 [0.08-0.22] and 0.09 [0.05-0.13], respectively) and somatic complaints dimension scores (0.15 [0.09-0.21] and 0.10 [0.07-0.13]). Only those with self-reported but unconfirmed COVID-19 had higher depressed affect dimension scores (0.08 [0.01-0.14]). Accounting for ad hoc serologic testing only, the CES-D score and the somatic complaints dimension were only associated with the combination of self-reported COVID-19 and negative serology test results. The association between COVID-19 and depressive symptoms was merely driven by somatic symptoms of depression and did not follow a gradient consistent with the hypothesis of a direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the risk of depression.

Rumen-protected methionine supplementation during the transition period under artificially induced heat stress: Effects on cow-calf performance

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected Met on lactation performance, inflammation and immune response, and liver glutathione of lactating dairy cows during a subclinical mastitis challenge (SMC). Thirty-two Holstein cows (145 ± 51 DIM) were enrolled in a randomized complete block design. At -21 d relative to the SMC, cows were assigned to dietary treatments, and data were collected before and during the SMC. Cows were blocked according to parity, DIM, and milk yield and received a basal diet (17.4% CP; Lys 7.01% MP and Met 2.14% MP) plus 100 g/d of ground corn (CON; n = 16) or a basal diet plus 100 g/d of ground corn and rumen-protected Met (SM, Smartamine M at 0.09% of dietary DM; n = 16), fed as a top-dress. At 0 d, the mammary gland's rear right quarter was infused with 100,000 cfu of Streptococcus uberis (O140J). Milk yield was recorded twice daily from 0 until 3 d relative to SMC. Milk samples were collected during each milking from 0 to 3 d relative to SMC, blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h relative to SMC. The mTOR pathway activation was assessed in immune cells in blood and milk samples by measuring quantity and phosphorylation status of mTOR-related proteins, including AKT, S6RP, and 4EBP1. For the ratio of phosphorylated to total AKT, S6RP, and 4EBP1, blood samples were collected at 0, 12, and 24 h, and milk samples at 24 h relative to SMC. Liver biopsies were performed at -10 d and 24 h relative to SMC for measurement of glutathione. Linear mixed models with repeated measures were used to analyze the results. There was a trend for greater milk yield per milking (+ 0.8 kg) and per day (+1.7 kg) after SMC in SM cows compared with CON. The DMI was not affected by dietary treatments. Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) were lower in SM cows than in CON. Milk somatic cell linear score was not affected by dietary treatments, and a score >4 at 24 h confirmed subclinical mastitis. The SM cows had greater milk fat percentage at 24 and 36 h post SMC, resulting in overall greater milk fat. Milk protein tended to be greater in SM cows than in CON. We observed greater liver glutathione in SM cows than in CON. Among inflammation biomarkers, ceruloplasmin was lower for SM cows compared with CON. In milk, greater pAKT:AKT and pS6RP:S6RP ratios were observed in immune cell populations from SM cows compared with CON. Blood neutrophils had a greater p4EBP1:4EBP1 ratio in SM cows compared with CON. Overall, our results show that Met supplementation during an SMC positively affected milk performance, lowered the risk of oxidative stress, and attenuated inflammation partially by increasing liver glutathione and immune cells' protein synthesis via mTOR signaling.

Resting-state electroencephalogram in drug-free subjects with at-risk mental states who later developed psychosis: a low-resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis.

Several studies have reported on the resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) power in patients with schizophrenia, with a decrease in α (especially α2) and an increase in δ and β1 power compared with healthy control; however, reports on at-risk mental states (ARMS) are few. In this study, we measured the resting-state EEG power in ARMS, and investigated its features and the relationship between the power of the frequency bands and their diagnostic outcomes. Patients with ARMS who were not on any psychotropic medication and met the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental State criteria were included. Patients who developed psychotic disorders were labeled as the ARMS-P group, while patients with ARMS who were followed up prospectively for more than 2 years and did not develop psychotic disorders were classified as the ARMS-NP group. EEGs were measured in the resting state, and frequencies were analyzed using standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA). Seven bands (δ, θ, α1, α2, β1-3) underwent analysis. The sLORETA values (current source density [CSD]) were compared between the ARMS-P and ARMS-NP groups. Clinical symptoms were assessed at the time of EEG measurements using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Of the 39 patients included (25 males, 14 females, 18.8 ± 4.5 years old), eight developed psychotic disorders (ARMS-P). The ARMS-P group exhibited significantly higher CSD in the β1 power within areas of the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) compared with the ARMS-NP group (best match: X = -35, Y = 25, Z = 50 [MNI coordinates], Area 8, CSD = 2.33, p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the β1/α ratio of the CSD at left MFG and the Somatic concern score measured by the PANSS. Increased β1 power was observed in the resting EEG before the onset of psychosis and correlated with a symptom. This suggests that resting EEG power may be a useful marker for predicting future conversion to psychosis and clinical symptoms in patients with ARMS.

An analytic cross-sectional study of Somali women on the sexual and psychosocial status during pregnancy

BackgroundPregnancy is associated with physical, psychological, hormonal, and social alterations that may lead to detrimental effects on sexual function and psychological well-being. This study sought to examine sexual function and psychosocial well-being of pregnant women in Somalia in comparison with their non-pregnant counterparts.MethodsWe enrolled 487 consecutive women in monogamous marriages. Data included maternal age, gravida, parity, gestational week, education status of wives and husbands, and residence area. The participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18).ResultsOf 487 women, 241 were pregnant, and 246 were non-pregnant. The overall incidence of sexual dysfunction was 57.7%, being 64.0% for pregnant and 51.6% for non-pregnant women (p = 0.010). Pregnant women exhibited significantly lower FSFI scores on desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, and significantly higher total BSI, anxiety, depression and somatization scores. The frequencies of sexual dysfunction were 57.9%, 45.9%, and 78.9% during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively (p = 0.0001). As compared with the first and second trimesters, and non-pregnancy, the third trimester of pregnancy was associated with a significantly lower total FSFI score and significantly decreased levels of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, as well as a significantly higher total BSI score and a significantly increased level of anxiety. In regression analysis, pregnancy was inversely associated with sexual function parameters of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, and with BSI parameters of depression, anxiety and somatization.ConclusionOur findings suggest that pregnant women experience considerable sexual and psychosocial deterioration as compared with their non-pregnant counterparts.

Systemic inflammation and menopausal symptomatology: insights from postmenopausal women.

This study aims to investigate the association between systemic inflammation, measured by the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 702 postmenopausal women recruited from a tertiary hospital. Participants completed the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) to assess somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms. Blood samples were collected to calculate SII. Statistical analyses included correlation, univariate regression, and multivariate regression to determine the association between SII and menopausal symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms were muscle and joint problems (75.9%), hot flashes and sweating (72.5%), sleeping problems (71.2%), and depressive mood (69.9%). Women with higher total and somatic subscale scores had significantly elevated SII levels compared with those with lower scores. SII was the most associated variable for high total MRS (odds ratio, 4.77; 95% CI, 3.36-6.78; P < 0.001) and somatic subscale scores (odds ratio, 6.32; 95% CI, 4.45-8.99; P < 0.001). Exercise and gravidity were negatively associated with high total MRS and somatic subscale scores. Conversely, no significant associations were observed between SII and the urogenital or psychological subscale scores. Elevated SII levels were found associated with higher somatic subscale and total MRS scores, suggesting that inflammation may contribute to worsened somatic menopausal symptoms in this group. These findings suggest that exploring inflammatory pathways could be beneficial in managing menopausal symptoms and enhancing quality of life for postmenopausal women.

Enhanced recovery after surgery-based nursing in older patients with postoperative intestinal obstruction after gastric cancer surgery: A retrospective study.

Gastric cancer-related morbidity and mortality rates are high in China. Patients who have undergone gastric cancer surgery should receive six cycles of chemotherapy according to their condition. During this period, intestinal obstruction is likely to occur. Electrolyte balance disorders, peritonitis, intestinal necrosis, and even hypovolemic shock and septic shock can seriously affect the physical and mental recovery of patients and threaten their health and quality of life (QoL). To quantitatively explore the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)-based nursing on anxiety, depression, and QoL of elderly patients with postoperative intestinal obstruction after gastric cancer. The clinical data of 129 older patients with intestinal obstruction after gastric cancer surgery who were treated and cared for in our hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 were examined retrospectively. Nine patients dropped out because of transfer, relocation, or death. According to the order of admissions, the patients were categorized into either a comparison group or an observation group according to the random number table, with 60 cases in each group. After nursing care, the observation group required significantly less time to eat for the first time, recover bowel sounds, pass gas, and defecate than the comparison group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was noted in nutrition-related indicators between the two groups before care. Before care, the Symptom Check List-90 scores between the two groups were comparable, whereas anxiety, depression, paranoia, fear, hostility, obsession, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychotic scores were significantly lower in the observation group after care (P < 0.05). The QoL scores between the two groups before care did not differ significantly. After care, the physical, social, physiological, and emotional function scores; mental health score; vitality score; and general health score were significantly higher in the observation group, whereas the somatic pain score was significantly lower in the observation group (P < 0.05). ERAS-based nursing combined with conventional nursing interventions can effectively improve patient's QoL, negative emotions, and nutritional status; accelerate the time to first ventilation; and promote intestinal function recovery in elderly patients with postoperative intestinal obstruction after gastric cancer surgery.

Is Somatization Escape From Stigmatization? A Cross-Sectional Study

Somatization is a psychiatric condition characterized by repetitive bodily symptoms that cannot be fully explained by the medical condition of the individual and cannot be attributed to another mental disorder. This research aims to examine the relationship between the somatic symptoms of nursing students and their tendency to stigmatize. The research was conducted at two different universities and a total of 438 students participated. The data were collected using the personal information form, the "Somatization" subscale of the SCL-90-R scale, and the Stigma Tendency Scale. The average score of somatization of students was 0.98±0.70 and the average score of Stigma Tendency Scale was 45.39±11.69. It was found that female students, those who did not share their problems, those who had previously applied to a psychiatrist or psychologist and received mental therapy, those who took medication, those who recently felt the need for a psychiatrist or psychologist, students with a diagnosis of mental illness in their family and who knew about mental health and diseases had more somatic problems (P

Relationship between preoperative psychological stress and short-term prognosis in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture

BACKGROUND Older adults are at high risk of femoral neck fractures (FNFs). Elderly patients face and adapt to significant psychological burdens, resulting in different degrees of psychological stress response. Total hip replacement is the preferred treatment for FNF in elderly patients; however, some patients have poor postoperative prognoses, and the underlying mechanism is unknown. We speculated that the postoperative prognosis of elderly patients with FNF may be related to preoperative psychological stress. AIM To explore the relationship between preoperative psychological stress and the short-term prognosis of elderly patients with FNF. METHODS In this retrospective analysis, the baseline data, preoperative 90-item Symptom Checklist score, and Harris score within 6 months of surgery of 120 elderly patients with FNF who underwent total hip arthroplasty were collected. We analyzed the indicators of poor short-term postoperative prognosis and the ability of the indicators to predict poor prognosis and compared the correlation between the indicators and the Harris score. RESULTS Anxiety, depression, garden classification of FNF, cause of fracture, FNF reduction quality, and length of hospital stay were independent influencing factors for poor short-term postoperative prognoses in elderly patients with FNF (P &lt; 0.05). The areas under the curve for anxiety, depression, and length of hospital stay were 0.742, 0.854, and 0.749, respectively. The sensitivities of anxiety, depression, garden classification of FNF, and prediction of the cause of fracture were 0.857, 0.786, 0.821, and 0.821, respectively. The specificities of depression, FNF quality reduction, and length of hospital stay were the highest at 0.880, 0.783, and 0.761, respectively. Anxiety, depression, and somatization scores correlated moderately with Harris scores (r = -0.523, -0.625, and -0.554; all P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION Preoperative anxiety, depression, and somatization are correlated with poor short-term prognosis in elderly patients with FNF and warrant consideration.

The aging gastrointestinal tract: Epidemiology and clinical significance of disorders of gut-brain interaction in the older general population.

Most previous reports on the prevalence of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) show higher rates in younger individuals. Exceptions are faecal incontinence and functional constipation. To compare prevalence rates for 22 DGBI and 24 primary symptoms, by age, using the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology (RFGES) study dataset. The RFGES dataset enables diagnosis of 22 DGBI among 54,127 participants (≥18 years) in 26 countries. Older age was defined as ≥65 years. We assessed differences between age groups by sex, geographic region, somatisation, abnormal anxiety and depression scores, quality of life (QoL), individual gastrointestinal symptoms and disease severity for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Rates for any DGBI were 41.9% and 31.9% in the <65 and ≥65 age groups, respectively. For all Rome IV diagnoses except faecal incontinence, rates were higher in the younger group. The older group had lower scores for any DGBI by geographic region, non-gastrointestinal somatic symptoms, abnormal anxiety and depression scores, and IBS severity, and better scores for QoL. The mean number of endorsed symptoms and their frequency were higher in the younger group. In this large general population study, the prevalence and impact of DGBI, apart from faecal incontinence, were higher in the younger group. Despite this, DGBI rates are still high in absolute terms in the ≥65 age group and necessitate clinical awareness and, perhaps, an age-specific treatment approach.

Research Letter: Relationship of Blood Biomarkers of Inflammation With Acute Concussion Symptoms and Recovery in the CARE Consortium.

Determine the association of inflammatory biomarkers with clinical measures and recovery in participants with concussion. Multicenter study in National Collegiate Athletic Association member institutions including military service academies. Four hundred twenty-two participants with acute concussion. Clinical visits and blood draws were completed preinjury and at multiple visits postconcussion (0-12hours, 12-36hours, and 36-60hours postinjury). Clinical measures included Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) symptom severity, Balance Error Scoring System, Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) scores, time to initiation of graduated return-to-play (RTP) protocol, and time to RTP. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-8, IL-1 receptor antagonist (RA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), c-reactive protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in serum. Prespecified analyses focused on IL-6 and IL-1RA at 0 to 12hours; exploratory analyses were conducted with false discovery rate correction. For prespecified analyses, IL-1RA at 0 to 12hours in female participants was positively associated with more errors on the SAC (B(standard error, SE)=0.58(0.27), P <.05) and worse SCAT symptom severity (B(SE)=0.96(0.44), P <.05). For exploratory analyses, higher levels of IL-1RA at 12 to 36hours were associated with higher global (B(SE)=0.55(0.14), q<0.01), depression (B(SE)=0.45(0.10), q <0.005), and somatization scores on the BSI (B(SE)=0.46(0.12), q <0.01) in participants with concussion; Higher TNF at 12 to 36hours was associated with fewer errors on the SAC (B(SE)=-0.46(0.14), q <0.05). Subanalyses showed similar results for male participants and participants who were athletes. No associations were discovered in nonathlete cadets. Higher IL-8 at 0 to 12hours was associated with slower RTP in female participants (OR=14.47; 95% confidence interval, 2.96-70.66, q <0.05); no other associations with recovery were observed. Peripheral inflammatory markers are associated with clinical symptoms following concussion and potentially represent one mechanism for psychological symptoms observed postinjury. Current results do not provide strong support for a potential prognostic role for these markers.

Determining the Relationship Between Perceived Gender Roles and Menopausal Symptoms in Women

Purpose: The research was conducted to determine the relationship between perceived gender roles and menopausal symptoms in women. Methods: The research was designed in descriptive type and was carried out in family centers in Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 465 women. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and BEM Gender Roles Inventory (BSRI). Research data were evaluated with SPSS 27 and descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney U test were used. Results: Women's MRS total mean score was 17.45±8.37, somatic complaints mean score was 6.39±3.50, psychological complaints mean score was 7.31±3.75, urogenital complaints mean score was 3,74±2,77. It was determined that 48.2% of the women participating adopted the androgynous role. A statistically significant difference was found between the MRS urogenital complaints sub-dimension mean scores according to the gender roles adopted by the women participating(p=0.024

Patterns of adverse childhood experiences and mental health symptoms among young adults

It is well known that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked with mental health problems. Identifying different patterns of exposure to adverse childhood experiences can provide information regarding what types of adversity may place individuals at most risk for poor mental health. The aims of our study were to identify underlying patterns of 10 types of ACEs in a sample of young adults (i.e., 18–21 years) and to examine relations between the ACEs classes and mental health symptoms (i.e., somatization, depression, anxiety, overall psychological stress). We found that a three-class model fit the data best: low ACEs, high emotional abuse only, and high multiple ACEs. We found significant differences across classes for all mental health symptoms. The high multiple ACEs class had significantly higher mean somatization, anxiety, and overall psychological stress scores than both the high emotional abuse only and low ACEs classes, and the high emotional abuse only class had higher mean anxiety and overall psychological stress scores in comparison to the low ACEs class. In contrast, our results suggest that the low ACEs and high emotional abuse only classes had higher mean levels of depression symptoms than the high multiple ACEs class. Our findings highlight the importance of examining the unique effects of different patterns of exposure to ACEs on mental health to inform prevention and intervention efforts that mitigate the harmful effects of ACEs on mental health.

The effect of selective dry cow therapies based on 2 different algorithms on antimicrobial use, udder health, milk production, and culling in the absence of internal teat sealant use at dry-off

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) strategies based on 2 different algorithms as compared with blanket dry-cow therapy for measures of udder health, milk yield, and culling in herds not using internal teat sealant. Cows from 2 commercial farms in West Texas were randomized into 3 different groups: SDCT Algorithm 1 (ALG1; n = 455) cows treated with an intramammary antimicrobial at dry-off if somatic cell count (SCC) > 200,000 cells/mL at any Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) test date or if the cow had 2 or more cases of clinical mastitis during the enrollment lactation; SDCT Algorithm 2 (ALG2; n = 458) cows treated with an intramammary antimicrobial at dry-off if SCC >200,000 cell/mL at last test date or any case of clinical mastitis during the enrollment lactation; Control cows (CON = 447) received blanket dry cow therapy. All cows enrolled in the study did not receive an internal or external teat sealant. Data related to milk and somatic cell count linear score (LSCC) was collected monthly. Milk yield and LSCC during the first 6 mo of lactation were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA models, while Cox's Proportional Hazards models were fitted to culling and clinical mastitis data. The farm was fitted as a random effect in all models. The percentage of cows receiving antimicrobials at dry cow was 51.3, 24.7, and 100% for ALG1, ALG2, and CON, respectively. Treatment did not influence the IMI dynamics during the dry period. Additionally, no statistical differences related to treatment were observed for LSCC and milk yield. The LSCC for ALG1, ALG2, and CON was 2.44, 2.41, and 2.26, respectively. The average milk yield for ALG1, ALG2, and CON cows was 43.2, 43.2, and 44.0 kg/d, respectively. Treatment did not affect clinical mastitis incidence and culling. The cumulative incidence of clinical mastitis was 19.6%, 19.4%, and 21.4% for ALG1, ALG2, and CON cows respectively. Additionally, the cumulative risk of death or culling was 18.5%, 17.1%, and 19.5% for ALG1, ALG2, and CON cows respectively. In conclusion, SDCT strategies led to a decrease in antimicrobial drug use at dry-off, without significantly impacting the incidence of clinical mastitis, the risk of culling, LSCC and milk yield of dairy cows. However, numerical differences in LSCC and milk yield were observed between treatment groups.

Mental health, COVID-19 burden and quality of life of kidney transplant recipients two years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Few studies have evaluated the psychological distress of COVID-19 in kidney transplantation and the psychological impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on kidney transplant recipients is not yet well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the change in symptom burden and health-related quality of life in the two years after initial assessment, by outlining the change over time of symptoms at 12 and 24 months of follow-up. This is a follow-up study. We performed a study published in 2021 (phase 1 of COVID-19); of the 89 kidney transplant recipients evaluated in this study, 60 completed the 12 months follow-up (March 2021 June 2021, phase 2 of COVID-19) and 57 completed the 24 months follow-up (March 2022 June 2022, post COVID-19). The same tools as in previous study were administered: the ad hoc questionnaire on emotional state and psychophysical well-being during COVID-19, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) to provide a simple and rapid quantification of the psychological and somatic symptoms and the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) was used to assess health-related quality of life. Compared to the first and second phase of COVID-19, the mean score of quality of life variables were higher in the post COVID-19 phase; thus the recipients physical health, mental health and their perception of their general health improved. Regarding the psychopathology variables the levels of Anxiety, Depression and Phobia in the Post COVID-19 phase decreased, while the Somatization score was higher. Lastly, burden of COVID-19 scores in the third phase, significantly decreased. Our study highlights a significant association between mental health and the burden of COVID-19 pandemic in kidney transplant recipients. This study showed, a significant worsening, over time, of some specific symptoms, such as somatization and phobias. However, the results showed that depressive symptoms improved during the study period. Long-term monitoring of kidney transplant recipients therefore remains fundamental. These results confirmed the need to provide integrated multidisciplinary services to adequately address the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the most vulnerable subjects.

Genetic parameters for mid-infrared-spectroscopy-predicted mastitis phenotypes and related traits.

Genetic improvement of udder health in dairy cows is of high relevance as mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases. Since it is known that the heritability of mastitis is low and direct data on mastitis cases are often not available in large numbers, auxiliary traits, such as somatic cell count (SCC) are used for the genetic evaluation of udder health. In previous studies, models to predict clinical mastitis based on mid-infrared (MIR) spectral data and a somatic cell count-derived score (SCS) were developed. Those models can provide a probability of mastitis for each cow at every test-day, which is potentially useful as an additional auxiliary trait for the genetic evaluation of udder health. Furthermore, MIR spectral data were used to estimate contents of lactoferrin, a glycoprotein positively associated with immune response. The present study aimed to estimate heritabilities (h2) and genetic correlations (ra) for clinical mastitis diagnosis (CM), SCS, MIR-predicted mastitis probability (MIRprob), MIR + SCS-predicted mastitis probability (MIRSCSprob) and lactoferrin estimates (LF). Data for this study were collected within the routine milk recording and health monitoring system of Austria from 2014 to 2021 and included records of approximately 54,000 Fleckvieh cows. Analyses were performed in two datasets, including test-day records from 5 to 150 or 5 to 305 days in milk. Prediction models were applied to obtain MIR- and SCS-based phenotypes (MIRprob, MIRSCSprob, LF). To estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations bivariate linear animal models were applied for all traits. A lactation model was used for CM, defined as a binary trait, and a test-day model for all other continuous traits. In addition to the random animal genetic effect, the fixed effects year-season of calving and parity-age at calving and the random permanent environmental effect were considered in all models. For CM the random herd-year effect, for continuous traits the random herd-test day effect and the covariate days in milk (linear and quadratic) were additionally fitted. The obtained genetic parameters were similar in both datasets. The heritability found for CM was expectedly low (h2 = 0.02). For SCS and MIRSCSprob, heritability estimates ranged from 0.23 to 0.25, and for MIRprob and LF from 0.15 to 0.17. CM was highly correlated with SCS and MIRSCSprob (ra = 0.85 to 0.88). Genetic correlations of CM were moderate with MIRprob (ra = 0.26 and 0.37) during 150 and 305 days in milk, respectively and low with LF (h2 = 0.10 and 0.11). However, basic selection index calculations indicate that the added value of the new MIR-predicted phenotypes is limited for genetic evaluation of udder health.