Stress Scores Research Articles

Identification and Verification of the Oxidative Stress-Related Signature Markers for Intracranial Aneurysm-Applied Bioinformatics.

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a localized abnormal dilation of the cerebral vascular wall, the degeneration of which is closely related to high oxidative stress. Clinical information and RNA-seq data from five public datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Using the "GSVA" package, enrichment analysis was performed on the gene sets of the oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolism, and inflammatory pathways retrieved from the MsigDB and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) databases. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted using the "WGCNA" package, followed by using the "limma" R package to select differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Key genes were determined by applying three machine learning algorithms (random forest, Lasso, and SVM-RFE). The expression levels of the key genes were verified by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in IA. Finally, ESTIMATE and CIBERPSORT algorithms were used for immune infiltration analysis. The enrichment score of the oxidative stress, ROS, metabolism, and inflammatory pathways was calculated, and we found that these pathways were significantly activated in IA samples with higher immune infiltration. The intersection between the blue module related to oxidative stress (610 genes identified by WGCNA) and 380 upregulated DEGs contained a total of 209 key genes, which were further processed by machine learning algorithms to obtain four crucial diagnostic markers (FLVCR2, SDSL, TBC1D2, and SLC31A1) for IA. These key genes are highly expressed in human brain vascular smooth muscle cells. The expressions of the four markers were significantly positively correlated with the abnormal activation phenotypes of oxidative stress, the ROS and glucometabolic pathways, and suppressive immune infiltration. This study employed WGCNA combined with three machine learning algorithms to identify four oxidative stress-related signature markers for IA, providing novel insights into the clinical management of IA patients.

The Norwegian traumatic grief inventory-self report plus (TGI-SR+): a psychometric evaluation in traumatically bereaved people

ABSTRACT Background: Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) has been added to the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR. The Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+) assesses self-rated PGD intensity as defined in ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR. The TGI-SR + is available in multiple languages, but has not been validated yet in Norwegian. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian TGI-SR + . Method: Bereaved adults (N = 307) whose child or sibling died ≥6 months ago due to a sudden or violent loss completed the TGI-SR + and measures for posttraumatic stress, depression, and precursor PGD symptoms. We examined the factor structure and internal consistency of the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD items. Convergent validity and known-groups validity was evaluated. Probable PGD cases, pair-wise agreement between diagnostic scoring rules for both PGD criteria-sets, and cut-off scores were calculated. Results: The 1-factor model for ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD showed the best fit and demonstrated good internal consistency. Convergent validity was supported by strong associations between summed ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD scores and summed posttraumatic stress, depression, and precursor prolonged grief scores. Known-groups validity was supported by PGD intensity being related to educational level and time since loss. The perfect pair-wise agreement was reached using the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD diagnostic scoring rules. The optimal cut-off score for detecting probable PGD cases, when summing all TGI-SR + items, was ≥73. Conclusions: The Norwegian TGI-SR + seems a valid and reliable instrument to assess ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD intensity after losing a child or sibling under traumatic circumstances.

Development and effects of the PARENT (Parenting Acceptable Real Empathy Nurture Training) program for mothers who defected from North Korea

Aim and backgroundNorth Korean refugee mothers struggle with the two-fold burden of adaptation and parenting in a new environment. This study aimed to develop and examine the effects of a parenting program for North Korean refugee mothers. MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted with 65 North Korean refugee mothers who were recruited through the Korea Hana Foundation Center and Sajowi. The experimental and control groups comprised 33, 32 participants respectively. A program was conducted across eight sessions, each lasting about 90–120 min. The data were analyzed using the χ2 test, independent t-test, and paired t-test. ResultsSignificant differences were observed in the parenting efficacy (t = −10.03, p < .001) and child related stress (sub domain-parenting stress) (t = 3.24, p = .002) scores. While intergroup differences were observed for parenting efficacy (t = 5.48, p < .001), no significant differences were observed for parenting stress (parent related) (t = −0.22, p = .825) and parent–child relationship (t = 0.87, p = .387) and no intergroup differences were observed for parenting stress (t = −1.10, p = .274) and parent–child relationship (t = 1.06, p = .290). ConclusionThis study is significant to the field of nursing because North Korean refugee mothers who needed parenting education have high parental efficacy scores after intervention, which expresses confidence in parenting. This study proposed a parenting education intervention framework focusing on emotional empathy for North Korean refugee mothers who want to provide healthy parenting despite the challenges they encounter as immigrants, which will improve their confidence in parenting. It can serve as a source of basic data for designing parenting education intervention frameworks for refugees in the future.

Examination of the Relationship Between Stress Coping and Problem Solving Skills of Physical Education Teachers

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between coping with stress and problem-solving abilities among physical education teachers. The research sample comprised 64 female and 89 male physical education teachers, totaling 153 individuals, employed in schools under the Ministry of National Education in Mardin. Data collection instruments included a personal information form developed by the researcher, the Coping with Stress Scale developed by Türküm (2002), and the Problem Solving Inventory developed by Heppner and Peterson (1982) and adapted into Turkish by Şahin, Şahin, and Heppner (1993). Statistical analyses involved testing for variance and homogeneity, employing independent t-tests for pairwise comparisons, One-Way ANOVA for multiple comparisons, and conducting Correlate analysis to determine relationships. Results revealed no significant differences in mean scores for coping with stress or problem-solving skills among physical education teachers based on gender, school type, or years of service in the profession. However, a positive low-level relationship was identified between the coping with stress scores and problem-solving scores of the physical education teachers. In summary, the study revealed notably high mean scores for both coping with stress and problem-solving skills among physical education teachers, suggesting their adeptness at managing stressors and addressing challenges effectively. Additionally, it is postulated that physical education teachers who exhibit effective stress coping mechanisms are also proficient in resolving encountered problems.

The Predictive Power of Religious Coping on Care Burden, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety of Parents of Pediatric Oncology Patients in Turkey.

This study aimed to determine the predictive power of religious coping of parents of children with canceron caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, and stress in Turkey. It was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study, utilizing correlational analysis and regression models to explore associations between variables. Data were collected from 164 parents in the pediatric hematology-oncology clinics of a university hospital between November 2023 and March 2024. There was a negative correlation between caregiver burden score and negative and positive religious coping scores. Caregiver burden scores werepositively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Results indicated that caregiver burden, education level, employment status, family structure, family income, and age at diagnosis significantly predicted positive religious coping. For negative religious coping, caregiver burden, education level, family structure, and family income were significant predictors. This suggests that religious coping may help reduce caregiver burden, underscoring the importance of promoting constructive coping strategies to support caregivers' well-being.

Evaluation of Psychological Stress and its Association with Glycosylated Hemoglobin and C-reactive Protein in Physicians

Throughout the world physicians face stress because of time pressures, workload, multiple roles and emotional issues. As a result, they are prone to develop psychological stress and related health problems. Evaluation of the psychological stress and its association with glycosylated hemoglobin and CRP level in physicians. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December, 2022 among70 apparently healthy physicians working in Dhaka Medical college Hospital. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) was used to evaluate the stress level. Stress was categorized by the scores from GHQ-12. Score ‘≥4’denoted psychiatric morbidity. The study parameters were stress score, HbA1C and CRP. Chi-square test, ANOVA followed by post hoc Bonferroni test, Pearson’s correlation test was performed as applicable. Results were presented as mean and standard deviation (mean ± SD). Among all study subjects 10% participants had no stress, 27.1% participants had low stress and 62.9% participants had psychiatric morbidity. The mean ±SD of HbA1C of male and female physicians were 5.20±0.63 and 5.31±0.63 respectively. The mean ±SD of CRP in male and female physicians were 3.89±4.97 and 3.15±3.47 respectively. High stress score showed positive correlation with increased level of glycosylated hemoglobin. In male physicians CRP level showed negligible negative correlation with high stress but it showed positive correlation in female physicians. In male physicians none of the study parameters had statistically significant relationship with stress. In female physicians, high stress score was statistically significant relationship with increased HbA1C. This study implies that high stress level influences the increase of glycosylated hemoglobin in all physicians. Female subjects were more affected by high stress than males. CRP level had non-significant alteration with high stress score in both genders.

Cultivating Therapeutic Presence: A Pilot Project.

Purpose: Cultivating therapeutic presence is a pilot project for addressing perceived stress in a group of holistic healthcare workers. Design and Methods: The project incorporated mindfulness-based interventions, self-care techniques, and the establishment of supportive relationships. It was presented during the COVID pandemic to integrative health care workers at a children's hospital. Findings: There was an overall improvement in perceived stress scores across the series, with an effect size estimated by Cohen's d = .963, consistent with a large effect. Participants reported persistent effects on a survey administered five months after completion of the project, which included feeling more confident, using the techniques, and more effectively caring for themselves. Conclusions: This project integrated mindfulness-based interventions with self-care techniques, as well as strengthening support networks. Upon completion, perceived stress decreased, a finding that persisted for several months.

Stress-induced increase in heart-rate during sleep as an indicator of PTSD risk among combat soldiers.

Discerning the differential contribution of sleep behavior and sleep physiology to the subsequent development of posttraumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD) symptoms following military operational service among combat soldiers. Longitudinal design with three measurement time points: during basic training week (T1), during intensive stressed training week (T2), and following military operational service (T3). Participating soldiers were all from the same unit, ensuring equivalent training schedules and stress exposures. During measurement weeks soldiers completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Sleep physiology (sleep heart-rate) and sleep behavior (duration, efficiency) were monitored continuously in natural settings during T1 and T2 weeks using wearable sensors. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a progressive increase in PCL-5 scores from T1 and T2 to T3, suggesting an escalation in PTSD symptom severity following operational service. Hierarchical linear regression analysis uncovered a significant relation between the change in DASS stress scores from T1 to T2 and subsequent PCL-5 scores at T3. Incorporating participants' sleep heart-rate markedly enhanced the predictive accuracy of the model, with increased sleep heart-rate from T1 to T2 emerging as a significant predictor of elevated PTSD symptoms at T3, above and beyond the contribution of DASS stress scores. Sleep behavior did not add to the accuracy of the model. Findings underscore the critical role of sleep physiology, specifically elevated sleep heart-rate following stressful military training, in indicating subsequent PTSD risk following operational service among combat soldiers. These findings may contribute to PTSD prediction and prevention efforts.

Incidence of post-operative delirium increases as severity of frailty increases.

The surgical population is ageing and often frail. Frailty increases the risk for poor post-operative outcomes such as delirium, which carries significant morbidity, mortality and cost. Frailty is often measured in a binary manner, limiting pre-operative counselling. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between categorical frailty severity level and post-operative delirium. We performed an analysis of a retrospective cohort of older adults from 12 January 2018 to 3 January 2020 admitted to a tertiary medical center for elective surgery. All participants underwent frailty screening prior to inpatient elective surgery with at least two post-operative delirium assessments. Planned ICU admissions were excluded. Procedures were risk-stratified by the Operative Stress Score (OSS). Categorical frailty severity level (Not Frail, Mild, Moderate, and Severe Frailty) was measured using the Edmonton Frail Scale. Delirium was determined using the 4 A's Test and Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit. In sum, 324 patients were included. The overall post-operative delirium incidence was 4.6% (15 individuals), which increased significantly as the categorical frailty severity level increased (2% not frail, 6% mild frailty, 23% moderate frailty; P < 0.001) corresponding to increasing odds of delirium (OR 2.57 [0.62, 10.66] mild vs. not frail; OR 12.10 [3.57, 40.99] moderate vs. not frail). Incidence of post-operative delirium increases as categorical frailty severity level increases. This suggests that frailty severity should be considered when counselling older adults about their risk for post-operative delirium prior to surgery.

The clinical significance of endoplasmic reticulum stress related genes in non-small cell lung cancer and analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism for CAV1.

In recent years, protein homeostasis imbalance caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress has become a major hallmark of cancer. Studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum stress is closely related to the occurrence, development, and drug resistance of non-small cell lung cancer, however, the role of various endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes in non-small cell lung cancer is still unclear. In this study, we established an endoplasmic reticulum stress scores based on the Cancer Genome Atlas for non-small cell lung cancer to reflect patient features and predict prognosis. Survival analysis showed significant differences in overall survival among non-small cell lung cancer patients with different endoplasmic reticulum stress scores. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum stress scores was significantly correlated with the clinical features of non-small cell lung cancer patients, and can be served as an independent prognostic indicator. A nomogram based on endoplasmic reticulum stress scores indicated a certain clinical net benefit, while ssGSEA analysis demonstrated that there was a certain immunosuppressive microenvironment in high endoplasmic reticulum stress scores. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that scores was associated with cancer pathways and metabolism. Finally, weighted gene co-expression network analysis displayed that CAV1 was closely related to the occurrence of non-small cell lung cancer. Therefore, in order to further analyze the role of this gene, Chinese non-smoking females were selected as the research subjects to investigate the relationship between CAV1 rs3779514 and susceptibility and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. The results showed that the mutation of rs3779514 significantly reduced the risk of non-small cell lung cancer in Chinese non-smoking females, but no prognostic effect was found. In summary, we proposed an endoplasmic reticulum stress scores, which was an independent prognostic factor and indicated immune characteristics in the microenvironment of non-small cell lung cancer. We also validated the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism locus of core genes and susceptibility to non-small cell lung cancer.

The effect of nurses' perceived stress on their work engagement and perceived professional benefit during the routine management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a previous study, more attention has been given to the psychological state of doctors than to that of nurses although the workload, working hours, and patient contact time are generally higher for nurses than doctors. The current status of nurses' perceived stress, work engagement, and perceived professional benefit during the routine management of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and how their perceived stress affects the other two variables are topics that merit research attention. In this study, the status of nurses' perceived stress, work engagement, and perceived professional benefit during the routine management of the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated to explore whether their perceived stress level has any effect on the other two variables. The convenience sampling method was adopted, and 669 nurses from the First People's Hospital of Jingzhou were selected to participate in this study. Questionnaires on perceived stress, work engagement, and perceived professional benefit were used in the survey, and the data were processed using the SPSS 20.0 program for the descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, analysis of variance. The total score of the nurses' perceived stress was 18.58±4.37 points. The total scores of their work engagement (43.32±14.01) and perceived professional benefit (140.23±17.75). The nurses' total perceived stress score was at an upper-middle level, and their total work engagement and perceived professional benefit scores were relatively high. Overall, perceived stress has a negative effect on nurses' work engagement and perceived professional benefit. That is, the higher the pressure perception of nurses, the lower the degree of work engagement and perceived professional benefit.

Evaluation of Stress Scores of Healthy Adult Cats during Barometric Whole-Body Plethysmography and Its Correlation with Measurement Parameters.

Barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP) is considered to be a particularly gentle method of assessing lung function in cats. However, there have been no studies to date investigating the stress experienced by cats during measurements. The prospective study included 48 healthy adult cats. Each cat was measured in the plethysmographic chamber for a total of 30 min and stress levels were determined every 10 min using a stress ethogram. At the beginning of measurements, 75% of cats were assessed as tense. Over the three time periods, a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the total stress score was observed. In addition, all measurement parameters correlated significantly with the stress score, with the exception of enhanced pause and tidal volume. It can therefore be assumed that cats will initially experience stress during examination in the plethysmographic chamber, but stress will decrease significantly over time. As the stress level correlates with many measurement parameters, this should be taken into account when interpreting the results.

Integration of tai chi and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for sleep disturbances in older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe arousal state has been demonstrated to be involved in the fundamental pathophysiological mechanism of sleep disturbances. Tai chi (TC) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been documented to alleviate sleep disturbances by interfering with different arousal components. It is reasonable to assume that combining TC and rTMS could induce synergistic and longer-lasting benefits for sleep disturbances. MethodsThirty-eight older community-dwelling people were randomly assigned to one of three groups: TC plus rTMS (n = 12), TC alone (n = 13), and treat-as-usual (TAU) (n = 13). The interventions were conducted three times per week for 4 weeks for the two intervention groups. The primary outcome was the insomnia severity, while the secondary outcomes were the actigraphy-assessed sleep patterns, use of hypnotic medications, mood states, and quality of life. The mediator outcomes included self-reported somatic arousal and cognitive arousal as well as electroencephalogram (EEG)-assessed cortical arousal. The assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3-month follow-up (T2). ResultsSignificant improvements in the insomnia severity were observed in the TC plus rTMS group compared with the TAU group at T1 (Cohen's d = 1.62, p = 0.003) and T2 (Cohen's d = 1.97, p < 0.001). In contrast, significant improvements in the TC alone group were found only at T2 (Cohen's d = 1.03, p = 0.010) when compared with the TAU group. Significant interaction effects were noted on the actigraphy-assessed sleep efficiency (p = 0.015) and total sleep time (p = 0.004), depression (p = 0.003) and stress scores (p = 0.002), and mental function in relation to quality of life (p = 0.042). However, none of the mediators elucidated how combining TC and rTMS could improve the insomnia severity. ConclusionThe research findings are expected to guide further clinical practice in the management of sleep disturbances among older adults using various interventions. Future studies are needed to unravel the underlying mechanism and optimize the protocol to maximize the therapeutic benefits.

Nomophobia, loneliness and depressive symptom levels of adults living in a district of Türkiye.

This study was conducted to evaluate whether smart cell phones detach people from social life, make them lonely, cause depressive symptoms and whether there is a relationship between them. This is a cross-sectional study using face-to-face survey method. The sample was determined as 376 participants, with 95% confidence interval, 50% probability depending on the probability of having a smartphone or not. Participants in the sample were determined by systematic random sampling from adults aged 20 and over in Çiftlik district of Niğde province. The NMP-Q, DASS-42 and UCLA-LS were used. The median age of the 376 participants (192 male, 184 female) was 30 and the mean age was 32.0 (±10.94) years. Participants that had social media accounts were 68.9% of the population. Over 70% of the participants had mild, moderate or severe nomophobia. Nomophobia status of the participants was affected by the mean duration of the first-time smartphone use (P = .017), the mean daily smartphone usage time of the participants (P < .001), the mean number of smartphone users in the participants' families (P = .003), the mean depression and stress scores of the participants (P < .001), having social media account (P = .001), and declaration of smart phone dependency (P = .005). Nomophobia status was not affected by participants' gender, mean age, educational level, employment status, economic status and marital status (P > .05). The duration of daily smartphone use, the duration of first-time smartphone use, and having multiple smartphone users in family increased nomophobia. Also, having active social media accounts and self-reported smartphone addiction found correlated to nomophobia. Smartphone addiction increases depression, anxiety, and stress scores of the participants.

The Effect of Using Earmuffs on Hearing Loss Complaints and Subjective Stress: A Quasi-Experimental Study among Weaving Workers in Surakarta, Indonesia

Introduction: Noise pollution from machine operations is one of industry's long-standing issues, especially in the textile manufacturing industry. High noise levels produced by weaving machine operation can harm employees' health, most notably hearing loss and stress at work. Since 1975, IT Co. Ltd., one of the biggest textile corporations in Surakarta, Indonesia, has struggled to find a solution to the issue of excessive noise, particularly in the weaving manufacturing facility. This study aims to determine the effect of employing earmuffs as a type of intervention to alleviate hearing loss complaints and subjective stress on weaving workers who are exposed to high-intensity noise. Methods: A time series design was used in this quasi-experimental study. This study’s participants were divided into 2 groups. The first group was weaving workers who used earmuffs as ear protection (Intervention Group), and the second group did not use earmuffs (Control Group). Data collection was carried out for 6 working days to see whether there was a significant effect of using earmuffs on hearing loss complaints and subjective stress. Results: From the second to the sixth day, using earmuffs as ear protection did not significantly reduce hearing loss complaints. However, it showed significant findings that increased the average score of subjective stress. Conclusion: Using earmuffs should protect the ears from noise exposure and its effects on workers' health. However, it has been shown that using earmuffs can increase the average score of hearing loss complaints and subjective stress.

Assessment of gastroesophageal reflux disease signs, symptoms, and food behaviors concerning mental health in Herat, Afghanistan: A descriptive study.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with modifiable risk factors that are associated with considerable health and economic burdens. The current study was conducted to assess the signs and symptoms, food behaviors, depression, anxiety, and stress related to GERD in Herat, Afghanistan. A descriptive study was conducted between August 29 and October 20, 2020, among patients with GERD symptoms, who provided informed verbal consent at the Mowaffaq Clinic and Sehat Hospital in Herat, Afghanistan. The minimum sample size was 384. Data were collected using a three-domain questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 42 standard questionnaire. SPSS version 27 was used to perform descriptive statistics and χ 2 tests. The sample consisted of 396 patients, with the majority being female (67.9%), married (78.5%), and illiterate (34.8%). Heartburn (88.1%) and regurgitation (84.3%) were the most common symptoms reported by participants. Tomato consumption (60.1%) was the most frequent type of eating behavior. Most patients reported severe anxiety (45.9%) and showed statistically significant differences in age, sex, education level, and cigarette usage. This study also found that certain demographic status, eating behaviors, and symptoms were associated with significantly different depression, anxiety, and stress scores among patients with GERD. Our study demonstrates the association between GERD and various modifiable risk factors in Herat, Afghanistan. Public health initiatives focusing on preventive measures and raising awareness can potentially alleviate the burden of GERD. Moreover, further research and targeted interventions are essential to improve health outcomes, particularly among patients with GERD, who may experience psychological comorbidities.

Psychological and physical side effects during G-CSF mobilization in related donors of allo-HCT.

The psychological side effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization in related donors of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and impacts of psychological/physical side effects on harvest outcomes remain largely unknown. We prospectively analyzed 349 consecutive related peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donors for allo-HCT at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine from March 2021 to August 2023. Higher baseline peripheral blood white blood cell counts (p = 0.046), monocyte counts (p < 0.001), platelet counts (p = 0.001), and hemoglobin (p < 0.001) had a positive correlation to CD34+ cell counts in the first leukapheresis, while female donors (male vs. female, p < 0.001) and older age (> 40 vs. < = 40, p = 0.003) were negatively related to CD34+ cell counts. Bone pain was the most observed physical side effect and was more frequent in female donors (p = 0.032). The incidence of fatigue was higher in female donors and older donors (female vs. male, p = 0.016; > 40 vs. < = 40, p = 0.015). Donor depression (pre vs. during mobilization, p < 0.001), anxiety (pre vs. during mobilization, p = 0.043) and insomnia (pre vs. during mobilization, p = 0.011) scores increased during the mobilization period. Donors with higher depression, anxiety and stress scores at admission were more likely to experience nausea. At 1 month after the last leukapheresis, the counts of white blood cell, neutrophil, monocyte and hemoglobin were significant lower than baseline counts, while the platelet counts recovered to baseline. The mobilization and harvest process can increase the depression, anxiety and insomnia scores. Poor psychological status of the donor can aggravate the occurrence of physical side effects.

Meditation-Based Therapies for Chronic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mind-body therapies have been found to be effective in a variety of pathologies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of meditation-based therapies in relieving the symptoms severity, quality of life, stress and other associated mood conditions, in individuals with chronic neuropathy of various etiologies. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials, involving adult patients with persistent peripheral neuropathy, was performed. Seven article databases were searched. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the benefits of meditation-based therapy on symptomatology, quality of life, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, sleep quality and mindfulness score. Ten of the 1133 reviewed papers were selected for quantitative review. The meditation group had a lower standardized mean difference (SMD) score (-0.47 (95% CI: -0.97 to 0.02), p=0.062) for neuropathic pain severity score; lower anxiety scores (-2.5 (95% CI: -3.68 to -1.32), p=<0.001); lower depression scores (-1.53 (95% CI: -2.12 to -0.93), p=<0.001); lower perceived stress (-1.06 (95% CI: -3.15 to 1.04), p=0.323); higher quality of life scores (2.19 (95% CI: -0.65 to 5.03), p=0.13); lower sleep quality scores (-1.27 (95% CI: -4.22 to 1.67), p=0.397); higher mindfulness scores (6.71 (95% CI: 4.09 to 9.33), p=<0.001); and lower pain severity at 1 to 1.5 follow up (-1.75 (95% CI: -2.98 to -0.51), p=0.006). Some of the results were characterized by a substantial, statistically significant heterogeneity. Nevertheless, a major part of the results pointed in the same direction, improving symptomatology with meditation-based therapy. The studies had a risk of bias mostly regarding the measurement of the outcome, randomization process and selection of the reported result. The current study discovered that the meditation group had significantly lower pain (at 1 to 1.5 months follow-up) anxiety, and depression scores and higher mindfulness scores at the end of the interventions.

Suicide risk among adolescents in Sarawak, Malaysia: prevalence and determining factors.

Adolescent suicide is a significant global public health concern. Although numerous studies have investigated factors that influence the risk of suicide among adolescents around the world, limited data are available in the Malaysian context, especially among the diverse ethnic communities of Sarawak. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the risk of suicide among adolescents in Sarawak, Malaysia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,344 adolescents in Sarawak using face-to-face interviews. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors that determine the risk of suicide among adolescents. Two predictive models were constructed. Both models revealed that being female (OR=1.578, 95 % CI: 1.191, 2.092, p=0.001), having Malay ethnicity (OR=1.733, 95 % CI: 1.236, 2.429, p=0.001) and having a disease significantly increased the risk of suicide (OR=1.895, 95 % CI: 1.221, 2.942, p=0.004). In particular, Model 2, which showed a better fit, found that occasional religious practice (OR=1.610, 95 % CI: 1.126, 2.303, p=0.009), poor parental relationships (OR=1.739, 95 % CI: 1.035, 2.922, p=0.037) and higher addiction (OR=1.015, 95 % CI: 1.008, 1.022, p=0.001), depression (OR=1.919, 95 % CI: 1.241, 2.968, p=0.003), and stress (OR=2.707, 95 % CI: 1.689, 4.340, p=0.001) scores were significantly associated with an increased risk of suicide. This study sheds light on multiple factors that contribute to the risk of suicide among adolescents in Sarawak. These findings underscore the importance of holistic prevention strategies, including psychological and social dimensions, to mitigate the risk of suicide in this population. Further research is warranted to understand the complex interplay of these factors and guide the development of targeted interventions.

Ethnoracial Differences in Social Determinants of Health and Acute Mental Health Symptoms Among Adults Hospitalized After Emergency Care

Abstract: Research has established relationships between social determinants of health (SDOH) and mental health, with mixed findings on which ethnoracial groups are most vulnerable to deleterious outcomes. The current study examines ethnoracial differences in SDOH and their associations with acute mental health symptoms among patients hospitalized after emergency care. Using data collected in a multi-site study of 1,318 diverse adults admitted to inpatient units, we performed analyses using linear regression models. Findings show that Multiracial/Indigenous and Black adults had significantly higher discrimination and financial stress scores. However, compared with White adults, the positive association between extreme discrimination and acute mental health symptoms was diminished among Latinx (B=–2.3; p=.02) and Black individuals (B=–1.6; p=.05) as was the positive association between financial insecurity and acute mental health symptoms for Black adults (B=–2.3; p=.04). This study provides evidence of differential experiences of SDOH and mental health challenges that may warrant tailored interventions.