Symptom Rating Scale Research Articles

Systematicity of receiving mental health care predicts better subjective well-being of Ukrainians during the second year of the Russian invasion

PurposeThis study aims to develop and test a multivariable psychosocial prediction model of subjective well-being in Ukrainian adults (n = 1,248) 1.5 years after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.Design/methodology/approachThe research design followed the “Transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis” checklist. The online survey combined a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and specifics of living in wartime, as well as validated self-reported inventories: The Modified BBC Subjective Well-being Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire – Version 2 and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10.FindingsThe initially developed model was tested through regression analysis, which revealed nine variables as predictors of the subjective well-being scores within the sample, explaining 49.3% of its variance. Among them, the strongest were living with a friend and receiving mental health care systematically. They were almost twice as influential as forced displacement abroad and trauma exposure, which predicted lower well-being, and living with a spouse, which forecasted higher well-being scores. Two resilience subscales – adjustment and restoring and resistance – as predictors of better well-being and perceived unsuccess in life and age as predictors of lower well-being were relatively weaker but statistically significant.Originality/valueThe obtained results support the previous evidence on the essential role of accessible mental health services and social support in times of war, as well as the deteriorative effect of trauma exposure and forcible taking refuge on subjective well-being.

A Novel Herbal Composition Alleviates Functional Constipation, Reduces Gastrointestinal Transit Time, and Improves Bowel Function in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Study

Background and objective A recent proof-of-concept pilot clinical study has demonstrated that consumption of CL18100F4, a proprietary herbal blend of Withania somnifera root and Abelmoschus esculentus fruit extracts, significantly relieved the participants from functional constipation and improved their quality of life. The objective of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to reevaluate the efficacy and tolerability of CL18100F4 in a larger number of subjects. Methods Male and female subjects (n = 135; age: 25–60 years), selected through Rome-IV criteria for functional constipation, were randomized into placebo and 300 or 500 mg of CL18100F4 groups and supplemented daily over 60 consecutive days. The primary efficacy outcome measure was Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM), evaluated at baseline and on days 7, 30, and 60 of supplementation. The secondary efficacy parameters included Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores, Gastrointestinal Transit Time (GIT), and Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movement (CSBM). Serum levels of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, cortisol, gastrin, serotonin, Diamine oxidase (DAO), and Zonulin were measured. Results CL18100F4 supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL, GSRS scores, and GIT and improved CSBM scores. CL18100F4 significantly improved (p < 0.001) sleep quality and decreased depression and anxiety symptoms in the participants. Notably, relief in constipation symptoms and improved gastrointestinal (GI) function were reported starting from day 7. Furthermore, CL18100F4 supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) increased the serum levels of IL-10, DAO, serotonin, gastrin, reduced IL-6, cortisol, and Zonulin. No major adverse events were observed. Participants’ vital signs, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and urinalysis parameters were within the normal ranges. Conclusion The present investigation demonstrates that CL18100F4 is tolerable and efficacious in relieving functional constipation, alleviating GI dysfunction, and improving associated non-GI factors in male and female adults.

Different self-damaging behaviours, similar motives? Testing measurement invariance of motives for nonsuicidal self-injury, disordered eating and substance misuse.

Theory and research suggest that distinct self-damaging behaviours (SDBs; e.g., nonsuicidal self-injury [NSSI], restrictive eating, binge eating, drug misuse, alcohol misuse) share similar motives. However, few studies have used a common self-report inventory to investigate the shared relevance and relative salience of motives for SDBs. Accordingly, the present study: (1) examined whether self-report scales assessing intrapersonal motives (i.e., relieving negative emotions, enhancing positive emotions, punishing oneself) and interpersonal motives (i.e., bonding with others, conforming with others, communicating distress, communicating strength, reducing demands) have invariant factor structures across SDBs; and (2) compared the salience of these motives across SDBs. 1018 adults (54.6% men, Mage = 35.41 years) with a history of SDBs were allocated to the following groups: NSSI (n = 213), restrictive eating (n = 200), binge eating (n = 200), drug misuse (n = 200) or alcohol misuse (n = 205). Participants reported on their motives for engaging in their allocated SDB. Measurement invariance analyses compared the factor structures and latent means of the motive scales across SDBs. The motive scales had comparable factor structures across SDBs. Intrapersonal motives were most strongly endorsed for NSSI and drug misuse. Interpersonal motives were most strongly endorsed for drug and alcohol misuse. All motives were least salient to restrictive eating. Results suggest that common motives underlie distinct SDBs and that they can be adequately assessed using a single self-report inventory. However, certain motives are more relevant to some SDBs than others, with restrictive eating being the most motivationally distinct SDB. This knowledge can inform transdiagnostic models and interventions for SDBs.

Differences Between Patients with Heartburn Refractory to Vonoprazan and Those Refractory to Proton Pump Inhibitors

BackgroundVonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, demonstrates more potent acid inhibition than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vonoprazan in patients with unproven gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by comparing patients with vonoprazan-refractory heartburn with those with PPI-refractory heartburn.MethodsThis study included 104 consecutive patients with vonoprazan- or PPI-refractory heartburn (52 patients each), no erosive esophagitis on endoscopy and who underwent combined multichannel intraluminal impedance–pH (MII–pH) testing with vonoprazan/PPI discontinuation. Patients’ backgrounds, symptom scores from four questionnaires, MII–pH results and high-resolution manometry results were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe vonoprazan group demonstrated significantly higher GERD symptoms and scores of abdominal pain and diarrhea on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire. MII–pH results revealed that the vonoprazan group demonstrated 40.4%, 17.3%, and 42.3% and the PPIs group exhibited 26.9%, 17.3%, and 55.8% of abnormal acid reflux [true non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)], reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn, respectively. The vonoprazan group demonstrated higher true NERD rates but with no significant difference (p = 0.307). Among the vonoprazan group, eight patients with true NERD underwent another MII–pH test on vonoprazan, and all cases demonstrated normal acid exposure times (0.0% [0.0–0.3]).ConclusionPatients with unproven GERD with vonoprazan-refractory heartburn demonstrated more symptoms, including not only GERD symptoms but also functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, than those with PPI-refractory heartburn.

Influence of ethnic origin on the clinical characteristics and intestinal flora of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective study between Han and Tibetan patients.

Few studies have focused on the clinical characteristics and intestinal flora of Tibetan patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study aimed to compare the difference of between Tibetan and Han patients with IBS. Patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into the Tibet and Han groups. A simplified Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)-based questionnaire was used to assess the IBS severity. Fecal samples from all subjects were collected for the analysis of gut microbiota using 16sRNA Illumina sequencing. No significant difference was found in the total symptom scores between two groups. However, Tibetans with IBS are more prone to bloating than Hans (17.41% vs 9.09%, p < 0.001). A profit shift in the gut microbiota was shown between the two groups. The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was significantly lower in the Tibet group than in the Han group (2.954 ± 0.78 vs 8.23 ± 2.04, p = 0.004). In the Tibet group, the level of the genus Blautia decreased significantly compared to the Han group, and there was a significant negative correlation between the level of Blautia and the bloating scores (Pearson r = -0.33, p = 0.025). The characteristics of Tibetan patients differ from those of Han patients with IBS, not only in terms of the clinical symptoms, but also in the characteristics of intestinal flora. Tibetans with IBS are more prone to bloating, which might be due to the different gut microbiota. The genus Blautia may play a role in this mechanism.

Associations between social anxiety, physiological reactivity, and speech disfluencies in autistic young adults and controls

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to examine possible associations of social anxiety (SA) and speaking-related physiological reactivity with the frequencies of a) total disfluencies, b) typical disfluencies, and c) stuttering-like disfluencies, as well as d) stuttering-severity in autistic young adults and controls. MethodsThirty-two autistic young adults and 35 controls participated in this study. Participants were presented with video clips (viewing condition) and were then asked to talk about the videos (narrating condition). SA was measured by the self-report Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI). Speaking-related physiological reactivity was measured by the electrodermal activity (EDA), an index of emotional arousal. The speech samples from the narrating condition were analyzed for type and frequency of speech disfluencies and used for determining the stuttering severity. SA and speaking-related physiological reactivity were compared between the groups. Correlation between SA, physiological reactivity, disfluency frequencies, and stuttering severity were tested separately for both groups. ResultsNo between-group differences were found in the overall SA, yet differences were found in SPAI subscales of social interaction, group interaction, and avoidance, as well as in agoraphobia. Both groups had higher physiological arousal in narrating condition in comparison to the video viewing condition, yet there was no between-group difference in the reactivity. No associations were found between SPAI measures, physiological reactivity, disfluency frequencies, and stuttering severity in the autistic group. In the control group, a negative association was found between physiological reactivity and total and typical disfluency frequencies. ConclusionsSA or speaking-related physiological reactivity were not associated with disfluency frequencies or stuttering severity in autistic persons. Negative association between physiological reactivity and disfluency frequencies found in the control group may indicate that the physiological arousal may impact the speech production process by reducing the overt disfluencies.

The impact of a graphic novel on anxiety and stress in patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle biopsy for pancreatic lesions: a pilot study protocol

The utilization of graphic novels in the realm of clinical medicine is an infrequent occurrence. However, there is a burgeoning interest in their application across a spectrum of pathological conditions with the ultimate aim of enhancing patient care. This study is a prospective pilot designed to assess the influence of graphic novels on the stress levels and behavioral responses of patients diagnosed with pancreatic lesions and who are to undergo endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB). Patients exhibiting radiological and clinical pancreatic lesions needing biopsy will be evaluated consecutively. The inclusion criteria encompass the presence of a solid pancreatic mass or a partially solid mass in the event of a cystic component. The exclusion criteria include patients with cognitive impairments, those currently on benzodiazepines or other psychotropic medications, and those with a prior diagnosis of cancer. The authors have developed a comic panel comprising a sequence of six vibrant vignettes, which delineate the standard procedure of EUS-FNB to the patient. Following hospital admission, patients who meet the enrolment criteria and consent to participate in the study will be randomly assigned to either the test or the control group. A graphic novel will be distributed to all patients in the test group, who will have the opportunity to peruse it while awaiting the procedure. Subsequent to the EUS-FNB, all enrolled patients will complete the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and a modified version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (termed mDASS-21 or mASS-14). The BAI, a 21-item self-report inventory, is employed to gauge the severity of anxiety in adults. The other questionnaire is a modified rendition of the DASS-21, which originally comprised 21 items segregated into three subscales (anxiety, stress, and depression) with seven items each. The anxiety subscale measures physiological arousal, situational anxiety, and the subjective experience of the effects of anxiety, while the stress subscale assesses chronic non-specific arousal, difficulty relaxing, nervous tension, irritability, agitation, and impatience.

The relationship between chronotype and suicidal attempt in patients with schizophrenia

IntroductionIndividuals with schizophrenia are known to be at an increased risk of suicidal behavior (Sher &amp; Kahn, 2019). However, the relationship between chronotype, which refers to an individual’s preference for sleep-wake patterns, and suicidal attempts in schizophrenia patients remains an area of interest and investigation.The relationship between chronotype and suicidal attempts in schizophrenia patients has not been extensively studied. However, research in other populations has shown that individuals with evening chronotypes, also known as “night owls,” may be at a higher risk of mental health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation (Verma et al., 2016). It is plausible to hypothesize that individuals with schizophrenia who have evening chronotypes may also be at an increased risk of suicidal attempts. Further research is needed to explore this relationship and its potential implications for clinical practice. In conclusion, the relationship between chronotype and suicidal attempts in schizophrenia patients is an area that requires further investigation.Early identification and intervention are crucial in preventing further suicidal attempts in this vulnerable population. Future research should focus on exploring the relationship between chronotype and suicidal attempts in schizophrenia patients to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to suicide risk in this population.ObjectivesThis study investigates the relationship between chronotype and suicidal attempts in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsThe study was conducted cross-sectionally using quantitative research methods and using purposive sampling. The personal information form and scales used for data collection in this study, which was planned with patients hospitalized in the psychiatric ward and patients applying to the outpatient clinic, are based on self-report. The personal information form developed by the researcher by reviewing the literature, the Morningist-Evening Scale (SAM), the Suicide Probability Scale, the Suicidal Behavior Scale, the Positive Symptoms Rating Scale (SAPS) and the Negative Symptoms Rating Scale (SANS) were used as data collection tools. Participants signed an informed consent form before the interview.ResultsData extraction is still ongoing in detailed style by principal authors. A description of the studies and the key findings will be presented.ConclusionsReducing the risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia is of vital importance. Awareness of the risks related to suicide may help reduce mortality rates in schizophrenia patients as in all patients. It is thought that the study’s results will be an important resource in knowing the risks related to suicide and determining the risk factors so that prevention studies can be initiated.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Developmental Perspectives on Transitions at Age 60: Individuals Navigating Across the Lifespan (TRAILS) – latest data collection in a longitudinal JYLS study

At around age 60, people are approaching late adulthood and are typically going through or anticipating life transitions such as grandparenthood, retirement, or changes in health and functioning. The timing and perception of transitions are individual and based on current circumstances and earlier life history and may link to well-being. The TRAILS (Developmental Psychological Perspectives on Transitions at Age 60: Individuals Navigating Across the Lifespan) study, which is presented in the current article, examines the diversity and underlying factors of different transitions at around age 60 and how they associate with mental well-being. It also investigates whether these transitions link to personality characteristics, contextual resources, and/or societal challenges. The role of earlier life history in the studied associations requires a prospective multiwave design where the same participants are followed over time. Only a few longitudinal studies have examined the developmental pathways from childhood to the beginning of late adulthood. The TRAILS study continues the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS). The JYLS was initiated in 1968 and includes earlier data collected from ages 8 to 50. At age 61, in 2020–21, 206 of the JYLS participants (of the initial 369 children) took part in TRAILS. The data collection included a Life Situation Questionnaire, a psychological interview, self-report inventories, a health examination and physical activity surveillance covering major areas of adult life. TRAILS extends the JYLS study to over 52 years of follow-up time and provides unique opportunities for studying individual development throughout the lifespan.

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ЭЛЕКТРИЧЕСКОЙ АКТИВНОСТИ ОТДЕЛОВ ЖЕЛУДОЧНО-КИШЕЧНОГО ТРАКТА У ПОЛЬЗОВАТЕЛЕЙ ЭЛЕКТРОННЫХ СИСТЕМ ДОСТАВКИ НИКОТИНА

Introduction. Using electronic nicotine delivery systems has shown a steady growth in recent years, especially among young people. Researchers and professionals are also interested in what consequences the use of such systems may have, but most studies deal with respiratory system. Aim. The aim is to clarify the electrical activity of the gastrointestinal tract parts in users of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Materials and Methods. 35 people of both sexes were examined, divided into two comparable groups: The study group consisted of 17 people regularly using electronic nicotine delivery systems, and the comparator group consisted of 18 practically healthy individuals. All study participants were surveyed using the quality-of-life questionnaire in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, clinical laboratory testing of blood and stool was performed, feces were tested for occult blood; and endoscopy, video colonoscopy, and electrogastroenterography were performed. The findings are presented as median (Me), as well as the first and the third quartiles (Q1; Q3). The significance of differences in groups was assessed using the Mann–Whitney test for independent quantitative variables. Differences were considered significant at p≤0.05. Results and Discussion. All individuals examined in the study group had significantly higher scores for gastroenterological symptoms on all syndrome scales of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire. Disturbances are shown in the electrical activity and frequency of contractions of hollow gastrointestinal organs in individuals using electronic cigarettes. Conclusions. Systematic consumption of nicotine-containing liquids via electronic nicotine delivery systems forms a specific variant of functional gastrointestinal diseases, expressed in electrophysiological disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which is reflected in clinical symptoms.

The GUTFIT Cohort: Understanding of different gastrointestinal symptoms score variation between Chinese and non-Chinese individuals with functional constipation

The diagnosis of functional constipation (FC) relies on patient-reported outcomes evaluated as criteria based on the clustering of symptoms. Although the ROME IV criteria for FC diagnosis is relevant for a multicultural population(1), how an individual’s lifestyle, environment and culture may influence the pathophysiology of FC remains a gap in our knowledge. Building on insights into mechanisms underpinning disorders of gut-brain interactions (formerly functional gastrointestinal disorders) in the COMFORT Cohort(2), this study aimed to investigate the differences in gastrointestinal (GI) symptom scores among participants with FC in comparison to healthy controls between Chinese and non-Chinese New Zealanders. The Gastrointestinal Understanding of Functional Constipation In an Urban Chinese and Urban non-Chinese New Zealander Cohort (GUTFIT) study was a longitudinal cohort study, which aimed to determine a comprehensive profile of characteristics and biological markers of FC between Chinese and non-Chinese New Zealanders. Chinese (classified according to maternal and paternal ethnicity) or non-Chinese (mixed ethnicities) adults living in Auckland classified as with or without FC based on ROME IV were enrolled. Monthly assessment (for 3 months) of GI symptoms, anthropometry, quality of life, diet, and biological samples were assessed monthly over March to June 2023. Demographics were obtained through a self-reported questionnaires and GI symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (SAGIS). This analysis is a cross-sectional assessment of patient-reported outcomes of GI symptoms. Of 78 enrolled participants, 66 completed the study (male, n = 10; female, n = 56) and were distributed across: Chinese with FC (Ch-FC; n = 11), Chinese control (Ch-CON; n = 19), non-Chinese with FC (NCh-FC; n = 16), non-Chinese control (NCh-CON; n = 20). Mean (SD) age, body mass index, and waist circumference were 40 ± 9 years, 22.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2, and 78.0 ± 7.6 cm, respectively. Ethnicity did not impact SAGIS domain scores for GI symptoms (Ethnicity x FC severity interaction p&gt;0.05). Yet, the constipation symptoms domain of the GSRS was scored differently depending on ethnicity and FC status (Ethnicity x FC interaction p&lt;0.05). In post hoc comparison, NCh-FC tended to have higher GSRS constipation severity scores than Ch-FC (3.4 ± 1.0 versus 3.8 ± 0.8 /8, p&lt;0.1) Although constipation symptom severity tended to be higher in NCh-FC, on the whole, ethnicity did not explain variation in this cohort. FC status was a more important predictor of GI symptoms scores. Future research will assess differences in symptom burden to explore ethnicity-specific characteristics of FC.

The mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between learning motivation and academic outcomes: Conditional indirect effect of gender.

The role of emotional intelligence and learning motivation in shaping university students' academic outcomes has received greater attention, especially during the modernization era. Thus, this study investigates the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between learning motivation and academic outcomes while examining the gender-conditional indirect effect. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four randomly chosen cities in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Hail, and Yanbu), where 400 health science students were conveniently selected using equal allocation (100 students/campus). A digital survey was used for data collection (April-May 2022) containing three sections: Personal Characteristics and Academic Outcomes, Modified Schutte Self-Report Inventory, and Academic Motivation Scale. Emotional intelligence positively correlated with learning motivation (r = 0.525, P < 0.001) and academic outcomes (r = 0.153, P < 0.001), where academic outcomes had a weak positive correlation with learning motivation (r = 0.115, P = 0.014). Mediation analysis confirmed that emotional intelligence fully mediates the relationship between learning motivation and academic outcomes with an insignificant direct effect of learning motivation on academic outcomes [(β =0.049, P = 0.573), 95% CI (-0.059, 0.144)]. The conditional indirect effect of gender significantly moderated 16.1% of the mediating effect of emotional intelligence [(β =0.161, P = 0.005), 95% CI (0.035, 0.273)]. The significant indirect effect was proved for the male gender only [(β = 0.157, P = 0.004), 95% CI (0.072, 0.240)]. No significant gender differences concerning emotional intelligence (P = 0.534) and academic outcomes (P = 0.466) were detected. However, male students had significantly higher learning motivation than female students (P < 0.001). Emotional intelligence completely mediates the relationship between learning motivation and outcomes with a stronger mediating effect for male students. Thus, policymakers must focus on improving the students' emotional intelligence skills to boost their learning motivation and academic outcomes.

Psychometric Properties of the PANS 31-Item Symptom Rating Scale.

Objectives: Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is characterized by sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or eating restriction with associated neuropsychiatric symptoms from at least two of seven categories. The PANS 31-Item Symptom Rating Scale (PANS Rating Scale) was developed to identify and measure the severity of PANS symptoms. The objective of this study was to define the psychometric properties of the PANS Rating Scale. Methods: Children with PANS (N = 135) and their parents participated. Parents completed the PANS Rating Scale and other scales on Research Electronic Data Capture. The PANS Rating Scale includes 31 items that are rated on a Likert scale from 0 = none to 4 = extreme. Pearson's correlations were run between the PANS Total score and scores on the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS), Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS), Columbia Impairment Scale (CIS), PANS Global Impairment Score (GIS), and Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Results: Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the PANS Total and scores on the CY-BOCS, YGTSS, MOAS, CIS, GIS, and CGAS. The largest correlations were with measures of functional impairment: PANS Total and CIS (r = 0.81) and PANS Total and GIS (r = 0.74). Cronbach's alpha was 0.89 which demonstrates strong internal consistency of the 31 items. PANS Total score was significantly higher in children in a flare of their neuropsychiatric symptoms compared to children who were not in a flare. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary support for the PANS Rating Scale as a valid research instrument with good internal consistency. The PANS Rating Scale appears to be a useful measure for assessing children with PANS.

Effects of CYP2D6 gene polymorphism on plasma concentration and therapeutic effect of olanzapine

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between gene polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes, particularly the CYP2D6 gene, and the plasma concentration of olanzapine, as well as treatment response in patients with chronic schizophrenia. We recruited olanzapine-treated patients and examined their plasma olanzapine levels. Additionally, a common mutation site within each of the nine exons of the full-length CYP2D6 sequence was assayed. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and Overall Clinical Impression were used to assess schizophrenic symptoms, whereas the Barnes Akathisia Scale and Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale were used to evaluate adverse effects. The results showed no significant differences in plasma olanzapine concentrations, treatment response, or the occurrence of adverse effects among different CYP2D6 genotypes. However, an association between olanzapine concentrations and improvement in clinical symptoms and adverse reactions was observed. In conclusion, the CYP2D6 genotype did not significantly impact plasma olanzapine concentrations, treatment response, or the occurrence of adverse effects.

A Study on Footballers: Is the Mediterranean diet a Good Defender of the Gastrointestinal System?

In football, diet has a highly important role in the development of performance. Assessing the nutrition-related knowledge of footballers and increasing their awareness may affect their health and performance. In this study, which was carried out for this purpose, whether the Mediterranean diet had an effect on the gastrointestinal health of professional footballers was investigated. The sample of the study included a total of 196 active licensed male footballers who were professional players in the 2nd and 3rd football leagues of Turkey. The mean age of the participants was 23.46±4.18 and their mean experience in licensed football was 11.73±5.07 years. The adherence of the participants to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, while the frequencies of gastrointestinal symptoms were examined using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. The data were transferred to the SPSS 26.0 program and analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Analysis, Independent-Samples T-Tests, One-Way ANOVA and descriptive statistics. According to the results of the analyses, no significant relationship was found between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and gastrointestinal symptoms (p&gt;0.05). While the gastrointestinal symptom scores of the participants did not vary significantly based on their league tiers or positions (p&gt;0.05), their Mediterranean diet adherence scores varied significantly based on their league tiers (p&lt;0.05). Consequently, it was determined that the adherence of the participants to the Mediterranean diet increased as their league tier increased, but adherence to the Mediterranean diet did not create any positive or negative effect on their gastrointestinal system symptoms.

Relating depressive and manic symptomatology to 1H-MRS spectra

BackgroundAlterations in neurochemical levels are potential biomarkers of affective disorders and offer a window into illness etiology. Much of the research done to date limits focus to few metabolites and relies on dichotomous diagnoses. Here, using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we generate profiles of association between depressive and manic symptom rating scales and numerous metabolites. MethodsMRS data were collected in 30 individuals (7 = major depressive disorder; 5 bipolar disorder and 18 unaffected individuals) in the right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula and hippocampus. All participants were administered mania and depression symptom scales. ResultsSmall to medium relationships were observed between total choline (tCho), N-acetylaspartate (NAA), myo-inositol (mIns) and depressive and manic symptoms. Associations between NAA and mania (r = –0.47, p = 8.88×10−03) in the hippocampus, and tCho (r = –0.48, p = 8.79×10−03) and NAA (r = –0.44, p = 0.01) and mania in the ACC withstood multiple testing correction. ConclusionsElevated levels of choline-containing compounds (tCho) and reduced NAA measured in the ACC and hippocampus are associated with mania indexed dimensionally. These metabolites may represent potential in vivo biomarkers for bipolar disorder symptomatology that warrant follow-up.

Economic evaluation of a trial exploring the effects of a web-based support tool for parents of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

To explore the cost-effectiveness of a web-based support tool for parents of children with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. A multi-centred randomized controlled trial was conducted in paediatric rheumatology centres in England. The WebParC intervention consisted of online information about JIA and its treatment and a toolkit using cognitive-behavioural therapy principles to support parents manage their child's JIA. An economic evaluation was performed alongside the trial involving 220 parents. The primary outcome was the self-report Pediatric Inventory for Parents measure of illness-related parenting stress, with two dimensions: difficulty and frequency. These measures along with costs were assessed post intervention at 4 and 12 months. Costs were calculated for healthcare usage using a UK NHS economic perspective. Data was collected and analysed on the impact of caring costs on families. Uncertainty around cost-effectiveness was explored using bootstrapping and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. The intervention arm showed improved average Pediatric Inventory for Parents scores for the dimensions of frequency and difficulty, of 1.5 and 3.6 respectively at 4 months and 0.35 and 0.39 at 12 months, representing improved PIP scores for the intervention arm. At both 4 and 12 month follow-up, the average total cost per case was higher in the control group when compared with the intervention arm with mean differences of £360 (95% CI £29.6 to £691) at 4 months and £203 (95% CI £16 to £390) at 12 months. The probability of the intervention being cost-effective ranged between 49% and 54%. The WebParC intervention led to reductions in primary and secondary healthcare resource use and costs at 4 and 12 months. The intervention demonstrated particular savings for rheumatology services at both follow-ups. Future economies of scale could be realised by health providers with increased opportunities for cost-effectiveness over time. ISRCTN, ISRCTN13159730.

The Interplay between Fear Reactivity and Callous-Unemotional Traits Predicting Reactive and Proactive Aggression.

Research has indicated that youths with CU traits are fearless, and this fearlessness plays a bidirectional role in both the development of CU traits and engagement in aggressive behavior. However, research specifically testing the role of fear in the association between CU traits and aggression is scarce. The goal of the current study was to test if fear reactivity, both conscious (self-report) and automatic (skin conductance reactivity; SCR), moderated the association between CU traits and aggression subtypes (reactive and proactive aggression). Participants included 161 adolescents (Mage = 15 years) diagnosed with conduct disorder. CU traits were assessed using the self-report Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits. Conscious and automatic fear reactivity were measured during a virtual reality rollercoaster using the Self-Assessment Manikin and skin conductance reactivity (SCR), respectively. Hierarchical regressions found that high fear reactivity on SCR moderated the link between CU traits and reactive aggression, while feeling more excited during fear induction moderated the link between CU traits and proactive aggression. Overall, a possible explanation of our divergent findings between conscious and automatic fear may be the difference between the instinctual biological response to threat versus the cognitive and emotional appraisal and experience of threat. Implications for intervention strategies targeting emotional recognition and regulation in reducing aggression in CD populations are discussed.

Sensory processing across eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of self-report inventories.

This review investigated the extant literature regarding the relationship between eating disorder diagnoses and sensory processing as measured by validated and reliable self-report inventories. Increasing evidence highlights the role of sensory processing in cognitive functions. Sensory processing is implicated in mental-ill health, including eating disorders (ED) and body image disturbances. However, the pathophysiological underpinnings of sensory processing, encompassing exteroception and interoception, in relation to ED remain underexplored. We included studies involving participants aged 15 years or older with an eating disorder diagnosis confirmed by semi-structured or structured interviews. We further limited inclusion to articles using validated and reliable self-report instruments to measure sensory processing. Our meta-analysis focused on studies using the interoceptive awareness subscale from the second version of the Eating Disorder Inventory. We used the Critical Appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies to assess the quality of included articles. There were 19 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Most studies showed moderate-to-high quality. Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) were associated with heightened exteroception. Moreover, people with AN reported a heightened sense of taste compared to those with BN. Our meta-analysis comprising 10 studies, 19 samples, and 6382 participants revealed that AN (binge-purge subtype) and BN were associated with increased interoceptive difficulties compared to AN (restrictive subtype) or binge-eating disorder. Overall, this review emphasizes the need for a deeper investigation into sensory processing, spanning both exteroception and interoception, in relation to ED. This may prove important for individualizing person-centered care. How people process internal, for example, hunger, and external, for example, taste and sensations is known to influence cognition and mental-ill health, including ED and body image disturbances. However, the ways in which sensory processing may contribute to ED are incompletely understood. We found that individuals with AN or BN experienced heightened exteroception, while people with an eating disorder characterized by purging reported increased interoceptive difficulties. These patterns could inform the development of more personalized treatments.

Does Spiritual Intelligence Link with Happiness and Psychological Adjustment among University Students?

Spiritual Intelligence (SI) is considered the most basic form of intelligence which enables an individual to deeply understand him and others and thus helps in achieving happiness and well-being in life (Subraniam &amp; Panchanatham, 2015). The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between spiritual intelligence, happiness and psychological adjustment in university students. A total of 350 students (Men = 175; Women = 175) were recruited from the universities of Lahore, Pakistan. The age of participants ranges between 18-30 years (M = 21.76; SD = 2.07). Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI-24), Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), and Psychological Adjustment Scale were used to assess spiritual intelligence, happiness, and psychological adjustment, respectively. Results revealed that spiritual intelligence significantly relates to and predicts happiness and psychological adjustment. As compared to men, psychological adjustment and spiritual intelligence were found to be higher in women. To conclude, students having higher spiritual intelligence are more likely to be happier and show better psychological adjustment, when compared to those who showed lower spiritual intelligence. In the future, spiritual intelligence-fostering programs such as community activities, orientation programs, spiritual seminars, counseling, and classroom activities could be catered for students.