Tag: pubmed

J Cogn Neurosci. 2023 Jul 6:1-12. doi: 10.1162/jocn_a_02033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recognizing and perceiving meaningful patterns in an ever-changing environment is fundamental to (human) beings. Apophenia, patternicity, and the propensity to perceive meaningful coincidences might result from the human brain working as a prediction machine that constantly matches sensory information to prior expectations. The propensity for Type I errors varies between people and, at its extreme, is associated with symptoms of schizophrenia. However, on a nonclinical level seeing meaning in randomness might be benevolent and was found to be associated with creativity and openness. However, hardly any neuroscientific investigation has examined EEG patterns of the propensity to experience meaningful coincidences in this manner. We hypothesized deviations in brain functions as one potential reason why some people experience more meaning in random arrangements than others. The gating by inhibition theory suggests that alpha power increases represent basic control mechanisms of sensory processes during varying task requirements. We found that people perceiving more meaningful coincidences had higher alpha power during an eyes-closed versus eyes-opened condition compared with people experiencing less meaningful coincidences. This indicates deviations in the sensory inhibition mechanism of the brain, which are critically relevant for higher cognitive functions. Applying Bayesian statistics, we replicated this finding in another independent sample.

PMID:37432751 | DOI:10.1162/jocn_a_02033

J Med Internet Res. 2023 Jul 11;25:e45338. doi: 10.2196/45338.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although remote communication technologies have been widely used to maintain connections with others against interpersonal contact restrictions and exacerbated loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear whether and what types of remote communication technologies are effective in mitigating loneliness.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between remote communication and loneliness when face-to-face meetings with others were strongly prohibited and whether this association varied across types of communication tools, age, and gender.

METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey conducted from August to September 2020. From registered panelists of the research agency, 28,000 randomly sampled participants completed the survey on the website. We created 2 study cohorts who stopped meeting with family members living apart and friends during the pandemic. We categorized whether participants had technology-based remote communication (voice calling, text messaging, and video calling) with family and friends. Loneliness was assessed using the 3-item University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. We used a modified Poisson regression model to investigate the association between loneliness and remote communication with family members living apart or friends. We also conducted subgroup analyses based on age and gender.

RESULTS: A total of 4483 participants stopped meeting with family members living apart, and 6783 participants stopped meeting with friends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote communication with family members living apart did not show an association with loneliness, whereas remote communication with friends was associated with a low prevalence of loneliness (family: adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=0.89, 95% CI 0.74-1.08; P=.24 and friends: aPR=0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.91; P<.001). From analyses by tools, voice calling was associated with low loneliness (family: aPR=0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.98; P=.03 and friends: aPR=0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.95; P=.003). Similarly, text messaging was associated with low loneliness (family: aPR=0.82, 95% CI 0.69-0.97; P=.02 and friends: aPR=0.81, 95% CI 0.73-0.89; P<.001). However, we did not find an association between video calling and loneliness (family: aPR=0.88, 95% CI 0.75-1.02; P=.09 and friends: aPR=0.94, 95% CI 0.85-1.04; P=.25). Text messaging with friends was associated with low loneliness regardless of age, whereas voice calling with family or friends was associated with low loneliness only among participants aged ≥65 years. An association between remote communication with friends and low loneliness was found regardless of the type of remote communication tool among men, whereas it was found only for text messaging with friends among women.

CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional study of adults in Japan, remote communication, especially via voice calling and text messaging, was associated with low loneliness. Promoting remote communication may reduce loneliness when face-to-face contact is restricted, which should be the subject of future research.

PMID:37432730 | DOI:10.2196/45338

JMIR Res Protoc. 2023 Jul 11;12:e47255. doi: 10.2196/47255.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of academic literature focusing on the significant financial burdens placed on people living with cancer, but little evidence exists on the impact of rising costs of care in other vulnerable populations. This financial strain, also known as financial toxicity, can impact behavioral, psychosocial, and material domains of life for people diagnosed with chronic conditions and their care partners. New evidence suggests that populations experiencing health disparities, including those with dementia, face limited access to health care, employment discrimination, income inequality, higher burdens of disease, and exacerbating financial toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: The three study aims are to (1) adapt a survey to capture financial toxicity in people living with dementia and their care partners; (2) characterize the degree and magnitude of different components of financial toxicity in this population; and (3) empower the voice of this population through imagery and critical reflection on their perceptions and experiences relating to financial toxicity.

METHODS: This study uses a mixed methods approach to comprehensively characterize financial toxicity among people living with dementia and their care partners. To address aim 1, we will adapt elements from previously validated and reliable instruments, including the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, to develop a financial toxicity survey specific to dyads of people living with dementia and their care partners. A total of 100 dyads will complete the survey, and data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models to address aim 2. Aim 3 will be addressed using the process of “photovoice,” which is a qualitative, participatory research method that combines photography, verbal narratives, and critical reflection by groups of individuals to capture aspects of their environment and experiences with a certain topic. Quantitative results and qualitative findings will be integrated using a validated, joint display table mixed methods approach called the pillar integration process.

RESULTS: This study is ongoing, with quantitative findings and qualitative results anticipated by December 2023. Integrated findings will enhance the understanding of financial toxicity in individuals living with dementia and their care partners by providing a comprehensive baseline assessment.

CONCLUSIONS: As one of the first studies on financial toxicity related to dementia care, findings from our mixed methods approach will support the development of new strategies for improving the costs of care. While this work focuses on those living with dementia, this protocol could be replicated for people living with other diseases and serve as a blueprint for future research efforts in this space.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/47255.

PMID:37432718 | DOI:10.2196/47255

Vopr Pitan. 2023;92(3):79-86. doi: 10.33029/0042-8833-2023-92-3-79-86. Epub 2023 May 29.

ABSTRACT

At present, there are sufficient data on the influence of the gut microbiome on the development of food allergy and its progression. Changes in gut microbiome composition could positive impact on the course of allergic diseases by means of regulating the ratio of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as immunoglobulin E level. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of combined probiotic in treatment of food allergies in children. Material and methods. The prospective randomized controlled study included 92 children aged from 4 to 5 years with symptoms of food allergy, involving the skin and gastrointestinal tract. The main group (n=46) took two chewable tablet Bifiform Kids (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG >1×10⁹ CFU, Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis BB-12 >1×10⁹ CFU, thiamine mononitrate 0.40 mg, pyridoxine hydrochloride 0.50 mg per tablet) 2 times per day during 21 days. The control group (n=46) did not take the complex. The dynamics of the severity of food allergy skin symptoms was assessed using the SCORAD index, of gastrointestinal manifestations – on a point scale after 21 days and after 4 and 6 months (visits 2, 3 and 4). The concentration of immunoglobulin E, interleukins IL-17 and IL-10 was determined by enzyme immunoassay in blood serum at the baseline, as well as after 21 days and after 6 months (visits 1, 2 and 4) after the study initiation. Results. The SCORAD index among children from the main group decreased from 12.4±2.3 до 7.6±1.8 (р=<0.05) while taking a combined probiotic. It was significantly lower (р=<0.05) compared to the control group (SCORAD index changed from 12.1±2.4 to 12.2±1.9). On the 21st day, a statistically significant decrease in level of pro-inflammatory IL-17 (by 27%) and a statistically significant increase in the concentration of anti-inflammatory IL-10 (by 38.9%) were recorded. In children from the main group, the severity of such gastrointestinal symptoms as pain, rumbling in the abdomen, belching with air, bloating, gas discharge, increased stool and its unformularity, decreased compare to the control group of patients (р=<0.05), in which the intensity of complaints related to gastrointestinal manifestations did not change. In the main group of patients, the most clinical efficacy was noted immediately after the end of the probiotic intake. In the following five months, the intensity of symptoms increased in individual subjects from the main group, but in general, the intensity of complaints remained significantly lower than before probiotic intake (р=<0.05). Children from the main group showed a significant decrease in IgE level from 184±121 kU/l by 43.5% at visit 2 and by 38.0% at visit 4 (p=<0.05), while in children from the control group its level didn’t change, amounting to 176±141, 165±121 and 178±132 kU/l, respectively. Conclusion. The results of the study show the effectiveness of the use of a combined probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis ВB-12) with vitamins B1 and B6 in children with mild forms of gastrointestinal and skin manifestations of food allergy, both in relation to the severity reduction of the clinical symptoms of the disease (skin manifestations, pain, rumbling in the abdomen, belching with air, bloating, gas discharge, increased stool and its unformularity), and in relation to the dynamics of biochemical parameters – a decrease in the level of IgE.

PMID:37432710 | DOI:10.33029/0042-8833-2023-92-3-79-86

Vopr Pitan. 2023;92(3):45-53. doi: 10.33029/0042-8833-2023-92-3-45-53. Epub 2023 May 29.

ABSTRACT

The study of the influence of nutrition and its associations with other parameters, which are closely related to the metabolic profile, in order to better understand the mechanisms of realization of the obesity phenotype in the child population is of particular interest. The aim of the study was to investigate the eating habits of elementary school children and their dependence on the parameters of physical development and body composition of the child population of Tomsk. Material and methods. 506 children aged 7 to 12 years were examined. The main group consisted of 216 children (53.1% boys, 46.9% girls) with overweight and obesity, the control group – 290 healthy children (49.0% boys, 51.0% girls). All children underwent measurement of anthropometric parameters with the calculation of SDS body mass index (WHO Anthro Plus), estimation of body composition by bioimpedancemetry. The actual nutrition of schoolchildren was assessed by the frequency method using a questionnaire. Results. Overweight and obese children had levels of body fat, percent body fat, visceral fat area and whole-body phase angle which were statistically significantly (p<0.001) higher in comparison with the control group. Regular meals were more typical for schoolchildren of the control group compared to the main group (p=0.002). A survey of parents showed that 55.0% of them don’t have problems with the nutrition of their children, 32.0% do not have conditions for monitoring their nutrition, 37.5% of children consume high-calorie foods, 29.0% do not comply with the diet, 64.5% – eat while watching TV. Only 21.1% of children consume fresh vegetables daily, cereals – 21.8%, dairy products – 30.3%, milk – 56.5%, meat – 58.5%, cottage cheese – 10.3%. Fish is not consumed by 25.6% of children, consumed less than once a week – by 47.2%. Several times a week, sausages and sausages are consumed by 41.7% of schoolchildren, confectionery – by 32.5%, chocolate and sweets – by 51.5%. Conclusion. The food habits of primary school students in Tomsk are characterized by an insufficient amount of vegetables and fruits, dairy products, fish dishes, a high level of consumption of ultra-processed red meat and various confectionery products (sweets, chocolate, cakes). The absence of statistically significant differences in the results of the survey between the control group and the main group may be due to the multifactorial nature of obesity associated with a variety of behavioral, biological and social factors, the real contribution of which remains to be determined.

PMID:37432706 | DOI:10.33029/0042-8833-2023-92-3-45-53

Clin Cardiol. 2023 Jul 11. doi: 10.1002/clc.24082. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of single-pill combination (SPC) antihypertensive drugs in patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension. Through Searching Pubmed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science collected only randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of single-pill combination antihypertensive drugs in people with uncontrolled essential hypertension. The search period is from the establishment of the database to July 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment, and statistical analyses were performed using Review Manage 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software. This review ultimately included 32 references involving 16 273 patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that a total of 11 single-pill combination antihypertensive drugs were included, namely: Amlodipine/valsartan, Telmisartan/amlodipine, Losartan/HCTZ, Candesartan/HCTZ, Amlodipine/benazepril, Telmisartan/HCTZ, Valsartan/HCTZ, Irbesartan/amlodipine, Amlodipine/losartan, Irbesartan/HCTZ, and Perindopril/amlodipine. According to SUCRA, Irbesartan/amlodipine may rank first in reducing systolic blood pressure (SUCRA: 92.2%); Amlodipine/losartan may rank first in reducing diastolic blood pressure (SUCRA: 95.1%); Telmisartan/amlodipine may rank first in blood pressure control rates (SUCRA: 83.5%); Amlodipine/losartan probably ranks first in diastolic response rate (SUCRA: 84.5%). Based on Ranking Plot of the Network, we can conclude that single-pill combination antihypertensive drugs are superior to monotherapy, and ARB/CCB combination has better advantages than other SPC in terms of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood pressure control rate, and diastolic response rate. However, due to the small number of some drug studies, the lack of relevant studies has led to not being included in this study, which may impact the results, and readers should interpret the results with caution.

PMID:37432701 | DOI:10.1002/clc.24082

JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Jul 3;6(7):e2321730. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.21730.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: The Colonoscopy Versus Fecal Immunochemical Test in Reducing Mortality From Colorectal Cancer (CONFIRM) randomized clinical trial sought to recruit 50 000 adults into a study comparing colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality outcomes after randomization to either an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) describe study participant characteristics and (2) examine who declined participation because of a preference for colonoscopy or stool testing (ie, fecal occult blood test [FOBT]/FIT) and assess that preference’s association with geographic and temporal factors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study within CONFIRM, which completed enrollment through 46 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers between May 22, 2012, and December 1, 2017, with follow-up planned through 2028, comprised veterans aged 50 to 75 years with an average CRC risk and due for screening. Data were analyzed between March 7 and December 5, 2022.

EXPOSURE: Case report forms were used to capture enrolled participant data and reasons for declining participation among otherwise eligible individuals.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the cohort overall and by intervention. Among individuals declining participation, logistic regression was used to compare preference for FOBT/FIT or colonoscopy by recruitment region and year.

RESULTS: A total of 50 126 participants were recruited (mean [SD] age, 59.1 [6.9] years; 46 618 [93.0%] male and 3508 [7.0%] female). The cohort was racially and ethnically diverse, with 748 (1.5%) identifying as Asian, 12 021 (24.0%) as Black, 415 (0.8%) as Native American or Alaska Native, 34 629 (69.1%) as White, and 1877 (3.7%) as other race, including multiracial; and 5734 (11.4%) as having Hispanic ethnicity. Of the 11 109 eligible individuals who declined participation (18.0%), 4824 (43.4%) declined due to a stated preference for a specific screening test, with FOBT/FIT being the most preferred method (2820 [58.5%]) vs colonoscopy (1958 [40.6%]; P < .001) or other screening tests (46 [1.0%] P < .001). Preference for FOBT/FIT was strongest in the West (963 of 1472 [65.4%]) and modest elsewhere, ranging from 199 of 371 (53.6%) in the Northeast to 884 of 1543 (57.3%) in the Midwest (P = .001). Adjusting for region, the preference for FOBT/FIT increased by 19% per recruitment year (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.14-1.25).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cross-sectional analysis of veterans choosing nonenrollment in the CONFIRM study, those who declined participation more often preferred FOBT or FIT over colonoscopy. This preference increased over time and was strongest in the western US and may provide insight into trends in CRC screening preferences.

PMID:37432690 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.21730

JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Jul 3;6(7):e2322650. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22650.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: The prescribing of stimulant medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased in the US. Prescription stimulants are one of the most commonly misused controlled substances during adolescence. Despite a 10-fold increase in stimulant-related overdose deaths in the past decade, the transitions from prescription stimulants to illicit stimulants (eg, cocaine, methamphetamine) remain relatively unknown in longitudinal population-based studies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the longitudinal transitions from adolescents’ prescription stimulant exposure (ie, stimulant therapy for ADHD and prescription stimulant misuse [PSM]) to later cocaine and methamphetamine use during young adulthood.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: National longitudinal multicohort panels of US 12th grade public and private school students in the coterminous US were assessed annually (baseline cohort years 2005-2017 [between March and June]) and followed up across 3 waves over a 6-year period to 23 to 24 years of age (follow-up years 2011-2021 [between April and October]).

EXPOSURE: History of self-reported stimulant therapy for ADHD at baseline.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Incidence and prevalence of past-year use of cocaine and methamphetamine during young adulthood (19-24 years of age).

RESULTS: Among 5034 students enrolled at baseline (2589 [52.0%] female), 470 (10.2% [95% CI, 9.4%-11.2%]) reported use of stimulant therapy for ADHD, 671 (14.6% [95% CI, 13.5%-15.6%]) reported PSM only, and 3459 (75.2% [95% CI, 73.9%-76.4%]) reported neither (and served as population controls). In controlled analyses, there were no statistically significant differences between adolescents who reported stimulant therapy for ADHD at baseline compared with population controls in the adjusted odds of transitioning to later cocaine or methamphetamine initiation or use during young adulthood (19-24 years of age). In contrast, PSM during adolescence in those not treated with stimulants for ADHD had significantly higher odds of transitioning to later cocaine or methamphetamine initiation and use during young adulthood compared with population controls (adjusted odds ratio, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.54-4.55]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this multicohort study, adolescents’ stimulant therapy for ADHD was not associated with increased risk of later cocaine and methamphetamine use during young adulthood. Adolescents’ prescription stimulant misuse offered a signal for subsequent cocaine or methamphetamine use and warrants monitoring and screening.

PMID:37432689 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22650

JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Jul 3;6(7):e2322720. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22720.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Numerous studies have shown that the prevalence of mental health (MH) conditions worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed on this phenomenon over a longer time horizon that considers the increasing trend in MH conditions before the pandemic, after the pandemic onset, and after vaccine availability in 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To track how patients sought help in emergency departments (EDs) for non-MH and MH conditions during the pandemic.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study used administrative data on weekly ED visits and a subset of visits for MH from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. Data were reported from the 10 US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regions (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle) for five 11-week periods. Data analysis was performed in April 2023.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Weekly trends in total ED visits, mean MH-related ED visits, and proportion of ED visits for MH conditions were investigated to determine changes in each measure after the pandemic onset. Prepandemic baseline levels were established from 2019 data, and time trends of these patterns were examined in the corresponding weeks of 2020 and 2021. A fixed-effects estimation approach with weekly ED region data by year was used.

RESULTS: There were 1570 total observations in this study (52 weeks in 2019, 53 weeks in 2020, and 52 weeks in 2021). Statistically significant changes in non-MH and MH-related ED visits were observed across the 10 HHS regions. The mean total number of ED visits decreased by 45 117 (95% CI, -67 499 to -22 735) visits per region per week (39% decrease; P = .003) in the weeks after the pandemic onset compared with corresponding weeks in 2019. The mean number of ED visits for MH conditions (-1938 [95% CI, -2889 to -987]; P = .003) decreased significantly less (23% decrease) than the mean number of total visits after the onset of the pandemic, increasing the mean (SD) proportion of MH-related ED visits from 8% (1%) in 2019 to 9% (2%) in 2020. In 2021, the mean (SD) proportion decreased to 7% (2%), and the mean number of total ED visits rebounded more than that of mean MH-related ED visits.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, MH-related ED visits demonstrated less elasticity than non-MH visits during the pandemic. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the provision of adequate MH services, both in acute and outpatient settings.

PMID:37432688 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22720

One Health Risk Manag. 2023 Mar 11;4(2):25-32. doi: 10.38045/ohrm.2023.2.04.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Road traffic injuries are a significant issue for society in the twenty-first century, but public health experts frequently ignore them despite the fact that massive and coor-dinated efforts are required for their effective and long-term prevention. Human factors and poor driving performance are the most significant contributors to car accidents globally, as shown by a series of studies exploring the causes of traffic road accidents. Since road safety is a key concern in developing countries, our research focuses on the car driver behavioral risk factors in the Republic of Moldova.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive using a questionnaire was applied online via a Google form document among car drivers, between January-March 2022. Microsoft Excel was used for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 257 respondents above 18 years, of which 61.9% were female and 38.1% were male, mostly with a category B license (73.5%) and majority from urban area (87.5%). More than half (55.6%) mention that drove a car daily and 30% of them have a drive experience of more than ten years. Respondents express great concern (71.2%) about the issue of traffic accidents, and 76.3% think that unsafe roads are a key contributing factor. At least once being involved as a driver in road accidents where medical care was needed was mentioned by 2.7% of respondents.

CONCLUSIONS: Educational programs and awareness campaigns about road safety among drivers and other vulnerable road users should be systematically organized.

PMID:37432678 | PMC:PMC10331824 | DOI:10.38045/ohrm.2023.2.04