Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, and consequent social distancing directives have been observed to negatively impact social relationships ...but the impact of these changes on the quality of social relationships at a population level has not been explored.
To evaluate changes in social relationships in a U.S. population sample during a time of social distancing.
We deployed a matched, longitudinal survey design of the National Institutes of Health Adult Social Relationship Scales to assess the social aspects of emotional support, instrumental support, friendship, loneliness, perceived hostility, and perceived rejection from a time without social distancing (February 2018) to a time where social distancing directives were active (May 2020). Changes in social relationships were compared using paired t-tests, and generalized linear regression models were constructed to identify subpopulations experiencing differential changes in each subdomain of social relationships during social distancing.
Within our sample population, individuals experienced an increased sense of emotional support, instrumental support, and loneliness, and decreased feelings of friendship and perceived hostility during a period of social distancing. Individuals with low self-rated health experienced a decreased sense of emotional support, and females experienced increased feelings of loneliness compared with males.
Social distancing measurably impacts social relationships and may have a disproportionate impact on females and individuals with lower self-rated health. If novel emergent infectious diseases become more commonplace, social interventions may be needed to mitigate the potential adverse impact of social distancing on social relationships.
•Increased emotional and instrumental support emerged during social distancing.•Respondents experienced more loneliness and less sense of friendship.•Those with poorer health experienced decreased sense of emotional support.•Women experienced an increased sense of loneliness compared to men.
Let
R
be a commutative ring with non-zero identity. Khojasteh and Nikmehr (Can. Math. 60(2), 319–328, 2017) introduced the weakly nilpotent graph
Γ
w
(
R
)
of a commutative ring
R
, whose vertices ...are
R
∗
=
R
\
{
0
}
and two distinct vertices
x
and
y
are adjacent if and only if
x
y
∈
N
(
R
)
∗
, where
N
(
R
)
∗
is the set of all non-zero nilpotent elements of
R
. In this paper, we extend some more results such as the connectedness, the completeness, the bipartiteness and the domination number of
Γ
w
(
R
)
. We also study some properties on the complement of the weakly nilpotent graph
Γ
w
(
R
)
¯
of a commutative ring.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used in religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries. Of late, psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, has received increased public ...interest as a novel drug for treating mood and substance use disorders (SUDs). In addition, in recent years, some states in the United States have legalized psilocybin for medical and recreational use. Given this, clinicians need to understand the potential benefits and risks related to using psilocybin for therapeutic purposes so that they can accurately advise patients. This expert narrative review summarizes the scientific basis and clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treating psychiatric disorders and SUDs. The results of this review are structured as a more extensive discussion about psilocybin’s history, putative mechanisms of action, and recent legislative changes to its legal status. There is modest evidence of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treating depression and anxiety disorders. In addition, early data suggest that psilocybin-assisted therapy may effectively reduce harmful drinking in patients with alcohol use disorders. The evidence further suggests psilocybin, when administered under supervision (psilocybin-assisted therapy), the side effects experienced are mild and transient. The occurrence of severe adverse events following psilocybin administration is uncommon. Still, a recent clinical trial found that individuals in the psilocybin arm had increased suicidal ideations and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. Given this, further investigation into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy is warranted to determine which patient subgroups are most likely to benefit and which are most likely to experience adverse outcomes related to its use.
Obesity and hyper-intestinal permeability are interconnected. This study is designed to evaluate the ability of Mangifera indica seed kernel extract (MESK) in restoring the intestinal barrier and ...preventing obesity and associated metabolic complications in a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model. Four groups of Swiss albino mice: (1) normal diet (ND), (2) high-fat diet (HFD), (3) HFD + Orlistat (100 µg/kg), and (4) HFD + MESK (75 µg/kg), were used to monitor various biochemical parameters associated with metabolic syndrome (glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides) and body weight in an eight-week-long study. In vivo intestinal permeability was determined by the FITC-dextran method. Interestingly, MESK significantly reduced HFD-induced body weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, hepatic fibrosis, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Additionally, MESK treatment restored the expression of tight junction protein Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Claudin-1 and hence prevented increased intestinal permeability induced by a high-fat diet. Moreover, it also increased the expression of potent satiety molecule Nesfatin-1 in the mouse jejunum. Our results, for the first time, establish MESK as a nutraceutical which prevents disruption of the intestinal barrier and thereby intercepts the adverse consequences of compromised intestinal permeability such as obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation.
•Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) is facilitated by CART.•Rewarding action of CART is mediated via Gi/o receptor.•CART engages PKA/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in its reward activity.•ICSS induced ...pCREB levels were potentiated by CART in reward circuit.•Inhibition of ERK signaling attenuated CART enhanced ICSS conditioning.•CART’s rewarding activity is dependent on phosphorylation of CREB.
Although the role of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) in modulating the mesolimbic reward pathway has been suggested, underlying cellular mechanisms have not been elucidated. Herein, we investigate the involvement of Gi/o dependent protein kinase A (PKA)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling in CART induced reward behavior. The rat was implanted with a stimulating electrode targeted at the lateral hypothalamus (LH)-medial forebrain bundle (MFB) and conditioned to intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in an operant chamber. Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of CART (55-102) dose-dependently lowered ICSS threshold suggesting reward promoting action, however, pretreatment with subeffective doses of Gi/o inhibitor (pertussis toxin, PTX) or PKA inhibitor (Rp-cAMPS) or ERK inhibitor (U0126) via icv route, attenuated CART mediated reward experience. Operant conditioned rats showed increased pCREB levels in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh), ventral tegmental area (VTA) and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Infusion of CART (icv) in the conditioned rats augmented the population of pCREB positive cells in the AcbSh, VTA and PVN areas, but not in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Pretreatment with U0126 significantly decreased CART induced pCREB activation in the AcbSh and VTA, but not in PVN and ARC. ICSS or CART induced CREB mRNA expression in Acb and VTA was attenuated by U0126. We suggest that recruitment of Gi/o dependent PKA/ERK/CREB phosphorylation signaling in Acb and VTA might play an important role in CART induced reward behavior.
Background
Diarrhoea has become one of the major areas of concern due to its high mortality rate contributing it to be the second largest cause of death in world. To explore the effectiveness of ...medicinal plant, the present investigation was undertaken to scientifically justify the traditional claim of the ethanolic root extract of the plant
Begonia rubrovenia
(EBV) against diarrhoea.
Results
EBV was standardized using HPLC with quercetin as marker and was further subjected to normal fecal excretion study at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. along with quercetin and loperamide. The study confirmed the effectiveness of EBV at 200 and 300 mg/kg followed by quercetin. In castor oil induced diarrhoea rat model, EBV at 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly delayed onset of diarrhoea, reduced the diarrhoeal faecal output which contributed in higher % protection. The effectiveness of EBV at 200 mg/kg was also confirmed through gastrointestinal motility, fluid accumulation and PGE
2
induced enteropooling tests. EBV and its marker quercetin also reduced the elevated level of NO and cytokines and restored the alterations in antioxidant enzymes, ions and enhanced Na
+
/K
+
–ATPase activity. Molecular docking, dynamics and network pharmacology study confirmed the role of quercetin in modulating the inflammatory mediators IL-1β, TNF-α and EP3 prostanoid receptor, where quercetin formed more stable complex with EP3 prostanoid receptor.
Conclusion
The study has scientifically justified the traditional use of the plants
B. rubrovenia
in treating diarrhoea, where quercetin played a critical role in the observed antidiarrhoeal potential of
B. rubrovenia
contributing in maintaining electrolyte balance, antioxidant status and inhibiting inflammatory mediators.
Federal hemp legalization and ongoing shifts in US marijuana laws have led to increased population-wide use of cannabidiol (CBD) supplements, often without the knowledge of primary healthcare ...providers (PCPs). Given the potential risks related to CBD use, especially in vulnerable subgroups, improved communication is warranted. This study aimed to examine PCP attitudes, experiences, and practice behaviors related to CBD and provider-reported barriers to communication with patients about CBD use.
Fourteen PCPs were recruited and participated in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were digitally analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Analyses identified that most PCPs had neutral views about CBD use by their patients. The study found that discussions about CBD use were initiated by patients. Most PCPs cited lack of time, discomfort, low-quality evidence, and low prioritization as reasons for not discussing CBD with patients.
PCPs rarely screen for or discuss CBD use with their patients and most of them had neutral views about CBD use by their patients. A number of barriers exist to open dialogue about CBD.
Our study is the first in-depth report on PCP attitudes, experiences, and practice behaviors related to CBD. The findings of our study have the potential to significantly impact future PCP practice behaviors. These results can inform healthcare system policies around screening for CBD use and PCP communication training. In doing so, these efforts may mitigate risk and optimize benefits related to the expanding CBD market.
•PCP participants do not initiate cannabidiol (CBD) related discussions with patients and their families.•No PCP participants positively viewed CBD as a treatment option for medical/psychiatric conditions.•Lack of time and a busy practice were the most commonly cited reason for not discussing CBD.•Pediatricians communicated safety concerns while providers who treat adults communicated the lack of efficacy of CBD.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, video appointments became a popular method for health care delivery, particularly in the early stages of the pandemic. Although Mayo Clinic aimed to reduce face-to-face ...(F2F) appointments to prevent the spread of the virus, some patients continued seeing their health care providers in person. In the later stages of the pandemic, many patients became comfortable with video appointments, even if they were initially hesitant. However, a subset of patients continued to avoid video appointments. It is not yet clear what sociodemographic factors may be associated with this group of patients.
This cross-sectional study aimed to examine demographic and social determinant of health (SDoH) factors associated with persistent nonusers of video appointments among a sample of patients within a multistate health care organization. We also explored patient beliefs about the use of video for health care appointments.
We conducted a 1-time cross-sectional paper survey, mailed between July and December 2022, of patients matching the eligibility criteria: (1) aged ≥18 years as of April 2020, (2) Mayo Clinic Midwest, Florida, or Arizona patient, (3) did not use video appointment services during April-December 2020 but attended F2F appointments in the departments of primary care and psychiatry/psychology. The survey asked patients, "Have you ever had a video appointment with a healthcare provider?" "Yes" respondents were defined as "users" (adapted to video appointments), and "no" respondents were defined as "persistent nonusers" of video appointments. We analyzed demographics, SDoH, and patient beliefs toward video appointments in 2 groups: persistent nonusers of video appointments and users. We used chi-square and 2-tailed t tests for analysis.
Our findings indicate that patients who were older, lived in rural areas, sought care at Mayo Clinic Midwest, and did not have access to the patient portal system were likely to be persistent nonusers of video appointments. Only 1 SDoH factor (not having a disability, handicap, or chronic disease) was associated with persistent nonuse of video appointments. Persistent nonusers of video appointments held personal beliefs such as discomfort with video communication, difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues, and personal preference for F2F appointments over video.
Our study identified demographic (older age and rural residence), sociodemographic factors (not having a disability, handicap, or chronic disease), and personal beliefs associated with patients' decisions to choose between video versus F2F appointments for health care delivery. Health care institutions should assess patients' negative attitudes toward technology prior to introducing them to digital health care services. Failing to do so may result in its restricted usage, negative patient experience, and wasted resources. For patients who hold negative beliefs about technology but are willing to learn, a "digital health coordinator" could be assigned to assist with various digital health solutions.
Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States, with significant rural-urban disparities. Adults who live in rural areas of the United States ...have among the highest tobacco smoking rates in the nation and experience a higher prevalence of smoking-related deaths and deaths due to chronic diseases for which smoking is a causal risk factor. Barriers to accessing tobacco use cessation treatments are a major contributing factor to these disparities. Adults living in rural areas experience difficulty accessing tobacco cessation services due to geographical challenges, lack of insurance coverage, and lack of health care providers who treat tobacco use disorders. The use of digital technology could be a practical answer to these barriers.
This report describes a protocol for a study whose main objectives are to develop and beta test an innovative intervention that uses a private, moderated Facebook group platform to deliver peer support and faith-based cessation messaging to enhance the reach and uptake of existing evidence-based smoking cessation treatment (EBCT) resources (eg, state quitline coaching programs) for rural adults who smoke.
We will use the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change, surface or deep structure frameworks to guide intervention development, and the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to identify and engage with community stakeholders. The initial content library of moderator postings (videos and text or image postings) will be developed using existing EBCT material from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips from Former Smokers Campaign. The content library will feature topics related to quitting smoking, such as coping with cravings and withdrawal and using EBCTs with faith-based message integration (eg, Bible quotes). A community advisory board and a community engagement studio will provide feedback to refine the content library. We will also conduct a beta test of the intervention with 15 rural adults who smoke to assess the recruitment feasibility and preliminary intervention uptake such as engagement, ease of use, usefulness, and satisfaction to further refine the intervention based on participant feedback.
The result of this study will create an intervention prototype that will be used for a future randomized controlled trial.
Our CBPR project will create a prototype of a Facebook-delivered faith-based messaging and peer support intervention that may assist rural adults who smoke to use EBCT. This study is crucial in establishing a self-sufficient smoking cessation program for the rural community. The project is unique in using a moderated social media platform providing peer support and culturally relevant faith-based content to encourage adult people who smoke to seek treatment and quit smoking.
PRR1-10.2196/52398.
Background
Suicide is a prevalent public health concern in the United States across all age groups. Research has emphasized the need to identify risk markers that prevent suicide along shorter ...timeframes, such as days to weeks. Furthermore, little has been done to explore the relative significance of factors that can predict short-term suicide risk or to evaluate how daily variability in these factors impacts suicidal ideation or behavior. This proposed project aims to identify risk factors that best predict near-time changes in suicidal ideation and examine potential interactions between these factors to predict transitions into suicidal thinking or behaviors.
Objective
The aim of this proposed study is threefold: (1) To identify which psychological risk factors are most strongly associated with proximal changes in suicide risk across days and weeks. (2) To evaluate theoretical assumptions of the Integrative-Motivational-Volitional Theory of Suicide. (3) To determine how disruptions in physiological arousal interact with theoretical mechanisms of risk to predict concurrent and short-term prospective increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Methods
A daily diary or ecological momentary assessment design will be utilized with 200 participants. Participants will complete 2 in-person visits separated by 3 weeks during which they will complete 3 brief daily assessments within their natural environments using the ilumivu research app on a smart device. Research will occur at the Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) Eau Claire site. Participants will be recruited through chart review and standard care delivery assessment.
Results
This manuscript outlines the protocol that will guide the conduct of the forthcoming study.
Conclusions
The proposed project aims to lead efforts using technological advances to capture microchanges in suicidal thinking/behavior over shorter timeframes and thereby guide future clinical assessment and management of suicidal patients. Results of this study will generate robust evidence to evaluate which risk factors predict proximal changes in suicidal ideation and behaviors. They will also provide the ability to examine potential interactions with multiple theoretically derived risk factors to predict proximal transitions into worsening suicidal thinking or behaviors. Such information will provide new targets for intervention that could ultimately reduce suicide-related morbidity and mortality.
International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
PRR1-10.2196/37583
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