Neural correlates of anhedonia in young adults with subthreshold depression: A graph theory approach for cortical-subcortical structural covariance.

BACKGROUND: Anhedonia is an enduring symptom of subthreshold depression (StD) and predict later onset of major depressive disorder (MDD). Brain structural covariance describes the inter-regional distribution of morphological changes compared to healthy controls (HC) and reflects brain maturation and disease progression. We investigated neural correlates of anhedonia from the structural covariance. METHODS: T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance images were acquired from 79 young adults (26 StD, 30 MDD, and 23 HC). Intra-individual structural covariance networks of 68 cortical surface area (CSAs), 68 cortical thicknesses (CTs), and 14 subcortical volumes were constructed. Group-level hubs and principal edges were defined using the global and regional graph metrics, compared between groups, and examined for the association with anhedonia severity. RESULTS: Global network metrics were comparable among the StD, MDD, and HC. StD exhibited lower centralities of left pallidal volume than HC. StD showed higher centralities than HC in the CSAs of right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and pars triangularis, and in the CT of left pars orbitalis. Less anhedonia was associated with higher centralities of left pallidum and right amygdala, higher edge betweenness centralities in the structural covariance (EBSC) of left postcentral gyrus-parahippocampal gyrus and LIPL-right amygdala. More anhedonia was associated with higher centralities of left inferior parietal lobule (LIPL), left postcentral gyrus, left caudal ACC, and higher EBSC of LIPL-left postcentral gyrus, LIPL-right lateral occipital gyrus, and left caudal ACC-parahippocampal gyrus. LIMITATIONS: This study has a cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Structural covariance of brain morphologies within the salience and limbic networks, and among the salience-limbic-default mode-somatomotor-visual networks, are possible neural correlates of anhedonia in depression.

Multimodal-based machine learning approach to classify features of internet gaming disorder and alcohol use disorder: A sensor-level and source-level resting-state electroencephalography activity and neuropsychological study.

OBJECTIVES: Addictions have recently been classified as substance use disorder (SUD) and behavioral addiction (BA), but the concept of BA is still debatable. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further neuroscientific research to understand the mechanisms of BA to the same extent as SUD. The present study used machine learning (ML) algorithms to investigate the neuropsychological and neurophysiological aspects of addictions in individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). METHODS: We developed three models for distinguishing individuals with IGD from those with AUD, individuals with IGD from healthy controls (HCs), and individuals with AUD from HCs using ML algorithms, including L1-norm support vector machine, random forest, and L1-norm logistic regression (LR). Three distinct feature sets were used for model training: a unimodal-electroencephalography (EEG) feature set combined with sensor- and source-level feature; a unimodal-neuropsychological feature (NF) set included sex, age, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and general cognitive function, and a multimodal (EEG + NF) feature set. RESULTS: The LR model with the multimodal feature set used for the classification of IGD and AUD outperformed the other models (accuracy: 0.712). The important features selected by the model highlighted that the IGD group had differential delta and beta source connectivity between right intrahemispheric regions and distinct sensor-level EEG activities. Among the NFs, sex and age were the important features for good model performance. CONCLUSIONS: Using ML techniques, we demonstrated the neurophysiological and neuropsychological similarities and differences between IGD (a BA) and AUD (a SUD).

Regional brain activity of resting-state fMRI and auditory oddball ERP with multimodal approach in individuals with internet gaming disorder.

Background and aims: Resting-state brain activity may be associated with the ability to perform tasks; however, a multimodal approach involving resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and event-related potentials (ERPs) has not been widely used to investigate addictive disorders. Methods: We explored resting-state fMRI and auditory oddball ERP values from 26 with internet gaming disorder (IGD) patients and 27 age- and intelligence quotient-matched healthy controls (HCs). To assess the characteristics of resting-state fMRI, we calculated regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF); we also calculated the P3 component of the ERPs. Results: Compared with HCs, the individuals with IGD exhibited significant decreases in ReHo and fALFF values in the left inferior occipital gyrus, increased ReHo and ALFF values in the right precuneus, increased ALFF in the left superior frontal gyrus, and lower P3 amplitudes in the midline centro-parietal area during the auditory ERP task. Furthermore, the regional activity of resting-state fMRI in the right inferior temporal gyrus and the occipital regions were positively correlated with the P3 amplitudes in IGD patients, whereas ReHo values of the left hippocampus and the right amygdala were negatively correlated with P3. Discussion and conclusions: Our results suggest that IGD patients have difficulty interacting effectively with cognitive function and sensory processing, although its interpretations need some cautions. The findings in this study will broaden the overall understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie IGD pathophysiology.

Association of executive function with suicidality based on resting-state functional connectivity in young adults with subthreshold depression.

Subthreshold depression (StD) is associated an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidality. Suicidality could be linked to distress intolerance and use of context-dependent strategies. We identified neural correlates of executive functioning among the hubs in the resting-state functional connectome (rs-FCN) and examined associations with recent suicidality in StD and MDD. In total, 79 young adults [27 StD, 30 MDD, and 23 healthy controls (HC)] were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging. Neurocognitive measures of the mean latency to correct five moves in the One Touch Stockings of Cambridge (OTSMLC5), spatial working memory between errors (SWMBE), rapid visual information processing A' (RVPA'), and the stop signal reaction time in the stop signal test (SSTSSRT) were obtained. Global graph metrics were calculated to measure the network integration, segregation, and their balance in the rs-FCN. Regional graph metrics reflecting the number of neighbors (degree centrality; DC), participation in the shortcuts (betweenness centrality; BC), and accessibility to intersections (eigenvector centrality; EC) in the rs-FCN defined group-level hubs for StD, HC, and MDD, separately. Global network metrics were comparable among the groups (all P > 0.05). Among the group-level hubs, regional graph metrics of left dorsal anterior insula (dAI), right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), right rostral temporal thalamus, right precuneus, and left postcentral/middle temporal/anterior subgenual cingulate cortices were different among the groups. Further, significant associations with neurocognitive measures were found in the right dmPFC with SWMBE, and left dAI with SSTSSRT and RVPA'. Shorter OTSMLC5 was related to the lower centralities of right thalamus and suffer of recent 1-year suicidal ideation (all Ps < 0.05 in ≥ 2 centralities out of DC, BC, and EC). Collectively, salience and thalamic networks underlie spatial strategy and planning, response inhibition, and suicidality in StD and MDD. Anti-suicidal therapies targeting executive function and modulation of salience-thalamic network in StD and MDD are required.

Greater variability in daily sleep efficiency predicts depression and anxiety in young adults: Estimation of depression severity using the two-week sleep quality records of wearable devices.

Objectives: Sleep disturbances are associated with both the onset and progression of depressive disorders. It is important to capture day-to-day variability in sleep patterns; irregular sleep is associated with depressive symptoms. We used sleep efficiency, measured with wearable devices, as an objective indicator of daily sleep variability. Materials and methods: The total sample consists of 100 undergraduate and graduate students, 60% of whom were female. All were divided into three groups (with major depressive disorder, mild depressive symptoms, and controls). Self-report questionnaires were completed at the beginning of the experiment, and sleep efficiency data were collected daily for 2 weeks using wearable devices. We explored whether the mean value of sleep efficiency, and its variability, predicted the severity of depression using dynamic structural equation modeling. Results: More marked daily variability in sleep efficiency significantly predicted levels of depression and anxiety, as did the average person-level covariates (longer time in bed, poorer quality of life, lower extraversion, and higher neuroticism). Conclusion: Large swings in day-to-day sleep efficiency and certain clinical characteristics might be associated with depression severity in young adults.

Functional activation of insula and dorsal anterior cingulate for conflict control against larger monetary loss in young adults with subthreshold depression: a preliminary study.

Subthreshold depression (StD) is associated with higher risk of later developing major depressive disorder (MDD). Deficits of goal-directed behaviors regarding the motional, motivational, and conflict control are found in MDD. The current study examined neural underpinning of conflict control against monetary punishment in StD compared to MDD and healthy controls (HC). Seventy-one participants (HC, n = 27; StD, n = 21; MDD, n = 23) in their mid-20's completed self-reports. Preprocessing of functional magnetic resonance imaging acquired for the Simon task against larger or smaller monetary punishment was conducted using ENIGMA HALFpipe version 1.2.1. Neural correlates of conflict control against monetary punishment that could vary with either diagnosis or PHQ-9 total score were examined using a general linear model of FSL. Simon effect was effective for reaction time and accuracy in every subgroup of diagnosis and regardless of the size of monetary punishment. Conflict control against larger monetary loss was associated with higher functional activation of left insula in StD than HC and MDD. StD showed lower functional activation of left dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC) than MDD for conflict control against larger monetary loss. For conflict control against smaller monetary loss, StD demonstrated higher functional activation of left paracentral lobule and right putamen compared to HC. Directed acyclic graphs showed directional associations from suicidal ideation, sadness, and concentration difficulty to functional activation of paracentral lobule, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and thalamus for conflict control against monetary loss. Differential functional activation of insula and dACC for conflict control against larger monetary loss could be a brain phenotype of StD. Item-level depressive symptoms of suicidal ideation, sadness, and concentration difficulty could be reflected in the conflict control-related functional activation of paracentral lobule (against smaller monetary loss), vmPFC and thalamus (against larger monetary loss), respectively.

The Kynurenine Pathway and Mediating Role of Stress in Addictive Disorders: A Focus on Alcohol Use Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder.

Stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of addictive disorders. The kynurenine (KYN) pathway involved in neuroimmune and cognitive functions is activated under stress. However, the neuroimmunological-neurocognitive mechanisms in the role of stress in addictive disorders are unclear still now. Ninety-nine young adults aged 18-35 years [alcohol use disorder (AUD), N = 30; Internet gaming disorder (IGD), N = 34; healthy controls (HCs), N = 35] participated in this study. Stress levels, resilience, addiction severity, and neurocognitive functions were evaluated, and serum levels of tryptophan (TRP), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), KYN, and kynurenine acid (KYNA) were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry through blood samples. Both addictive disorder groups showed higher levels of stress, lower resilience, and impaired executive functions compared to the HC group. Importantly, the AUD group revealed significantly increased KYN levels and KYN/TRP ratios, as well as decreased KYNA levels and KYNA/KYN ratios compared to HCs (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.033, and p < 0.001, respectively). The IGD group showed KYN levels and KYNA/KYN ratios intermediate between those of the AUD group and HCs. Furthermore, in the AUD group, the mediating effect of AUD on KYN through stress level was moderated by resilience [index of moderated mediation = -0.557, boot S.E = 0.331, BCa CI (-1.349, -0.081)]. Stress may induce an imbalance in downstream of KYN pathway metabolites, and the KYN/TRP ratio may play as a neuromediator between stress and behavioral changes in both addictive disorders. This study suggests that regulation of the KYN pathway is critical in the pathophysiology of addictive disorders and it may serve as an important target for future treatment modalities.

Deep graph neural network-based prediction of acute suicidal ideation in young adults.

Precise remote evaluation of both suicide risk and psychiatric disorders is critical for suicide prevention as well as for psychiatric well-being. Using questionnaires is an alternative to labor-intensive diagnostic interviews in a large general population, but previous models for predicting suicide attempts suffered from low sensitivity. We developed and validated a deep graph neural network model that increased the prediction sensitivity of suicide risk in young adults (n = 17,482 for training; n = 14,238 for testing) using multi-dimensional questionnaires and suicidal ideation within 2 weeks as the prediction target. The best model achieved a sensitivity of 76.3%, specificity of 83.4%, and an area under curve of 0.878 (95% confidence interval, 0.855-0.899). We demonstrated that multi-dimensional deep features covering depression, anxiety, resilience, self-esteem, and clinico-demographic information contribute to the prediction of suicidal ideation. Our model might be useful for the remote evaluation of suicide risk in the general population of young adults for specific situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Neuromodulatory Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Resting-State EEG Activity in Internet Gaming Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Parallel Group Trial.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used as an adjunct therapy for psychiatric disorders; however, little is known about the underlying neurophysiological effects of tDCS in Internet gaming disorder (IGD). We investigated the effects of tDCS on cortical activity using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with IGD. This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled parallel group study of tDCS (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03347643) included 31 IGD patients. Participants received 10 sessions (2 sessions per day for 5 consecutive days) of active repetitive tDCS (2 mA for 20 min per session) or sham stimulation. Anode/cathode electrodes were placed over the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, respectively. In total, 26 participants (active group n = 14; sham group n = 12) completed the trial. Resting-state EEG spectral activity (absolute power) and functional connectivity (coherence) were used to assess the effects of tDCS on cortical activity before stimulation and 1 month after the intervention. Active stimulation of tDCS suppressed increase of intra-hemispheric beta coherence after 1 month, which was observed in the sham group. The 1-month follow-up assessment revealed that absolute gamma power in the left parietal region was decreased in the active group relative to the sham group. Our findings suggest that repetitive tDCS stabilizes fast-wave activity in IGD.

Association of General Cognitive Functions with Gaming Use in Young Adults: A Comparison among Excessive Gamers, Regular Gamers and Non-Gamers.

This study aimed to examine the relationship of general cognitive function with gaming use, and to identify elements of intelligence predicting increased gaming use. In total, 160 young adults participated in this study. Two clinical groups (n = 97) were defined: excessive gaming users diagnosed with internet gaming disorder (IGD) (n = 64) and the high-risk users (n = 33). The control group (n = 63) was also divided into regular gamers (n = 14) and non-gamers (n = 49). Participants completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV and self-reported questionnaires regarding IGD severity and gaming hours. The IGD group had significantly lower Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI) scores, compared with regular gamers and non-gamers. The IGD group also exhibited lower Working Memory Index (WMI) scores, compared with non-gamers. The high-risk group demonstrated significantly lower PSI score, compared with non-gamers. Furthermore FSIQ, VCI, WMI, and PSI scores were significant predictors of gaming hours in the IGD group. For the high-risk group, FSIQ, WMI, and VCI scores were negatively associated with gaming hours. Our study demonstrates the need to address the importance of enhancing working memory and verbal ability, thus, preventing the development of gaming addiction among individuals at high-risk gamers.

Impaired Performance in Mental Rotation of Hands and Feet and Its Association with Social Cognition in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: So far, dysfunction in mental rotation has been assessed in relation to the left- or right-sided CRPS. Here we examined mental rotation in patients with upper or lower limb CRPS. Considering the potential role of socio-emotional functioning on the perception of body image, we further investigated the association between performance on mental rotation and socio-emotional characteristics. METHODS: We examined the performance of 36 patients with upper or lower limb CRPS on the limb laterality recognition. Accuracy and response times for pictures of hands and feet at 4 rotation angles were evaluated. Socio-emotional functioning was measured by the Interpersonal Reactivity Scale and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. RESULTS: Patients with upper limb pain showed longer RTs to recognize the laterality of hands than feet (P = 0.002), whereas patients with lower limb pain showed longer RTs for feet than hands (P = 0.039). Exploratory correlation analyses revealed that RTs for feet were negatively correlated with the levels of empathic ability to take another's perspective (P = 0.006) and positively correlated with the level of emotional difficulty in identifying feelings (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report selectively impaired mental rotation of hands vs feet in patients with upper or lower limb CRPS. The findings suggest that impaired mental rotation derives from relative deficits in the representation of the affected limb. Correlations between impaired mental rotation and socio-emotional inability indicate that an altered body schema may be closely associated with impaired social cognitive aspects in CRPS patients.

Abnormal neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia and CRPS using [11C]-(R)-PK11195 PET.

PURPOSE: Fibromyalgia (FM) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) share many pathological mechanisms related to chronic pain and neuroinflammation, which may contribute to the multifactorial pathological mechanisms in both FM and CRPS. The aim of this study was to assess neuroinflammation in FM patients compared with that in patients with CRPS and healthy controls. METHODS: Neuroinflammation was measured as the distribution volume ratio (DVR) of [11C]-(R)-PK11195 positron emission tomography (PET) in 12 FM patients, 11 patients with CRPS and 15 healthy controls. RESULTS: Neuroinflammation in FM patients was significantly higher in the left pre (primary motor cortex) and post (primary somatosensory cortex) central gyri (p < 0.001), right postcentral gyrus (p < 0.005), left superior parietal and superior frontal gyri (p < 0.005), left precuneus (p < 0.01), and left medial frontal gyrus (p = 0.036) compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the DVR of [11C]-(R)-PK11195 in FM patients demonstrated decreased neuroinflammation in the medulla (p < 0.005), left superior temporal gyrus (p < 0.005), and left amygdala (p = 0.020) compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this report is the first to describe abnormal neuroinflammation levels in the brains of FM patients compared with that in patients with CRPS using [11C]-(R)-PK11195 PET. The results suggested that abnormal neuroinflammation can be an important pathological factor in FM. In addition, the identification of common and different critical regions related to abnormal neuroinflammation in FM, compared with patients with CRPS and healthy controls, may contribute to improved diagnosis and the development of effective medical treatment for patients with FM.

Self-Efficacy and Clinical Characteristics in Casual Gamers Compared to Excessive Gaming Users and Non-Gamers in Young Adults.

This study investigated differences in the self-efficacy and clinical characteristics which were found relevant to addictive behaviors in young adults according to time spent gaming. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore self-efficacy in casual gamers relative to patients with internet gaming disorder (IGD) and non-gamers. In total, 158 young adults participated in this study and were divided into three groups: excessive gamers, who were diagnosed with IGD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-fifth edition (DSM-5, n = 71); casual gamers, who played games regularly but did not meet the criteria for IGD (n = 37); and non-gamers/controls, who did not engage in gaming (n = 50). All participants completed self-administered questionnaires, including measures of self-efficacy and clinical features such as the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Behavioral Activation/Inhibition Systems, aggression, and psychosocial well-being. There were significant differences in the self-efficacy according to the extent of gaming (excessive gamers < casual gamers < non-gamers). In addition, aggression, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, level of stress, and behavioral inhibition system scores were significantly higher in excessive gamers than in casual gamers and non-gamers. These findings showed that individuals who spend more time playing games tend to have lower self-efficacy. Our study suggests that self-efficacy may protect against or constitute a risk of excessive gaming, particularly among casual gamers. It is necessary to pay attention to enhancing psychological well-being through self-efficacy to prevent addiction in young adult gamers.

Long-term beneficial effects of an online mind-body training program on stress and psychological outcomes in female healthcare providers: A non-randomized controlled study.

Mind-body training (MBT) programs are effective interventions for relieving stress and improving psychological capabilities. To expand our previous study which demonstrated the short-term effects of an 8-week online MBT program, the present study investigated whether those short-term effects persist up to a month after the end of the intervention.Among previous participants, 56 (64%) participated in this follow-up study, 25 in the MBT group and 31 in the control group. Outcome measures included the stress response, emotional intelligence, resilience, coping strategies, positive and negative affect, and anger expression of both groups at baseline, at 8 weeks (right after the training or waiting period), and at 12 weeks (a month after the training or waiting period).The MBT group showed a greater decrease in stress response at 8 weeks, and this reduction remained a month after the end of the intervention. The effect of MBT on resilience and effective coping strategies was also significant at 8 weeks and remained constant a month later. However, the improvement to emotional intelligence and negative affect did not persist a month after training.These findings suggest that the beneficial short-term effects of MBT may last beyond the training period even without continuous practice, but the retention of these benefits seems to depend on the outcome variables. Through a convenient, affordable, and easily accessible online format, MBT may provide cost-effective solutions for employees at worksites.

Sex-Specific Differences in Severity of Depressive Symptoms, Heart Rate Variability, and Neurocognitive Profiles of Depressed Young Adults: Exploring Characteristics for Mild Depression.

Mild depressive symptoms (MDS) reflect vulnerability to major depression that does not meet the criteria for a major depressive disorder (MDD). Previous research indicates that it is difficult to identify MDS in young adults, and they exhibit diverse aspects of depressive symptoms caused by clinical depression, which can lead to poor academic performance, relationship difficulties, and even suicide. Additionally, many young adults remain unaware of their depressive symptoms during the early stages of MDD. Thus, the present study investigated clinical, neurocognitive, and physiological characteristics of young adults with various symptoms of depression and explored sex-specific differences. A total of 113 students aged 18-35 (MDD: n = 32; MDS: n =37; control [CON]: n = 44) participated in the study. Self-report clinical measures, short-term cardiac activity measured by finger sensors, and neurocognitive data were collected. Pearson's correlations, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis, and exploratory structural equation modeling were conducted for the statistical analyses. Furthermore, the measurement invariance of the latent factor model was tested, and fit indices were compared according to sex. The results revealed that male students showed greater sympatho-vagal activity than female students. Additionally, male MDS students tended to exhibit decreased performance levels in neurocognitive function tasks compared with MDD and CON males, whereas female MDS students showed distinct characteristics compared to MDD and CON females on self-report measures of anxiety. Correlation analyses identified a positive association between the level of anger perception and latency in the executive function test among both males and females. Additionally, the use of a structured model revealed significant sex-specific differences in factor estimates. The present results suggest that recognizing the early signs of MDS that account for sex-specific differences in both subjective and objective measures may improve the diagnosis and monitoring of young adults with MDS.

The relationship between levels of self-esteem and the development of depression in young adults with mild depressive symptoms.

Little is known about the relationship between levels of self-esteem and the development of depression in young adults. The present study investigated the relationship between self-esteem and depression to determine whether self-esteem levels are a risk factor for the development of depression in young adults. This study was conducted with 113 college students aged 19 to 35 (major depressive disorder (MDD) n = 44, Mild Depressive Symptoms (MDS) n = 37, Healthy Control n = 32). The levels of clinical symptoms, self-esteem, resilience, social support, and quality of life, as well as personality traits, were assessed (by Patient Health Questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disease-7, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S, Resilience Appraisal Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Quality of Life, and NEO-personality inventory (NEO-PI)). The MDS group with high self-esteem reported having the lowest levels of social support, resilience, agreeableness, and extraversion compared to those of the MDD group and control group with high self-esteem. In contrast, the MDS group with low self-esteem showed no differences in social support, resilience, agreeableness and openness according to the NEO-PI scale. Sex and age had no significant impact on the results. Levels of self-esteem are strongly associated with the development of depression. Results suggest that early intervention for depression in young adults needs to focus on improving their levels of social support, resilience, and positive domains of personality. Further studies on the effects of high self-esteem in the development of depression are warranted.

Relationships among stress, emotional intelligence, cognitive intelligence, and cytokines.

The brain has multiple functions, and its structures are very closely related to one another. Thus, the brain areas associated with stress, emotion, and intelligence are closely connected. The purpose of this study was to investigate the multiple associations between stress and emotional intelligence (EI), between EI and intelligence quotient (IQ), between cytokines and stress, and between cytokines and IQ. We measured the stress, EI, cognitive intelligence using IQ, and cytokine levels of 70 healthy subjects. We also analyzed the association of cytokines with IQ according to hemispheric dominance using the brain preference indicator (BPI). We found significant negative correlations between stress and the components of EI, such as emotional awareness and expression, emotional thinking, and emotional regulation. High levels of anger, which is a component of stress, were significantly related to poor emotional regulation. Additionally, emotional application was positively correlated with full-scale IQ scores and scores on the vocabulary, picture arrangement, and block design subtests of the IQ test. High IL-10 levels were significantly associated with low stress levels only in the right-brain-dominant group. High IL-10 and IFN-gamma levels have been associated with high scores of arithmetic intelligence. TNF-alpha and IL-6 were negatively associated with vocabulary scores and full-scale IQ, but IL-10 and IFN-gamma were positively associated with scores on the arithmetic subtest in left-brain-dominant subjects. On the other hand, IL-10 showed positive correlations with scores for vocabulary and for vocabulary and arithmetic in right-brain-dominant subjects. Furthermore, we found significant linear regression models which can show integrative associations and contribution on emotional and cognitive intelligence. Thus, we demonstrated that cytokines, stress, and emotional and cognitive intelligence are closely connected one another related to brain structure and functions. Also, the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 had negative effects, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10 and IFN-gamma) showed beneficial effects, on stress levels, and multiple dimensions of emotional and cognitive intelligence. Additionally, these relationships among cytokines, stress, and emotional and cognitive intelligence differed depending on right and left hemispheric dominance.

Sleeping, sleeping environments, and human errors in South Korean male train drivers.

OBJECTIVES: Reducing human errors caused by daytime sleepiness among train drivers is important to prevent train accidents. Our purpose of the study was to investigate the association among sleep, workplace sleeping environments, and human errors. METHODS: We recruited 144 South Korean train drivers belongs to the Korean Railroad Corporation. This cross-sectional data was analyzed to investigate the association of insomnia (insomnia severity index), sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index), obstructive sleep apnea (Berlin questionnaire), and daytime sleepiness (Epworth scale) with human error and near-miss experiences. We examined whether human error and near-miss events were associated with various sleeping environments at work and at home after adjusting for the sleep indices. RESULTS: The experience of human errors was associated with insomnia and daytime sleepiness, and near-miss events were associated with insomnia among South Korean drivers. Sleeping environments including cold temperature and odor were related to both human errors and near-miss events among South Korean train drivers, after adjusted for age, working years, shiftwork, obesity, smoking, binge drinking, regular exercise, caffeine consumption, sleep quality, severity of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: The train drivers' workplace sleeping environment is significantly associated with human error events and near-miss events after adjusting for sleep quality, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and daytime sleepiness. To prevent train accidents caused by human errors, more attention is necessary for improving workplace sleeping environments.

Prognostic Factors in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 Occurring in the Korean Army.

OBJECTIVES: In Korea, patients diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in the army are typically discharged from the army; however, the course of the disease after discharge is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the course of CRPS that occurred in the army and to identify the influences of various clinical and psychosocial factors immediately before discharge on the disease course. METHODS: Clinical profiles and psychosocial status were collected from the medical records of 16 patients with CRPS type 1 who were discharged during the period between March 2017 and April 2018. The degree of improvement after discharge was assessed by follow-up evaluation through telephone contact. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to identify clinical and psychosocial predictors for the rate of recovery. RESULTS: The median time to recovery after discharge was 39 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.8-69.2 weeks). The sole predictor for time to recovery after discharge was the time period from the onset of pain to discharge. Each one-week increase in the duration of pain experienced in the military was associated with a 18.2% (95% CI = 5.3%-29.5%) reduction in the rate of recovery after discharge (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who experienced a short period of pain in the military demonstrated a relatively good prognosis after discharge. This may show how prolonged pain in the army could affect the experience of pain from a social point of view, in that it shows the disease course after a change in the social environment.