Internet addiction in adolescent psychiatric patient population: A hospital-based Study from China.

BACKGROUND: Internet is gradually reshaping adolescents' behaviors in China. It is important to identify the prevalence and risk factors to predict Internet addiction among adolescent psychiatric patients. METHODS: The survey was conducted among inpatient or outpatient adolescent patients with mental disorders. All participants were interviewed face-to-face and completed Young Internet Addiction Test and other relevant assessments. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to exam between-group differences of internet addiction. RESULT: The prevalence for internet addiction (mild to severe) in adolescent psychiatric patients was 80.2%, where the prevalence for "medium and severe internet addiction was 25.5%. Logistic regression analysis identified two independent predictors for "medium and severe internet addiction" including the total score of Adolescent Non-suicidal-self-injury (NSSI) Behavior Function Assessment Scale (ANBFAS) and the diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (R2 =0.27, p = .02 for total ANBFAS score, p = .01 for GAD) in psychiatric adolescent patients. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of internet addiction is notably high among adolescent psychiatric patients in China. Coping for Internet addiction in adolescent psychiatric patients should conclude the coping of NSSI and GAD.

Symptoms mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and non-suicidal self-injury: A hospital-based study of adolescents with mood disorder.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma has a significant impact on the development of adolescents, which may lead to interpersonal and psychological problems. Determining the incidence and consequences of childhood trauma in psychiatric clinical practice is of great significance. METHODS: A survey was conducted among adolescents with mood disorders. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Adolescent Non-Suicidal-Self-Injury Behavior Function Assessment Scale (ANBFAS) and a series of psychological scales were filled face to face. Path analysis was used to examine the causation structure of childhood trauma-related symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 117 participants (74.5%) had experienced at least one type of trauma. Interpersonal and psychological features of adolescent patients with childhood trauma were detailed in this study. The path analysis model showed that the relationships between childhood trauma and NSSI were mediated by depressive symptoms and thinking disorders, respectively, whereas depressive symptoms individually mediated the correlation between childhood trauma and sleep disturbances in adolescent patients with psychiatric disorders (χ2 /df = 1.23). CONCLUSION: For adolescent patients with childhood trauma, psychological counseling for interpersonal relationships should start with families and peers. It is important to treat their depressive symptoms and thinking disorders and alleviate NSSI behavior and sleep disorders.

Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals a More Refined Regulation Mechanism of Methylation in a Drought-Tolerant Variety of Potato.

Whether DNA methylation modification affects the gene transcription and expression of potatoes under drought stress is still unknown. In this study, we used comparative transcriptomics to explore the expression pattern of related genes of the drought-tolerant variety Qingshu 9 (Q) and the drought-sensitive variety Atlantic (A) under drought stress and DNA methylation inhibitor treatment. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the number of DEGs between the two varieties' responses to mannitol and 5-azad C, especially when they were co-treated with two reagents, and the gene expression of Q was more sensitive to mannitol after two hours. Furthermore, we found that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in DNA replication, transcription, translation, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, signal transduction, and glutathione metabolism. These results indicate that the difference in the background of methylation leads to the difference in drought resistance of the two varieties. The complexity of the DNA methylation of variety Q might be higher than that of variety A, and the method of methylation regulation is more refined. This study systematically expands the understanding of the molecular mechanism wherein DNA methylation regulates the response to drought stress.

Correlates of Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients in China.

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has attracted more and more attention from schools, mental health workers and even the whole society in China. The aim of this study was to explore influencing factors and clinical characteristics of NSSI in adolescent psychiatric patients in China, and provide valuable information for the intervention and treatment of NSSI. Methods: The sample included 157 adolescents, 114 were female (72.6%), aged 12-18 years (M = 15.39, SD = 1.81). Assessments were performed using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, the Revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, the modified version of Adolescents Self-Harm Scale, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Clinical characteristics were collected from electronic medical record system. Results: Adolescent patients with NSSI experienced more adverse life events including peer bullying, childhood trauma and romantic relationship trouble. They had more times of hospitalization, higher dosage of psychotic medication, and more severe depressive symptoms. Conclusions: It is very necessary to evaluate negative life events, including childhood trauma, peer bullying etc., in adolescent patients with NSSI. It has important clinical implications for evaluating the risk factors of NSSI and giving effective intervention treatment. Timely and effective treatment of these patients' depressive symptoms will also contribute to the relief of NSSI.

Compromised Air Quality and Healthcare Safety from Smoking inside Hospitals in Shantou, China.

Achieving smoke-free healthcare facilities remains a great challenge in countries with a high smoking prevalence and weak regulation. Assessment of the impact of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and its constituent PM2.5 on the air quality in Chinese hospitals has not been reported. In this study, we conducted air quality surveys by measuring real-time PM2.5 concentrations with Dylos Air Quality Monitors in five tertiary hospitals in Shantou, China during summer (July-August 2016) and winter (November-February 2017). Twenty-eight-day surveys inside the hospitals showed median PM2.5 concentrations above the China Air Quality Standard in elevator lobbies (51.0 µg/m3, IQR 34.5-91.7), restrooms (40.2, 27.1-70.3), and corridors (36.5, 23.0-77.4). Evidence of tobacco smoking was significantly associated with PM2.5 spikes observed in all the survey locations, contributing to the air quality undesirable for health in 49.1% of total survey hours or 29.3% of summer and 75.4% of winter survey hours inside the buildings, and 33.5%, 25.7%, and 6.8% of survey hours in doctor offices, nurse stations, and patient rooms, respectively. In conclusion, smoking inside hospitals induces PM2.5 spikes that significantly compromise the air quality and impose significant health risk to the hospital inhabitants. Reinforcing comprehensive smoking ban with the vested interest of all stakeholders followed by creative disciplinary actions are suggested to ensure healthcare safety.