Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y los estados de ánimo en estudiantes de instituciones educativas de Antioquia, Colombia / Quality of life related to the health and mood states of students in educational institutions from Antioquia, Colombia / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e ao humor em estudantes de instituições de ensino em Antioquia, Colômbia

Introducción: La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) y los estados de ánimo son indicadores cruciales del bienestar en adolescentes, pero su relación con estudiantes de Antioquia, Colombia, no ha sido ampliamente estudiada. Objetivo: Determinar la CVRS y los estados de ánimo en escolares de Antioquia-Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal con 1957 escolares de 9 a 20 años. Se aplicaron mediciones de CVRS, ansiedad, depresión, hostilidad y alegría, actividad física, comportamiento sedentario, apoyo social de padres y nivel socioeconómico. Resultados: La calidad de vida alta (CVA) es más elevada en hombres, personas con alegría, estudiantes con apoyo de padres, activos físicamente y personas de nivel socioeconómico alto y medio. AL aumentar un año de edad, disminuye en un 15 % la CVA, y al aumentar la depresión, la ansiedad y el comportamiento sedentario disminuye la CVA. Además, los niveles de depresión y ansiedad son mayores en mujeres, estudiantes mayores, sin apoyo de los padres y personas sedentarias. Conclusiones: La CVRS se asocia con estados de ánimo, actividad física, comportamiento sedentario y apoyo de los padres; mientras que los estados de ánimo se asocian con el sexo, el apoyo de los padres, la CVS y el sedentarismo.

Introduction: Even though health-related quality of life (HRQL) and mood states are key indicators of the well-being of adolescents, their relationship has not been analyzed in students from Antioquia, Colombia. Objective: To determine HRQL and mood states in schoolchildren from Antioquia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,957 schoolchildren and adolescents aged between 9 and 20 years. Measurements of HRQL, anxiety, depression, hostility and happiness, physical activity, sedentary behavior, parental social support, and socioeconomic status were applied. Results: A high quality of life (HQL) was observed more frequently in male participants, students with parental support, physically active, and those belonging to medium and high socioeconomic status. HQL decreased 15% as their age increased by one year. Also, HQL was reduced when depression, anxiety, and sedentary behavior increased. Furthermore, depression and anxiety levels were higher in women, older students, as well as in those without parental control and with sedentary behavior. Conclusions: HRQL is associated with mood states, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and parental support. In contrast, mood states are related to gender, parental support, HQL, and sedentary lifestyle.

Introdução: A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (CVRS) e os estados de humor são indicadores cruciais de bem-estar em adolescentes, mas sua relação com estudantes de Antioquia, Colômbia, não foi amplamente estudada. Objetivo: Determinar a CVRS e os estados de humor em escolares de Antioquia-Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal com 1.957 escolares de 9 a 20 anos. Foram aplicadas medidas de QVRS, ansiedade, depressão, hostilidade e felicidade, atividade física, comportamento sedentário, apoio social dos pais e nível socioeconômico. Resultados: A alta qualidade de vida (CVA) é maior em homens, pessoas com alegria, estudantes com apoio parental, fisicamente ativos e pessoas de nível socioeconômico alto e médio. À medida que a idade aumenta em um ano, diminui em 15% o CVA, e ao aumentar a depressão, a ansiedade e o comportamento sedentário aumentam, o CVA diminui. Além disso, os níveis de depressão e ansiedade são mais elevados nas mulheres, nos estudantes mais velhos, sem apoio dos pais e nas pessoas sedentárias. Conclusões: A QVRS está associada a estados de humor, atividade física, comportamento sedentário e apoio parental; enquanto os estados de humor estão associados ao sexo, apoio parental, CVS e estilo de vida sedentário.

Efeitos do treinamento físico supervisionado na ansiedade, estresse e depressão após a Covid-19 / Effects of supervised physical training on anxiety, stress and depression after Covid-19 / Efectos del entrenamiento físico supervisado en la ansiedad, el estrés y la depresión después de la Covid-19

Objetivo: avaliar ansiedade, estresse e depressão antes e após o treinamento físico em acometidos pela Covid-19. Método: estudo quase-experimental realizado em Goiânia com pacientes que tiveram Covid-19 moderada a grave, após internação. Investigou-se ansiedade, estresse e depressão por meio da DASS-21. Os participantes realizaram dezoito sessões de treinamento físico, três vezes/semana composto por exercícios aeróbios, resistidos e de flexibilidade. Utilizou-se teste Shapiro Wilk para distribuição e os testes t pareado e Wilcoxon com nível de significância de p<0,05 para comparações. Resultado: participaram dezessete indivíduos com 55,59(±5,20) anos, predominantemente mulheres (64,7%), média de dezessete dias internados, maioria obesos (52,9%) com alguma doença prévia à Covid-19 (76,5%). Houve redução da ansiedade (mediana de 9,0 para 2,0 [p=0,001]), estresse de 10,0 para 2,0 (p=0,001) e depressão de 6,0 para 2,0 (p<0,001) após treinamento físico. Conclusão: o treinamento físico foi eficaz para melhora da ansiedade, estresse e depressão após dezoito sessões.

Objective: to assess anxiety, stress and depression before and after physical training in people affected by Covid-19. Method: a quasi-experimental study carried out in Goiania with patients who had moderate to severe Covid-19 after hospitalization. Anxiety, stress and depression were investigated using the DASS-21. The participants underwent eighteen physical training sessions, three times a week, consisting of aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises. The Shapiro Wilk test was used for distribution and the paired t-test and Wilcoxon test with a significance level of p<0.05 were used for comparisons. Results: seventeen individuals took part, aged 55.59 (±5.20) years, predominantly women (64.7%), an average of seventeen days in hospital, the majority obese (52.9%) with some illness prior to Covid-19 (76.5%). There was a reduction in anxiety (median from 9.0 to 2.0 [p=0.001]), stress from 10.0 to 2.0 (p=0.001) and depression from 6.0 to 2.0 (p<0.001) after physical training. Conclusion: physical training was effective in improving anxiety, stress and depression after eighteen sessions.

Objetivo: evaluar la ansiedad, el estrés y la depresión antes y después del entrenamiento físico en afectados por la Covid-19. Método: estudio cuasi-experimental realizado en Goiânia con pacientes que tuvieron Covid-19 moderada a grave, tras hospitalización. Se investigó la ansiedad, el estrés y la depresión mediante el DASS-21. Los participantes realizaron dieciocho sesiones de entrenamiento físico, tres veces por semana compuesto por ejercicios aeróbicos, de resistencia y de flexibilidad. Se utilizó la prueba Shapiro Wilk para distribución y las pruebas t pareada y Wilcoxon con nivel de significancia de p<0,05 para comparaciones. Resultado: participaron diecisiete individuos con 55,59 (±5,20) años, predominantemente mujeres (64,7%), media de diecisiete días hospitalizados, mayoría obesos (52,9%) con alguna enfermedad previa a la Covid-19 (76,5%). Hubo reducción de la ansiedad (mediana de 9,0 a 2,0 [p=0,001]), estrés de 10,0 a 2,0 (p=0,001) y depresión de 6,0 a 2,0 (p<0,001) tras el entrenamiento físico. Conclusión: el entrenamiento físico fue eficaz para mejorar la ansiedad, el estrés y la depresión después de dieciocho sesiones.

Mindfulness trait and the potential mediating role of emotional regulation strategies in bipolar disorder / Mindfulness rasgo y el potencial papel mediador de las estrategias de regulación emocional en el trastorno bipolar

En este estudio transversal se investiga la asociación entre los principales síntomas del Trastorno bipolar (TB) y las dificultades asociadas a las estrategias de regulación emocional (ERE) adaptativas y desadaptativas. Además, este estudio examina los efectos mediadores de las ERE con el mindfulness rasgo y el TB. Método. Veinticuatro adultos con TB completaron la Escala de Conciencia de Atención Plena (MAAS), el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI-II), la Escala de Autoevaluación de Manía de Altman (ARSM), el Inventario de Ansiedad Rasgo (STAI-R), y el Cuestionario de Regulación Emocional Cognitiva (CERQ). Resultados. El análisis de regresión múltiple mostró cómo la depresión se relacionaba significativa y positivamente con la autoculpabilización, mientras que la ansiedad rasgo estaba positivamente asociada con la autoculpabilización y el catastrofismo. En segundo lugar, el análisis de mediación mostró un efecto de mediación significativo para la autoculpabilidad en la relación entre mindfulness y depresión (a*b = -.15; ICB 95% [-.36, -.03]) y entre mindfulness y ansiedad rasgo (a*b = -.09; ICB 95% [-.27, -.01]). Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados informan del papel de la auto-culpabilidad y el catastrofismo en el TB y de cómo éstas podrían mediar significativamente entre el mindfulness rasgo y el TB. Estos resultados sugieren que una práctica de meditación enfocada en el catastrofismo y la autoculpabilidad puede ser especialmente útil para reducir los síntomas en los pacientes bipolares.(AU)

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between the main symptoms of Bipolar disorder (BD) and emotional regulation dif-ficulties in adaptive and maladaptive emotional regulation strategies (ERS). In addition, this study examines the possible mediating effects of ERS with dispositional mindfulnessand bipolar symptoms. Method.Twenty-four adults diagnosed with BD completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Altman Mania Self-Assessment Scale (ARSM), the Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-R), and the Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Results. First, mul-tiple regression analysis showed how depression was significantly positively related to self-blame, whereas trait anxietywas positively associated with self-blame and catastrophizing. Second, the results of the mediation analy-sis have shown a significant mediation effect for the self-blamein the rela-tionship between mindfulnessand depression (a*b = -.15; BCI 95% [-.36, -.03]) and between mindfulnessand trait anxiety (a*b = -.09; BCI 95% [-.27, -.01]). Conclusions. Our results report the role of self-blame and catastrophiz-ing in BD and how these might significantly mediate between dispositional mindfulness and symptoms of depression and anxiety. These results suggest that a meditation practice focused on reducing catastrophizing and self-blame may be especially helpful for symptoms of depression and anxiety in bipolar patients.(AU)

Factores de riesgo transdiagnósticos de los trastornos emocionales en adultos: una revisión sistemática / Transdiagnostic risk factors of emotional disorders in adults: A systematic review

La comorbilidad es más la regla que la excepción en salud mental y, sobre todo, en el caso de la ansiedad y la depresión. Los modelos transdiagnósticos estudian los procesos subyacentes para mejorar el tratamiento y la comprensión de la salud mental. Objetivo: Esta revisión sistemática busca evidencias sobre los factores de riesgo transdiagnósticos para la ansiedad y la depresión en la población clínica diagnosticada de estas condiciones psicopatológicas, analizando los diferentes tipos o categorías de factores identificados. Método: Se registró una revisión sistemática en PROSPERO (número de registro CRD42022370327) y se diseñó de acuerdo con las guías PRISMA-P. La calidad del estudio fue evaluada por dos revisores independientes con conocimiento del campo para reducir el posible sesgo. Resultados: Cincuenta y tres artículos fueron examinados y las variables transdiagnósticas fueron agrupadas en tres categorías: psicológicas, biológicas y socioculturales. Conclusiones: La categoría más estudiada fue la de variables psicológicas, en especial los procesos cognitivos, afecto negativo y neuroticismo, intolerancia a la incertidumbre, sensibilidad a la ansiedad. Los factores biológicos y socioculturales requieren más estudio para sustentar su enfoque transdiagnóstico.(AU)

Comorbidity is more the rule than the exception in mental health, specifically in the case of anxiety and depression. Transdiagnostic models studied the underlying processes to improve mental health treat-ment and understating. Objective:This systematic review searchs for evi-dence on transdiagnostic risk factors for anxiety and depression in the clin-ical population diagnosed with these psychopathological conditions, by an-alysing the different types or categories of factors identified.Methods:A sys-tematic review was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022370327) and was designed according to PRISMA-P guidelines. Two independent reviewers with field knowledge assessed the study quality to reduce bias.Results: Fifty-three articles were examined, and the transdi-agnostic variables were grouped into three categories: psychological, bio-logical, and sociocultural.Conclusions:The most studied category was that of psychological variables, especially cognitive processes, negative affect, and neuroticism, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety sensitivity. Biological and sociocultural factors require more study to support their transdiagnos-tic approach.(AU)

Establishment and validation of a nomogram for dropout intention in Chinese early year medical undergraduates.

BACKGROUND: The attrition rate of Chinese medical students is high. This study utilizes a nomogram technique to develop a predictive model for dropout intention among Chinese medical undergraduates based on 19 individual and work-related characteristics. METHOD: A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 3536 medical undergraduates in T1 (August 2020-April 2021) and 969 participants in T2 (October 2022) through snowball sampling. Demographics (age, sex, study phase, income, relationship status, history of mental illness) and mental health factors (including depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, alcohol use disorder, sleepiness, quality of life, fatigue, history of suicidal attempts (SA), and somatic symptoms), as well as work-related variables (career choice regret and reasons, workplace violence experience, and overall satisfaction with the Chinese healthcare environment), were gathered via questionnaires. Data from T1 was split into a training cohort and an internal validation cohort, while T2 data served as an external validation cohort. The nomogram's performance was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, clinical applicability, and generalization using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULT: From 19 individual and work-related factors, five were identified as significant predictors for the construction of the nomogram: history of SA, career choice regret, experience of workplace violence, depressive symptoms, and burnout. The AUC values for the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts were 0.762, 0.761, and 0.817, respectively. The nomogram demonstrated reliable prediction and discrimination, with adequate calibration and generalization across both the training and validation cohorts. CONCLUSION: This nomogram exhibits reasonable accuracy in foreseeing dropout intentions among Chinese medical undergraduates. It could guide colleges, hospitals, and policymakers in pinpointing students at risk, thus informing targeted interventions. Addressing underlying factors such as depressive symptoms, burnout, career choice regret, and workplace violence may help reduce the attrition of medical undergraduates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This is an observational study. There is no Clinical Trial Number associated with this manuscript.

A multidimensional tool to measure farm stressors: development and initial validation of the farmer stress assessment tool (FSAT).

BACKGROUND: Farming is a stressful occupation, and a growing body of research shows that farm stressors are associated with poor mental health. To date, there are few methodologically sound surveys that assess farm stressors, and none have been validated for the Canadian context. Our study aimed to: (a) investigate the types of stressors experienced by farmers, (b) develop a farm stress assessment tool and test its factor structure and internal consistency, and (c) assess its criterion-related validity to self-reported levels of anxiety, depression, burnout, and resilience among farmers. METHODS: We developed a 20-item survey based on a review of the literature, examining existing farm stress surveys, and consulting 10 farmers and agricultural industry experts. Then, a convenience sample of farmers living in Alberta, Canada (Sample 1, N = 354) completed a questionnaire containing the 20-item farm stress survey and four validated measures that assessed depression, anxiety, burnout, and resilience. Sample 1 was used to assess the factor structure using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), internal consistency, and criterion-validity of the survey. Next, a convenience sample of farmers living outside of Alberta (Sample 2, N = 138) was used to evaluate the factor structure of the survey using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). RESULTS: The results of the EFA revealed five underlying dimensions of farm stressors: Unexpected work disruptions, Agricultural hazards, Farm and financial planning, Isolation, and Regulations and public pressure. The subscales accounted for 61.6% of the variance, and the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) ranged from 0.66 to.75. Subscale correlations were below 0.44, indicating evidence of discriminant validity. Correlations between the five subscales and the four mental health outcome variables supported the criterion-related validity of the survey. The results of the CFA indicated that the data fit the model, and fit was further improved by correlating one pair of error terms. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary analysis of our Farmer Stress Assessment Tool (FSAT) suggests it is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring a range of stressors farmers face. Implications for policy and community-based mental health interventions that help farmers manage the enduring stressors of agriculture is discussed.

Multiple mediation analysis of a task-shared psychosocial intervention for perinatal anxiety: Exploratory findings from a randomized controlled trial in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The "Healthy Mother Healthy Baby" (HMHB) study is a phase three, single-blind randomized clinical trial conducted at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) in association with Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU). We aimed to examine the mediators of a specialized psychosocial approach based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy principles, targeting pregnant women experiencing anxiety. The HMHB intervention was effective in treating perinatal anxiety symptoms and preventing future depressive episodes. METHODS: The trial randomized participants into two arms: the HMHB intervention or Enhanced Usual Care (EUC), following World Health Organization guidelines. The HMHB intervention comprised strategies to strengthen social support networks, improving mother-baby bonding and strategies to deal with interpersonal conflicts, economic challenges, and societal gender preferences using cognitive and behavioural techniques and culturally resonant illustrations. Participants underwent rigorous data collection at three pivotal timepoints: baseline, third trimester, and 6-weeks postnatal. The primary outcome was anxiety symptom severity scores using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at 6-weeks post-childbirth. Four potential mediators - social support, behavioural activation, perceived stress, and pregnancy experience - were assessed in the third trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 1200 participants were randomized to the HMHB and EUC arms. In the six-week follow-up time point, 379 participants remained in the EUC group, and 387 continued in the HMHB group. Post-intervention, HMHB participants displayed significant improvements in postnatal anxiety and depression scores. Mediation analyses revealed social support and pregnancy hassles as significant mediators of the intervention's effect on postnatal anxiety outcomes, while only social support emerged as a significant mediator for depression outcomes. CONCLUSION: The HMHB intervention showed promising results in improving anxiety and depression scores among pregnant women. Significant mediation effects suggest the importance of targeting social support and managing pregnancy-related hassles for optimal intervention effectiveness.

Sufficient sleep and physical activity can relieve the effects of long-term exposure to particulate matter on depressive symptoms among 0.31 million children and adolescents from 103 counties in China.

BACKGROUND: Although long-term exposures to air pollutants have been linked to mental disorders, existing studies remain limited and inconsistent. We investigated the relationship between exposure to particulate matter (PM) and depressive symptoms, as well as the potential role of sleep duration and physical activity. METHOD: Using the surveillance data (2019 to 2022) of common diseases and risk factors among 312,390 students aged 10-25 years, logistic regression, generalized liner model (GLM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were employed to investigate the relationship between long-term exposure to PM and depressive symptoms. RESULT: Significant associations were found between PM1 (OR = 1.21, 95 % CI: 1.12-1.32), PM2.5 (OR = 1.24, 95 % CI: 1.19-1.38), and PM10 (OR = 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.69-2.07) and increased risks of depressive symptoms. Sleep duration and physical activity relieved these associations. The odds ratios (ORs) of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 on depressive symptoms were lower in group with sufficient sleep (1.02 vs. 1.49, 1.20 vs. 1.80, 2.15 vs. 2.23), lower in group with high level MVPA (1.13 vs. 1.48, 1.14 vs. 1.58, 1.85 vs. 2.38), and lower in group with high level outdoor activity (1.19 vs. 1.55, 1.23 vs. 1.63, 1.83 vs. 2.72). LIMITATIONS: Conclusions about causality remain speculative because of the cross-sectional design. CONCLUSION: Sufficient sleep duration and outdoor activity may mitigate the decline in mental health among adults in developing countries caused by long-term exposure to PM. This contribution enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms linking air pollution to mental health.

The impact of neural emotion reactivity and regulation on the association between depression and suicide ideation in high-risk adults.

BACKGROUND: Depression is closely related to suicidal ideation (SI); however, it is unclear who is most vulnerable to SI within the context of depression. Research suggests that individual differences in emotion reactivity and regulation may be potential moderators of the link between depression and SI. Therefore, the current study tested this hypothesis using objective markers of emotion reactivity and volitional cognitive regulation capacity during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS: Adults (n = 91) with active SI completed validated self-report measures of current depressive symptoms and SI severity. Participants completed an fMRI task designed to probe neural response to aversive stimuli and during cognitive reappraisal - a form of volitional emotion regulation. Activation of the amygdala during aversive emotion reactivity was measured. Activation of ventrolateral, dorsolateral, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (vlPFC, dlPFC, and dmPFC) during cognitive reappraisal were also measured. A series of hierarchical linear regressions testing the unique and interactive effects of depression symptoms and neural activation on severity of SI were conducted. RESULTS: Analyses revealed a depression x amygdala activation interaction. The positive association between depression and SI severity was more robust in the context of high amygdala reactivity than low amygdala reactivity. Analyses also indicated there was no PFC activity (neural cognitive reappraisal) by depression interaction. LIMITATIONS: Psychoactive medications were allowed and all participants endorsed suicidal intent. CONCLUSION: Strategies aimed at targeting exaggerated emotion reactivity within the context of depression may be beneficial.

The emergence of antidepressant drugs targeting GABAA receptors: A concise review.

Depression is among the most common psychiatric illnesses, which imposes a major socioeconomic burden on patients, caregivers, and the public health system. Treatment with classical antidepressants (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors), which primarily affect monoaminergic systems has several limitations, such as delayed onset of action and moderate efficacy in a relatively large proportion of depressed patients. Furthermore, depression is highly heterogeneus, and its different subtypes, including post-partum depression, involve distinct neurobiology, warranting a differential approach to pharmacotherapy. Given these shortcomings, the need for novel antidepressants that are superior in efficacy and faster in onset of action is fully justified. The development and market introduction of rapid-acting antidepressants has accelerated in recent years. Some of these new antidepressants act through the GABAergic system. In this review, we discuss the discovery, efficacy, and limitations of treatment with classic antidepressants. We provide a detailed discussion of GABAergic neurotransmission, with a special focus on GABAA receptors, and possible explanations for the mood-enhancing effects of GABAergic medications (in particular neurosteroids acting at GABAA receptors), and, ultimately, we present the most promising molecules belonging to this family which are currently used in clinical practice or are in late phases of clinical development.

Global research trends in the effects of exercise on depression: A bibliometric study over the past two decades.

Introduction: With depression's growing global prevalence and substantial impact, effective prevention and management strategies are imperative. Our study aims to perform a thorough bibliometric analysis of existing research on the impact of exercise on depression. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of Web of Science Core Collection publications from 2000 to 2020 was performed, highlighting trends, themes, and influential authors. The study focused on subject categories, source journals, countries/regions, institutions, and prolific authors. Co-citation and keyword analyses revealed key themes, hotspots and the thematic evolution. Results: The multidisciplinary nature of this research is evident across psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, and sports science. Specific populations such as women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses were targeted. Mind-body exercises like yoga and tai chi gained prominence. Co-citation clusters showcased the evolution from early investigations on exercise's impact to recent dose-response and protocol studies. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis provides insights into the dynamic field of exercise interventions for depression. It underscores the importance of individual differences, calls for guidelines considering comorbidities, and points towards future directions such as exploring mind-body exercise mechanisms and well-designed clinical trials. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape and informs future endeavors aimed at refining depression treatment through exercise interventions.

Independent and combined effect of serum copper and folate on depression: cross-sectional data from the NHANES 2011-2016.

Background and objective: Depression is a widespread mental health condition that can impact both mental and physical well-being. Prior research has shown that high levels of copper in the blood and low levels of folate are linked to depression. This study aimed to explore whether serum folate levels, independently or in combination with serum copper levels, associated with the risk of depression. Methods: Data from participants aged 18-80 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2016 were analyzed to examine the role of trace elements. Depression was assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate the main effect of serum copper and folate levels on depression. Three indices, including the relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion of interaction (API), and synergy index (SI), were used to analyze the interaction effect. Results: Among the 4,847 participants selected for this study, 429 (8.9%) had PHQ-9 scores above 10, which we defined as having depressive symptoms. After adjusting for all confounding factors, higher serum copper levels [≥15.5 vs. <15.5 µmol/L, odds ratio (OR): 1.54; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.18-2.11] and folate deficiency (folate ≥53.7 vs. <53.7 µmol/L, OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.21-2.10) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Patients with both higher serum copper levels and folate deficiency (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.43-3.14) had the highest risk of depression than other levels. High copper levels and low folate levels are associated with the occurrence of depression symptoms, and there may be a synergistic effect between them (SI: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.49-4.76), with this interaction accounting for 19% of depression cases (API: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.01-0.54). Conclusion: There may be a synergistic interaction between high copper levels and low folate levels associated with increasing risk of depression. Further population-based interventional studies are needed to confirm whether folic acid supplementation is effective in preventing depression in individuals with high blood copper levels.

The causal relationship between antihypertensive drugs and depression: a Mendelian randomization study of drug targets.

Background: Depression ranks as a leading contributor to the global disease burden. The potential causal relationship between the use of antihypertensive medications and depression has garnered significant interest. Despite extensive investigation, the nature of this relationship remains a subject of ongoing debate. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the influence of antihypertensive medications on depression by conducting a Mendelian randomization study focused on drug targets. Method: We focused on the targets of five antihypertensive drug categories: ACE Inhibitors (ACEIs), Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (ARBs), Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs), Beta-Blockers (BBs), and Thiazide Diuretics (TDs). We collected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with these drug targets from genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics, using them as proxies for the drugs. Subsequently, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis targeting these drugs to explore their potential impact on depression. Results: Our findings revealed that genetic proxies for Beta-Blockers (BBs) were associated with an elevated risk of depression (OR [95%CI] = 1.027 [1.013, 1.040], p < 0.001). Similarly, genetic proxies for Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) were linked to an increased risk of depression (OR [95%CI] = 1.030 [1.009, 1.051], p = 0.006). No significant associations were identified between the genetic markers of other antihypertensive medications and depression risk. Conclusion: The study suggests that genetic proxies associated with Beta-Blockers (BBs) and Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) could potentially elevate the risk of depression among patients. These findings underscore the importance of considering genetic predispositions when prescribing these medications, offering a strategic approach to preventing depression in susceptible individuals.

Psychotherapeutic interventions for depressive symptoms in older adults in a community setting: a systematic review protocol.

Depression is a prevalent illness among the elderly, so psychotherapeutic interventions are needed to promote health and quality of life. This literature review aims to identify trials of any psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms in older adults. A systematic literature review with a meta-analysis will be carried out. The following databases will be searched: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. To minimize bias, four reviewers will independently assess the inclusion of studies. The fifth reviewer will be responsible for disaggregating inclusion and exclusion between two authors. The results of the analysis will be grouped in a table with the characteristics of the included studies, including author, year, sample, objectives, methods, assessment instruments, psychotherapeutic interventions, results, follow-up and a data compilation scheme. This scientific article is a systematic review protocol for which the data has already been extracted and is being analyzed. Examples of possible strategies to include cognitive restructuring and mental health programs for older adults in community settings. With this clear and direct identification of psychotherapeutic interventions, it will be clearer for mental health professionals to be able to intervene effectively to promote the mental health and well-being of older adults. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023449190.

Target mechanisms of mindfulness-based programmes and practices: a scoping review.

QUESTION: Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) and practices have demonstrated effects in mental health and well-being, yet questions regarding the target mechanisms that drive change across the population remain unresolved. STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS: Five databases were searched for randomised controlled trials that evaluate the indirect effects (IEs) of an MBP or mindfulness practice in relation to mental health and well-being outcomes through psychological mechanisms. FINDINGS: 27 eligible studies were identified, with only four exploring mechanisms in the context of specific mindfulness practices. Significant IEs were reported for mindfulness skills, decentering and attitudes of mindfulness (eg, self-compassion) across different outcomes, population samples, mental health strategies and active comparators. Evidence gap maps and requirements for testing and reporting IEs are provided to help guide future work. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness skills, decentering and attitudes of mindfulness may be key intervention targets for addressing the mental health of whole populations. However, future work needs to address significant knowledge gaps regarding the evidence for alternative mechanisms (eg, attention and awareness) in relation to unique outcomes (eg, well-being), mental health strategies (ie, promotion) and active comparators. High-quality trials, with powered multivariate mediation analyses that meet key requirements, will be needed to advance this area of work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10.17605/OSF.IO/NY2AH.

Draft Genome of Akame (Lates Japonicus) Reveals Possible Genetic Mechanisms for Long-Term Persistence and Adaptive Evolution with Low Genetic Diversity.

It is known that some endangered species have persisted for thousands of years despite their very small effective population sizes and low levels of genetic polymorphisms. To understand the genetic mechanisms of long-term persistence in threatened species, we determined the whole genome sequences of akame (Lates japonicus), which has survived for a long time with extremely low genetic variations. Genome-wide heterozygosity in akame was estimated to be 3.3 to 3.4 × 10-4/bp, one of the smallest values in teleost fishes. Analysis of demographic history revealed that the effective population size in akame was around 1,000 from 30,000 years ago to the recent past. The relatively high ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous heterozygosity in akame indicated an increased genetic load. However, a detailed analysis of genetic diversity in the akame genome revealed that multiple genomic regions, including genes involved in immunity, synaptic development, and olfactory sensory systems, have retained relatively high nucleotide polymorphisms. This implies that the akame genome has preserved the functional genetic variations by balancing selection, to avoid a reduction in viability and loss of adaptive potential. Analysis of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution rates has detected signs of positive selection in many akame genes, suggesting adaptive evolution to temperate waters after the speciation of akame and its close relative, barramundi (Lates calcarifer). Our results indicate that the functional genetic diversity likely contributed to the long-term persistence of this species by avoiding the harmful effects of the population size reduction.

A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study of Neuroticism and Sleep Bruxism.

Sleep bruxism (SB) affects a considerable part of the population and is associated with neuroticism, stress, and anxiety in various studies. However, the causal mechanisms between neuroticism and SB have not been examined. Understanding the reasons for SB is important as understanding bruxism may allow improved comprehensive management of the disorders and comorbidities related to it. Previous studies on the association of risk factors to SB have provided important symptomatic insight but were mainly questionnaire based or limited in sample size and could not adequately assess causal relationships. The aim of this study was to elaborate the possible causal relationship of neuroticism as a risk factor for SB through a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach by combining questionnaires, registry data, and genetic information in large scale. We performed a two-sample MR study using instrumental genetic variants of neuroticism, including neuroticism subcategories, in the UK Biobank (n = 380,506) and outcome data of probable SB using FinnGen (n [cases/controls] = 12,297/364,980). We discovered a causal effect from neuroticism to SB (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38 [1.10-1.74], P = 0.0057). A phenotype sensitive to stress and adversity had the strongest effect (OR = 1.59 [1.17-2.15], P = 0.0028). Sensitivity analyses across MR methods supported a causal relationship, and we did not observe pleiotropy between neuroticism and SB (MR-Egger intercept, P = 0.87). Our findings are in line with earlier observational studies that connect stress and SB. Furthermore, our results provide evidence that neurotic traits increase the risk of probable SB.

GluN2A: a promising target for developing novel antidepressants.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a heterogeneous disorder with high morbidity and disability rates that poses serious problems in regard to mental health care. It is now well established that N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) modulators are being increasingly explored as potential therapeutic options for treating depression, although relatively little is known about their mechanisms of action. NMDARs are glutamate-gated ion channels that are ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and they have been shown to play key roles in excitatory synaptic transmission. GluN2A, the predominant Glu2N subunit of functional NMDARs in neurons, is involved in various physiological processes in the CNS and is associated with diseases such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. However, the role of GluN2A in the pathophysiology of depression has not yet been elucidated. METHODS: We reviewed several past studies in order to better understand the function of GluN2A in depression. Additionally, we also summarized the pathogenesis of depression based on the regulation of GluN2A expression, particularly its interaction with neuroinflammation and neurogenesis, which has received considerable critical attention and is highly implicated in the onset of depression. RESULTS: These evidences suggest that GluN2A overexpression impairs structural and functional synaptic plasticity, which contributes to the development of depression. Consequently, this knowledge is vital for the development of selective antagonists targeting GluN2A subunits using pharmacological and molecular methods. CONCLUSIONS: Specific inhibition of GluN2A NMDAR subunit is resistant to chronic stress-induced depressive-like behaviors, making them promising targets for the development of novel antidepressants.

The mechanism of cancer-depression comorbidity.

Cancer and depression are closely interrelated, particularly in patients with advanced cancer, who often present with comorbid anxiety and depression for various reasons. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the study of depression in cancer patients, with the aim of assessing the possible triggers, predictors, adverse events, and possible treatment options for depression in several common cancers. The objective of this narrative review is to synthesize the extant literature on the relationship between the occurrence and progression of depression in several common patient categories. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of 75 articles published in PubMed over the past five years. This review was further evaluated in the present paper. Ultimately, it was determined that depression is a prevalent and detrimental phenomenon among cancer patients, particularly those with advanced disease. Consequently, there is a pressing need to prioritize research and interventions aimed at improving the quality of life and psychosocial well-being of cancer patients, including those with advanced disease. The relationship between cancer and depression has been evolving dynamically in recent times. The current research findings indicate a strong association between cancer and depression. However, the direction of causality remains unclear. Focusing on depression in cancer patients may, therefore, be beneficial for these patients.

Pre- and Post-Synaptic protein in the major depressive Disorder: From neurobiology to therapeutic targets.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has demonstrated its negative impact on various aspects of the lives of those affected. Although several therapies have been developed over the years, it remains a challenge for mental health professionals. Thus, understanding the pathophysiology of MDD is necessary to improve existing treatment options or seek new therapeutic alternatives. Clinical and preclinical studies in animal models of depression have shown the involvement of synaptic plasticity in both the development of MDD and the response to available drugs. However, synaptic plasticity involves a cascade of events, including the action of presynaptic proteins such as synaptophysin and synapsins and postsynaptic proteins such as postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95). Additionally, several factors can negatively impact the process of spinogenesis/neurogenesis, which are related to many outcomes, including MDD. Thus, this narrative review aims to deepen the understanding of the involvement of synaptic formations and their components in the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD.