Preliminary evidence for virtue as a cue to long-term mate value

BACKGROUND Approximately 10% to 12% of New Zealand children and young people have long-term physical conditions (also known as chronic illnesses) and are more likely to develop psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression. Delayed treatment leads to worse physical and mental healthcare, school absence, and poorer long-term outcomes. Recently, electronic health (eHealth) interventions, especially those based on the principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), have been shown to be as good as face-to-face therapy. Biofeedback techniques have also been shown to enhance relaxation during the treatment of anxiety. However, these modalities have rarely been combined. Young people with long-term physical conditions have expressed a preference for well-designed and technologically-based support to deal with psychological issues, especially anxiety. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to co-design and evaluate the (i) acceptability and (ii) usability of a CBT and biofeedback-based, 5-module eHealth game called ‘Starship Rescue’ and (iii) to provide preliminary evidence regarding its effectiveness in addressing anxiety and quality of life in young people with long-term physical conditions. METHODS Starship Rescue was co-designed with children and young people from a tertiary hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. Following this, 24 young people aged 10 to 17 years were enrolled in an open trial, during which they were asked to use the game for an 8-week period. Acceptability of the game to all participants was assessed using a brief, open-ended questionnaire, and more detailed feedback was obtained from a subset of 10 participants via semi-structured interviews. Usability was evaluated via the System Usability Scale (SUS) and device-recorded frequency and duration of access on completion of the game. Anxiety levels were measured prior to commencement, on completion of the game, and 3 months later using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) and Spence Child Anxiety Scales (SCAS), and at the start of each module and at the end of the game using an embedded Likert/visual analog scale. Quality of life was measured prior to commencement and on completion of the game using the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (PEDS-QL). RESULTS Users gave Starship Rescue an overall rating of 5.9 out of 10 (range 3-10 and a mean score of 71 out of 100 (SD 11.7; min 47.5; max 90) on the System Usability Scale (SUS). The mean time period for use of the game was just over 11-weeks (78.8 days, 13.5 hours, 40 minutes). Significant reductions in anxiety were noted between the start and end of the game on the GAD-7 (-4.6 (p=0.000)), SCAS (-9.6 (p=0.005)), and the Likert/visual analogue scales (-2.4 (p=0.001)). Quality of life also improved on the PedsQL scale (+4.3 (p=0.042)). All changes were sustained at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence for Starship Rescue being an acceptable, usable and effective eHealth intervention for addressing anxiety in young people with long-term physical conditions. Further evaluation is planned via a more formal randomized controlled trial. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Network Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12616001253493p;https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371443 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6sYB716lf)

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The Effect of Virtual Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Current Psychiatry Reports ◽

10.1007/s11920-021-01272-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (9) ◽

Author(s):

Amanda Jiang ◽

Michael Rosario ◽

Sara Stahl ◽

Jessica M. Gill ◽

Heather L. Rusch

Keyword(s):

Sleep Quality ◽

Sleep Disturbance ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Delivery Method ◽

Attrition Rates ◽

Long Term Effect ◽

Evidence Based Treatments ◽

Intervention Adherence ◽

Improve Sleep Quality

Abstract Purpose of Review We summarized peer-reviewed literature investigating the effect of virtual mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on sleep quality. We aimed to examine the following three questions: (1) do virtual MBIs improve sleep quality when compared with control groups; (2) does the effect persist long-term; and (3) is the virtual delivery method equally feasible compared to the in-person delivery method? Recent Findings Findings suggest that virtual MBIs are equivalent to evidence-based treatments, and to a limited extent, more effective than non-specific active controls at reducing some aspects of sleep disturbance. Overall, virtual MBIs are more effective at improving sleep quality than usual care controls and waitlist controls. Studies provide preliminary evidence that virtual MBIs have a long-term effect on sleep quality. Moreover, while virtual MBI attrition rates are comparable to in-person MBI attrition rates, intervention adherence may be compromised in the virtual delivery method. Summary This review highlights virtual MBIs as a potentially effective alternative to managing sleep disturbance during pandemic-related quarantine and stay-at-home periods. This is especially relevant due to barriers of accessing in-person interventions during the pandemic. Future studies are needed to explore factors that influence adherence and access to virtual MBIs, with a particular focus on diverse populations.

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Participation in Two Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs by Adults Aging With a Long-Term Disability: Case-Control Study of Reach and Effectiveness

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264318808918 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (10_suppl) ◽

pp. 39S-67S ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thomas J. Eagen ◽

Salom M. Teshale ◽

Angelica P. Herrera-Venson ◽

Anne Ordway ◽

Joe Caldwell

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Fear Of Falling ◽

Prevention Programs ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Case Control ◽

Falls Prevention ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Activity Restriction ◽

Increased Risk

Objective: Adults aging with a long-term disability (LTD) are at an increased risk for falls. The Older Americans Act Title III-D and Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF) support several organizations to deliver falls prevention evidence-based programs designed to reduce risk factors; however, little is understood about the reach and effectiveness of these fall prevention programs for those with LTD compared to those without LTD. This study compared the reach and effectiveness of two evidence-based falls prevention programs between older adults with and without LTD. Method: Using a matched case-control design, 105 LTD older adults enrolled in A Matter of Balance (AMOB) or Stepping On were matched to 315 non-LTD older adults on age, sex, race, and education. Results: On average, LTD older adults attended a higher number of class sessions and were significantly more likely to complete the program compared with the matched-sample of non-LTD older adults. LTD older adults were equally likely as non-LTD older adults to report significant reductions in self-reported fear of falling, falls-related activity restriction, and improvement in falls self-efficacy following completion of the programs. Discussion: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of these evidence-based falls prevention programs for LTD older adults; however, more research is needed to extend these findings.

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Who gets mad and who feels bad? Mate value discrepancies predict anger and shame in response to transgressions in romantic relationships

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/0265407518808092 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (10) ◽

pp. 2963-2982 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cari D. Goetz ◽

Nestor M. Maria

Keyword(s):

Romantic Relationships ◽

Relationship Satisfaction ◽

Emotional Responses ◽

Mate Preferences ◽

Mate Value ◽

Committed Relationships ◽

Relational Transgressions ◽

Medium Level ◽

Theories Of Emotions

Mate value discrepancies (MVDs) predict multiple outcomes in romantic relationships, including relationship satisfaction, jealousy, and forgiveness. We tested the hypotheses that MVDs would predict anger and shame in response to both medium and strong transgressions within romantic relationships. Participants in long-term committed relationships read scenarios describing relational transgressions and rated how much anger and shame they would feel if they were either the victim or the perpetrator of the transgressions in their current relationship. We found partial support for our hypotheses. Victims of medium-level transgressions were angrier the more alternative potential mates there were that were closer to their ideal mate preferences than their current partner. Perpetrators of strong transgressions felt more shame the higher in mate value their partner was compared to them. Results suggest that different MVDs may predict different outcomes in relationships and highlight the importance of using functional theories of emotions to predict individual differences in emotional responses.

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Serum Microelements in Early Pregnancy and their Risk of Large-for-Gestational Age Birth Weight

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12030866 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 866 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Małgorzata Lewandowska ◽

Jan Lubiński

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Early Pregnancy ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Large For Gestational Age ◽

Female Fetus ◽

Appropriate For Gestational Age ◽

Nested Case Control ◽

Relationship Of

Excessive birth weight has serious perinatal consequences, and it “programs” long-term health. Mother’s nutritional status can be an important element in fetal “programming”; microelements such as selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) are involved in many metabolic processes. However, there are no studies assessing the relationship of the microelements in the peri-conceptual period with the risk of excessive birth weight. We performed a nested case control study of serum microelements’ levels in the 10–14th week of pregnancy and assessed the risk of large-for-gestational age (LGA) newborns using the data from a prospective cohort of pregnant women recruited in 2015–2016 in Poznań, Poland. Mothers delivering LGA newborns (n = 66) were examined with matched mothers delivering appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) newborns (n = 264). Microelements’ levels were quantified using mass spectrometry. The odds ratios of LGA (and 95% confidence intervals) were calculated by multivariate logistic regression. In the whole group, women with the lowest quartile of Se had a 3 times higher LGA risk compared with women in the highest Se quartile (AOR = 3.00; p = 0.013). Importantly, the result was sustained in the subgroup of women with the normal pre-pregnancy BMI (AOR = 4.79; p = 0.033) and in women with a male fetus (AOR = 6.28; p = 0.004), but it was not sustained in women with a female fetus. There were no statistical associations between Zn, Cu, and Fe levels and LGA. Our study provides some preliminary evidence for the relationships between lower serum Se levels in early pregnancy and a higher risk of large-for-gestational age birth weight. Appropriate Se intake in the periconceptual period may be important for optimal fetal growth.

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A comparison of oral and implant naltrexone outcomes at 12 months

Journal of Opioid Management ◽

10.5055/jom.2005.0054 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 1 (5) ◽

pp. 249 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Ross Colquhoun, BPsych(Hons) ◽

Donald Y-K. Tan, MBBS ◽

Samantha Hull, BPsych(Hons)

Keyword(s):

Treatment Condition ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

The Self ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Support Person ◽

Self Reports ◽

Oral Naltrexone ◽

Improve Compliance

Naltrexone’s current use has been limited by compliance. Subcutaneous implants would seem to offer a solution to this problem and improve long-term outcomes. The aim of the present study was to compare groups of patients who had received oral naltrexone or a naltrexone implant after detoxification and to follow their progress. Forty-one patients received an implant, and 42 patients received oral naltrexone. They were surveyed at one, three, six, and 12 months after detoxification. Their designated support person was also contacted to confirm the self-reports of the participants. Patients were compared on gender, age, and length of time since detoxification. Implant patients showed much higher abstinence rates, while those in both groups who were abstinent showed greater compliance to naltrexone (time spent in treatment) and attended more counseling sessions. Although the participants were not randomly allocated to each treatment condition, the preliminary evidence indicates that implants can improve compliance rates and outcomes.

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Phase I/II Study of Oral FodosineTM, a PNP Inhibitor in Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Patients.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v106.11.2683.2683 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 106 (11) ◽

pp. 2683-2683 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Madeleine Duvic ◽

Debra Breneman ◽

Maureen Cooper ◽

Gustavo Fonseca ◽

J. Claude Bennett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Mycosis Fungoides ◽

Progressive Disease ◽

Treatment Cycle ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Sézary Syndrome ◽

Sezary Syndrome ◽

Minor Response

Abstract Suppression of T-cell immunity seen in children with inherited purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency supports the potential application of PNP inhibitors for the therapy of T-cell malignancies. Forodesine (FodosineTM) is a specific PNP inhibitor that raises plasma 2′-deoxyguanosine (dGuo) and intracellular dGTP levels, leading to T-cell apoptosis. IV administration of forodesine has shown activity in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients. To determine the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral forodesine in patients with refractory CTCL, as well as preliminary evidence of efficacy, five cohorts of patients (≥ 3patients per cohort) were evaluated sequentially, receiving forodesine at 40, 80, 160, 320, and 480 mg/m2 once per day for 28 days. At the end of the treatment cycle (Day 28), all patients with stable or improved disease could enter a long-term, follow-up period. To date, 12 patients have been treated, 11 completing the 28-day cycle. Forodesine is orally absorbed (40%–50%), mean terminal half-life of 12 to 20 h. dGuo levels were elevated in all patients (0.8–2.8 μM, predose levels ≤ 0.004 μM). Forodesine was generally safe and well tolerated in this population. Safety data is available for first 7 patients. No serious adverse events possibly related to the drug occurred. The most common adverse event possibly drug related was nausea (2 patients). Of the 11 patients completing the treatment cycle, 9 began long-term treatment. Of these 9 patients, 4 have received >3 months of treatment, while 1 patient continues to receive for >8 months. Efficacy data are available for 8 patients: 2 with partial response, 3 with minor response, 2 with progressive disease, and 1 with stable disease (Table). Forodesine showed preliminary evidence of clinical activity in refractory CTCL patients. Additional clinical and pharmacodynamic data will be presented. Clinical and Pharmacodynamic Activity of Oral Forodesine In CTCL Patients Patient Diagnosis Dose (mg/m2) Treatment Plasma dGuo (Cmax, M) μ Clinical Response PR = partial response; MR = minor response; SD = stable disease; PD = progressive disease; N/A = not available 2001 Sezary syndrome (IVA) 40 Completed 0.6 PR 3001 Mycosis fungoides (IVB) 40 Completed 1.7 PD 3002 Mycosis fungoides (IIB) 40 Completed 1.2 MR 3003 Mycosis fungoides (IB) 80 Completed 1.2 MR 3004 Sezary syndrome (IVA) 80 Completed 1.0 MR 3005 Sezary syndrome 80 Completed 1.6 PD 2002 IIA 80 Completed 1.1 PR 2003 III 80 Completed 1.7 N/A 3006 Mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome (IVB) 160 Completed 2.8 SD 4001 III 320 Completed 1.8 N/A 1001 Mycosis fungoides (IB) 320 Completed 1.3 N/A 3012 Mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome (IVA vs B) 320 Not Completed N/A Not evaluable

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Mood Stabilizers in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852900027346 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 95-109 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Icro Maremmani ◽

Matteo Pacini ◽

Francesco Lamanna ◽

Pier Paolo Pani ◽

Giulio Perugi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Dual Diagnosis ◽

Substance Abusers ◽

Bipolar Disorders ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Mood Stabilizers ◽

Bipolar Spectrum ◽

Bipolar Spectrum Disorders ◽

Spectrum Disorders

ABSTRACTIndividuals suffering from drug addiction may also manifest features of bipolar spectrum disorders. Hyperthymic and cyclothymic temperaments may render individuals vulnerable to later development of substance abuse. Bipolar disorders themselves may be altered or precipitated by substance use, most notably by stimulants (amphetamines), alcohol, and cannabinoids.The clinical usefulness of mood stabilizers, particularly antiepileptics, has been established as safe and effective in substance abusers with and without comorbid mood disorders. Most studies on this issue have been of short duration and focused on the resolution of a currently manifest period of illness. Few studies have been conducted on the usefulness of these drugs on the long-term longitudinal course of these diseases, such as frequently encountered recurrent relapses into states of agitation, impulsivity, and/or dissatisfaction. As opposed to the clinical experience with traditional antidepressants and neuroleptics, antiepileptics do not induce counter-polar states (depressed patients abruptly turning manic or hypomanic; nor patients currently hypomanic or manic turning abruptly depressed). Many clinicians consider antiepileptic mood stabilizers to be the preferred category of medications for the treatment of such patients. Valproate appears to be a potentially fruitful medication to study in these dual diagnosis patients due to preliminary evidence demonstrating its anticraving efficacy.

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Preliminary Evidence on Long COVID in children

10.1101/2021.01.23.21250375 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Danilo Buonsenso ◽

Daniel Munblit ◽

Cristina De Rose ◽

Dario Sinatti ◽

Antonia Ricchiuto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Joint Pain ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Daily Activities ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Respiratory Problems ◽

Persistent Symptoms ◽

Long Term Impact ◽

Health Experts

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that adult patients diagnosed with acute COVID-19 suffer from Long COVID initially described in Italy.To date, data on Long COVID in children are lacking.We assessed persistent symptoms in pediatric patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19. More than a half reported at least one persisting symptom even after 120 days since COVID-19, with 42.6% being impaired by these symptoms during daily activities. Symptoms like fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headache, insomnia, respiratory problems and palpitations were particularly frequent, as also described in adults.The evidence that COVID-19 can have long-term impact children as well, including those with asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic COVID-19, highlight the need for pediatricians, mental health experts and policy makers of implementing measures to reduce impact of the pandemic on child’s health.

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THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE PROFITABILITY OF LARGE COMMERICAL BANKS IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

SERIES V - ECONOMIC SCIENCES ◽

10.31926/but.es.2021.14.63.2.9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14(63) (2) ◽

pp. 79-84

Author(s):

Fitim Deari ◽

Keyword(s):

Commercial Banks ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Commerical Banks ◽

The Republic ◽

Using Data ◽

The Impact ◽

Profitability Ratios

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic on profitability ratios of large commercial banks in the Republic of North Macedonia. By using data over the period 2004 – 2020, ten profitability indicators are examined. These indicators are investigated by comparing their values before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Overall, the study reveals a preliminary evidence that large commercial banks are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. So far, profitability of large banks has not changed significantly due to Covid-19 and they keep satisfactory profitability levels. However, this impact should be investigated furthermore in next studies because the current pandemic has long-term effects.

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