Association of Angio-LncRNAs MIAT rs1061540/MALAT1 rs3200401 Molecular Variants with Gensini Score in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Undergoing Angiography

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as essential biomolecules with variable diagnostic and/or prognostic utility in several diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed for the first time to investigate the potential association of five angiogenesis-related lncRNAs (PUNISHER, SENCR, MIAT, MALAT1, and GATA6-AS) variants with CAD susceptibility and/or severity. TaqMan Real-Time genotyping for PUNISHER rs12318065A/C, SENCR rs12420823C/T, MIAT rs1061540C/T, MALAT1 rs3200401T/C, and GATA6-AS1 rs73390820A/G were run on the extracted genomic DNA from 100 unrelated patients with stable CAD undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography and from 100 controls. After adjusting covariates, the studied variants showed no association with disease susceptibility; however, MIAT*T/T genotype was associated with a more severe Gensini score. In contrast, MALAT1*T/C heterozygosity was associated with a lower score. The lipid profile, and to a lesser extent smoking status, male sex, weight, hypertension, and MALAT1 (T > C) (negative correlation), explained the variance between patients/control groups via a principal component analysis. Incorporating the principal components into a logistic regression model to predict CAD yielded a 0.92 AUC. In conclusion: MIAT rs1061540 and MALAT1 rs3200401 variants were associated with CAD severity and Gensini score in the present sample of the Egyptian population. Further large multi-center and functional analyses are needed to confirm the results and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Positive Mental Health (PMH) Scale Using Item Analysis According to the Rasch Model

Background: The investigation of patient-reported outcomes and psycho-oncological interventions mainly focuses on psychological distress or psychopathology. However, the recognition of the equal importance of positive mental health (PMH) has increased lately. The PMH-scale is a brief questionnaire allowing to assess well-being in individuals in the general population and in patients. Previous studies evaluated the psychometric properties of the PMH-scale using classical test theory (CTT). This study is the first to investigate the PMH-scale in patients with cancer using item analysis according to the Rasch model. Methods: In total, N = 357 cancer patients participated in the study. A Rasch analysis of the PMH-scale was conducted including testing of unidimensionality, local independence, homogeneity and differential item functioning (DIF) with regard to age, gender, type of cancer, the presence of metastases, psycho-oncological support, and duration of disease. Additionally, the ordering of the item thresholds as well as the targeting of the scale were investigated.Results: After excluding one misfitting item and accounting for local dependence by forming superitems, a satisfactory overall fit to the Rasch model was established (χ2 = 30.34, p = 0.21). The new PMH-8 scale proved to be unidimensional, and homogeneity of the scale could be inferred. All items showed ordered thresholds, there was no further item misfit. DIF was found for age, but as the impact of DIF was not substantial, no adjustment related to the age-DIF had to be made. The Person Separation Index (PSI = 0.89) was excellent, indicating excellent discriminatory power between different levels of positive mental health. Overall, the targeting of the PMH-8 was good for the majority of the present sample. However, at both ends of the scale item thresholds are missing as indicated by a slight floor effect (1.4%) and a considerable ceiling effect (9.8%). Conclusion: Overall, the results of the analysis according to the Rasch model support the use of the revised PMH-scale in a psycho-oncological context.

Dietary Habits and Obesity in Patients with Psychotic Disorders in Rural Areas in Northwestern Greece

People suffering from psychotic disorders display high rates of physical morbidity and mortality in comparison to the general population. The present study explores the relation between the dietary habits, the prevalence of obesity and the occurrence of physical morbidity in patients who suffer from psychotic disorders in rural regions of northwest Greece. Two scales were applied to evaluate the quality of life (Quality of Life Questionnaire II, Moorehead–Ardelt) and the dietary habits (Dietary Instrument for Nutrition Education (DINE) Questionnaire) of these patients. The study sample used in this study consisted of 55 patients who suffered from a psychotic disorder. Most (75%) were male, with a mean age of 51.5 years and an average duration of disease of 25.1 years. Of these, 38.2% (21 patients) were obese with a BMI < 30 Kg/m2, 32.7% (16 patients) were overweight and 29.1% had a normal body weight. The majority of the sample, 80%, was treated with second-generation medications. With regards to their dietary habits, 94.5% (52/55) of the sample showed a low intake of fiber content, 67.3% (37/55) showed a high intake of saturated fats and 100% (55/55) a low intake of unsaturated fats. The rates of physical morbidity in the present sample were 21.8% with at least one disease and 14.5% with two diseases, whereas 5.5% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS). The average BMI of the women was statistically significantly higher compared to the men. The majority of the sample (69.1%) exhibited acceptable levels of quality of life. No co-relations of quality of life with BMI were found. In addition, no co-relations of BMI with dietary habits were revealed.

Effectiveness of complete primary vaccination against COVID-19 at primary care and community level during predominant Delta circulation in Europe: multicentre study analysis by age-group, vaccine brand and time since vaccination, I-MOVE-COVID-19 and ECDC networks, July–August 2021

IntroductionIn July and August 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant dominated in Europe. We measured COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic infection, using a multicentre test-negative study at primary care/community level in Europe.MethodsPatients presenting with COVID-19/ARI symptoms at primary care/community level in 10 countries were tested for SARS-CoV-2. We measured complete primary course overall VE among those aged 30–44, 45–59, 60–74 and ≥75 years, and among those 30–59 and ≥60 years by vaccine brand and by time since vaccination.ResultsOverall VE was 74% (95%CI: 69–79), 76% (95%CI: 71–80), 63% (95%CI: 48–75), 63% (95%CI: 16–83) among those aged 30–44, 45–59, 60–74 and ≥75 years, respectively. VE among those aged 30–59 years was 78% (95%CI: 75–81), 66% (95%CI: 58–73), 91% (95%CI: 87–94) and 52% (95%CI: 40–61), for Comirnaty, Vaxzevria, Spikevax and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, respectively. VE among those aged ≥60 years was 67% (95%CI: 52–77), 65% (95%CI: 48–76), 83% (95%CI: 64–92) for Comirnaty, Vaxzevria and Spikevax, respectively. Comirnaty VE among those aged 30–59 years was 87% (95%CI: 83–89) and 65% (95%CI: 56–71%) at 14–29 days and ≥90 days between vaccination and onset of symptoms, respectively.ConclusionsVE against the symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infection varied among brands, ranging from 52–91%. While some waning of the vaccine effect may be present (sample size limited this analysis to only Comirnaty), protection was 65% ≥90 days between vaccination and onset.

More focal, less heterogeneous? Multi-level Meta-Analysis of Cathodal High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effects on Language and Cognition

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) is a relatively focal, novel non-invasive brain stimulation method with the potential to investigate causal contribution of specific cortical brain regions to language and cognition. Studies with HD-tDCS typically employ a 4×1 electrode design with a single central target electrode surrounded by four return electrodes, among which return current intensity is evenly distributed. With cathodal HD-tDCS, neural excitability in the target region is assumed to be reduced, which offers interesting perspectives for psychological research and interventions. This multi-level meta-analysis compiles published studies using cathodal HD-tDCS in 4×1 configuration to modulate cognition and behavior. In total, 11 eligible reports were included with 2-15 effect sizes within each study, yielding 77 effect sizes in total. We observed no significant overall effect and no moderation by within-study and between-study variables. However, studies varied tremendously in task parameters, outcomes, and even technical parameters. Interestingly, within-study heterogeneity exceeded between-study heterogeneity in the present sample, and moderators hardly reduced the residual heterogeneity. Across domains and configurations, both positive and negative effect sizes are possible. We discuss the findings in relation to conventional cathodal tDCS and the framework of polarity specificity. Fundamental aspects of cathodal HD-tDCS are still to be addressed in future research.

Relationship between Resting State Heart Rate Variability and Sleep Quality in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Sleep problems can be caused by psychological stress but are also related to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Improving lifestyle behaviors, such as good sleep hygiene, can help to counteract the negative effects of neurodegenerative diseases and to improve quality of life. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between subjectively reported measures of sleep quality (via Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) and objective measures of cardiac autonomic control (via resting state heart rate variability (HRV)) among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The PSQI and resting state HRV data of 42 MCI participants (69.0 ± 5.5; 56–80 years) were analyzed. Nineteen of the participants reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score > 5). Good sleepers showed higher resting heart rate than bad sleepers (p = 0.037; ES = 0.670). Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the parameter HF nu and sleep efficiency, contrasting the expected positive association between reduced HRV and poor sleep quality in healthy and individuals with specific diseases. Otherwise, there were no significances, indicating that measures of subjective sleep quality and resting HRV were not related in the present sample of MCI participants. Further research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between HRV and lifestyle factors (e.g., sleep) in MCI.

Oxytocin Receptor Gene Methylation as a Molecular Marker for Severity of Depressive Symptoms in Affective Disorder Patients

Background: Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide and hormone involved in emotional functioning and also seems to play a role in moderating the stress response. Both preclinical and clinical studies point to an increased methylation status of the Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) promoter region with concomitant deficits in social, cognitive and emotional functioning. We hypothesize that methylation levels (%) of the oxytocin receptor promoter region correlate with the severity of depression symptoms within this present sample of affective disorder patients. Methodology: Eight hundred forty six Caucasian affective disorder patients were recruited at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the Medical University Vienna, the Karl Landsteiner University for Health and Science and Zentrum für seelische Gesundheit, BBRZ-Med Leopoldau. The assessment included an assemblage of psychiatric interviews (e.g. SCAN, HAMD, CTQ) and concomitantly DNA samples of peripheral blood cells were collected for Multiplexed and Sensitive DNA Methylation Testing. Results: Our data suggests a positive but not significant association between OXTR promoter Exons 1-3 methylation levels and severity of depression symptoms in affective disorder patients. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to elucidate the role of OXTR in affective disorders, but further longitudinal studies in particular are necessary to broaden the current state of knowledge.

Changing Family Relationships During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Elder Abuse

Since the first confirmed case being identified in January 2020, authorities in Hong Kong have implemented various measures in an attempt to control the spread of the disease. These measures include compulsory quarantining of infected persons and those suspected of exposure, temporary closure of high-risk premises, and suspension of public activities and services, encouraging work-from-home arrangement etc. These measures, however, may exacerbate the impact of known risk factors and create new avenues for elder mistreatment. Life stress, financial strains and work-from-home arrangements increase chances of family conflicts, cessation of public services increases burden in the already stressed caregivers. This study examines the changing intergenerational family relations in the midst of the pandemic. A total of 1200 community dwelling senior citizens participated through responding to a telephone survey. Information was collected on participants’ demographic characteristics, perceived disruptions brought about by COVID-19, family relations, physical and mental health, etc. Family conflicts and abuse were commonly reported: 27.8% reported family conflicts, 14.5% psychological abuse, 3.1% physical abuse, 3.9% financial abuse. A large proportion of participants (41.8%), however, also reported improved family relations during the pandemic. Results of logistic regression indicate that advanced age, female gender, poor financial situation were significant predictors for family conflicts and abuse. Contrary to our expectations, pandemic related disruptions in daily lives and perceived safety in the community were not associated in family conflicts and abuse in the present sample.

Connecting the Dots: Pain Mental Models of Spousal Caregivers of Veterans with Dementia and Pain

Pain is prevalent among persons with dementia (PWDs), yet often goes underrecognized and undertreated. Exploring caregivers’ pain mental models may provide valuable insight into how they conceptualize pain, and how such conceptualizations affect their identification of and response to PWDs’ pain. We identified and described the pain mental model(s) of spousal caregivers of community-dwelling veterans with dementia and pain through a secondary qualitative thematic analysis of recordings of a psychosocial intervention aimed at preventing aggression in PWDs with pain. Thirty female spousal caregivers (11 Black, 10 non-Hispanic White, and 9 Hispanic) comprised the present sample. Two themes were identified: Pain Assessment Beliefs and Knowledge (PA) and Pain Management Beliefs and Knowledge (PM). In our proposed mental model framework, PA and PM affect the ways caregivers answer two PA-related questions (Is there a problem?, Is this problem pain?) and three PM-related questions (Is the pain treatable?, Is it worth treating?, How do I prefer to treat it?). Caregivers are moved to action when they “connect the dots” by identifying a problem in PWDs’ behavior, labeling the problem as pain, and identifying a response (i.e., a treatment approach) they consider worth trying. Disconnects in caregiver understanding of PWDs’ behavior are common in this sample, and predictably lead to inaction. The proposed mental model provides further explanation about how caregivers do or do not synthesize and apply pain knowledge and experience, allowing for the identification of potential areas of intervention (e.g., pain psychoeducation) to improve pain treatment for the PWDs under their care.

Dyadic Data on U.S. Chinese Older Adults and Their Adult Children: Study Design and Sample Overview

This paper aims to describe study design of the unique dyadic older Chinese American-adult children dataset, and present sample characteristics of the dyads. A total of 807 older parents were matched with their adult children (characteristics of matched versus not matched participants will be compared). On average, adult children were 48 years old, had 12 years of education, lived with 3 persons in household, had 2 children, and lived in U.S. for 17 years. Approximately 65% of the adult children sample were female, 82% married, 93% preferred to speak Chinese dialects, and over 97% foreign-born immigrants. On the other hand, older parents were 74 years old, had 7 years of education, lived with 3 persons in household, had 3 children, and lived in U.S. for 17 years on average. About 60% of the older parent sample were female, 73% married, over 99% foreign-born immigrants who preferred to speak Chinese dialects.