Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Correlates of Lithium Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Asia.

Background: As clinical practices with lithium salts for patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) are poorly documented in Asia, we studied the prevalence and clinical correlates of lithium use there to support international comparisons.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of use and dosing of lithium salts for BD patients across 13 Asian sites and evaluated bivariate relationships of lithium treatment with clinical correlates followed by multivariate logistic regression modeling.

Results: In a total of 2139 BD participants (52.

The magnitude and variability of neurocognitive performance in first-episode psychosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

Neurocognitive deficits are a core feature of psychotic disorders, but it is unclear whether they affect all individuals uniformly. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the evidence on the magnitude, progression, and variability of neurocognitive functioning in individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP). A multistep literature search was conducted in several databases up to November 1, 2022.

Hybrid Radiant Disinfection: Exploring UVC and UVB Sterilization Impact on the Mechanical Characteristics of PLA Materials.

This study explores the impact of disinfection techniques on the mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a crucial material in the production of medical implants, tissue engineering, orthopedic devices and drug delivery systems, owing to its biocompatibility and ease of manufacturing. The focus is on evaluating the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) type C (254 nm wavelength) and the combined use of type C and B (310 nm wavelength) disinfection methods. Fifteen tensile test specimens (ASTM D638) and fifteen compression test specimens (ASTM D695) were utilized to assess PLA's mechanical properties, including yield strength, ultimate strength, and fracture strength.

Video-Based Simulation Among Saudi Undergraduate Nursing Students During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study.

Background Because of university closures due to COVID-19 confinement, video-based simulation, a training technique based on high-fidelity simulations, was introduced in reaction to the need to adapt high-fidelity clinical simulation experiences to digital platforms. Purpose This study aims to evaluate the perceptions of nursing students in Saudi Arabia regarding the shift from face-to-face simulation experiences to video-based simulation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study employed a phenomenological exploratory qualitative research design among 32 nursing students from various academic levels.

Effects of bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on prospective memory in patients with schizophrenia: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

Aims: To investigate effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the prospective memory (PM) in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ).

Methods: Fifty of 71 patients completed this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial and compared with 18 healthy controls' (HCs) PM outcomes. Bilateral 20 Hz rTMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at 90% RMT administered 5 weekdays for 4 weeks for a total of 20 treatments.

Social Comparison and Body Image in Teenage Users of the TikTok App.

Background And Aim: The TikTok app is one of the video-based social media platforms that is currently trending and commonly used by teenagers. The data about teenage users of the TikTok app are limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of TikTok app use among teenagers in Saudi Arabia and to investigate the association between TikTok app use and the social comparison and the body image of the study population.

Second and fourth (2D:4D) digit ratio in heroin and cannabis addicted patients.

The etiology of addiction has not yet been fully elucidated. The ratio between the length of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D ratio) has been linked with prenatal androgen concentrations, but also with addictive behvaiors. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the differences of 2D:4D ratio of individuals with cannabis and heroin addiction by examining them together with the control group.

Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in people with severe mental illness in South Asia: cross-sectional study in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

Obesity is one of the major contributors to the excess mortality seen in people with severe mental illness (SMI) and in low- and middle-income countries people with SMI may be at an even greater risk. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in people with SMI and investigate the association of obesity and overweight with sociodemographic variables, other physical comorbidities, and health-risk behaviours. This was a multi-country cross-sectional survey study where data were collected from 3989 adults with SMI from three specialist mental health institutions in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

Negative Life Events on Depression of Vocational Undergraduates in the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach Perspective: A Mediated Moderation Model.

Background: Following China's strategy of developing applied and compound social talents, vocational undergraduates are surging rapidly, and it is essential to understand the causes of their depression to effectively prevent and intervene in schools.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between negative life events (NLEs) and depression among vocational undergraduates in China, along with the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods: A convenience sample survey was conducted at a vocational education university ( = 1487), and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Impact of resilience-based intervention on emotional regulation, grit and life satisfaction among female Egyptian and Saudi nursing students: A randomized controlled trial.

Aim: Evaluate and compare the impact of a resilience-based intervention on emotional regulation, grit and life satisfaction among female Egyptian and Saudi nursing students.

Background: Nursing students should experience a comprehensive learning environment since they are mind-body-spirit creatures. Therefore, nursing education should emphasize growing students' physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being in addition to their knowledge, skills and attitudes.

The relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, and sleep problems in school-aged children: A multicentric study.

Objectives: Alexithymia, mood dysregulation, and sleep quality have complicated effects on children's development. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, psychiatric problems, and sleep problems among Egyptian school-aged children.

Methods: A total of 564 Egyptian children, aged 6 to 14, were divided into two groups based on their total Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire abbreviated score: group 1 (N = 300) with sleep problems and group 2 (N = 264) with non-sleep problems.

Investigating the association of breast cancer and stroke: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design to evaluate the causal relation between breast cancer and stroke. Genetic variants associated with breast cancer and stroke were both obtained from genome-wide association study summary data. The single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected as instrumental variables.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often co-occurs with other psychiatric and physical diseases. However, available evidence on associations between ADHD and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is mixed. To systematically review, quantitatively synthesize, and appraise available evidence on the link between ADHD with CVDs, we searched relevant articles in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from inception to May 1, 2022.

Handicap as a Measure of Perceived-Health Status in Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Handicap is a patient-centered measure of health status that encompasses the impact of social and physical environment on daily living, having been assessed in advanced and late-stage Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Objective: To characterize the handicap of a broader sample of patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 405 PD patients during the MDS-UPDRS Portuguese validation study, using the MDS-UPDRS, Unified Dyskinesias Rating Scale, Nonmotor symptoms questionnaire, PDQ-8 and EQ-5D-3L.

Exploring the impact of chronic medical conditions on maternal mental health: A National Inpatient Sample analysis.

Background: Pregnancy and postpartum period are associated with stress and pain. Chronic medical conditions can aggravate depressive and psychotic mental illnesses in the peripartum period.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the association between different chronic medical conditions and mental illnesses during pregnancy and the postpartum period using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Research attitudes, knowledge, experiences, and barriers among health science students at King Khalid University, Southwest of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Research is a systematic process to achieve new knowledge, science, or invention. Training in health research is an important part of medical education. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes, knowledge, experiences, and barriers related to research among the health science students at King Khalid University, Abha.

Efficacy of an 8-hour education intervention on dementia knowledge, attitude and skills in healthcare professionals in regional hospitals: a nation-wide study from Uganda.

Introduction: dementia imposes an enormous burden, mainly in low-income countries (LICs). Due to lack of well-trained healthcare professionals, 70-90% of people with dementia do not receive adequate care in LICs. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a one-day, 8-hour medical education intervention on dementia care improves the knowledge and attitude about and confidence in providing dementia care among healthcare professionals in 8 referral hospitals in Uganda in this pre-test/post-test study without a control group, participants completed the Alzheimer´s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), Dementia Care Attitude Scale (DCAS), and 9 visual analogue scales (VAS) regarding confidence in specific dementia care skills pre- and post-medical education intervention.

Hopefulness among individuals living with schizophrenia and their caregivers in Tanzania: an actor-partner interdependence model.

Background: Hopefulness is a positive orientation or state of mind that can aid in the recovery and treatment of mental illness, as it can have significant impacts on clinical and psychosocial outcomes. As resource-constrained settings work to implement recovery-oriented care, there is a need to better understand hopefulness among people living with schizophrenia (PLWS) and caregivers in their extended family networks. This study seeks to examine the dyadic relationship of hopefulness and its associated correlates among PLWS attending outpatient psychiatric clinics and their caregivers in Tanzania.

Afghan mental health and psychosocial well-being: thematic review of four decades of research and interventions.

Background: Four decades of war, political upheaval, economic deprivation and forced displacement have profoundly affected both in-country and refugee Afghan populations.

Aims: We reviewed literature on mental health and psychosocial well-being, to assess the current evidence and describe mental healthcare systems, including government programmes and community-based interventions.

Method: In 2022, we conducted a systematic search in Google Scholar, PTSDpubs, PubMed and PsycINFO, and a hand search of grey literature ( = 214 papers).

Sleep Quality and Sleep Hygiene Behaviours Among University Students in Qatar.

Background: Insomnia is a highly prevalent health problem, affecting about one-third of the adult population globally. University students are at a high risk for developing insomnia due to the stressful nature of academic life and often unhealthy sleeping habits. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of poor sleep quality and investigate sleep hygiene patterns among university students in Qatar.

Novel Rhinological Application of Polylactic Acid-An In Vitro Study.

A novel approach to the treatment of sinusitis is the use of nasal stents. The stent is loaded with a corticosteroid, which prevents complications in the wound-healing process. The design is such that it will prevent the sinus from closing again.

A bibliometric review on vitamins and Alzheimer's disease between 1996 and 2023.

Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major disease that affects the elderly worldwide. Several studies have revealed that vitamins may influence the risk of developing AD. However, information in this field remains ambiguous.