Comparison of depression risk and depression-related ambulatory care utilization in sarcopenia patients with and without Chinese herbal medicine
The impact of psychiatric disorder, especially depression, on the prognosis of sarcopenic patients is gaining prominence. Yet, there have been very few studies focusing on this issue, let alone the related targeted mental health prevention. This cohort-based nested case-control study is geared to compare risk of depression and the depression-related ambulatory care utilization for sarcopenia persons with and without receiving add-on Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) treatment.
Meta-analysis of factors associated with the incidence of comorbid depression and anxiety in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects millions worldwide, and many patients develop depression and anxiety. The disease's long-term nature, potential complications, and social stigma contribute to these mental-health issues. However, previous studies on this link differed in their methods and results, making it hard to draw clear conclusions. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with CHB through meta-analysis of previous studies to help improve patients' mental health.
Correlation between chronic pain, disability, and psychological factors (depression and anxiety) after surgery for acute orthopedic trauma
The occurrence of chronic pain and disability after acute orthopedic trauma is significantly correlated with psychological factors, particularly depression and anxiety. As such, assessment of these factors is crucial for postoperative rehabilitation.
Impact of multidisciplinary nursing interventions and blood glucose control on diabetic foot ulcer healing, patient emotions, and satisfaction
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present a significant healthcare challenge attributable to their high rates of disability and the limitations of applied traditional nursing approaches. Effective management is critical for uneventful health outcomes.
Efficacy of abdominal vibration technique in Tuina in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in patients with prediabetes
Prediabetes is a high-risk precursor for diabetes development and is associated with increased psychological distress. Conventional pharmacological treatments for prediabetes have limitations, including adverse effects and poor patient compliance. Tuina's abdominal vibration technique, a traditional non-pharmacological intervention, has shown promising results in glycemic regulation. However, its effects on psychological well-being remain largely unexplored.
Childhood trauma and parenting in at-risk mental state: Clarifying pathways and expanding perspectives
Jovani 's study contributes important evidence linking childhood trauma (CT) and parental socialization with at-risk mental state (ARMS) in non-clinical adolescents, demonstrating the mediating role of low levels of parental affection and communication in this relationship. This letter commends the study's strengths while also identifying key issues that warrant further attention, including the limitations of cross-sectional design, potential perceptual biases, conceptual overlap between CT and parenting, and limited cultural generalizability. We advocate for longitudinal, culturally sensitive, and multi-informant approaches to further refine ARMS risk models, strengthen theoretical distinctions between CT and parenting, and inform targeted prevention strategies across diverse populations. We also extend the discussion by highlighting promising directions for future research.
Investigation of depressive symptoms after thyroid cancer surgery: Logistic regression analysis and adjustment strategy
Post-thyroidectomy patients frequently experience depressive symptoms triggered by surgical trauma, fluctuating thyroid hormone levels, and the psychological burden of long-term surveillance; however, large-scale multivariable-adjusted risk-factor data remain scarce.
Sleep quality in bipolar disorder: A comparative study of treatment with lithium and valproic acid
Sleep disturbances are a prominent feature of bipolar disorder (BD) and often persist even in remission, thereby contributing to poor clinical outcomes. Despite the widespread use of lithium and valproic acid as mood stabilizers, their effects on sleep quality have not been examined in adequate detail.
Heart rate variability associated with depression and lung decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Mechanisms and interventions
In this article, we comment on the study by Yang , which demonstrated significant cross-sectional associations between heart rate variability (HRV) indices, depressive symptoms, and lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Building on these findings, we further explore the underlying mechanisms, particularly inflammatory-autonomic-oxidative stress pathways, as key causal mediators. Moreover, analyzing genetic polymorphisms alongside environmental factors may uncover susceptibility pathways explaining interindividual differences in HRV and comorbidity risk. Additionally, longitudinal studies tracking HRV trajectories could identify thresholds predictive of accelerated lung function decline or cardiovascular events, informing personalized prevention strategies. Integrating longitudinal HRV data with multi-omics biomarkers and machine learning models could enable real-time prediction of depression relapses or COPD exacerbations, facilitating proactive interventions such as personalized biofeedback training or precision anti-inflammatory therapies. By synthesizing these perspectives, this integrative approach promises to advance precision medicine for COPD patients, particularly those with comorbid depression, by addressing both mechanistic insights and clinical translation.
Polymorphic variants in GABA-A receptor and their association with epilepsy and drug resistance: A North Indian cohort study
Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor has long been acknowledged as a key target in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The and genes encode the α1 and γ2 subunits of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor, a key protein implicated in the development of epilepsy. However, the specific association of the +15 and polymorphisms with antiepileptic drug resistance has been elucidated in only a limited number of investigations.
Correlation between musculoskeletal system function and pre-depressive states in elderly cancer patients: A single-center cross-sectional study
Studies have shown that locomotive syndrome (LS) is significantly correlated with adverse outcomes, such as decreased self-care abilities, fractures, and increased mortality. Subthreshold depression (StD) is considered an independent predictor of clinical depression, regarded as its prodromal stage, and even linked to increased mortality risk. Limited research has addressed the prevalence and relationship between LS and StD in elderly cancer patients. Understanding the prevalence of LS and StD among elderly cancer patients and elucidating their relationship will provide evidence to support the development of targeted interventions, thereby improving health outcomes in this population.
Alcohol use-related problems in general hospitals and primary care settings: Screening, intervention, and referral to treatment
Alcohol use has contributed to large disease burdens, and alcohol-related problems are prevalent among patients in general hospitals and primary care settings. This review aims to deepen the understanding of screening, intervention, and treatment referral for alcohol-related problems in these settings. We searched the literature published in English from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the World Health Organization website. We found that while a series of screening tools can be used, screening rates were low. The awareness of screening should be strengthened. Brief interventions and pharmacotherapy are the two main methods used in general hospitals and primary care settings, with complementary and alternative medicine considered under the framework of integrative medicine. Individuals with severe alcohol-related problems or alcohol use disorders should be referred to specialty treatment for alcohol abuse, but referral is sometimes ignored. A gap exists between general hospitals/primary care facilities and specialized alcohol-related treatment providers. In conclusion, screening, intervention, and referral to treatment comprise a continuum for patients with alcohol-related problems. Opportunities to prevent and manage these problems in general hospitals and primary care settings are abundant, and taking action will promote the addressing of this public health issue.
Association between childhood maltreatment with subthreshold depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder in young and middle-aged adults
Childhood maltreatment has a potentially lasting influence on subthreshold depressive symptoms (SDS) and major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to explore the association of childhood maltreatment with MDD and SDS, focusing on the differences between young and middle-aged adults.
From physiology to psychology: An integrative review of menopausal syndrome
This review examines the mechanisms of anxiety and depression in menopausal syndrome from an integrated physiological to psychological perspective. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause affect neurotransmitter systems (including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, inflammatory processes, and neurotrophic factor expression, collectively diminishing the resilience of emotional regulation neural circuits. Simultaneously, vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes and night sweats), sleep disruption, genetic susceptibility, and epigenetic modifications interact with mood disorders, while psychosocial factors (such as midlife stressors and role transitions) and cognitive factors (including negative schemas about aging, attentional bias toward threats, and difficulties in emotional regulation) further shape women's experiences of menopausal changes. Clinical practice should adopt a biopsychosocial model, employing personalized multimodal approaches through hormone therapy, antidepressants, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments, while future research should focus on developing biomarkers, utilizing advanced technologies, and developing targeted interventions to support women's psychological wellbeing during menopause.
Synthesizing the risk of postoperative delirium in organ transplantation
This letter provides a critical appraisal of the comprehensive meta-analysis by Hou , which synthesizes the incidence and risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in organ transplant recipients. Their work establishes a pooled POD incidence of 20%, with significant variability across organ types (lung 34%, liver 22%, kidney 6%), and identifies key risk factors including primary graft dysfunction, hepatic encephalopathy, and high model for end-stage liver disease/acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores. This commentary acknowledges the study's strength in providing a robust, trans-organ synthesis of current evidence. However, it critically discusses the substantial heterogeneity, the counterintuitive non-significance of age as a risk factor, and the unavoidable limitation of unmeasured confounders inherent in meta-analyses, such as preoperative cognitive/psychiatric status and anesthetic protocols. While the findings provide an essential evidence base for risk stratification and prevention, this letter argues that the high heterogeneity underscores the need for organ-specific analysis and calls for large-scale, prospective studies with standardized protocols to translate these findings into reliable clinical prediction tools and targeted interventions.
Ignoring atypical symptoms of depression in common scales
Atypical depression is an important indicator of a high risk of bipolar disorder and a genetic predisposition to immunometabolic traits.
Effect of Internet Plus-based postpartum healthcare services on postpartum depression of primipara and growth and development of neonates
First-time mothers may encounter various problems during postpartum, which can result in negative emotions that can affect infant care. In today's Internet era, continuous nursing services can be provided to mothers and their babies after delivery through Internet-based platforms. This approach can help reduce negative emotions of primiparas and promote better health for both mothers and babies.
Erythrocyte membrane nervonic acid in drug-naive first-episode psychosis and chronic medicated schizophrenia: Implication for impaired myelination and prognosis
Nervonic acid (NA, C24: 1, w9) is a monounsaturated fatty acid that plays a crucial role in myelination and motor function. It also regulates cognitive and metabolic functions, suggesting that impaired NA metabolism may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Although several studies have measured erythrocyte membrane NA in first-episode psychosis (FEP), findings are conflicting, and the fate of NA in patients with chronic schizophrenia (CSZ) or under long-term antipsychotic treatment schedules remains unknown.
Unraveling the mysteries of schizophrenia: Insights into prefrontal cortex dysfunction and therapeutic implications
Schizophrenia is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, cognitive deficits, and emotional dysregulation. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), essential for executive functions, working memory, and emotional regulation, is notably impaired in this condition. This review consolidates current insights into the role of PFC dysfunction in schizophrenia, with a focus on its implications for therapeutic strategies. The neuroanatomical and neurobiological foundations of PFC dysfunction are explored, emphasizing structural abnormalities, functional dysconnectivity, and microcircuit disruptions that contribute to cognitive deficits and impaired decision-making. Clinical implications are discussed, particularly the correlation between PFC dysfunction and the severity and progression of schizophrenia symptoms. Additionally, pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches aimed at modulating PFC activity are reviewed as potential therapeutic options. In conclusion, a deeper understanding of PFC dysfunction is pivotal for developing targeted treatments, and ongoing research offers promising avenues for enhancing outcomes for individuals affected by this debilitating disorder.
Potential role of meningeal lymphatic drainage in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced cognitive improvement: A call for further research
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is a high-risk transitional phase leading to Alzheimer's disease, is characterized by mild memory deficits and specific cognitive dysfunctions. Without effective intervention, a significant proportion of patients with MCI progress to dementia. However, current pharmacological treatments are characterized by side effects and poor patient compliance. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective, noninvasive alternative treatments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is becoming a widely studied noninvasive treatment for central nervous system disease. The therapeutic effects of rTMS on patients with MCI and its underlying mechanism are noteworthy issues. Recently, a growing number of studies have shown that meningeal lymphatic vessel damage may be related to cognitive dysfunction. Whether the improvement of the meningeal lymphatic system is an important mechanism through which rTMS improves the clinical manifestations of MCI is worthy of further study.
Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy with sertraline in schizophrenia with depressive episodes: A 12-week randomized controlled trial
Schizophrenia is commonly associated with comorbid depression, which exacerbates cognitive impairments and negatively impacts quality of life. Despite the high prevalence and burden of these comorbidities, effective treatment options, particularly for cognitive dysfunction, remain limited.
