CCopeY: A Mixed-Methods Coproduced Study on the Mental Health Status and Coping Strategies of Young People During COVID-19 UK Lockdown

PurposeExploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health is an increasing priority. Studies to date are largely surveys and lack meaningful involvement from service users in their design, planning, and delivery. The study aimed to examine the mental health status and coping strategies of young people during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown using coproduction methodology.MethodsThe mental health status of young people (aged 16–24) in April 2020 was established utilizing a sequential explanatory coproduced mixed methods design. Factors associated with poor mental health status, including coping strategies, were also examined using an online survey and semi-structured interviews.ResultsSince the lockdown, 30.3% had poor mental health, and 10.8% had self-harmed. Young people identifying as Black/Black-British ethnicity had the highest increased odds of experiencing poor mental health (odds ratio [OR] 3.688, 95% CI .54–25.40). Behavioral disengagement (OR 1.462, 95% CI 1.22–1.76), self-blame (OR 1.307 95% CI 1.10–1.55), and substance use (OR 1.211 95% CI 1.02–1.44) coping strategies, negative affect (OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.07–1.15), sleep problems (OR .915 95% CI .88–.95) and conscientiousness personality trait (OR .819 95% CI .69–.98) were significantly associated with poor mental health. Three qualitative themes were identified: (1) pre-existing/developed helpful coping strategies employed, (2) mental health difficulties worsened, and (3) mental health and nonmental health support needed during and after lockdown.ConclusionPoor mental health is associated with dysfunctional coping strategies. Innovative coping strategies can help other young people cope during and after lockdowns, with digital and school promotion and application.     

Treatments,complications, and healthcare utilization associated with acromegaly: a study in two large United States databases

Pituitary - The economic burden of acromegaly in the US has been largely unknown. We describe the prevalence of treatment patterns, complication rates, and associated healthcare utilization and...     

Behavioural eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health disorders characterized by morbid preoccupation with weight and shape, manifest through distorted or chaotic eating. Determined food avoidance in the absence of these cognitions is of uncertain nosological status. Anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and partial syndromes are relatively common, and early intervention is advisable. Aetiology is multifactorial, with high heritability. Prognosis overall is good but treatment can be long and intensive, significantly impacting families. Essential aspects of management are an integrated multidisciplinary approach, working collaboratively with families and young people when possible. Psychological interventions focus on the eating disorder, supported by medical monitoring and dietetic guidance. Although working with families is the backbone of treatment for AN, young people also need confidential individual appointments. The role of inpatient treatment is evolving. For BN, family or individual approaches may be equally effective. Paediatric expertise is of particular value in the assessment and management of acute malnutrition and complications secondary to disordered eating behaviours, in the early stages of re-feeding, and in the monitoring and management of long-term complications such as growth retardation, pubertal delay and osteopenia.     

四味芍药汤的药理作用

四味芍药汤对青霉素G钾引发的大鼠三叉神经痛、热板等引发的小鼠疼痛有明显镇痛作用。其对抗大鼠炎性足肿与降低毛细血管通透性有关。     

龙香散对中枢神经系统的抑制效应

药理实验结果表明，龙香散可明显对抗脑闩下注射微量青霉素G－K而引发的大鼠王叉神经痛样反应；明显对抗中枢兴奋药利他林所致的动物兴奋效应；明显对抗咖啡因、回苏灵、最大电休克而致的小鼠惊厥。结果提示龙香散对中枢的明显抑制效应，为该方药在中医临床的应用提供了实验依据。     

LG839: Anti-obesity effects and polymorphic gene correlates of reward deficiency syndrome

Introduction

This study systematically assessed the weight management effects of a novel experimental DNA-customized nutraceutical, LG839 (LifeGen®, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA).

Methods

A total of 1058 subjects who participated in the overall D.I.E.T. study were genotyped and administered an LG839 variant based on polymorphic outcomes. A subset of 27 self-identified obese subjects of Dutch descent, having the same DNA pattern of four out of the five candidate genes tested (chi-square analysis) as the entire data set, was subsequently evaluated. Simple t tests comparing a number of weight management parameters before and after 80 days of treatment with LG839 were performed.

Results

Significant results were observed for weight loss, sugar craving reduction, appetite suppression, snack reduction, reduction of late night eating (all P<0.01), increased perception of overeating, enhanced quality of sleep, increased happiness (all P<0.05), and increased energy (P<0.001). Polymorphic correlates were obtained for a number of genes (LEP, PPAR-γ2, MTHFR, 5-HT2A, and DRD2 genes) with positive clinical parameters tested in this study. Of all the outcomes and gene polymorphisms, only the DRD2 gene polymorphism (A1 allele) had a significant Pearson correlation with days on treatment (r=0.42, P=0.045).

Conclusion

If these results are confirmed in additional rigorous, controlled studies, we carefully suggest that DNA-directed targeting of certain regulator genes, along with customized nutraceutical intervention, provides a unique framework and strategic modality to combat obesity.     

Nutrigenomic targeting of carbohydrate craving behavior: Can we manage obesity and aberrant craving behaviors with neurochemical pathway manipulation by Immunological Compatible Substances (nutrients) using a Genetic Positioning System (GPS) Map?

Genetic mediated physiological processes that rely on both pharmacological and nutritional principles hold great promise for the successful therapeutic targeting of reduced carbohydrate craving, body-friendly fat loss, healthy body recomposition, and overall wellness. By integrating an assembly of scientific knowledge on inheritable characteristics and environmental mediators of gene expression, we review the relationship of genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and nutrients as they correct unwanted weight gain coupled with unhappiness. In contrast to a simple one-locus, one-mechanism focus on pharmaceuticals alone, we hypothesize that the use of nutrigenomic treatment targeting multi-physiological neurological, immunological, and metabolic pathways will enable clinicians to intercede in the process of lipogenesis by promoting lipolysis while attenuating aberrant glucose cravings. In turn, this approach will enhance wellness in a safe and predictable manner through the use of a Genetic Positioning System (GPS) Map. The GPS Map, while presently incomplete, ultimately will serve not only as a blueprint for personalized medicine in the treatment of obesity, but also for the development of strategies for reducing many harmful addictive behaviors and promoting optimal health by using substances compatible with the body’s immune system.