Predicting the effect of street environment on residents' mood states in large urban areas using machine learning and street view images

BACKGROUND

Researchers have demonstrated that the built environment is associated with mental health outcomes. However, evidence concerning the effects of street environments on mood in fast-growing Asian cities is scarce. Traditional questionnaires and interview methods are labor intensive and time consuming and pose challenges for accurately and efficiently evaluating the impact of urban-scale street environments on mood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to use street view images and machine learning methods to model the impact of street environments on mood states in a large urban area in Guangzhou, China, and to assess the effect of different street view elements on mood.

METHODS

A total of 199,754 street view images of Guangzhou were captured from Tencent Street View, and street elements were extracted by pyramid scene parsing network. Data on six mood state indicators (motivated, happy, positive-social emotion, focused, relaxed, and depressed) were collected from 1590 participants via an online platform called Assessing the Effects of Street Views on Mood. A machine learning approach was proposed to predict the effects of street environment on mood in large urban areas in Guangzhou. A series of statistical analyses including stepwise regression, ridge regression, and lasso regression were conducted to assess the effects of street view elements on mood.

RESULTS

Streets in urban fringe areas were more likely to produce motivated, happy, relaxed, and focused feelings in residents than those in city center areas. Conversely, areas in the city center, a high-density built environment, were more likely to produce depressive feelings. Street view elements have different effects on the six mood states. "Road" is a robust indicator positively correlated with the "motivated" indicator and negatively correlated with the "depressed" indicator. "Sky" is negatively associated with "positive-social emotion" and "depressed" but positively associated with "motivated". "Building" is a negative predictor for the "focused" and "happy" indicator but is positively related to the "depressed" indicator, while "vegetation" and "terrain" are the variables most robustly and positively correlated with all positive moods.

CONCLUSION

Our findings can help urban designers identify crucial areas of the city for optimization, and they have practical implications for urban planners seeking to build urban environments that foster better mental health.

Combined influence of medication and symptom severity on visual processing in bipolar disorder

Previous studies have reported visual impairments in patients with bipolar disorder (BPD), but unclear were whether clinical variables would be associated with those disturbances. Here, we investigate the relationship between visual functioning, in terms of color discrimination, and the impact of BPD duration, mood state, and the patients' medication. Forty-five participants (25-45 years old) were recruited for this study. Color discrimination was performed using the Cambridge Colour Test. Serial multiple mediations were run to investigate the assumption of association between color discrimination and the clinical variables. Our findings showed that, compared with healthy controls, BPD patients' performance was worse for the Protan, Deutan, and Tritan vectors, revealing deterioration of color discrimination. In addition, the mediation analyses revealed a strong direct (p < .001) and moderate-to-high indirect effects (p < .01) of medication and symptom severity on color discrimination. Overall, both longer the duration of the disease and greater the symptom severity of BPD patients resulted in worse performance. It highlights the importance of examining the wider clinical context of an affective disorder to understand how it affects visual processing in this population.

Relationship between sleep quality, mood state, and performance of elite air-rifle shooters

Background

To evaluate the impact of pre-competition sleep quality on the mood and performance of elite air-rifle shooters.

Methods

Elite shooters who participated in an air-rifle shooting-competition from April 2019 to October 2019 were evaluated using actigraphy, including Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Efficiency (SE), Sleep Latency (SL), Wake-time after Sleep Onset (WASO). Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Profile of Mood State (POMS). Mood state was assessed by Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2.

Results

Study included 23 shooters, of them 13 male and 10 female with the mean age 23.11 ± 4.82 years. The average time to fall asleep was 20.6 ± 14.9 min, TST was 7.0 ± 0.8 h and SE was 85.9 ± 5.3%. Average sleep quality was 5.2 ± 2.2 and tended to decrease as the competition progressed. Pre-competition sleep time in female athletes was significantly higher compared to the competition day (P = 0.05). Pre-competition SL was significantly longer in women than in men (P = 0.021). During training and pre-competition, the tension, fatigue, depression, and emotional disturbance were significantly lower in athletes with good sleep quality. Athletes with good sleep quality had significantly more energy. The PSQI total score positively correlated with cognitive anxiety (r = 0.471, P < 0.01), and somatic anxiety (r = 0.585, P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with energy (− 0.504, P < 0.01) and self-confidence scores (r = − 0.523, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality negatively impacted the mood of athletes; however, sleep indices and competition performance of athletes during competitions were not significantly correlated.

Psychological well-being and illness perceptions in patients with hypopituitarism

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of the current study was to objectify a spectrum of persisting subjective psychological complaints in patients with hypopituitarism, at least six months after normalizing of the hormonal disturbances. Also, gender differences on these outcomes were investigated. The secondary aim was to identify illness perceptions and causal attributions within this patient group.

METHODS

A total of 42 adult participants (60% females) with treated hypopituitarism once filled out a number of psychological questionnaires. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) assessed mood and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) assessed well-being. Illness perceptions were identified using the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Brief Dutch Language Version (IPQ-B DLV) and causal attributions by using the Causal Attribution List (CAL). Patient outcomes were compared to reference values of healthy norm groups.

RESULTS

Participants scored significantly worse on the POMS depression, anger, fatigue and tension subscales, the SCL-90 psychoneuroticism, depression, inadequacy of thinking and acting and sleeping problems subscales and all subscales of the WSAS when compared to reference data. Women also scored worse on depression (HADS) and somatic symptoms (SCL-90). Compared to other illnesses, patients with hypopituitarism have more negative and realistic illness perceptions on consequences, timeline, identity and emotions. Participants attributed their complaints more to physical causes than psychological causes.

CONCLUSION

Despite normalization of hormonal disturbances, patients with hypopituitarism in general can still experience problems during daily living, such as negative mood states and a decreased psychological well-being.

Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people's general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age.

METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information's was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising.

RESULTS

The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people's general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age.

METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information's was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising.

RESULTS

The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Identifying the impact of the confinement of Covid-19 on emotional-mood and behavioural dimensions in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The current study examined the impact of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 disease on mood state and behaviours of children and adolescents with ADHD. Nine hundred ninety-two parents of children and adolescents with ADHD filled out an anonymous online survey through the ADHD family association website. The survey investigated the degree of severity of six emotional and mood states (sadness, boredom, little enjoyment/interest, irritability, temper tantrums, anxiety) and five disrupted behaviours (verbal and physical aggression, argument, opposition, restlessness) based on their frequency/week (absent; low: 1-2 days/week; moderate: 3-4 days/week; severe: 5-7 days/week) before and during the lockdown. Important fluctuations were found in all dimensions during the lockdown independently by the severity degree. Subjects with previous low severity degree of these behaviors significantly worsened in almost all dimensions during the lockdown. On the contrary, ADHD patients with moderate and severe degree showed important improvement during the lockdown. Little enjoyment/interests and boredom resulted the dimensions more strongly affected by the condition of restriction, overall in children. Children vs. adolescents showed substantially similar trend but the former resulted significantly more vulnerable to emotive changes. The results provided both the individuation of domains affected, and the indirect benefits produced by restriction condition.

Psycho-physiological aspects of small combats in taekwondo: impact of area size and within-round sparring partners

The study investigated physiological and psychological responses to taekwondo combat sessions as a function of different area sizes and within-round sparring partners. Twenty-four adolescent (age: 17 ± 1years) male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) taekwondo athletes participated in the study. Each athlete confronted 1 (1vs.1; no sparring partner change) or 2 (1vs.2; within-round sparring partner change every minute) opponents in different area sizes (i.e., 4 × 4 m, 6 × 6 m, and 8 × 8 m) for 2 min. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured before and after bouts. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the contests and rating of perceived exertion was assessed after bouts. Mean HR (HRmean) and percentage of maximum HR (%HRmax) determined during a 20-m multistage shuttle run test were used for analysis. Mood states were assessed before and after bouts and physical enjoyment was analyzed after bouts. The results showed higher HRmean and %HRmax values for the 1vs.1 compared to the 1vs.2 condition (p < 0.001) and [La] values were higher at post-combat measurements (p < 0.001). Moreover, tension and fatigue were higher in 6 × 6 m compared with 8 × 8 m (p = 0.022 and p = 0.023, respectively) and anger was higher in 6 × 6 m and 8 × 8 m in comparison with 4 × 4 m (p = 0.012 and p = 0.043, respectively). Confusion increased from before to after bouts (p < 0.001), from 4 × 4 m and 6 × 6 m area sizes to 8 × 8 m (p = 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively), and from 1vs.1 to 1vs.2 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, vigour decreased from before to after bouts (p < 0.01). Taekwondo combat sessions are a specific conditioning exercise for athletes. Thus, coaches can use the 1vs.1 condition to elicit higher HR responses and 6 × 6 m area size to induce higher psychological stress, mimicking what occurs during a competition.

Physical activity, cardiovascular health and mood state in older adults

Many older adults eat poorly balanced diets and are physically inactive, posing a risk to their cardiovascular and mental health. The benefits of healthful living extend beyond cardiovascular health and disease risk reduction such that physical activity has been shown to positively affect mood state. This was a cross-sectional investigation completed at three senior lunch program sites in Charlotte, NC to assess the status and relationship of nutrition, physical activity patterns, and mood state in older adults, prior to the center offering a new nutritional and physical activity intervention. Some significant relationships between cardiovascular indicators and mood were found.

Risk-taking behavior, the second-to-fourth digit ratio and psychological features in a sample of cavers

Background

The risk-taking behavior is largely modulated by the subject's history, its lifestyles, by the characteristics of the situations with which it is compared, and also by the effects of prenatal androgens. Thus, the personality of the single person is a significant predictor of such way of acting.

Methods

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between Digit Ratio Measurement (2D:4D) and personality factors capable to be good predictors for choosing highly risky activities, such as caving. Furthermore, our purpose was to investigate whether 2D:4D ratio is related to cavers' affective states and to assess the personological and emotional features of 34 healthy cavers, aged between 24 and 71 years (M = 39.70, SD = 9.81).

Results

Data analysis showed several significant correlations between 2D:4D and Deliberate Risk Taking (RTI) and Precautionary Behavior (RTI), confirming that 2D:4D is a reliable index able to predict risk-taking behaviors. Furthermore, data analysis showed that Conscientiousness and its sub-dimension Scrupulousness (BFQ-2) are recurrent among significant correlations; in particular, the latter reports negative correlations with many factors of POMS. Moreover, all participants seemed to have a good attitude to collaboration, in terms of goal-direct strategy, and an adequate management of negative affective states, useful to maintaining a good level of stress within the group. Finally, the BFQ-2 factor Openness to culture seemed to be a predominant feature in the cavers, and this feature could be considered as predictive in the choice of an activity, such as caving, which requires curiosity, perseverance and a great planning of cave exploration.

Obesity, but not hypohydration, mediates changes in mental task load during passive heating in females

Background

The independent effects of hypohydration and hyperthermia on cognition and mood is unclear since the two stresses often confound each other. Further, it is unknown if obese individuals have the same impairments during hyperthermia and hypohydration that is often observed in non-obese individuals.

Methods

The current study was designed to assess the independent and combined effects of mild hypohydration and hyperthermia on cognition, mood, and mental task load in obese and non-obese females. Twenty-one healthy females participated in two passive heating trials, wherein they were either euhydrated or hypohydrated prior to and throughout passive heating. Cognition (ImPACT), mental task load (NASA-TLX), and mood (Brunel Mood Scale; BRUMS) were measured before and after a 1.0 °C increase in core temperature (T_C).

Results

After a 1.0 °C T_C elevation, hypohydration resulted in greater (p < 0.05) body mass loss (-1.14 ± 0.48 vs -0.58 ± 0.48 kg; hypohydrated and euhydrated, respectively) and elevation in serum osmolality (292 ± 4 vs 282 ± 3 mOsm; p < 0.05) versus euhydration. Hypohydration, independent of hyperthermia, did not affect mental task load or mood (p > 0.05). Hyperthermia, regardless of hydration status, impaired (∼5 A.U) measures of memory-based cognition (verbal and visual memory), and increased mental task load, while worsening mood (p < 0.05). Interestingly, obese individuals had increased mental task load while hyperthermic compared to the non-obese individuals (p < 0.05) even while euhydrated. Hypohydration did not exacerbate any heat-related effects on cognition between obese and non-obese females (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

These data indicate that hyperthermia independently impairs memory-based aspects of cognitive performance, mental task load, and leads to a negative mood state. Mild hypohydration did not exacerbate the effects of hyperthermia. However, obese individuals had increased mental task load during hyperthermia.

Impaired sensory processing measured by functional MRI in Bipolar disorder manic and depressed mood states

Bipolar disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of depression and mania. Defining differences in brain function during these states is an important goal of bipolar disorder research. However, few imaging studies have directly compared brain activity between bipolar mood states. Herein, we compare functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) responses during a flashing checkerboard stimulus between bipolar participants across mood states (euthymia, depression, and mania) in order to identify functional differences between these states. 40 participants with bipolar I disorder and 33 healthy controls underwent fMRI during the presentation of the stimulus. A total of 23 euthymic-state, 16 manic-state, 15 depressed-state, and 32 healthy control imaging sessions were analyzed in order to compare functional activation during the stimulus between mood states and with healthy controls. A reduced response was identified in the visual cortex in both the depressed and manic groups compared to euthymic and healthy participants. Functional differences between bipolar mood states were also observed in the cerebellum, thalamus, striatum, and hippocampus. Functional differences between mood states occurred in several brain regions involved in visual and other sensory processing. These differences suggest that altered visual processing may be a feature of mood states in bipolar disorder. The key limitations of this study are modest mood-state group size and the limited temporal resolution of fMRI which prevents the segregation of primary visual activity from regulatory feedback mechanisms.

Effects of regular Taekwondo exercise on mood changes in children from multicultural families in South Korea: a pilot study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of regular Taekwondo training on mood state in children from multicultural families. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four children participated in the study. Eight children from non-multicultural families were assigned to the non-multicultural family children group. The remaining 16 children from multicultural families were randomly assigned to the multicultural family children (control, n=8) or multicultural family children trained in Taekwondo (Taekwondo training, n=8) group. Mood state was measured using the Profile of Mood States (Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Vigor-Activity, Fatigue-Inertia, and Confusion-Bewilderment). [Results] Vigor-Activity scores increased significantly, whereas Tension-Anxiety and Anger-Hostility scores decreased significantly after intervention when compared with the pre-intervention scores in the multicultural family children trained in Taekwondo group. [Conclusion] It is suggested that regular Taekwondo training may be effective in improving the mood states of children from multicultural families living in Korea.

The association between mood state and chronobiological characteristics in bipolar I disorder: a naturalistic, variable cluster analysis-based study

BACKGROUND

Multiple types of chronobiological disturbances have been reported in bipolar disorder, including characteristics associated with general activity levels, sleep, and rhythmicity. Previous studies have focused on examining the individual relationships between affective state and chronobiological characteristics. The aim of this study was to conduct a variable cluster analysis in order to ascertain how mood states are associated with chronobiological traits in bipolar I disorder (BDI). We hypothesized that manic symptomatology would be associated with disturbances of rhythm.

RESULTS

Variable cluster analysis identified five chronobiological clusters in 105 BDI subjects. Cluster 1, comprising subjective sleep quality was associated with both mania and depression. Cluster 2, which comprised variables describing the degree of rhythmicity, was associated with mania. Significant associations between mood state and cluster analysis-identified chronobiological variables were noted. Disturbances of mood were associated with subjectively assessed sleep disturbances as opposed to objectively determined, actigraphy-based sleep variables. No associations with general activity variables were noted. Relationships between gender and medication classes in use and cluster analysis-identified chronobiological characteristics were noted. Exploratory analyses noted that medication class had a larger impact on these relationships than the number of psychiatric medications in use.

CONCLUSIONS

In a BDI sample, variable cluster analysis was able to group related chronobiological variables. The results support our primary hypothesis that mood state, particularly mania, is associated with chronobiological disturbances. Further research is required in order to define these relationships and to determine the directionality of the associations between mood state and chronobiological characteristics.

Relationship Among Physical Activity Level, Mood and Anxiety States and Quality of Life in Physical Education Students

BACKGROUND

Physical activity level (PAL) is known to play an important role in reducing risk factors associated with sedentarism, in addition to improving the mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQL).

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the relationship of PAL and their domains with HRQL, mood state (MS) and anxiety. Method: 140 Physical Education students (23.6 ± 3.7 years) were evaluated. The Baecke Habitual Physical Activity and Quality of Life (QOL-36) questionnaires, State-Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI-S and STAI-T) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale were used to investigate PAL, HRQL and mental health indicators. Pearson's correlation coefficient examined the association between PAL and both mental health and HRQL parameters.

RESULTS

There was a correlation between state anxiety and both the domain leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) (p = 0.013) and total PAL score (p = 0.010). In relation to MS, a negative correlation was found between LTPA and total mood disorder (TMD) (p = 0.004). However, there were positive correlations between the vigor subscale and both LTPA (p=0.001) and total PAL (p=0.019). With respect to HRQL, analysis of the relationship between LTPA and total PAL demonstrated positive coefficients with the physical component summary (PCS) (p=0.000; p = 0.005), mental component summary (MCS) (p = 0.000; p = 0.006) and total HRQL (p = 0.000; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that the rise in LTPA was related to an increase in HRQL and MS. However, PAL was positively related to anxiety.

The correlation between mood states and functional connectivity within the default mode network can differentiate Internet gaming disorder from healthy controls

The default-mode network (DMN) has been suggested to support a baseline state of brain activity. However, whether connectivity within the DMN is associated with mood states remains incompletely understood. The current study examined the correlation between mood state and the functional connectivity (FC) among DMN regions, and examined if the FC can differentiate Internet gaming disorder (IGD) from healthy controls (HC). Resting state data were collected within 108 college students (IGD,41; HC,67). Negative correlations were observed between measures of: (1) Depression and FCs among ventral DMN regions; (2) Anger and FCs among dorsal DMN regions; and, (3) Anger and Depression and FCs of both the ventral and dorsal DMN. The results suggest that negative mood states of Depression and Anger might reflect poorer, or might impair, FCs among DMN regions. In addition, the FC among DMNs could be useful indexes in differencing IGD from HC. Future studies should examine the extent to which the findings may extend to clinical populations and whether increased connectivity of DMN regions may represent a mechanism for reducing negative mood states.

Cortical excitability and neuropsychological functioning in healthy adults

Evidence from clinical populations, such as epilepsy and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, suggests a relationship between hyperexcitability and cognitive impairment, but this relationship has not been demonstrated in healthy individuals. Here, we investigate the relationship between cortical excitability and cognitive functioning in healthy adults. Single- and paired-pulse TMS was applied to 20 healthy adults to measure cortical excitability and long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). A neuropsychological battery was administered to assess aspects of attention, executive function, and mood. Participants with primarily excitatory responses to the LICI paradigm performed worse on a composite measure of attention and reported more negative mood states than participants with primarily inhibitory responses. Thus, differences in attention and mood among healthy adults are related to differences in cortical excitability as measured by LICI. This is consistent with a role for GABA_B inhibitory circuits in regulating attention and mood, and suggests that individual variability in these domains may reflect variability in cortical excitability. This study demonstrates preliminary evidence that increased cortical excitability is associated with poorer cognition and mood in healthy adults. These findings provide new insight into the presence of cognitive dysfunction in several patient populations with hyperexcitability and support the development of neurostimulation interventions for clinical use.

Relationship Among Body Image, Anthropometric Parameters and Mental Health in Physical Education Students

Background

The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction (BID) is currently high. Given that psychological well-being is associated with the body measurements imposed by esthetic standards, BID is an important risk factor for mental disorders.

Objective

Identify the prevalence of BID, and compare anthropometric and mental health parameters between individuals satisfied and dissatisfied with their body image.

Method

A total of 140 university students completed the silhouette scale to screen for BID. Anthropometric measures, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (BFP) were used. To investigate mental health, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI-S and STAI-T), Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale and Quality of Life (QOL-36) questionnaire were used to investigate mental health. The Student’s t-test was applied to compare anthropometric and mental health parameters.

Results

67.1% of university students exhibited BID. There was a significant difference (p = 0.041) in BF and WC (p = 0.048) between dissatisfied and satisfied individuals. With respect to mood states, significant differences were observed for anger (p = 0.014), depression (p = 0.011), hostility (p = 0.006), fatigue (p = 0.013), mental confusion (p = 0.021) and total mood disturbance (TMD) (p = 0.001). The mental aspect of QOL was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in satisfied university students compared to their dissatisfied counterparts.

Conclusion

BID was high and it seems to be influenced by anthropometric measures related to the amount and distribution of body fat. This dissatisfaction may have a negative effect on the quality of life and mood state of young adults.

Verbal fluency in bipolar disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

One of the main features of bipolar disorder (BD), besides mood dysregulation, is an alteration of the structure of language. Bipolar patients present changes in semantic contents, impaired verbal associations, abnormal prosody and abnormal speed of language highlighted with various experimental tasks. Verbal fluency tasks are widely used to assess the abilities of bipolar patients to retrieve and produce verbal material from the lexico-semantic memory. Studies using these tasks have however yielded discrepant results. The aim of this study was thus to determine the extent of the verbal fluency impairment in BD patients and to evaluate if the deficits are affected by the type of task or by mood states.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EBSCOHost and Google Scholar and relevant data were submitted to a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies were retained providing data for 52 independent groups of BD patients. The overall meta-analysis revealed a moderate verbal fluency impairment in BD compared to healthy controls (effect size d=0.61). Comparisons between mood states showed significant differences only between euthymic and manic patients and only on category fluency performances.

LIMITATIONS

This review is limited by the heterogeneity between studies for the characteristics of BD populations. Also, few of the retained studies examined depressive or mixed episodes.

CONCLUSIONS

This work confirms that BD patients present with moderate verbal fluency impairments, and underlines the specific effect of mood state on category fluency. This emphasizes the need to distinguish semantic from phonological processes in verbal fluency assessments in BD.

Correlates of Mood and RPE During Multi-Lap Off-Road Cycling

This study examined the relationship between mood and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a simulated multiple-lap time trial (MLTT). Nineteen male cyclists performed a MLTT consisting of four 9.9 km laps, each lap with a gradient ranging from 0 to 10 %. Mood as measured by the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS) and perceived exertion as measured by the Borg CR100 scale (RPE) were obtained at the end of each lap. A categorical multiple regressive model, having median of POMS subscales as independent variables, was obtained to explain the variance in median RPE responses. Increases in POMS fatigue scores and decreases in POMS vigour scores were observed throughout the MLTT (P < 0.001). A linear increase in RPE during the MLTT was also observed (P < 0.001). POMS fatigue subscale scores accounted for 88 % of the variance in RPE during the MLTT (R(2) = 0.88, P = 0.002), and no other POMS subscale improved the final predictive model. With the exception of fatigue these results suggest that most aspects of mood do not have a discernable effect on RPE during a MLTT. The rate of increase in RPE can predict the MLTT endpoint.

Effects of caffeine ingestion on endurance performance in mentally fatigued individuals

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of caffeine ingestion on physiological and perceptual responses in mentally fatigued individuals.

METHODS

Eight male physically active subjects completed four cycling constant-workload tests in four experimental conditions at 80 % of maximal power output: control (C), mental fatigue (MF), mental fatigue plus caffeine ingestion (5 mg/kg) (MF-CAF), and mental fatigue plus placebo (MF-PLA). The mental fatigue was induced by a continuous performance task A-X version (AX-CPT). Before and after the AX-CPT, the profile of mood state (POMS) and blood samples for lactate measurement were collected. Oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and electromyography (EMG) activity were measured during the cycling test.

RESULTS

The time to exhaustion in C, MF, MF-PLA, and MF-CAF were 251 ± 30, 222 ± 23, 248 ± 28, and 285 ± 42 s, respectively. Delta values (corrected by C condition) were higher in MF-CAF than MF (P = 0.031). MF-CAF reported higher Vigor scores when compared with C (P = 0.046) and MF (P = 0.020). RPE at the first minute was significantly higher in MF-PLA than in C (P = 0.050); at the second minute, RPE was higher in MF-PLA than in C (P = 0.049) and MF-CAF (P = 0.048). EMG activity was not different between the conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Caffeine ingestion increased approximately 14 % endurance performance after the induction of mental fatigue. This effect was accompanied by a tendency to improvement in mood state (i.e., vigor). Therefore, caffeine ingestion can promote a beneficial effect on endurance performance in mentally fatigued individuals.

Impulsivity in bipolar disorders in a Tunisian sample

Impulsivity as a trait characteristic is increased in bipolar disorder and may be a core factor of the illness. The objectives of our work are to evaluate the level of impulsivity among patients with bipolar disorder and to study its relation with mood state, alcohol misuse, suicide attempts and other socio-demographic and clinical factors. We measured impulsivity in 60 subjects with bipolar disorder in relationship to socio-demographic and clinical variables. The subjects completed Data included socio-demographic details and clinical variables, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) in an Arabic version to assess impulsivity, The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview "MINI" version 05 to screen for alcohol abuse or dependence and mood graphic rate scale (MGRS) to evaluate mood state. Our results show that the mean score of BIS-11 was 71.5. Fifty-five per cent of the patients had a high level of impulsiveness. No differences were found relating to mood state. Impulsivity was related to Male gender, lower educational level, early age of onset, smoking, alcohol and drug misuse and prior suicide attempts. The treatment of patients with BD should consider to reduce impulsivity to improve morbidity.

Mean diffusivity of basal ganglia and thalamus specifically associated with motivational states among mood states

Previously, we proposed that the mean diffusivity (MD), a measure of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in areas of the dopaminergic system (MDDS), is associated with motivation. In this study, we tested if and how the motivational state is associated with MD in comparison with other mood states. We also tested the associations of these mood states with multiple cognitive functions. We examined these issues in 766 right-handed healthy young adults. We employed analyses of MD and a psychological measure of the profile of mood states (POMS) as well as multiple cognitive functions. We detected associations between the higher Vigor subscale of POMS and lower MD in the right globus pallidum, right putamen to right posterior insula, right caudate body, and right thalamus, and these associations were highly specific to the Vigor subscale. Similarly, the association of the motivational state with creativity measured by divergent thinking (CMDT) was rather specific and prominent compared with that of the other mood states and cognitive functions. In conclusion, when affective states are finely divided, only the motivational state is associated with MD in the areas related to the dopaminergic system, and psychological mechanisms that had been associated with dopaminergic system (CMDT). These results suggest that these mechanisms specifically contribute to the motivational state and not to the other states, such as depression and anxiety.

Circadian variation of salivary immunoglobin A, alpha-amylase activity and mood in response to repeated double-poling sprints in hypoxia

PURPOSE

To assess the circadian variations in salivary immunoglobin A (sIgA) and alpha-amylase activity (sAA), biomarkers of mucosal immune function, together with mood during 2 weeks of repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) and normoxia (RSN).

METHODS

Over a 2-week period, 17 competitive cross-country skiers performed six training sessions, each consisting of four sets of five 10-s bouts of all-out double-poling under either normobaric hypoxia (FiO2: 13.8%, 3000 m) or normoxia. The levels of sIgA and sAA activity and mood were determined five times during each of the first (T1) and sixth (T6) days of training, as well as during days preceding (baseline) and after the training intervention (follow-up).

RESULTS

With RSH, sIgA was higher on T6 than T1 (P = 0.049), and sAA was increased on days T1, T6, and during the follow-up (P < 0.01). With RSN, sIgA remained unchanged and sAA was elevated on day T1 only (P = 0.04). Similarly, the RSH group demonstrated reduced mood on days T1, T6, and during the follow-up, while mood was lowered only on T1 with RSN (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The circadian variation of sIgA and sAA activity, biomarkers of mucosal immune function, as well as mood were similar on the first day of training when repeated double-poling sprints were performed with or without hypoxia. Only with RSH did the levels of sIgA and sAA activity rise with time, becoming maximal after six training sessions, when mood was still lowered. Therefore, six sessions of RSH reduced mood, but did not impair mucosal immune function.

Habitual total water intake and dimensions of mood in healthy young women

Acute negative and positive mood states have been linked with the development of undesirable and desirable health outcomes, respectively. Numerous factors acutely influence mood state, including exercise, caffeine ingestion, and macronutrient intake, but the influence of habitual total water intake remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to observe relationships between habitual water intake and mood. One hundred twenty healthy females (mean ± SD; age = 20 ± 2 y, BMI = 22.9 ± 3.5 kg⋅m(-2) ) recorded all food and fluids consumed for 5 consecutive days. Investigators utilized dietary analysis software to determine Total Water Intake (TWI; total water content in foods and fluids), caffeine, and macronutrient consumption (i.e. protein, carbohydrate, fat). On days 3 and 4, participants completed the Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire, which examined tension, depression, anger, vigor, and confusion, plus an aggregate measure of Total Mood Disturbance (TMD). For comparison of mood, data were separated into three even groups (n = 40 each) based on TWI: low (LOW; 1.51 ± 0.27 L/d), moderate (MOD; 2.25 ± 0.19 L/d), and high (HIGH; 3.13 ± 0.54 L/d). Regression analysis was performed to determine continuous relationships between measured variables. Group differences (p < 0.05) were observed for tension (MOD = 7.2 ± 5.4, HIGH = 4.4 ± 2.9), depression (LOW = 4.5 ± 5.9, HIGH = 1.7 ± 2.3), confusion (MOD = 5.9 ± 3.4, HIGH = 4.0 ± 2.1), and TMD (LOW=19.0 ± 21.8, HIGH=8.2 ± 14.2). After accounting for other mood influencers, TWI predicted TMD (r(2) = 0.104; p = 0.050). The above relationships suggest the amount of water a woman consumes is associated with mood state.

Effects of inhaled rosemary oil on subjective feelings and activities of the nervous system

Rosemary oil is one of the more famous essential oils widely used in aroma-therapy. However, the effects of rosemary oil on the human body, in particular the nervous system, have not been sufficiently studied. This study investigates the effects of the inhalation of rosemary oil on test subjects’ feelings, as well as its effects on various physiological parameters of the nervous system. Twenty healthy volunteers participated in the experiment. All subjects underwent autonomic nervous system (ANS) recording. This consisted of measurements of skin temperature; heart rate; respiratory rate; blood pressure; evaluations of the subjects’ mood states; and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in the pre-, during treatment, and post-rosemary inhalation periods as compared with control conditions. Our results showed significant increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate after rosemary oil inhalation. After the inhalation treatments, subjects were found to have become more active and stated that they felt “fresher”. The analysis of EEGs showed a reduction in the power of alpha1 (8–10.99 Hz) and alpha2 (11–12.99 Hz) waves. Moreover, an increment in the beta wave (13–30 Hz) power was observed in the anterior region of the brain. These results confirm the stimulatory effects of rosemary oil and provide supporting evidence that brain wave activity, autonomic nervous system activity, as well as mood states are all affected by the inhalation of the rosemary oil.