Search Results
Abstract
Background and aims
An increasing number of people experience negative consequences from the excessive use of different Internet applications or sites (e.g., Instagram, League of Legends, YouTube). These consequences have been referred to as specific Internet Use Disorders (IUDs). The present study aims to examine the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) on rewarding experiences with respect to specific Internet activities. FoMO has been found to mediate the link between psychopathology and symptoms of Internet Communication Disorder (ICD). However, the role of FoMO in other IUDs is controversial.
Methods
The current study (N = 7,990) consecutively screened in vocational schools) analyzed the associations between online-specific state-FoMO, general trait-FoMO, mental health, and IUD symptoms in a structural equation model. After testing the model for the entire sample of Internet users, it was analyzed separately for the two main user groups: Social Networking Site (SNS) users and gamers.
Results
The proposed model explained 42.0% of the variance in IUD symptoms in the total sample, 46.8% for SNS users, and 32.8% for gamers. Results suggest that impaired mental health and high trait-FoMO predict IUD symptoms. For both SNS users and gamers, trait-FoMO mediated the link between low mental health and IUD, whereas state-FoMO mediated the link between trait-FoMO and IUD in both user groups.
Discussion
Our results partly support the theoretical model of specific IUDs, highlighting trait-FoMO as a predisposing fear of disconnection related to general mental health. Online-specific FoMO appears to contribute to problematic Internet use mainly because of its link to the general fear of disconnection. Moreover, the described mechanism seems to be comparable for both females and males.
Conclusions
FoMO is a multidimensional construct underlying IUD symptoms related to the use of socially gratifying, but distinct Internet applications. FoMO and psychopathology should be targeted together in prevention and treatment plans of IUDs.
immunoassays (ELISA) (IBL International Gmbh, Hamburg, Germany and BioVendol Laboratory Med. Inc Brno, Czech Republic). The respective intraassay CVs ranged from 4.8 to 5.5%, 2.7–3.5%, 2.0–14.9%, and 1% (mean), whereas the interassay CVs ranged from 5.7 to 6
Allergic conditions are prevalent equine diseases that can be diagnosed by clinical examination alone, but definitive diagnosis is more likely with laboratory testing. The ELISA Allercept© test was used to analyse the serum samples of 73 horses with allergic diseases. Sixty-one horses (83.5%) had allergen-specific IgE levels ≥ 150 ELISA Units (EU), the cut-off defined by the assay. Fifty-four horses had allergic dermatitis (AD) with high IgE levels to Tyrophagus putrescentiae (51.9%), Rumex crispus (48.1%), Tabanus (46.3%) and Dermatophagoides farinae/ D. pteronyssinus (40.7%). Seven horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) had a high prevalence of T. putrescentiae (85.7%), followed by that of Acarus siro (57.1%) and D. farinae/D. pteronyssinus (57.1%). Horses affected with RAO had more positive reactions to mites (2.22 ± 0.84) than did horses with AD (1.51 ± 0.61, P < 0.05). A strong correlation of serum allergen-specific IgE level was found between Culex tarsalis and Stomoxys (r = 0.943) and between Dactylis glomerata and both Secale cereale (r = 0.79) and R. crispus (r = 0.696). These results indicate that among horses with allergic diseases in Spain, ELISA tests demonstrated a high prevalence of serum allergen-specific IgE in response to mites. Our study emphasises the importance of laboratory testing and updating allergy panels to improve the likelihood of a definitive diagnosis and the identification of allergens that should be included in allergic disease treatment.
Abstract
Background
Gambling and gaming disorders have been included as “disorders due to addictive behaviors” in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Other problematic behaviors may be considered as “other specified disorders due to addictive behaviors (6C5Y).”
Methods
Narrative review, experts' opinions.
Results
We suggest the following meta-level criteria for considering potential addictive behaviors as fulfilling the category of “other specified disorders due to addictive behaviors”:
1. Clinical relevance: Empirical evidence from multiple scientific studies demonstrates that the specific potential addictive behavior is clinically relevant and individuals experience negative consequences and functional impairments in daily life due to the problematic and potentially addictive behavior.
2. Theoretical embedding: Current theories and theoretical models belonging to the field of research on addictive behaviors describe and explain most appropriately the candidate phenomenon of a potential addictive behavior.
3. Empirical evidence: Data based on self-reports, clinical interviews, surveys, behavioral experiments, and, if available, biological investigations (neural, physiological, genetic) suggest that psychological (and neurobiological) mechanisms involved in other addictive behaviors are also valid for the candidate phenomenon. Varying degrees of support for problematic forms of pornography use, buying and shopping, and use of social networks are available. These conditions may fit the category of “other specified disorders due to addictive behaviors”.
Conclusion
It is important not to over-pathologize everyday-life behavior while concurrently not trivializing conditions that are of clinical importance and that deserve public health considerations. The proposed meta-level-criteria may help guide both research efforts and clinical practice.
Lyme borreliosis, granulocytic anaplasmosis and monocytic ehrlichiosis are well studied in humans and dogs. In horses, these diseases are not widely investigated and limited information is available about their occurrence. The purpose of this study was to present the first ELISA-based report on the seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi in horses from Northern Bulgaria. A total of 192 horses were investigated from three regions in Northern Bulgaria (Northwestern, North-Central and Northeastern Bulgaria). All equine sera were tested for A. phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia spp. and B. burgdorferi antibodies by a commercial rapid ELISA test. Antibodies against A. phagocytophilum were found in all the three regions at a mean frequency of 12% (23/192), ranging from 9.38 to 15.63% by region. Antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. were found in horses from one region (Northeastern) at a rate of 0.5% (1/192). Anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies were detected in all the three regions with a mean frequency of 15.1% (29/192), ranging from 14.06 to 17.19% by region. A co-exposure to A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi was observed in 6.3% of the cases (12/192). This is the first report on the natural exposure of horses to these bacteria (A. phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia spp. and B. burgdorferi) in Northern Bulgaria.
Introduction: Acute hepatitis in pregnancy in not uncommon in Bangladesh. There has been a rise in acute viral E hepatitis in Bangladesh after the 2004 floods. At that time most of the country was under water for more than a month leading to sewerage contamination of water supply. The aim of this study was to see the aetiology of acute hepatitis in pregnant women in the third trimester in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 31 pregnant women in their third trimester with acute hepatitis were included. Only those patients who presented with prodromal features like icterus, nausea and vomiting, fever and raised serum bilirubin and raised serum transaminase levels were included in this study. They were all previously healthy and came to the Unit from all over Bangladesh. Patients were tested for markers for common hepatotrophic viruses. Relevant history was taken. Patient Record Book of the Unit was reviewed and patients who fulfilled the criteria were included in this retrospective study. Results: 45.16% (14/31) had HEV infection. They were all anti-HEV IgM positive by ELISA. HBV infection was detected in 6.45% (2/31). All these later patients tested positive for either HBsAg or anti-HBs IgM by ELISA. Both anti-HEV IgM and HBsAg were positive in 9.38% (3/31) patients. No viral marker could be detected in 38.7% (12/31) patients. Overall 54.84% (17/31) patients had HEV and 16.12% (5/31) had HBV infection. No patient had history of drug or alcohol intake. Conclusion: Acute viral E hepatitis is the leading cause of acute hepatitis in pregnancy in Bangladesh. Sewerage contamination of water supply following flood contributed to the higher incidence of HEV infections. Hepatitis B virus infection is also important.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is developed mainly by insulin resistance and oxidative stress, but the exact pathogenesis is unknown. Increased prevalence of non-organ specific autoantibodies (NOSA) in NAFLD may be the result of primary immune-mediated mechanism or secondary hepatocellular injury as a consequence of free radical reaction and cytokine production. The importance of NOSA positivity in NAFLD is uncertain. Our aim was to investigate the NOSA prevalence and the redox status as well as the cytokine level in NAFLD patients. Plasma free SH-group concentration, total antioxidant status were measured by colorimetric methods. Free radical–antioxidant balance was determined by a chemiluminometric assay. IL-6 concentration was measured by ELISA in various group of NAFLD patients. NOSA (antinuclear antibody) prevalence was found to be 55% in NAFLD patients. NOSA-positive patients showed a decrease of plasma free SH-group concentration, total antioxidant status and strengthening of free radical reaction. Elevated IL-6 concentrations were measured in both patient groups, but IL-6 concentration was higher in the ANA-negative group with better antioxidant status.
Objective: To determine the relationship between the immunological status and anti-HCV detection of HIV-1 infected individuals in an HIV/AIDS cohort within an African population. Design: Retrospective study of randomly selected HIV/AIDS patients. Methods: The biodata of 1044 consenting HIV infected patients were analyzed retrospectively. These patients had been enrolled following the confirmation of their HIV status by western blot assay after an initial reactive ELISA. Blood obtained from the patients were subjected to serological tests to determine their anti-HCV antibody status using third generation Enzyme Immunoassay (DIA.PRO Diagnostic, Bioprobes srl, Italy). CD4 count was done by flow cytometry (Partec Cyflow, Germany) and viral load by PCR (Roche Amplicor 1.50). The data were analyzed using the Epi Info 2004 statistical software. Results: Ninety out of 1044 patients (8.6%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. The rate of HCV infection was directly proportional to the CD4+ group (6.8% vs. 15.4% for < 201 and > 800, respectively, p = 0.026). Conclusion: There is an associated higher chance of detecting anti-HCV in sera of the HIV-1 infected patients whose immunological status are better compared to severely immunocompromised ones.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomarkers of cardiac damage such as heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), and thrombomodulin (TM) for the detection and prognosis of bovine traumatic pericarditis (TP). Spontaneous TP was diagnosed on the basis of history, clinical signs, complete blood count, glutaraldehyde test, ultrasonography, and pericardiocentesis findings. H-FABP, PTX-3 and TM levels in serum were compared between 25 Holstein cows diagnosed with spontaneous TP and 10 healthy control cows using bovine-specific ELISA kits. Serum H-FABP in cattle with TP was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in the control group and positively correlated with cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB), PTX-3 and TM (r = 0.683, 0.342, 0.448 and 0.424, respectively; P < 0.05). The serum levels of PTX-3 (P < 0.05) and TM (P < 0.05) in cattle with TP were significantly higher than in the control group. Cardiac damage biomarkers H-FABP, PTX-3 and TM may be useful in the diagnosis of bovine TP.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been reported as a matriptase activator. The aim of this study was to reveal if S1P can influence hepcidin production. Furthermore, we investigated how S1P can affect the viability and the redox status of primary hepatocytes. Rat primary hepatocytes were cultivated for 72 h and were treated with 50, 200, 1000 ng/ml S1P. Cell-free supernatants were collected every 24 h. Cell viability was tested by a colorimetric method using tetrazolium compound (MTS). The hepcidin levels in the cell-free supernatants were examined with hepcidin sandwich ELISA to determine the effect of S1P on the hepcidin-modulating ability of matriptase. In order to estimate the extent of S1P-generated oxidative stress, extracellular H2O2 measurements were performed by the use of fluorescent dye. Based on the findings, S1P treatment did not cause cell death for 72 h at concentrations up to 1000 ng/ml. S1P did not influence the extracellular H2O2 production for 72 h. The hepcidin levels were significantly suppressed in hepatocytes exposed to S1P treatment. Further studies would be needed to explore the exact mechanism of action of S1P.
