Assessment of depression and anxiety in young and old with a question-based computational language approach

Connecting the emotional-cognitive puzzle: The role of tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor isoform imbalance in age-related emotional and cognitive impairments

Age-related cognitive and affective disorders pose significant public health challenges. Notably, emotional and cognitive symptoms co-occur across multiple age-associated conditions like normal aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. While the intricate interplay underlying this relationship remains poorly understood, this article highlights the possibility that an imbalance between full-length (TrkB.FL) and truncated (TrkB.T1) isoforms of tyrosine kinase receptor TrkB in the neurotrophic system may significantly affect age-associated emotional and cognitive functions, by altering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, integral to neuronal health, cognitive functions and mood regulation. While the contribution of this imbalance to pathogenesis awaits full elucidation, this review evaluates its potential mediating role, linking emotional and cognitive decline across age-related disorders The interplay between TrkB.T1 and TrkB.FL isoforms may be considered as a pivotal shared regulator underlying this complex relationship. The current review aims to synthesize current knowledge on TrkB isoform imbalance, specifically its contribution to age-related cognitive decline and mood disorders. By examining shared pathogenic pathways between aging, cognitive decline, and mood disorders through the lens of TrkB signaling, this review uncovers potential therapeutic targets not previously considered, offering a fresh perspective on combating age-related mental health issues as well as cognitive deficits.

1 km of living area: age differences in the association between neighborhood environment perception and self-rated health among Chinese people

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the age differences in the relationship between neighborhood environment perception and self-rated health among Chinese people.

STUDY DESIGN

This is cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The participants were 2,631 residents aged 18 and above from 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). Self-rated health was reported by residents. Neighborhood environment was measured by respondents' subjective perception of 1 km living area. Ordered logit regression models were used to examine the relationship between neighborhood environment perception and self-rated health.

RESULTS

In summary, 42.08% were classified as young adults, and 57.92% were classified as middle-aged and older adults. Young adults with higher perception of neighborhood social environment were more likely to perceive good health. Neighborhood built environment was significantly associated with self-rated health among middle-aged and older adults.

CONCLUSION

The neighborhood environment is an important predictor of the health of its residents. Neighborhood environmental modifications should be tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, promoting health equity.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the perceived prosthodontic treatment need scale: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses

BACKGROUND

It is crucial to take into account the concerns of dental patients about their prosthodontic needs when planning the course of treatment. However, there is a dearth of research that examines these needs among adult dental patients.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to translate and validate the perceived prosthodontic treatment need scale (PPTN) in Arabic.

METHODS

The 17-item PPTN scale was translated from English into Arabic and completed by 206 patients seeking prosthodontic treatment in a dental hospital in Saudi Arabia. Data collection was carried out in September and October 2023. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to ascertain the underlying factor structure; a unidimensional scale was hypothesised and tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), including several multiple model fit indices. The assessment of reliability was conducted using Cronbach's alpha. The convergent and discriminant validity of the final scale were examined.

RESULTS

EFA produced an 11-item scale distributed into three factors that explain 65.43% of the total variance with eigenvalues > 1. All items showed acceptable reliability, ranging from 0.65 to 0.84. The first factor pertained to social issues, while the second item was concerning dental appearance. Lastly, the third factor included functional difficulties associated with tooth loss or dental problems. The results of the CFA demonstrate a satisfactory level of model fit, with the standardised factor loadings ranging from 0.51 to 0.89. Convergent and discriminant validity of the model factors were established.

CONCLUSION

The translated questionnaire was deemed legitimate and would be useful in comprehending patients' perceived treatment requirements, hence contributing to the advancement of prosthodontic research and practical implementation.

Examining the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health Among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Adolescents are immersed in a highly advanced technology setting, characterized by extensive availability of personal devices, the internet, and other social media platforms, which greatly impact their mental development. Concerns arise around potential negative consequences, including social isolation, internet addiction, exposure to improper content, depression, cyberbullying, and sleeping difficulty. The impact of social media on the mental well-being of adolescents has emerged as an escalating concern. The continuous exposure to carefully selected content, online harassment, and the expectation to comply with unrealistic standards all contribute to the development of depression and anxiety. This research aims to explore the impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents in the Saudi Arabian context.

METHODS

This online cross-sectional study was conducted on Saudis aged 10 to 24 years old who have social media accounts in Saudi Arabia between August and November 2023. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors that make the study participants more likely to be mentally affected by social media.

RESULTS

A total of 2856 participants were involved in this study. The most commonly used social media platform by the study participants was Twitter (30.3%). The majority of the study participants (77.4%) reported that they have tried to reduce their social media usage for mental health reasons. The most commonly agreed-upon statements were that "they feel that excessive social media use has negatively affected their sleep patterns," "they often sleep late in the night because of social media usage," and "they check their social media account before they sleep in the night," accounting for 71.0%, 66.1%, and 58.3%, respectively. Overall, the study participants showed a low level of being mentally affected due to social media with a mean score of 7.8 (SD: 3.9) out of 21, which is equal to 37.1%. Older participants (aged 16-24 years) were more prone to be mentally affected due to social media compared to younger ones (aged 10-15 years; p < 0.05). On the other hand, participants who were married, had a middle school education level, or lived in the northern, western, or eastern regions were less likely to be mentally affected due to social media compared to others (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study participants showed a low level of being mentally affected due to social media. Individuals in the 16-24 years age group show a higher susceptibility to mental impacts resulting from social media usage. The primary duty for reducing the potential negative effects of social media should not rest only on parents and caregivers. Advocating for the creation of technology-free zones and fostering in-person friendships among teens could be a beneficial approach that policymakers should support.