Aim To evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on adolescents with eating disorders (ED) and identify factors predicting ED behaviour. Method This study took place during an age‐stratified lockdown for those under 20 years in Turkey. Participants completed a survey developed to evaluate the effects of the lockdown on ED behaviour, well‐being and quality of life (QoL) and additionally the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE‐Q), and scales for depression, anxiety and obsessive‐compulsive behaviour. The relationship between the EDE‐Q‐global score and other variables related to ED was examined. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the predictive power of these variables on ED behaviour. Results Thirty‐eight ED patients with a mean age of 15.12 ± 1.56 years were included in the study. Of participants, 42.1% reported feeling an improvement in ED symptomatology, 71.0% reported none or rare conflict with parents due to eating, 39.5% reported often or always complying with their meal plan. Of participants, 92.0% agreed to ‘understanding the value of being healthy’ and stated realizing that ‘they were in control’ due to the pandemic. Of participants 36.9% scored ‘bad’ for both overall and ED related QoL. In the stepwise regression analysis depression score had the highest predictive value for ED behaviour. Conclusion Almost half of the participants felt an improvement in their ED and a majority reported rare parental conflict. However, less than half reported meal plan compliance. As depression had the highest positive predictive value for ED behaviour additional screening for depression during the pandemic maybe warranted in ED patients.
The current left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are limited by a highly invasive implantation procedure in a severely unstable group of advanced heart failure patients. Additionally, the current transcutaneous power drive line acts as a nidus for infection resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. In an effort to decrease this invasiveness and eliminate drive line complications, we have conceived a wireless miniaturized percutaneous LVAD, capable of being delivered endovascularly with a tether-free operation. The system obviates the need for a transcutaneous fluid purge line required in existing temporary devices by utilizing an incorporated magnetically coupled impeller for a complete seal. The objective of this article was to demonstrate early development and proof-of-concept feasibility testing to serve as the groundwork for future formalized device development. Five early prototypes were designed and constructed to iteratively minimize the pump size and improve fluid dynamic performance. Various magnetic coupling configurations were tested. Using SolidWorks and ANSYS software for modeling and simulation, several geometric parameters were varied. HQ curves were constructed from preliminary in vitro testing to characterize the pump performance. Bench top tests showed no-slip magnetic coupling of the impeller to the driveshaft up to the current limit of the motor. The pump power requirements were tested in vitro and were within the appropriate range for powering via a wireless energy transfer system. Our results demonstrate the proof-of-concept feasibility of a novel endovascular cardiac assist device with the potential to eventually offer patients an untethered, minimally invasive support.
The presented findings are unique in terms of their ability to clinically and physiologically differentiate between ADHD children with and without ED.
Background Gender-affirming and supportive relations for transgender youth are considered protective in terms of mental health. Aim To describe how transgender youth perceived changes in their gender expression, in the course of the gender-affirming path, and the effect of social connectedness and social support on depression and anxiety during the pandemic. Methods In this cross-sectional study, transgender youth completed an online survey developed to evaluate the perceived changes in gender expression and affirmation path that occurred during COVID-19 and the age-stratified lockdown. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the effect of social connectedness and social support on depression and anxiety in this population during the pandemic. The participants completed the following scales: Social Connectedness Scale Revised (SCS-R), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The effect of lockdown on life conditions, gender expression, social and medical gender-affirming path, social connectedness, social support, depression, and anxiety levels were examined. Linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships between BDI and STAI scores and other variables. Outcomes The relationship between the levels of perceived social connectedness, and social support, the pandemic-related changes in living conditions and depression and anxiety scores were calculated. Results A total of 49 transgender youth with a mean age of 20.53 ± 1.86 years were enrolled. Participants reporting discomfort at the place they live and who had difficulties concerning gender expression and affirmation had higher depression and anxiety scores and perceived lower social support from their family. Social connectedness score was a significant negative predictor of depression severity, whereas social connectedness and social support were both significant negative predictors of anxiety severity. Clinical Implications Our results show increased adversity for transgender youth when connectedness with supportive people is diminished. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social connectedness and social support perceived by transgender youth are associated with better mental health. Strengths and Limitations This is one of the first studies to evaluate the changes that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in transgender youth with relation to social support and connectedness, during an age-stratified lockdown. The main limitations were the small study size, skewed gender ratio and that the study sample came from a single gender clinic. Conclusion As social connectedness and social support are significant predictors of depression and anxiety severity, special attention is needed to increase contact and support for transgender youth during the ...
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