COVID-19 pandemic amplified mortality rates among adolescents with bipolar disorder through family-related factors

BACKGROUND Recently,a growing number of adolescents have been afflicted with mental disorders,with annual morbidity rates on the rise.This trend has been exacerbated by the global coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,leading to a surge in suicide and self-harm rates among this demographic.AIM To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent bipolar disorder(BD),along with the underlying factors contributing to heightened rates of suicide and self-harm among adolescents.METHODS A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted utilizing clinical interviews and self-reports obtained from patients or their guardians.Diagnostic criteria for BDs were based on the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders,international classification of diseases-11,and the National institute of mental health research domain criteria.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 software,with significance set at P<0.05.RESULTS A cohort of 171 adolescents diagnosed with BD between January 1,2018,and December 31,2022,was included in the analysis.The gender distribution was 2.8:1(female to male),with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years old.Major factors contributing to adolescent BDs included familial influences,academic stress,genetic predisposition and exposure to school-related violence.Notably,a significant increase in suicide attempts and self-harm incidents was observed among adolescents with BD during the COVID-19 pandemic.Statistical analysis indicated that the pandemic exacerbated familial discord and heightened academic stress,thereby amplifying the prevalence of suicidal behavior and self-harm among adolescents.CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated familial tensions and intensified the incidence of suicide and self-harm among adolescents diagnosed with BD.This study underscores the urgent need for societal,familial and educational support systems to prioritize the well-being of adolescents and offers valuable insights and guidelines for the prevention,diagnosis and treatment of adolescent BDs.

Exploring the anti-cancer effect of taraxasterol using network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experimental validation

Taraxasterol(TS)is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Taraxacum mongolicum.Previous studies have highlighted its significant roles in exhibiting anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidant,and liver protective effects.In the present study,the anti-cancer potential of TS against cervical cancer was investigated,employing network pharmacology techniques,molecular docking,and in vitro experimental validation.TS exhibits its anticancer properties by modulating multiple targets,pathways,and biological processes.In vitro experiments demonstrated the potent inhibitory effects of TS on cancer cell growth and migration,while no significant impact on apoptosis was observed.The primary objective was to elucidate the anti-cancer potential of TS,which is a crucial lead compound in the treatment of cervical cancer.The findings may serve as a basis for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics and medicine-based interventions for cervical cancer.