Logistic Regression Analysis on the Correlation between Physical Diseases and Life Events and Depression in the Elderly

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the effects of physical diseases and life events on depression among urban elderly people.[Methods]Five hundred urban elderly people in Shiyan City were selected using a convenient sampling method to investigate and diagnose depression using the Geriatric Mental State Schedule and its accompanying computer diagnostic system.The Minimum Data Set(MDS)and related factor survey form were used to investigate physical diseases and life events,and statistical analysis was conducted using methods such as logistic regression analysis and factor analysis.[Results]The prevalence rates of angina,stroke,or partial paralysis,migraine,vision problems,hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism,as well as the number of physical diseases were significantly higher in elderly depression patients than in objects free of depression.Stroke or partial paralysis[OR(95%CI)=6.389(1.684,24.237)],emotional trauma events[OR(95%CI)=1.438(1.069,1.934)]and adverse health and economic events[OR(95%CI)=1.652(1.099,2.483)]were risk factors for late life depression(LLD).[Conclusions]Some physical diseases and life events may affect the onset process of depression in urban elderly people,and various measures need to be taken to reduce the risk of physical diseases and life events on depression.

Unresolved conundrum of the role of physical activity in inflammatory bowel disease:What next?

There is considerable controversy on the role of physical activity in irritable bowel disease(IBD)since published reports are conflicting.It is well known that there is known relapse with specific treatment in IBD.This,in addition to onset of extraintestinal symptoms creates a need to think of alternate approaches.In this context,the current article describes the need of a multi-institutional study with standard protocol of physical activity for documenting its effect on both the primary disease and the extra alimentary manifestations.This paper also points out the possibility of using adjuvant complementary medicine such as yoga,whose effects have been documented in other diseases like irritable bowel syndrome.A third approach could be to focus on the intestinal dysbiosis in IBD and concentrate on research on restoring the microbial flora to normal,to see whether the extraintestinal symptoms are alleviated.

Have guidelines addressing physical activity been established in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

The purpose of this review was to highlight, in relation to the currently accepted pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the known exercise habits of patients with NAFLD and to detail the benefits of lifestyle modification with exercise (and/or physical activity) on parameters of metabolic syndrome. More rigorous, controlled studies of longer duration and defined histopathological end-points comparing exercise alone and other treatment are needed before better, evidence-based physical activity modification guidelines can be established, since several questions remain unanswered.

Co-Occurring Polysubstance Use and Physical Disease of Persons with Mental Disorders in Residential Treatment Program

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of co-occurring polysubstance use and to examine the differences in physical disease between polysubstance users and single/no substance users with mental disorders. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 1949 clinical records of psychiatric patients from 11 residential treatment programs between 2007 and 2011. Demographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses, and data on substance use and physical disease were obtained from the clinical records. Chi-square analyses were used to examine substance use difference in the prevalence of each physical disease category. This study found that the prevalence of co-occurring polysubstance use was 53.5%. Chi-square analyses identified that co-occurring polysubstance users reported more respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, and HIV/AIDS diseases but less endocrine diseases than single/no substance users. Therefore, integrated treatment programs for treating patients with co-occurring substance use and physical disease should be developed and expanded for this high-risk group.

Bali Rituals and Therapeutic Communication in the Traditional Rural Society in Sri Lanka

Bali is a form of classical ritual that makes a sound performance of a variety of psychological and physical treatments for many psychiatric and cultural diseases. Bali is defined as a form of oblation for gods and deities. Bali is determined by the ephemeral cycle of one＇s life, so that the procedures and practices of specific Bali performances are planned to communicate with the planetary system, which is based on his/her astrology. Hence, Bali is made to perform with the use of traditional dance, music and local cultural substances. There are nearly eighty four thousand forms of Bali performances derived out from the constellation. History of Bali goes back to the early kingdom of Kotte which started in early fifteen century. However, it is considered that the origin of Bali resembles with the Indian Hindu religious cults, so that the Sri Lankan Bali tradition has been transformed by the local cultural and Buddhist religious milieu. This study explores the content and effects of Bali ritual. As the qualitative research, it assumes that Bali constitutes a broad spectrum of human needs and wants despite its communication to the supernatural elements of planetary system. Sederaman （1965） has explored Bali to the extent of its entire performance with respective lyrics and dancing procedures, as the pioneering study. However, present study looks at the diversity of the objectives and effects of a performance of Bali in the set-up of real Kandyan rural village in Sri Lanka. Finally, based on the research, it yields following conclusions. Bali in the rural Kandyan village, is designed to be conducted continuously up to fourteen days. It is traditionally performed by the classical exorcist gurus of Bali, who have been trained by the practice of word of mouth by their generation by generation. They are used to reciting, singing and dancing all the forms of communication from their memory and recalling at the very time of performance without any script or written text. Many Bali doctors are used to conducting entire performance with number of classical lyrics and poems with mellifluous musical melodies, attractive rhythms of dance and theatrical performances, which are not yet scientifically classified. Further, Bali is determined by the use of significant characteristics of one＇s astrology, so that the disease or pathetic situation is the fact that decides the specific Bali form. There are nearly eighty-four thousand Bali which are for numerous physical and psychological illnesses including variety of mental disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, as this study found a very rare Ola leaf manuscript, that describes the entire eighty four thousand Bali, which is called Balipatuna in Sinhala （Contents of Bali） from a traditional Bali custodian in Laheba Bali Tradition at Kotabe in Mathale District in Sri Lanka. On the other, knowledge and practices of the traditional local medical sciences of parturition （Child birth） health in the pregnancy and the science of child birth （delivery） is also treated by the faculties of Bali schools. And Also, Bali figures are designed, based on the narration of the Bali lyrics, which explains a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form and it is identified with a mythological figure. However, this has been the source for very colorful temple arts and craftsmanship at the Buddhist temples built up during the era of Kandyan kingdom （1469-1815 ）.