Computerized cognitive remediation therapy on cognitive impairment and social function in patients with chronic schizophrenia

BACKGROUND Patients with schizophrenia may have various disease manifestations,most of which gradually tend toward incurable chronic decline,leading to mental disability.The basic symptoms of the disease can impair social function,whereas long-term hospitalization produces hospitalization syndrome,causing serious damage to social function.AIM To investigate the effects of Computerized Cognitive Remediation Therapy(CCRT)on cognitive and social functioning in patients with chronic schizophrenia.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 120 patients with chronic schizophrenia in Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center was performed.They were divided into an intervention group(60 cases treated with CCRT combined with conventional medication)and a control group(60 cases treated with conventional medication).After treatment,effects on cognitive function and social roles were observed in both groups.The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)was used to assess the patients'psychiatric symptoms.The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(WCST)was used to assess the patients'cognitive functioning,and the Social Functioning Scale for Psychiatric Inpatients(SSPI)was used to assess the social functioning of the inpatient psychiatric patients.RESULTS No significant differences were observed in the PANSS,WCST,and SSPI intergroup scores before treatment(P>0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of therapy,general psychopathological factors,positive symptoms,negative symptoms,and total PANSS scores of PANSS in the intervention group were lower than in the control group(P<0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of treatment,the number of false responses,number of persistent bugs,and total responses in the WCST were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group(P<0.05),and the amount of completed classification was significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of therapy,the SSPI scores were significantly greater than those of the controls(P<0.05).After 6 wk of treatment,the efficacy rates of the control and intervention groups were 81.67%and 91.67%,respectively.The curative effect in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION CCRT can significantly improve cognitive function and social abilities in patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Relationship between primary caregivers’social support function,anxiety,and depression after interventional therapy for acute myocardial infarction patients

BACKGROUND An acute myocardial infarction(AMI)is often treated with direct coronary intervention and requires home-based rehabilitation.Caregivers of patients with AMI need adequate social support to maintain high-quality care;however,their social support function is low,and relevant indicators for intervention must be identified.AIM To analyze the correlation between social support for primary caregivers,their anxiety,and depression,when caring for patients with AMI after interventional therapy.METHODS Using convenience sampling,we selected 300 primary caregivers of patients with AMI who had undergone interventional therapy.The Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)were used to assess the primary caregivers.A Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlations between the SSRS,SAS,and SDS,and a multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the low social support function of primary caregivers.The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the SAS and SDS for low social support function in primary caregivers.RESULTS Considering the norm among Chinese people,AMI caregivers’objective support,subjective support,support utilization,and SSRS scores were lower,while their SAS and SDS scores were higher.The SSRS scores of female caregivers were higher than those of the male caregivers(t=2.123,P=0.035).The Pearson correlation analysis showed that objective support,subjective support,support utilization,and SSRS total scores were significantly correlated with both SAS(r=-0.414,-0.460,-0.416,-0.535)and SDS scores(r=-0.463,-0.379,-0.349,-0.472).Among the 300 AMI caregivers,56 cases(18.67%)had a low level of support function(SSRS≤22 points).Logistic regression model analysis showed that SAS and SDS were independent risk factors for low social support function of AMI caregivers,regardless of adjustment for other variables(P<0.05).SAS and SDS predicted that the AUC of AMI caregivers with low support function was 0.84,sensitivity was 67.9 and 71.4,and specificity was 84.0 and 70.9,respectively.CONCLUSION The social support function of the primary caregiver of patients with AMI after interventional therapy was lower and negatively correlated with anxiety and depression in the primary caregiver.

Effect of non-pharmacological treatment on the full recovery of social functioning in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND Long-term treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is associated with adverse events,such as nausea and vomiting,dizziness,and sleep disturbances,and poor maintenance of late ADHD medication compromises treatment outcomes and prolongs the recovery of patients’social functioning.AIM To evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological treatment on the full recovery of social functioning in patients with ADHD.METHODS A total of 90 patients diagnosed with ADHD between May 2019 and August 2020 were included in the study and randomly assigned to either the pharmacological group(methylphenidate hydrochloride and tomoxetine hydrochloride)or the non-pharmacological group(parental training,behavior modification,sensory integration therapy,and sand tray therapy),with 45 cases in each group.Outcome measures included treatment compliance,Swanson,Nolan,and Pelham,Version IV(SNAP-IV)scores,Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire(PSQ)scores,and Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale(WFIRS)scores.RESULTS The non-pharmacological interventions resulted in significantly higher compliance in patients(95.56%)compared with medication(71.11%)(P<0.05).However,no significant differences in SNAP-IV and PSQ scores,in addition to the learning/school,social activities,and adventure activities of the WFIRS scores were observed between the two groups(P>0.05).Patients with non-pharmacological interventions showed higher WFIRS scores for family,daily life skills,and self-concept than those in the pharmacological group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Non-pharmacological interventions,in contrast to the potential risks of adverse events after longterm medication,improve patient treatment compliance,alleviate patients’behavioral symptoms of attention,impulsivity,and hyperactivity,and improve their cognitive ability,thereby improving family relationships and patient self-evaluation.

Adolescent social isolation influences cognitive function in adult rats

Adolescence is a critical period for neurodevelopment. Evidence from animal studies suggests that isolated rearing can exert negative effects on behavioral and brain development. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adolescent social isolation on latent inhibition and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the forebrain of adult rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into adolescent isolation （isolated housing, 38-51 days of age） and social groups. Latent inhibition was tested at adulthood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were measured in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adolescent social isolation impaired latent inhibition and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the medial prefrontal cortex of young adult rats. These data suggest that adolescent social isolation has a profound effect on cognitive function and neurotrophin levels in adult rats and may be used as an animal model of neurodevelopmental disorders.

A Brief Study of the Pragmatic Functions of English Euphemism in Social Life

Euphemism,as a unique form in language expression,conveys a lot about the society and culture in which it exits.This paper studies the functions of euphemism and its application of euphemisms in social-cultural activities.

Assessment on self-care, mobility and social function of children with spina bifida in Turkey

The aim of the study was to investigate the functional performance in children with spina bifida, using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory （PEDI） to look into capacity of twen- ty-eight children with spina bifida with lesions at different levels in different dimensions of self- care, mobility and social function. Mean age of the patients was 3.5 ± 2.3 （1-10） years. In the muscle test carried out, 13 patients （44.8%） had no movements including pelvic elevation in lower extremity muscles and they were at level 5. Sixteen patients （54%） were non-ambulatory according to the Hoofer ambulation classification. Raw and scale scores in the self-care, mobil- ity and social function domains both in the functional skill scale and in the caregiver scale were found to be lower compared to the data of the normal population. A statistically significant correlation was observed in the self-care values of the Functional Skills Scales and the Caregiver Assistance Scale measurements, which was positive for age and negative for Functional Ambu- lation Scale and muscle test （P 〈 0.05）. A positive relation was found between the Functional Skills Scales-mobility area and age while a negative relation was observed between Functional Ambulation Scale and muscle test （P 〈 0.005）. A negative relation was also found between Care- giver Assistance Scale-mobility and Functional Ambulation Scale and muscle test （P 〈 0.005）. In our study, the functional performance of the children was found to be low. Low-level lesions, encouraging muscular strength and independence in mobility are all very important factors for functional independence.

Relationship between Social Capital and Cognitive Functions among Community-Based Elderly

The concept of social capital encompasses all relationships and networks among people in a local community or society as a whole. It has been found to be associated with the health and daily living status of people. Furthermore, an association between social capital and cognitive functions among the elderly has been suggested in recent years. However, the number of such reports is very few. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate the relationship between social capital and cognitive functions among the elderly living in a local community in Japan. A questionnaire survey was administered to 192 elderly individuals belonging to 10 neighborhood elderly groups. A regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between cognitive functions and the level of engagement with the local community, after adjusting for age, gender, and symptoms of depression. Valid responses were collected from 145 participants (mean age: 75.3 years). An analysis of the data concerning the level of engagement with the local community revealed a significant difference in the cognitive function scores between the group of people who indicated that they had someone they could consult (n = 69) and the group that indicated they had no one to consult (n = 76) (regression coefficient: -0.61, p = 0.0038, 95% confidence interval: -1.02 to -0.20). This result indicates the existence of a significant correlation between social capital and cognitive functions of the elderly living in a local community. In future studies, we need to investigate the same with a larger number of participants from a wider geographical area, and by incorporating more indicators for a comprehensive evaluation of social capital.

Social learning contributions to the etiology and treatment of functional abdominal pain and inflammatory bowel disease in children and adults

This paper reviews empirical work on cognitive and social learning contributions to the etiology and treatment of illness behavior associated with functional abdominal pain and inflammatory bowel disease. A particular emphasis is placed on randomized controlled trials, the majority of which are multi-modal in orientation, incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, social learning, and relaxation. Based on this review, we offer methodological and clinical suggestions: (1) Research investigations should include adequate sample sizes, long-term follow-up assessments, and a credible, active control group. (2) Standard gastrointestinal practice should include, when appropriate, learning opportunities for patients and family members, for example, instruction regarding the encouragement of wellness behavior.

Depressive symptoms, social support, cognitive function, and stigma: predictors of resilience in caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities

Objective:Family plays an important role in taking care of children with intellectual disabilities(IDs).Resilience supports coping strategies for caregivers with their children caring.However,factors influencing the resilience of caregivers with ID in Thailand are yet to be identified.Therefore,the aim of this study was to identify the predictors of resilience in caregivers of children with moderate to severe ID.Methods:A cross-sectional study was implemented in caregivers of children with ID aged 18 years and older who had children diagnosed with ID aged 6–18 years and classified as moderate to severe ID.Descriptive statistic and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.Results:The study sample consisted of 85 caregivers who took care of their children older than 5 years(95.30%).Depression,social support,cognitive function,and stigma could predict the resilience(F[4,80]=26.79,P<0.001)and explain the variability of resilience by 57.3%.Conclusions:Caregivers have to take care of their children for a long period,which could develop a burden to the caregivers.The resilience and influencing factors should be monitored and managed by developing a campaign to promote caregivers’health and well-being.

Differential Impact of an Executive-Function and a Social Cognition Training on Preschoolers with Externalizing Behavior Problems

In preschoolers, externalizing behavior problems are a primary cause of consultation. It is known that externalizing behavior (EB) could result from individual and environmental risk factors. Individual risk factors included notably social cognition (SC) and executive functions (EF). A high level of EB has usually been related to dysfunction in SC and to poor skills in EF. The aim of the present experimental study is to compare the impact of two very targeted child-oriented trainings in the increasing of social competence and decreasing of EB in preschoolers. One training targeted SC abilities while the second one targeted EF capacities. These two trainings were compared on 48 preschoolers presenting clinically relevant levels of EB. The comparison of those results highlighted how each training could help preschoolers with EB in their behavior, emotion regulation and social adjustment. In comparison to a waiting-list control-group, the two trainings were effective in decreasing EB and differentiated impacts of the two trainings were obtained on different dimensions of profiles of social competence and emotion regulation. Results are discussed for their research and clinical implications.

Consumer satisfaction, quality of life and distress with regard to social function and gender in severe mental illness

OBJECTIVE. The relationships between subjective satisfaction, distress and quality of life for severely mental ill patients with different functional levels and gender was investigated in a multi-center cohort, using a balanced mix of subjective and clinician ratings in an outcome-informed model for a clinical management based on shared decision making, 'The Quality star'. METHODS. Naturalistic data for 2552 persons, mainly with schizophrenia diagnoses, in long-term treatment and rehabilitation, were analyzed in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS. With increasing Social Function, rated with the split-GAF Disability/Functioning scale, the better were patients' Satisfaction, subjective Quality of life and Perceived Global Distress. Women were more satisfied with the care but also more distressed. CONCLUSION. Main findings were in line with other studies. However, the gender differences are in line with some, but not with other, studies. This poses questions how patient factors, instrument constructs, and treatment, especially shared decision making, influence subjective reports.

Reflections on,and Improvements of,the Mediation Functions of People's Assessors

Legislatively,the people’s assessors are defined as individuals who share judicial power.However,in the context of dispute resolutions,their role is restricted by the courts,which affects the extent of their assessorial activities.It is imperative to reconsider the implications of the people’s assessors’deep involvement in mediation from the standpoint of societal division of labor.To enhance this division of labor,it is advisable that the people’s assessors relinquish their mediation roles.It is necessary to redefine the distinctions between people’s assessors,judges,and people’s mediators,including specially invited mediators.This would not only make up the deficiencies in the role of professional judges but also relieve the tension between judicial professionalism and popular accountability.

ChatGPT智能文化建构与社会功能研究

ChatGPT4.0的出现不仅从技术基底的角度推动AIGC产业腾飞发展,其蕴含的智能文化也已初步显化,并以物质生产力的解放和自我进化的精神将现代社会重新紧密联结。从ChatGPT已展现出的能力看,其在泛在性教学补全社会教育、去沉积化传播社会资源、数智化解放生产力、类人化陪伴等社会功能上表现较为突出,并不断自我涌现,突破能力边界。智能文化的实质是在多层面进行的行业系统性数智化变革创新,我们要在双数化观念的推动下,打造现代数智化全媒体人才培养模式,引导新闻舆论工作发展,积极回应时代之变。

基于暗数据视角对情报学的反思

[目的/意义]引入暗数据概念,对情报学现有观念、理论等做出新的诠释。[方法/过程]首先,梳理文献,辨析概念,提出广义的暗数据概念;然后,从暗数据视角对情报的本质、情报活动的目的和情报的社会功能等做出新的阐释。[结果/结论]暗数据是指潜藏在人们的认知之外,且对社会生活产生重要影响的数据。从暗数据视角反思情报学,可获得一些新的认识:确定性不是情报的本质特征,不确定性才是情报的根本属性;情报活动的目的,不在于揭示事物的规律及基于规律的预测,而是最大限度地减少事物的不确定性;情报的社会功能不宜定位于服务决策或成为决策的参谋,而是辅助或影响决策。

汉代官吏的葬礼及其社会功能探析

葬礼不仅是一场慎终追远的生命告别仪式,也是一种社会活动。两汉时期,随着官吏阶层的迅速崛起,官吏的葬礼也成为重要的集会、社交场所。后世子孙通过葬礼上的孝行表现,营造自己的孝子形象,谋求仕途进步;朝廷则利用赐赠活动,协调君臣关系,宣扬主流价值;官吏士人借由赴丧,表达政治立场,拓展交际网络。汉代官吏的葬礼不再是一场单纯的丧葬仪式,更成为浓缩的政治舞台。对汉代官吏葬礼的探索不仅深入揭示了社会变革对丧葬礼俗的深刻影响,更生动展示了汉代政治体制与社会关系日常的运行机制。

社会资本如何影响茶农绿色生产技术采纳行为?

基于武夷山388份茶农微观调查数据,以生态系统服务功能认知为中介变量、茶农家庭收入水平为调节变量,采用结构方程模型探究社会资本对茶农绿色生产技术采纳行为的作用机制。结果表明:社会资本对茶农绿色生产技术采纳行为具有正向影响,其中社会参与对茶农绿色生产技术采纳行为的影响最大,社会信任次之,社会网络最小;社会资本对生态系统服务功能认知具有直接促进作用,社会资本也可以通过生态系统服务功能认知对茶农绿色生产技术采纳行为起到间接促进作用,其中社会信任所在路径的间接效应最大;高家庭收入水平茶农的生态系统服务功能认知对茶农绿色生产技术采纳行为影响更为显著。据此,提出利用社区资源培育和维护茶农社会资本,提高茶农生态系统服务功能认知,对低家庭收入水平茶农提供相应政策保障等建议。