Transitions into and out of housing cost burden and their asymmetric effects on depressive symptoms: the moderating role of housing tenure.

OBJECTIVES: This study uses an approach that estimates the asymmetric effects of transitioning into and out of housing cost burden on psychological health. STUDY DESIGN: We used data from 14 waves of the Korean Welfare Panel Study. METHODS: We estimated an asymmetric fixed-effects model to examine whether transitioning into and out of housing cost burden is associated with depressive symptoms. Interaction models were used to assess whether these effects differ by housing tenure. RESULTS: A standard fixed-effects model indicates that housing cost burden is associated with depressive symptoms (b = 0.126). However, the results of the asymmetric fixed-effects model suggest that transitioning out of housing cost burden reduces depressive symptoms (b = -0.171), while transitioning into housing cost burden is not associated with a change in depressive symptoms. These asymmetric effects of housing cost burden on depressive symptoms are more pronounced for renters than for owner-occupiers. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that alleviating housing cost burden can improve the psychological well-being of individuals, particularly among renters.

Successful implantation of a left ventricular lead in an anomalous coronary sinus.

We describe the case of a 56-year-old man who was referred for CRT implantation and found to have anomalous CS. Catheterization of the CS initially failed due to this anomaly. However, a single large posterior-lateral branch with diminutive CS in the atrioventricular groove allowed for successful implantation of the LV lead.

The effects of meditation on individuals facing loneliness: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Meditation is defined as a mind and body practice focused on interactions between the brain, mind, body, and behaviour, containing four key elements: a quiet location with little distractions, a comfortable posture, a focus of attention, and an open attitude. We sought to review the benefits of meditation on the alleviation of loneliness. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. Eligibility criteria included primary studies of any type that investigated the effects of meditation on loneliness. Search strategies were developed and conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and CINAHL. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, and American Psychological Association websites were also searched. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were critically reviewed using a descriptive-analytical narrative method. RESULTS: Thirteen studies met our inclusion criteria and were published between 2012 and 2020 across 10 countries. Eleven studies reported improvements in relation to loneliness. Of the remaining two studies (15%), one mentioned the alleviation of loneliness, but only looked primarily at social closeness in lonely individuals. The other study found a correlation between loneliness and nuclear factor (NF)-κB levels, which was the measured outcome; however, the direct effects of meditation on loneliness were unclear. Three main themes emerged from our analysis, as follows: 1) positive results across all studies, 2) relatively small randomized control trials conducted over the last decade, and 3) lack of diverse demographic information. CONCLUSIONS: While a small number of studies exist at this intersection, given all included studies indicated positive findings, the effects of meditation in alleviating loneliness are promising. Future research should be directed at understanding how meditation mitigates loneliness and how this intervention can impact practice for healthcare professionals.

Diathermy-induced Ventricular Fibrillation.

Diathermy is extensively used in patients for intracardiac device implant and extraction. While diathermy helps with adequate hemostasis, it may rarely be associated with fatal dysrhythmias. We report a case of diathermy-induced ventricular fibrillation during device extraction. The case highlights the importance and supports the involvement of a defibrillation facility during pacemaker revisions requiring diathermy.