The Japanese Version of the Daily Record of Severity of Problems for Premenstrual Symptoms: Reliability and Validity Among the General Japanese Population.

Purpose: The validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP-J) have already been confirmed in a population with premenstrual symptoms. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the DRSP-J in the general population. Patients and Methods: We analyzed data from 113 Japanese women with regular menstrual cycles who applied to participate in an ongoing study. Participants were recruited regardless of the severity of premenstrual symptoms, and their menstrual cycles were monitored using the DRSP-J for two cycles. Reliability was examined using Cronbach's α, a measure of internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Structural validity was assessed using a principal component analysis (PCA). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) were used to examine concurrent validity. The agreement between the clinical diagnoses based on the diagnostic criteria for premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder and that based on the DRSP-J score was examined using the kappa coefficient. Results: Cronbach's α for DRSP-J total score was 0.96. The DRSP-J total score showed high test-retest reliability. The PCA showed a two-factor model describing "Mood" and "Behavior/Physical" symptoms. The DRSP-J total score was highly correlated with the HADS total and EQ-5D-5L scores. The classification of "moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome" and "premenstrual dysphoric disorder" by clinical methods and the criteria based on the DRSP-J were in good agreement (kappa values = 0.78). Conclusion: The DRSP-J is a reliable and valid measure of premenstrual symptoms in the general Japanese population, including those with few or no symptoms.

Association Between Loneliness, Premenstrual Symptoms, and Other Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study with Japanese High School Students.

Purpose: Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood where people are vulnerable to stress. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause sustained stress in the population. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and loneliness have increased. Loneliness is associated with increased stress, psychological distress, and a higher risk of mental illnesses, such as depression. This study examined the association between loneliness, premenstrual symptoms, and other factors in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescent females in Japan. Patients and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional survey of 1450 adolescent female students in Japan was conducted in mid-December of 2021. Specifically, paper-based questionnaires were distributed in class, and the responses were collected. The Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire (PSQ), 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, 3-item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA), and Fear of COVID-19 Scale were used as measurement tools. The prevalence of loneliness was defined as a total R-UCLA score ≥ 6. Results: The prevalence of loneliness was 29.0%. The prevalence of serious psychological distress was also high (8.2%), especially in the lonely group (16.0%). Multivariable regression analysis identified the following factors associated with loneliness: second year (odds ratio [OR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-2.14), longer internet use (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.20), total PSQ score (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.06-1.11), and psychological distress (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.08). Conclusion: Adolescent females in Japan showed a high prevalence of loneliness. School year (2nd year), longer periods of internet use, premenstrual symptom severity, and psychological distress were independently associated with loneliness. For clinicians and school health professionals, special concern should be given to the psychological health of adolescent females during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development and Psychometric Testing of a New Short-Form of the Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire (PSQ-S).

Purpose: The Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire (PSQ) is a patient-reported outcome measurement tool for premenstrual symptoms. Although the PSQ is a very useful tool with 14 items to screen for a wide variety of premenstrual symptoms, not everyone will respond to all the questions. Fewer questions would be less burdensome on the respondents. We aimed to develop and analyze the psychometric properties of a short-form of the PSQ (PSQ-S). Patients and Methods: The study participants were from an earlier study with a sample of 1388 female students. We reanalyzed data collected from 922 students with regular menstrual cycles who completed the PSQ, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) scale, Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8), and numerical rating scale (NRS) for menstrual pain. First, we selected nine items for the PSQ-S based on the results of the corrected item-total correlation analysis. The PSQ-S was then analyzed for reliability and validity using the classical test theory. Moreover, item response theory was applied to test the psychometric properties of the PSQ-S. Results: Cronbach's α for the PSQ-S score was 0.93. Principal component factor analysis revealed a one-factor model. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the one-factor model was a good fit. The PSQ-S total score was strongly correlated with the PSQ total score, PMDD scale score, and SSS-8 score (r=0.978, 0.854, and 0.648, respectively) and moderately correlated with the NRS (r=0.437). Item response theory analyses showed that the constructs and items of the PSQ-S had satisfactory discrimination, difficulty parameters, item information curves, and test information curves. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a cut-off score of ≥22 for suspected premenstrual disorders based on the total PSQ-S score. Conclusion: The PSQ-S, consisting of nine items from the PSQ, had sufficient reliability and validity and could be a convenient assessment tool for premenstrual symptoms in routine clinical practice.

Characteristics of the gut microbiota in women with premenstrual symptoms: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Premenstrual symptoms can negatively impact the quality of life of women through a range of mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms. The association between the microbiota and brain function has been extensively studied. Here, we examined the characteristics of the microbiota in women with premenstrual disorders (PMDs) and the association between premenstrual symptoms and the microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single center cross-sectional pilot study, we recruited 27 women reporting premenstrual symptoms and 29 women with no serious premenstrual symptoms. Among them, we further selected 21 women experiencing premenstrual symptoms resulting in interference to their social life (PMDs group) and 22 women with no serious premenstrual symptoms and thereby no interference to their social life (control group). The severity of symptoms was evaluated by a premenstrual symptoms questionnaire (PSQ). Inflammatory markers were analyzed in blood samples, including C reactive protein, soluble CD14, and lipopolysaccharide binding protein. Sequencing of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid genes was performed on stool samples. RESULTS: Inflammatory markers in blood samples did not differ significantly between the PMDs and control groups. A difference in beta, but not alpha diversity, was detected for the gut microbiotas of the PMDs and control groups. The relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum was lower in the PMDs group. At the genus level, the prevalence was decreased for Butyricicoccus, Extibacter, Megasphaera, and Parabacteroides and increased for Anaerotaenia in the PMDs group, but after false discovery rate correction, these differences were no longer significant. Linear discriminant effect size analysis revealed a decrease in Extibacter, Butyricicoccus, Megasphaera, and Parabacteroides and an increase in Anaerotaenia in the PMDs group. The PSQ total score correlated with Anaerotaenia, Extibacter, and Parabacteroides. Multiple regression analysis showed that Parabacteroides and Megasphaera negatively predicted the PSQ total score. CONCLUSION: The properties of the gut microbiota are associated with premenstrual symptoms.

Comparison of Surgical Results and Postoperative Recurrence Rates by Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy with Other Surgical Procedures for Managing Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is relatively high for a gynecologic disease. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) is currently the main surgical option for managing POP. The priority of the surgical treatment is preventing recurrence after the surgery. We presented the surgical outcome and recurrence rate of LSC and compared the data of LSC with that of other surgical procedures for managing POP to examine the effectiveness of LSC over other them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the results of 138 cases of LSC with other conventional procedures, namely 30 cases of total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) combined with colporrhaphy anterior and posterior, 66 cases of the Manchester operation, and 68 cases of colpocleisis. We compared the age, body mass index, operative time, blood loss volume, postoperative hospital stay duration, rate of complications, recurrence rate, reoperation rate, and the cumulative recurrence rate after 10 years. RESULTS: The complication rate of LSC, TVH, the Manchester operation, and colpocleisis was 2.2%, 3.3%, 3.0%, and 4.4%; the recurrence rate 2.8%, 3.5%, 4.5%, and 8.7%; and the cumulative recurrence rate after 10 years 3.7%, 4.6%, 8.8%, and 18.2%. There was no significant difference between LSC and the other three groups. CONCLUSION: LSC seems to be an effective surgical option that requires a higher skill level than other surgical methods and has a longer operative time, lesser operative invasion, and a lower long-term recurrence rate. We will actively recommend LSC to those when appropriate.

Association Between Serious Psychological Distress and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study with Pregnant Japanese Women.

PURPOSE: Pregnant women are vulnerable to stress. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic and created significant stress for many people. Social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 has also reduced social interactions, which has increased social isolation and loneliness. Loneliness is thought to increase perceived stress, cause psychological distress, and increase the risk of mental illness, such as depression. This study examined the association between serious psychological distress (SPD) and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant Japanese women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An internet survey of 1022 pregnant women in Japan was conducted between June 1 and July 21, 2021. The 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, 3-item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Fear of COVID-19 Scale were used as measurement tools. The prevalence of SPD was defined as a K6 score of ≥13. RESULTS: The prevalence of SPD was 16.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for SPD were younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.10; p = 0.020), history of abortion or miscarriages (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.36; p = 0.034), unemployment (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.14 to 2.45; p = 0.008), fear of COVID-19 (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.17; p < 0.001), and loneliness (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.38 to 1.70; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pregnant women in Japan showed a high prevalence of SPD. Younger age, unemployment, history of abortion or miscarriages, fear of COVID-19, and loneliness were independently associated with SPD. Clinicians and health officials should pay particular attention to the psychological health of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association between Premenstrual Symptoms and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms by COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study with Japanese High School Students.

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented global pandemic. Premenstrual symptoms include mood-related, behavioral, and physical symptoms that are limited to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Psychosocial stress is a risk factor for premenstrual symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the association between premenstrual symptoms and stress caused by COVID-19. We analyzed data from 871 students with regular menstrual cycles who completed the Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire (PSQ), Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised version (IES-R). The total PSQ score was significantly higher in women with COVID-19-induced posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) than in non-PTSS groups. Compared with pre-pandemic data (2019), the total PSQ score did not change in non-PTSS, but increased in PTSS groups. All symptoms were more severe in PTSS groups than in non-PTSS groups. Compared with 2019, PTSS groups had more severe symptoms for all symptoms except 'physical symptoms' and 'decreased social activity', and non-PTSS groups only exhibited improvements in the 'decreased social activity'. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the IES-R score was a significant exacerbation factor of the total PSQ score, along with age and menstrual pain. This study revealed the association between pandemic-associated PTSS and the severity of premenstrual symptoms.

Psychometric Testing of the Japanese Version of the Daily Record of Severity of Problems Among Japanese Women.

PURPOSE: The Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) is commonly used to assess premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder throughout the world. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the DRSP (DRSP-J). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 324 women with regular menstrual cycles who completed the DRSP-J and the Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire (PSQ). They had all applied to participate in an ongoing study for the treatment of their premenstrual symptoms. The DRSP-J was examined for evidence of reliability and validity. To examine reliability, we assessed Cronbach's α, a measure of internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. We assessed structural validity with principal component factor analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We used PSQ total score to examine concurrent validity. RESULTS: Cronbach's α for DRSP total score was 0.97. DRSP total score and individual items showed high test-retest reliability. PCA showed a two-factor model describing mood and behavioral and physical symptoms. CFA showed that the two-factor model derived from the PCA was an acceptably good fit. DRSP total score correlated moderately with PSQ total score (r = 0.42). CONCLUSION: The DRSP-J showed reliable and valid measures of premenstrual symptoms in Japanese women.

One-pot reductive amination of carbonyl compounds with nitro compounds over a Ni/NiO composite.

Easily prepared Ni/NiO acts as a heterogeneous catalyst for the one-pot reductive amination of carbonyl compounds with nitroarenes to afford secondary amines with H2 as a hydride source. This catalytic system does not require a special technique to avoid air-exposure, in contrast to the common heterogeneous Ni catalysts.

Sequential Sensing by TLR2 and Mincle Directs Immature Myeloid Cells to Protect against Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection in Mice.

Severe invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection evades anti-bacterial immunity by attenuating the cellular components of innate immune responses. However, this loss of protection is compensated for by interferon (IFN)-γ-producing immature myeloid cells (γIMCs), which are selectively recruited upon severe invasive GAS infection in mice. Here, we demonstrate that γIMCs provide this IFN-γ-mediated protection by sequentially sensing GAS through two distinct pattern recognition receptors. In a mouse model, GAS is initially recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), which promptly induces interleukin (IL)-6 production in γIMCs. γIMC-derived IL-6 promotes the upregulation of a recently identified GAS-sensing receptor, macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle), in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Notably, blockade of γIMC-derived IL-6 abrogates Mincle expression, downstream IFN-γ production, and γIMC-mediated protection against severe invasive GAS infection. Thus, γIMCs regulate host protective immunity against severe invasive GAS infection via a TLR2-IL-6-Mincle axis.

Establishment of coral-algal symbiosis requires attraction and selection.

Coral reef ecosystems are based on coral-zooxanthellae symbiosis. During the initiation of symbiosis, majority of corals acquire their own zooxanthellae (specifically from the dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium) from surrounding environments. The mechanisms underlying the initial establishment of symbiosis have attracted much interest, and numerous field and laboratory experiments have been conducted to elucidate this establishment. However, it is still unclear whether the host corals selectively or randomly acquire their symbionts from surrounding environments. To address this issue, we initially compared genetic compositions of Symbiodinium within naturally settled about 2-week-old Acropora coral juveniles (recruits) and those in the adjacent seawater as the potential symbiont source. We then performed infection tests using several types of Symbiodinium culture strains and apo-symbiotic (does not have Symbiodinium cells yet) Acropora coral larvae. Our field observations indicated apparent preference toward specific Symbiodinium genotypes (A1 and D1-4) within the recruits, despite a rich abundance of other Symbiodinium in the environmental population pool. Laboratory experiments were in accordance with this field observation: Symbiodinium strains of type A1 and D1-4 showed higher infection rates for Acropora larvae than other genotype strains, even when supplied at lower cell densities. Subsequent attraction tests revealed that three Symbiodinium strains were attracted toward Acropora larvae, and within them, only A1 and D1-4 strains were acquired by the larvae. Another three strains did not intrinsically approach to the larvae. These findings suggest the initial establishment of corals-Symbiodinium symbiosis is not random, and the infection mechanism appeared to comprise two steps: initial attraction step and subsequent selective uptake by the coral.

Narrower grid structure of artificial reef enhances initial survival of in situ settled coral.

The initial factors that cause a decline in the survival of in situ settled corals remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated through field experiments that the design of artificial grid plates may influence the initial survival of Acropora corals, with narrower grids being the most effective. In fact, grid plates with a 2.5-cm mesh presented the highest recorded survival rate (14%) at 6 months after settlement (representing approximately 50 corals per 0.25 m(2) of plate). This is the first study where such high survival rates, matching those of cultures under aquarium conditions, were obtained in the field without using additional protective measures, such as guard nets against fish grazing after seeding. Therefore, our results provide a foundation for establishing new and effective coral restoration techniques for larval seeding, in parallel to clarifying the details of the early life stages of reef-building corals.