bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental enrichment in middle age rats improves spatial and object memory discrimination deficits
Authors: Miranda Magdalena , Navas Maria Carla , Zanoni Saad Maria Belen , Piromalli Girado Dinka , Weisstaub Noelia , Bekinschtein Pedro
Published: October 2024

Changes in memory performance are one of the main symptoms of normal aging. The storage of similar experiences as different memories (ie. behavioral pattern separation), becomes less efficient as aging progresses. Studies have focused on hippocampus dependent spatial memories and their role in the aging related deficits in behavioral pattern separation (BPS) by targeting high similarity interference conditions. However, parahippocampal cortices such as the perirhinal cortex are also particularly vulnerable to aging. Middle age is thought to be the stage where mild mnemonic deficits begin to emerge. Therefore, a better understanding of the timing of the spatial and object domain memory impairment could shed light over how plasticity changes in the parahipocampal-hippocampal system affects mnemonic function in early aging. In the present work, we compared the performance of young and middle-aged rats in both spatial (spontaneous location recognition) and non-spatial (spontaneous object recognition) behavioral pattern separation tasks to understand the comparative progression of these deficits from early stages of aging. Moreover, we explored the impact of environmental enrichment (EE) as an intervention with important translational value. Although a bulk of studies have examined the contribution of EE for preventing age related memory decline in diverse cognitive domains, there is limited knowledge of how this intervention could specifically impact on BPS function in middle-aged animals. Here we evaluate the effects of EE as modulator of BPS, and its ability to revert the deficits caused by normal aging at early stages. We reveal a domain-dependent impairment in behavioral pattern separation in middle-aged rats, with spatial memories affected independently of the similarity of the experiences and object memories only affected when the stimuli are similar, an effect that could be linked to the higher interference seen in this group. Moreover, we found that EE significantly enhanced behavioral performance in middle-aged rats in the spatial and object domain, and this improvement is specific of the high similarity load condition. In conclusion, these results suggest that memory is differentially affected by aging in the object and spatial domains, but that BPS function is responsive to an EE intervention in a multidomain manner.
A statistical analysis method for probability distributions in Erdös–Rényi random networks with preferential cutting–rewiring operation
Authors: Qian Yu , Cao Jiahui , Han Jing , Zhang Siyi , Chen Wentao , Lei Zhao , Cui Xiaohua , Zheng Zhigang
Published: October 2024

The study of specific physiological processes from the perspective of network physiology has gained recent attention. Modeling the global information integration among the separated functionalized modules in structural and functional brain networks is a central problem. In this article, the preferentially cutting–rewiring operation (PCRO) is introduced to approximatively describe the above physiological process, which consists of the cutting procedure and the rewiring procedure with specific preferential constraints. By applying the PCRO on the classical Erdös–Rényi random network (ERRN), three types of isolated nodes are generated, based on which the common leaves (CLs) are formed between the two hubs. This makes the initially homogeneous ERRN experience drastic changes and become heterogeneous. Importantly, a statistical analysis method is proposed to theoretically analyze the statistical properties of an ERRN with a PCRO. Specifically, the probability distributions of these three types of isolated nodes are derived, based on which the probability distribution of the CLs can be obtained easily. Furthermore, the validity and universality of our statistical analysis method have been confirmed in numerical experiments. Our contributions may shed light on a new perspective in the interdisciplinary field of complexity science and biological science and would be of great and general interest to network physiology.
The clinical differences between traumatic and NOS chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Yang Yongxiang , Zhu Xiansong , Yang Tao , Fan Kexia , Cheng Jingmin , Ma Yuan
Published: October 2024

Objective

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurologic disorder with increasing incidence, which can be preceded by head trauma or occur in the absence of trauma. In order to deeply understand the clinical characteristics of this disease, we conducted this retrospective study to explore the clinical differences between traumatic and not otherwise specified (NOS) CSDH.

Methods

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 168 traumatic CSDH patients and 133 NOS CSDH patients were recruited from January 2015 to October 2023 in our cohort. The collected data and compared parameters including baseline clinical features and radiological outcomes of hematoma within 24 h of hospital admission, as well as the treatment method and clinical outcome of traumatic and NOS CSDH patients.

Results

Compared to NOS CSDH patients, the average age was younger, epilepsy was more frequent, asymptomatic cases were more common, and the taking of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs were rarer in traumatic CSDH patients (all P < 0.05). However, no differences were found in the radiological presentations of hematoma at admission, the treatment methods and clinical outcomes of traumatic and NOS CSDH patients (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Traumatic CSDH patients were more likely to be asymptomatic or have seizures, while NOS CSDH were more common in elder people and in individuals with the history of taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. The treatment methods and clinical outcomes were similar in traumatic and NOS CSDH patients.
Effects of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor recovery in subacute stroke patients with different motor evoked potential status: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qian Wenjun , Liao Xiaoyu , Ju Xiaowen , Gao Yaxin , Wu Miao , Xie Chen , Zhang Yaoying , Long Xianming , Qian Surong , Gong Yan
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To explore the effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) on motor function and cortical excitability in stroke patients with different motor evoked potential (MEP) status.

Methods

A total of 80 stroke patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and divided into two groups according to MEP status (− or +) of lesioned hemisphere. Then, each group was randomly assigned to receive either active or sham LF-rTMS. In addition to conventional rehabilitation, all participants received 20 sessions of rTMS at 1 Hz frequency through the active or the sham coil over 4 weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Shoulder Abduction Finger Extension (SAFE) and Barthel Index (BI), bilateral resting motor threshold (rMT), amplitude of Motor evoked potential (MEP) and Central Motor Conduction Time (CMCT), and Interhemispheric asymmetry (IHA) were blindly assessed at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment, respectively.

Results

At 4 weeks after intervention, FMA and NIHSS changed scores in 1 Hz MEP(+) group were significantly higher than those in the other three groups (p < 0.001). After receiving 1 Hz rTMS, stroke patients with MEP(+) showed significant changes in their bilateral cortical excitability (p < 0.05). At 8 weeks after intervention, 1 Hz MEP(+) group experienced higher changes in NIHSS, FMA, SAFE, and BI scores than other groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 1 Hz rTMS intervention could decrease unaffected cortical excitability and enhance affected cortical excitability of stroke patients with MEP(+) (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that FMA motor change score was associated with decreased unaffected MEP amplitude (r = −0.401, p = 0.010) and decreased affected rMT (r = −0.584, p < 0.001) from baseline, which was only observed in the MEP(+) group.

Conclusion

The effects of LF-rTMS on motor recovery and cortical excitability were more effective in stroke patients with MEP than those with no MEP.
Characterization of ligand-receptor pair in acute myeloid leukemia: a scoring model for prognosis, therapeutic response, and T cell dysfunction
Authors: Fu Chunlan , Qiu Di , Zhou Mei , Ni Shaobo , Jin Xin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The significance of ligand-receptor (LR) pair interactions in the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been the focus of numerous studies. However, the relationship between LR pairs and the prognosis of AML, as well as their impact on treatment outcomes, is not fully elucidated.

Methods

Leveraging data from the TCGA-LAML cohort, we mapped out the LR pair interactions and distinguished specific molecular subtypes, with each displaying distinct biological characteristics. These subtypes exhibited varying mutation landscapes, pathway characteristics, and immune infiltration levels. Further insight into the immune microenvironment among these subtypes revealed disparities in immune cell abundance.

Results

Notably, one subtype showed a higher prevalence of CD8 T cells and plasma cells, suggesting increased adaptive immune activities. Leveraging a multivariate Lasso regression, we formulated an LR pair-based scoring model, termed “LR.score,” to classify patients based on prognostic risk. Our findings underscored the association between elevated LR scores and T-cell dysfunction in AML. This connection highlights the LR score’s potential as both a prognostic marker and a guide for personalized therapeutic interventions. Moreover, our LR.score revealed substantial survival prediction capacities in an independent AML cohort. We highlighted CLEC11A, ICAM4, ITGA4, and AVP as notably AML-specific.

Discussion

qRT-PCR analysis on AML versus normal bone marrow samples confirmed the significant downregulation of CLEC11A, ITGA4, ICAM4, and AVP in AML, suggesting their inverse biomarker potential in AML. In summary, this study illuminates the significance of the LR pair network in predicting AML prognosis, offering avenues for more precise treatment strategies tailored to individual patient profiles.
Case Report: Functional characterization of a missense variant in INSR associated with hypoketotic hypoglycemia
Authors: Guzman Herodes , Mitteer Lauren M. , Chen Pan , Juliana Christine A. , Boodhansingh Kara , Lord Katherine , Ganguly Arupa , De Leon Diva D.
Published: October 2024

Hypoketotic hypoglycemia due to dysregulated insulin secretion is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in children. However, this type of hypoglycemia can also result from defects in the insulin signaling pathway. Distinguishing between the two is important for informing treatment decisions. Here we describe the case of a 10-year-old female with fasting and postprandial hypoglycemia who was found to have a missense variant in the INSR gene, which we functionally characterized. The proband presented with fasting and postprandial hypoglycemia at age six. Diagnostic evaluation was consistent with hypoketotic hypoglycemia suspected to be due to hyperinsulinism, and she was treated with diazoxide. Whole exome sequencing identified a maternally inherited heterozygous missense variant in INSR. Phenotypic studies on the mother were consistent with postprandial hypoglycemia. Phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 levels were higher at baseline and in response to stimulation with insulin in 3T3-L1 cells expressing mutant INSR compared to cells expressing wild type INSR. Thus, herein we present a heterozygous missense variant in INSR (c.1151A>G, p.Asn384Ser) that results in constitutive and increased activation of the human insulin receptor, leading to both fasting and postprandial hypoglycemia.
Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine combined with azithromycin sequential therapy for mycoplasma pneumonia among children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lyu Jing , Fan Fei , Li Ji , Wang Qiong , Tian Xue , Xu Jiaxing , Zhang Si , Wang Bo
Published: October 2024

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is used to treat mycoplasma pneumonia (MP) in children with favorable treatment outcome in China. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of TCM combined with azithromycin (AZM) for the treatment of MP among children, providing high evidence-based reference for clinical treatment.

Method

We retrieved eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from CQVIP, CNKI, WanFang, NSTL, PubMed, Embase, and Embase databases from January 2000 to November 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment of the enrolled studies were independently by two reviewers. Review Manager 5.3 was used for meta-analysis.

Result

A total of 51 RCTs involving 5,799 children aged 1–14 enrolled. Meta-analysis demonstrated that TCM combined with AZM improved the cure rate (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34, 95% CI: 2.06 to 2.64) and the effective rate (OR = 5.21, 95% CI: 4.22 to 6.43), shorted the disappearance duration of cough (WMD = −1.62, 95% CI: −1.90 to −1.34), the duration of fever (WMD = −1.62, 95% CI: −1.96 to −1.29), and the disappearance time of lung rales (WMD = −1.15, 95% CI: −1.32 to −0.98), improved CRP levels (WMD = −2.06, 95% CI: −2.57 to −1.55), IL-6 levels (WMD = −1.92,95% CI: −2.51 to −1.34), and TNF-α levels (WMD = −1.59, 95% CI: −2.14 to −1.04), and reduced adverse reactions (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.44).

Conclusion

TCM combined with AZM in the treatment of MP among children has favorable clinical efficacy and safety.
Emerging functions of lycopene in the management of digestive premalignant lesions
Authors: Gan Kerui , Shi Wenjin , Liu Xiangfei , Ding Wei , Qiu Yan , Luo Xiaobo
Published: October 2024

Common digestive precancerous lesions, including oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), gastric ulcers and colorectal adenoma, harbor high risk of cancerous transformation. Early intervention of these lesions is significant to prevent carcinogenesis and improve patients’ prognosis. Lycopene, a carotenoid predominantly accumulated in tomatoes, is clinically recommended with its cis structure; as lycopene harbors the most potent antioxidative effects among carotenoids, its chemopreventive effects on the premalignant lesions is noted. Despite several reviews have assessed lycopene’s efficacy for OPMDs, emerging studies have reported varying efficacy for digestive precancerous lesion with no comprehensive summary. Therefore, this review initially evaluates the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of lycopene for management of digestive precancerous lesions. According to the included studies, lycopene may show high promise in the management of digestive precancerous lesions, such as relieving mouth opening and burning sensation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), presenting potentially equivalent efficacy on managing oral lichen planus (OLP) as steroids and alleviating gastrointestinal precancers’ symptoms, meanwhile lowering colon cancer risk. Moreover, its mechanisms for managing digestive precancerous lesions are concretely summarized, including anti-oxidative stress effects, anti-inflammatory response and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, especially its modifications on TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB signaling pathway and p53-dependent cell cycle control and apoptosis. More studies are warranted to confirm its long-term efficacy and preventive role against malignant transformation of digestive precancerous lesions as evidence is insufficient.
Integrative indexes reveal the tolerance of winter wheat to different overwinter freezing injury
Authors: Wu Lu , Yu Weidong , Cheng Chen , Feng Liping , Yan Jintao , Zheng Dawei , Yang Feiyun
Published: October 2024

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial crop that guarantees food supply in the North China Plain (NCP). As the frequency of extreme cold events increases, it is necessary to explore the freezing resistance of different wheat varieties in order to clarify planting boundaries and help with risk assessment. In this study, 2-year controlled experiments were conducted to explore the effect of freezing temperatures (Tair) and freezing durations on three winterness types. A set of indexes were used to characterize the subfreezing stress on wheat tiller, leaf, and final yield. Logistical regressions were used to quantify the temperature threshold for 10%, 30%, and 50% of freezing injury. The results showed that the lower temperature threshold of tiller (LT) varied from −9.6 to −15.9°C, −10.7 to −19.1°C and −11.4 to −21.2°C for LT10, LT30, and LT50, respectively. The difference between LT and yield loss (YL) indexes reduced with decreased winterness types and was −0.1 to 3.4°C, −0.7 to 2.1°C, and 0.3 to 0.9°C higher compared with YL thresholds for winterness, semi-winterness, and weak-winterness types, respectively. The average minimum soil temperature was 7.5, 4.8, and 4.2°C higher than Tair for 1-, 2-, and 3-day treatment, respectively. Soil effective negative accumulated temperature hours (TSEh) ranged from 6.9 to 12.0, 48.4 to 6.9, and 84.7 to 106.9°C·h for 10%, 30%, and 50% tiller mortality, respectively. Freezing treatment with Tair < −12, −9, and −8°C obviously decreased leaf Fv/Fm for the three varieties and Fv/Fm declined obviously after 5 days of recovery under field conditions. Our results provided multiple indexes for quantifying subfreezing damage in practical wheat production and could shed light on future risk assessment.
Response of photosynthesis, population physiological indexes, and yield of cotton in dry areas to the new technology of “dry sowing and wet emergence”
Authors: Ding Yu , Ma Jianqin , Zhang Jianghui , Bai Yungang , Cui Bifeng , Hao Xiuping , Fu Guangtao , Zheng Ming , Ding Bangxin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

In arid areas, exploring new "dry sowing wet emergence (DSWE)" water-saving irrigation techniques may become one of the most important ways to reduce agricultural irrigation water use and improve economic efficiency.

Methods

The study was conducted in a two-year field trial in 2021 and 2022, setting up three seedling emergence rates (W1: 6 mm, W2: 10.5 mm, W3: 15 mm) and two drip frequencies (D1: 2 times, D2: 4 times) for a total of six irrigation combinations.

Results and discussion

The results indicate that under the "DSWE" irrigation pattern, in contrast to the low frequency treatment, the photosynthetic efficiency of cotton leaves in the high-frequency treatment is significantly higher. The stomatal conductance of cotton leaves has increased by 6.67% within two years, and the net photosynthetic rate has risen by 12.22%. Compared with the CK treatment, there is no remarkable difference in the photosynthetic indicators of the W3D2 treatment, while the net photosynthetic rate has increased by 1.68%. The population physiological indicators of each treatment group exhibit a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing as the growth period prolongs. The differences in the group population physiological indicators of cotton at the seedling stage among different seedling water treatments are relatively minor. The high frequency treatment maintains a relatively high level throughout the growth period. Compared with the low-frequency treatment, the yields of lint cotton and seed cotton in the high-frequency treatment have increased by 14.77% and 20.89%, respectively. Compared with the winter irrigation technology, there are no significant differences in the cotton yield and quality indicators of the "DSWE" high-frequency and high-seedling water treatment (W3D2). Over two years, the average unit yields of lint and seed cotton have decreased by 1.95% and 3.01%, respectively. Nevertheless, irrigation water during the growth period declined by 38.46%. The appropriate "DSWE" irrigation technology (W3D2) can significantly enhance the physiological indicators of cotton, ensuring crop yield and quality while significantly reducing the amount of agricultural irrigation water.
Chartered Accountants’ perception of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Brands Chené , Mayer Claude-Hélène , Oosthuizen Rudolf M.
Published: October 2024

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is an era of enormous technical progress that has impacted professionals across industries, including Chartered Accountants (CAs). This study explored how CAs view the impact of the 4IR on their profession, focusing on the shifting roles, competencies, and challenges they face during this transitional period. The research adopted a qualitative approach to data collecting, including 14 semi-structured interviews with participants from various CA backgrounds. This research provides a thorough knowledge of the 4IR’s consequences for the profession and the perceptions of CA’s of the 4IR. Rapid task automation via technologies such as AI is posing a challenge to traditional CA roles, forcing a change towards more analytical thinking and strategic insight. CAs need to develop critical thinking abilities and data analysis ability. Older generations might need support to adapt to the technological changes. Despite fears about job loss due to technology, members were largely optimistic about the 4IR’s professional development potential. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are given.
Learn to be happy—an experimental study in clinical context with depressive patients in Germany
Authors: Sequeira-Nazaré Elena Renée , Schmitz Bernhard
Published: October 2024

The increase in the number of people with mental disorders and the relapse rate of depressive patients give reason to constantly question and further develop psychotherapeutic interventions in order to stabilize therapy effects. Studies show that the art of living, described as the ability to lead a conscious and reflective life, can be learned and trained. The question arises as to what role the development of “art of living skills” have played in the treatment of depressed patients to date, and to what extent the targeted promotion of art of living within the framework of the therapy of depressed patients has an effect on the well-being and the level of depression that goes beyond this. The study is based on a mixed design. Study participants in the first experimental group (EG1, n = 53) each received one session of 50 min psychotherapy per week for 4 weeks. The second experimental group (EG2, n = 54) received psychotherapy equivalent to EG1 with additional life-skills reflection questions, which were to be answered every day and recorded in a diary. The control group (n = 53) received neither therapy nor reflection questions. The art of living, degree of depression, and satisfaction with life were assessed before and after the 4-week therapy and in the follow-up after 3 months, and the effects were compared. There was a significant decrease in the depression score over the 4 weeks in both therapy groups. EG2 showed a greater decrease in depression over the 4 weeks. However, the difference did not persist over the 3 months. Furthermore, in EG2 there was a significant increase in the Art of Living, Satisfaction with life, and Flourishing Scale over the 4 weeks, while in EG1 there was no change. However, the comparison in the follow-up after 3 months also shows that these effects could not stabilize. Overall, the results provide promising indications for integrating the art of living as a concept more strongly into the therapy of depressive patients. The question arises as to what long-term effects result from additional life skills stimulation and how the therapy effects gained can be stabilized over a longer period of time.
Work till old age: an analysis of self-employment’s impact on depression among the older adults in China
Authors: He Li , Zhao Jinxu , Li Man , Song Zhiyong , Ma Yanling , Yang Zhixiong
Published: October 2024

Background

Depression is a significant risk factor affecting the mental health of older adults. In the context of accelerated population aging and the policy of “delayed retirement,” self-employment has become an important alternative for older adults. Thus, studying the difference in depression levels between self-employed older adults and retirees, along with the mechanisms behind these differences, has emerged as a crucial theoretical and practical issue.

Methods

This research, based on panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study for the years 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018, employed fixed-effect, instrumental variable, mediation models to analyze the difference in depression levels between self-employed older adults and retirees, as well as the mediating mechanisms involved.

Results

The findings indicate that self-employed older adults have lower levels of depression than retirees. The results of the mediating mechanism analysis suggest that self-employment can indirectly lower the depression levels of older adults by frequent social participation and greater life satisfaction. However, heterogeneity analysis revealed significant urban–rural differences and different types of self-employment in the impact of self-employment on the depression levels of older adults.

Conclusions

The results of this study are of great significance for enhancing the mental health of older adults and provide empirical support for China and other developing countries in formulating more effective aging policies and building a more beneficial aging society.
Institutional influence on length of stay in German forensic hospitals: a multilevel analysis of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Stürner Lukas , Ross Thomas , Querengässer Jan , Traub Hans-Joachim
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Scientific studies have focused on patient-related characteristics as predictors of length of stay in forensic psychiatry. However, little attention has been paid to the specificities of forensic psychiatric settings. This study aims to test whether differences in forensic admissions transcend individual factors by comparing length of stay between different psychiatric units, controlling for hospital characteristics and patient characteristics.

Methods

The dataset was derived from a forensic documentation system containing a wide range of information on forensic psychiatric patients. N = 594 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders discharged from 6 forensic hospitals in southern Germany were included in a linear mixed regression model. Linear mixed models were calculated, allowing for the simultaneous estimation of variance between patients and hospitals.

Results

The final regression model explained 49% of the total variance. The only statistically significant patient-related predictors were age at admission, education and severity of the index offence. Hospital differences explained 41% (ICC) of the variance in length of stay without finding a significant hospital effect in the data.

Discussion

Previous research has primarily analyzed predictors of length of stay in terms of individual patient characteristics. This work suggests that variables other than patient-related factors need to be considered when assessing the length of stay in forensic units. Further multi-center studies are needed to gain a better understanding of how forensic psychiatric hospitals and other institutional influences affect length of stay.
Exploring the most discriminative brain structural abnormalities in ASD with multi-stage progressive feature refinement approach
Authors: Sun Bingxi , Xu Yingying , Kat Siuching , Sun Anlan , Yin Tingni , Zhao Liyang , Su Xing , Chen Jialu , Wang Hui , Gong Xiaoyun , Liu Qinyi , Han Gangqiang , Peng Shuchen , Li Xue , Liu Jing
Published: October 2024

Objective

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by increasing prevalence, diverse impairments, and unclear origins and mechanisms. To gain a better grasp of the origins of ASD, it is essential to identify the most distinctive structural brain abnormalities in individuals with ASD.

Methods

A Multi-Stage Progressive Feature Refinement Approach was employed to identify the most pivotal structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that distinguish individuals with ASD from typically developing (TD) individuals. The study included 175 individuals with ASD and 69 TD individuals, all aged between 7 and 18 years, matched in terms of age and gender. Both cortical and subcortical features were integrated, with a particular focus on hippocampal subfields.

Results

Out of 317 features, 9 had the most significant impact on distinguishing ASD from TD individuals. These structural features, which include a specific hippocampal subfield, are closely related to the brain areas associated with the reward system.

Conclusion

Structural irregularities in the reward system may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of ASD, and specific hippocampal subfields may also contribute uniquely, warranting further investigation.
How social desirability impacts life satisfaction among Chinese youth: mediators of mental toughness and emotional intelligence
Authors: Lv Fangyan , Ye Zhanhang , Liu Zicheng , Gan Jing , Tan Jingbin , Feng Run , Abudurexiti Burebiya , Yu Meng , Gao Dingguo
Published: October 2024

Social desirability has been recognized as a predictor of life satisfaction but it has yet to know the mechanism of this effect. This research aimed to explore the relationship between social desirability and life satisfaction, as well as the mediation effects of mental toughness and emotional intelligence. In Sample 1, we asked 1200 youths (12-24 years old) to complete an online questionnaire measuring social desirability, life satisfaction, mental toughness, and emotional intelligence. Results indicated that social desirability had a direct positive effect on youth’s life satisfaction. In addition, mental toughness and emotional intelligence mediated the relationship between social desirability and life satisfaction, showing a chain role of mental toughness and emotional intelligence. A second sample (n = 750) was then used to verify the above findings, and similar results were found. These findings are consistent with our hypotheses, revealing the mechanisms of social desirability in relation to life satisfaction and the important role of mental toughness and emotional intelligence.
A bibliometric and visual analysis of Parkinson’s disease sleep disorders: articles from 2008 to 2023
Authors: Zhu Lili , Zhu Peiyuan , Wang Juwei , Yan Kaiwen , Zhao Sheng , Jiang Yue , Zhang Huihe
Published: October 2024

Objective

Sleep disorder is a common non-motor symptom (NMS) of Parkinson’s disease. However, the global research focus on Parkinson’s sleep-related disorders (PDSDs) and future trends remains unclear. Currently, there is no bibliometric analysis of PDSDs. We aim to fill this gap, determine the status of current research, and predict future research hotspots.

Methods

We selected 1490 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2008 to 2023. Based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer, the analysis was performed from the perspectives of the trend in the number of annual publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, and co-citations.

Results

A total of 1490 publications from 590 authors from 409 institutions in 77 countries are included. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom are the leading countries. University College London (UCL) is the most prolific institution. Harvard University is the key for cooperation among institutions. Chaudhuri Kallol Ray is a leader in this field. “Movement Disorders” is the most influential journal. “A systematic review of the literature on disorders of sleep and wakefulness in Parkinson’s disease from 2005 to 2015” is the publication with the highest co-citation intensity.

Conclusion

The total volume of publications on PDSDs is on the rise, entering a relatively high-yield stage in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of new keywords may be the reasons behind this phenomenon. “quality of life” and “circadian rhythm” are the mainstream topics of PDSD research. Daytime sleepiness is the PDSD subtype that has received the most attention. Sleep quality, biomarkers, and neurodegeneration are likely to become future research hotspots.
Prediction of pharmacological treatment efficacy using electroencephalography-based salience network in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Choi Kang-Min , Lee Taegyeong , Im Chang-Hwan , Lee Seung-Hwan
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Recent resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have consistently reported an association between aberrant functional brain networks (FBNs) and treatment-resistant traits in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known about the changes in FBNs in response to external stimuli in these patients. This study investigates whether changes in the salience network (SN) could predict responsiveness to pharmacological treatment in resting-state and external stimuli conditions.

Methods

Thirty-one drug-naïve patients with MDD (aged 46.61 ± 10.05, female 28) and twenty-one healthy controls (aged 43.86 ± 14.14, female 19) participated in the study. After 8 weeks of pharmacological treatment, the patients were divided into non-remitted MDD (nrMDD, n = 14) and remitted-MDD (rMDD, n = 17) groups. EEG data under three conditions (resting-state, standard, and deviant) were analyzed. The SN was constructed with three cortical regions as nodes and weighted phase-lag index as edges, across alpha, low-beta, high-beta, and gamma bands. A repeated measures analysis of the variance model was used to examine the group-by-condition interaction. Machine learning-based classification analyses were also conducted between the nrMDD and rMDD groups.

Results

A notable group-by-condition interaction was observed in the high-beta band between nrMDD and rMDD. Specifically, patients with nrMDD exhibited hypoconnectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and right insula (p = 0.030). The classification analysis yielded a maximum classification accuracy of 80.65%.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that abnormal condition-dependent changes in the SN could serve as potential predictors of pharmacological treatment efficacy in patients with MDD.
When you avoid your feelings, you may feel even worse: how depersonalization puts you at risk of depression
Authors: Fortuna Dominika , Golonka Krystyna
Published: October 2024

Background

The clinical form of depersonalization affects approximately 1%–2% of the adult population. This study aimed to describe the symptoms of depersonalization in a non-clinical sample and to operationalize depersonalization as a regulatory mechanism. This article introduces the Depersonalization Mechanism Scale, 41-item measure developed to assess one’s tendency for depersonalization in response to overstimulation. The aim of the study is to explore how depersonalization mechanism is associated with cognitive and behavioral emotion regulation strategies, depression, and anxiety.

Method

The study included a sample of 300 Polish adults (149 men) from the general population, ranging in age from 18 to 60. Participants were administered the following questionnaires: Depersonalization Mechanism Scale (DMS), Behavioral Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (BERQ), Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and Trait Anxiety Scale (SL-C).

Results

An exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure of Depersonalization Mechanism Scale, with very high reliability coefficients for both subscales and full scale. A regression analysis revealed that depersonalization mechanism is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms. Depersonalization mechanism is strongly correlated with maladaptive regulation strategies such as withdrawal, ignoring, rumination, catastrophizing, self-blame, and blaming others. Weaker but significant connections were identified with certain adaptive strategies: acceptance, positive refocusing, putting into perspective, and seeking social support. Women were more prone to depersonalization than men.

Conclusions

Further research on depersonalization in non-clinical samples may improve understanding of this mechanism in the general population. This knowledge, combined with greater education about non-clinical forms of depersonalization, may support preventive programs against depression and professional assistance for people facing acute or chronic stressful life events.
Self-medication practice among the general public in Jordan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abuhamdah Sawsan M. A. , Naser Abdallah Y.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The phenomenon of self-medication is a noteworthy public health concern that is increasingly prevalent on a global level, particularly in developing nations. This study aims to explore the prevalence of self-medication of over-the-counter (OTC) medications among the general public in Jordan.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional online survey study was conducted in Jordan between November and December 2022. An online questionnaire link was distributed to the study participants through social media platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram). The questionnaire tool for this study was adapted from a previously developed questionnaire by Tesfamariam et al. The questionnaire tool comprised four sections that examined participants’ demographic characteristics, knowledge of OTC self-medication, attitudes toward OTC self-medication, and associated practices. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of OTC self-medication practice.

Results

A total of 1,218 individuals participated in this study. More than half of the study participants (56.9%) confirmed that they were currently using or had in the past year used medication(s) not prescribed by a healthcare specialist. Participants’ agreement level on statements that reflected a positive attitude toward self-medication practice ranged between 13.1 and 33.0%. The statement most commonly agreed with was that ‘OTC medications are safe but I would seek a physician’s advice before using them’ (57.7%). Individuals aged 36–40 years and 51 years and over, those who were married or divorced, those who were employed, and those who had chronic diseases were more likely to practice self-medication compared to others (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The current study findings suggest a significant lack of awareness among the general population in Jordan regarding the expected efficacy of OTC medications. A restricted level of agreement was observed among the participants concerning the behavior of self-medication.
The association between oral health and mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Ye Niansi , Deng Bei , Hu Hui , Ai Yating , Liu Xueting , Zhou Shi , Li Yucan
Published: October 2024

Background

Older adults with cognitive impairment can experience poor oral health due to reduced self-care ability, yet the impact of various oral health indicators on the cognitive ability remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between oral health indicators and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 234 older adults aged 65 years or over was performed form January to March 2023 at health screening departments of hospitals. This study used the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Hachinski Ischemic Score (HIS) to measure MCI. Two qualified dentists performed clinical oral examinations (number of teeth lost, dental caries, removable dentures, periodontitis). The other oral health status was measured by subjective assessment questionnaires, and the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed by Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI).

Results

Of the 234 older adults, 166 had MCI and 68 had normal cognitive ability. The univariate analyses revealed that older adults with poor oral health indicators of dental caries, mastication ability, oral and maxillofacial pain, self-perceived oral health status and OHRQoL had lower cognitive levels. The stepwise logistic regression analysis observed that higher education level (OR =  0.06, 95%CI = 0.007, 0.567) and OHRQoL score (OR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.878, 0.963) were negatively associated with the presence of MCI. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of MCI was 0.675 (95% CI: 0.600, 0.749) with a low sensitivity of 41.6% and a moderate specificity of 86.8%.

Conclusion

OHRQoL was found to be associated with MCI, implying that OHRQoL may be important in cognitive decline. The GOHAI scale can be used to more easily assess the oral health of older adults, which is important for the timely detection of poor oral status to delay cognitive decline.
Rural–urban differences in dental opioid prescribing among adolescent/young adult and adult Medicaid beneficiaries
Authors: Shoff Carla , Sheen Alex , Qu Luping , Chalmers Natalia I.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

There are ongoing concerns about opioid prescribing for surgical and non-surgical dental needs among adolescent/young adult and adult patients. Although there are known differences in the overall opioid prescription rates in rural areas compared to urban areas, the contribution of dental opioid prescriptions is still unclear. This study aims to examine the factors associated with receiving an opioid prescription following a dental visit.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study utilized the 2021 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unredacted Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Analytic Files to examine Medicaid and CHIP adolescent/young adult beneficiaries aged 12–20 and adults aged 21–64 who are non-dually eligible for Medicare and had a dental visit in 2021. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to predict the odds of receiving a dental opioid prescription.

Results

The results of the adolescent/young adult models show that for every percentage point increase in the percentage of non-Hispanic Black residents in a county, the odds of receiving a dental opioid prescription increase by 0.8% in rural areas. However, with every percentage point increase in the Hispanic population, the odds of receiving a dental opioid prescription decrease by 0.3% in rural areas and 0.7% in urban areas. The adult models show that compared to non-Hispanic white beneficiaries, non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries are 8% more likely to receive a dental opioid prescription if they live in rural areas and 18% more likely if they live in urban areas, while all other racial and ethnic groups are significantly less likely to receive a dental opioid prescription. With every unit increase in the concentrated disadvantage index, the odds of receiving a dental opioid prescription increase by 17% among rural adults and 24% among urban adults.

Discussion

Our findings on rural–urban disparities in opioid prescriptions suggest that prescription patterns in dental settings are significant and inequitable across various beneficiary- and county-level factors and areas of residence. These variations in prescription patterns highlight the known disparities in access to preventive dental care and the need for targeted interventions to address the healthcare needs of rural residents.
Intrinsic motivation in cognitive architecture: intellectual curiosity originated from pattern discovery
Authors: Nagashima Kazuma , Morita Junya , Takeuchi Yugo
Published: October 2024

Studies on reinforcement learning have developed the representation of curiosity, which is a type of intrinsic motivation that leads to high performance in a certain type of tasks. However, these studies have not thoroughly examined the internal cognitive mechanisms leading to this performance. In contrast to this previous framework, we propose a mechanism of intrinsic motivation focused on pattern discovery from the perspective of human cognition. This study deals with intellectual curiosity as a type of intrinsic motivation, which finds novel compressible patterns in the data. We represented the process of continuation and boredom of tasks driven by intellectual curiosity using “pattern matching,” “utility,” and “production compilation,” which are general functions of the adaptive control of thought-rational (ACT-R) architecture. We implemented three ACT-R models with different levels of thinking to navigate multiple mazes of different sizes in simulations, manipulating the intensity of intellectual curiosity. The results indicate that intellectual curiosity negatively affects task completion rates in models with lower levels of thinking, while positively impacting models with higher levels of thinking. In addition, comparisons with a model developed by a conventional framework of reinforcement learning (intrinsic curiosity module: ICM) indicate the advantage of representing the agent's intention toward a goal in the proposed mechanism. In summary, the reported models, developed using functions linked to a general cognitive architecture, can contribute to our understanding of intrinsic motivation within the broader context of human innovation driven by pattern discovery.
The impact of pedagogical beliefs on the adoption of generative AI in higher education: predictive model from UTAUT2
Authors: Cabero-Almenara Julio , Palacios-Rodríguez Antonio , Loaiza-Aguirre María Isabel , Andrade-Abarca Paola Salomé
Published: October 2024

Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd) offers advanced tools that can personalize learning experiences and enhance teachers’ research capabilities. This paper explores the beliefs of 425 university teachers regarding the integration of generative AI in educational settings, utilizing the UTAUT2 model to predict their acceptance and usage patterns through the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. The findings indicate that performance expectations, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and hedonic motivation all positively impact the intention and behavior related to the use of AIEd. Notably, the study reveals that teachers with constructivist pedagogical beliefs are more inclined to adopt AIEd, underscoring the significance of considering teachers’ attitudes and motivations for the effective integration of technology in education. This research provides valuable insights into the factors influencing teachers’ decisions to embrace AIEd, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of technology integration in educational contexts. Moreover, the study’s results emphasize the critical role of teachers’ pedagogical orientations in their acceptance and utilization of AI technologies. Constructivist educators, who emphasize student-centered learning and active engagement, are shown to be more receptive to incorporating AIEd tools compared to their transmissive counterparts, who focus on direct instruction and information dissemination. This distinction highlights the need for tailored professional development programs that address the specific beliefs and needs of different teaching philosophies. Furthermore, the study’s comprehensive approach, considering various dimensions of the UTAUT2 model, offers a robust framework for analyzing technology acceptance in education.