bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver circadian genes are modulated by high fat feeding in mice: Investigation of microRNA-mediated mechanisms
Authors: Tan X. , Cheng C.W. , Thorne J.L , Gong Y.Y. , Moore J.B. , Lichtenstein L.
Published: December 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major public health issue, with a recent estimated global prevalence of 30%(1). The pathogenesis of MASLD is complex, multifactorial, and incompletely understood(2). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that typically inhibit gene expression as post-transcriptional regulators(3). MiRNAs are increasingly recognised for their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in liver diseases(3). The aim of this research was to consider the role of miRNAs in MASLD pathogenesis and their regulation by diet.

Liver RNA samples were extracted from male C57BL/6J mice (n = 6/group) fed for 8 weeks either a chow diet (CD) or 60% fat (high fat diet, HFD) and sent for RNA sequencing. The raw data obtained from next-generation sequencing (Novogene, Cambridge) were passed through a quality control pipeline. Differential expression analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and target predictions were performed in the R environment. Enriched GO terms were summarised and clustered by online tool Revigo. Rich factor (RF) was used to describe the intensity of dysregulated pathways, calculated as the ratio of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to the total genes included in each pathway. MicroRNAs that targeted the DEGs were identified using two validated miRNA-mRNA interaction databases, Tarbase and miRTarbase.

A total of 1087 DEGs were found in HFD fed mice relative to CD (adjusted P<0.05) and their biological functions were examined using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. In aggregate, significantly enriched components and functions included: small molecule metabolic processes, collagen-containing extracellular matrix and lipoprotein particles, and oxidoreductase activity. Circadian rhythm was the most enriched pathway (RF = 0.29) among 12 enriched KEGG pathways, which also included fatty acid degradation (RF = 0.21), PPAR signalling (RF = 0.16), retinol (RF = 0.17) and cholesterol metabolism (RF = 0.22) pathways. Indeed, out of the 34 genes that comprise the KEGG circadian rhythm pathway, 10 (29%) were found dysregulated by HFD, including the critical. Period genes (Per2, Per3). Further exploration in human found hsa-miR-133a-3p targets PER2 and PER3 via examination of validated miRNA-mRNA interaction databases. In addition to circadian rhythm, hsa-miR-133a-3p was found to target genes that function in macroautophagy, cold-induced thermogenesis, and insulin response pathways.

Peripheral clocks of circadian rhythm (liver, pancreas, adipose tissue and muscle) are regulated by miRNAs that contribute to the pathogenesis of MASLD through disruption of lipid metabolism and the insulin response. Future work includes the confirmation of miR-133a-3p expression and the related pathways in mouse liver and human primary hepatocytes.
Alcohol consumption and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: results from the UK Women’s Cohort Study
Authors: Dong Y , Greenwood D.C. , Hardie L.J. , Cade J.E.
Published: December 2024

While some studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prevention(1), the role of competing events have not been considered and may lead to misinterpretation of the magnitude of the risk between alcohol intake and RA incidence. We aimed to investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and RA incidence when the competing risk of death is accounted for in the survival analysis.

Data from the UK Women’s Cohort Study (UKWCS), a prospective cohort study of 35,372 middleaged women established between 1995 and 1998, was used for the analyses(2). Alcohol intake was assessed at baseline by asking for the number of specified units of each type of alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, sherry, and spirits) consumed per week. Cases who developed RA were identified through linkage with Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) up to March 2019 (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10 code M05-M06). Data linkage with the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) allowed cause of death to be identified using ICD codes (9th/10th version). We used directed acyclic graphs, competing risk regression modelling, and subgroup analyses to examine the effect of alcohol intake on RA incidence.

Among 29,830 women linked to the HES data (666,857 person-years), 255 cases of rheumatoid arthritis were identified, with a median follow-up of 22.5 years. After adjustment for confounders, in both competing risk regression and cox proportional hazards models, regular drinking was associated with a reduced risk of RA. In the competing risk model, with occasional drinkers (less than 1 serving of alcohol per week) as the reference, the subhazard ratios (SHRs) for non-drinkers were: SHR, 0.67, 95% CI: 0.43-1.07; regular drinkers: SHR, 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53−0.94. Every additional unit of alcohol per week was associated with a 3% lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis (SHR (95% CI): 0.97(0.96−0.99)). BMI modified the linear associations between alcohol intake and risk of RA(Pinteraction = 0.01). The incidence of RA in participants with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 (227 cases, 27,015 participants) was 2% lower for each additional serving of alcohol consumed per week (0.98(0.96−0.99)),no statistically significant effect was seen for alcohol in those with a BMI 30+kg/m2, though numbers were smaller in this group.
Spaghetti Bolognese without the mince: analysis of meat in UK meal structures
Authors: McCormick B.J.J. , McBey D. , Horgan G.W. , Macdiarmid J.I.
Published: December 2024

Climate change is strongly linked to production of livestock(1,2) and national recommendations are to reduce meat consumption, especially ruminant meat(2), as part of a more sustainable diet. However, this recommendation in isolation is no guarantee that diets would be healthy or have lower greenhouse gas emissions because foods are eaten within the context of meals and a wider diet. In this study the role of meat within the context of UK meals was examined to understand the potential knock-on consequences for meal structures.

Cross-sectional dietary intake data from UK National Diet and Nutrition Surveys(3) (2008- 2019) were analysed to compare the composition of 287,719 eating occasions. Mixed-effects logistic and gamma regressions models were used to determine the likelihood of consumption and, when eaten, the quantity consumed of selected food groups based on the coincidence of other foods in the meal. Models adjusted for age (1.5 ≤ years ≤ 96), gender, and time of day in addition to a random intercept for participants.

Of the eating occasions examined, 30% contained meat, rising to 42% for evening meals (5pm to 8pm). Meats were a significant determinant of the type of starchy foods within a meal, for example the likelihood of pasta was higher with beef (OR 1.06 (95% CI 1.04, 1.07) per z-score change in beef in the meal) than poultry (OR 0.87 (0.85, 0.87)) whereas rice was more likely to be eaten with chicken (OR 1.44 (1.42, 1.46)) than beef (OR 1.06 (1.04, 1.08)). The likelihood of potatoes in a meal increased with all meats, but the likelihood of bread was lower in meals containing meat, except for bacon and ham (OR 1.30 (1.30, 1.33)). The presence of meat, of almost any type, in a meal was predictive of vegetables in the meal. On average the quantity of meat increased the quantity of vegetables in the meal by approximately 11.2% (95% CI 9.5, 12.8), 8.7% (6.0, 11.4), 8.1% (5.5, 10.8), and 3.9% (2.7, 5.2)% per 100g increase of beef, lamb, pork, and poultry respectively.

Recommendations to reduce meat consumption must consider the wider impact on the whole diet

as meals are restructured. Observed meals indicate the combinations of foods currently consumed, and how people may change eating patterns if they reduce meat consumption. The consequence of reducing meat in meals may change the choice of starchy elements. Switching from beef to poultry would likely increase rice consumption and reduce use of potatoes and pasta, attenuating the net reduction in emissions. However, since meat was positively predictive of the presence and quantity of vegetable in meals, reducing meat content may, in the short term, have negative implications for public health as people restructure meals.
Subjective feedback from the EatWellUK-2 study: Insights for personalised nutrition apps
Authors: Bobokhidze Eka , Weech Michelle , Fallaize Rosalind , Hwang Faustina , Lovegrove Julie
Published: December 2024

Poor dietary habits are associated with the development of non-communicable diseases(1). Most strategies implemented to enhance population diet quality follow a “one-size-fits-all” standardised approach, often neglecting individual preferences and requirements. Evidence suggests that personalised nutrition (PN) advice, tailored to an individual, can improve dietary intakes(2). This research investigates participants’ subjective feedback from the EatWellUK-2 randomised control trial that compared PN advice versus general dietary guidance, both delivered via eNutri, a web app, developed at the University of Reading. eNutri delivers automated food-based nutrition advice tailored to the user based on their dietary intake recorded by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)(3).

Participants were disease-free UK adults (>18y) who were randomised to the PN or control group. Participants completed the eNutri FFQ, then automatically received via the app either advice tailored to their dietary intake (PN group) or general population advice based on the UK’s Eatwell Guide (control). Following a 12-week intervention, the FFQ was repeated and participants completed a feedback questionnaire containing open-text and Likert questions assessing agreement with statements (strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree and strongly agree). MannWhitney U tests compared the mean ranks between the PN and control groups for each question. Data are presented as percentages of participants who felt positively about each statement based on “agreed” plus “strongly agreed” responses. The study received ethical approval from the University of Reading Research Ethics Committee (08/19) and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03897972).

Participants (90% female) had a mean (SD) age of 46 (15) y and BMI of 25.8 (6.1) kg/m2. When asked about the advice received, the responses of the PN group (n = 54) were more positive that “it encouraged me to eat healthily, even if only for short time” (p = 0.045, PN 55.6% vs control 41.8%) and “it was clear what changes I needed to make to improve my diet” (p = 0.011, PN 73.6% vs C 51.8%). When asked to provide an “app review” of eNutri, the control group (n = 55) described their advice as “too general” and “readily available elsewhere”, while the PN group said it contained “varied and realistic examples”, and the advice was “very clear”, “helpful” in relation to choosing “better foods to eat” and allowed people to “assess your own goals”.

Participant feedback favoured PN over general population advice as it provided encouragement and clarity about which dietary changes would benefit each individual. Together with the quantitative results from the EatWellUK-2 study, which are still being analysed, these findings will help to assess eNutri’s potential as a useful tool to encourage UK adults to adopt healthier dietary behaviours.
The implementation and evaluation of a recipe box scheme to help ease the cost-of-living crisis in university students
Authors: Bhakta D , Aghili A , Illingworth S , Marsh K , Mulrooney H , Shu J , Wood P , Kwan C. Y , Ranta R , Nancheva N , Dawson R , Dawson N
Published: December 2024

The recent ONS survey reported that 92% of students had been affected by the cost-of-living crisis with 46% revealing their overall mental health and well-being had worsened(1). London Metropolitan University has a unique diverse student population: in 2020-21, 82% of students were mature, 64% of students identified as female, 55% of students were from a minoritised background and 13% had a known disability(2). Furthermore, at least 50% of our students, many of whom have caring responsibilities, reside in the most deprived wards of Islington or other impoverished London boroughs. It has been documented that those students with families, who come from a low income and a minority background are more vulnerable(3) and are more likely to be disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis and at risk of food insecurity. We sought to ease the burden of the cost-of-living crisis with a recipe box scheme, BRITE Box (4) and evaluate its acceptance.

BRITE Box provides a complete set of pre-weighed ingredients for a healthy nutritious meal with an easy-to-follow recipe guide. Each box typically contains two servings of vegetables, meat, bread and dairy, as well as spices, dried and tinned goods to feed a family of five people. We distributed 300 boxes over a period of five months to students primarily with families who had accessed the university hardship fund. Student volunteers and the academic staff pre-weighed the ingredients, prepared and distributed the boxes. The scheme was advertised through Student Services who administer the hardship fund, the Student Union and the intranet. The recipients of the boxes were provided with a QR code linking to a 20-item online survey on demographic characteristics, number of children, acceptability of the box and perceived advantages and disadvantages of the scheme. Ethics was approved by London Metropolitan University.

Thirty-three participants completed the survey, 42% of the recipients identified as female, 55% were from a minority background and 30% had children. The responses showed that students agreed and strongly agreed that the recipe box introduced them to new flavours (52%), and new foods (42%). The majority followed the recipe and will use again (67%). Most importantly, 73% students agreed and or strongly agreed that it helped with the food budget and helped foster a sense of belonging to the university (85%).

The scheme has proved to be popular among the students: “a really cool concept”, “it helped me cook”, “the box provided food for 3 days” and created a buzz around campus on distribution days. It has enhanced the feeling of community and belonging within the university, whilst also alleviating food insecurity and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Building community and offering food support to university students: the KingsGate Student Pantry
Authors: Sumpter S. , Clay S. , Harper P. , Schwikkard S. , Mulrooney H.
Published: December 2024

University students have high risk of food insecurity (FI)(1). Largely comprising young adults, they often have poor diets(2), important given the potential for this life stage to embed healthful eating behaviours(3). Having established high levels of concern about their food security among students at a post-92 university(4), the KingsGate Student Pantry was established in November 2023 as a partnership between university staff and student volunteers, a local food charity and a local church. It includes a weekly social space with free refreshments to encourage belonging, signposting to support, cookery demonstrations and access to a range of food, household and personal hygiene items, including bread, fresh fruit and vegetables. For a weekly payment of £5, customers receive £20-35 of items (estimated). An evaluation of the Pantry to understand its impact on customers and volunteers was carried out.

Bespoke questionnaires for each group collected qualitative & quantitative data about experiences of FI, reasons for coming (or volunteering) and impact of the Pantry on nutrition and belonging. These were administered at the Pantry using QR codes. Optional telephone interviews were held. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes, while quantitative data were used to generate descriptive statistics. The impact of demographics on responses was explored using Kruskal Wallis tests.

This ongoing evaluation currently includes 112 customer and 14 volunteer questionnaires, as well as 3 customer and 5 volunteer interviews. Preliminary results suggest that finances and social reasons are major drivers for customer attendance. Key food items required at the Pantry are vegetables and fruit; cereals, pasta and rice; and milk and dairy products – basic staple foods now expensive largely due to cost-of-living pressures. High levels of satisfaction among both customers and volunteers are apparent, not limited to the goods on offer although levels of satisfaction with these are high. Goods are largely surplus, supplemented with additional items specifically purchased using the £5 weekly customer fee. This ensures a high quality offer in addition to contributing to sustainability of the Pantry. Satisfaction also extends to opportunities to build relationships, including between community and university volunteers and customers, groups otherwise unlikely to meet. The social space and welcome received are highly valued:

‘Doesn’t feel like support, feels like going out shopping with friends’ [customer interview]

‘Happy place to be’ [volunteer interview]

The Pantry therefore represents a pathway to developing a shared understanding of the meaning of community between diverse groups, to their shared benefit. Built using existing relationships and partnerships, it exemplifies how universities can utilise the skills and expertise of their community stakeholders to mutual benefit.
Exploring dietetic attitudes and experience of recommending tube feeds containing real food ingredients to paediatric patients
Authors: Gallagher E. , Randles G. , Hovey J. , O’Neill J.L. , Wilkinson S.
Published: December 2024

Blended tube feeding for patients requiring enteral nutrition involves the provision of pureed food administered via a gastronomy tube(1). It is relatively new in dietary practice, with several clinical and perceived benefits, which was partly driven by the large prevalence of enteral nutrition intolerance in paediatric patients(2). In response to patient and dietitian preferences, as well as challenges of blended diets, medical nutrition manufacturers have developed commercial tube feed products containing real food ingredients (RFI). There is very limited published literature on these types of tube feeds.

The aim of this study was to understand the attitudes and awareness of dietitians towards recommending tube feeds containing RFI. This was done through investigating the indications behind recommending this type of product, what conditions they are recommended for, and the main barriers and benefits of recommending tube feeds containing RFI to paediatric patients.

A twelve-item online survey was distributed via Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) and Irish Nutrition Jobs Facebook group to collect data from registered dietitians over six-weeks. Frequencies and Cross-tabulations were performed to analyse categorical variables using IBM SPSS V29.

From the total sample of 23 paediatric dietitians, those who currently recommend tube feeds containing RFI (n = 14) reported that the two main disorders to use this product are, gastrointestinal disorders (n = 13, 93%) or neurological disorders (n = 12, 86%). A primary indication for recommending these products is to improve tolerance (n = 12, 86%), with the main feeding method being bolus pump (n = 13, 93%). Key benefits reported are improvements to GI symptoms (n = 13, 93%) and improved weight gain (n = 5, 36%). Of the total sample, prime barriers found to recommending this type of feed is the low energy dense profile (n = 7, 30%) and insufficient amount of natural ingredients (n = 3, 13%).

This study shows a positive response towards tube feeds containing RFI and gives an insight into the potential benefits that using these innovative tube feeds can have for patients and carers. More case studies using these products are required, for dietitians to fully understand the main benefits and drawbacks of recommending these feeds to their paediatric patients.
Enhancing dietary assessment in Nigeria using myfood24: a pilot study of diets among Nigerian adults
Authors: Uzokwe C.A. , Nkwoala C.C. , Ebenso B.E. , Opara C.G. , Cade J.E.
Published: December 2024

With the rising rates of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, there is need to understand the links between diet and health using an accurate and efficient dietary assessment method. The new online dietary assessment tool comprising a database of local Nigerian and West African diets, myfood24 West Africa (1), was piloted in a healthy adult population in Nigeria.

Participants were staff of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State in southeast Nigeria, at least 18 years, not pregnant, not had childbirth in the last 3 months, and not diagnosed with diabetes. A pre-recorded video demonstration of food recording with myfood24 was sent to participants. One-day 24-hour recall was self-recorded by either participants or by the researcher on behalf of the participants. Participants who used myfood24 on their own completed the usability questionnaire to rate their agreement with system usability statements and provided feedback on the system.

179 adults were recruited for the study and a total of 1345 food/drink entries were made with a median number of 7 (IQR: 5, 9) food/drink entry per day per participant. Foods from our new West African food database contributed to 60-82% of the energy and nutrient intake. Mean energy intake was 1844 (SD 781) kcal; with energy coming from 28% fat, 63% CHO, and 9% protein. 53 (30%) participants used myfood24 on their own, with a mean age of 38.5 ± 8.7 years. There was no significant difference in the energy intake (p = 0.67) and body mass index (p = 0.82) of participants who used myfood24 on their own and those who did not. 39 out of 53 participants completed the user questionnaire. The mean system usability score was 74 (95% CI 65, 83), indicating a good usability. Participants found the tool easy to use and estimate portion sizes of local foods; it was educative showing levels of macronutrient consumed; and more efficient than manual recording of foods but some participants commented that a few local foods were missing.

myfood24 will support research investigation of relationships between diets and health in Nigeria. There is also now an offline function removing reliance on WiFi. Feedback from participants will inform future updates of the database.
Estimating the nutrient supply from agriculture in Scotland
Authors: McCormick B.J.J. , Macdiarmid J.I.
Published: December 2024

Responses to the Scottish Government commitment to Net Zero(1) will increase the demand for land from multiple sectors in Scotland and potentially take land out of food production. Choices about where and what foods are produced is important for nutritional security, but has rippling consequences for land use, rural populations and across the food system. To support choices about where and what might be produced, we present an estimate of the nutritional value of agricultural commodities produced in Scotland.

Building on a Scottish Government-built model, annual agricultural census data were used to identify commodities for human consumption, which were matched to the minimally processed foods from each commodity. We focused on the value of the least processed form of each commodity, before food processing and ingredients from elsewhere are incorporated. For example, wholewheat flour and hulled barley. Nutrient data for each food were drawn from the UK Composition of Foods Integrated Dataset(2) and the energy and 27 macro and micronutrients were extracted for each food item. Using average yield and production data, the supply of nutrients was estimated.

Cereals could provide many nutrients, but are mostly used for non-food products (approximately 1% of barley and 12.5% of wheat are for human consumption(3)) so their realised contribution is attenuated. Vegetables are an important source of nutrients despite relatively little hectarage, however, their contribution to the nutrient supply is largely driven by large yields of potato and carrot (particularly for vitamin A). Given the quantity produced, milk is the largest source of nutrients, but livestock meat, which uses a significant proportion of agricultural land (including fodder crops, animal feed and grazing) has a disproportionately small contribution to nutrient supply. However, recognising nutrients vary between products which needs to be considered. Energy (71% of population needs), fibre (64.1%), iron (68.5%), selenium (59.7%), niacin (90.5%) and vitamins D (21.1%) and E (55.8%) all have a low supply from Scottish land.

These results are based on a nutrient supply from production of commodities on the land in Scotland, and the supply from primary production is not always what consumers have access to and the supply of nutrients often changes in food processing along the whole food chain. The supply of nutrients for human consumption is not only from domestic production and about half of the diet in Scotland is from imported foods (especially fruit and vegetables)(4). However, the aim of this study was to estimate the potential of supply from current agricultural production. Understanding the potential and realised nutrient supply from domestic agricultural production helps to evidence a discussion about how agriculture is valued, the opportunities to reimagine food production to maximise the supply of nutrients across Scotland and consider uses of land.
Benchmarking the sugar and caffeine content of carbonated sugar–sweetened beverages and energy drinks on the Irish market in 2023
Authors: McCann A. , Dunne C. , O’Shaughnessy G. , O’Mahony S.
Published: December 2024

Over consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with an increased risk of weight gain and dietary related noncommunicable diseases.(1) Consumption of energy drinks (EDs) by children and adolescents is linked to poor health and social outcomes.(2) To address high sugar content in beverages in Ireland, the Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax (SSDT) was introduced in 2018 and applies to SSBs, including EDs, with a sugar content of 5 g/100 ml or more.(3) SSBs and EDs are also prioritised for sugar reduction in the Irish reformulation strategy.(4)

The aim of this study was to examine the mean analysed sugar (g) content of carbonated SSBs and EDs on the Irish market in 2023 against the Irish SSDT differential rate thresholds. A secondary aim was to determine a 2023 benchmark for the mean labelled caffeine (mg) content of EDs.

A convenience sample of SSBs (n = 67) and EDs (n = 28) were collected from Dublin-based supermarkets in 2023. Samples were sent to the Public Analyst Laboratory, Galway for sugar analysis, using high–performance anion-exchange chromatography/pulsed amperometric detection. The mean, standard deviation (SD), minimum and maximum (min-max) analysed sugar (g) per 100 ml and per suggested serving size were determined and assessed against the SSDT lower rate of 5–7.99 g/100 ml and upper rate of >8 g/100 ml. The mean, SD and min-max labelled caffeine (mg) content per serving of EDs containing caffeine (n = 18) was determined. Statistical analysis was completed using RStudio v4.3.0.

The mean analysed sugar (g) of SSBs (n = 67) and EDs (n = 28) was 4.48 g/100 ml (SD 1.53; min-max 1.6 g–10.7 g) and 6.56 g/100 ml (SD 3.31; min-max 1.5 g–14 g), respectively. In SSBs (n = 54) and EDs (n = 22) that provided a suggested serving size, the mean analysed sugar (g) was 11.17 g per serving (SD 3.75; min-max 4 g–26.75 g) and 25.93 g per serving (SD 18.17; min-max 9.75 g–70 g), respectively. In this sample 31% (n = 21) of SSBs and 50% (n = 14) of EDs had a sugar (g) content above the taxable rate. Of these, 10% (n = 2) of SSBs and 64% (n = 9) of EDs were above the SSDT upper taxable rate. Caffeine containing EDs (n = 18) had a mean labelled caffeine (mg) content of 129.17 mg per serving (SD 39.38; min-max 70 mg–160 mg).

The majority of carbonated SSBs in this sample were below the SSDT lower differential threshold.

However, the majority of EDs had a high sugar content and were liable for SSDT at the higher rate. These findings agree with a 2019 study and show EDs remain high in sugar and caffeine.(5) Given their association with poor health outcomes in children and adolescents, EDs on the Irish market require additional reformulation to meet sugar reduction targets.(2)
Triangulating the associations of different types of childhood adversity and first-episode psychosis with cortical thickness across brain regions
Authors: Fares-Otero Natalia E. , Verdolini Norma , Melero Helena , Andrés-Camazón Pablo , Vilajosana Enric , Cavone Vito , García-Bueno Borja , Rapado-Castro Marta , Izquierdo Ana , Martín-Hernández David , Mola Cárdenes Pablo , Leal Itziar , Dompablo Monica , Ortiz-Tallo Ana , Martinez-Gras Isabel , Muñoz-Sanjose Ainoa , Loeck de Lapuerta Carmen , Rodriguez-Jimenez Roberto , Díaz Marsá Marina , Bravo-Ortiz Maria-Fe , Ibañez Angela , Baca-García Enrique , Vieta Eduard , Ayuso-Mateos J. L. , Malpica Norberto , Arango Celso , Díaz-Caneja Covadonga M. , Radua Joaquim
Published: December 2024

Background

Both childhood adversity (CA) and first-episode psychosis (FEP) have been linked to alterations in cortical thickness (CT). The interactive effects between different types of CAs and FEP on CT remain understudied.

Methods

One-hundred sixteen individuals with FEP (mean age = 23.8 ± 6.9 years, 34% females, 80.2% non-affective FEP) and 98 healthy controls (HCs) (mean age = 24.4 ± 6.2 years, 43% females) reported the presence/absence of CA <17 years using an adapted version of the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse (CECA.Q) and the Retrospective Bullying Questionnaire (RBQ) and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Correlation analyses were used to assess associations between brain maps of CA and FEP effects. General linear models (GLMs) were performed to assess the interaction effects of CA and FEP on CT.

Results

Eighty-three individuals with FEP and 83 HCs reported exposure to at least one CA. CT alterations in FEP were similar to those found in participants exposed to separation from parents, bullying, parental discord, household poverty, and sexual abuse (r = 0.50 to 0.25). Exposure to neglect (β = −0.24, 95% CI [−0.37 to −0.12], p = 0.016) and overall maltreatment (β = −0.13, 95% CI [−0.20 to −0.06], p = 0.043) were associated with cortical thinning in the right medial orbitofrontal region.

Conclusions

Cortical alterations in individuals with FEP are similar to those observed in the context of socio-environmental adversity. Neglect and maltreatment may contribute to CT reductions in FEP. Our findings provide new insights into the specific neurobiological effects of CA in early psychosis.
Advancing the personalized advantage index (PAI): a systematic review and application in two large multi-site samples in anxiety disorders
Authors: Meinke Charlotte , Hornstein Silvan , Schmidt Johanna , Arolt Volker , Dannlowski Udo , Deckert Jürgen , Domschke Katharina , Fehm Lydia , Fydrich Thomas , Gerlach Alexander L. , Hamm Alfons O. , Heinig Ingmar , Hoyer Jürgen , Kircher Tilo , Koelkebeck Katja , Lang Thomas , Margraf Jürgen , Neudeck Peter , Pauli Paul , Richter Jan , Rief Winfried , Schneider Silvia , Straube Benjamin , Ströhle Andreas , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Zwanzger Peter , Walter Henrik , Lueken Ulrike , Pittig Andre , Hilbert Kevin
Published: December 2024

Background

The Personalized Advantage Index (PAI) shows promise as a method for identifying the most effective treatment for individual patients. Previous studies have demonstrated its utility in retrospective evaluations across various settings. In this study, we explored the effect of different methodological choices in predictive modelling underlying the PAI.

Methods

Our approach involved a two-step procedure. First, we conducted a review of prior studies utilizing the PAI, evaluating each study using the Prediction model study Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). We specifically assessed whether the studies adhered to two standards of predictive modeling: refraining from using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO CV) and preventing data leakage. Second, we examined the impact of deviating from these methodological standards in real data. We employed both a traditional approach violating these standards and an advanced approach implementing them in two large-scale datasets, PANIC-net (n = 261) and Protect-AD (n = 614).

Results

The PROBAST-rating revealed a substantial risk of bias across studies, primarily due to inappropriate methodological choices. Most studies did not adhere to the examined prediction modeling standards, employing LOO CV and allowing data leakage. The comparison between the traditional and advanced approach revealed that ignoring these standards could systematically overestimate the utility of the PAI.

Conclusion

Our study cautions that violating standards in predictive modeling may strongly influence the evaluation of the PAI's utility, possibly leading to false positive results. To support an unbiased evaluation, crucial for potential clinical application, we provide a low-bias, openly accessible, and meticulously annotated script implementing the PAI.
The prolonged process of developing mental state verb use: evidence from a parental questionnaire
Authors: Eilon Inbal , Novogrodsky Rama
Published: December 2024

Mental state verbs (MSVs) describe people’s knowledge, thoughts, feelings and desires, and develop through early childhood. This study used a cross-sectional design and a parental questionnaire to describe the developmental process of MSV use by exploring different trajectories of semantic categories within MSVs. One-hundred-fourteen typically developing, Hebrew-speaking children, ages 1;6–10;0 participated in the study. Their parents completed a questionnaire developed for the current study, which contains MSVs from five semantic categories: desire, emotion, cognition, perception, and psychological, plus physical verbs as a control category. Among them, 58 children (ages 3;2–10;0 years) participated in a narrative task that prompted production of MSVs. Results showed scores increased with age from early childhood to elementary school, demonstrating prolonged development of using MSVs. A minor advantage for girls was found in the younger ages compared with boys. Both, boys and girls had different developmental trajectories for physical, physiological, and desire verbs compared with cognition and emotion verbs. The correlation found between the questionnaire scores and the narrative task supports the validity of the questionnaire for assessing MSV use in children. The results are explained by the complex syntactic structure and abstract meaning of MSVs.
Adaptive politics, or countering the myth of German transformation after 1945
Authors: Jung Laura
Published: December 2024

International Relations (IR) accounts of the post–World War II international order often claim that after its defeat, Germany ‘transformed’ from a fascist, militaristic, and racist state into a model liberal democracy, facilitating its full rehabilitation and integration into Western institutions and alliances. Yet a closer examination of post-war German domestic and international politics challenges this account: denazification was widely reviled, survivors faced ongoing persecution, and a retooled antisemitism asserted itself in international diplomacy. This article offers the concept of adaptive politics to capture how collectively held beliefs, identities, policies, and conduct travel across incisive political events like defeat in war, occupation, and genocide, outlining the complex concurrence of continuity, adaptation, and change in their aftermath. Drawing on theories of sovereignty, biopolitics, racism, and antisemitism, the article tracks the unfolding of West German adaptive politics in the immediate post-war period, focusing on efforts to exonerate perpetrators, modifications of racism and antisemitism, and the role of the trauma diagnosis in debilitating survivors. By sanitising this history, IR scholarship positions the post-war liberal international order, and the international politics of the West more broadly, as entirely disconnected from the disordered conduct associated with Nazism.
Improved basic elements detection algorithm for bridge engineering design drawings based on YOLOv5
Authors: An Ning , Huang Linsheng , Hu Mengnan , Zhu Junan , Wang Chuanjian
Published: December 2024

Bridge engineering design drawings basic elements contain a large amount of important information such as structural dimensions and material indexes. Basic element detection is seen as the basis for digitizing drawings. Aiming at the problem of low detection accuracy of existing drawing basic elements, an improved basic elements detection algorithm for bridge engineering design drawings based on YOLOv5 is proposed. Firstly, coordinate attention is introduced into the feature extraction network to enhance the feature extraction capability of the algorithm and alleviate the problem of difficult recognition of texture features inside grayscale images. Then, targeting objectives across different scales, the standard 3 × 3 convolution in the feature pyramid network is replaced with switchable atrous convolution, and the atrous rate is adaptively selected for convolution computation to expand the sensory field. Finally, experiments are conducted on the bridge engineering design drawings basic elements detection dataset, and the experimental results show that when the Intersection over Union is 0.5, the proposed algorithm achieves a mean average precision of 93.6%, which is 3.4% higher compared to the original YOLOv5 algorithm, and it can satisfy the accuracy requirement of bridge engineering design drawings basic elements detection.
Disturbances in higher order consciousness encountered in neuropsychological rehabilitation and assessment
Authors: Prigatano George P.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

The purpose of this invited paper was to summarize my clinical research on disturbances of higher order consciousness (i.e., primarily on self-awareness but including anosognosia and impaired awareness of another person’s cognitive/emotional state) that contributed to my receiving the Distinguished Career Award from the International Neuropsychology Society.

Methods:

I reviewed my early clinical encounters with disturbances in higher order consciousness and then a series of studies performed with various colleagues over the last 45 years to better understand the nature of these disturbances. The findings obtained are also discussed within the context of other researchers’ observations during this time frame.

Results:

Disturbances in higher order consciousness include classic anosognosia, impaired self-awareness, denial of disability, and denial of ability. Proposed diagnostic features of each of these disturbances are outlined and a model for understanding their complex relationships suggested. Different treatment/rehabilitation approaches for these disturbances are also summarized.

Conclusion:

Disturbances in higher order consciousness are often revealed when exploring with the person their subjective experiences of their neurological and neuropsychological functioning following different brain disorders. These subjective experiences have diagnostic value and lead to different rehabilitation approaches. The neuropsychological investigation of disturbances in higher order consciousness should include integrating knowledge from the neurosciences with nonbiological understandings of how cultural and personality features of the person may also influences their subjective experiences associated with a known or suspected brain disorder.
Mobility patterns along the Eastern Silk Roads (tenth to fourteenth centuries): a global-microhistorical perspective
Authors: Vér Márton
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the importance of interregional mobility along the Eastern Silk Roads during the Mongol period, highlighting the interconnectedness of postal and pilgrim networks in eastern Central Asia, with a particular focus on mid-fourteenth-century changes in the multifaceted dynamics of overland mobility under Mongol rule. By referencing an extensive corpus of Old Uyghur and Middle Mongolian administrative texts, as well as pilgrim inscriptions, the research provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between the Mongol administration and the postal system within it, and how they were connected with pilgrim activities. The article uncovers valuable insights into how mobility patterns changed over time. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the geographical aspects of these networks reveals enduring links between the Eastern Tianshan Region and the Gansu Corridor, whilst also underlining the expansion of pilgrim networks during the Mongol period. The research also explores the societal implications of these mobility networks, highlighting the importance of religious affiliation and social status in overland mobility. This comprehensive analysis illuminates the Eastern Silk Roads and presents a unique perspective on the interplay of political, religious, and socio-economic factors that shaped the history of the region during Mongol rule.
Video call-based cognitive behaviour therapy for adults with common mental health conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ebrahimjee Anisah , Hodsoll John , Valmaggia Lucia , Hickling Lauren M. , Riches Simon
Published: December 2024

Implementation of video call-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling more flexible delivery, but less is known about user experience and effectiveness. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of individual video call-based CBT for adults with mild to moderate mental health conditions (Prospero CRD42021291055). Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched until 4 September 2023. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool (EPHPP) assessed methodological quality of studies. Meta-analysis was conducted in R. Thirty studies (n=3275), published 2000 to 2022, mainly in the USA (n=22/30, 73%), were included. There were 15 randomised control trials, one controlled clinical trial, and 14 uncontrolled studies. Findings indicated feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness (effect size range 0.02–8.30), especially in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for military populations. Other studies investigated depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic with agoraphobia, insomnia, and anxiety. Studies indicated that initial challenges with video call-based CBT subsided as therapy progressed and technical difficulties were managed with limited impact on care. EPHPP ratings were strong (n=12/30, 40%), moderate (n=12/30, 40%), and weak (n=6/30, 20%). Meta-analysis on 12 studies indicated that the difference in effectiveness of video call-based CBT and in-person CBT in reducing symptoms was not significant (SMD=0.044; CI=–0.086; 0.174). Video calls could increase access to CBT without diminishing effectiveness. Limitations include high prevalence of PTSD studies, lack of standardised definitions, and limited studies, especially those since the COVID-19 pandemic escalated use of video calls.

Key learning aims

This review assesses feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of individual video call-based CBT for adults with mild to moderate common mental health conditions, as defined by the ICD-11.

Secondary aims were to assess if the therapeutic relationship is affected and identify any potential training needs in delivering video call-based CBT.

The adjunct meta-analysis quantitatively explored whether video call-based CBT is as effective as in-person interventions in symptom reduction on primary outcome measures by pooling estimates for studies that compare these treatment conditions.
How Seven Different “Empathies” Correlate With Personality
Authors: Duong Fred , Hall Judith A. , Schwartz Rachel
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Self-report measures of empathy capture several distinct facets of the empathy concept. What does this mean for how different “empathies” are correlated with personality? To find out, we measured six empirically derived facets of self-reported empathy in a data-driven approach, plus self-reported global empathy, along with 25 personality variables ( N = 351). The analysis consisted of first correlating each of these seven empathy facets with all of the personality variables, yielding a vector of personality correlates for each empathy facet. Next, we created profile correlations by correlating these vectors of correlates between the empathy facets to show similarities and differences in terms of their pattern of personality correlates. Some of the empathy facets had extremely similar profiles of personality correlates, while others stood apart. These findings indicate that the personality profile of an empathic person depends on the specific facet of empathy that is employed.
The Relationship of Schizotypy and Saccade Performance in Patients With Schizophrenia and Non-Clinical Individuals
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth H. X. , Rossell Susan L. , Myles Jessica B. , Tan Eric J. , Neill Erica , Carruthers Sean P. , Sumner Philip J. , Bozaoglu Kiymet , Gurvich Caroline
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Deficits in saccade performance (i.e., rapid eye movements) are commonly observed in people with schizophrenia. Investigations of the schizotypy-saccade relationship have been exclusively explored in non-clinical individuals, with mixed findings. Of the three saccadic paradigms, research has predominantly focused on the antisaccade paradigm, while the relationship between schizotypy and prosaccade and memory-guided saccade performance remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between schizotypy and saccade performance across the three saccadic paradigms in both patients and non-clinical individuals. Sixty-two patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and 148 non-clinical individuals completed the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE) self-report questionnaire as a measure of schizotypy. All participants also completed a prosaccade, memory-guided saccade and antisaccade task. Canonical correlation analyses were conducted to examine the collective, multivariate relationship between the set of schizotypy variables and the sets of prosaccade, memory-guided saccade and antisaccade variables. Differences between patients and non-clinical groups were in line with previous research. In the non-clinical group, Cognitive Disorganisation was the highest contributing variable to prosaccade performance and prosaccade latency was the highest contributing variable to schizotypy. There was no significant relationship between schizotypy and memory-guided or antisaccade performance. No significant relationships between schizotypy and saccade performance were observed in the patient group. Our findings suggest a relationship between disorganized schizotypy and basic processing speed in non-clinical individuals. This relationship was not observed in patients, suggesting that sub-clinical saccade performance may not mirror impairments observed in schizophrenia. Our findings in the non-clinical group were inconsistent with previous studies. These used different schizotypy inventories, suggesting that schizotypy measures derived from different conceptual backgrounds may not be comparable.