bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacotherapy in Comorbid Bipolar Disorder and Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder From the STEP‐BD Cohort
Authors: Russell Samantha E. , Wrobel Anna L. , Skvarc David R. , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , Dean Olivia M. , Ashton Melanie M. , Magalhães Pedro V. S. , Nierenberg Andrew , Berk Michael , Turner Alyna
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more prevalent in those with bipolar disorder (BD) than in the general population, with rates of PTSD as high as 55% in some BD cohorts. Despite this, little research explores the effects of pharmacotherapy treatments in those with comorbid BD and PTSD. This study aims to explore patterns of pharmacotherapy use at baseline and their impact on symptoms in individuals with BD alone and comorbid BD and PTSD.

Methods

The Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for BD (STEP‐BD) cohort was utilised to examine and compare BD symptoms and pharmacotherapy treatments between those with BD alone (n = 3393) and those with comorbid BD and PTSD (n = 304). We conducted regression models to compare those with and without comorbid PTSD. Models included measures of depression, mania, functioning and quality of life over 24 months of the STEP‐BD study. We included baseline pharmacotherapies (lithium, valproate, antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines) as predictor outcome variables in all models.

Results

At baseline, reported use of lithium was lower in the comorbid BD and PTSD group, while the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines was significantly higher in the comorbid BD and PTSD than in the BD alone group. Benzodiazepine use was associated with a small improvement in depression symptom scores and poorer quality of life in those with comorbid BD and PTSD. Lastly, those with comorbid PTSD experienced higher levels of mania and depression symptoms and lower functioning and quality of life compared to BD alone, irrespective of pharmacotherapy treatment.

Conclusion

Clinical trial participants with BD and PTSD reported worse symptoms and outcomes across 24 months of the STEP‐BD study compared to those without comorbid PTSD, regardless of baseline medication use. These results highlight the importance of considering comorbidity in the treatment of mental health conditions, specifically BD, and the need for further exploration of effective treatment options.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a serious game to educate children about the urban water cycle
Authors: Garcia Xavier , Domene Elena , Goenaga Xabier , Rodriguez‐Benitez Antonio , Satorras Mar , Acuña Vicenç , Martínez‐Ruiz Ariadna , Boada Imma , Corominas Lluís
Published: February 2025

Serious games combine education and entertainment to create engaging and effective learning experiences, potentially contributing to science literacy and environmental awareness. This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of a particular serious game, H2OeduK, in educating children aged 10 to 11 years on the urban water cycle. Specifically, a study was conducted in four schools, where 140 students played the game and completed pre‐ and post‐game surveys to assess knowledge acquisition and the influence of specific socio‐demographic and gaming contextual factors. The relationship between the serious game evaluation and the knowledge acquisition scores was also explored. Results indicate that playing H2OeduK significantly enhanced children's understanding of the urban water cycle, establishing it as an effective tool for promoting water literacy and encouraging the protection of water resources. Neither gender nor play mode (individual or pair play) appeared to affect the game's effectiveness, while engaging in video gameplay positively impacted knowledge acquisition. Participants' evaluation of the game in terms of gamer experience (engagement, playfulness and self‐reported learning) did not seem to correlate with the level of learning achieved. Overall, this study underscores the potential of serious games like H2OeduK to effectively educate young learners on key sustainability challenges.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Educating children about the urban water cycle raises awareness and promotes responsible water usage.

Serious games provide interactive and engaging ways to teach children about the urban water cycle and other environmental issues.

Studies suggest that serious games can be effective in enhancing learning outcomes and promoting environmental education.

What this paper adds

The study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of H2OeduK serious game in teaching children about environmental & management concepts related to the urban water cycle.

Gender does not significantly influence the acquisition of environmental knowledge through this serious game.

Individual gameplay with H2OeduK is as effective as collaborative gameplay for teaching children about the urban water cycle.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Incorporating serious games into educational practices can be a valuable tool for teaching complex sustainability challenges to children, such as urban water cycle problems.

Objective measures, like knowledge acquisition surveys, are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of serious games in fostering learning outcomes.

Further research is needed to explore the long‐term impact of serious games on knowledge retention and behavioural change and to understand their effectiveness in promoting sustainable development.
The more positive intergroup contacts you have, the less LGBTQ+ conspiracies beliefs you will report: The role of knowledge, anxiety, and empathy
Authors: Panerati Sara , Salvati Marco
Published: February 2025

Conspiracy theories and beliefs against LGBTQ+ people are a recurrent theme in the political agenda, depicting them as evil actors in a larger plot, seeking to undermine societal norms, institutions, and traditional values. Lessening LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs is crucial to reaching more social equality, and intergroup contact might represent a useful strategy. Study 1 (N = 253) investigated the associations of the quantity of direct contact with LGBTQ+ people, the quality of such contacts, and their interactive role with LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs. Taking a step forward, Studies 2 (N = 512) and 3 (N = 529) investigated, correlationally and experimentally, respectively, the relationship between the quality of contact with LGBTQ+ individuals and LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs, exploring the mediating associations of intergroup knowledge, empathy, and anxiety. Results consistently suggested that a higher quantity of direct contacts with LGBTQ+ people is negatively associated with LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs. Furthermore, positive contact was associated with lower conspiracy beliefs against LGBTQ+ people, with these associations being either partially (Study 2) or fully (Study 3) mediated by intergroup empathy. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of fostering positive intergroup interactions and enhancing empathy as strategies to combat harmful conspiracy beliefs about marginalized groups.
Fronto‐Parietal and Language Network Connectivity and Its Association With Gene Expression Profiles in Bipolar Disorder Before and After Treatment
Authors: Zhang Leyi , Yan Haohao , Zhang Chunguo , Li Xiaoling , Liang Jiaquan , Tang Chaohua , Wu Weibin , Deng Wen , Xie Guojun , Guo Wenbin
Published: February 2025

Background

The resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) patterns of the fronto‐parietal network (FPN) and language network (LN) underlying bipolar disorder (BD) are obscure. This study aimed to uncover abnormal FC patterns of FPN and LN underlying BD and their evolution following treatment.

Methods

Imaging data at rest state and clinical variables were acquired from 82 patients with BD (with 43 finishing the follow‐up) and 88 healthy controls (HCs). Seed‐based FC analysis was performed, and correlations between FCs and clinical variables were investigated with whole‐brain multiple regression analyses. Furthermore, a neuroimaging–transcription spatial association analysis was conducted.

Results

At baseline, BD patients presented elevated FPN‐LN and FPN–prefrontal gyrus FCs, and hyperconnectivity between the LN and bilateral thalamus, right angular gyrus (AG), and right cerebellum. Following 3 months of treatment intervention, there were decreased FCs between the FPN and left superior temporal gyrus (STG), left superior frontal gyrus (SFG), left insula, and bilateral middle temporal gyrus (MTG) (part of LN). Neuroimaging transcription analysis discovered genes correlated with FC alterations in BD.

Conclusions

Aberrant FC patterns of FPN and LN might be involved in the neural pathogenetic and therapeutic mechanisms of BD. We also provided potential genetic pathways underlying these functional impairments in BD.
H2S Donor SPRC Ameliorates Ischemic Stroke by Upregulating CD24
Authors: Wang Chenye , Li Sha , Li Qixiu , Xi Haiyan , Li Jiejia , Zhu Qing , Wu Pinwen , Zhu Yi‐Zhun , Mao Yicheng
Published: February 2025

Background

Ischemic stroke is well‐known for its high mortality and morbidity, but its treatment remains to be explored due to the current limitations. For example, severe neuroinflammation occurs after ischemic stroke; however, effective neuroinflammatory inhibitors are still lacking. Thus, the development of new therapeutic targets of inhibiting neuroinflammation is urgent. CD24 is a small heavy glycosylated protein, which plays a critical role in neural development and acts as an inflammatory suppressor in tumors and autoimmune diseases. But the role of CD24 in ischemic stroke remains unknown.

Aims

The role of CD24 in ischemic stroke should be explored. Additionally, the potential relationship between the H2S donor, S‐propargyl‐cysteine (SPRC) and CD24 in ischemic stroke should be revealed.

Methods

Mechanism studies have been performed both in vitro and in vivo to verify the CD24‐mediated inflammation and migration. SPRC has been applied to treat ischemic stroke, and its potential association with CD24 has been studied.

Results

The overexpression of CD24 can inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) inflammatory signaling pathway and promote the migration ability of M2 microglia cells via Src/Fak/Pyk2 signaling pathway in an inflammatory model of BV2 cells. SPRC can upregulate the level of endogenous H2S via cystathionase‐β‐synthase (CBS) and it indirectly plays a role in upregulating CD24.

Conclusions

CD24 could be a potential target of inhibiting neuroinflammation. SPRC reduces inflammation in ischemic stroke by regulating the CD24/Iκ‐Bα/NF‐κB inflammatory signaling pathway and improves the migration ability of M2 microglia via CD24/Src/Fak/Pyk2 signaling pathway, which further alleviates the inflammatory response at the lesion.
Integration of Methylation and Gene Expression Deciphered Candidate Biomarkers DAB2IP and SMYD3 in Delayed Encephalopathy After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Yan Hongyi , Yuan Ding , Zhang Yan , Luo Haihua , Jiang Pinpin , Zhang Yapeng , Wu Yue , Hou Linlin , Cheng Yue , Yang Fang , Du Yuqi , Zhu Huanzhou , Zhao Linshuang , Li Yi , Jiang Yong , Gao Yanxia
Published: February 2025

Aims

The objective of this study is to explore the regulatory role of DNA methylation in delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) and to identify candidate epigenetic biomarkers.

Methods

In this study, multi‐omics analyses such as methylomics, transcriptomics, pyrophosphate sequencing, qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were utilized to investigate the role of epigenetic regulation and altered gene expression in the pathogenesis of DEACMP.

Results

Using integrated analysis, we identified 168 differentially methylated CpGs sites, 334 differentially expressed genes, and two differentially methylated and differentially expressed genes (DAB2IP and SMYD3) in the DEACMP group. The pyrosequencing results further revealed hypomethylation of DAB2IP and hypermethylation of SMYD3. Moreover, we verified the upregulation of DAB2IP expression accompanied by the downregulation of SMYD3 expression in the DEACMP rats model.

Conclusion

This study, based on dysregulated DNA methylation and gene expression profiles, identified and validated two DEACMP‐related genes (DAB2IP and SMYD3) that could serve as epigenetic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for DEACMP.
TransPapCanCervix: An Enhanced Transfer Learning‐Based Ensemble Model for Cervical Cancer Classification
Authors: Bhavsar Barkha , Shrimali Bela
Published: February 2025

Cervical cancer, like many other cancers, is most treatable when detected at an early stage. Using classification methods helps find early signs of cancer and small tumors. This allows doctors to act quickly and offer treatments that might cure the cancer. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to the classification of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) leveraging a dataset comprising 1140 single‐cell images sourced from Herlev. In addition to that, in this work, a new ensemble model based on the transfer‐learning (TL) technique is developed on various deep learning models, including DenseNet121, DenseNet169, InceptionResNet, XceptionNet, ResNet50, and ResNet101 to demonstrate their efficacy in classifying diverse cellular features. To evaluate our proposed approach's performance, the ensemble approach's results are compared with some transfer learning models such as DenseNet121, DenseNet169, InceptionResNet, XceptionNet, ResNet50, and ResNet101. The experimental results demonstrate that transfer learning‐based deep neural networks combined with ensemble methods enhance the diagnostic accuracy of SCC classification systems, achieving 98% accuracy across various cell types. This further validates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. A comprehensive investigation yields a precise and efficient model for SCC classification, offering detailed insights into both normal and abnormal cell types.
An Implementation of Adaptive Multi‐CNN Feature Fusion Model With Attention Mechanism With Improved Heuristic Algorithm for Kidney Stone Detection
Authors: Kulandaivelu Gunasekaran , Suchitra M , Pugalenthi R , Lalit Ruchika
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, most people have been admitted to emergencies with severe pain caused by kidney stones worldwide. In this case, diverse imaging approaches are aided in the detection process of stones in the kidney. Moreover, the specialist acquires better diagnosis and interpretation of this image. Here, computer‐aided techniques are considered the practical techniques, which it is used as the auxiliary tool for the process of diagnosis. Most urologists have failed to train the type of kidney stone identification effectively and it is operator‐dependent. Concerning the surgical operation, there is a requirement for accurate as well as adequate detection of stone position in the kidney. Thus, it has made the detection process even more difficult. To overcome the challenging issues, an effective detection model for kidney stones using classifiers. Initially, the input images are collected from the standard resources. Further, the input images are subjected to the adaptive multi‐convolutional neural network with attention mechanism (AMC‐AM) feature fusion model, in which, the pertinent features are extracted from the three networks: Visual Geometry Group16 (VGG16), Residual Network (ResNet), and Inception net. Thus, the three distinct features are obtained for the feature fusion procedure. Finally, the resultant features are subjected as input to the final layer of CNN. In the proposed network, the model is integrated with the attention mechanism and also the parameter tuning is done by proposing the modified social distance of coronavirus mask protection algorithm (MSD‐CMPA). Therefore, the performance is examined using different metrics and compared with other baseline models. Hence, the proposed model overwhelms the outstanding results in detecting the kidney stones that aid the individual in getting rid of kidney disorders.
Untangling the Primary Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Oxygen, Inorganic and Organic Carbon Isotope Signals in Modern Microbialites
Authors: Havas Robin , Thomazo Christophe , Caumartin Jeanne , Iniesto Miguel , Bert Hugo , Jézéquel Didier , Moreira David , Tavera Rosaluz , Bettencourt Vladimir , López‐García Purificación , Vennin Emmanuelle , Benzerara Karim
Published: February 2025

Microbialites are organo‐sedimentary structures formed throughout most of the Earth history, over a wide range of geological contexts, and under a multitude of environmental conditions affecting their composition. The carbon and oxygen isotope records of carbonates, which are most often their main constituents, have been used as a widespread tool for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. However, the multiplicity of factors that influence microbialites formation is not always properly distinguished in their isotopic record, in both ancient and modern settings. It is therefore crucial to refine our understanding of the processes controlling microbialites isotopic signal. Here, we analyzed the carbon and oxygen isotope compositions from bulk and micro‐drilled carbonates as well as bulk organic carbon isotope compositions in microbialites from four Mexican volcanic crater lakes of increasing alkalinity. The survey of four lakes allows comparing microbialite formation processes and their geochemical record within distinct physico‐chemical contexts. The geochemical analyses were performed in parallel to petrographic and mineralogical characterization and interpreted in light of the known microbial community composition for microbialites of the same lakes. Combining these data, we show that the potential for isotopic biosignature preservation primarily depends on physico‐chemical conditions. Carbon isotope biosignatures pointing out to an autotrophic influence on carbonate precipitation are preserved in the lowest alkalinity lakes. By contrast, higher alkalinity lakes, where microbialites are more massive, favor carbonate precipitation in isotopic equilibrium with the lake water, with secondary influence of heterotrophic organic carbon degradation. From these results, we suggest that microbialite carbonate C isotope records can be interpreted as the balance between the microbialite net primary productivity and the amount of precipitation that relates to physico‐chemical forcing. The signals of microbialite oxygen isotope compositions highlight a lack of understanding in the oxygen isotope records of relatively rare carbonate phases such as hydromagnesite. Nonetheless, we show that these signals are primarily influenced by the basins' hydrology, though biological effects may also play a (minor) role. Overall, both carbon and oxygen isotopic signals may record a mixture of different local/global and biotic/abiotic phenomena, making microbialites intricate archives of their growth environment, which should thus be interpreted with cautions and in the light of their surrounding sediments.
The Negative Legacy Effect of Extreme Drought on Soil Respiration Is Unaffected by Post‐Drought Precipitation Regime in a Temperate Grassland
Authors: Lellei‐Kovács Eszter , Botta‐Dukát Zoltán , Ónodi Gábor , Mojzes Andrea , Kröel‐Dulay György
Published: February 2025

Soil respiration, the main ecosystem process that produces carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, is sensitive to extreme climatic events. The immediate, usually negative effect of droughts on soil respiration has often been observed, but the recovery of soil respiration following drought is rarely documented. Soil respiration can be reduced beyond the drought year if drought‐induced changes suppress soil activity. Alternatively, reduction in soil respiration may be overcompensated in the subsequent years due to increased substrate input and soil moisture, resulting from plant dieback during drought. In addition, post‐drought weather patterns may also affect the recovery of soil respiration. In a full‐factorial grassland experiment, we combined an extreme (5 months) summer drought in 2014 with four levels of post‐drought precipitation regimes, including severe (2 months) droughts, moderate (1 month) droughts, ambient weather, and water addition (four large rain events) in summers of 2015 and 2016. We measured soil respiration monthly between May and November, from 2013 to 2016. The extreme drought had an immediate strong negative effect, decreasing soil respiration by 50.8% in 2014 compared to the control plots, and it had a negative legacy effect in 2015 (14.5% reduction), but not in 2016. This legacy effect was unaffected by the post‐drought precipitation regime. Moderate drought decreased soil respiration by 12.1% and 18.6%, while severe drought decreased soil respiration by 18.3% and 27.3% in 2015 and 2016, respectively, while water addition had no effect. Since soil water content in extreme drought plots recovered by 2015, we hypothesize that changes in soil biota and reduced root activity are responsible for extreme drought's long‐term negative effects. Overall, our results highlight that extreme droughts may have negative effects on soil respiration well beyond the event, and thus the full effect on carbon cycling may be much larger than what is estimated solely based on the immediate effects.
Association of migraine treatments with reduced ischemic stroke risk: Evidence from two large‐scale real‐world data analyses
Authors: Jeong Eugene , Mogos Mulubrhan F. , Chen You
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with migraine treated with first‐line medications, including valproate, topiramate, metoprolol, timolol, or propranolol, versus those not receiving these treatments, using data from two large electronic health records datasets.

Background

The impact of first‐line migraine medications on ischemic stroke risk in patients with migraine remains uncertain, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case–control study using data from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the All of Us Research Program. Cases were patients with a primary ischemic stroke diagnosis after their first migraine diagnosis, while controls had no ischemic stroke following their initial migraine diagnosis.

Results

In the VUMC database, 356 cases and 15,231 controls were identified; the All of Us database included 256 cases and 6590 controls. Propranolol was the only medication significantly associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke in female patients with migraine (VUMC: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–0.86, p = 0.013; All of Us: aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19–0.77, p = 0.010), particularly in those with migraine without aura (VUMC: aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29–0.90, p = 0.027; All of Us: aOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10–0.62, p = 0.006). The Cox model showed lower ischemic stroke rates in propranolol‐treated female patients with migraine at 10 years in the VUMC data (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.45, 95% CI 0.24–0.83; p = 0.011, log‐rank p < 0.001) and 10 years in the All of Us data (aHR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.87; p = 0.048, log‐rank p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Among various migraine treatments, propranolol was notably associated with a significant reduction in ischemic stroke risk among female patients with migraine, particularly those without aura. These findings suggest a potential dual benefit of propranolol in managing migraine and reducing stroke risk, highlighting the need for further prospective studies to confirm these results and potentially inform clinical practice.
Characteristics of vertical root fractures at early stages: Evidence that dentinal microcracks are an experimental phenomenon
Authors: Pan Xiao , Liu Wenjing , Wang Chengtao , Gao Antian , Lin Zitong
Published: February 2025

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of vertical root fractures (VRFs) at early stages and compare them with previously reported dentinal microcracks.

Methodology

Endodontically treated teeth with vertical root fractures at early stages were collected. The characteristics of these VRFs were evaluated by in vitro observation and micro‐CT scanning: (1) the number of fractures (buccal, lingual, mesial and distal were counted separately); (2) vertical extension on the roots (classified into four categories according to cemento‐enamel junction and root apex involved or not); (3) the direction of fractures (bucco‐lingual or mesial‐distal); (4) horizontal extension of fractures (involved the root canal wall or the root surface or both); (5) the width of fractures (measured at the widest site on the axial micro‐CT image); and (6) the location of the widest fractured site on the root (coronal third portion, middle third portion and apical third portion).

Results

A total of 28 vertical root fractures at early stages were collected in this study, involving 30 roots with a total of 51 fractures. All fractures involved the middle portion of root; all fractures were bucco‐palatal/lingual and extended from the root canal wall to the root surface. The maximum width of these fractures were <150 μm, and widest fractures may be at the coronal, middle or apical third portion of the tooth root.

Conclusions

All vertical root fractures involved the middle portion of root, initiated from the root canal wall and directed buccal‐lingually. The fractures were irregular and tortuous, with fracture widths exhibiting considerable variability. These characteristics help us to have a better understanding of the initiation and development of VRFs, and also supply evidence dentinal microcracks are an experimental phenomenon.
The larval gut of Spodoptera frugiperda harbours culturable bacteria with metabolic versatility after insecticide exposure
Authors: Siddiqui Junaid Ali , Fan Ruidong , Liu Yanjiang , Syed Ali Hassan , Benlin Yi , Chu Qingshuai , Ding Zeyang , Ghani Muhammad Imran , Liu Xuemi , Wakil Waqas , Liu Dong‐Dong , Chen Xiaoyulong , Cernava Tomislav , Smagghe Guy
Published: February 2025

Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) poses a substantial risk to crops worldwide, resulting in considerable economic damage. The gut microbiota of insects plays crucial roles in digestion, nutrition, immunity, growth and, sometimes, the degradation of insecticides. The current study examines the effect of synthetic insecticides on the gut microbiome of third instar S. frugiperda larvae using both culture‐dependent techniques and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for bacterial community profiling and diversity analysis. In untreated larvae, the sequencing approach revealed a diverse microbiome dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, with key genera including Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium and Pelomonas. In parallel, 323 bacterial strains were isolated and assigned to the orders Bacillales, Burkholderiales, Enterobacterales, Flavobacteriales, Lactobacillales, Micrococcales, Neisseriaies, Pseudomonadales, Sphingobacteriales and Xanthomonadales. The prevailing culturable species included Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella variicola and Enterobacter quasiroggenkampii. Treatment with sublethal concentrations of three insecticides (broflanilide, spinosad and indoxacarb) caused significant changes in gut microbiome diversity and composition. Treated larvae showed a shift towards increased Proteobacteria abundance and decreased Firmicutes. Specifically, Acinetobacter and Rhodococcus were dominant in treated samples. Functional predictions highlighted significant metabolic versatility involving nutrient processing, immune response, detoxification, xenobiotic metabolism, and stress response, suggesting microbial adaptation to insecticide exposure. Network correlation analysis highlighted disrupted microbial interactions and altered community structures under insecticide treatment. These findings enhance our understanding of how insecticides impact the gut microbiota in S. frugiperda and may inform future strategies for managing pest resistance through microbiome‐based approaches.
Exploring Oral Health Promotion Among Mental Health Providers: An Integrative Review
Authors: Johnson Alisha Maree , Kenny Amanda , Ramjan Lucie , Raeburn Toby , George Ajesh
Published: February 2025

Individuals living with mental illness can experience dire oral health and face numerous barriers to oral health care. While mental health providers are important in oral health promotion, there is a major gap in knowledge on their oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices and guidelines/recommendations for best practice. This integrative review addresses this gap by synthesising evidence on mental health providers oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices and available clinical guidelines/recommendations. Searches were undertaken across six databases, supplemented with grey literature searches. The inclusion criteria were mental health providers, including nurses, doctors and allied health providers. Articles or guidelines/recommendations were excluded if they primarily related to drug and alcohol or substance use and eating disorders. A total of 16 studies and five guidelines/recommendations were included (20 were of high‐moderate quality). Mental health providers were receptive to playing a role in oral health promotion and screening and this was supported by guidelines/recommendations. However, current practices of mental health providers in promoting oral health are fragmented and inconsistent due to various barriers: limited knowledge, education, and training, lack of collaboration with dental services, heavy workloads, time constraints and challenging client behaviours. This review highlights an urgent need to strengthen supports for mental health providers to promote oral health with professional development in oral health, more detailed clinical practice guidelines, brief and user‐friendly oral health screening tools and streamlined dental referral pathways.
Barriers and Facilitators—Lessons Learned From a Randomised Trial to Implement Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention of Coercion in Psychiatry
Authors: Jaeger Susanne , Kampmann Marie , Baumgardt Johanna , Bechdolf Andreas , Bühling‐Schindowski Felix , Cole Celline , Flammer Erich , Junghanss Julia , Steinert Tilman , Mahler Lieselotte , Sauter Dorothea , Vandamme Angelika , Hirsch Sophie
Published: February 2025

The PreVCo study (‘Prevention of Violence and Coercion’) investigated the effects of a structured programme for the implementation of guideline recommendations for the management of aggression and the prevention of violence and coercion in psychiatric hospitals in a multicentre randomised controlled trial with 55 participating wards. The intervention was a 1‐year individually tailored implementation programme supported by external consultants. An independent evaluation of the individual wards' process aimed at identifying barriers and facilitators in implementation. We conducted guideline‐based group interviews with 53 of 55 participating teams during the implementation process. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used for the qualitative analysis. Two coders independently coded the transcripts and conducted a summary content analysis. The focus was on facilitators and barriers in the implementation process. The design of the intervention, in particular the framework of a controlled study, external guidance and the opportunity to choose and adapt the implementation programme according to the wards' possibilities and needs, was generally perceived as useful and supportive. The context of pandemic management at the time of the study interfered with the implementation process, mostly because of organisational transformations, challenges for information exchange and increased workload of the staff. With regard to the wards participating in the study, the main facilitators were a receptive, collaborative ward culture, team spirit and previous experiences in successful transformation processes. Barriers included the demanding working situation, frequent fluctuation of staff and low team cohesion, obstacles in communication, a deficit‐oriented perception of patients and low priority of the implementation process. Provision of necessary resources by the organisation was not self‐evident. Stakeholders devoted to the ideas of transformation of psychiatry and reduction of coercion were important facilitators of the implementation; however, some employees kept a resigned attitude and could not be engaged. The analysis of barriers and facilitators shows that an implementation process of innovative routines on psychiatric wards can benefit from external, individually tailored guidance. However, the working conditions on psychiatric wards remain to be challenging.

Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registration at www.isrctn.com with the identifier ISRCTN 71467851
‘Did I Make the Right Choice’: A Qualitative Exploration of Decision Regret Among Family Caregivers After Hospitalising a Patient With Schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Yubin , Zhang Linghui , Zhang Jiayuan , Yu Hong , Jiang Wenlong , Li Qi , Zhou Yuqiu
Published: February 2025

Committing a family member with schizophrenia to a psychiatric ward is a coping mechanism often employed under challenging circumstances. This decision entails significant emotional repercussions and ethical dilemmas, potentially undermining the psychological well‐being of the family and eroding public trust in mental health services and professionals. This study investigates the experiences of regret among family members after deciding to commit a relative to a locked ward, adhering to the COREQ guidelines. Employing a descriptive qualitative methodology, we conducted in‐depth interviews with 14 family members in Heilongjiang Province, China, who faced this difficult choice. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, which identified seven themes within three stages: Decision antecedent (limited comprehension of schizophrenia and treatment, deficiencies in supportive environment), decision process (suboptimal communication, hospitalisation and weighing of alternative options) and decision outcome (emotional burden of a loved one's hospital life, the indelible mark of schizophrenia, impact on family dynamics). The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, including addressing biased social media portrayals, enhancing the accuracy of medical information, ensuring transparency in psychiatric practices and improving support for families during hospitalisation.
Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Residents in the United States: Lessons From Virginia
Authors: Pryce Daniel K.
Published: February 2025

Evaluating community members’ views about their quality of life is important for improving quality of well‐being in society, as most societies are interested in the collective well‐being of the people. Moreover, quality‐of‐life research helps public officials to understand how well they are meeting the needs of the electorate. Using the theoretical framework of Maslow's Developmental Perspective, which argues that the higher the need satisfaction of the majority in a given society the greater the quality of life of that society, I explore the effects of multiple variables on quality of life in the Hampton Roads region of Southeast Virginia (this region has approximately 1.5 million people). Using data from a random sample of 639 respondents who reside in the Hampton Roads region, I found that, compared to Whites, Black respondents had a lower quality of life. Moreover, the more highly educated, those with higher incomes, and those who were married indicated that they had a higher quality of life. Finally, economic conditions, personal finances, personal health, quality of medical and health care and the quality of the public school system all predicted community members’ quality of life. Of the substantive predictors, economic conditions had the strongest predictive effect on quality of life in the Hampton Roads region. The implications of the findings for scholars, elected officials, community relations, public policy and future research are discussed.
Composition and Functional Diversity of Juvenile Groundfish Assemblages in the California Current
Authors: Gasbarro Ryan , Santora Jarrod A. , Cimino Megan , Schonfeld Adena , Bograd Steven J. , Hazen Elliott L. , Wells Brian K. , Field John C.
Published: February 2025

Aim

Long‐term monitoring data at the biogeographic scale are essential for developing baselines of biodiversity patterns and tools to diagnose natural cycles, trends, and anomalous events to assess threats from climate change. However, studies using these data often limit their analyses to relatively few metrics that may not adequately capture the breadth of biodiversity. Here, we calculate a suite of compositional and functional biodiversity metrics—collectively comprising ecoscapes—to better resolve assemblage‐level responses to environmental variability and test the spatiotemporal lability of faunal biogeographic provinces.

Location

California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME).

Taxon

Young‐of‐the‐year juvenile groundfish assemblages (n = 45 taxa).

Methods

Species composition and abundance data from two long‐term fisheries‐independent surveys were collated with a functional trait database for pelagic taxa. Distinct assemblages were identified through cluster analysis. Compositional and functional alpha‐ and beta‐level biodiversity metrics were then calculated to characterise assemblage‐level biodiversity and to identify patterns of regional community composition and turnover in space and time.

Results

Ecoscapes revealed the assemblage structure, functional diversity, and turnover of juvenile groundfish from 1990 to 2023. Canonical CCLME biogeographic provinces were mostly supported, but with notable spatiotemporal variation and differences across compositional and functional diversity metrics. Highly productive (unproductive) years were associated with the widespread extent of assemblages characterised by high (low) biodiversity and abundance.

Main Conclusions

The differences between patterns of functional and compositional diversity of assemblages highlight the potential of ecoscapes to better resolve biogeographic patterns with promising applications for future studies. Ecoscapes may provide explicit links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services, and additional insights into assemblage responses and resilience to environmental variability that can aid biodiversity monitoring and rapidly disseminate management‐relevant information in a changing climate.
Differential Impact of Metabolic Factors and Comorbidities on Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Ponirakis Georgios , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Gad Hoda , Abdulshakoor Sidra , Concepcion Jenneth M. , Khalfalla Sara H. , Elamin Iynas S. A. , AlZawqari Abeer T. H. , Elgassim Einas , Baraka Areej , Al‐Khalifa Aljazi M. , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , El Deeb Marwa A. , Afifi Nahla , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to assess the impact of metabolic factors and comorbidities on peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

Qatari nationals and long‐term residents from the Qatar Biobank underwent clinical/metabolic assessments, including iDXA to measure visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) volumes, inflammation, thyroid function, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), vibration perception threshold (VPT), and DN4 questionnaire.

Results

In 332 adults aged 43.4 ± 12.7 years, the prevalence of neuropathy was 3.9%. The prevalence of T2D was 16.6%, and the prevalence of neuropathy was significantly higher in T2D (14.5% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.0001). A higher HbA1c (p = 0.05) and lower eGFR (p < 0.01) were associated with reduced inferior whorl length (IWL) and lower FT3 was associated with reduced corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) (p < 0.01). Triglycerides were associated with increased neuropathic symptoms (p = 0.05). All the risk factors in this study contributed to 39% of neuropathy in T2D but had a minimal impact in those without T2D.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of additional risk factors beyond traditional risk factors associated with peripheral neuropathy in T2D.
Nursing Interventions for the Management of a Stoma Complicated by a Parastomal Hernia or Bulge: A Scoping Review
Authors: Larsen Cecilie , Borglit Trine Bolette , Leinum Lisbeth Roesen , Dreyer Pia , Krogsgaard Marianne
Published: February 2025

Background

Parastomal hernia or bulging is a long‐recognised complication in relation to a stoma. Around half of patients develop a parastomal bulge and up to 75% experience symptoms. Only a minority is offered surgical treatment; thus, most patients manage the bulge on their own or by interventions provided by stoma care nurses.

Aims and Objectives

To identify and present the available information on nursing interventions for the management of symptoms caused by the parastomal bulge.

Methods

This scoping review followed the framework by the Joanna Briggs Institute, conducting searches in 11 databases and through stoma organisations. Literature on nursing management of parastomal bulges was included. Two authors independently screened and selected the studies, with data‐charting performed by one author and verified by another. The PAGER framework depicted the state of the evidence and the PRISMA‐ScR checklist guided the process.

Results

Of 8361 screened publications, 44 were included. Management of the parastomal bulge and related symptoms were described in eight nursing interventions: appliances, support garments, irrigation and regulation of stool, strangulation, disguise and intimacy, physical activity, support and education, record keeping, follow‐up and referral. Most evidence was based on expert opinion with only ⅓ of papers using study designs, such as cross‐sectional, qualitative, review, before and after study, Delphi and RCT.

Conclusion

This scoping review highlights the complexity of providing nursing interventions for parastomal bulging. It shows that one intervention can manage multiple symptoms and potentially several symptoms simultaneously, whereas several interventions may be needed to address a single symptom. Therefore, decisions on interventions must be based on the underlying cause of the problem. Due to the limited number of studies on the effects of nursing interventions, more rigorous research is needed in the future.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The results can be used as an inspirational guide for clinical practice.
Mandibular Oral Tori Predict the Presence but Not the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Yong Chee Weng , Quah Bernadette , Kong Nicole Li Shuen , Colpani Juliana Tereza , Wong Raymond Chung Wen
Published: February 2025

Background

Oral torus assessment is recommended as a part of routine craniofacial examination in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, there are conflicting studies on whether oral torus is associated with OSA and whether it affects OSA therapy.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically review the effects of mandibular torus on OSA and its treatment.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to 15 July 2024. Studies that included patients with oral torus and examined the diagnosis and severity of OSA (Apnoea–Hypopnea Index [AHI], oxygen saturation, blood pressure and patient‐reported outcomes), and studies that examined the effectiveness of OSA treatment in patients with oral torus were included. PRISMA guidelines were followed for data extraction.

Results

Eleven studies with 1372 patients were included in the study. Patients with mandibular torus were found to have a relative risk of 1.9 (95% CI = 0.9; 4.1) for OSA. The pooled mean difference in AHI between patients with and without mandibular torus was 1.6 (95% CI = −5.3; 8.6). Large mandibular torus was found to be associated with mild and moderate OSA but not with severe OSA. A greater reduction in AHI after mandibular advancement device or soft‐tissue OSA surgery can be achieved in patients with torus. However, the difference was not significant when compared to patients without it.

Conclusion

Patients with mandibular torus are more likely to have OSA. Larger mandibular torus may be associated with mild or moderate OSA but not severe OSA. Mandibular torus does not impede OSA treatment.
Is using TikTok stressful? Exploring the longitudinal relationships between adolescents' self‐concept clarity and digital stress
Authors: Dodan Daria , Negru‐Subtirica Oana
Published: February 2025

TikTok is a pervasive and controversial social media platform with a sizeable adolescent following. Using a two‐wave longitudinal design spaced 3 months apart during the academic year (N = 328, 60.4% male, Mage = 16.99), we investigated how adolescents' self‐concept clarity relates to approval anxiety, fear of missing out, and online vigilance as possible stressors experienced on TikTok. Results showed a negative bidirectional link between self‐concept clarity and approval anxiety. We also found a negative unidirectional longitudinal association between self‐concept clarity and fear of missing out (FoMO) and online vigilance, respectively. Last, we found that approval anxiety longitudinally fosters fear of missing out. These findings suggest that adolescents holding uncertain self‐views are more likely to perceive TikTok as a stressful environment and that experiencing approval anxiety might be especially harmful for them.
Emplacement of monomict breccia and crater size estimate at the Dhala impact structure, India
Authors: Tiwari Sonal , Joshi Gaurav , Phukon Pradyut , Agarwal Amar , Venkateshwarlu Mamilla
Published: February 2025

At the Dhala impact structure, the monomict breccia and the impact melt rock outcrops are present in proximity. Generally, these impactite lithologies are formed by different mechanisms and in different parts of the crater. The emplacement setting of impact melt rocks at Dhala has been well studied. Therefore, we studied the emplacement of monomict breccia using field, microscopic, and magnetic fabric investigations. Our results show that the intensities of the rock magnetic parameters in monomict breccia are comparable with the unshocked target granitoid at Dhala. Thus, the magnetic fabrics developed during pre‐impact processes and were not altered due to impact. The absence of the reorientation of magnetic fabrics indicates that the peak shock pressures were below 0.5 GPa. Such shock pressures typically exist near the crater wall/floor or outside the crater. Moreover, there is no local variation in the orientations of magnetic fabrics at different locations in the same outcrop. Thus, the monomict breccia was not displaced from their pre‐impact position. Based on the shock barometry and absence of displacement, we propose that the present‐day annular outcrops of monomict breccia are located just outside the final crater. Furthermore, the monomict breccia annular outcrop ring has an internal diameter of ~4.5 km and is juxtaposed with impact melt rocks, which formed within the crater (previous studies). We, thus, suggest that the present‐day crater diameter is ~4.5 km.