bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formal Thought Disorders and Neurocognition in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: Trouble du cours de la pensée et neurocognition dans la schizophrénie réfractaire
Authors: Alarabi Mohammed , Burton Leah , Powell Valerie , Isinger Tanner , Agarwal Sri Mahavir , Remington Gary
Published: November 2024

Objective

Formal thought disorders (FTDs), a core feature of schizophrenia, have been subdivided into positive and negative types, and are clinically assessed by examining speech (objective) or patient introspection (subjective). Despite being associated with poorer treatment response and worse outcomes, FTDs have been understudied in patients with schizophrenia, in particular treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) or schizoaffective disorder. We aimed to explore the relationship between the severity of positive and negative FTDs and neurocognition as well as social/occupational functioning in this clinical subgroup.

Method

This was a retrospective chart review conducted at the Clozapine Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. We reviewed charted standardized assessment of FTDs using the Thought and Language Disorder (TALD) scale, neurocognition using the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia (B-CATS), and functioning using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) between October 2022 and June 2023. Following the original factor structure of the TALD, we computed 4- factor scores that combined positive or negative and objective or subjective FTDs. We then explored the correlation between the scores from each TALD factor and the neurocognition and functioning scores.

Results

We analysed data for 23 outpatients on clozapine. After the Bonferroni adjustment, total TALD scores, indicating overall severity of FTDs, were strongly and inversely correlated with SOFAS scores ( p < 0.001). A strong inverse correlation was found between the objective positive TALD factor and Letter-Number Span verbal working memory scores, r(21) = −0.63, p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the strong relationship between FTDs, neurocognition, and social/occupational functioning in a sample of TRS outpatients. Within the cognitive domains assessed, verbal working memory impairment had the strongest correlation with positive FTDs, such as derailment or tangentiality. These findings highlight the value of employing standardized psychopathological scales for FTDs in clinical practice.
Intergenerational Transmission of Posttraumatic Orientation to Bodily Signals Following Child Maltreatment
Authors: Talmon Ada , Tsur Noga
Published: November 2024

Recent studies have indicated that CM (child maltreatment) may influence individuals' perception of their bodies, often resulting in a posttraumatic orientation to bodily signals (OBS). Given the intricate relationship between bodily and interpersonal experiences, it is hypothesized that posttraumatic OBS may be intergenerationally transmitted. However, knowledge regarding this phenomenon, and its underlying mechanisms, remains limited. Two studies tested (a) the link between CM and posttraumatic OBS, mediated by posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and attachment security, and (b) the intergenerational transmission of a posttraumatic OBS following CM among dyads of parents and their young adult offspring. The first study included 445 young adults (mean age = 352, SD = 10.2), and the second study included 393 dyads (parents’ mean age = 58, SD = 5.91; offspring's mean age = 27, SD = 3.91). The participants completed self-reported questionnaires. Study 1 found that posttraumatic OBS was associated with CM, through the mediation of PTS symptoms (indirect effect = 0.15, p = .005), and insecure attachment (indirect effects between 0.132 and 1.44, p < .006). The second study found two pathways of intergenerational transmission. The first pathway showed indirect paths between parents’ CM exposure and offspring’s posttraumatic OBS, through parents’ reaction to CM (PTS symptoms, anxious attachment, and avoidant attachment) and posttraumatic OBS (indirect effects between 0.006 and 0.013, p < .039). The second pathway revealed indirect links between parents’ CM exposure and offspring’s posttraumatic OBS, through parents’ and offspring’s reaction to CM (indirect effects between 0.006 and 0.56, p < .015). The study’s findings add empirical evidence that posttraumatic OBS is a significant implication of CM. The second study illuminates the intergenerational transmission of a posttraumatic OBS following parental CM exposure, uncovering PTS symptoms, and insecure attachment styles as potential underlying mechanisms.
Improving mechanical properties of 3D printed products through honeycomb structure and deep learning optimization
Authors: Phan Gia-Hoang
Published: November 2024

The use of three-dimensional (3D) Printing has rapidly grown due to its various applications in daily life. However, products made with this technology are not widely adopted because their quality is not yet seen as equal to that of products made with traditional materials. To address this issue, a honeycomb structure model was developed to improve the mechanical properties of the items created using 3D printing technology. This model not only saves materials, but also reduces printing time compared to previous models. The honeycomb structure was designed using a theoretical model, and its components were modified to ensure compatibility with the 3D printing extrusion method. Moreover, deep learning was used to optimise the honeycomb structure model’s boundary conditions by generating contour curves through linear interpolation. This process significantly improved the mechanical strength of the honeycomb structure model compared to structures made using 3D printing technology. The theoretical findings were validated through various material tensile tests conducted under different scenarios. As a result, this model can be used in various industries and products that use 3D printing technology, thanks to the critical role that deep learning in improving its mechanical properties.
A framework for data-driven decision making in advanced manufacturing systems: Development and implementation
Authors: Ojha Vimlesh Kumar , Goyal Sanjeev , Chand Mahesh , Kumar Ajay
Published: November 2024

Integration of sophisticated technologies such as Internet of Things, cyber physical systems and big data analytics have revolutionized the advanced manufacturing systems (AMS). However, implementation of data-driven decision making in AMS still remains challenging due to data heterogeneity, real-time processing demands, and integration complexities. This paper overcomes this challenge by presenting a novel framework for adoption of DDDM in AMS to enhance its decision-making capabilities. This framework consists of six stages: manufacturing stage, sensing stage, data stage, knowledge stage, decision stage, and application stage. The proposed framework leverages big data analytics to extract actionable insights from diverse datasets, integrates CPS to create a seamless interaction between physical and digital systems, and employs IoT technologies for real-time data acquisition and monitoring. The framework is validated through a comprehensive case study involving a CNC milling machine dataset, demonstrating significant improvements in operational efficiency, decision accuracy, and response time. The case study involves detailed data collection steps, preprocessing, and analysis, showcasing the framework’s practical implementation and effectiveness. The results show that the proposed framework addresses existing challenges and provides a scalable solution for DDDM implementation in AMS.
Choice Architecture and the Potential to Nudge Career Development at Scale
Authors: Lent Robert W.
Published: November 2024

Choice architecture refers to features of the psychological, social, and physical environment that can affect the process and outcome of human decisions. With roots in cognitive psychology and behavioral economics, it has become a fertile topic of inquiry in a wide range of behavioral domains. Thaler and Sunstein (2008) popularized choice architecture and its concept of nudges, which are small environmental adjustments that can facilitate behavioral choices without limiting personal autonomy. Nudge interventions have been studied intensely in relation to health, financial, ecological, and consumer outcomes. In this article, I consider how the strategic use of digital nudges might be used in career interventions, particularly in the context of a proactive, large-scale service delivery model. After overviewing the efficacy of nudge interventions in other literatures (e.g., educational decision-making), I suggest an agenda for designing and testing career development nudges. Though they often yield modest effect sizes, nudges may have potential as a cost-effective addition to the career intervention repertoire, providing both a means of assisting those who have been underserved by traditional career services and an outreach bridge between technology- and counselor-based interventions.
Dimensions of Child Maltreatment in Australians With a History of Out-of-Home Care
Authors: Harris Lottie G. , Higgins Daryl J. , Willis Megan L. , Lawrence David , Meinck Franziska , Thomas Hannah J. , Malacova Eva , Scott James G. , Pacella Rosana , Haslam Divna M.
Published: November 2024

Research suggests that the dimensions of childhood maltreatment (type, age of onset, duration, frequency and perpetrator) play an important role in determining health and wellbeing outcomes, though little information is available on these dimensions for any care experienced cohorts. This study aimed to determine if any variation in maltreatment dimensions were experienced between two subsets of the nationally representative Australian Child Maltreatment Study, both of which reported childhood maltreatment histories: care-experienced ( n = 358) and non-care-experienced ( n = 4922). Using a series of independent t-tests and chi-square tests, we compared the two groups on seven dimensions (number of maltreatment types, range of maltreatment items, age of onset, duration, frequency, perpetrator number, and perpetrator type) for the five child maltreatment types (physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence). Results showed that the care-experienced group reported a higher intensity of maltreatment, being younger when maltreatment first started, experiencing greater variety of maltreatment types, for longer periods, more times and by more perpetrators than maltreated people with no care experience. We conclude that children and young people in out-of-home care experience maltreatment at a higher intensity than the rest of the population, which has implications for effective treatment.
Comparative analysis of methods for predicting train-induced vibrations
Authors: Hsu Wei-Lun , Chen Wei-Bin , Hsieh Meng-Ting
Published: November 2024

Railway systems cause more severe vibration pollution than road systems, and the vibration pollution caused by railway systems has been increasing annually over the past two decades. Despite this, there is limited investigation into the accuracy of train-induced vibration prediction methods. Therefore, the present study investigated the accuracy of the detailed and general procedures proposed by the US Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for predicting train-induced vibrations. The accuracy of these methods was determined by evaluating their predictions against in-situ measurements of ground vibration levels induced by passing trains. The field experiments conducted in this study involved the measurement of train-induced vibration levels, the estimation of line-source transfer mobility (LSTM) by dropping a weight on rail sleepers, the evaluation of force density levels, and the determination of ground LSTM by dropping a weight on the ground. In addition, graphs were plotted to determine the relationships of train-induced vertical vibration levels with train speed, distance from the track centreline, and train length. The study compared measured and predicted vibration levels to assess the accuracy of the FTA’s detailed and general prediction methods. Results indicate that detailed assessments tend to overestimate vibration levels, while an optimized general vibration assessment curve offers a more precise estimate. Additionally, on the basis of the measurement data, the study explored the impact of train length on ground vibration and demonstrated that track ballast can absorb vibration energy along the wave propagation path. A frequency propagation contour plot was also created to analyse vibration energy across different frequencies. These findings enhance the reliability of train-induced vibration prediction methods and provide insights for improving vibration mitigation strategies in urban railway systems.
Of devotion and disgust: Method, belief and power in anthropological research on religion
Authors: Verma Benu
Published: November 2024

In this paper I argue that the method of participant observation is as contingent as it is strategic and that ethnographic fieldwork in a religious field cannot be undertaken justifiably by circumventing the question of personal religious belief, as it is indeed the status of the ethnographer’s belief which facilitates learning in and of the field. I will show that in my field, belief in the guru becomes a modality to partake in the power relations among devotees which characterize the public nature of the devotee gatherings and is a commonly accepted way of being acknowledged as a devotee.
Different parenting styles among Christian and Muslim populations living in homogenous Israeli communities – In relation to their possession of the three capital types
Authors: Markovizky Matan , Shafran Yoel
Published: November 2024

Modern society is structured as a social hierarchy where highly ranked individuals enjoy various advantages. Many theoreticians have attempted to quantify social hierarchy, and one of the modern ones, Pierre Bourdieu, proposed that this hierarchy can be examined by an individual’s three types of capital: economic (the individual’s material resources), cultural (their level of education), and social (their social connections with others). Likewise, it is known that different social classes practice varying parenting styles. Our study aims to examine whether parenting approaches differ between two groups of the Arab population residing in Israel – Muslim and Christian, as regards the three types of capital. It is known that the Christian population possesses more of the three types of capital, giving them an advantage over the Muslim population. We conducted a qualitative study of in-depth interviews with two population groups. Each group comprised 15 participants, one group of the Muslim faith and the other group Christians. Each religious group was further divided into two more groups: upper social class and lower social class. Analysis of the participants’ responses showed significant differences in the parenting styles of each group. This could intensify the existing inequality in Israeli society, especially within Arab society.
Participation as Co-Occupation Between Parents and Adult Children With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Dahlerbruch Katie , Helfrich Christine , Gill Simone V.
Published: November 2024

Adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) require high levels of assistance to participate in occupations. Otherwise, they experience low occupational engagement. This study aimed to explore how parents describe participation in occupations for their adult children with PIMD. Semi-structured interviews ( n = 9) were conducted to understand how parents described their adult children’s participation in occupations. Data were analyzed using the theory of co-occupation to identify themes and triangulate findings with the literature. Parents described participation as co-occupation in “essential” versus “non-essential” occupations. Participation in essential co-occupations emphasized shared physicality, while non-essential co-occupations focused on joint meaning (shared intentionality) and emotional responses (shared emotionality). Findings illustrate a way to conceptualize participation in essential versus non-essential co-occupations for adults with PIMD, highlight the importance of recognizing and illuminating subjective experiences of adults with PIMD, and provide a foundation for occupational therapists to increase occupational engagement within this population.
Worldviews, attitudes to science and science policy in Kuwait: The engagement and mobilisation effects
Authors: Sammut Gordon , Sartawi Mohammad , Bauer Martin W. , Mifsud Rebekah
Published: November 2024

The relevance of policymaking stems from its utility in helping social systems manage the output of their constituent members by shaping behavioural and procedural processes. Whilst policymaking might be well-meaning, it does not always lead to satisfactory outcomes. Policy may fail in generating uptake or establishing intent. For this reason, the study of the psychological characteristics of citizens is pertinent in understanding reactions to policy. In the present study, we analysed policy communication and reception in Kuwait in terms of the worldviews they advance. We also studied media responses and worldview distributions amongst the public ( n = 1400). Our findings demonstrate both within and between worldview differences in reactions to science policy. We observed an engagement effect between worldviews and their appreciation of science policy. We also observed a within worldviews mobilisation effect, by which differential reactions to science policy are activated once engaged. Our conclusions suggest that policymakers would benefit from a broader management of worldviews and psychological characteristics beyond traditional sociodemographic influences.
Energy, publics, and the universe of communication: A dialogue with G. Thomas Goodnight
Authors: Goodnight G. Thomas , Wei Yiran
Published: November 2024

Professor G. Thomas Goodnight is a distinguished scholar and philosopher, renowned for his research on argumentation in the public sphere. Recently, he has devoted himself to developing the energy communication as a subfield. In this academic interview, Goodnight first explains what energy communication is and why it is important to our field. He then turns to emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, and the Belt and Road’s energy diplomacy to share his latest insights on the energy issue in the digital communication age, as well as the argumentation, differences, dissensus, and their productive nature in the global transition.
Impact of Dermoscopy Training on Diagnostic Accuracy, and Its Association With Biopsy and Referral Patterns Among Primary Care Providers: A Retrospective and Prospective Educational Intervention Study
Authors: Middleton Hayden T. , Swanson David L. , Sartori-Valinotti Julio C. , O’Laughlin Danielle J. , Young Peter A. , Merry Stephen P. , Nelson Kelly , Fischer Karen , Weatherly Renee M. , Boswell Christopher L.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Proper diagnosis in primary care is crucial due to the large number of skin cancer diagnoses each year and its associated growing economic burden. Understanding how primary care providers can be best trained in dermoscopy is instrumental in helping primary care providers differentiate benign and malignant cutaneous lesions so that appropriate action can be taken (eg, biopsy/referral to dermatology or reassurance).

Objective:

To assess the success of concise dermoscopy training among primary care providers.

Design:

A cohort study was conducted in primary care at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in internal medicine and family medicine. Diagnostic accuracy was measured on standardized testing through image-based recognition and in clinical practice through observation of referral and biopsy patterns both before and after dermoscopy education, focused on the TADA plus method.

Results:

Forty-three primary care providers completed the image-based recognition tests, with significant improvement in mean score measured after dermoscopy training workshop (20%). Among the thirteen primary care providers who continued to use dermoscopy in clinical practice, a significant improvement (31%) in mean clinical diagnostic accuracy was observed comparing 1 year of practice data before versus after dermoscopy training.

Conclusion:

Improvement in diagnostic accuracy with utilization of the TADA plus method translates into clinical practice. Therefore, training primary care providers in dermoscopy may improve the dermatologic care patients receive in primary care, especially in rural or medically underserved areas where access to dermatology is limited.
MGST1 facilitates novel KRASG12D inhibitor resistance in KRASG12D-mutated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Xu Chungui , Lin Weihao , Zhang Qi , Ma Yarui , Wang Xue , Guo Ai , Zhu Guiling , Zhou Zhendiao , Song Weiwei , Zhao Ziyi , Jiao Yuchen , Wang Xiaobing , Du Chunxia
Published: November 2024

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer with a low 5-year survival rate. Treatment options for PDAC patients are limited. Recent studies have shown promising results with MRTX1133, a KRASG12D inhibitor that demonstrated potent antitumor activity in various types of tumors with KRASG12D mutation. Resistance to KRAS inhibitors is frequently occurred and one of the main reasons for treatment failure. Understanding resistance mechanisms to novel KRAS inhibitors is crucial to ensure sustained and durable remissions.

Methods

Two KRASG12D inhibitor MRTX1133-resistant PDAC cell lines were established in vitro. The resistance mechanisms to KRASG12D inhibitor MRTX1133 against PDAC in vitro and in vivo were characterized by RNA sequencing, reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction, cytotoxicity test, plasmid transfection, lentivirus transfection, lipid peroxidation detection, malondialdehyde levels detection, glutathione levels detection, western blot, immunofluorescence, nude mice tumorigenesis experiment and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The bioinformatics analysis and transcriptome sequencing showed that ferroptosis was involved in the resistant effect of the KRASG12D inhibitor treatment, and MGST1 was the key molecule against MRTX1133-induced ferroptosis. Increased expression of MGST1 weakened the cytotoxicity of MRTX1133 by inhibiting lipid peroxidation-induced ferroptosis in KRASG12D inhibitor-resistant PDAC cells. Knockdown or overexpression of MGST1 conferred sensitivity or resistance to KRASG12D inhibitor MRTX1133, respectively. Mechanismly, increased nuclear localization and higher levels of active β-catenin were observed in MRTX1133-resistant PDAC cells, which contributed to higher MGST1 expression. Knockdown of CTNNB1 or TCF4 can decreased MGST1 expression. Additionally, we found that PKF-118-310, an antagonist of β-catenin/Tcf4 complex, repressed MGST1 expression. In both in vitro and in vivo models, a synergistic effect was observed when combining MRTX1133 and PKF-118-310 in KRASG12D inhibitor MRTX1133-resistant PDAC cells and tumors.

Conclusion

Our data showed that KRASG12D inhibitor MRTX1133 combined with PKF-118-310 could enhance the effectiveness of MRTX1133 treatment response through induction of ferroptosis via inhibiting MGST1 expression in MRTX1133-resistant PDAC cells and tumors. This evidence may provide a promising strategy to overcome KRASG12D inhibitor MRTX1133 resistance in PDAC patients with KRASG12D mutations.

Graphical Abstract
Microprotein-encoding RNA regulation in cells treated with pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic stimuli
Authors: Pai Victor J. , Lau Calvin J. , Garcia-Ruiz Almudena , Donaldson Cynthia , Vaughan Joan M. , Miller Brendan , De Souza Eduardo V. , Pinto Antonio M. , Diedrich Jolene , Gavva Narender R. , Yu Shan , DeBoever Christopher , Horman Shane R. , Saghatelian Alan
Published: November 2024

Background

Recent analysis of the human proteome via proteogenomics and ribosome profiling of the transcriptome revealed the existence of thousands of previously unannotated microprotein-coding small open reading frames (smORFs). Most functional microproteins were chosen for characterization because of their evolutionary conservation. However, one example of a non-conserved immunomodulatory microprotein in mice suggests that strict sequence conservation misses some intriguing microproteins.

Results

We examine the ability of gene regulation to identify human microproteins with potential roles in inflammation or fibrosis of the intestine. To do this, we collected ribosome profiling data of intestinal cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and used gene expression of microprotein-encoding transcripts to identify strongly regulated microproteins, including several examples of microproteins that are only conserved with primates.

Conclusion

This approach reveals a number of new microproteins worthy of additional functional characterization and provides a dataset that can be queried in different ways to find additional gut microproteins of interest.
Dissecting genomic regions and underlying candidate genes in groundnut MAGIC population for drought tolerance
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Mahadevaiah Supriya S. , Latha Putta , Gowda S. Anjan , Manohar Surendra S. , Jadhav Kanchan , Bajaj Prasad , Joshi Pushpesh , Anitha T. , Jadhav Mangesh P. , Sharma Shailendra , Janila Pasupuleti , Bhat Ramesh S. , Varshney Rajeev K. , Pandey Manish K.
Published: November 2024

Background

Groundnut is mainly grown in the semi-arid tropic (SAT) regions worldwide, where abiotic stress like drought is persistent. However, a major research gap exists regarding exploring the genetic and genomic underpinnings of tolerance to drought. In this study, a multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) population was developed and evaluated for five seasons at two locations for three consecutive years (2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21) under drought stress and normal environments.

Results

Phenotyping data of drought tolerance related traits, combined with the high-quality 10,556 polymorphic SNPs, were used to perform multi-locus model genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis. We identified 37 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) (Bonferroni-corrected) accounting, 0.91- 9.82% of the phenotypic variance. Intriguingly, 26 significant MTAs overlap on four chromosomes (Ah03, Ah07, Ah10 and Ah18) (harboring 70% of MTAs), indicating genomic hotspot regions governing drought tolerance traits. Furthermore, important candidate genes associated with leaf senescence (NAC transcription factor), flowering (B3 domain-containing transcription factor, Ulp1 protease family, and Ankyrin repeat-containing protein), involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis (FAR1 DNA-binding domain protein), stomatal regulation (Rop guanine nucleotide exchange factor; Galacturonosyltransferases), and associated with yield traits (Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein 11 and Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein 21) were found in the vicinity of significant MTAs genomic regions.

Conclusion

The findings of our investigation have the potential to provide a basis for significant MTAs validation, gene discovery and development of functional markers, which could be employed in genomics-assisted breeding to develop climate-resilient groundnut varieties.
Vaccine equity implementation: exploring factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine delivery in the Philippines from an equity lens
Authors: Zhao Junqiang , Wu Shishi , Rafal Renz Andrew , Manguerra Helena , Dong Quanfang , Huang Hongyu , Lau Lincoln , Wei Xiaolin
Published: November 2024

Background

During the early phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, low and middle-income countries (LMICs) were facing challenges in achieving equitable vaccine delivery. Few studies have contextualized global vaccine distributive injustice into national-specific contexts to understand its impact on vaccine delivery from an equity perspective. We aimed to investigate factors influencing equitable COVID-19 vaccine delivery in the Philippines and to provide recommendations to enhance equitable vaccine delivery in LMICs to prepare for future health emergencies.

Methods

The Health Equity Implementation Framework was employed to guide this qualitative study. We recruited participants using purposeful and snowballing sampling strategies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in person, online, or over the phone. A reflective thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze data.

Results

We recruited 38 participants including seven high-level stakeholders from the public and private sectors, 14 health workers, and 17 community members in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Equitable delivery of COVID-19 vaccines was influenced by an interplay of multiple factors operating in different domains. Contextually, the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus, ongoing scientific advancements, and international negotiations directed national-level vaccine policies. Political commitment and support were recognized as crucial drivers for successful vaccine delivery, with a strong emphasis on health information framing and communication and adherence to human rights principles. The vulnerability of the health system significantly impacted the timely and effective distribution of vaccines. Furthermore, the geographical characteristics of the Philippines presented unique logistical challenges to vaccine delivery. At the recipient domain, individual perceptions of vaccines, shaped by their socioeconomic status, exposure to (mis)information, social influence, and entrenched religious beliefs, played a major role in their vaccine decisions and thus vaccine coverage regionally. Additionally, vaccine characteristics and operational challenges related to its distribution also impacted fair allocation.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the urgent need for LMICs to strengthen their health system resilience and sustainability and use multilevel strategies to build public trust to improve vaccine uptake and coverage. Moreover, each LMIC must be attentive to its unique contextual factors to develop tailored implementation strategies to promote equitable vaccine distribution.
Healthy longevity-associated protein improves cardiac function in murine models of cardiomyopathy with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Alvino Valeria Vincenza , Slater Sadie , Qiu Yan , Cattaneo Monica , Mohammed Khaled Abdelsattar Kassem , Gate Seamus , Sekar Vealmurugan , Puca Annibale Alessandro , Madeddu Paolo
Published: November 2024

Aims

Aging is influenced by genetic determinants and comorbidities, among which diabetes increases the risk for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. There is no therapy to prevent heart dysfunction in aging and diabetic individuals. In previous studies, a single administration of the longevity-associated variant (LAV) of the human BPIFB4 gene halted heart decline in older and type 2 diabetic mice. Here, we asked whether orally administered LAV-BPIFB4 protein replicates these benefits.

Materials and Methods

In two controlled, randomized studies, 18-month-old male C57BL/6 J mice and 9-week-old C57BLKS/J-Leprdb/Leprdb/Dock7 + [db/db] mice of both sexes underwent baseline echocardiography. They then received a recombinant purified LAV-BPIFB4 protein (3 µg/animal, every three days) or vehicle by gavage. After 30 days, the animals underwent echocardiography, and the hearts were collected post-termination for histology.

Results

All the animals completed the study except one female diabetic mouse, which was culled prematurely because tooth malocclusion caused eating problems. There was no effect of the LAV-BPIFB4 protein on body weight in the two studies or glycosuria in the diabetic study. In aging mice, LAV-BPIFB4 increased myocardial Bpifb4 expression, improving heart contractility and capillarity while reducing perivascular fibrosis and senesce. In male diabetic mice, LAV-BPIFB4 therapy improved systolic function, microvascular density, and senescence, whereas the benefit was limited to systolic function in females.

Conclusions

This study shows the feasibility and efficacy of a variant protein associated with human longevity in contrasting pivotal risk factors for heart failure in animal models. The diabetic study revealed that sex influences the treatment efficacy.
A “silent storm”: uncovering the escalating crisis in mental healthcare for children and adolescents in Slovenia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mali Sanja Zupanič , Karakatič Sašo , Radobuljac Maja Drobnič
Published: November 2024

Aim

Our aim was to assess the burden of children and adolescents’ mental health problems on the Slovenian outpatient healthcare system before, during and after the pandemic.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of healthcare indicators from 2008 to 2023, we analysed data from the National Institute of Public Health. Key domains included initial visits for mental and behavioural disorders (MBDs) to primary care for the population aged 0–19; the number of referrals to an initial assessment with a child and adolescent psychiatrist (CAP) at the secondary level for the population aged 0–17 along with the corresponding waiting times; and the number of urgent referrals for the population aged 0–17 to emergency mental health centres at the tertiary level. The calculations included rates per 1000 people. Descriptive statistics and diagrams were used to compare the data. Segmented linear regression analysis (SLR) was conducted on the primary healthcare data to identify the distinct temporal point indicating an increase.

Results

Comparing the average rates of the 2020–2022 period to those of the 2018–2019 period, there was a 20% increase in initial visits to primary care, a 23% increase in the referral rate to a CAP at the secondary level, and a 41% increase to the tertiary level of care. In secondary care, a four- to sevenfold increase in waiting times for the initial CAP assessment was observed between 2019 and 2023. The incidence of initial visits to primary healthcare services for MBD increased from 2008 to 2019 (average annual growth rate of 4.5%). The average annual growth rate for the 2020–2022 period tripled to 13.9%. The SLR showed that the trend of accelerating growth could have begun in 2017 for the 0–5 age group and possibly for the 15–19 age group as well.

Conclusions

After the initial decline in 2020, all levels of the Slovenian healthcare system faced an increased burden of MBD in children and adolescents from 2021 to 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels. Nevertheless, a portion of this increase aligns with longitudinal growing trends from 2008 onwards. Tackling the crisis requires urgent national action, significant improvement in organization, and investments in mental health.
The first report of rhinosinusitis by Rhizopus delemar in a patient with severe COVID-19 in Iran: a case report
Authors: Mojtahedi Seyedeh Sabereh , Hosseinikargar Neginsadat , Zarrinfar Hossein , Bakhshaee Mehdi , Najafzadeh Mohammad Javad , Zhou Ya Bin , Houbraken Jos
Published: November 2024

Background

Mucormycosis is a severe and fatal fungal infection in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 caused by Mucorales. Here we present a case of a 63-year-old man with coronavirus disease 2019 infection, along with rhinosinusitis mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus delemar.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old Iranian man suffering from a coronavirus disease 2019 infection with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, and generalized body pain. On the basis of the clinical manifestations, such as headache, a history of black nasal discharge, nasal hypoesthesia, facial swelling, numbness, nasal obstruction, presence of necrotic lesions on the nasal passages on physical examination, and abnormal computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses, the patient underwent surgical debridement. Direct microscopy of specimens obtained from the paranasal sinuses, and subsequent isolation and identification, revealed a rhinosinusitis mucormycosis caused by R. delemar. Despite therapeutic measures, such as sinus debridement surgery and antifungal therapy with amphotericin B injection (50 mg/day), the patient died after 35 days of hospitalization.

Conclusion

In this report, we present the first documented case of human infection with R. delemar in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 infection, who also exhibited rhinosinusitis mucormycosis. R. delemar appears to be an emerging agent of rhinosinusitis mucormycosis in this region. Furthermore, prompt diagnosis and the exploration of alternative antifungal treatments, beyond amphotericin B, may be crucial for effectively managing patients with R. delemar infections.
Long-term outcomes of spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a literature review
Authors: Pishnamaz Miguel , Migliorini Filippo , Blume Christian , Kobbe Philipp , Trobisch Per , Delbrück Heide , Hildebrand Frank , Herren Christian
Published: November 2024

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of spinal deformity in the younger population. The surgical management for these patients improved constantly over the last year and might not be comparable to modern treatment strategies. However, under this aspect the present investigation updates and discusses current evidence regarding the long-term outcome of the surgical management of AIS. All the clinical studies which evaluated the long-term outcomes of spinal fusion were considered. Level of evidence, clinical and radiological data, results of health-related questionnaires and surgery-associated complications during long-term follow-up, e.g., proximal and distal junctional kyphosis (PJK/DJK), and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), are presented. Data concerning the following patient-reported outcomes measures were collected: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Outcome Questionnaire, visual analogue scale (VAS), and short form-12 and 36 (SF-12/SF-36). Overall, data from 1115 patients were included. Of them, 324 underwent anterior and 791 posterior spinal fusion. One study focuses on a combined anterior/posterior fusions. The mean follow-up was 22.6 years (posterior fusion: 24.6 years, anterior fusion: 18.31 years). Seven studies focus on the thoracic segments, while 12 focus on the lumbar spine. Data on imaging was reported in 13 studies and those on PROMs in 15 investigations. In conclusion, there is low quality and paucity of long-term data on AIS. However, the long-term results of the implicated studies on AIS patients in this review appear to be satisfactory, although there are limitations in the outcome compared to healthy comparison cohorts. Adjacent degenerations appear to be the most common mechanical complication after long-segment fusions, despite their influence on the outcome remains unclear. With regard to pregnancies, there are slightly increased cesarean section rates, which could be explained by deviations in the sagittal profile.
Pharmacokinetic profile of novel multi-layer stable effervescent tablet: a cross-over study with an established European brand in healthy young male adults
Authors: Dani Danish Hassan , Shyum Naqvi Syed Baqir , Akram Muhammad , Ullah Matti , Khaliq Sheikh Abdul , Akhtar Muhammad Masoom , Abdullah Orva , Badshah Syed Faisal , Bourhia Mohammed , Shazly Gamal A. , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Fazil Srosh
Published: November 2024

Effervescent formulation helps in faster and better absorption of drugs, especially those that are rapidly soluble in water. However, these tablets require special packaging in order to prevent them from absorbing moisture, hence increasing cost. We compared an effervescent tablet prepared using an in-house developed method (multi-layer tablet with acid and base part separated by an inert layer) to a European effervescent tablet (Efferalgan®) in a single-center, randomized cross-over study among twelve healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected for 8 h and analyzed for paracetamol concentration using HPLC. Our results showed that both the products have similar pharmacokinetic profiles with no significant difference observed for Clast, Thalf, Kelim, and MRT (p-value > 0.05). Moreover, to assess bioequivalence we did not find any significant difference (p-value > 0.05) in AUC (27.12 ± 6.02 vs. 27.29 ± 2.64 µg.h/ml), Cmax (7.42 ± 1.06 vs. 7.83 ± 1.19 µg/ml) and tmax (0.85 ± 0.22 vs. 0.83 ± 0.25 h). The TR ratios for AUC, Cmax, and tmax were 0.99, 0.95, and 1.02 respectively, and were all within the specified FDA limits i.e., 0.8–1.25. We found our test tablet to be bioequivalent to that of Efferalgan®.

Graphical Abstract
A study of peri-implant tissue clinical parameters in patients starting anti-osteoporosis medication after existing implant function: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Seki Keisuke , Tamagawa Takaaki , Yasuda Hiroyasu , Manaka Soichiro , Akita Daisuke , Kamimoto Atsushi , Hagiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Recently, rare cases of medication-related peri-implant osteonecrosis of the jaw (PI-MRONJ) have been reported. In patients with functional implants who begin using anti-osteoporosis medications (AOMs) after implantation, PI-MRONJ is unpredictable and poses a significant threat to the patient. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of AOMs on peri-implant tissues and to examine risk factors for peri-implantitis, a presumed trigger for PI-MRONJ.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of patients who underwent implant maintenance treatment between January 2016 and February 2024. Patients were divided into AOM users (AOM group) and controls (control group). Clinical parameters were statistically evaluated, including implant probing depth (iPPD), implant bleeding on probing (iBoP), marginal bone resorption (MBL), and mandibular cortical index (MCI) measured at baseline and at the last visit. Risk factors were examined by multivariate analysis for adjusted odds ratios.

Results

A total of 94 patients (35 male, 59 female) with 270 implants were recruited. The AOM group had 93 implants (24 patients). Comparison of clinical parameters showed significantly greater changes in iBoP (p = 0.000768) and MBL (p = 0.000863) scores over time in the AOM group than in the control group. Risk factors for peri-implantitis were a history of moderate or severe periodontal disease (OR: 15.8, 95% CI 3.6–69.3,p = 0.000256) and MCI class 3 (OR: 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.8,p = 0.00534).

Conclusions

In implant treatment of AOM users, special attention should be paid to local inflammation, which is presumed to be the cause of PI-MRONJ.

Graphical Abstract
A case of anterior mediastinal mature teratoma with severe inflammatory extension into the neck
Authors: Keiya Tomoki , Uehara Hirofumi , Aoyagi Miho , Watanabe Atsushi
Published: November 2024

Background

We present the case of a rare occurrence of an anterior mediastinal mature teratoma extending into the neck, commonly referred to as a cervicothoracic mature teratoma.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old female presented with right-sided neck pain and swelling, which were found to be attributed to a 14 cm cystic lesion originating from the right thyroid lobe and extending into the mediastinum. A diagnosis of mediastinal teratoma with extension to the neck was made. Robot-assisted thymectomy was initiated but was complicated by dense tumor adherence to the superior vena cava and brachiocephalic veins, prompting a switch to a midline sternotomy. Simultaneous resection of the right thyroid lobe was performed due to inflammation. The transition to a midline sternotomy allowed successful excision of the tumor, which was confirmed to be a mature teratoma confined to the thoracic region. The patient's favorable postoperative course led to discharge on day 5 with no recurrence at nine months.

Conclusions

Emphasizing the challenges and the importance of prompt intervention in the management of mediastinal teratomas with neck extension.
Evolution and suicide: critique of the pain and brain model
Authors: Abed Riadh , St John-Smith Paul
Published: November 2024

Soper's ‘pain and brain’ evolutionary theory of suicide has significant explanatory power and deserves wider consideration and scrutiny in the mainstream psychiatric literature. It provides a novel framework for thinking about the problem of suicide and could have an important impact on research as well as clinical practice. However, we raise questions and concerns regarding the prediction the theory makes regarding common mental disorders being anti-suicide adaptations.
Validation of the Chinese Maudsley three-item visual analogue scale to measure depressive symptoms in a youth population
Authors: Ding Yi , Strawbridge Rebecca , Young Allan H. , Xue Lingfeng , Zhao Fangfang
Published: November 2024

Background

Existing self-rated depression measurement tools possess a range of psychometric drawbacks, spanning a range of validity and reliability constructs. The gold standard self-rated depression scales contain several variable items that are often non-specific, require respondents to have a certain level of language understanding and limited scoring options resulting in low sensitivity. The Maudsley three-item visual analogue scale (M3VAS) was developed to address these challenges.

Aims

This study aimed to translate the M3VAS into Chinese and test its reliability and validity.

Method

First, both M3VAS scales (assessing current severity and change in severity) were translated according to a standardised protocol to finalise the Chinese version. Reliability and validity were then examined among 550 young people with moderate to severe depression (patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score ≥15) in a cross-sectional opportunistic questionnaire survey.

Results

The content validity of each item (six items, across both scales) ranged from 0.83 to 1.00. Exploratory factor analysis denoted a total of two common factors, with a variance contribution rate of 64.34%. The total score correlated positively with the PHQ-9 total score (r = 0.241, P < 0.01). The Chinese version of the M3VAS had good reliability and validity values, and the confirmatory factor model fit well.

Conclusions

The psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the M3VAS suggest that this scale can feasibly evaluate depression among young people in China.