bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia represses FOXF1 in lung endothelial cells through HIF-1α
Authors: Acharya Anusha , Bian Fenghua , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Wagner Kimberly A. , Kalinichenko Vladimir V. , Kalin Tanya V.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Forkhead Box F1 (FOXF1) transcription factor plays a critical role in lung angiogenesis during embryonic development and lung repair after injury. FOXF1 expression is decreased in endothelial cells after lung injury; however, molecular mechanisms responsible for the FOXF1 transcript changes in injured lung endothelium remain unknown.

Methods: We used immunostaining of injured mouse lung tissues, FACS-sorted lung endothelial cells from hypoxia-treated mice, and data from patients diagnosed with hypoxemic respiratory failure to demonstrate that hypoxia is associated with decreased FOXF1 expression. Endothelial cell cultures were used to induce hypoxia in vitro and identify the upstream molecular mechanism through which hypoxia inhibits FOXF1 gene expression.

Results: Bleomycin-induced lung injury induced hypoxia in the mouse lung tissue which was associated with decreased Foxf1 expression. Human FOXF1 mRNA was decreased in the lungs of patients diagnosed with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Mice exposed to hypoxia exhibited reduced Foxf1 expression in the lung tissue and FACS-sorted lung endothelial cells. In vitro, hypoxia (1% of O2) or treatment with cobalt (II) chloride increased HIF-1α protein levels but inhibited FOXF1 expression in three endothelial cell lines. Overexpression of HIF-1α in cultured endothelial cells was sufficient to inhibit Foxf1 expression. siRNA-mediated depletion of HIF-1α prevented the downregulation of Foxf1 gene expression after hypoxia or cobalt (II) chloride treatment.

Conclusion: Hypoxia inhibits FOXF1 expression in endothelial cells in a HIF-1α dependent manner. Our data suggest that endothelial cell-specific inhibition of HIF-1α via gene therapy can be considered to restore FOXF1 and improve lung repair in patients with severe lung injury.
Metagenomic study reveals hidden relationships among fungal diversity, variation of plant disease, and genetic distance in Cornus florida (Cornaceae)
Authors: Pais Andrew , Ristaino Jean , Whetten Ross , Xiang Qiu-Yun (Jenny)
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Understanding patterns of plant-microbe interactions across plant species and populations is a critical yet poorly characterized aspect in the field of plant pathology. Microbial DNA sequences present as contaminants in omics data of plants obtained using next-generation sequencing methods provide a valuable source to explore the relationships among endophytic microbial diversity, disease and genetic differentiation of host plants, and environmental variation, but few such studies have been conducted. The flowering dogwood tree (Cornus florida L.), an ecologically important species in North America, is threatened by powdery mildew and dogwood anthracnose diseases, and knowledge of the microbial diversity harbored within genetically and environmental distinct populations of this species remains largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted a metagenomics study utilizing the sequences of RAD-tag/genotype-by-sequence libraries from leaf tissues of C. florida to examine such host-fungus interactions across the dogwood's US range. We performed various combinations of alignments to both host and pathogen genomes to obtain filtered sets sequences for metagenomics analysis. Taxonomic assignments were determined on each filtered set of sequences, followed by estimation of microbial diversity and correlation to environment and host-genetic variation.

Results

Our data showed that microbial community composition significantly differed between visually healthy and diseased sites. Several microbial taxa known to interact with dogwood were identified from these sequences. We found no correlation between microbial diversity and relative abundances of sequences aligning to draft genomes of either pathogen causing powdery mildew or dogwood anthracnose. We found a significant relationship between differences of fungal communities and geographic distances of plant populations, suggesting roles of environments in shaping fungal communities in leaf tissues. Significant correlations between the genetic differentiation of plant samples and fungal community dissimilarity (beta diversity) were also observed in certain sets of our analyses—suggesting the possibility of a relationship between microbial community composition and plant genetic distance. This relationship persisted in significance even after controlling for significant effects of geographic-bioclimatic variation of microbial diversity.

Discussion

Our results suggest that both genetics and the environment play a significant role in shaping foliar fungal communities. Our findings underscore the power of leveraging hidden microbial sequences within datasets originally collected for plant genetic studies to understand plant-pathogen interactions.
Integrated web portal for non-destructive salt sensitivity detection of Camelina sativa seeds using fluorescent and visible light images coupled with machine learning algorithms
Authors: Vello Emilio , Letourneau Megan , Aguirre John , Bureau Thomas E.
Published: January 2024

Climate change has created unprecedented stresses in the agricultural sector, driving the necessity of adapting agricultural practices and developing novel solutions to the food crisis. Camelina sativa (Camelina) is a recently emerging oilseed crop with high nutrient-density and economic potential. Camelina seeds are rich in essential fatty acids and contain potent antioxidants required to maintain a healthy diet. Camelina seeds are equally amenable to economic applications such as jet fuel, biodiesel and high-value industrial lubricants due to their favorable proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. High soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening the yield and usability of such crops. A promising mitigation strategy is automated, non-destructive, image-based phenotyping to assess seed quality in the food manufacturing process. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of image-based phenotyping on fluorescent and visible light images to quantify and qualify Camelina seeds. We developed a user-friendly web portal called SeedML that can uncover key morpho-colorimetric features to accurately identify Camelina seeds coming from plants grown in high salt conditions using a phenomics platform equipped with fluorescent and visible light cameras. This portal may be used to enhance quality control, identify stress markers and observe yield trends relevant to the agricultural sector in a high throughput manner. Findings of this work may positively contribute to similar research in the context of the climate crisis, while supporting the implementation of new quality controls tools in the agri-food domain.
Multi-model genome-wide association studies for appearance quality in rice
Authors: Sachdeva Supriya , Singh Rakesh , Maurya Avantika , Singh Vikas Kumar , Singh Uma Maheshwar , Kumar Arvind , Singh Gyanendra Pratap
Published: January 2024

Improving the quality of the appearance of rice is critical to meet market acceptance. Mining putative quality-related genes has been geared towards the development of effective breeding approaches for rice. In the present study, two SL-GWAS (CMLM and MLM) and three ML-GWAS (FASTmrEMMA, mrMLM, and FASTmrMLM) genome-wide association studies were conducted in a subset of 3K-RGP consisting of 198 rice accessions with 553,831 SNP markers. A total of 594 SNP markers were identified using the mixed linear model method for grain quality traits. Additionally, 70 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) detected by the ML-GWAS models were strongly associated with grain aroma (AR), head rice recovery (HRR, %), and percentage of grains with chalkiness (PGC, %). Finally, 39 QTNs were identified using single- and multi-locus GWAS methods. Among the 39 reliable QTNs, 20 novel QTNs were identified for the above-mentioned three quality-related traits. Based on annotation and previous studies, four functional candidate genes (LOC_Os01g66110, LOC_Os01g66140, LOC_Os07g44910, and LOC_Os02g14120) were found to influence AR, HRR (%), and PGC (%), which could be utilized in rice breeding to improve grain quality traits.
Detection of consensus genomic regions and candidate genes for quality traits in barley using QTL meta-analysis
Authors: Du Binbin , Wu Jindong , Wang Meng , Wu Jia , Sun Chaoyue , Zhang Xingen , Ren Xifeng , Wang Qifei
Published: January 2024

Improving barley grain quality is a major goal in barley breeding. In this study, a total of 35 papers focusing on quantitative trait loci (QTLs) mapping for barley quality traits published since 2000 were collected. Among the 454 QTLs identified in these studies, 349 of them were mapped onto high-density consensus maps, which were used for QTL meta-analysis. Through QTL meta-analysis, the initial QTLs were integrated into 41 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) with an average confidence interval (CI) of 1. 66 cM, which is 88.9% narrower than that of the initial QTLs. Among the 41 identified MQTLs, 25 were subsequently validated in publications using genome-wide association study (GWAS). From these 25 validated MQTLs, ten breeder’s MQTLs were selected. Synteny analysis comparing barley and wheat MQTLs revealed orthologous relationships between eight breeder’s MQTLs and 45 wheat MQTLs. Additionally, 17 barley homologs associated with rice quality traits were identified within the regions of the breeder’s MQTLs through comparative analysis. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for molecular marker-assisted breeding and the identification of candidate genes related to quality traits in barley.
The 3Ds (development, diplomacy, and defense) in Nigerian counterinsurgency: lessons from Uruzgan
Authors: David James Ojochenemi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Counterinsurgency (COIN) operations necessitate a multifaceted approach that considers political, economic, developmental, and security factors in order to achieve long-term peace and security. Despite this recognition, critical aspects are frequently overlooked, particularly in the context of combating jihadist groups such as Boko Haram in West Africa. This paper investigates the 3Ds (Development, Diplomacy, and Defense) approach to COIN, assessing its effectiveness in COIN efforts and post-war reconstruction in Nigeria and drawing lessons from experiences in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.

Method

In the qualitative study, the 3Ds serve as a conceptual framework for analyzing the fundamental aspects of COIN in existing literature, with a focus on their relevance in West Africa. It incorporates insights from Afghanistan's Uruzgan province to help inform the study of the 3Ds approach in COIN efforts and post-war reconstruction. Interactions with key stakeholders and counterinsurgency experts provide firsthand information.

Results

The analysis emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive COIN strategy that includes significant governance and political reforms to address historical disparities and ideological motivations of jihadist groups. COIN entails a variety of measures, including political, administrative, military, economic, psychological, and informational strategies, that are used in tandem to achieve stability and transformation. The 3Ds approach is seen as a template for harmonizing these aspects, particularly in dealing with existing insurgencies and preventing future ones in the region.

Discussion

Given the region's underlying human insecurity, the study focuses on how the 3Ds framework can effectively address existing insurgencies and prevent future ones. It emphasizes the importance of carefully implementing and adapting the 3Ds approach to the unique dynamics and challenges of West Africa. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of a balanced and integrated approach to COIN that considers the interplay of security, development, and diplomacy in order to ensure long-term stability and security in the region.
Global, regional, and national burdens of interpersonal violence in young women aged 10–24 years from 1990 to 2019: a trend analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Cao Yu , Lu Hao , Duan Pengqian , Wang Dongmei , Wei Guojun
Published: January 2024

Background

Interpersonal violence (IPV) against young women, including physical and sexual violence, poses a major threat to public health. We analyzed global, regional and national trends in violence against females aged 10–24 years from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

We extracted age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPRs) of physical violence by firearm (PVF), physical violence by other means (PVOM), physical violence by sharp object (PVSO), and sexual violence (SV) from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. Joinpoint regression analysis calculated annual and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) in ASPRs.

Results

Globally, the ASPRs of the four measures of IPV decreased between 1990 and 2019, with the steepest declines between 2000 and 2009, except for SV, which increased slightly. However, the ASPRs of PVF and PVOM increased slightly between 2010 and 2019. Regionally, PVF prevalence declined most in East Asia (−0.9505, −1.0011 to −0.8975), South Asia (−0.277, −0.3089 to −0.244) and Latin America but PVOM prevalence increased in Oceania (0.6275, 0.6036 to 0.6498) and SV prevalence increased in Caribbean (0.4267, 0.4069 to 0.4495). Nationally, PVF prevalence decreased most in Thailand (−2.4031, −2.4634 to −2.3328) but increased most in Libya (6.8143, 6.6194 to 7.0113). SV prevalence increased most in Oman (0.4561, 0.4338 to 0.478) and the largest increase in Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from PVOM was observed in Botswana (6.2725, 6.0951 to 6.4082). DALYs showed similar trends.

Conclusion

While global declines over 30 years are encouraging, IPV against young women persists. Urgent, tailored approaches across sectors are critical to curb drivers of violence against young women, including poverty, inequality and sociocultural attitudes. High-quality data and in-depth analyses can inform locally-relevant solutions. Overall, intensified political will and resource investment are needed to overcome this pervasive human rights violation.
Adaptation of the SAGEFS scale on attitudes toward gender equality in football in the international school context
Authors: Méndez-Hinojosa Luz Marina , Gil-Madrona Pedro , Zamorano-García David , Simón-Piqueras Juan Ángel , Padierna-Cardona Juan Carlos , Flores-Ferro Elizabeth , González-Villalobos Martín Francisco , Pavlovic Ratko , Maureira-Cid Fernando , Gómez-Santos Natalia , Morales-Calvo Sonia , Cárdenas-Rodríguez Magaly
Published: January 2024

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Scale of Attitudes toward Gender Equality in Football in the Context of Schools (SAGEFS) in the international context. This sample was formed by N = 6,101 students. The study was conducted by applying the SAGEFS. The model of the three factors correlated in the complete sample and for each country was correlated using AFC. The structural model was appraised by employing eight indices: the relative Chi-squared index; the goodness of fit index and its adjusted formula; the normal fit index; the comparative fit index; the standardized Quadratic Mean; and the Quadratic Mean Error of Approximation. To conclude, the results evidence the presence of psychometric properties that are indispensable for the measurement of attitudes toward gender equality in the context of schools.
Examining dependencies among different time scales in episodic memory – an experience sampling study
Authors: Yim Hyungwook , Garrett Paul M. , Baker Megan , Cha Jaehyuk , Sreekumar Vishnu , Dennis Simon J.
Published: January 2024

We re-examined whether different time scales such as week, day of week, and hour of day are independently used during memory retrieval as has been previously argued (i.e., independence of scales). To overcome the limitations of previous studies, we used experience sampling technology to obtain test stimuli that have higher ecological validity. We also used pointwise mutual information to directly calculate the degree of dependency between time scales in a formal way. Participants were provided with a smartphone and were asked to wear it around their neck for two weeks, which was equipped with an app that automatically collected time, images, GPS, audio and accelerometry. After a one-week retention interval, participants were presented with an image that was captured during their data collection phase, and were tested on their memory of when the event happened (i.e., week, day of week, and hour). We find that, in contrast to previous arguments, memories of different time scales were not retrieved independently. Moreover, through rendering recurrence plots of the images that the participants collected, we provide evidence the dependency may have originated from the repetitive events that the participants encountered in their daily life.
Negligible contribution of adaptation of ocular opponency neurons to the effect of short-term monocular deprivation
Authors: Wang Jue , Song Fangxing , He Xin , Bao Min
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Modeling work on binocular rivalry has described how ocular opponency neurons represent interocular conflict. These neurons have recently been considered to mediate an ocular dominance shift to the eye that has viewed a backward movie for long during which time the other eye is presented with a regular movie. Unlike typical short-term monocular deprivation, the visual inputs are comparable across eyes in that “dichoptic-backward-movie” paradigm. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the ocular opponency neurons are also responsible for the short-term monocular deprivation effect which is prevalently explained by the homeostatic compensation theory. We designed two experiments from distinct perspectives to investigate this question.

Methods

In Experiment 1, we mitigated the imbalance in the activity of opponency neurons between the two eyes during monocular deprivation by presenting video stimuli alternately. In Experiment 2, we directly evaluated the response of opponency neurons before and after monocular deprivation using SSVEP techniques.

Results

Consistent with each other, both experiments failed to provide reliable evidence supporting the involvement of ocular opponency neurons in the short-term monocular deprivation effect.

Discussion

Our results suggest that ocular opponency neurons may not play an essential role in the short-term monocular deprivation effect, potentially due to interference from the homeostatic plasticity mechanism.
The effect of negative emotion processing on spatial navigation: an experimental study using virtual reality
Authors: Mohamed Aly Linda , Masi Matteo , Montanaro Massimo , Ricciardelli Paola
Published: January 2024

Finding one’s way in unfamiliar environments is an essential ability. When navigating, people are overwhelmed with an enormous amount of information. However, some information might be more relevant than others. Despite the mounting knowledge about the mechanisms underlying orientational skills, and the notable effects of facial emotions on human behavior, little is known about emotions’ effects on spatial navigation. Hereby, this study aimed to explore how exposure to others’ negative emotional facial expressions affects wayfinding performances. Moreover, gender differences that characterize both processes were considered. Fifty-five participants (31 females) entered twice in three realistic virtual reality environments: the first time, to encode a route to find an object and then to recall the learned path to reach the same object again. In between the two explorations of the virtual environment, participants were asked to undergo a gender categorization task during which they were exposed to sixty faces showing either neutral, fearful, or angry expressions. Results showed a significant interaction between emotions, time, and gender. In particular, the exposition to fearful faces, but not angry and neutral ones, decreased males’ wayfinding performances (i.e., travel times and distance travelled), while females’ performances were unaffected. Possible explanations for such gender and emotional dissimilarities are discussed.
Nomogram to predict the incidence of delirium in elderly patients with non-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: An Guanghui , Mi Zhihua , Hong Dongmei , Ou Dandan , Cao Xiaoxiao , Liu Qidong , Xiong Lize , Li Cheng
Published: January 2024

Objective

To construct and validate nomogram models that predict the incidence of delirium in elderly patients with non-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Elderly patients (≥65y) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection at the hospital were included. We used the 3-min diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method for delirium diagnosis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistical regression analysis was performed to explore potential independent influencing factors of delirium. A predict model visualized by nomogram was constructed based on the confirmed variables. The predictive accuracy and clinical value of the model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The data of 311 elderly patients were analyzed, of whom 73 (23.47%) patients were diagnosed with delirium. Three independent influencing factors of delirium were confirmed: age (OR1.16,1.11–1.22), Glomerular filtration rate (OR 0.98,0.97–0.99), platelet-large cell ratio (1.06,1.02–1.10). These parameters were used to create a nomogram to predict the development of delirium, which showed good predictive accuracy confirmed by the ROC curves (AUC 0.82,0.76–0.88).

Conclusion

We construct a credible nomogram to predict the development of delirium in elderly patients with Non-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our finding may be useful to physicians in early prevention and treatment of delirium.
Profiles of theory of mind impairments and personality in clinical and community samples: integrating the alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders
Authors: Lampron Mireille , Achim Amélie M. , Gamache Dominick , Bernier Allyson , Sabourin Stéphane , Savard Claudia
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Deficits in theory of mind (ToM)—the ability to infer the mental states of others—have been linked to antagonistic traits in community samples. ToM deficits have also been identified in people with personality disorders (PD), although with conflicting evidence, partly due to the use of categorical diagnoses. The DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) provides an opportunity for a more precise understanding of the interplay between ToM abilities and personality pathology. Therefore, the study aims to determine whether and how individuals with diverse ToM profiles differ regarding personality impairment (AMPD Criterion A) and pathological facets (AMPD Criterion B).

Method

Adults with PD (n = 39) and from the community (n = 42) completed tests assessing ToM skills and self-reported questionnaires assessing AMPD Criteria A and B. Hierarchical agglomerative and TwoStep cluster analyses were consecutively computed using scores and subscores from ToM tests as clustering variables. Multivariate analyses of variance were subsequently performed to compare the clusters on both AMPD Criteria. Five clinically and conceptually meaningful clusters were found. The most notable differences across clusters were observed for Intimacy and Empathy dysfunctions (Criterion A), as well as for the Deceitfulness, Callousness, and Hostility facets from the Antagonism domain and the Restricted affectivity facet from the Detachment domain (Criterion B).

Discussion

The results support the association between antagonistic personality facets and ToM deficits. However, clusters showing impairments in ToM abilities did not necessarily exhibit high levels of personality dysfunction or pathological facets, emphasizing that both constructs are not isomorphic. Nevertheless, specific profiles can help refine existing interventions to make them more sensitive and specific to the nature of ToM dysfunctions while considering personality functioning and facets.
Case conceptualization in child welfare: an underused resource to improve child, family, and provider outcomes
Authors: McTavish Jill R. , McHolm Angela , Niec Anne , Pietrantonio Anna Marie , McKee Christine , MacMillan Harriet L.
Published: January 2024

Case conceptualization, formally known as case formulation, is one tool that assists in determining the best course of action for children and families experiencing family violence that has been under-utilized in child welfare. In this article we present a step-by-step case conceptualization process that considers the child welfare context. We then present a hypothetical case example of a 10-year-old child referred by a child welfare worker to evidence-based treatment for mental health and behavioural concerns. Mental health services are not helpful for the child and further consultation is enlisted. To more effectively guide intervention and treatment planning and ultimately improve outcomes for the child, we present case conceptualization as a process that incorporates relevant aspects of the child and family’s history and circumstance. We conclude with a succinct case conceptualization and treatment plan to show how the prognosis of the child can be improved when case conceptualization is employed.
Proposing an integrative, dynamic and transdiagnostic model for addictions: dysregulation phenomena of the three main modes of the predostatic mind
Authors: Loreto Bibiana Bolten Lucion , Sordi Anne Orgler , de Castro Melina Nogueira , Ornell Felipe , Guarnieri Eduardo Pegoraro , Roza Thiago Henrique , Schuch Jaqueline Bohrer , Cima Marcos da Silveira , Pechansky Flavio , Grevet Eugênio Horácio , Grassi-Oliveira Rodrigo , von Diemen Lisia , Kessler Felix Henrique Paim
Published: January 2024

Several theories have been proposed to explain the complex diagnostic aspects related to addiction disorders and their development. Recent frameworks tend to focus on dimensional perspectives of symptoms rather than categorical systems, since substance use disorders are frequently comorbid with other psychiatric and especially personality disorders. However, useful transdiagnostic models that could integrate clinical evaluation derived from neuroscientific theories are lacking. In the present manuscript, the authors propose a model based on a new paradigm, in an attempt to better explain this complex, multifaceted phenomenon. The new paradigm presupposes that emotions and behavior are a response to risk prediction. Individuals make choices and engage in actions to manage potential risks/rewards in order to seek or maintain homeostasis in their internal and external environments – a mechanism that the authors call predostatic (predictive mechanism with homeostatic purpose). The model considers three main modes of the predostatic mind: (1) Alarm Mode, activated by high and/or imminent risk prediction; (2) Seek Mode, activated by long-term risk or reward prediction; and (3) Balance Mode, a self-regulating state of mind related to low risk prediction, a soothing system and a calm state. Addiction is seen as a chronic dysregulation of organism systems leading to internalizing or externalizing phenomena mainly related to the Seek and Alarm Modes, which are persistently activated by reward and risk prediction, respectively, thus hindering Balance. Addiction neuroscience research has shown that chronic drug use or engagement in addictive behaviors can lead to neuroadaptations in the brain reward circuitry, disrupting normal balance and the regulation of reward processes. This dysregulation can contribute to persistent drug-seeking/addictive behaviors despite negative consequences. This newly proposed dynamic and integrative model, named dysregulation based on externalizing and internalizing phenomena of the three main modes of the predostatic mind (DREXI3), proposes six dysregulation dimensions with basic emotional and behavioral symptoms, such as neurophysiological alterations, impulsivity, compulsion, cognitive impairment/psychosis, mood, and anxiety/anger. In this paper, the authors explain the rationale behind DREXI3 and present some hypothetical clinical examples to better illustrate the use of the model in clinical practice. The development of this innovative model could possibly guide tailored treatment interventions in the addiction field.
Parent-couple satisfaction, parent depression, and child mental health in families with autistic children
Authors: Piro-Gambetti Brianna , Greenlee Jessica , Bolt Daniel , Papp Lauren M. , Hartley Sigan L.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Within two-parent households, the parent-couple subsystem (marital or romantic partner relationship) is posited to shape the mental health of both parents and children. Autistic children and their parents have an elevated-risk for mental health problems. The present study longitudinally examined the mediating role of the quality of the parent-couple relationship in time-ordered pathways between changes in the mental health problems of autistic children and in parent depression symptoms at a within-family level.

Methodology

Using four time points of data collected on 188 families of autistic children (aged 5–12 years) across 3 years, the bidirectional associations between parent-couple relationship satisfaction, parent depressive symptoms, and child internalizing and externalizing mental health problems were investigated. Two multi-group (grouped by parent gender) complete longitudinal mediation models in structural equation modeling using Mplus software were conducted.

Results

Parent-couple relationship satisfaction mediated: (1) the association between higher parent depressive symptoms and higher child internalizing mental health problems 12 months later for both mothers and fathers, and (2) the association between higher child externalizing mental health problems and higher father depression symptoms 12 months later. Father depression symptoms mediated a pathway from lower parent-couple satisfaction to higher child internalizing mental health problems 12 months later, and mother depression symptoms mediated the pathway from higher child externalizing mental health problems to lower parent-couple satisfaction 12 months later.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the bidirectional and complex ways that parent and child mental health and the quality of the parent-couple relationship are entwined across time in families of autistic children. Family-wide interventions that address the needs of multiple family members and family systems are best suited to improve the mental health of parents and autistic children.
Transcranial alternating current stimulation for schizophrenia: a systematic review of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Wei Xin , Shi Zhan-Ming , Lan Xian-Jun , Qin Zhen-Juan , Mo Yu , Wu Hua-Wang , Huang Xing-Bing , Zeng Qing-Bin , Luo Li-Xia , Yang Xin-Hu , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

In randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the application of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in schizophrenia, inconsistent results have been reported. The purpose of this exploratory systematic review of RCTs was to evaluate tACS as an adjunct treatment for patients with schizophrenia based on its therapeutic effects, tolerability, and safety.

Methods

Our analysis included RCTs that evaluated adjunctive tACS’ effectiveness, tolerability, and safety in schizophrenia patients. Three independent authors extracted data and synthesized it using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Three RCTs involving 76 patients with schizophrenia were encompassed in the analysis, with 40 participants receiving active tACS and 36 receiving sham tACS. Our study revealed a significant superiority of active tACS over sham tACS in improving total psychopathology (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.12, −0.10; I2 = 16%, p = 0.02) and negative psychopathology (SMD = −0.65, 95% CI: −1.11, −0.18; I2 = 0%, p = 0.007) in schizophrenia. The two groups, however, showed no significant differences in positive psychopathology, general psychopathology, or auditory hallucinations (all p > 0.05). Two RCTs examined the neurocognitive effects of tACS, yielding varied findings. Both groups demonstrated similar rates of discontinuation due to any reason and adverse events (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Adjunctive tACS is promising as a viable approach for mitigating total and negative psychopathology in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of tACS’s therapeutic effects in schizophrenia, it is imperative to conduct extensive, meticulously planned, and well-documented RCTs.
Machine learning research based on diffusion tensor images to distinguish between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Zheng Linli , Wang Yu , Ma Jing , Wang Meiou , Liu Yang , Li Jin , Li Tao , Zhang Lan
Published: January 2024

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), two subtypes of eating disorders, often present diagnostic challenges due to their overlapping symptoms. Machine learning has proven its capacity to improve group classification without requiring researchers to specify variables. The study aimed to distinguish between AN and BN using machine learning models based on diffusion tensor images (DTI).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, drug-naive females diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) were included. Demographic data and DTI were collected for all patients. Features for machine learning included Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and mean diffusivity (MD). Support vector machine was constructed by LIBSVM, MATLAB2013b, and FSL5.0.9 software.

Results

A total of 58 female patients (24 AN, 34 BN) were included in this study. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in age, years of education, or course of illness between the two groups. AN patients had significantly lower BMI than BN patients. The AD model exhibited an area under the curve was 0.793 (accuracy: 75.86%, sensitivity: 66.67%, specificity: 88.23%), highlighting the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG_L) and the left superior temporal gyrus (STG_L) as differentiating brain regions. AN patients exhibited lower AD features in the STG_L and MTG_L than BN. Machine learning analysis indicated no significant differences in FA, MD, and RD values between AN and BN groups (p > 0.001).

Conclusion

Machine learning based on DTI could effectively distinguish between AN and BN, with MTG_L and STG_L potentially serving as neuroimaging biomarkers.
EMDR treatment for people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review about difficulties and adaptations
Authors: Schipper-Eindhoven Simone M. , de Knegt Nanda C. , Mevissen Liesbeth , van Loon Jos , de Vries Ralph , Zhuniq Majlinda , Bekker Marrie H. J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at increased risk for developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Emerging evidence indicates that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is feasible and potentially effective for this group. However, communication, cognition, stress regulation, and attachment difficulties may interfere with the EMDR process. Adaptation of the EMDR protocol seems therefore required for this population.

Aim

This review aims to systematically identify and categorize the difficulties in applying EMDR to people with ID and the adaptations made by therapists to overcome these challenges.

Methods

A literature search was performed in May 2023. Article selection was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality appraisal.

Results

After screening, 13 articles remained for further review. The identified difficulties and adaptations were categorized into the three domains of adaptive functioning (i.e., conceptual, social, and practical functioning). Considerable difficulties in applying the EMDR protocol for this group were reported. The adaptations made by therapists to overcome these difficulties were highly variable. They could be divided into three main categories: adaptions in EMDR delivery (e.g., tuning to the developmental level of the client, simplifying language, decreasing pace), involvement of others (e.g., involving family or support staff during or in between sessions), and the therapeutic relationship (e.g., taking more time, supportive attitude).

Discussion

The variability of the number of mentioned difficulties and adaptations per study seems to be partly related to the specific EMDR protocol that was used. In particular, when the Shapiro adult protocol was administered, relatively more detailed difficulties and adaptations were described than in publications based on derived existing versions of an EMDR protocol for children and adolescents. A probable explanation is that already embedded modifications in these protocols facilitate the needed attunement to the client’s level of functioning.

Practical implications

The authors of this review suggest that EMDR protocols for children and adolescents could be adapted for people with an intellectual disability. Further research should focus on the involvement of trusted others in EMDR therapy for people with ID and the therapeutic relationship from an attachment and relational-based perspective.
Patterns of admission in forensic units during the COVID-19 pandemic: a process analysis
Authors: D’Orta Isabella , Herrmann François R. , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on forensic service practice remains matter of debate. Increased rates of anxiety, depression, and exacerbation of psychotic symptoms were reported in the early phases of the pandemic among detained persons. However, longitudinal analyses in medium-security hospitals taking into account the whole pandemic period led to mitigated results.

Methods

This report examines the evolution of the type (voluntary versus involuntary) and reason of admissions, length of stay, history of outpatient care, short-term seclusion hours for aggressive behaviors, and clinical diagnoses for detainees needing acute psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic in the sole secure ward located in the central prison of Geneva, Switzerland. To determine the general trend of the processes over time we applied a combination of process analysis with run chart plotting, and fractional polynomial regression.

Results

Run tests showed that the proportion of cases with personality disorders, substance use disorders (SUD), and previous outpatient care tended to increase during the COVID pandemic with subsequent decrease to reach the pre-COVID values. This was also the case for depressive symptoms as reason for admission. The proportion of involuntary admission showed a steady increase both during the COVID and post-COVID time periods. In contrast, short-term seclusion hours decreased during the COVID pandemic followed by a return to their pre-COVID values. Regression models revealed that the COVID pandemic was associated with a significant increase in the rates of inmates with personality disorders and SUD admitted for forensic care explaining 36 and 41% of their variance.

Discussion

These data support the idea that, in terms of acute care needs, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased needs for acute forensic care that concerned detainees with personality disorders characterized by increased levels of impulsiveness, decreased tolerance to frustrations, loss of control, increased extraversion and frequent SUD comorbidity.
Religious meaning system and life satisfaction: the mediating role of meaning in life among Polish people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wilski Maciej , Wnuk Marcin , Brola Waldemar , Szcześniak Małgorzata , Żak Marek , Sobolewski Piotr , Kapica-Topczewska Katarzyna , Tarasiuk Joanna , Czarnowska Agata , Kułakowska Alina , Zakrzewska-Pniewska Beata , Bartosik-Psujek Halina , Kubicka-Bączyk Katarzyna , Morawiec Natalia , Adamczyk-Sowa Monika , Stepien Adam , Jacek Zaborski , Ratajczak Anna , Ratajczak Marcin , Szałachowski Roman , Kroplewski Zdzisław , Lech Beata , Perenc Adam , Popiel Małgorzata , Potemkowski Andrzej
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The complexity of the associations between religiosity and indicators of well-being suggests the presence of a mediating mechanism. Previous studies indicate that religion may influence subjective well-being because it helps to find meaning and purpose. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the mediating role of the presence and search dimensions of meaning in life in the relationship between religious meaning system and life satisfaction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 600 MS patients recruited from Poland who completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Religious Meaning System Questionnaire (RMS) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Model 6 of Hayes PROCESS was used to test the hypotheses.

Results

The results of our research indicate that there was a significant indirect effect of religious meaning system on life satisfaction through the presence of meaning in life. The specific indirect effect of religious meaning system on life satisfaction through searching for meaning in life was not significant.

Discussion

The results of our study are relevant because they show that religion as a meaning system is positively related to the presence of meaning in life, which in turn positively predicts life satisfaction. This is particularly important in the case of incurable illness, where finding meaning in life is one of the natural stages of adaptation. By incorporating these findings into mental health practice, professionals can enhance the holistic well-being of people coping with MS and contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to mental health care.
Integrating multi-national teams: over a decade of lessons learned in Chiapas with Partners in Health-Mexico
Authors: Palazuelos Daniel , Flores Hugo , Macias Valeria
Published: January 2024

In a globalized world where pathology and risk can flow freely across borders, the discipline of global health equity has proposed to meet this challenge with an equal exchange of solutions, and people working toward those solutions. Considering the history of colonialism, ongoing economic exploitation, and gaping inequities across and within countries, these efforts must be taken with care. The Partners In Health program in Chiapas, Mexico was founded in 2011 by a team of leaders from both the United States and Mexico to strengthen the public health and care delivery systems serving impoverished rural populations. Key to the strategy has been to marshal funding, knowledge, and expertise from elite institutions in both the United States and Mexico for the benefit of an area that previously had rarely seen such inputs, but always in close partnership with local leaders and community processes. With now over a decade of experience, several key lessons have emerged in both what was done well and what continues to present ongoing challenges. Top successes include: effective recruitment and retention strategies for attracting talented Mexican clinicians to perform their social service year in previously unappealing rural placements; using effective fund-raising strategies from multinational sources to ensure the health care delivered can be exemplary; and effectively integrating volunteer clinicians from high-income contexts in a way that benefits the local staff, the foreign visitors, and their home institutions. A few chief ongoing challenges remain: how to work with local communities to receive foreign visitors; how to hire, develop, and appropriately pay a diverse workforce that comes with differing expectations for their professional development; and how to embed research in non-extractive ways. Our community case study suggests that multinational global health teams can be successful if they share the goal of achieving mutual benefit through an equity lens, and are able to apply creativity and humility to form deep partnerships.
Impact of COVID-19 vaccination: a global perspective
Authors: Singh Priya , Anand Aditya , Rana Shweta , Kumar Amit , Goel Prabudh , Kumar Sujeet , Gouda Krushna Chandra , Singh Harpreet
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic disruptions worldwide. Vaccination has proven to be a crucial strategy in controlling the spread of the virus and mitigating its impact.

Objective

The study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing the incidence of positive cases, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. The presented study is focused on the COVID-19 fully vaccinated population by considering the data from the first positive case reported until 20 September 2021.

Methods

Using data from multiple countries, time series analysis is deployed to investigate the variations in the COVID-19 positivity rates, hospitalization rates, and ICU requirements after successful vaccination campaigns at the country scale.

Results

Analysis of the COVID-19 positivity rates revealed a substantial decline in countries with high pre-vaccination rates. Within 1–3 months of vaccination campaigns, these rates decreased by 20–44%. However, certain countries experienced an increase in positivity rates with the emergence of the new Delta variant, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptable vaccination strategies. Similarly, the analysis of hospitalization rates demonstrated a steady decline as vaccination drive rates rose in various countries. Within 90 days of vaccination, several countries achieved hospitalization rates below 200 per million. However, a slight increase in hospitalizations was observed in some countries after 180 days of vaccination, underscoring the need for continued vigilance. Furthermore, the ICU patient rates decreased as vaccination rates increased across most countries. Within 120 days, several countries achieved an ICU patient rate of 20 per million, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing severe cases requiring intensive care.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccination has proven to be very much effective in reducing the incidence of cases, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. However, ongoing surveillance, variant monitoring, and adaptive vaccination strategies are crucial for maximizing the benefits of vaccination and effectively controlling the spread of the virus.