bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of olfactory receptor superfamily in bats based on high throughput molecular modelling
Authors: Zhang Tianmin , Jing Haohao , Wang Jinhong , Zhao Le , Liu Yang , Rossiter Stephen J. , Lu Huimeng , Li Gang
Published: April 2024

The origin of flight and laryngeal echolocation in bats is likely to have been accompanied by evolutionary changes in other aspects of their sensory biology. Of all sensory modalities in bats, olfaction is perhaps the least well understood. Olfactory receptors (ORs) function in recognizing odour molecules, with crucial roles in evaluating food, as well as in processing social information. Here we compare OR repertoire sizes across taxa and apply a new pipeline that integrates comparative genome data with protein structure modelling and then we employ molecular docking techniques with small molecules to analyse OR functionality based on binding energies. Our results suggest a sharp contraction in odorant recognition of the functional OR repertoire during the origin of bats, consistent with a reduced dependence on olfaction. We also compared bat lineages with contrasting different ecological characteristics and found evidence of differences in OR gene expansion and contraction, and in the composition of ORs with different tuning breadths. The strongest binding energies of ORs in non‐echolocating fruit‐eating bats were seen to correspond to ester odorants, although we did not detect a quantitative advantage of functional OR repertoires in these bats compared with echolocating insectivorous species. Overall, our findings based on molecular modelling and computational docking suggest that bats have undergone olfactory evolution linked to dietary adaptation. Our results from extant and ancestral bats help to lay the groundwork for targeted experimental functional tests in the future.
Malignant hyperthermia safety – A nationwide survey of publicly funded Swedish healthcare
Authors: Hellblom Anna , Miller William Pettersson , Soller Maria , Samuelsson Carolina
Published: April 2024

Background

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare pharmacogenetic disorder that can lead to a life‐threatening reaction during general anaesthesia with triggering agents. Prompt life‐saving treatment includes the immediate administration of the antidote dantrolene. This study investigated Swedish healthcare providers' awareness and adherence to guidelines and recommendations with respect to MH and whether adherence to safe MH‐praxis varies with hospital care‐complexity level and private versus public management form.

Method

Agreements and procurement specifications between all 21 Swedish County Councils and privately run surgical care providers were reviewed alongside with questionnaire‐aided collection of information from 62 publicly funded health care providers (both privately and publicly run).

Results

No procurement requirement specification or contract contained requirements on anaesthesia or aspects of MH. All publicly run hospitals stocked dantrolene and 28 out of 52 (54%) stocked the recommended amount. Seven out of nine (78%) of the privately run institutions stocked dantrolene, and one stocked the recommended amount. Publicly run hospitals adhered to recommendations to a greater extent than privately run institutions, both with respect to stocking of dantrolene (p = .02) and to stocking the recommended amount (p = .03).

Conclusions

Contracts between Swedish county councils and private surgical care subcontractors rarely outline expectations of standards for the safe practice of anaesthesia such as preparedness to handle a life‐threatening MH reaction. Among Swedish publicly funded anaesthesia providers there is room for improvement in adherence to the EMHG guideline on dantrolene availability. Publicly run hospitals seem to have better compliance with these recommendations than privately run institutions. Raising awareness about current guidelines is important to improve safety for known and unknown MH‐susceptible individuals.
Methylation entropy landscape of Chinese long‐lived individuals reveals lower epigenetic noise related to human healthy aging
Authors: Wang Hao‐Tian , Xiao Fu‐Hui , Gao Zong‐Liang , Guo Li‐Yun , Yang Li‐Qin , Li Gong‐Hua , Kong Qing‐Peng
Published: April 2024

The transition from ordered to noisy is a significant epigenetic signature of aging and age‐related disease. As a paradigm of healthy human aging and longevity, long‐lived individuals (LLI, >90 years old) may possess characteristic strategies in coping with the disordered epigenetic regulation. In this study, we constructed high‐resolution blood epigenetic noise landscapes for this cohort by a methylation entropy (ME) method using whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Although a universal increase in global ME occurred with chronological age in general control samples, this trend was suppressed in LLIs. Importantly, we identified 38,923 genomic regions with LLI‐specific lower ME (LLI‐specific lower entropy regions, for short, LLI‐specific LERs). These regions were overrepresented in promoters, which likely function in transcriptional noise suppression. Genes associated with LLI‐specific LERs have a considerable impact on SNP‐based heritability of some aging‐related disorders (e.g., asthma and stroke). Furthermore, neutrophil was identified as the primary cell type sustaining LLI‐specific LERs. Our results highlight the stability of epigenetic order in promoters of genes involved with aging and age‐related disorders within LLI epigenomes. This unique epigenetic feature reveals a previously unknown role of epigenetic order maintenance in specific genomic regions of LLIs, which helps open a new avenue on the epigenetic regulation mechanism in human healthy aging and longevity.
Political accountability under moral hazard
Authors: Acharya Avidit , Lipnowski Elliot , Ramos João
Published: April 2024

Viewing the relationship between politicians and voters as a principal–agent interaction afflicted by moral hazard, we examine how political careers are shaped by the incentives that voters provide incumbents to work in the public interest. When moral hazard binds, the optimal way for voters to hold politicians accountable is to provide re‐election incentives that evolve dynamically over their careers in office. Under these incentives, first‐term politicians are among the most electorally vulnerable and the hardest‐working; politician effort rises with electoral vulnerability; electoral security increases following good performance and decreases following bad performance; and both effort and electoral vulnerability tend to decline with tenure. In extensions, we study limited voter commitment, voluntary retirement from politics, and adverse selection.
Total valproate versus free valproate in therapeutic drug monitoring for bipolar disorder: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Krishna Mullezhath Babu Nimesh , Seetharam Jyothsna Chinnapura , Mishra Archana , Maiti Rituparna , Mishra Biswa Ranjan , Srinivasan Anand
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The debate about observing total versus free serum valproate levels for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has been unresolved for decades. This study was planned to assess the agreement between the total versus free valproate levels and the advantage of one method over the other in TDM.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study was done on 93 patients with bipolar disorder. The intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland Altman analysis, and Lin's concordance analysis were done to assess the agreement between the total and free valproate concentrations. Linear and polynomial models were constructed to evaluate the relation between the two measurements. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was done to compare the accuracy for differentiating remission from non‐remission on Young's mania rating scale (YMRS).

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient were 0.491 (p = .002) and 0.055 (95% CI:0.037, 0.073), respectively. Bland Altman's analysis showed proportional bias. A polynomial model of second order was found to be the best fit for the prediction of free valproate from the data for total valproate, and 81.4% of the variability in free valproate could be explained when adjusted for albumin levels. The area under the curve for total valproate was 0.60 when compared to free valproate 0.56 for differentiating between remission and non‐remission, but the comparison between the two ROC analyses was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Free valproate does not provide any added advantage over the total valproate levels; hence, total valproate levels may continue to be used as the marker for drug monitoring.
A case of disseminated cryptococcosis with abdominal involvement due to Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in a Ragdoll cat and false‐negative cryptococcal antigen lateral flow tests due to the postzone phenomenon
Authors: Teh A , Pritchard E , Donahoe SL , Malik R , Krockenberger M
Published: April 2024

Although cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal disease of cats, abdominal involvement is rarely reported. The pathogenesis of cryptococcosis usually involves sinonasal colonisation, followed by tissue invasion and sinonasal infection, with possible subsequent spread to the lungs and/or direct extension into the central nervous system (CNS), for example, via the cribriform plate. Further haematogenous spread can occur to any tissue, including skin and the CNS. This report describes a case of disseminated cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in a 13‐year‐old cat, the fourth documented Australian feline case with abdominal involvement. The cat presented with a chronic history of upper respiratory disease that progressed to severe lethargy and anorexia. An autopsy revealed striking peritonitis with multifocal abdominal involvement affecting the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, pancreas and mesentery. Cryptococcal organisms were also observed in organs within the thoracic cavity, sinonasal tissues and the CNS. Testing of abdominal fluid and serum for cryptococcal antigen using a commercially available lateral flow assay using neat fluid specimen initially tested false‐negative. However, after dilution of the sample to 1:64, a positive result was obtained, confirming a postzone phenomenon. Taken together, the collective findings were indicative of widely disseminated cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus neoformans with atypical involvement of the abdominal cavity.
Horse populations are severely underestimated in a region at risk of Hendra virus spillover
Authors: Linnegar B , Kerlin DH , Eby P , Kemsley P , McCallum H , Peel AJ
Published: April 2024

Objective

To identify the size and distribution of the horse population in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW, including changes from 2007 to 2021, to better understand populations at risk of Hendra virus transmission.

Methods

Census data from the 2007 Equine Influenza (EI) outbreak were compared with data collected annually by New South Wales Local Land Services (LLS) (2011–2021), and with field observations via road line transects (2021).

Results

The horse populations reported to LLS in 2011 (3000 horses; 0.77 horses/km2) was 145% larger than that reported during the EI outbreak in 2007 (1225 horses; 0.32 horses/km2). This was inconsistent with the 6% increase in horses recorded from 2011 to 2020 within the longitudinal LLS dataset. Linear modelling suggested the true horse population of this region in 2007 was at least double that reported at the time. Distance sampling in 2021 estimated the region's population at 10,185 horses (3.89 per km2; 95% CI = 4854–21,372). Field sampling and modelling identified higher horse densities in rural cropland, with the percentage of conservation land, modified grazing, and rural residential land identified as the best predictors of horse densities.

Conclusions

Data from the 2007 EI outbreak no longer correlates to the current horse population in size or distribution and was likely not a true representation at the time. Current LLS data also likely underestimates horse populations. Ongoing efforts to further quantify and map horse populations in Australia are important for estimating and managing the risk of equine zoonoses.
EMA commentary on the guideline on quality, nonclinical and clinical aspects of medicinal products containing genetically modified cells
Authors: Celis Patrick , Farinelli Giada , Hidalgo‐Simon Ana , Meij Pauline , Tihaya Mara , Schüssler‐Lenz Martina , Timón Marcos
Published: April 2024

Great advances have been made in the knowledge of development and regulatory approval of medicinal product containing genetically modified cells. Although a guideline has been available in the EU since 2012, the current updated version provides a useful guide to developers and professionals involved in the regulatory process of these medicines. This article presents the main issues communicated in that guidance, the regulators' insights and a commentary from the academic developers' point of view.
Entomophagous insects: Predators and parasitoids that shape insect communities and offer valuable tools for insect pest management
Authors: Segura Diego F. , Cingolani María Fernanda , Wajnberg Eric , Beukeboom Leo W.
Published: April 2024

This special issue comprises papers presented at the 7th International Entomophagous Insects Conference (IEIC7), in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2023. Entomophagous insects, which prey on or parasitize other insects, play a pivotal role in ecosystems and are widely utilized as biocontrol agents. This special issue includes two review articles and nine research papers covering diverse subjects such as ecology, physiology, behavior, genetics, chemical ecology, and biological control, which reflects the diversity of topics presented and discussed during the conference.
High‐definition turns timing‐dependent: Different behavioural consequences during and following cathodal high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD tDCS) in a magnitude classification task
Authors: Schroeder Philipp A. , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph , Svaldi Jennifer
Published: April 2024

Neuromodulation with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can transiently alter neural activity, but its spatial precision is low. High‐definition (HD) tDCS was introduced to increase spatial precision by placing additional electrodes over the scalp. Initial evaluations of HD tDCS indicated polarity‐specific neurophysiological effects—similar to conventional tDCS albeit with greater spatial precision. Here, we compared the effects of cathodal tDCS or HD tDCS in a 4 × 1 configuration over prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions on behavioural outcomes in a magnitude classification task. We report results on overall performance, on the numerical distance effect as a measure of numerical processing, and on the spatial‐numerical associations of response codes (SNARC) effect, which was previously affected by prefrontal tDCS. Healthy volunteers (n = 68) received sham or cathodal HD tDCS at 1 mA over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Results were compared to an identical protocol with conventional cathodal tDCS to the left PFC versus sham (n = 64). Mixed effects models showed performance gains relative to sham tDCS in all conditions after tDCS (i.e. ‘offline’), whereas montages over PFC and DLPFC already showed performance gains during tDCS (i.e. ‘online’). In contrast to conventional tDCS, HD tDCS did not reduce the SNARC effect. Neither condition affected numerical processing, as expected. The results suggest that HD tDCS with cathodal polarity might require further adjustments (i.e. regarding tDCS intensity) for effective modulations of cognitive‐behavioural performance, which could be achieved by individualised current density in electric field modelling.
Real‐world persistence of multiple sclerosis disease‐modifying therapies
Authors: Tallantyre Emma C. , Dobson Ruth , Froud Joseph L. J. , St John Frederika A. , Anderson Valerie M. , Arun Tarunya , Buckley Lauren , Evangelou Nikos , Ford Helen L. , Galea Ian , George Sumi , Gray Orla M. , Hibbert Aimee M. , Hu Mo , Hughes Stella E. , Ingram Gillian , Kalra Seema , Lim Chia‐Hui E. , Mathews Joela T. M. , McDonnell Gavin V. , Mescall Naomi , Norris Sam , Ramsay Stephen J. , Rice Claire M. , Russell Melanie J. , Shawe‐Taylor Marianne J. , Williams Thomas E. , Harding Katharine E. , Robertson Neil P.
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

Treatment persistence is the continuation of therapy over time. It reflects a combination of treatment efficacy and tolerability. We aimed to describe real‐world rates of persistence on disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and reasons for DMT discontinuation.

Methods

Treatment data on 4366 consecutive people with relapse‐onset multiple sclerosis (MS) were pooled from 13 UK specialist centres during 2021. Inclusion criteria were exposure to at least one MS DMT and a complete history of DMT prescribing. PwMS in blinded clinical trials were excluded. Data collected included sex, age at MS onset, age at DMT initiation, DMT treatment dates, and reasons for stopping or switching DMT. For pwMS who had received immune reconstituting therapies (cladribine/alemtuzumab), discontinuation date was defined as starting an alternative DMT. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were used to express DMT persistence.

Results

In 6997 treatment events (1.6 per person with MS), median time spent on any single maintenance DMT was 4.3 years (95% confidence interval = 4.1–4.5 years). The commonest overall reasons for DMT discontinuation were adverse events (35.0%) and lack of efficacy (30.3%). After 10 years, 20% of people treated with alemtuzumab had received another subsequent DMT, compared to 82% of people treated with interferon or glatiramer acetate.

Conclusions

Immune reconstituting DMTs may have the highest potential to offer a single treatment for relapsing MS. Comparative data on DMT persistence and reasons for discontinuation are valuable to inform treatment decisions and in personalizing treatment in MS.
Traumatic copulation and counterpart female traits are widespread in fritillary butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Argynnini)
Authors: MATOBA Tatsuki , KAMIMURA Yoshitaka , YOSHIZAWA Kazunori
Published: April 2024

Female fritillary butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Argynnini) are known to have diversified genital structures, especially at the entrance of the bursa copulatrix. However, the origin and function of such elaborated structures are poorly known to date. We examined the male and female genital structures of six Japanese species selected from five genera/subgenera [Argynnis (Argynnis), Argynnis (Damora), Argynnis (Argyronome), Fabriciana, and Speyeria] of the Argynnini tribe and found that traumatic copulation is widespread in Argynnini. Various male genital structures, such as the uncus, valva, and phallus, can cause wounds to the female genitalia. The eighth venter of the female, where the highest morphological diversity in female genitalia was detected, is hooked and held by the male uncus during copulation. It is very likely that the diversified female genital structure coevolved with the male uncus as a counterpart for traumatic coupling.
Interferons and epigenetic mechanisms in training, priming and tolerance of monocytes and hematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Mishra Bikash , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: April 2024

Training and priming of innate immune cells involve preconditioning by PAMPs, DAMPs, and/or cytokines that elicits stronger induction of inflammatory genes upon secondary challenge. Previous models distinguish training and priming based upon whether immune activation returns to baseline prior to secondary challenge. Tolerance is a protective mechanism whereby potent stimuli induce refractoriness to secondary challenge. Training and priming are important for innate memory responses that protect against infection, efficacy of vaccines, and maintaining innate immune cells in a state of readiness; tolerance prevents toxicity from excessive immune activation. Dysregulation of these processes can contribute to pathogenesis of autoimmune/inflammatory conditions, post‐COVID‐19 hyperinflammatory states, or sepsis‐associated immunoparalysis. Training, priming, and tolerance regulate similar “signature” inflammatory genes such as TNF, IL6, and IL1B and utilize overlapping epigenetic mechanisms. We review how interferons (IFNs), best known for activating JAK–STAT signaling and interferon‐stimulated genes, also play a key role in regulating training, priming, and tolerance via chromatin‐mediated mechanisms. We present new data on how monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation modulates IFN‐γ‐mediated priming, affects regulation of AP‐1 and CEBP activity, and attenuates superinduction of inflammatory genes. We present a “training‐priming continuum” model that integrates IFN‐mediated priming into current concepts about training and tolerance and proposes a central role for STAT1 and IRF1.
Single‐cell analysis reveals a unique microenvironment in peri‐implantitis
Authors: Li J. , Ye L. J. , Dai Y. W. , Wang H. W. , Gao J. , Shen Y. H. , Wang F. , Dai Q. G. , Wu Y. Q.
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study aimed to reveal the unique microenvironment of peri‐implantitis through single‐cell analysis.

Materials and Methods

Herein, we performed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) of biopsies from patients with peri‐implantitis (PI) and compared the results with healthy individuals (H) and patients with periodontitis (PD).

Results

Decreased numbers of stromal cells and increased immune cells were found in the PI group, which implies a severe inflammatory infiltration. The fibroblasts were found to be heterogeneous and the specific pro‐inflammatory CXCL13+ sub‐cluster was more represented in the PI group, in contrast to the PD and H groups. Furthermore, more neutrophil infiltration was detected in the PI group than in the PD group, and cell–cell communication and ligand–receptor pairs revealed most neutrophils were recruited by CXCL13+ fibroblasts through CXCL8/CXCL6‐CXCR2/CXCR1. Notably, our study demonstrated that the unique microenvironment of the PI group promoted the differentiation of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells into osteoclasts, which might explain the faster and more severe bone resorption in the progression of PI than PD.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study suggests a unique immune microenvironment of PI, which may explain the differences between PI and PD in the clinic. These outcomes will aid in finding new specific and effective treatments for PI.
Remnant cholesterol, but not other traditional lipids or lipid ratios, is independently and positively related to future diabetes risk in Chinese general population: A 3 year cohort study
Authors: Li Binqi , Liu Yang , Zhou Xin , Gu Weijun , Mu Yiming
Published: April 2024

Aims

Very few cohort studies are available about the relation between remnant cholesterol (RC) and diabetes. Based on a prospective cohort survey, this research aimed at investigating if high RC was related to a future diabetes risk in the Chinese population, as well as to compare the association between RC, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), TG/HDL‐C, LDL‐C/HDL‐C, TC/HDL‐C, and non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C), and future diabetes risk.

Materials and Methods

6,700 baseline normoglycemic participants of the REACTION study's Beijing center were recruited in 2011–2012 and followed up in 2015. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship of RC, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, TC, TG, LDL‐C/HDL‐C, TG/HDL‐C, TC/HDL‐C, and non‐HDL‐C and a future diabetes risk.

Results

After potential confounders were adjusted for, only RC (HR 1.134, 95% CI 1.016–1.267, P = 0.025) was positively related to a future diabetes risk, and only HDL‐C (HR 0.728, 95% CI 0.578–0.918, P = 0.007) was negatively related to a future diabetes risk. The rest of the lipid parameters were not related to a future risk of diabetes. Sensitivity and stratification analyses revealed that the relation between RC and future diabetes risk was stable. RC and future diabetes risk were still positively correlated even when the HDL‐C was ≥1.04 mmol/L (HR 1.167, 95% CI 1.050–1.297, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

It was RC, but not other lipid parameters, that was independently and positively related to a future risk of diabetes among the Chinese general population. Moreover, the relationship between RC and diabetes risk was stable, even with appropriate levels of HDL‐C.
Unveiling the reproductive and migrative behavior ofTrichiurus lepturusin a tropical environment: Insights and implications
Authors: Santos Lucas , Leite Luan G. F. , Andrade Humber A.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to understand the reproductive biology and migrative behavior of the largehead hairtailTrichiurus lepturusin a tropical area, specifically off Pernambuco coast, northeastern Brazil. Commercial catches from fish corrals provided samples for analysis, including measurements, weight recording, and examination of gonads to determine its maturation stage. Reproductive analyses were performed, such as sex ratio, gonado‐somatic index, and sizes at first maturity. There was a slightly higher proportion of females among the 141 largehead hairtail specimens analysed. No significant differences were observed in length distributions between males and females. However, during the winter, significant differences were observed in length distributions for grouped sexes. The species exhibited a seasonal migratory pattern, with a higher presence on the continental shelf during the winter. The study identified strategic allocation of energy in feeding activities and temporal spacing of reproductive cycles, as indicated by the sex ratio and abundance of individuals during different seasons. Fish corrals probably do not harm largehead hairtail population off the southwestern Atlantic tropical coast, with minimal capture of individuals below the size of first maturity. The insights of the study into reproductive and migration patterns contribute to future assessments and management strategies for this species and corral fisheries.
Cover Image
Authors: Evans‐Strong Aidan , Walton Najah , Blandino Katrina , Roper Abigail T. C. , Donaldson S. Tiffany , Lewis Mike , Maguire Jamie
Published: April 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Witnessed trauma exposure induces fear in mice through a reduction in endogenous neurosteroid synthesis by Aidan Evans‐Strong et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.13378

image
Social institutions as enablers and inhibitors of environmental activism: A cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Gabler Colin B. , Eilert Meike
Published: April 2024

Societal well‐being requires immediate global action from individuals and governments to vote on and enact policies that slow down, stop, and reverse the effects of climate change. To pressure governments and motivate policymakers to act, individuals can engage in environmental activism; however, even if individuals consider the environment important, they often do not follow through with action. Using a unique, large‐scale secondary data set from over 60,000 individuals in 48 countries, we examine the influence of social institutions on environmental activism among a nation's citizens. We find that religiosity inhibits environmental activism while education enables it. Confidence in the judiciary system also increases the likelihood that individuals act on their pro‐environmental attitudes while confidence in the government weakens this relationship. We discuss implications for policymakers and community organizers looking to increase the well‐being of their constituents.
Advancing maxillofacial prosthodontics by using pre‐trained convolutional neural networks: Image‐based classification of the maxilla
Authors: Ali Islam E. , Sumita Yuka , Wakabayashi Noriyuki
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study aimed to compare the performance of four pre‐trained convolutional neural networks in recognizing seven distinct prosthodontic scenarios involving the maxilla, as a preliminary step in developing an artificial intelligence (AI)‐powered prosthesis design system.

Materials and methods

Seven distinct classes, including cleft palate, dentulous maxillectomy, edentulous maxillectomy, reconstructed maxillectomy, completely dentulous, partially edentulous, and completely edentulous, were considered for recognition. Utilizing transfer learning and fine‐tuned hyperparameters, four AI models (VGG16, Inception‐ResNet‐V2, DenseNet‐201, and Xception) were employed. The dataset, consisting of 3541 preprocessed intraoral occlusal images, was divided into training, validation, and test sets. Model performance metrics encompassed accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and confusion matrix.

Results

VGG16, Inception‐ResNet‐V2, DenseNet‐201, and Xception demonstrated comparable performance, with maximum test accuracies of 0.92, 0.90, 0.94, and 0.95, respectively. Xception and DenseNet‐201 slightly outperformed the other models, particularly compared with InceptionResNet‐V2. Precision, recall, and F1 scores exceeded 90% for most classes in Xception and DenseNet‐201 and the average AUC values for all models ranged between 0.98 and 1.00.

Conclusions

While DenseNet‐201 and Xception demonstrated superior performance, all models consistently achieved diagnostic accuracy exceeding 90%, highlighting their potential in dental image analysis. This AI application could help work assignments based on difficulty levels and enable the development of an automated diagnosis system at patient admission. It also facilitates prosthesis designing by integrating necessary prosthesis morphology, oral function, and treatment difficulty. Furthermore, it tackles dataset size challenges in model optimization, providing valuable insights for future research.
Association between hypothalamic Alzheimer's disease pathology and body mass index: The Hisayama study
Authors: Yagita Kaoru , Honda Hiroyuki , Ohara Tomoyuki , Koyama Sachiko , Noguchi Hideko , Oda Yoshinao , Yamasaki Ryo , Isobe Noriko , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: April 2024

The hypothalamus is the region of the brain that integrates the neuroendocrine system and whole‐body metabolism. Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been reported to exhibit pathological changes in the hypothalamus, such as neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid plaques (APs). However, few studies have investigated whether hypothalamic AD pathology is associated with clinical factors. We investigated the association between AD‐related pathological changes in the hypothalamus and clinical pictures using autopsied brain samples obtained from deceased residents of a Japanese community. A total of 85 autopsied brain samples were semi‐quantitatively analyzed for AD pathology, including NFTs and APs. Our histopathological studies showed that several hypothalamic nuclei, such as the tuberomammillary nucleus (TBM) and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), are vulnerable to AD pathologies. NFTs are observed in various neuropathological states, including normal cognitive cases, whereas APs are predominantly observed in AD. Regarding the association between hypothalamic AD pathologies and clinical factors, the degree of APs in the TBM and LHA was associated with a lower body mass index while alive, after adjusting for sex and age at death. However, we found no significant association between hypothalamic AD pathology and the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Our study showed that a lower BMI, which is a poor prognostic factor of AD, might be associated with hypothalamic AP pathology and highlighted new insights regarding the disruption of the brain–whole body axis in AD.
Effectiveness of stress management interventions for nursing students: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ji Xuan , Guo Xiaoyan , Soh Kim Lam , Japar Salimah , He Liping
Published: April 2024

Elevated stress levels are related to diminished mental health, potentially leading to decreased well‐being and performance of nursing students. While researchers have focused on developing stress management interventions, there is a need to synthesize the evidence. A systematic review with meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the evidence for the effectiveness of stress management interventions in nursing students. A systematic literature search identified controlled stress management interventions employing a validated psychological or physiological stress measure. Forty‐one studies were included, with 36 forming a pool of 2715 participants in the meta‐analysis. The overall effect on psychological stress was positive. Intervention type, delivery modality, intervention duration in weeks, and number of sessions were moderators of intervention effectiveness, with more significant effects for mind–body programs, on‐site delivery methods, durations of 9–12 weeks, and 15–30 sessions. For physiological stress, the biomarkers of blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels decreased significantly. Future research is necessary for promising outcomes related to currently underrepresented indicators and to investigate the long‐term effects of interventions.
Self‐management intervention for patients following hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD): A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Barnason Susan , Miller Jennifer N. , Schuelke Sue , Miller Jessica J. , Kupzyk Kevin
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the handoff guidance (HG) self‐management intervention for multimorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients following hospitalization for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) using HG self‐management intervention compared to a control group on COPD self‐management outcomes (self‐care, self‐efficacy, health engagement) and assess feasibility, acceptability, and healthcare utilization. A randomized pilot study used a 2‐group with repeated measures design. Adults with COPD who had been hospitalized for AECOPD were recruited. After discharge, the HG self‐management intervention employed health coaching delivered at: 1–3, 10–12, and 20–22 days after hospital discharge. Follow‐up data collected was collected at 1–3, 10–12, 20–22, 30, 60, and 90 days after hospital discharge. A total of 29 subjects participated, with a mean age of 66 (+8.7) years old, the majority were females (n = 18). Intervention participants reported the acceptability of the HG self‐management intervention. Participants in both groups continued to report COPD symptoms after discharge, which decreased over time, although not significantly different by group. The use of COPD maintenance, monitoring, and management behaviors was higher in the treatment group, although not significantly different.
Examining and mitigating racism in nursing using the socio‐ecological model
Authors: Kechi Iheduru‐Anderson , Waite Roberta , Murray Teri A.
Published: April 2024

Racism in nursing is multifaceted, ranging from internalized racism and interpersonal racism to institutional and systemic (or structural) elements that perpetuate inequities in the nursing profession. Employing the socio‐ecological model, this study dissects the underlying challenges across various levels and proposes targeted mitigation strategies to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for nursing education. It advances clear, context‐specific mitigation strategies to cultivate inclusivity and equity within nursing education. Effectively addressing racism within this context necessitates a tailored, multistakeholder approach, impacting nursing students, faculty, administration, professional organizations, and licensing and accrediting bodies. This all‐encompassing strategy recognizes that the interplay of interpersonal dynamics, community culture, institutional policies, and broader societal structures intricately shapes individual experiences. Nurses, nurse leaders, educators, organizations, and policymakers can work together to create a more equitable and inclusive nursing profession by targeting each of these levels. This transformational process can yield positive outcomes across various environments where nurses learn, work, and serve people and enable the demographic composition of nurses to better match the populations served.
Elevator music as a tool for the quantitative characterization of reward
Authors: Abrams Ellie Bean , Namballa Richa , He Richard , Poeppel David , Ripollés Pablo
Published: April 2024

While certain musical genres and songs are widely popular, there is still large variability in the music that individuals find rewarding or emotional, even among those with a similar musical enculturation. Interestingly, there is one Western genre that is intended to attract minimal attention and evoke a mild emotional response: elevator music. In a series of behavioral experiments, we show that elevator music consistently elicits low pleasure and surprise. Participants reported elevator music as being less pleasurable than music from popular genres, even when participants did not regularly listen to the comparison genre. Participants reported elevator music to be familiar even when they had not explicitly heard the presented song before. Computational and behavioral measures of surprisal showed that elevator music was less surprising, and thus more predictable, than other well‐known genres. Elevator music covers of popular songs were rated as less pleasurable, surprising, and arousing than their original counterparts. Finally, we used elevator music as a control for self‐selected rewarding songs in a proof‐of‐concept physiological (electrodermal activity and piloerection) experiment. Our results suggest that elevator music elicits low emotional responses consistently across Western music listeners, making it a unique control stimulus for studying musical novelty, pleasure, and surprise.
SorCS2 is involved in promoting periodontitis‐induced depression‐like behaviour in mice
Authors: Li Yingxue , Yang Yao , Guan Xiaoyue , Liu Zhijun , Pan Lifei , Wang Yuting , Jia Xiangbin , Yang Jianmin , Hou Tiezhou
Published: April 2024

Background

Emerging evidence supports the association between periodontitis and depression, although the mechanisms are unclear. This study investigated the role of SorCS2 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis‐induced depression.

Materials and Methods

An experimental periodontitis model was established using SorCS2 knockout mice and their wild‐type littermates, and depression‐like behaviour was evaluated. The expression of proBDNF signalling, neuronal activity, and glutamate‐associated signalling pathways were further measured by western blotting and immunofluorescence. In addition, neuroinflammatory status, astrocytic and microglial markers, and the expression of corticosterone‐related factors were measured by immunofluorescence, western blotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

SorCS2 deficiency alleviated periodontitis‐induced depression‐like behaviour in mice. Further results suggested that SorCS2 deficiency downregulated the expression of pro‐BDNF and glutamate signalling and restored neuronal activities in mice with periodontitis. Neuroinflammation in the mouse hippocampus was triggered by experimental periodontitis but was not affected by SorCS2 deficiency. The levels of corticosterone and the expression of glucocorticoid receptors were also not altered.

Conclusion

Our study, for the first time, reveals the critical role of SorCS2 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis‐induced depression. The underlying mechanism involves proBDNF and glutamate signalling in the hippocampus, providing a novel therapeutic target for periodontitis‐associated depression.
A call to action: Re‐activating the latent human factor for achieving the UN SDGs—cultivating courageous partnerships and compassionate human systems
Authors: Reid Corinne , Grant Liz
Published: April 2024

The raison d'être for psychotherapy1 is to address individual suffering and distress. The sustainable development goals address suffering and distress on a global scale in the context of threats to the survival of our communities and planet.

Objective

We propose scaling up therapeutic principles for collective impact and nurturing therapist commitment beyond the therapy room, to activate and sustain compassion‐in‐action at the community system level.

Design

The SDGs represent the strength of collective human concern and action coming together. At the half‐way point, we are falling dangerously short of our targets, requiring an urgent response. The tenet of this paper is that the weakest link in our journey is not technical capability or finances, or even the impact of multiple intersecting crises, but our ability to collaborate for sustained action—it is the human factor—hence, we need a psychologically informed response.

Method

Notably, least ‘visible’ is SDG17, the umbrella goal designated means of implementation, through partnership. Partnership has been treated as a transactional element of SDG projects, rather than the vital heartbeat connecting daily actions to the 2030 vision. Partnership is about investing in relationships and a commitment to working together with a common purpose—the bailiwick of psychological therapists.

Results

We propose an architecture to support the development of courageous partnerships and compassionate systems.

Conclusion

Compassion uniquely potentiates global action on wicked problems.
Maintaining social trust: Family cohesion and enhancing mindset in the face of COVID‐19 stress
Authors: Ye Baojuan , Zhu Zixuan , Im Hohjin , Chen Xun , Fan Nannan , Yang Qiang , Xia Fei
Published: April 2024

We recruited a large cross‐sectional sample of undergraduate students in China (n = 1134) early in the COVID‐19 pandemic to investigate how family cohesion may be related to the maintenance of social trust. Family cohesion was positively associated with social trust, and this effect was partially mediated by psychological stress responses to COVID‐19 (PSRC), that is, family cohesion was negatively associated with greater PSRC which was also negatively associated with social trust. Having a “stress‐as‐enhancing” mindset had an additive negative effect on the association between family cohesion and PSRC but only had a weak dampening effect on the negative association between PSRC and trust. Interventions focusing on cultivating positive family relationships and embracing a stress‐as‐enhancing mindset may offer avenues for maximizing protective factors in times of public health crises.
Kidney transplant in pediatric gut transplant recipients – Technical challenges and outcomes
Authors: Amin Arpit , Emmanuel Bishoy , Raghu Vikram , Khanna Ajai , Soltys Kyle , Sindhi Rakesh , Tevar Amit , Moritz Michael L. , Humar Abhinav , Mazariegos George , Ganoza Armando
Published: April 2024

Background

There is limited data in the literature about pediatric kidney transplant (KT) following gut transplant (GT). The purpose of this study is to highlight the technical challenges and outcomes of KT in pediatric gut recipients who developed kidney failure (KF).

Methods

A retrospective single‐center study of pediatric GT recipients from January 2000 to December 2019 was performed. In total, 14 (7%) out of 206 pediatric GT recipients developed KF and were listed for KT. Ten patients underwent kidney after gut transplant (KAGT), three patients underwent simultaneous kidney and re‐do gut transplant (SKAGT), and one patient died on the KT waitlist.

Results

1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year kidney graft survival was 100%, 91%, and 78%, respectively. 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year GT graft survival was 100%, 77%, and 77%, respectively. 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year patient survival was 100%, 91%, and 91%, respectively.

Conclusion

Despite the technical complexity, KAGT and SKAGT for pediatric GT recipients that develop KF can be performed with favorable outcomes.
Social cognition differentiates phenocopy syndrome of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia from behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: van Engelen Marie‐Paule E. , Louwers Paulette , Fieldhouse Jay L. P. , Gossink Flora T. , de Boer Sterre C. M. , Dols Annemieke , Scheltens Philip , Schouws Sigfried N. T. M. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , Vijverberg Everard G. B. , Krudop Welmoed A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients displaying clinical features of behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) but lacking both neuroimaging abnormalities and clinical progression are considered to represent the phenocopy syndrome of bvFTD (phFTD). Extensive clinical overlap between early phase bvFTD and phFTD hampers diagnostic distinction. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of clinician‐rated, self‐reported and caregiver‐reported symptoms for clinical distinction between phFTD and bvFTD.

Methods

There were 33 phFTD and 95 probable bvFTD patients included in the study (total N = 128). Clinician‐rated, self‐reported tests and caregiver‐reported symptoms were compared between phFTD and bvFTD on social cognition, behaviour, mood and activities of daily living (ADL). Scores were compared between groups, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to assess diagnostic value.

Results

Using clinician‐rated and self‐reported tests, phFTD patients performed better on facial emotion recognition and reported more depressive symptoms. Caregiver‐reported behavioural symptoms indicated higher behavioural and ADL impairment in phFTD compared to bvFTD. Facial emotion recognition provided highest diagnostic accuracy for distinction of phFTD from bvFTD (area under the curve (AUC) 0.813 95% CI 0.735–0.892, P < 0.001, sensitivity 81%, specificity 74%) followed by depressive symptoms (AUC 0.769 95% 0.674–0.864, P < 0.001 sensitivity 81%, specificity of 63%).

Conclusion

Social cognition tests are most suitable for distinction of phFTD from bvFTD. Caregiver‐reported questionnaires and phFTD diagnosis seemed inversely correlated, showing more symptoms in phFTD. Further research is needed on phFTD aetiology and in caregivers taking into account disease burden to assess what explains this discrepancy between clinician‐rated and caregiver‐based tools.
Association of lipid levels with motor and cognitive function and decline in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gu Lihua , Shu Hao , Wang Yanjuan , Li Haonan , Wang Pan
Published: April 2024

Background

Most studies have focused on comparing blood lipid biomarkers between Parkinson's disease (PD) and normal controls (NC). However, further research is necessary to explore the impact of blood lipid levels on motor and cognitive function, as well as the progression of motor dysfunction and cognitive decline over time. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between blood lipid biomarkers and these indicators in individuals with PD.

Methods

The cohort study enrolled 157 PD patients and 146 NC from the Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from September 2017 to September 2019. Serum lipid fractions were detected in fasting serum samples. PD patients were followed up at 2 ± 0.6 years for clinical assessment.

Results

PD patients exhibited lower serum triglyceride (TG) levels as compared to NC (P = 0.008). PD male patients exhibited lower serum lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL‐C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels than female patients (LDL‐C: P = 0.034; TC: P = 0.019). Serum TG levels correlated significantly with Unified PD Rating Scale III, Hoehn and Yahr stage and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in PD patients. Additionally, serum TG levels were associated with follow‐up motor function decline and cognitive decline in adjusted regression models in PD patients.

Conclusions

To summarise, the study findings suggest that decreased serum TG levels are significantly associated with greater motor dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction and the greater deterioration of the two indicators.