bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NECAB1-3, parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin in the hippocampus of the European mole
Authors: Maliković Jovana , Amrein Irmgard , Vinciguerra Lorenzo , Wolfer David P. , Slomianka Lutz
Published: September 2024

Many calcium-binding proteins are expressed in a region-and cell-type specific manner in the mammalian hippocampus. Neuronal calcium-binding proteins (NECABs) are also expressed in hippocampal neurons, but few species have been investigated, with partly controversial findings. We here describe NECAB1, NECAB2 and NECAB3 as well as parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin in the European mole, and compare staining patterns of these proteins with those in mouse and other species. While subtle differences are present, NECAB staining in the European mole was generally similar to those in mouse. Common to European moles, mice, and other species we investigated, large hilar polymorphic cells, likely to represent mossy cells, were positive for all three NECABs. NECAB1 and 2 are suitable as markers for these cells along the entire septotemporal axis of the hippocampus. In the European mole, parvalbumin, calbindin and calretinin showed traits that have been described in other species before, albeit in a unique combination. In summary, we provide the first description of distribution of these proteins in the hippocampus of the European mole. This subterranean, insectivorous, and solitary living species belongs to the Order of Eulipotyphla. Despite many similarities with other subterranean species from the rodent order in terms of lifestyle, its hippocampus is cytoarchitecturally much more elaborated than in, e.g., mole-rats. It remains an open question if the hippocampal structure of the European mole reflects evolutionary constraints or ecology. Our descriptive study highlights the diversity in hippocampal cytoarchitecture even in small mammalian species.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the selective control assessment of the lower extremity in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Zhou Chunming , Chen Yijing , Zeng Wenhui , Huang Wujie , Wu Xuefei , Wang Yating , Zhong Jiamin , Cao Jianguo , Huang Meihuan
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Forty-five children with spastic CP (mean age 7.29 years, SD 2.87 years, rang 4–16 years) were recruited. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, while test–retest and inter-rater reliability were evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity was established through correlation and confirmatory factor analyses. Discriminative validity was assessed by comparing SCALE scores across varying GMFCS levels.

Results

The Chinese version of SCALE demonstrates high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and good reliability with ICCs exceeding 0.76 for test–retest and inter-rater assessments. It shows significant correlations with GMFCS (r = −0.76, p < 0.001) and Fugl-Meyer scales (r = 0.79, p < 0.001), confirming its validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supports a well-fitting model (χ2/df = 1.58, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR <0.001, GFI = 0.98, AGFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98), with the latent variable’s AVE at 0.59 and CR at 0.88. Discriminative validity is evident in significant differences across GMFCS levels (p < 0.001), notably between levels I and II, I and III, and I and IV (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Chinese version of SCALE shows good reliability and validity for assessing lower limb selective movement control in children with spastic cerebral palsy in China.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=205380, identifier ChiCTR2400083880.
The Neurostimulationist will see you now: prescribing direct electrical stimulation therapies for the human brain in epilepsy and beyond
Authors: Hadar Peter N. , Zelmann Rina , Salami Pariya , Cash Sydney S. , Paulk Angelique C.
Published: September 2024

As the pace of research in implantable neurotechnology increases, it is important to take a step back and see if the promise lives up to our intentions. While direct electrical stimulation applied intracranially has been used for the treatment of various neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy, clinical depression, and Obsessive-compulsive disorder, the effectiveness can be highly variable. One perspective is that the inability to consistently treat these neurological disorders in a standardized way is due to multiple, interlaced factors, including stimulation parameters, location, and differences in underlying network connectivity, leading to a trial-and-error stimulation approach in the clinic. An alternate view, based on a growing knowledge from neural data, is that variability in this input (stimulation) and output (brain response) relationship may be more predictable and amenable to standardization, personalization, and, ultimately, therapeutic implementation. In this review, we assert that the future of human brain neurostimulation, via direct electrical stimulation, rests on deploying standardized, constrained models for easier clinical implementation and informed by intracranial data sets, such that diverse, individualized therapeutic parameters can efficiently produce similar, robust, positive outcomes for many patients closer to a prescriptive model. We address the pathway needed to arrive at this future by addressing three questions, namely: (1) why aren’t we already at this prescriptive future?; (2) how do we get there?; (3) how far are we from this Neurostimulationist prescriptive future? We first posit that there are limited and predictable ways, constrained by underlying networks, for direct electrical stimulation to induce changes in the brain based on past literature. We then address how identifying underlying individual structural and functional brain connectivity which shape these standard responses enable targeted and personalized neuromodulation, bolstered through large-scale efforts, including machine learning techniques, to map and reverse engineer these input–output relationships to produce a good outcome and better identify underlying mechanisms. This understanding will not only be a major advance in enabling intelligent and informed design of neuromodulatory therapeutic tools for a wide variety of neurological diseases, but a shift in how we can predictably, and therapeutically, prescribe stimulation treatments the human brain.
A review of artificial intelligence methods enabled music-evoked EEG emotion recognition and their applications
Authors: Su Yan , Liu Yong , Xiao Yan , Ma Jiaqi , Li Dezhao
Published: September 2024

Music is an archaic form of emotional expression and arousal that can induce strong emotional experiences in listeners, which has important research and practical value in related fields such as emotion regulation. Among the various emotion recognition methods, the music-evoked emotion recognition method utilizing EEG signals provides real-time and direct brain response data, playing a crucial role in elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying music-induced emotions. Artificial intelligence technology has greatly facilitated the research on the recognition of music-evoked EEG emotions. AI algorithms have ushered in a new era for the extraction of characteristic frequency signals and the identification of novel feature signals. The robust computational capabilities of AI have provided fresh perspectives for the development of innovative quantitative models of emotions, tailored to various emotion recognition paradigms. The discourse surrounding AI algorithms in the context of emotional classification models is gaining momentum, with their applications in music therapy, neuroscience, and social activities increasingly coming under the spotlight. Through an in-depth analysis of the complete process of emotion recognition induced by music through electroencephalography (EEG) signals, we have systematically elucidated the influence of AI on pertinent research issues. This analysis offers a trove of innovative approaches that could pave the way for future research endeavors.
SpQuant-SNN: ultra-low precision membrane potential with sparse activations unlock the potential of on-device spiking neural networks applications
Authors: Hasssan Ahmed , Meng Jian , Anupreetham Anupreetham , Seo Jae-sun
Published: September 2024

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have received increasing attention due to their high biological plausibility and energy efficiency. The binary spike-based information propagation enables efficient sparse computation in event-based and static computer vision applications. However, the weight precision and especially the membrane potential precision remain as high-precision values (e.g., 32 bits) in state-of-the-art SNN algorithms. Each neuron in an SNN stores the membrane potential over time and typically updates its value in every time step. Such frequent read/write operations of high-precision membrane potential incur storage and memory access overhead in SNNs, which undermines the SNNs' compatibility with resource-constrained hardware. To resolve this inefficiency, prior works have explored the time step reduction and low-precision representation of membrane potential at a limited scale and reported significant accuracy drops. Furthermore, while recent advances in on-device AI present pruning and quantization optimization with different architectures and datasets, simultaneous pruning with quantization is highly under-explored in SNNs. In this work, we present SpQuant-SNN, a fully-quantized spiking neural network with ultra-low precision weights, membrane potential, and high spatial-channel sparsity, enabling the end-to-end low precision with significantly reduced operations on SNN. First, we propose an integer-only quantization scheme for the membrane potential with a stacked surrogate gradient function, a simple-yet-effective method that enables the smooth learning process of quantized SNN training. Second, we implement spatial-channel pruning with membrane potential prior, toward reducing the layer-wise computational complexity, and floating-point operations (FLOPs) in SNNs. Finally, to further improve the accuracy of low-precision and sparse SNN, we propose a self-adaptive learnable potential threshold for SNN training. Equipped with high biological adaptiveness, minimal computations, and memory utilization, SpQuant-SNN achieves state-of-the-art performance across multiple SNN models for both event-based and static image datasets, including both image classification and object detection tasks. The proposed SpQuant-SNN achieved up to 13× memory reduction and >4.7× FLOPs reduction with < 1.8% accuracy degradation for both classification and object detection tasks, compared to the SOTA baseline.
Safety and impact of the Mediterranean diet in patients with chronic kidney disease: a pilot randomized crossover trial
Authors: Kwon Yu-Jin , Joo Young Su , Yun Hae-Ryong , Lim Li Rang , Yang Juyeon , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Hyung-Mi , Lee Hyangkyu , Lee Jung Eun , Lee Ji-Won
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Emerging evidence highlights the potential advantages of the Mediterranean diet (MD) in preserving kidney function and slowing chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, interventional studies on the MD are scarce in East Asian populations.

Methods

This randomized crossover trial aimed to assess the safety and short-term impact of the Mediterranean Proper Optimal Balance (MEDi-POB) diet in Korean patients with stage 3–4 CKD. Kidney function was assessed using the estimated glomerular filtration rate, which was calculated using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Fifty patients with CKD were randomly assigned to two groups, each starting with a different 4-week intervention, followed by a 4-week washout period, followed by a switch to the other 4-week intervention. During the MEDi-POB intervention, patients received home delivery of meals twice daily, 5 days a week, while the control intervention comprised a conventional diet. Forty-six patients successfully completed the entire 12-week trial. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess mean differences between the two groups. A linear mixed model was used to adjust for sequence and period.

Results

Dietary fat, fiber, and niacin intake were significantly higher following the MEDi-POB diet than following the control diet (p = 0.001 for fat, p < 0.001 for fiber, and p = 0.007 for niacin). The MEDi-POB diet also yielded slightly increased total CO2 levels (p = 0.043), indicating effective management of metabolic acidosis. Conversely, sodium and copper intake were significantly lower with the MEDi-POB diet (p = 0.032 and p = 0.037, respectively). Caloric intake increased, but body mass index slightly decreased from baseline after consuming the MEDi-POB diet. Dietary potassium intake exhibited a non-significant increase (p = 0.053), and no significant changes in serum (p = 0.883) and urine potassium levels (p = 0.087) occurred. Kidney function remained well-preserved following the MEDi-POB diet.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the MEDi-POB diet is safe even in patients with advanced CKD, as it does not adversely affect serum and urine potassium levels and helps maintain kidney function.
A theoretical study on evaluating brain tumor changes in tumor treating fields therapy by impedance detection
Authors: Li Xing , Liu Kaida , Fang Haohan , Liu Zirong , Gao Wei , Dai Ping
Published: September 2024

TTFields is a novel FDA-approved technology utilized for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) within the brain. Presently, the effectiveness of therapy is evaluated through MRI imaging at random two-month intervals. Electrical impedance is an important and effective parameter for reflecting changes in tissue properties. In TTFields treatment for brain tumors, electrodes attached to the scalp deliver electric field energy to the tumor region. We hypothesize that these electrodes can also serve as sensors to detect impedance changes caused by tumor alterations in real time, thus continuously assessing the effectiveness of the treatment. In this work, we propose and scrutinize this hypothesis by conducting an in silico study to confirm the potential feasibility of the proposed concept. Our results indicate that the impedance amplitude change measured between opposing TTFields electrode arrays utilizing voltage and frequency of 50 V and 200 kHz (typical TTFields treatment parameters), has enough resolution (> 1mm) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (> 40 dB) to evaluate tumor size change in the head. The impedance detection technique may be a significant augmentation to TTFields cancer treatment, enabling the continuous evaluation of safety and efficacy throughout the procedure.
Case report: Successful therapy with azacitidine for acute myeloid leukemia with NUP98::RARG resembling acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Wei Zhichen , Shao Linlin , Xu Shuqian , Zhang Xiaolin , Wang Lin , Qin Ping , Song Qiang , Hou Ming , Shi Yan
Published: September 2024

We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARG) rearrangement, exhibiting clinical, morphological, and immunophenotypic features similar to classic acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). RNA sequencing analysis of the patient’s bone marrow samples revealed the presence of nucleoporin 98 (NUP98)-RARG caused by translocation. AML with RARG rearrangement is insensitive to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide. The patient received azacitidine therapy after failing ATRA and standard 3 + 7 therapy (idarubicin and cytarabine) and achieved complete remission. Conclusively, this acute myeloid leukemia subtype may benefit from azacitidine.
Laparoscopic anatomical partial splenectomy for extremely rare isolated splenic lymphangioma in an adult: a case report and literature review
Authors: Shi Ruizi , Yang Pei , Guo Yangjie , Tang Yiping , Luo Hua , Qin Chuan , Jiang Ting , Huang Yu , Gao Ziqing , Zeng Xintao , Wang Jianjun
Published: September 2024

Background

Benign tumors of the spleen are rare compared to those of other parenchymal organs, accounting for less than 0.007% of all tumors, and are often found incidentally. Splenolymphangiomas are much rarer, commonly occur in children, and tend to have multiple foci. Splenic lymphangiomas are rare in adults, and fewer than 20 adult patients with isolated splenic lymphangiomas have been reported. In this article, we report the case of a middle-aged female patient with isolated splenic lymphangioma who underwent laparoscopic anatomical hypophysectomy of the lower pole of the spleen. We also summarize the existing literature on splenic lymphangioma diagnosis and available treatment options.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old middle-aged woman was found to have a mass approximately 60 mm in diameter at the lower pole of the spleen during a health checkup that was not accompanied by other symptoms or examination abnormalities. After completing a preoperative examination with no contraindications to surgery, the patient underwent laparoscopic anatomical splenectomy of the lower extremity of the spleen. The patient recovered well without complications and was discharged from the hospital on the 7th postoperative day. Histopathological and immunohistochemical results confirmed the diagnosis of splenic lymphangioma. Prompt surgical intervention is safe and necessary when splenic lymphangiomas are large or associated with a risk of bleeding.

Conclusion

Splenic lymphangiomas are rare and require early surgical intervention in patients with large tumor diameters or those at risk of rupture and bleeding. After rigorous preoperative evaluation and preparation, laparoscopic anatomical partial splenectomy is safe and feasible for surgeons with experience in laparoscopic surgery.
Assessment of the reliability of at-home caregiver-collected anthropometric measurements
Authors: Ly Jenny J. , Sosa Ana , Heidman Matthew , Dixon Matthew F. , Ostolaza Christian , Dallabrida Susan M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Anthropometric measurements provide valuable information about infant growth patterns and can help identify nutrition, growth, and developmental concerns. With the increasing use of telehealth and decentralized clinical trial approaches, there is potential for caregivers to collect anthropometric measurements at home via teleconference with healthcare providers (HCPs) to monitor infant growth, which indirectly reflects health status. This study aimed to evaluate whether telehealth-guided caregivers can utilize standardized methods and home-use measurement equipment to collect reliable anthropometric measurements compared to HCPs and study nurses.

Methods

The study compared the weight, length, and head circumference measurements collected by caregivers (n = 8 pairs), pediatric HCPs (n = 7), and study nurses (n = 4), who served as the gold standard comparator group. Four silicone dolls with varied anthropometrics were used as surrogates for human infants.

Results

Caregiver inter- and intra-observer technical errors of measurement (TEMs) were all equal to or below the maximum allowed error (MAE). For HCPs, only intra-observer TEM for length and inter-observer TEM for HC and length were within the MAE. There was no evidence of bias for either caregiver or HCP measurements compared to the gold standard. Coefficients of reliability (R) were greater than 0.96 for all measurements.

Discussion

Preliminary results from this study demonstrate that telehealth-guided caregivers can capture accurate and reliable anthropometric measurements compared to HCPs. The results suggest that remote measurement collection allows for more frequent monitoring while reducing the burden on patients and caregivers in primary care and clinical trials such as infant formula growth monitoring studies.
Analysis of gut microbiota-derived metabolites regulating pituitary neuroendocrine tumors through network pharmacology
Authors: Cao Min , Huang Ping , Xu Lun-shan , Zhang Yi-hua
Published: September 2024

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are a special class of tumors of the central nervous system that are closely related to metabolism, endocrine functions, and immunity. In this study, network pharmacology was used to explore the metabolites and pharmacological mechanisms of PitNET regulation by gut microbiota. The metabolites of the gut microbiota were obtained from the gutMGene database, and the targets related to the metabolites and PitNETs were determined using public databases. A total of 208 metabolites were mined from the gutMGene database; 1,192 metabolite targets were screened from the similarity ensemble approach database; and 2,303 PitNET-related targets were screened from the GeneCards database. From these, 392 overlapping targets were screened between the metabolite and PitNET-related targets, and the intersection between these overlapping and gutMGene database targets (223 targets) were obtained as the core targets (43 targets). Using the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway and metabolic pathway analysis, CXCL8 was obtained as a hub target, tryptophan metabolism was found to be a key metabolic pathway, and IL-17 signaling was screened as the key KEGG signaling pathway. In addition, molecular docking analysis of the active metabolites and target were performed, and the results showed that baicalin, baicalein, and compound K had good binding activities with CXCL8. We also describe the potential mechanisms for treating PitNETs using the information on the microbiota (Bifidobacterium adolescentis), signaling pathway (IL-17), target (CXCL8), and metabolites (baicalin, baicalein, and compound K); we expect that these will provide a scientific basis for further study.
Association of SLCO1B1 gene variants with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced cough in a Pakistani hypertensive cohort
Authors: Sheikh Arooj Fatima , Munawar Nayla , Nawaz Rukhsana , Khan Hizbullah , Rafique Mehwish , Jahan Faryal , Ahmed Sagheer
Published: September 2024

Background

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are prescribed for individuals with high cardiovascular (CV) risk; however, persistent cough limits the use of ACEIs in a large number of patients. The current study aimed to identify the genetic variants in the SLCO1B1 gene that might be associated with ACEI-related cough in a Pakistani hypertensive population.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. A total of 74 patients who had been treated with ACEIs were recruited through a convenient sampling method. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board & Ethics Committee of the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. Patients provided 2 ml of blood for sequencing after signing informed consent. Partial gene sequencing of SLCO1B1 was carried out to find single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes.

Results

It was found, through a structured questionnaire, that thirty-eight (38) patients experienced cough within 2 weeks of ACEI administration and were considered as a case group (cough), and thirty-six (36) patients were considered as a control group (no cough). The incidence of cough was 51%. We found six different SNPs and 9 haplotypes in the partial gene sequences of SLCO1B1. Haplotype H4 was associated significantly with cough after adjusting for sex and smoking status. Other SNPs and haplotypes were not significantly associated with ACE-Is-induced cough.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the significance of SLCO1B1 genetic variants, specifically H4, as a potential predictor of ACEI-induced cough. It could be included in clinical practice as a possible risk factor for ACEI-induced cough once confirmed in larger clinical trials with bigger sample sizes. The replication of these findings in larger and more diverse populations is likely to contribute to the therapeutic use of ACEIs by predicting ACEI-induced cough.
Mechanistic study of leukopenia treatment by Qijiao shengbai Capsule via the Bcl2/Bax/CASAPSE3 pathway
Authors: Jiang Siyue , Wang Pengjiao , Sun Xiaodong , Zhang Min , Zhang Shuo , Cao Yu , Wang Yuben , Liu Li , Gao Xiuli
Published: September 2024

Background

Leukopenia can be caused by chemotherapy, which suppresses bone marrow function and can impact the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Qijiao Shengbai Capsule (QJSB) is commonly used to treat leukopenia, but the specific bioactive components and mechanisms of action are not well understood.

Objectives and results

This study aimed to analyze the active ingredients of QJSB and its potential targets for treating leukopenia using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Through a combination of serum pharmacochemistry, multi-omics, network pharmacology, and validation experiments in a murine leukopenia model, the researchers sought to understand how QJSB improves leukopenia. The study identified 16 key components of QJSB that act in vivo to increase the number of white blood cells in leukopenic mice. Multi-omics analysis and network pharmacology revealed that the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways are important in the treatment of leukopenia with QJSB. Five specific targets (JUN, FOS, BCl-2, CASPAS-3) were identified as key targets.

Conclusion

Validation experiments confirmed that QJSB regulates genes related to cell growth and inhibits apoptosis, suggesting that apoptosis may play a crucial role in leukopenia development and that QJSB may improve immune function by regulating apoptotic proteins and increasing CD4+ T cell count in leukopenic mice.
Nanostructure-assisted drought tolerance in olive trees (Olea europaea L.): the role of Fe2O3-graphitic carbon
Authors: Gholami Rahmatollah , Fahadi Hoveizeh Narjes , Zahedi Seyed Morteza , Padervand Mohsen , Dawi Elmuez A. , Carillo Petronia
Published: September 2024

Olive trees are known as one of the most iconic crops in the world. Considering the increasing water deficit worldwide, implementing some profitable and empirical strategies can be inevitable upon exposure to drought stress. Therefore, the present study aimed at clarifying the beneficial role of exogenously foliar application of Fe2O3 modified carbon nitride nanostructures (control, FeSO4, C3N4 and Fe2O3/g-C3N4) to “Shengeh” olive cultivars grown at different watering levels (100, 75, and 50% ET) in two experimental years (2022 and 2023) and the pomological attributes, physiological and biochemical changes happening in the treated leaves and fruits were discussed. The results indicated that drought stress caused a significant decline in pomological attributes in this experiment, and treatments could remarkably make up for this damage. Overall, Fe2O3/g-C3N4 outperformed as compared FeSO4 and C3N4 alone, which were also efficacious in conferring tolerance to the water deficit stress. Conversely, severe drought stressed-olive fruits showed higher oil content percent in the fresh matter and water use efficiency (WUE) in oil by 30% and 52.5%, respectively, as an average of results of two years, and after Fe2O3/g-C3N4, these features in olive plants subjected to severe drought improved by an average of 35% over two years. Ca2+ and K+ in olive plants under severe drought stress declined by 50% and 83% in 2022 and 46% and 24% in 2023, while Na+ increased in the plants exposed to 50%ET stress by 48% and 57% in two successive experimental years respectively. The application of Fe2O3/g-C3N4 remarkably improved the contents of Ca2+ and K+ by 101.5% and 369%, respectively, as an average of two years. Conversely, this beneficial treatment led to a significant decline in Na+ levels by 30% in 2022 and 2% in 2023 under stressful conditions. Moreover, it decreased the ‘osmolytes’ content, caused a smaller decline in chlorophyll levels, and resulted in higher relative water content occurring in the treated olive leaves. The reduction of oxidative markers was a result of the increased enzymatic activity after the use of Fe2O3/g-C3N4. Therefore, this treatment is a promising strategy to achieve improved resistance in olive plants in the future.
Musicians’ pursuit of expertise-related goals is characterised by strategic regulation of functional and counterproductive affect
Authors: Breaden Madden Gerard , Herff Steffen A. , Beveridge Scott , Jabusch Hans-Christian
Published: September 2024

Background

Emotion regulation is an important part of effective goal pursuit. Functional accounts of emotion regulation suggest that the attainment of challenging goals may be supported by regulating emotions which promote utilitarian over hedonic outcomes. When pursuing the challenging, long-term goal of acquiring expert musical skills and knowledge, musicians may wish to prioritise whichever emotions are most conducive to attaining this goal, even if those emotions are not necessarily positive.

Methods

Via an online questionnaire, musicians (N = 421) answered questions concerning their musical experience and their expertise-related practice goals. They also reported how strongly they experienced different emotions during practice, and how strongly they desired to either increase or decrease the intensity of those same emotions. Data were analysed using inferential frequentist statistics and Bayesian mixed effects models. Evidence ratios (ER) > 19 were considered strong evidence in favour of an effect.

Results

Our analysis showed that musicians experienced and desired strong levels of positive emotions in their practice. In addition, they reported greater desire to intensify positive compared to negative emotions [paired t (420) = 58.13, p < 0.001]. Our Bayesian mixed effects model provided strong evidence that greater desire to intensify anger increased the probability that an observation derived from a musician with stronger expertise-related goals [Est = 0.70; Odds (Est > 0) > 9,999]. In addition to anger, higher levels of expertise-related goals were increasingly predicted by less strong desire to intensify guilt and gloom and greater desire to reduce downheartedness (all ER > 19).

Discussion

Overall, musicians had a strong, general desire to intensify positive emotions during their musical practice. However, musicians with higher levels of expertise-related goals increasingly indicated a nuanced approach regarding how they desired to regulate certain negative emotions. Findings suggest that musicians engage in selective and sophisticated emotion regulation behaviour that aligns with their long-term commitment to develop musical expertise. They may prioritise emotions which may be functionally beneficial, whilst avoiding emotions which may be counterproductive or undermine efforts. Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of expertise-related, domain-specific emotion regulation behaviour and may inform the design of prioritised musical practice strategies.
Embarrassment as a public vs. private emotion and symbolic coping behaviour
Authors: Soliman Meikel
Published: September 2024

In dealing with embarrassment, individuals engage in symbolic coping behaviours (e.g., hiding one’s face by wearing sunglasses). Research investigated these behaviours when embarrassment is experienced as a public emotion (e.g., others present). Contrary, there is emerging evidence showing that embarrassment can be experienced as a private emotion (e.g., no others present) as well. This is why the present research seeks to enhance previous work on symbolic coping behaviours and investigates to what extent symbolic coping behaviours differ when embarrassment is experienced in public and private. First, the present study finds that individuals experience embarrassment as a private as well as a public emotion. Second, both types of embarrassment relate to symbolic coping behaviours. Third, while both types of embarrassment experience a preference for face-hiding products there are differences in symbolic coping behaviours. Fourth, the study transfers extant research to a different cultural context.
Brain topology underlying executive functions across the lifespan: focus on the default mode network
Authors: Menardi A. , Spoa M. , Vallesi A.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

While traditional neuroimaging approaches to the study of executive functions (EFs) have typically employed task-evoked paradigms, resting state studies are gaining popularity as a tool for investigating inter-individual variability in the functional connectome and its relationship to cognitive performance outside of the scanner.

Method

Using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Human Connectome Project Lifespan database, the present study capitalized on graph theory to chart cross-sectional variations in the intrinsic functional organization of the frontoparietal (FPN) and the default mode (DMN) networks in 500 healthy individuals (from 10 to 100 years of age), to investigate the neural underpinnings of EFs across the lifespan.

Results

Topological properties of both the FPN and DMN were associated with EF performance but not with a control task of picture naming, providing specificity in support for a tight link between neuro-functional and cognitive-behavioral efficiency within the EF domain. The topological organization of the DMN, however, appeared more sensitive to age-related changes relative to that of the FPN.

Discussion

The DMN matures earlier in life than the FPN and it ıs more susceptible to neurodegenerative changes. Because its activity is stronger in conditions of resting state, the DMN might be easier to measure in noncompliant populations and in those at the extremes of the life-span curve, namely very young or elder participants. Here, we argue that the study of its functional architecture in relation to higher order cognition across the lifespan might, thus, be of greater interest compared with what has been traditionally thought.
Does hope mediate the relationship between parent’s resolution of their child’s autism diagnosis and parental stress
Authors: Naicker Vrinda V. , Hedley Darren , Bury Simon M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Resolution of a child’s diagnosis, the process of accepting and adjusting to the reality of a child’s significant diagnosis, has been often associated with decreased parental stress. Hope, a potential buffer against psychological distress, has been suggested as a potential explanation for this relationship. However, the mediating role of hope in the relationship between resolution of diagnosis and parental stress has not been explored.

Methods

This study aimed to examine whether four types of hope (child, parental, societal, denial of diagnosis) mediated the relationship between resolution to an autism diagnosis and reduced parental stress. Participants included 73 parents (Mage = 43.22, SD = 7.69, female 97.3%) of autistic children (Mage = 11.15, SD = 4.56, male = 67.1%).

Results

Resolution to diagnosis was negatively and significantly correlated with resolution to diagnosis, as well as child, parental and societal hope. These three hopes were also significantly and negatively correlated with parental stress. Importantly, when controlling for level of support and autism awareness, parental hope mediated the relationship between resolution to diagnosis and parental stress. Denial of diagnosis was not correlated with resolution or parental stress but did have significant but weak associate with the other hopes.

Discussion

These findings suggest that hope based on parent’s abilities to support their child and be supported themselves play an important role in parental stress once parents are more resolved to their child’s diagnosis. Supporting parents to manage factors associated with supporting their child’s needs, may benefit parents of autistic children.
Association between persistent musculoskeletal pain and incident sarcopenia in China: the mediating effect of depressive symptoms
Authors: Zhou Shengliang , Liu Yuan , Zhang Yan , Luo Naijia , Chen Quan , Ge Meiling , Shen Bin
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the association between musculoskeletal pain and incident sarcopenia and further explore the mediating effect of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

Methods

Using the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 and 2015, we included 12,788 participants in the cross-sectional analysis and 8,322 for the longitudinal analysis. Musculoskeletal pains located in the neck, back, waist, shoulder, arm, wrist, leg, knee, and ankle were self-reported at baseline and follow-up. The diagnosis criteria of sarcopenia was based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between musculoskeletal pain, and the Karlson–Holm–Breen (KHB) method was used to explore the mediating effect of depressive symptoms.

Results

Over the 4-year follow-up, 445 participants were identified with incident sarcopenia. In the longitudinal analysis, participants with baseline musculoskeletal pain (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.76), persistent musculoskeletal pain (OR:1.68, 95%CI: 1.28–2.24), and persistent waist pain (OR:1.46, 95%CI: 1.04–2.03) were significantly associated with increased the risk of incident sarcopenia. Furthermore, depressive symptoms were found to partially mediate the association between musculoskeletal pain and incident sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Persistent musculoskeletal pain, especially in waist area, was positively associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia among the middle-aged and older Chinese. Depressive symptoms played a partial mediating role in this association.
The efficiency evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine hospitals by data envelopment analysis in Zhengzhou, China
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Lv Hui , Jiang Hui , Ren Wenjie
Published: September 2024

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the operational efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in China.

Methods

Pearson’s analysis was used to test the correlation between the input and output variables. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was utilized to analyze the input and output variables of 16 TCM hospitals, and each hospital efficiency score was computed by Deap 2.1, assuming variable return to scale (VRS), which is an input-oriented model. t tests were conducted to confirm the significant difference of efficiency scores at the hospital level and by hospital type, and ANOVA was used to test for significant differences in efficiency scores according to hospitals’ size.

Results

The correlation coefficient of the input and output indicators was between 0.613 and 0.956 (p < 0.05). The difference in number of doctors (ND) and numbers of pharmacists (NP) were statistically significant (p < 0.05) at the hospital level. The mean efficiency scores for technical efficiency (TE), pure technical efficiency (PTE), and scale efficiency (SE) in secondary TCM hospitals were 0.766, 0.919, and 0.838, respectively. Additionally, the lowest TE, PTE, and SE were 0.380, 0.426, and 0.380, respectively. Eight TCM hospitals in this study were DEA efficient, with an efficiency score of 1. There were no statistically significant differences in TE, PTE, and SE among hospital levels, hospital types or hospital sizes groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study revealed that tertiary TCM hospitals had a greater level of efficiency than secondary TCM hospitals. In our study, 50% of TCM hospitals had inefficient management. Therefore, to activate the new development power of TCM hospitals, it is necessary to reform and improve the management system and mechanism of TCM hospitals, optimize the development environment of TCM hospitals and formulate development plans and measures based on local conditions.
Quality assessment of heatstroke videos on TikTok
Authors: Qiu Jun , Zhou You-Lian
Published: September 2024

Background

The prevalence of heatstroke is rising due to global warming, making it a serious but preventable condition, highlighting the urgent need for effective dissemination of relevant health education to the general public. Advances in technology have made accessing health information more convenient and rapid. In recent years, short videos have become a primary medium for delivering health education, with TikTok gaining considerable popularity among the general public. However, the quality of heatstroke-related health education content on TikTok deserves closer scrutiny.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the quality and content of heatstroke-related videos available on TikTok.

Methods

The present study analyzed the top 100 heatstroke-related short videos on TikTok, focusing on their characteristics, quality, and the content they conveyed. The quality of these videos was assessed using the DISCERN instrument. In addition, the completeness of the videos was assessed by examining six key aspects: disease definition, clinical manifestations, risk factors, assessment, management, and outcomes.

Results

The study included a total of 90 videos. The results showed that news organizations and healthcare professionals were the primary contributors to these videos, with those from news organizations receiving the most attention. In contrast, those from healthcare professionals received comparatively less engagement. Overall, the quality of the information was found to be moderately low, with the highest quality videos posted by non-profit organizations, followed by those posted by healthcare professionals. The majority of videos uploaded described the disease definition, clinical presentation, risk factors, assessment, management, and outcomes of heatstroke.

Conclusion

The quality of information provided in heatstroke-related short videos on TikTok is generally inadequate and requires significant improvement. In addition, such content should be subject to government review to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
Ferroptosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma: connecting the dots to move forward
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Battaglia Anna Martina , Sacco Alessandro , Petriaggi Lavinia , Giorgio Emanuele , Barone Selene , Biamonte Flavia , Giudice Amerigo
Published: September 2024

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive disease whose incomplete biological comprehension contributes to the inappropriate clinical management and poor prognosis. Thus, the identification of new promising molecular targets to treat OSCC is of paramount importance. Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death caused by the iron-dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the consequent oxidative damage of lipid membranes. Over the last five years, a growing number of studies has reported that OSCC is sensitive to ferroptosis induction and that ferroptosis inducers exert a remarkable antitumor effect in OSCC, even in those displaying low response to common approaches, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, as ferroptosis is considered an immunogenic cell death, it may modulate the immune response against OSCC. In this review, we summarize the so far identified ferroptosis regulatory mechanisms and prognostic models based on ferroptosis-related genes in OSCC. In addition, we discuss the perspective of inducing ferroptosis as a novel strategy to directly treat OSCC or, alternatively, to improve sensitivity to other approaches. Finally, we integrate data emerging from the research studies, reviewed here, through in silico analysis and we provide a novel personal perspective on the potential interconnection between ferroptosis and autophagy in OSCC.
Competencies of experienced sustainability professionals
Authors: Venn Ronald , Vandenbussche Valerie , Perez Paquita
Published: September 2024

This paper presents an empirical study on key competencies of experienced sustainability professionals. We use an elaborate action research approach to collect and analyze qualitive data from sustainability professionals in Belgium (Wallonia). The iterative action-reflection process included a written assignment, an interactive workshop, qualitative data analyses, focus-group discussions, and the corroboration of findings through participant feedback. The 18 participating sustainability professionals had on average 24 years of work experience out of which 17 years in the field of sustainability. Our analysis provides strong empirical evidence for the existence of Sustainability Intervention Competencies which is a cluster of six key competencies, namely interpersonal collaboration competency, capacity building competency, intrapreneurial competency, strategic competency, political competency, and implementation competency. Together with a set of basic sustainability competencies they enable the profound analysis and understanding of sustainability issues, the co-creation of innovative solutions, and the facilitation of transition processes toward a sustainable future. Furthermore, we present empirical evidence for an integrated learning competency which binds two complementary forms of knowledge together, namely topical knowledge and lived experience. This study contributes to the newly forming empirical research stream on competencies of sustainability professionals in Sustainability Science. We outline implications for Human Resource Management as well as Higher Education and Vocational Training.
The effects of folk-dance in schools on physical and mental health for at-risk adolescents: a pilot intervention study
Authors: Jochum Elizabeth , Egholm Ditte , Oliveira Anderson Souza , Jacobsen Stine Lindahl
Published: September 2024

We present the findings from a pilot study to evaluate the effects of a six-week adapted folk-dance intervention on physical and mental health for at-risk adolescents conducted in schools. At-risk adolescents are at particular risk for sedentary behavior, poor mental health, and lower quality of life, and are likely to benefit from motivating and health-promoting activities such as dance. However, it can be challenging to conduct and evaluate evidence-based interventions with this population. We conducted a convergent parallel mixed-method design using pre-post measures of mental well-being, as well as pre-post measures using inertial measurement units to assess physical activity during a 6-week adapted folk-dance intervention. At the completion of the study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with all stakeholder groups. We observed significant improvements in mental well-being, as indicated by increased WEMWBS and MHC-SF scores, while the UCLA score showed no significant change, with these outcomes independent of age and gender. Furthermore, at-risk adolescents reduced the time spent in stationary/resting position, while their heart rates were also reduced by ∼15% in such conditions. Our results suggest that at-risk youth who participated in adapted folk-dance became more enthusiastic and showed more willingness to move over the course of the intervention. Quantitative results were supported by interviews, which found that participants responded positively to the adapted folk-dance classes, and reported both elevated physical exertion and high levels of enjoyment. The mixed-method research design also provided insights into the suitability of data collection methods for this hard-to-reach population. We report on these outcomes, including best practices for working within schools on health-promoting physical activities.