bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain plasticity associated with prolonged shooting training: a multimodal neuroimaging investigation from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Keying , Zhao Tao , Ding Yu , Cheng Jia , Cao Chunmei
Published: February 2025

Background

Although training has been recognized as a potential contributor to neuroplasticity in athletes, the impact of prolonged shooting training on human brain plasticity remains unclear in the existing literature.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we used a multimodal neuroimaging analysis, including the analysis of functional blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, structural T1-weighted MRI images, and diffusion MRI images, to systematically identify differences between elite shooters and normal controls.

Results

The results showed that compared to male normal controls, male elite shooters had higher regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, precuneus, thalamus, and cingulate gyrus, as well as higher functional connectivity between the medial frontal cortex (MedFC) and temporooccipital middle temporal gyrus (toMTG). Male elite shooters also showed higher cortical thickness in the right inferior temporal lobe; lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFF), and right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR); lower axial diffusivity (AD) value in forceps minor and left ATR; and lower structural connectivity between right putamen and right inferior parietal cortex (IPC), right IPC and right paracentral cortex, and right paracentral cortex and right superior parietal cortex (SPC).

Conclusion

Elite male shooters exhibited optimized resting-state functional activity, functional connectivity, and morphological features compared to normal controls. Prolonged shooting training may contribute to enhancing the brain’s functional and structural plasticity related to motor control, attentional focus, and emotion regulation in male shooters; however, similar changes have not been observed in female shooters.
TDP-43 as a potential retinal biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Glashutter Margit , Wijesinghe Printha , Matsubara Joanne A.
Published: February 2025

TDP-43 proteinopathies are a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) characterized by the pathological cytoplasmic aggregation of the TDP-43 protein. These include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and others. TDP-43 in the eye shows promise as a biomarker for these NDDs. Several studies have identified cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions in retinal layers of donors with ALS, FTLD, AD, CTE, and other conditions using immunohistochemistry. Our findings suggest that pathological aggregates of TDP-43 in the human retina are most prevalent in FTLD-TDP, ALS, and CTE, suggesting these diseases may provide the most reliable context for studying the potential of TDP-43 as a retinal biomarker. Animal model studies have been pivotal in exploring TDP-43’s roles in the retina, including its nuclear and cytoplasmic localization, RNA binding properties, and interactions with other proteins. Despite these advances, more research is needed to develop therapeutic strategies. A major limitation of human autopsy studies is the lack of corresponding brain pathology assessments to confirm TDP-43 proteinopathy diagnosis and staging. Other limitations include small sample sizes, lack of antemortem eye pathology and clinical histories, and limited comparisons across multiple NDDs. Future directions for the TDP-43 as a retinal biomarker for NDDs include retinal tracers, hyperspectral imaging, oculomics, and machine learning development.
Application of oral nutritional supplements to control body weight loss in postoperative patients suffering from solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Ying , Wu Zhen , Shao Tingting , Zheng Wanzhen , Huang Jing
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to summarize the impact of oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) on mitigating body weight loss (BWL) in patients following surgical treatment for solid tumors.

Methods

A systematic and comprehensive search of four major publicly available databases was conducted up to May 2024 to identify studies for inclusion in the analysis. Data from eligible studies were extracted, and pooled mean differences (MD) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BWL were computed.

Results

A total of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2,268 participants were finally included. The group receiving oral nutritional supplements demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in weight loss compared to the control group, with a mean difference of 1.11 (95% CI: 0.52–1.70), an I2 statistic of 97.0%, and a p-value less than 0.01.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis provide evidence that ONSs effectively reduce BWL in postoperative patients with solid tumors. Additionally, ONS with lower daily caloric intake demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing BWL.
Aortic intimal sarcoma with abdominal metastasis: case report and management approach
Authors: Yao Gongji , Xu Jianwei
Published: February 2025

Background

Aortic intimal sarcoma is an exceptionally rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Tumors are predominantly located in the abdominal aorta, thoracic aorta, and thoracoabdominal aorta. Abdominal metastasis of aortic sarcoma is rarely documented, and effective treatment regimens are lacking.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old female presented with recurrent abdominal pain and a history of hypertension and mesenteric thrombosis. Initial arterial computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed multiple thrombi with significant luminal narrowing, leading to a diagnosis of aortic thrombosis. She was referred to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University for surgical intervention. Pathological analysis confirmed a diagnosis of aortic intimal sarcoma with MDM2 positivity. One month later, the patient developed severe abdominal pain, and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed accumulation in the small intestine, jejunum, and back muscles. Palliative tumor removal was performed, and the patient received chemotherapy with platinum drugs and epirubicin. Post-treatment PET-CT indicated no significant tumor staining or progression.

Discussion

Aortic intimal sarcoma is a rare neoplasm with limited treatment options. MDM2 overexpression is commonly observed, but similar histological features can appear in other conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Imaging modalities, including MRI and PET-CT, are crucial for diagnosis and monitoring. Current treatment strategies are non-standardized, but small-molecule inhibitors targeting MDM2 show promise. This case highlights the potential effectiveness of combined surgical and chemotherapeutic approaches for managing abdominal metastasis of aortic intimal sarcoma and provides a foundation for future clinical trials.
ITGA4 as a potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarker in human cancer and its clinical significance in gastric cancer: an integrated analysis and validation
Authors: Zhang Jiaxing , Wang Gang , Liu Jie , Tang Futian , Wang Song , Li Yumin
Published: February 2025

Background

Integrin Subunit Alpha 4 (ITGA4), a member of the integrin protein family, is involved in the progression of malignant tumors. However, its role across different cancer types is not well understood.

Methods

Utilizing multi-omics data, we comprehensively evaluated ITGA4’s expression, clinical relevance, diagnostic and prognostic value, functions, mutations, and methylation status, along with its impact on immunity, mismatch repair (MMR), heterogeneity, stemness, immunotherapy responsiveness, and drug resistance in pan-cancer, with partial validation in gastric cancer (GC) using transcriptomic analysis, single-cell data, western blot (WB), wound-healing assay, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We further investigated its correlation with clinicopathology and serological markers on tissues from 80 GC patients.

Results

ITGA4 expression was generally low in normal tissues but varied significantly across tumor types, with higher levels in advanced stages and grades. It demonstrated diagnostic value in 20 cancer types and effectively predicted 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates as part of a prognostic model. ITGA4 played roles in cell adhesion, migration, immune regulation, and pathways like PI3K-Akt and TSC-mTOR. It showed alterations in 22 cancer types, with methylation at 9 sites inhibiting its expression. ITGA4 positively correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune regulatory genes, chemokines, and might reduce microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutation burden (TMB) by promoting MMR gene expression. It could also predict immunotherapy efficacy and chemotherapy sensitivity. In GC, high ITGA4 expression was related to poor prognosis, promoted tumor proliferation and migration, and enhanced immune cell infiltration. ITGA4 expression was higher in GC cells and tissues than normal ones. Its downregulation inhibited GC cell migration and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, ITGA4 was correlated with N stage, pathological stage, neural and vascular invasion, serum levels of Ki-67, immune cells, CRP and CA125.

Conclusion

ITGA4 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target to enhance cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Successful rivaroxaban and doxycycline therapy for Mycoplasma pneumonia with pulmonary embolism in children: a case report
Authors: Xiaoqian Fang , Hemin Lu
Published: February 2025

The mortality of pulmonary embolism in children is high, and there is no standardized treatment protocol. We present a case of successful treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M pneumoniae) with pulmonary embolism in a child using rivaroxaban and doxycycline, thereby exploring a more appropriate treatment option. A 10-year-old male presented with fever, cough, and chest pain as the main symptoms. M pneumoniae polymerase chain reaction of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive, and computed tomography angiography indicated pulmonary embolism. Azithromycin, doxycycline, and piperacillin-tazobactam were administered sequentially for infection control, while methylprednisolone was given to control inflammation and heparin and rivaroxaban for sequential treatment, resulting in a satisfactory recovery.
Sinensetin attenuates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppressing GRP78/CHOP-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in mice
Authors: Yang Yihong , Xiong Guanghua , Shi Huangqi , Peng Yulin , Liu Jinghong , Jiang Yaxuan , Lu Min , Liu Hongbo , Liu Yong
Published: February 2025

Objective

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) frequently occurs as a complication in liver surgeries, which significantly impacting patient outcomes. Sinensetin (SEN) is a plant-derived polymethoxylated flavone with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. However, the hepatoprotective effect of sinensetin in HIRI pathogenesis have not been fully explored.

Methods

We constructed the HIRI model in mice, with blood and liver samples collected at 6 and 24 h after reperfusion to evaluate liver injury. We also evaluated the protective effect of sinensetin in mice liver I/R injury through histopathological observation, enzyme activity, immunofluorescence, Western blot, molecular docking, and molecular pharmacology experiments.

Results

In our study, we have successfully established the mouse HIRI injury model, and the liver function indicators such as ALT, AST and LDH were significantly increased in the HIRI model group, while SEN pretreatment could lead to a significant decrease in these enzymatic activities, especially perfusion at 6 h. In addition, hepatocytic necrosis and lipid deposition were significantly improved under SEN pretreatment conditions compared to the HIRI group alone. Meanwhile, HIRI can significantly increase the expression of genes related to liver injury and inflammation, while SEN pretreatment can lead to a concentration-dependent decrease in these genes. Besides, the level of liver apoptosis and apoptosis-related genes such as BAX and Bcl-2 were significantly reduced especially in the high concentration SEN pretreatment group, and antioxidant enzyme activities such as CAT and GSH-Px also showed similar changes. Moreover, the HIRI model and SEN pretreatment could lead to dynamic changes in key genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling, while the expression and distribution of GRP78 and CHOP proteins in liver cells also showed significant decrease in HIRI + L-SEN and HIRI + H-SEN groups. Molecular docking simulation showed theoretical binding between SEN-GRP78 and SEN-IRE1α in three-dimensional structures. Ultimately, the use of 4-PBA to pharmacologically inhibit ER stress may substantially reduce liver damage caused by HIRI in mice.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results suggested that sinensetin could alleviate HIRI injury through suppressing GRP78/CHOP-mediated ER stress, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for treating liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in clinical practice.
Optimizing fodder yield and quality through integrated organic nutrient amendments in multi-crop system
Authors: Onte Santosh , Fiskey Vrushabh Vijay , Melavanki Manjunath S. , Angadi Airadevi P. , Pyati Prasanna S. , Singh Magan , Kumar Dileep , Kochewad Sanjivkumar Angadarao , Kumar Sudhir , Om Hari , Meena Vijendra Kumar , Garg Kamal , Karunakaran Vetrivel , Kanwat Manish , Meena Babu Lal , Boregowda Yogananda Shivalli , Bellagi Rahul , Naveena K. , Chandersheker Sunil , Azman Elisa Azura , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: February 2025

The increasing demand for organic fodder has highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural practices that optimize both yield and quality. However, research on integrated organic nutrient management in multi-crop systems remains limited, especially concerning its impact on forage productivity and nutritive value. This study aims to investigate the effects of integrated organic nutrient amendments on the yield and quality of multi-crop system. Conducted during the period 2018 to 2021 using a randomized complete block design, the experiment encompassed seven treatments, each replicated three times. These treatments comprised of different combination of farmyard manure (FYM), Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and foliar spray of panchagavya for maize (M), berseem (B), and cowpea (C) and a treatment with recommended dose of fertilizers. The treatment includes T1: 100% RDN through FYM (M) - No application (B) - No application (C); T2: 50% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (M) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (B) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (C); T3: 75% RDN through FYM + PGPR (M) - PGPR (B)- PGPR (C); T4: 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR (M) - PGPR (B) - PGPR (C); T5: 75% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (M) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (B) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (C); T6: 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (M) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (B) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (C), and T7: 100% RDF (M)- 100% RDF (B)- 100% RDF (C). Research findings revealed that the T6 treatment, involving T6: 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (M) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (B) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (C), yielded significant improvements in both green fodder of maize (35.4, 37.0, and 38.6 t ha-1), berseem (58.2, 60.0, and 60.6 t ha-1) and cowpea (25.7, 27.5, and 28.3 t ha-1) during 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. Furthermore, T6 significantly enhanced forage quality, as evidenced by higher crude protein (6.4–14.8%), ether extract (19.2–40.1%), and total ash (6.5–22.1%) contents, coupled with reductions in fiber components. These findings highlight the effectiveness of integrated organic nutrient amendments in enhancing both yield and quality, offering a sustainable strategy to improve livestock feed and promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Social observation differentially affects prosocial learning of selfish and prosocial people
Authors: Kim Yuri , Kim Kun Il , Kim Hackjin
Published: February 2025

People often exhibit more socially favorable behaviors when observed by others, potentially influencing their cognitive skills and prosocial tendencies. Recent studies have found that individuals with intrinsic prosocial tendencies are non-responsive to social observation in various prosocial decision tasks. This study aimed to investigate whether individuals with intrinsic prosocial tendencies also exhibit a lack of change in their cognitive ability under social observation. We used the Prosocial Reinforcement Learning Task (PRLT) to assess the interaction effect of social observation and intrinsic prosocial tendency on prosocial learning tendency. A total of 102 participants were randomly assigned to either the observation or control group while performing a two-armed bandit task under self- and other-reward conditions, and their behavioral outcomes were analyzed using a reinforcement learning computational model. Under social observation, participants who were previously less prosocial exhibited increased prosocial learning. In contrast, those who were already more prosocial showed no significant changes in prosociality, and demonstrated only a numerical—but statistically non-significant—increase in learning for self. Our findings revealed the differential effects of social observation on modulating one’s prosociality and cognitive ability according to individual differences in intrinsic prosocial tendencies.
Social environment, low-carbon cognition and low-carbon consumption behaviors of youth groups: evidence from Xizang, China
Authors: Ma Huifang , Chen Qin
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Global warming has profoundly transformed the natural environment and significantly impacted people’s production methods, thereby promoting low-carbon consumption behaviors. While numerous scholars have examined the factors influencing low-carbon consumption behavior, their analyses predominantly rely on classical theoretical frameworks such as planned behavior theory, value-belief-norm theory and The ABC attitude theory. However, there is a notable scarcity of studies investigating the relationship between the social environment and low-carbon behaviors among youth groups. To address this gap in the literature, we aim to explore how the social environment influences youth groups’ low-carbon consumption behaviors, as well as identify the mechanisms through which this influence may manifest.

Methods

This study examines the factors influencing low-carbon consumption behavior from three perspectives: the social environment, low-carbon cognition, and conformity consumption. A theoretical model of low-carbon consumption has been developed, and data were collected through a questionnaire survey involving 600 young individuals in the Xizang Autonomous Region. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling techniques.

Results

The findings indicate that the social environment has a significant positive impact on both low-carbon cognition and behavior. Furthermore, low-carbon cognition is shown to positively influence low-carbon behavior. In terms of the relationship between the social environment and low-carbon behavior, it is found that low-carbon cognition acts as a mediating variable. Additionally, it was observed that lower levels of conformity consumption negatively moderate both the relationship between the social environment and low-carbon behavior as well as that between low-carbon cognition and behavior.

Discussion

These findings suggest that engaging young individuals not only fosters environmental awareness but also promotes sustainable consumption, thereby establishing a solid foundation for the protection and enhancement ofour ecological environment. Furthermore, it is essential to disseminate the concept of low-carbon consumerism through various media channels and methodologies. This approach aims to enhance young individuals’ understanding of low-carbon principles, guiding them toward more scientifically informed consumption habits while reducing tendencies for blind conformity.
Moderating effect of social participation on the relationship between health status and depressive symptoms in older adults
Authors: Ow Yvonne Su Yong , Wei Chia-Shine , Li Yang-Tzu
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Depression is a common mental health problem among older adults and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Health status and social participation has been found significantly associated with depression in older adults. However, the role of social participation in the relationship between health status and depression remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship between health status and depressive symptoms in older adults and the moderating effect of social participation in the relationship.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study with data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in 2013. Older adults aged 65 years or older were included in the study. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between health status and depressive symptoms and assess the moderating effect of social participation.

Results

Of the 2,731 participants, higher depressive symptoms were observed among older women, older adults who were single, living alone and having lower satisfaction on financial status. Regression analyses showed that activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability were positively associated with higher depressive symptoms. Perceived health status, cognitive functions and social participation were found negatively associated with depressive symptoms. A significant moderating effect of social participation between perceived health status and depressive symptoms was observed in this study.

Discussion

The findings highlight the role of social participation in moderating the effect of perceived health status on depressive symptoms and suggest that promoting social participation among older adults may be helpful for reducing depressive symptoms.
Telehealth and people with disabilities in the United Kingdom: a scoping review
Authors: Ko Mezhen , Azzopardi Matthew , Loizou Constantinos , Logeswaran Abison , Ng Benjamin , Pacho Agata , Chong Yu Jeat
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Telehealth, also sometimes known as telemedicine, is the use of communication technologies to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly vital, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. While telehealth can improve healthcare access, it may exacerbate inequities for people with disabilities. This scoping review explores the needs, experiences, and difficulties people with disabilities face when accessing telehealth services in the United Kingdom’s (UK) National Health Service (NHS).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The search terms included variations of “telehealth,” “disability,” “impairment,” “United Kingdom,” and “NHS.” Studies published after January 2010 were included if they addressed the experiences of people with disabilities when using telehealth. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, and findings were synthesized into five key themes: patient and carer satisfaction, benefits of telehealth, healthcare provider perspectives, disability-specific barriers, and technological barriers.

Results

The studies highlighted varied experiences across different disabilities, telehealth technologies, and medical specialties. While patients and carers generally expressed satisfaction with telehealth’s convenience and accessibility, a preference for face-to-face consultations remained. Key barriers included technological challenges such as poor internet connectivity, unfamiliarity with digital tools, and device access, as well as disability-specific challenges, particularly for sensory impairments. Reported benefits of telehealth included improved access to care and flexibility for patients with disabilities. However, healthcare provider perspectives highlighted concerns about the ability to build a rapport and perform thorough assessments remotely.

Conclusion

Telehealth should complement traditional care through a hybrid approach. Future efforts must focus on improving technological accessibility, training healthcare providers, and co-designing solutions with patients to promote equitable healthcare access for people with disabilities.
Association between Chinese visceral adiposity index and risk of new-onset hypertension in middle-aged and older adults with prediabetes: evidence from a large national cohort study
Authors: Li Lanlan , Xi Linqiang , Wang Qianhui
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index (CVAI) has been found significantly associated with hypertension in general and type-2 diabetes adults. However, the predictive value of CVAI for the incidence of hypertension in adults with prediabetes is unclear. This study aimed to assess the predictive utility of the CVAI for the new onset of hypertension in middle-aged and older adult Chinese individuals with prediabetes.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted involving participants aged 45 years and above with prediabetes from the 2011–2012 cohort of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Logistic regression models were utilized to investigate the association between CVAI levels and the risk of new-onset hypertension.

Results

The study included 2,186 participants, among whom 444 (20.31%) developed hypertension. Significantly higher incidence rates of hypertension were observed in individuals belonging to the highest quartile group (Q4) compared to those in the lowest quartile group (Q1) of CVAI (29.41% vs. 14.69%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that participants in Q4 had a 1.91-fold greater risk of hypertension development compared to those in Q1 (odds ratio (OR): 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49–2.45, p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) demonstrated that CVAI exhibited superior performance in discriminating individuals at heightened risk of hypertension compared to other obesity-related indices (p < 0.001). A subgroup analysis revealed that age may modulate the relationship between CVAI and new-onset hypertension, with a more pronounced interaction observed among participants below 60 years of age (P for interaction: 0.026).

Conclusion

Elevated CVAI levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. CVAI proves to be a reliable and effective tool for risk stratification in middle-aged and older adult Chinese individuals with prediabetes, underscoring its substantial implications for primary prevention of hypertension and public health strategies.
Conflicting health information increases fear of disease progression in HPV-infected individuals: disease uncertainty as mediator and tolerance of uncertainty as buffer
Authors: Huai Li , Liao Sihua , Lyu Xiaokang , Yang Tingting , Fu Chunye
Published: February 2025

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is highly prevalent, and infected individuals frequently encounter HPV-specific conflicting health information about their condition. Although this phenomenon is well documented, the mechanisms by which such information influences fear of progression (FoP) and potential interventions remain unexplored.

Methods

This research was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 (n = 218) developed and validated the HPV-Specific Conflicting Health Information Scale. Phase 2 (n = 501) examined disease uncertainty as a mediator and tolerance of uncertainty as a moderator among HPV-positive female patients.

Results

The HPV-Specific Conflicting Health Information Scale demonstrated a two-dimensional structure representing objective experiences and subjective perceptions of HPV-specific conflicting health information. Phase 2 revealed that HPV-specific conflicting health information indirectly influenced Fear of Progression via disease uncertainty, with this relationship moderated by individuals’ tolerance of uncertainty.

Conclusion

This study established the first validated measure of HPV-specific conflicting health information. The findings indicate that enhancing tolerance of uncertainty may serve as an effective complement to reducing conflicting information exposure in addressing HPV-related psychological distress.
Weaving oral health provider perspectives to guide future dental therapy advocacy and implementation efforts
Authors: Llaneza Amanda J. , Stone Kara A. , Seward Julie
Published: February 2025

Introduction

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in the United States (U.S.) face greater oral healthcare inequities than other groups in the country. A solution to improving oral healthcare access for American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the United States is the integration of dental therapists (DT). However, it has been met with opposition. The goal of this study was to explore oral health provider engagement and perspectives of DT implementation in local communities.

Methods

Engagement related to DT from the dental provider perspective from the ADTA conference's attendees were analyzed via optional, electronic post-conference surveys. Descriptive statistics were utilized to report the position type of attendees, years of experience in the role, incorporation of clinical courses for DT scope of practice, and clinic management and administration for their patients. Surveys included two open-ended questions inquiring about personal objectives and comments and suggestions regarding the conference overall. From attendee's open-ended statements on objectives for attending this conference, key patterns were described.

Results

One hundred people nationwide attended the conference. Of these attendees, 56% completed the post-conference survey evaluation. Among the respondents, 25% identified as dentists, 23% identified as dental hygienists, 46% identified as dental therapists, 6% identified as other oral health workforce members (i.e., dental assistant and/or Tribal oral health coordinator). The majority felt the strategies covered related to DT could be incorporated regardless of the type of workforce position. Fifty-seven percent of dentists felt it would be easy or very easy to implement strategies from the conference, and 75% of dental hygienists and other oral health workforce members felt it was easy or very easy to implement strategies from the conference. Education, advocacy, and networking were identified as the main objectives for attending the conference.

Discussion

The conference platform encouraged dissenting viewpoints to contribute to academic and policy debates to ultimately provide broader access to oral healthcare through a comprehensive team approach. There was strong support across positions to advocate for and expand DT to the lower 48 states of the U.S., particularly in areas with underserved communities. Additionally, most providers felt this could be done with ease and no providers indicated opposition in open-ended remarks. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, dental associations, educational institutions, and community advocates can create a pathway for the successful integration of dental therapists into the healthcare system.
Apriori algorithm based prediction of students’ mental health risks in the context of artificial intelligence
Authors: Fu You , Ren Fang , Lin Jiantao
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among college students necessitates innovative approaches to early identification and intervention. This study investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for predicting student mental health risks.

Methods

A hybrid predictive model, Prophet-LSTM, was developed. This model combines the Prophet time series model with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to leverage their strengths in forecasting. Prior to model development, association rules between potential mental health risk factors were identified using the Apriori algorithm. These highly associated factors served as inputs for the Prophet-LSTM model. The model’s weight coefficients were optimized using the Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) algorithm. The model’s performance was evaluated using data from a mental health survey conducted among college students at a Chinese university.

Results

The proposed Prophet-LSTM model demonstrated superior performance in predicting student mental health risks compared to other machine learning algorithms. Evaluation metrics, including the detection rate of psychological issues and the detection rate of no psychological issues, confirmed the model’s high accuracy.

Discussion

This study demonstrates the potential of AI-powered predictive models for early identification of students at risk of mental health challenges. The findings have significant implications for improving mental health services within higher education institutions. Future research should focus on further refining the model, incorporating real-time data streams, and developing personalized intervention strategies based on the model’s predictions.
A within-person investigation of recovery identity following substance use disorder: examining the impact of recovery-focused social contexts
Authors: Lancaster Joseph H. , Apsley Hannah B. , Brick Timothy R. , Cleveland H. Harrington
Published: February 2025

Background

The social identity model of recovery (SIMOR) posits that adopting a recovery identity is vital for achieving favorable recovery outcomes. Until now, no studies have investigated recovery identity as a dynamic construct, although recent findings suggest it fluctuates from one day to the next. The present study examines the within-person association between recovery identity and sense of meaningfulness—an aspect of holistic recovery wellbeing. Because recovery-focused social contexts exist to support individuals’ recovery wellbeing, we assessed the moderating impact of two such contexts (recovery community centers [RCCs] and recovery meetings) as same-day moderators.

Methods and materials

91 RCC visitors across Pennsylvania completed daily diary surveys for 10 evenings. Daily measures of recovery identity, meaningfulness, recovery meeting and RCC attendance were analyzed in a multilevel Tobit model (to address right-censoring in the outcome data).

Results

Results indicated both day-level recovery identity (b = 0.79, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001) and person-level recovery identity (b = 0.94, SE = 0.11, p < 0.001) were positively associated with daily meaningfulness. Although the day-level interaction with RCC attendance was not significant (b = −0.11, SE = 0.14, p = n.s.), the interaction with recovery meeting attendance was (b = −0.27, SE = 0.13, p = 0.039), suggesting that meeting attendance buffered the effect of recovery identity on meaningfulness. A simple slopes analysis indicated that the relationship of recovery identity with meaningfulness was still statistically significant and positive in both cases (attended: b = 0.56, SE = 0.08, p < 0.001; not attended: b = 0.87, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These results suggest that people reporting stronger recovery identity also reported greater day-to-day meaningfulness. Further, on any given day for an individual, meaningfulness was higher on days recovery identity was stronger than usual for that individual, and lower on days when recovery identity was weaker. Meeting attendance reduced this effect, suggesting that meeting attendance may be especially helpful to recovery on days when recovery identity is low.
Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System guided objective function parameter optimization for inverse treatment planning
Authors: Cisternas Jiménez Eduardo , Yin Fang-Fang
Published: February 2025

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy requires the manual adjustment to numerous treatment plan parameters (TPPs) through a trial-and-error process to deliver precise radiation doses to the target while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The goal is to achieve a dose distribution that adheres to a prescribed plan tailored to each patient. Developing an automated approach to optimize patient-specific prescriptions is valuable in scenarios where trade-off selection is uncertain and varies among patients. This study presents a proof-of-concept artificial intelligence (AI) system based on an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to guide IMRT planning and achieve optimal, patient-specific prescriptions in aligned with a radiation oncologist's treatment objectives. We developed an in-house ANFIS-AI system utilizing Prescription Dose (PD) constraints to guide the optimization process toward achievable prescriptions. Mimicking human planning behavior, the AI system adjusts TPPs, represented as dose-volume constraints, to meet the prescribed dose goals. This process is informed by a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) that incorporates prior knowledge from experienced planners, captured through “if-then” rules based on routine planning adjustments. The innovative aspect of our research lies in employing ANFIS's adaptive network to fine-tune the FIS components (membership functions and rule strengths), thereby enhancing the accuracy of the system. Once calibrated, the AI system modifies TPPs for each patient, progressing through acceptable prescription levels, from restrictive to clinically allowable. The system evaluates dosimetric parameters and compares dose distributions, dose-volume histograms, and dosimetric statistics between the conventional FIS and ANFIS. Results demonstrate that ANFIS consistently met dosimetric goals, outperforming FIS with a 0.7% improvement in mean dose conformity for the planning target volume (PTV) and a 28% reduction in mean dose exposure for organs at risk (OARs) in a C-Shape phantom. In a mock prostate phantom, ANFIS reduced the mean dose by 17.4% for the rectum and by 14.1% for the bladder. These findings highlight ANFIS's potential for efficient, accurate IMRT planning and its integration into clinical workflows.
Animating the critical zone: beavers as critical zone engineers
Authors: Adamchak Clifford , Lininger Katherine B. , Hinckley Eve-Lyn S.
Published: February 2025

Beavers (Castor canadensis) have not been adequately included in critical zone research, yet they can affect multiple critical zone processes across the terrestrial-aquatic interface of river corridors. River corridors (RC) provide a disproportionate amount of ecosystem services. Over time, beaver activity, including submersion of woody vegetation, burrowing, dam building, and abandonment, can impact critical zone processes in the river corridor by influencing landscape evolution, biodiversity, geomorphology, hydrology, primary productivity, and biogeochemical cycling. In particular, they can effectively restore degraded riparian areas and improve water quality and quantity, causing implications for many important ecosystem services. Beaver-mediated river corridor processes in the context of a changing climate require investigation to determine how both river corridor function and critical zone processes will shift in the future. Recent calls to advance river corridor research by leveraging a critical zone perspective can be strengthened through the explicit incorporation of animals, such as beavers, into research projects over space and time. This article illustrates how beavers modify the critical zone across different spatiotemporal scales, presents research opportunities to elucidate the role of beavers in influencing Western U.S. ecosystems, and, more broadly, demonstrates the importance of integrating animals into critical zone science.
Influence of spine biomechanics and sagittal balance on the outcome of lumbar discectomy
Authors: Carrizo José Poblete , Martínez Jesús , González Julio , Mosteiro Alejandra , Torné Ramon , Di Somma Alberto , Ríos José , Enseñat Joaquim , Fuster Salvador
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Spine biomechanics, particularly sagittal balance and spino-pelvic angulation are determinant factors in the understanding of lumbar degenerative disease. These concepts translated into objective measurements are progressively being integrated into clinical practice. The present study explores them as prognostic factors in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy, which could help identify those at higher risk of surgical failure.

Methods

Prospective analysis of patients treated with lumbar microdiscectomy (n = 52) and healthy control subjects (n = 45) in a single tertiary centre. Follow up of 12 and 24 months after surgery, with radicular and lumbar pain evaluation according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Comparison of several objective spinal biomechanic factors, measured by a single experienced radiologist. Assessment of spinal sagittal balance as a prognostic factor after lumbar discectomy.

Results

Compared to healthy individuals, patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation showed lower thoracic kyphosis (39.03 vs. 34.42° p = 0.034), lower thoraco-lumbar transition T10-L2 angulation (6.79 vs. 2.08° p = 0.005), lower lumbar lordosis (59.54 vs. 48.36° p < 0.001) and lumbo-sacral angulation L4-S1 (40.20 vs. 29.16° p < 0.001), lower pelvic incidence (54.71vs 49.86° p = 0.014) and lower sacral slope (42.07 vs. 33.34° p < 0.001). Sagittal balance (SVA) was negative in healthy subjects −3.09 mm and positive lumbar-disc patients 15.04 (p = 0.013). Noteworthy, the radicular and lumbar pain and disability outcomes 12 and 24 months after surgery were significantly better in the group with normal sagittal balance (ODI 14.52 vs. 40.06 p < 0.001; radicular VAS 2.74 vs. 5.58 p < 0.001; lumbar VAS 3.61 vs. 4.06 p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Lumbar degenerative disc disease represents a major burden for healthcare systems; thus, its management is determinant. Lumbar discectomy shows overall positive results, with a significant reduction of pain and disability in the majority of cases. However, a subgroup of patients, still not well defined, may experience persistent pain after the intervention. The use of objective measurements of sagittal balance may help identify these patients for which simple discectomy may not suffice and contribute to treatment planification.
Development and characterization of a double-crested cormorant hepatic cell line, DCH22, for chemical screening
Authors: Sharin Tasnia , Crump Doug , O’Brien Jason M.
Published: February 2025

There are currently no available cell lines for the ecologically relevant colonial waterbird species, the double-crested cormorant (DCCO). DCCOs are high trophic level aquatic birds that are used for routine contaminant monitoring programs in the Laurentian Great Lakes and marine coasts of Canada. Developing a DCCO cell line for in vitro toxicological screening will ideally provide improved understanding of the effects of environmental chemicals given the large differences in sensitivity between laboratory and wild avian species. In this study, an immortalized DCCO hepatic cell line, DCH22, was established from the liver of a day 22 female embryo as a potential alternative to primary DCCO embryonic hepatocytes (DCEH) for chemical screening. DCH22 cells were cultured for over a year and have hepatocyte-like morphology. Exposure to 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126), benzo-a-pyrene, ß-napthoflavone and phenacetin induced CYP1A activity and mRNA expression in DCH22 3D spheroids. Induction of CYP3A activity and mRNA expression was observed following exposure to hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl)phosphate, carbamazepine, and metyrapone. The phase II metabolism gene, UGT1A1, was upregulated following HBCD exposure and DCH22 spheroids expressed vitellogenin protein after exposure to 17α-ethinylestradiol. Based on these data, the novel DCH22 cell line, cultured as 3D spheroids, has potential use as an alternative to DCEH for chemical screening and will permit the evaluation of avian species differences in sensitivity from an in vitro screening perspective.
TAME 2.0: expanding and improving online data science training for environmental health research
Authors: Payton Alexis , Hickman Elise , Chappel Jessie , Roell Kyle , Koval Lauren E. , Eaves Lauren A. , Chou Chloe K. , Spring Allison , Miller Sarah L. , Avenbuan Oyemwenosa N. , Boyles Rebecca , Kruse Paul , Rider Cynthia V. , Patlewicz Grace , Ring Caroline , Ward-Caviness Cavin , Reif David M. , Jaspers Ilona , Fry Rebecca C. , Rager Julia E.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Data science training has the potential to propel environmental health research efforts into territories that remain untapped and holds immense promise to change our understanding of human health and the environment. Though data science training resources are expanding, they are still limited in terms of public accessibility, user friendliness, breadth of content, tangibility through real-world examples, and applicability to the field of environmental health science.

Methods

To fill this gap, we developed an environmental health data science training resource, the inTelligence And Machine lEarning (TAME) Toolkit, version 2.0 (TAME 2.0).

Results

TAME 2.0 is a publicly available website that includes training modules organized into seven chapters. Training topics were prioritized based upon ongoing engagement with trainees, professional colleague feedback, and emerging topics in the field of environmental health research (e.g., artificial intelligence and machine learning). TAME 2.0 is a significant expansion upon the original TAME training resource pilot. TAME 2.0 specifically includes training organized into the following chapters: (1) Data management to enable scientific collaborations; (2) Coding in R; (3) Basics of data analysis and visualizations; (4) Converting wet lab data into dry lab analyses; (5) Machine learning; (6) Applications in toxicology and exposure science; and (7) Environmental health database mining. Also new to TAME 2.0 are “Test Your Knowledge” activities at the end of each training module, in which participants are asked additional module-specific questions about the example datasets and apply skills introduced in the module to answer them. TAME 2.0 effectiveness was evaluated via participant surveys during graduate-level workshops and coursework, as well as undergraduate-level summer research training events, and suggested edits were incorporated while overall metrics of effectiveness were quantified.

Discussion

Collectively, TAME 2.0 now serves as a valuable resource to address the growing demand of increased data science training in environmental health research. TAME 2.0 is publicly available at: https://uncsrp.github.io/TAME2/.