G*Power 3: a flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences

Peer Attachment Style Moderates the Effect of Mood on Creativity

The present study investigated the moderating role of peer attachment style in the relationship between mood and creativity. An experiment was conducted with a sample of 267 undergraduate students (Mage = 19.85, range = 17-24 years). First, participants' peer attachment style was measured, following which positive, neutral, or negative mood was induced; subsequently, two creative tasks were conducted. A MANOVA revealed significant interactions between peer attachment and mood. Specifically, for secure participants, creativity was significantly higher in the positive mood state compared to the neutral and negative mood states; for insecure participants, the effect of positive mood was not pronounced. Moreover, negative mood exerted a significant beneficial effect on the originality dimension for participants with an anxious-ambivalent peer attachment style; they showed higher creativity in the negative mood state than in the neutral or positive mood states. In general, peer attachment style moderated the relationship between mood and creativity; specifically, positive mood was beneficial to creativity among secure persons, and negative mood was beneficial to creativity among anxious-ambivalent persons.

Height-dependent variation in corticospinal excitability modulation after active but not sham intermittent theta burst stimulation

Poor reproducibility and high inter-individual variability in responses to intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) of the human motor cortex (M1) are matters of concern. Here we recruited 17 healthy young adults in a randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-elicited motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were measured pre-iTBS (T0) and post-iTBS at 4-7 (T1), 9-12 (T2), 17-20 (T3), and 27-30 minutes (T4) from the right first dorsal interosseous muscle. MEP grand average (MEPGA) was defined as the mean of the normalized-to-baseline MEPs at all timepoints post-iTBS. As secondary objectives, we measured blood pressure, heart rate, and capillary blood glucose pre-iTBS, and at 0 and 30 minutes post-iTBS. The TMSens_Q structured questionnaire was filled out at the end of each session. Two-way repeated ANOVA did not show a significant TIME×INTERVENTION interaction effect on MEP amplitude, MEP latency, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose (p > 0.05). Sleepiness was the most reported TMSens_Q sensation (82.3 %) in both groups. Surprisingly, the subjects' height negatively correlated with the normalized MEP amplitudes at T3 (r = -0.65, p = 0.005), T4 (r = -0.66, p = 0.004), and MEPGA (r = -0.68, p = 0.003), with a trend correlation at T1 (r = -0.46, p = 0.062) and T2 (r = -0.46, p = 0.065) in the active but not sham group. In view of this, we urge future studies to delve deeper into the influence of height on neuroplasticity induction of the M1 representation of peripheral muscles. In the end, we highlight unique methodological considerations in our study protocol and future recommendations for M1-iTBS studies.

Multimodal respiratory muscle training and Tai Chi intervention with healthy older adults: A double-blind randomised placebo control trial

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization reported that one of the major challenges for all countries in the next few years will be the development of preventive approaches to care for older adults. After COVID-19, multimodal interventions have been created to enhance older health, especially targeting respiratory muscles (e.g., inspiratory muscle training [IMT]). The following research aims to explore the combination of two interventions (IMT and Tai Chi) using a randomised, double-blind placebo approach.

METHODS

A total of 30 participants were recruited from the local community in Derby (UK) and underwent an experimental (IMT + Tai Chi) or placebo (sham-IMT + Tai Chi) training protocol. Measurements of balance (i.e., mini-BEST), inspiratory muscle strength (i.e., Maximal Inspiratory Pressure) and mobility (i.e., 6 Minutes Walking Test) were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The results show that a combination of IMT and Tai Chi significantly improves dynamic balance (P < 0.01) and mobility (P < 0.05) when compared to Tai Chi alone, with an additional positive correlation between balance, mobility and inspiratory muscle strength (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The manuscript is the first to report the combined effects of IMT and Tai Chi in older adults following rigorous methods. The results highlight the relationship between inspiratory muscle and balance, as the results demonstrate a potential link between metaboreflex and balance control, fostering multimodal practices for healthy ageing interventions.

A single-session feedback training modifies interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The ability to interpret facial expressions accurately is important to adaptive social functioning. Social anxiety disorder is associated with a biased interpretation of facial emotions. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of feedback training on modifying interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety.

METHODS

A total of 451 university students were screened, and 69 participants with high social anxiety were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 37) or a control (n = 32) group. Participants completed pre-questionnaires on social anxiety and depression symptoms, then performed a single session of experiment, followed by post-questionnaires on social anxiety symptoms. In the experiment, participants viewed an ambiguous facial expression and rated the intensity on a continuous scale. The training group received feedback that presented their ratings alongside the actual intensity, allowing them to accurately assess their emotional perception bias through trial-by-trial feedback. The control group received no feedback.

RESULTS

The training group showed a significant reduction in interpretation bias for happy and angry faces after the experiment, while the control group did not. However, although the training group's social anxiety symptoms decreased post-experiment, the difference was not statistically significant compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide preliminary evidence that the feedback training targeting dimensional ratings of emotions may be a promising option for correcting interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety. Future research could implement multiple sessions of training to potentially reduce both interpretation bias and social anxiety symptoms and verify the long-term effects.

Development of a manual for an upper extremity intensive rehabilitation program for pediatric hemiplegia in Japan and assessment of its effectiveness and usability

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to develop a manual for an upper extremity intensive rehabilitation program for pediatric hemiplegia in Japan, and to clarify its effectiveness and usability.

METHODS

The manual was created through discussions among nine experts with sufficient pediatric clinical experience in Japan. A total of 39 children with hemiplegia aged 2 to 16 years underwent 44 intensive therapy sessions using the manual. Each child's upper limb function was assessed pre-, post- and 6-month after the intervention using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), ABILHAND-Kids, the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), and Box and Block Test (BBT). Questionnaire assessments were also conducted to evaluate usability of the manual.

RESULTS

All four indices showed statistically significant improvements from pre- to post-intervention; COPM improved by 4 points in both performance and satisfaction; the ABILHAND-Kids logit score improved by 0.78; the total QUEST score improved by 2.8 in total score; and BBT improved by 5 on the affected side and 6 on the non-affected side. These effects were maintained 6 months later. Most therapists responded that the manual is useful, and most children and their parents were satisfied with the rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

An upper extremity intensive rehabilitation program for pediatric hemiplegia using our manual was clinically effective. The manual was useful for therapists, and the level of satisfaction among parents and children who received the therapy was high.

Machine-based based subtalar pronator and supinator strength training increases rearfoot stability in male runners

Excessive pronation and increased pronation velocity of the foot due to excessive Subtalar Joint (STJ) motion have been discussed as major intrinsic factors for the pathophysiology of overuse running injuries. A possible strategy to reduce these risk factors is the use of the supinator muscles acting eccentrically during the support phase of running. We hypothesised that STJ-specific strength training of the supinator and pronator muscles would be more effective in reducing rearfoot motion compared to traditional plantarflexor and dorsiflexor exercises. Twenty healthy male (20-35 years) recreational runners performed machine-based Subtalar Training (ST) with the right foot and machine-based plantar-/ dorsiflexor taining around the Talocrural joint (TT) with the left over a period of ten weeks. STJ muscle strength and shank muscle volume were measured in pre- and posttest. Furthermore, rearfoot motion during overground running (3.3 m/s) was analysed. The multifactorial analyses showed significant increases in muscle strength and volume (p < 0.001). Interaction effects (time x group) revealed higher strength increases for ST (p < 0.001) and higher muscle volume increase in the deep supinator muscles (p < 0.05) for ST. The analyses of rearfoot motion showed significant changes after the treatment indicated by a higher inversion angle at touchdown (p < 0.01) and reduced eversion velocity in mid-stance (p < 0.01). Both effects were higher after ST (p < 0.01; time x group interaction). Machine-based subtalar-specific strength training represents a potential prevention strategy for male runners to enhance the function of the supinator muscles, to stabilise rearfoot motion during running and, therefore, to reduce lower limb injury risk.

Sixteen weeks of high-speed treadmill running is insufficient to induce Achilles tendinopathy in a rat model

Despite the high prevalence of Achilles tendinopathy, clinically relevant animal models of Achilles tendinopathy are lacking. Previous studies have demonstrated possible tendinopathic cell and matrix changes with high-speed treadmill running, but the consistency as well as functional and mechanical consequences of these changes were unclear. We sought to determine the applicability of this protocol as a tendinopathy model by defining changes in Achilles tendon structure, function, and mechanics associated with 16 wk of high-speed treadmill running (26.8 m/min, 60 min/day, and 5 days/wk). We expected that high-speed running would induce detrimental structural, functional, and mechanical changes that worsen over the course of the 16-wk protocol. Treadmill running did influence body weight, hindlimb gait, and tendon cross-sectional area. However, contrary to our hypothesis, treadmill running did not induce tendinopathic changes in matrix organization, cell morphology, or tendon mechanics. As such, alternative strategies for robust and reproducible induction of Achilles tendinopathy in preclinical animal models are needed.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrated that 16 wk of high-speed treadmill running did not induce structural, functional, or mechanical changes consistent with Achilles tendinopathy in the rat. These findings underscore the importance of exploring alternative approaches to generating reliable and clinically relevant animal models of Achilles tendinopathy.

Walking While Acting Sad and Happy Emotions Influences Risk Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis

Greater knee adduction moment is associated with increased risk and progression of knee osteoarthritis, and this biomechanical risk factor is modulated through kinematic gait modifications. Emotions are known to influence walking kinematics and speed, but the effect of different emotions on knee mechanics is unclear. To test this, 20 healthy participants walked while instrumented gait data was recorded. Participants initially walked naturally (baseline) and then acting 4 emotional walking conditions: Anger, Happy, Fear, and Sad, in randomized order. Statistical parametric mapping with an analysis of variance model determined the extent to which emotions influenced knee joint mechanics. Results indicated both the happy (P = .009) and sad (P < .001) condition resulted in lower knee adduction moment compared with baseline. Walking both happy and sad also resulted in walking speed changes from baseline (P < .001). A secondary analysis of covariance model with speed as the covariate indicated no significant effect of emotional condition on knee adduction moment (P > .05), which suggests that the changes from baseline can be attributed to the changes in walking speed. Decreased knee adduction is associated with reduced osteoarthritis progression and increased knee function, suggesting that walking while acting different emotions, specifically happy and sad, may moderate knee osteoarthritis risk.

On the mental representations of L2 English /z/ among L1 Chinese speakers

The study investigates how L1 Taiwan Mandarin speakers perceive the L2 English voiced /z/, whose counterpart is not directly available in Taiwan Mandarin. A transcription task was conducted to allow participants to freely choose Taiwan Mandarin segments they perceive as suitable substitutes for English /z/. Using a substitution pattern analysis, the study aims to understand the challenges faced by these speakers in acquiring English /z/. Three theoretical accounts-Feature Match Account, Auditory Salience Account, and Composite Phonetic Category Account-predicted differently regarding how L1 Taiwan Mandarin speakers might represent English /z/ in their mental grammar. The results indicate that /ts/ is frequently chosen as the optimal substitute for English /z/ in Taiwan Mandarin. An AXB discrimination task further revealed that the participants perceptually clustered English /z/ with the Mandarin segments /ts/, /ʐ/, and /s/, with /ts/ perceived as the closest match. The results suggest variability in category formation, with possible composite categories for English /z/ linked to Mandarin segments within a shared L1/L2 phonetic space. The perceptual boundaries between L1 and L2 categories appear fluid, reflecting ongoing interaction and competition in this shared phonetic space. This research contributes to our understanding of L2 speech perception strategies and the interplay between native and acquired language sounds.

Robot or human musicians? The modulating role of perceived performer on how music influences food choices

Previous research has shown that music robots may reshape people's perceptions of music and health-related behaviors. We investigated how the perceived identity of the music performers (humans or robots) influenced people's music-induced mental imagery and modulated the effect of music on food choices. Across three experiments, participants were led to believe that the music they heard was performed either by humans or robots. In Experiment 1, we assessed the content of music-induced mental imagery. In Experiment 2, we examined participants' food choices while they were listening to nature- or urban-related music. In Experiment 3, we directly manipulated music-induced mental imagery by guiding participants toward nature- or urban-related imagery during the food choice task. The results revealed that participants who believed the music was performed by humans chose vegetable-forward meals more frequently when their music-induced imagery was nature-related rather than urban-related. However, this effect was less pronounced when they believed the music was performed by robots, presumably due to the reduced accuracy of their mental imagery. Collectively, these findings suggest that beliefs about the music performers influence both aesthetic perceptions and food-related behaviors during music listening, which provide insights into using human-robot musical interactions to promote healthier behaviors.

Factors Associated With Dementia Worry Among Middle-Aged or Older Adults Living in a Japanese Community: A Cross-Sectional Study

Recently, dementia worry has been highlighted internationally; thus, Japan is making efforts to promote public understanding of dementia. This study clarified the factors associated with dementia worry among middle-aged or older adults living in a Japanese community. The participants completed questionnaires, including the Dementia Worry Assessment Scale and questions concerning personal attributes. We conducted a multiple regression analysis using the forced entry method, with the scale as the dependent variable and others as independent variables. A total of 299 completed questionnaires were analysed. The participants' mean age was 64.8 (±11.6) years. Univariate analysis and correlation coefficients showed that variables such as sex, bothering stress in the last year, depression severity, and number of bothering symptoms in the last year were associated with dementia worry. Multiple regression analysis reported the association between four factors-knowledge of dementia, number of bothering symptoms in the last year, depression severity and diagnosis of dementia in either or both parents-and the Dementia Worry Assessment Scale score. Specifically, more knowledge of dementia and more bothering symptoms resulted in a higher score. Moderate or severe depression and parents' diagnosis of dementia presented a higher score than those without. Nurses in the community are required to identify residents with these four factors and provide support to alleviate dementia worry. When residents experience severe dementia worry from greater knowledge of dementia, continuous education that is tailored to the individual knowledge bias should be provided by nurses.

Analyzing listening and comprehension strategies among engineering students: A cross-sectional study

Effective listening strategies are crucial for academic success in engineering education, particularly where English serves as the medium of instruction. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between demographic factors and listening strategy utilization among 234 engineering students (126 males, 108 females) at Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai. Data was collected using a 40-item Listening Strategies Analysis Questionnaire measuring seven dimensions: note-taking, active learning, comprehension, predictive organization, critical thinking, resource-based learning and self-management. Statistical analysis revealed significant gender differences in note-taking behavior (t(232) = -3.037, p = .003), with female students demonstrating higher scores than males. Critical thinking showed the highest adoption among all strategies. While age showed no significant effect on note-taking, notable differences were found in predictive organization and critical thinking across age groups.•Female students showed significantly higher note-taking scores (M = 3.58, SD = 0.56) compared to males (M = 3.37, SD = 0.49).•Critical thinking was the most adopted strategy (M = 3.64, SD = 0.57).•Age significantly influenced predictive organization (p = .024) and critical thinking abilities (p = .011). These insights can inform targeted interventions to enhance listening comprehension skills in engineering education.

Multi-user interactive neonatal resuscitation program using hand tracking in immersive virtual reality: A quasi-experimental design

BACKGROUND

Traditional training methods, including lecture-based formats and single-user virtual reality (VR) systems, cannot fully replicate the complexities of team-based emergency care. This study addresses these limitations by utilizing a multi-user VR system with real-time communication and collaboration.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-user interactive neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) utilizing hand-tracking technology in immersive VR and to compare its effectiveness and usability with that of a conventional controller-based single-user VR program.

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design was used.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in a VR-based training environment for neonatal resuscitation.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were divided into three groups: multi-user (MG, n = 34), single-user (SG, n = 27), and control (CG, n = 28).

METHODS

The multi-user group used hand-tracking-based immersive VR NRP, the single-user group used controller-based VR NRP, and the control group attended an online lecture. Data were examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Scheffé tests.

RESULTS

Neonatal resuscitation knowledge (F(2) = 3.01, p = 0.045) and neonatal resuscitation performance confidence (F(2) = 2.87, p = 0.042) were higher in the multi-user group than in the other groups. Satisfaction (F(2) = 3.89, p = 0.024) was higher in the multi-user and single-user groups. Team communication performance (F(2) = 3.21, p = 0.045) and system usability (F(2) = 3.21, p = 0.045) were higher in the multi-user group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both multi-user and single-user VR training improved learning outcomes, with multi-user environments showing greater improvement in team coordination. Hand tracking was easier to use than controllers, suggesting its potential for enhancing medical education in high-stress scenarios such as neonatal resuscitation.

The role of the leukocyte glucose index in predicting clinical outcomes in acute methanol toxicity

Introduction

Acute methanol poisoning signifies a global health issue. This study was designed to explore the role of the leukocyte glucose index (LGI) in predicting clinical outcomes; in-hospital mortality and visual impairment, and length of hospital stay, in acute methanol toxicity and to evaluate the association between LGI and all initial patient characteristics.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective analysis that involved 82 acutely methanol-intoxicated patients, starting from January 2021 to December 2023. Patients were categorized by on-admission LGI tertiles into low, intermediate, and high groups.

Results

Approximately 27 % (22 out of 82) of patients died during hospitalization, with most of them belonging to the high LGI group. No significant differences existed in the proportions of patients with total vision loss, or the length of hospital stay. The majority of the undesirable findings were apparent in patients in either the intermediate or high LGI groups. LGI can distinguish exceptionally between survivors and non-survivors with an area under the curve of 0.808. However, LGI does not have any discriminatory power in predicting adverse visual outcomes.

Conclusion

LGI can serve as a valuable tool in predicting early in-hospital mortality in acute methanol poisoning.

Trauma and social pathways to psychosis: Examining the role of attachment, social rank and dissociation in a clinical sample

OBJECTIVES

The trauma and social pathways model of psychosis proposes interactions between trauma, attachment, social rank and dissociation in pathways to psychosis, though this model has yet to be empirically investigated. The primary aim of this study was to examine the overall predictive value of the trauma and social pathways model using regression analysis. A secondary aim was to delineate hypothesized pathways between trauma and positive symptoms of psychosis using serial mediation analysis.

METHOD

This was a cross-sectional study of people attending mental health services for a psychosis-related diagnosis (N = 71). Measures of trauma, positive symptoms of psychosis, attachment, social comparison and dissociation were completed.

RESULTS

A model of recurrent trauma, insecure attachment, social rank and dissociation predicted 23.2% of the variance in positive symptoms of psychosis. Recurrent trauma, attachment and dissociation contributed significantly to the model, while social rank did not. Further, serial mediation analysis indicated that the sequence of disorganized attachment and dissociation fully mediated the relationship between recurrent trauma and positive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Results provide preliminary support for the trauma and social pathways model of psychosis, specifically as it relates to recurrent trauma, insecure attachment and dissociation. Results did not support the social rank component of this model, however. These findings provide clear targets for the development of next-wave psychological interventions that focus on trauma-related variables in psychosis. Future studies should replicate these findings with a larger clinical sample, and consider a measure of shame to further elucidate social processes in pathways to psychosis.

Drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy - Results of a quantitative meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Animal-assisted psychotherapy is an emerging field with great potential and growing popularity. However, empirical research on its effectiveness is insufficient, and consistent evidence about patients' commitment is missing. The present meta-analysis addresses this gap by systematically comparing drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy and by relating the resulting across study drop-out rate to across study drop-out rates reported in meta-analyses on conventional psychotherapy.

METHOD

Fifty-seven studies published until August 2022 were identified as eligible for meta-analytic comparison, that is, they conducted animal-assisted psychotherapy on at least one group of psychiatric patients and reported drop-out rates. Potential moderating influences of the type of animal and patients' disorder were considered, as well as multiple other demographic and study design variables.

RESULTS

The across study drop-out rate in animal-assisted psychotherapy was 11.2%. This was significantly lower than the across meta-analyses drop-out rate of conventional psychotherapy (d = -.45, p = .0005). Although effects of moderator variables could not be evaluated statistically due to too small and heterogeneous data sets, descriptive results suggest influences of the type of animal and patient disorder. However, study quality ratings identified serious shortcomings regarding proper research design, most critically concerning the report of effect size measures, the use of standardized intervention plans and Open Science practices.

CONCLUSION

Drop-out constitutes a major problem of psychotherapeutic research and practice. By proposing that the inclusion of an animal in the psychotherapeutic setting can enhance patients' commitment and by outlining challenges and opportunity of animal-assisted psychotherapy, this meta-analysis offers a starting point for future research in this evolving field.

How confident are Queensland paramedics with seizure recognition, differentiation, and management? A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Paramedics in Australia present as the opportune medical personnel to initiate medical intervention of seizure presentations and perform a fundamental role in the prevention of seizure associated morbidity and mortality. Despite being well equipped to manage seizures, no literature exists regarding their confidence to recognise, differentiate, or manage seizures.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was undertaken by 168 paramedics practicing clinically for the Queensland Ambulance Service in Australia. The survey assessed paramedic perceived self-confidence surrounding seizure presentations. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H-Test and post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted to assess between group differences in relation to practicing qualifications, and years of service.

RESULTS

Paramedics were confident in generalised convulsive seizure recognition and management, however, displayed less confidence surrounding non-convulsive, focal, and psychogenic seizure classifications. Critical care paramedics reported higher confidence than advanced care and graduate paramedics across various seizure presentation elements (p < 0.05). Paramedics with greater than 10 years of service reported higher confidence than those with fewer years of service, particularly less than two years.

CONCLUSION

Future education and professional development opportunities for paramedics require a greater focus on the development of self-confidence, with mechanisms implemented to increase paramedics' exposure to the broad spectrum of seizure presentations.

How to enhance student satisfaction in Chinese open education? A serial multiple mediating model based on academic buoyancy and flow experience

With the rapid development of information technology and the widespread acceptance of the concept of sharing educational resources, open education has gradually become an important part of China's national education system as a flexible and efficient learning method. It is also playing a significant role in promoting educational equity and lifelong learning. However, how to effectively implement open education and improve the satisfaction of students who receive open education remains a crucial issue that needs to be addressed. This study aims to explore how open education influences student satisfaction in China through academic buoyancy and flow experience, and constructs a serial multiple mediating model based on academic buoyancy and flow experience. The study collected 498 valid samples from 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China through a questionnaire survey and analyzed the data using software such as SPSS 26.0, AMOS 23.0, and PROCESS Macro v4.2. The results show that open education significantly affects student satisfaction, with academic buoyancy and flow experience acting as mediating factors and demonstrating a significant serial multiple mediating effect. Specifically, open education enhances flow experience by improving academic buoyancy, which in turn strengthens student satisfaction. Moreover, the study verifies the mediating role of academic buoyancy and flow experience in the relationship between open education and student satisfaction, providing a new perspective for the application of open education in enhancing student satisfaction. This study not only expands the research field of open education and student satisfaction but also offers theoretical support and practical guidance on how to improve student satisfaction through open education.

Immediate effects of foam rolling on lateral thigh soft tissue movement: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Foam rolling interventions have shown improved range of motion and reduced mechanical stiffness. However, little is known about the effect of foam rolling on the movement of the fascia lata and surrounding muscles. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the movement of the fascia lata and vastus lateralis muscle during knee joint motion before and after a foam rolling intervention.

METHOD

This was an interventional laboratory study of 18 sedentary men (age 20.8 ± 0.4 years); no controls were included. A total of 3 min of foam rolling was conducted on the right lateral thigh. The right lateral mid-thigh was assessed twice (before and 5 min after the intervention). Stiffness at rest was measured using a durometer, and video analysis of ultrasound imaging was performed to measure the movement of the fascia lata and vastus lateralis muscles during isokinetic passive knee motion. The tissue movement velocity during five cycles of knee motion was arranged as a time series. Negative values indicated displacement in the proximal direction and positive values indicated displacement in the distal direction. The maximum, minimum, and mean velocities were calculated from the time-series data.

RESULTS

After the foam rolling intervention, the stiffness (p < 0.001) and minimum velocity of the fascia lata (p = 0.04) significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Foam rolling on the lateral thigh can improve proximal sliding of the fascia lata during passive knee extension.

Implicit associations with non-suicidal self-injury: Examination in a clinical sample by borderline personality symptomatology

OBJECTIVES

We examine correlates and predictors for implicit associations with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) with the Self-Injury Implicit Association Test (SI-IAT) in a treatment-seeking sample. We also examine group differences in the SI-IAT among those with low/none, moderate and high/clinically significant borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomatology in a treatment-seeking sample.

METHODS

Participants (N = 111; 58% female; 89% White; Mage = 30.25) completed the SI-IAT and self-report measures at two time points.

RESULTS

Higher BPD symptom scores were significantly, positively correlated with implicit identification with NSSI, and predicted NSSI identity when controlling for depression indices, history of NSSI and other covariates. With Time 1 SI-IAT scores entered as a covariate, BPD scores no longer significantly predicted Time 2 SI-IAT scores. Individuals with moderate and high/clinically significant symptom counts of BPD had higher/stronger implicit associations with NSSI identity than those with no/low BPD symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with symptoms of BPD may implicitly identify with NSSI more than other clinical groups; examination of implicit assessments in BPD in future research is needed to further explore implicit identification with NSSI in this patient group to further understand both cross-sectional and prospective relations.

An exploratory study on the relationship between personal recovery and social functioning in outpatients with schizophrenia

Objective

Achieving both the social functioning and personal recovery as treatment outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia remains challenging, despite their recognition as key treatment goals beyond symptom reduction. These interrelated constructs require precise examination to inform effective rehabilitation strategies including occupational therapy. This study explores the relationships between subdomains of social functioning and personal recovery.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 98 outpatients with schizophrenia. Social functioning was assessed using the Japanese version of the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale (SLOF), and personal recovery with the Japanese version of the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS). Correlational and hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined their associations.

Results

The Interpersonal Relationships domain of social functioning correlated significantly with the RAS subdomains Trust in Others (r = 0.34, p < .01) and Willingness to Ask for Help (r = 0.26, p < .01). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis identified Interpersonal Relationships as a significant predictor of Trust in Others, but not Willingness to Ask for Help.

Discussion

These findings highlight the crucial role of interpersonal relationships in fostering trust, a key aspect of personal recovery. The results support integrated interventions addressing both social functioning and personal recovery to help reduce loneliness in individuals with schizophrenia.

On Bayes factors for hypothesis tests

We develop alternative families of Bayes factors for use in hypothesis tests as alternatives to the popular default Bayes factors. The alternative Bayes factors are derived for the statistical analyses most commonly used in psychological research - one-sample and two-sample t tests, regression, and ANOVA analyses. They possess the same desirable theoretical and practical properties as the default Bayes factors and satisfy additional theoretical desiderata while mitigating against two features of the default priors that we consider implausible. They can be conveniently computed via an R package that we provide. Furthermore, hypothesis tests based on Bayes factors and those based on significance tests are juxtaposed. This discussion leads to the insight that default Bayes factors as well as the alternative Bayes factors are equivalent to test-statistic-based Bayes factors as proposed by Johnson. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series B: Statistical Methodology, 67, 689-701. (2005). We highlight test-statistic-based Bayes factors as a general approach to Bayes-factor computation that is applicable to many hypothesis-testing problems for which an effect-size measure has been proposed and for which test power can be computed.

Leukocyte Telomere Length and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Treatment-Resistant Depression and Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Pilot Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we investigated if changes in leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn), 2 markers of cellular aging, are associated with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and with response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

METHODS

LTL and mtDNA-cn were measured in 31 TRD patients before (T0), 1 week (T1), and 4 weeks (T2) after the ECT course, as well as in a sample of 65 healthy controls.

RESULTS

TRD patients had significantly shorter LTL and higher mtDNA-cn compared with healthy controls at baseline. In the TRD sample, LTL was inversely correlated with Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores at baseline. Baseline levels of LTL or mtDNA-cn were not correlated with response to ECT. Similarly, changes in LTL or mtDNA-cn were not associated with response to ECT either when considered as a dichotomous trait (responders vs nonresponders) or as a percentage change in symptoms improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

Ours is the first longitudinal study exploring the role of LTL and mtDNA-cn in response to ECT. Findings of this pilot investigation suggest that LTL and mtDNA-cn may constitute disease biomarkers for TRD but are not involved in response to ECT.

The effect of ergonomics training given to office workers on musculoskeletal disorders and working postures

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the impact of ergonomics training given to office workers on their risk scores for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their working postures. Methods. The study was conducted in a university located in a province in the east of Turkey's Black Sea region, with a total of 60 office workers randomly assigned to two groups (30 in the experimental group, 30 in the control group). The results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon and Friedman tests. Results. After the training, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the average scores of rapid office strain assessment (ROSA), rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), and spine and upper extremity discomfort, whereas no significant change was found in lower extremity discomfort (p > 0.05). In pairwise comparisons, 1 week after the training there was a decrease in the average scores of ROSA and RULA compared to before the training (p < 0.001), and this trend was maintained in the RULA score average after 12 weeks (p < 0.001), while it could not be maintained in the ROSA score average (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The ergonomics training intervention provided to the office employees was effective in improving their working postures and reducing MSDs, thereby creating awareness.

Is there a relationship between functional mobility, balance, manual dexterity and perceived dual-task performance in early-stage multiple sclerosis patients?

The effects of motor and cognitive impairments on mobility and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are well established; however, little is known about the relationships between self-reported dual-task performance, mobility, balance, and manual dexterity in minimally disabled PwMS. While objective assessments offer valuable insights, self-reported measures provide a broader perspective on perceived abilities in real life. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between self-reported dual-task performance, mobility, balance, and dexterity in minimally disabled PwMS and compare these outcomes with a healthy control group to assess early motor and cognitive impacts. This cross-sectional study, included 54 PwMS and 30 healthy controls. Self-reported dual-task performance was assessed using the Dual Task Questionnaire (DTQ), functional mobility with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), dynamic balance with the modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST), and manual dexterity with the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT). DTQ scores were similar between groups (p > 0.05), but mFSST, TUG, and NHPT performances differed significantly (p < 0.05). Weak correlations were found between DTQ scores and non-dominant hand NHPT (r = 0.28, p = 0.035) and between mFSST and dominant hand NHPT (r = 0.27, p = 0.046). Moderate correlations were observed between mFSST and TUG (r = 0.59, p = 0.000), mFSST and non-dominant hand NHPT (r = 0.36, p = 0.006), and TUG with NHPT for both hands (dominant: r = 0.47, p = 0.000; non-dominant: r = 0.35, p = 0.008). Even with minimal disability, PwMS may exhibit reduced functional mobility, balance, and manual dexterity, though self-reported dual-task performance remains unaffected, possibly due to compensatory strategies. Early rehabilitation targeting these domains is crucial to maintain daily functioning.

Exploring "phasic" vs. "tonic" accounts of the effect of switch probability on the auditory attention switch cost

Task-switching experiments have shown that the "switch cost" (poorer performance for task switches than for repetitions) is smaller when the probability of a switch is high (e.g., 0.75) than when it is low (e.g., 0.25). Some theoretical accounts explain this effect in terms of top-down control deployed in advance of the task cue ("pre-cue reconfiguration"). We tested such accounts by manipulating the time available before the onset of the cue (the response-cue interval, RCI), reasoning that top-down pre-cue reconfiguration requires time and therefore its effect should increase with RCI. Participants heard a man and a woman simultaneously speaking number words and categorised the number (< 5 vs. > 5) spoken by the voice specified by a pictorial gender-related cue presented at an RCI of 100 ms or 2,200 ms. The target voice switched with a probability of 0.25 or 0.75 (in separate sessions). In Experiment 1, RTs revealed a large effect of switch probability on the switch cost in the short RCI, which did not increase in the long RCI. Errors hinted at such an increase, but it did not receive clear statistical support and was disconfirmed by a direct and better powered replication in Experiment 2, which fully confirmed the RT pattern from Experiment 1. Thus, the effect of switch probability on the switch cost required little/no time following the response to emerge-it was already at full magnitude at a short RCI-challenging accounts that assume "phasic" deployment of top-down task-set control in advance of the cue.

Influence of global/local processing on perceived colour transparency

Our cognitive processing is flexible and affected by global/local dominance in prior cognitive tasks. Similar to cognitive processing, perceptual processing, especially colour perception related to global/local processing, may be affected by prior global/local dominance; however, this possibility has not yet been assessed. Here, we examined whether prior tasks involving global/local processing influenced colour perception related to global/local processing. As colour perception is related to global/local processing, we focused on perceived colour transparency, in which a transparent layer is perceived in front of a background layer, even though these stimuli are physically in the same layer. When viewing the colour transparency stimulus, we expected that the perceived colour of a specific region, when focusing on only the local region, would differ from that when focusing on the whole image. In our study, the participants completed a global or local Navon task, followed by a colour-matching task that assessed how they saw colours using colour transparency stimuli. The degree of optical illusion (i.e., perceived colour transparency) after the global Navon task was greater than that after the local Navon task. Thus, prior global/local processing, a flexible mode of cognitive processing, influenced colour perception. This study provides new insight into perceptual flexibility, especially in colour perception.

Japanese readers show a crowding reduction even in vertically oriented strings of letters

Visual crowding affects reading performances. Related to this, the visual crowding effect is weaker in letter reading than in recognizing symbols in a string. A previous study reported that crowding reduction was observed exclusively in horizontal strings by participants with extensive reading experience in horizontal text strings. In the present study, we examined letter identification performance across various string orientations among Japanese readers with extensive experience reading both vertically and horizontally oriented texts. Through three experiments, we observed crowding reduction among Japanese readers in vertical test strings. Additionally, the observed crowding reduction was not robust when reading strings along unfamiliar orientations, such as diagonal orientations. These findings suggest that reading experience with specific text orientations adaptively shapes the spatial properties of letter-specific detection units. However, our results also indicate that reading experience has limited influence. For example, crowding reduction was not as robust for Japanese letters as it was for alphabet letters, showing that the influence of reading experience on crowding reduction depends on letter type, whereas letter type in previous reading does not matter. Furthermore, when the strings aligned with the zone where stronger crowding occurs, irrespective of letter type, crowding reduction was not robust, even for alphabet. These results imply that the reading experience could affect only a specific part of letter identification, which is likely important for alphabet identification in higher-level processing.

Effect of taurine on vascular dysfunction in an in vitro ischemia-reperfusion model of rat thoracic aorta

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of taurine on endothelial dysfunction in a vascular ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model.

METHODS

Thoracic aortas of 9 male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-500 g) were cut into rings and randomized into control (n = 7), IR (n = 8), IR + taurine 1 mM (n = 7), IR + taurine 10 mM (n = 8), IR + taurine 30 mM (n = 8), and IR + taurine 100 mM (n = 5) groups. Aortic rings in the IR group were stored in 0.9% saline at 4 °C for 24 h, placed in Krebs-Henseleit solution gassed with 95%O2 + 5%CO2 at 37 °C, and exposed to sodium hypochlorite (200 μM) for 30 min. Responses to KCl (80 mM), phenylephrine (10-10-10-4 M), acetylcholine (10-10-10-4 M), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10-11-10-5 M) were recorded. Emax (maximum response) and pD2 (negative logarithm of concentration producing half-maximum response) were calculated.

RESULTS

IR decreased KCl contraction (control 1047 ± 176 mg, IR 682 ± 128 mg, p = 0.0007), which was reversed by 30 and 100 mM taurine (960 ± 313 mg, p = 0.02 and 1066 ± 488 mg, p = 0.02, respectively). IR impaired phenylephrine, acetylcholine, and SNP responses (p < 0.0001). Taurine did not affect IR-impaired phenylephrine contractions. IR decreased both pD2 (control, 7.1 ± 0.1; IR, 6.0 ± 0.2; p < 0.01) and Emax (control, 83.5 ± 2.7%; IR, 26.8 ± 2.5%; p < 0.0001) of acetylcholine relaxation, both of which were reversed by 100 mM taurine (pD2, 7.2 ± 0.1; p < 0.001; Emax, 45.4 ± 2.6%; p < 0.0001). For SNP relaxation, IR decreased pD2 (control 8.2 ± 0.1, IR 7.7 ± 0.1, p < 0.01), which was reversed by 100 mM taurine (8.5 ± 0.1, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Taurine protects endothelial function after IR injury. Further studies should explore the mechanism of this effect and the potential of adding taurine to vascular graft storage solutions.

Proposal for a new tool assessing validity performance in forensic neuropsychological testing: the Test of Malingering in Abstraction Skills (TOMAS)

OBJECTIVE

the assessment of malingering in forensic neuropsychological testing can be supported by the use of performance validity tests (PVTs). When designing PVTs, test material should be easy enough to be insensitive to real cognitive dysfunction, but at the same time difficult enough not to appear overtly as a measure of poor effort. In the present paper, we aimed at proposing a new instrument, the Test of Malingering in Abstraction Skills (TOMAS), for detecting poor effort possibly due to malingering in forensic neuropsychological assessment; in designing the instrument, we ensured that the test had a credible level of difficulty to keep satisfactory sensitivity.

METHOD

the TOMAS was developed as a standalone tool utilising items selected from standardised and validated neuropsychological tests assessing verbal abstraction skills. In three studies we developed the final version of the test, assessed its association with demographic and cognitive variables, and estimated its sensitivity, specificity and criterion validity in comparison with the Rey 15-items test using a simulation paradigm involving healthy participants.

RESULTS

the final version of the TOMAS includes two sections (Part A and Part B) providing multiple indexes that have an adequate discriminating power, with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity values; the discriminating power of the TOMAS is higher than that of the Rey 15-items test.

CONCLUSION

the multiple indexes provided by the TOMAS may support clinicians in assessing poor effort during neuropsychological examination. Future evidence is needed to fully establish the validity of the instrument in clinical and forensic samples.

Randomized clinical trial of non-opioid pain medications after intracapsular adenotonsillectomy

BACKGROUND

Our purpose was to determine if non-opioid pain control is safe and effective in the treatment of pain following intracapsular adenotonsillectomy (T&A).

METHODS

A randomized, open-label, controlled trial of children ages 3-17 undergoing intracapsular T&A was conducted at a tertiary children's hospital April 2021-May 2023. Exclusions were concomitant procedures, Down syndrome, coagulopathy, craniofacial anomalies, and current opioid use. Participants were randomized to receive a prescription for oxycodone (opioid group) or not (non-opioid group). All patients received ibuprofen/acetaminophen. The primary outcome, average Wong-Baker FACES pain scores on post-operative days 0-14, was compared between groups using t-tests. The secondary outcome, emergency department (ED)/urgent care visits, was compared using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Age (median 4, range 3-12) and gender (42/70, 60 % male) were similar in both groups. Pain diaries were returned by 21/36 (58 %) in the opioid group and 23/34 (68 %) of the non-opioid group. Average pain was not different between groups before (opioid: mean 3.2, 95 % CI 2.5-3.8; non-opioid: mean 3.3, 95 % CI 2.5-4.0) or after (opioid: mean: 1.1, 95 % CI 0.6-1.5; non-opioid mean: 1.0, 95 % CI 0.5-1.5) analgesics. Only 7/21 (33 %) of the opioid group took ≥1 dose of oxycodone; no patients in the non-opioid group requested an opioid prescription. There were no differences in peak pain scores, duration of analgesic use, ED/urgent care visits, or caregiver-reported symptoms or satisfaction between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain scores were low compared with previous reports in children undergoing extracapsular T&A, suggesting non-opioid management is appropriate for pain control in this population.

Invitation to Self-Compassion: Reshaping Burden of Care in the Light of Self-Compassion Training Given to Relatives of Patients Hospitalised in Palliative Care

AIM

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of self-compassion training given to the relatives of patients hospitalised in the palliative care unit on the care burden and self-compassion of patient relatives.

METHOD

The study is a randomised, controlled experimental study in pretest-posttest design. The study was conducted between February 2024 and June 2024 with the relatives of the patients who received care and treatment in the palliative care unit of a hospital in eastern Turkey. The study was completed with 30 patient relatives in the intervention group and 32 patient relatives in the control group. The patient relatives in the intervention group received 40-50 min of self-compassion training for 8 weeks. No intervention was given to the control group. Personal Information Form, Self-Compassion Scale, and Caregiver Burden Scale were used to collect the data.

RESULTS

While there was no significant difference in the total mean scores of the caregiver burden scale and self-compassion scale of the intervention group before the intervention compared to the control group (p > 0.05), a significant difference was found after the intervention (p < 0.05). When the regression coefficients were analysed, it was found that self-compassion training negatively affected the total mean score of the caregiver burden scale and explained 55% of its variance, while it positively affected the total mean score of the self-compassion scale and explained 55% of its variance.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that self-compassion training given to the relatives of patients hospitalised in the palliative care unit is effective in terms of reducing the burden of care and increasing their self-compassion. Relatives of patients who received self-compassion training experienced a decrease in their care burden and an increase in their self-compassion. These findings emphasise the importance of self-compassion training in supporting the relatives of patients in palliative care.

Reappraising beliefs about losing control: An experimental investigation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Beliefs about losing control over one's thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and/or bodily functions have been shown to cause obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The cognitive model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests that catastrophic misappraisals of intrusions will lessen if underlying maladaptive beliefs are effectively reduced. The primary aim of this study was to experimentally investigate whether preexisting negative appraisals about losing control could be reduced by reappraising a previous perceived loss of control.

METHODS

A sample of (n = 52) undergraduate participants underwent either a brief cognitive intervention or a control memory task. Negative appraisals about losing control and anxiety were measured before and after the manipulation.

RESULTS

In comparison to participants in the control condition, participants in the experimental condition reported a significantly greater reduction in negative appraisals about having lost control (F(1, 50) = 10.79, p = .002, ηp2 = .18) and about losing control in the future (F(1, 50) = 7.82, p = .007, ηp2 = .14) but not anxiety F(1, 50) = .81, p = .37, ηp2 = .02).

LIMITATIONS

The absence of an impact on anxiety may be attributed to an underpowered sample size or the lack of a more robust intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that pre-existing beliefs about losing control can be reduced via a brief cognitive reappraisal-based intervention. Findings are discussed with respect to clinical and phenomenological implications.

Inferences of Masculinity and Femininity Across Intersections of Social Class and Gender: A Social Structural Perspective

This research employs a social structural perspective to analyze the content of intersectional social class and gender stereotypes. We investigated how the structural positioning of class and gender categories differentially foster inferences of masculinity and femininity. The social structures that organize class and gender differ: Class is marked by access to resources, and gender is marked by a division of labor for care work. Thus, we examined whether masculinity inferences more strongly varied by social class and whether femininity inferences more strongly varied by gender categories. In Study 1, a total 427 undergraduates provided open-ended descriptions of social class and gender groups. In Study 2, a total 758 undergraduates rated the same groups on preselected trait measures. In Study 3, a total 83 adult participants considered a vignette that manipulated a target's structural resources and gender. Across datasets, variation in social class primarily influenced inferences about masculinity while variation in gender primarily influenced inferences about femininity.

Protective effects of elastic band training-detraining on Fall risk, power, body composition, and cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A 40-week trial

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity exacerbates muscle function and mass loss, increasing the risk of falls in older adults. Regular exercise can prevent muscle loss, cognitive decline, and comorbidities, potentially reducing fall risk. Given the multifactorial nature of fall risk, a comprehensive assessment is required.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a 40-week intervention, including a long-term exercise program (16-weeks), detraining (8-weeks), and retraining (16-weeks), on fall risk and cognitive status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Participants (≥70 years old) were divided into two groups: Elastic Band Resistance Training (EBRT, n = 22) and a control group with no treatment (n = 20). Cognitive profile, body composition, muscle power, and multifactorial fall risk assessments (Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Fall Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT), and sensorimotor platform) were evaluated at four time points.

RESULTS

Significant correlations between muscle power, fat-free mass, and cognitive status with fall risk assessments were observed at baseline. Both phases of the exercise intervention improved muscle power, body composition, cognitive profile, and fall risk status. The EBRT group showed significant improvements in muscle power (p ≤ 0.01), fall risk (FRAT, p ≤ 0.01), FES (p ≤ 0.05), sensorimotor performance (p ≤ 0.001), TUG (p ≤ 0.001), and cognitive status (MoCA, p ≤ 0.05). Protective effects persisted during the detraining phase.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights significant improvements in fall risk assessment induced by EBRT, demonstrating its protective effects. The findings suggest that EBRT can enhance aspects related to fall risk, offering promising avenues for improving independence and quality of life in older adults prone to falls.

Effectiveness of blood flow restriction (BFR) training on knee stability, strength, and aerobic performance during aerobic cycling exercise in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training during strength training has been shown to lead to several physical improvements. However, its use during aerobic exercise has yet to be fully documented. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) on balance, knee stability, quadriceps strength, and submaximal VO2 after cycling training.

METHODS

Fifty-two healthy adults (58% women) were randomly assigned to a control group without BFR (CON) and four BFR groups: 60% occlusion in one (60UNIL) or both legs (60BILAT) and 80% occlusion in one (80UNIL) or both legs (80BILAT). Single-leg balance with eyes open and closed, knee stability (i.e., dynamic knee valgus) during a step-down, isokinetic quadriceps strength at 60°, 180°, and 300°/second, and submaximal VO2 were assessed at baseline, and three- and six-week follow-up. All participants performed cycling training thrice weekly for six weeks, pedaling at 70 revolutions/minute for 15 min. Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for each outcome measure.

RESULTS

Quadriceps strength at 180°/second showed statistically significant changes across time for all groups. Quadriceps strength at 300°/second showed statistically significant differences across time for the 60% occlusion groups. However, only the 60UNIL showed statistically significant changes in quadriceps strength at three weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

BFR during cycling does not seem to improve balance, knee stability, quadriceps strength at 60°/second, or submaximal VO2. Unilateral BFR with 60% occlusion improved quadriceps strength and endurance three weeks after cycling.

Microglia activation orchestrates CXCL10-mediated CD8+ T cell recruitment to promote aging-related white matter degeneration

Aging is the major risk factor for neurodegeneration and is associated with structural and functional alterations in white matter. Myelin is particularly vulnerable to aging, resulting in white matter-associated microglia activation. Here we used pharmacological and genetic approaches to investigate microglial functions related to aging-associated changes in myelinated axons of mice. Our results reveal that maladaptive microglia activation promotes the accumulation of harmful CD8+ T cells, leading to the degeneration of myelinated axons and subsequent impairment of brain function and behavior. We characterize glial heterogeneity and aging-related changes in white matter by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics and reveal elaborate glial-immune interactions. Mechanistically, we show that the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis is crucial for the recruitment and retention of CD8+ T cells in aged white matter, where they exert pathogenic effects. Our results indicate that myelin-related microglia dysfunction promotes adaptive immune reactions in aging and identify putative targets to mitigate their detrimental impact.

Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy reduces pain and psychological distress, and improves equanimity, hope and post-traumatic growth during breast cancer treatment: A pilot randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a shortened version of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) in managing pain and psychological distress (including depression, anxiety, and stress), improving equanimity, hope, and post-traumatic growth in patients with Stage I-III breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 42 women were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 21) or a treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n = 21). All participants completed a battery of assessments for pain, emotional distress, hope, equanimity, and post-traumatic growth before and after the intervention, as well as at the 2-month follow-up. The intervention consisted of a short (4-week) MiCBT program, which involved progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness of breath, body scanning, and the mindfulness-based interoceptive exposure task (MIET) for pain. The program was conducted over four consecutive weeks.

RESULTS

Compared with the TAU group, at post-treatment, the MiCBT group experienced larger and significant reductions in pain (d = 1.58), psychological distress (d = .99), depression (d = 1.59), anxiety (d = 1.13), and stress (d = 1.68), as well as improvements in equanimity (d = 1.61), hope (d = 1.06), and post-traumatic growth (d = .6) (p's < .5). These differences remained significant at 2-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study provides preliminary evidence that a four-week MiCBT intervention can improve the daily experiences of women with BC undergoing chemotherapy. Further research using larger samples and active control is needed to determine the generalizability of the results.

Immediate Effects of Footwear Design on In-Shoe Plantar Pressures, Impact Forces and Comfort in Women With Plantar Heel Pain

BACKGROUND

Footwear is often recommended in the management of plantar heel pain (PHP), theoretically to reduce tissue stress during standing and walking; however, limited data exist to guide footwear design and recommendations.

METHODS

Plantar pressures, impact forces and comfort during walking were recorded in 29 women with PHP (mean age 47 ± 12 years) in six randomised shoe and insert conditions. A test shoe (polyurethane outsole, 14-mm heel-toe pitch) was compared to a control shoe (rubber outsole, 4-mm heel-toe pitch), and within the test shoe, five different insoles that varied by material, density and arch contouring were also compared.

RESULTS

The test shoe reduced heel peak pressure (15%, p < 0.01) and reduced the loading rate but not the peak magnitude of the vertical ground reaction force (average loading rate reduction: 7%, p < 0.01; maximum loading rate: 29%, p < 0.01) and was more comfortable (47%-67%, p < 0.01) compared to the control shoe. Within the test shoe, dual-density inserts with arch contouring showed lower heel peak pressure compared to a lightweight flat insert (11%-12%, p < 0.03). The insert with the firmest material and higher arch contouring showed higher midfoot peak pressure (16%-21%, p < 0.01) compared to other inserts. Forefoot peak pressure did not differ between shoe or insert conditions (p > 0.05). There were no differences in impact forces or comfort between the different inserts within the test shoe (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that shoe and insert properties are both important and provide data to guide footwear design and management recommendations for PHP.

Prevalence and Correlates of Dating Violence Victimization Among a U.S.-Based Sample of Autistic Youth

Dating violence victimization is a pervasive public health problem that affects individuals of all age groups, but it holds particular significance during adolescence due to the potential long-term consequences on an individual's physical and psychological well-being, and potential influence on the health of adult relationships. Although there is now ample research on the topic of adolescent dating violence prevalence, risk factors, and consequences, to our knowledge, only four studies have assessed dating violence victimization among autistic youth. The current study was designed to investigate the prevalence of, and risk markers for, dating violence victimization among autistic youth. Specifically, the study had two aims: (a) to estimate the prevalence of dating violence victimization among autistic youth in a U.S.-based sample and (b) to identify correlates of dating violence for autistic youth, which include sociodemographic, mental health, and alcohol-related variables. We found that among participants who were in a romantic relationship in the past year, autistic participants were not any less likely to experience dating violence victimization compared to their non-autistic counterparts (40.7% for autistic youth vs. 38.0% for non-autistic youth). In addition, findings from the current study demonstrate the significant relationships between dating violence victimization and consequences of alcohol use, loneliness, and anxiety among autistic youth. Existing studies, in addition to the results of the current study, suggest the need for tailored dating violence prevention, support, and intervention to support the overall well-being of autistic youth.

Fat absorption and metabolism after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

Triacylglycerol (TAG) plasma excursions after a high-fat meal are blunted after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), but underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We studied TAG absorption and metabolism in 12 RYGB-operated individuals and 12 unoperated controls (CON) matched on sex, age, and BMI.

METHODS

Participants followed a 7-day controlled diet and on day 4 underwent 1H-MR Spectroscopy of liver TAG and a high-fat liquid meal with oral and intravenous labeled stable isotope metabolites, subcutaneous abdominal fat biopsies, and indirect calorimetry. Subsequently, participants collected stool for 96 h.

RESULTS

Overall fat absorption from the controlled diet was moderately lower in RYGB than CON (88 % versus 93 %, P < 0.01), without indication of greater specific malabsorption of fat from the high-fat test meal (recovery of TAG and labeled TAG in 96-h stool samples). After an overnight fast, plasma TAG concentrations and incorporation of plasma fatty acids (IV tracer) into TAG did not differ between groups. The postprandial 6-h iAUC of plasma TAG plasma concentrations was markedly lower in RYGB than CON (15 versus 70 mmol/L × min, P = 0.03). The postprandial chylomicron (CM) particle response (plasma ApoB48) was initially higher in RYGB, but with lower CM-TAG plasma concentrations and appearance of labeled palmitate from the oral tripalmitin tracer over the 6 h.

CONCLUSION

Fat absorption is only moderately lower after RYGB compared with unoperated matched controls. Nevertheless, postprandial TAG and CM plasma kinetics after a high-fat meal are markedly altered after RYGB with substantially lower TAG and CM-TAG concentrations despite a faster CM particle release.

Association of the addition of a multicomponent additive to the human milk provided to preterm newborns with outcomes: A prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

The nutritional needs of preterm newborns (PTNB) are increased and enhancing nutritional management is essential to meet them. The addition of multicomponent additive (MA) to human milk (HM) is used as a treatment strategy. The objective of the research is to analyze the association between the use of MA added to HM with nutritional and clinical outcomes in low-birth weight PTNB admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS

Prospective cohort study with PTNB weighing less than 2500 g during hospitalization in the NICU, who were divided into two distinct groups based on the presence or absence of MA supplementation. We investigated outcomes related to nutritional status at discharge, length of stay, presence of metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP), extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) and encouragement of breastfeeding at discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 65 PTNB were included. We found that the lower the BW, the more often the use of MA was observed (p = 0.006). At discharge, there was a decline in z- scores, in which 46 % of PTNB who used MA developed malnutrition. The length of stay was longer in the group of PTNB who used MA (p < 0.001). The percentage of PTNB with MBDP who used MA (52.5 %) was higher than the percentage of those who did not use it (p = 0.006). The probability of PTNB with MBDP using MA is 2.65 times higher than those without MDBP.

CONCLUSION

The use of MA to HM did not prevent or avoid the decline in nutritional status of the PTNBs, considering that those who used it had greater difficulty gaining weight, longer hospital stays, and more MBPD diagnoses compared to the group that did not use supplementation. However, the MA was crucial as it provided essential nutritional support for those PTNB who are more susceptible to MBDP.

'Not my mess'?: How do supporters of individuals with hoarding difficulties rate the quality of the support they offer?

OBJECTIVES

Hoarding difficulties (HD) affect many people and cause upset and danger for the person, as well as friends and family. Previous research found that people with HD feel less adequately socially supported compared with individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This study used the perspective of those offering support to infer whether people with HD view their support differently, or if there is a gap in support quality compared with those with OCD.

DESIGN

The design was cross-sectional, comparing those supporting OCD with those supporting HD.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was completed by 116 people offering support (POS) to people with these conditions. Support quality was measured using an adapted, proxy version of the Revised Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire. The research hypothesized that POS(HD) would not differ on support ratings compared with POS(OCD); or that POS(HD) would report comparatively lower ratings across support components. Secondary analysis investigated group differences in stigmatized attitudes and associative stigma; internalized stigma by virtue of having a connection to a stigmatized individual.

RESULTS

POS(HD) rated their wish to support and the perceived success as significantly lower. Public stigma was rated more highly by POS(HD) relative to POS(OCD) and associative stigma felt more acutely by POS(HD).

CONCLUSIONS

Motivation to support was significantly lower in the HD group with associative stigma a significant predictive factor. Further research involving dyads is needed to investigate what is causing this shortfall in support. Clinical research for HD interventions should also examine how involving POS could enhance treatment outcomes.

A comparative assessment of yogasana and karate training on cardio-autonomic function in adolescents: An empirical study

INTRODUCTION

Scientific findings reveal regular practice of traditional mind body exercises may reduce the invasion of chronic stressors and regain psychophysiological balance. This neuroautonomic relationship is assessed through several electrophysiological tools Heart Rate Variability (HRV) being one such measure. The present study compares the long-term cardio autonomic effects of yogasana - the physical aspect of yoga and another eminent but unexplored mind-body martial art form- karate.

METHOD

90 male school going subjects - 30 experienced yoga (age: 15.5 ± 1.83 yrs); 30 karate (age: 15.23 ± 2.07 yrs) practitioners and 30 active age-gender matched controls (age: 15.46 ± 1.77 yrs) were conveniently sampled, after effect size calculation. Time and frequency domain HRV was compared using One-way ANOVA followed by LSD Post Hoc Test after normality distribution of the data was checked.

RESULTS

High frequency power normalized unit (HF nu) showed significantly higher values among yoga practitioners (45.18 ± 16.00 nu) followed by karate practitioners (43.21 ± 18.14 nu) compared to the active control group (32.90 ± 15.76). The Low frequency normalized unit (LF nu) was at (53.90 ± 18.64 nu) and LF/HF Ratio at (1.40 ± 1.10) in the yoga group showed significantly lowest values.

CONCLUSIONS

Yogasana maintains stable parasympathetic dominance through its postures and steady breathing patternology, while karate practitioners being stress resilient show low sympathetic-vagal tone with a steady heart brain wellbeing.

Effect of adding global postural reeducation to kendall exercises for treating asymptomatic forward head posture: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural malalignment in young population that is associated with limitation of mobility and functional disability. Kendall exercises are one of the commonly used postural correction techniques to treat FHP. Global postural reeducation (GPR) is a postural correction exercise commonly used for musculoskeletal disorders. The current study aimed to investigate the combined effect of GPR and Kendall Exercises in the treatment of FHP.

METHODS

A single-blinded parallel-groups randomized controlled trial was conducted. Forty-three participants aged 18-30 years were recruited with FHP marked by a craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 50°. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: group A (GrA) received GPR plus Kendall Exercises, and group B (GrB) received Kendall Exercises only. Variables were measured before and immediately after 12 sessions of treatment including CVA, gaze angle (GA), shoulder angle (SA), cervical range of motion (CROM), neck disability index (NDI), chest expansion, and spinal mobility.

RESULTS

Between groups analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between either treatment in CVA, CROM, and NDI. There was a statistically significant improvement of chest expansion and spinal mobility in favor to GrA. Within-group analysis revealed that both interventions were statistically significant in improving CVA, CROM, and NDI (P < 0.05). Both treatments showed no statistical difference in GA and SA.

CONCLUSIONS

The added effect GPR technique to Kendall exercises significantly improved craniovertebral angle, cervical mobility and functional disability, chest expansion, and spinal mobility in people with FHP.

Early muscular training and immobilization in external rotation could reduce the recurrence rate in first-time shoulder dislocators among young rugby athletes

BACKGROUND

Among rugby players, anterior shoulder dislocation is challenging to treat during the in-season period. It often leads to recurrent shoulder instability and requires prolonged rest postsurgery. No studies have determined the effectiveness of immobilization, early muscle strength training, or both in preventing reinjury in this population. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the impact of treatment outcomes between different immobilization methods and early muscle strength training in the conservative treatment of first-time anterior shoulder dislocation among young rugby players.

METHODS

Rugby players under 23 years of age who chose conservative treatment for first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were included. The recurrence rate and recurrence-free period in a season and 2 years after return to sport (RTS) were retrospectively investigated for each immobilization method. The subjects were classified into 3 groups based on the immobilization method used: IIR group (incomplete immobilization in internal rotation was advised), iER group (strength training was started after 3-4 weeks of immobilization in external rotation [ER]), and iER + T group (early muscle strength training was combined immediately after the start of ER immobilization). All groups were allowed to RTS 8 weeks after injury or later. The endpoint was defined as a dislocation episode or the subjective feeling of shoulder subluxation, to a degree where the player could no longer continue to play the rest of the season.

RESULTS

Thirty-four shoulders of 34 patients (31 males and 3 females; median age at injury: 17 [range: 15-22] years) were included (IIR group, 8 shoulders; iER group, 8 shoulders; and iER + T group 18 shoulders). The recurrence rates during the first season after RTS were 100%, 87.5%, and 55.6% in the IIR, iER, and iER + T groups, respectively, with statistically significant difference between groups (P = .037). Compared with the IIR and iER groups, the iER + T group showed a longer survival curve with significant difference in the transition of each curve for the treatment success rate (P = .045). In the IIR, iER, and iER + T groups, approximately 0%, 11.7%, and 50.0% of patients were able to continue to play for more than half of the remaining season without any recurrence of instability, and the overall probability of recurrence in 2 years was estimated to be 100%, 100%, and 81.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The combination of iER and early muscle strength training may be an effective treatment for anterior shoulder dislocation during the in-season period.

Visual perceptual learning is enhanced by training in the illusory far space

Visual objects in the peripersonal space (PPS) are perceived faster than farther ones appearing in the extrapersonal space (EPS). This shows preferential processing for visual stimuli near our body. Such an advantage should favour visual perceptual learning occurring near, as compared with far from observers, but opposite evidence has been recently provided from online testing protocols, showing larger perceptual learning in the far space. Here, we ran two laboratory-based experiments investigating whether visual training in PPS and EPS has different effects. We used the horizontal Ponzo Illusion to create a lateralized depth perspective while participants completed a visual search task in which they reported whether or not a specific target object orientation (e.g., a triangle pointing upwards) was present among distractors. This task was completed before and after a training phase in either the (illusory) near or far space for 1 h. In Experiment 1, the near space was in the left hemispace, whereas in Experiment 2, it was in the right. Results showed that, in both experiments, participants were more accurate after training in the far space, whereas training in the near space led to either improvement in the far space (Experiment 1), or no change (Experiment 2). Moreover, we found a larger visual perceptual learning when stimuli were presented in the left compared with the right hemispace. Differently from visual processing, visual perceptual learning is more effective in the far space. We propose that depth is a key dimension that can be used to improve human visual learning.

Prediction of Ecchymosis and Edema after Rhinoplasty: Changes in Perioperative Inflammation Indixes

This study aimed to investigate perioperative changes in the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and their relationship with postoperative edema and ecchymosis following rhinoplasty. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University (2024/No: 24-KAEK-185). This prospective observational study included 94 patients who underwent open rhinoplasty under general anesthesia. The study evaluated the relationship between changes in SII (ΔSII) and SIRI (ΔSIRI), calculated from hemogram tests performed 2 h before and 2 h after surgery, and the severity of periorbital edema and ecchymosis in the early and late postoperative periods. The ΔSII value was significantly higher in the severe edema group compared with the minimal/moderate edema group in both the early and late postoperative periods (p = 0.003, p = 0.03, respectively). In addition, ΔSII was significantly higher in the severe ecchymosis group than in the minimal/moderate ecchymosis group in the early postoperative period (p = 0.03). The ΔSIRI value was significantly higher in the severe edema and ecchymosis groups compared with the minimal/moderate groups in the early postoperative period (p = 0.04, p = 0.01, respectively). This study demonstrated a significant association between perioperative changes in SII and SIRI and the severity of periorbital edema and ecchymosis following open rhinoplasty. These indices may serve as valuable markers for predicting the extent of postoperative inflammatory responses in rhinoplasty patients.

Evaluation of a brief online multi-index assessment for predicting increased psychotic-like experiences in the community: A perceptual, cognitive and affective approach

Research has shown that impairments in perception, reasoning, and social cognition are evident across the psychosis continuum and are implicated in the transition from subclinical symptoms to clinical psychosis. In this pilot feasibility study, a brief computerised assessment of visual perception, reasoning, social cognition and emotion dysregulation was administered to 157 adults in the community alongside self-report measures of psychotic-like experiences. The feasibility, reliability, and the predictive validity of the assessment tool were examined. The assessment procedure was feasible, evidenced through high completion rates. However, reliability estimates were suboptimal for online assessment measures. Self-reported visual perception and state emotion dysregulation predicted psychotic-like experiences explaining 53% of the variance when controlling for age. This study provides preliminary evidence that state difficulties with emotion regulation and self-reported visual perception abnormalities can predict increased psychotic-like experiences in the community. Future adaptations could address technological issues encountered with assessment tasks and ensure measures are psychometrically robust when administered online. Brief online assessments hold potential for research of both cognition and affect along the psychosis continuum although caution must be exercised with the chosen methodology.

Evaluation of Complications, Peripheral Neuropathic Pain, and Sleep Quality in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Most patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) suffer from problems such as neuropathic pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression, which negatively affect their quality of life. Painful DPN is one of the most common grounds for seeking medical attention. The aim of this study is to evaluate the complications, peripheral neuropathic pain, and sleep quality in diabetic patients.

METHODS

This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study included 300 patients with neuropathic pain. Data were obtained using the Descriptive Information Form, Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Scale (S-LANSS), and Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RSQ).

RESULTS

The mean level of peripheral neuropathic pain that the patients suffered in the last week, according to the VAS, was 4.143 ± 2.983. The S-LANSS mean score of the patients was 16.493 ± 7.536, and their total mean score on the RSQ was 39.986 ± 33.150. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the mean scores of the S-LANSS and the RSQ (r = -0.489, p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant negative correlation between the mean scores of the Neuropathic Pain VAS and the RSQ (r = -0.401, p < 0.001). Total S-LANSS Score, duration of diabetes diagnosis, HbA1c%, neuropathic pain VAS severity, and age accounted for 36.1% of the variance in the quality of sleep score of patients.

CONCLUSION

Neuropathic pain and poor sleep quality were prevalent in diabetic patients. It was found that the duration of DM and microvascular complications, particularly neuropathy, impaired sleep quality.