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

The impact of intradialytic elastic band exercise on physical and cognitive abilities in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial

Exercise benefits patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) by addressing complications and dysfunctions. Elastic band exercise is cost-effective, but its safety, efficacy, and feasibility during dialysis are not well-established. The aim of this study is to investigate the physical and mental effects of intradialytic elastic band exercise in patients on MHD. Sixty patients on MHD were randomly assigned to the exercise or control group (30 patients/group). The control group received routine hemodialysis care, whereas those in the exercise group performed intradialytic elastic band exercises for 0.5-2 h during hemodialysis three times a week for 12 weeks. Physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]), fatigue (14-item Fatigue Scale [FS-14]), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), and anxiety and depression (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HAMA]/Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAMD]) were assessed. The exercise group showed significant improvements in SPPB (p = 0.008) and MoCA (p < 0.001) scores compared to pre-intervention and control groups. FS-14 scores decreased significantly (p = 0.005). PSQI (p < 0.001) and HAMA (p < 0.001) scores improved post-intervention but not versus control. HAMD scores reduced significantly (p < 0.001). Satisfaction and recommendation scores were 9.57 and 9.71. In conclusions, intradialytic elastic band exercise improved physical and cognitive function and alleviated fatigue, sleep issues, depression, and anxiety in patients on MHD. With high compliance, no significant adverse events, and high patient satisfaction, it is recommended as a routine intervention during dialysis.

Evaluation of targeting accuracy of cone beam CT guided histotripsy in an in vivo porcine model

PURPOSE

The application of histotripsy, an emerging noninvasive, non-ionizing, and non-thermal tumor treatment, is currently limited by the inherent limitations of diagnostic ultrasound as the sole targeting modality. This study evaluates the feasibility and accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance for histotripsy treatments in an in vivo porcine model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Histotripsy treatments were performed in the liver of seven healthy swine under the guidance of a C-arm CBCT system that was calibrated to the robotic arm of the histotripsy system. For each treatment, pseudotumors (small histotripsy treatments of 15 mm) were created using conventional US guidance to serve as targets for subsequent CBCT guided treatments. A pretreatment CBCT with intravenous contrast was acquired for each swine and the center of the pseudotumor was selected as the target. The robotic arm automatically aligned the transducer to the selected target location. Ultrasound based aberration offset correction was performed when possible, and a 25 mm diameter treatment was performed. A post-treatment CBCT with intravenous contrast was then acquired to evaluate coverage, treatment size, and distance between the pseudotumor target and actual treatment zone center.

RESULTS

Treatments were technically successful and pseudotumors were completely covered in all seven treatments (7/7). The average treatment diameter was 39.3 ± 4.2 mm. The center-to-center distance between pseudotumor and actual treatments was 3.8 ± 1.3 mm.

CONCLUSION

CBCT provides accurate targeting for histotripsy treatment in vivo. While future work is required to assess safety and efficacy in the presence of obstructions, the proposed approach could supplement ultrasound imaging for targeting.

Caffeine's influence on vertical jump height: a real-life collegiate student-athlete approach

BACKGROUND

Caffeine's ergogenic potential in vertical jumping remains contested, particularly at dosages compliant with collegiate athletic regulations. The NCAA enforces a caffeine urinary threshold equivalent to ~5 mg/kg body mass, yet evidence supporting its efficacy in enhancing explosive performance among trained athletes is inconsistent. This study examined whether acute caffeine ingestion at this threshold improves squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in NCAA Division II student-athletes, while exploring sex-specific responses and trial-to-trial variability.

METHODS

Forty NCAA Division II athletes (18 females, 22 males; 21.3 ± 2.4 years) participated in a single-blind, randomized, crossover trial. Participants ingested 5 mg/kg caffeine or placebo, followed by SJ and CMJ testing on a force platform 60 minutes post-consumption. Three trials per jump type were retained to preserve intra-individual variance. Linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) assessed fixed effects of condition, sex, and trials, with random intercepts and slopes accounting for individual variability. A priori power analyses guided sample size determination, targeting sensitivity to detect small-to-medium effects (Cohen's f ≥ 0.2).

RESULTS

Caffeine elicited trivial, non-significant differences in SJ (β =  -0.24 cm, p = 0.646) and CMJ (β =  -0.71 cm, p = 0.183) heights compared to placebo. Males outperformed females in both SJ (Δ = 9.50 cm, p < 0.001) and CMJ (Δ = 11.30 cm, p < 0.001), though no condition-by-sex interactions emerged. Trial effects were observed, with SJ improving 2.31 cm (p < 0.001) and CMJ 1.05 cm (p = 0.014) from first to second attempts, suggesting warm-up or neuromuscular potentiation. High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.76-0.85) underscored substantial interindividual variability. Models demonstrated robust fit (conditional R2 = 0.86-0.92), with sufficient power to detect medium-to-large effects (f ≥ 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

A 5 mg/kg caffeine dose, compliant with NCAA thresholds, did not enhance vertical jump performance in habituated collegiate athletes, challenging prior assertions of its universal ergogenicity for ballistic tasks. While sex differences in baseline performance persisted, caffeine did not modulate these disparities, implicating neuromuscular and anthropometric factors as primary determinants. The absence of ergogenic effects aligns with NCAA safety-focused policies but highlights the need for personalized dosing strategies and research into higher doses, genetic variability, and hormonal influences. Future studies should integrate biomechanical metrics and controlled hormonal assessments to elucidate caffeine's nuanced role in anaerobic power sports.

Reliability and validity of simulation-based Electrocardiogram assessment rubrics for cardiac life support skills among medical students using generalizability theory

Simulation-based learning (SBL) is effective for EKG interpretation training in the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) context, enhancing motivation, confidence, and learning outcomes. However, research on the psychometrics of assessment rubrics for ACLS skills among pre-clinical students is limited. This study investigates the validity and reliability of assessment rubrics for ACLS skills, including EKG interpretation, scenario and pharmacological management, and teamwork. An SBL course that integrates basic EKG interpretation into ACLS Stations was conducted at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, utilizing high-fidelity mannequins to simulate realistic scenarios, enrolling 96 medical students. The course consisted of five independent stations, and each student was assessed once by two raters using ten-item assessment rubrics. The rubrics included three domains: (1) EKG and ACLS algorithm skills, (2) management and mechanisms of action, and (3) affective domains. Validity evidence on the content was gathered, and construct validity was confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Inter-rater and internal consistency reliability were calculated. Generalizability theory was utilized to analyse the data. Three expert reviews yielded an item-objective congruence index of 0.67-1.00, with iterative validation through alpha and beta tests. The CFA demonstrated a good fit, but two questions with loading factors below 0.30 were removed, resulting in an eight-item assessment form. An inter-rater correlation of 0.70 (p < 0.001) and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.76 was demonstrated. To achieve a Phi-coefficient ≥0.80, three raters and at least 10 items are required in a p×i×r crossed design. With eight items, r:(p×i) nested design reliability was 0.69, 0.79, and 0.83 for one, two, and three raters, respectively. While a single rater with 10 items achieved a Phi-coefficient of 0.74. The rubrics for assessing ACLS skills among pre-clinical students demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. A condensed eight-item rubric with acceptable reliability is proposed as a practical tool for optimizing assessment in future evaluations relevant to the pre-clinical context.

Individual responses to encapsulated caffeine and caffeine chewing gum on strength and power in strength-trained males

BACKGROUND

Liquid-dissolved and encapsulated powder are two popular ways to consume caffeine for performance-enhancing effects. Caffeine in other delivery methods, such as chewing gums, orally dissolvable strips, gels, mouthwashes, energy drinks, and nasal sprays, is believed to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. Inter-individual responses to caffeine's enhancing effects are recognized. The present study examined the inter-individual responses to the acute effects of encapsulated caffeine and caffeinated chewing gum on the lower-body isokinetic and isometric strength and power in strength-trained males.

METHOD

A randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 15 strength-trained males (age: 25  ±  4 years, height: 176  ±  7 cm, weight: 75  ±  11 kg, habitual caffeine intake: 66  ±  15 mg·day-1). Participants were randomly assigned to three conditions: i) caffeinated chewing gum (CG), ii) caffeine capsule (CC), and iii) starch capsule as a placebo (PLA). Participants consumed approximately 3 to 4.5 mg·kg-1 of caffeine 60 minutes before testing. The washout period between conditions was one week. Participants performed the Sargent jump test, followed by a 5-minute active recovery (walking). Subsequently, isokinetic strength and power (60°/s and 180°/s) and isometric strength (45° and 60°) parameters were measured for knee extensor and flexor muscles. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Responders to the caffeine conditions were identified using the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) analysis.

RESULTS

In knee extensors, 1) average peak torque and power at 60°/s were higher in CC (p = 0.045; + 11.2% and p = 0.038; + 14.1%) and CG (p = 0.044; + 7.3% and p = 0.015; + 11.4%) compared to PLA with a co-response rate of 60% and 66%, 2) maximum voluntary isometric contraction at 45° (MVIC-45°) was higher in CC compared to PLA (p = 0.031; + 10.1%), and 3) MVIC-60° was higher in CG compared to PLA (p = 0.037; + 10.1%) with a co-response rate of 60%. In knee flexors, 1) time to peak torque at 60°/s was higher in CG compared to PLA (p = 0.011; + 18.2%) with a co-response rate of 46%, 2) average rate of force development at 60°/s was higher in CC (p = 0.007; + 24.1%) and CG (p = 0.050; + 20.6%) compared to PLA with a co-response rate of 53%, and 3) average power at 180°/s was higher in CC compared to PLA (p = 0.033; + 18%) with a co-response rate of 46%. However, there were no differences between other strength indicators in the knee extensors and flexors between the different conditions. Vertical jump height (VJH) was higher in CC (p = 0.001; + 5.5%) and CG (p = 0.001; + 6.) compared to PLA, with a co-response rate of 53%.

CONCLUSION

Caffeine supplementation in CC and CG forms significantly enhanced lower-body strength, power, and vertical jump height in strength-trained males, with over  ~50% of participants exceeding the SWC thresholds across key performance metrics. CC showed slightly higher responder rates for strength parameters, while CG excelled in time-dependent measures, supporting their use as effective and flexible ergogenic aids.

Changes in taste and odor sensitivities during repeated bicycle ergometer exercises

BACKGROUND

Effective nutritional support is essential for maintaining good performance during exercise. Taste and olfaction are key senses for food intake, and understanding how their sensitivities change during exercise is important for effective nutritional support. However, the effects of exercise on taste and odor sensitivities remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in taste and odor sensitivities during repeated endurance exercise using a bicycle ergometer.

METHODS

A total of 20 women (mean age; 21.6 ± 0.2 years) participated in the study, completing four 60-minute segments, each comprising 50 minutes of bicycle ergometer exercise at an exercise intensity of 60% heart rate reserve and a 10-minute sensory test. The sensory tests were conducted five times in total: after each exercise segment and once before exercise as a control. Four concentrations (×0.5, ×0.75, ×1, and × 1.25) of a commercially available isotonic beverage were used as taste samples, and the subjects evaluated the taste intensity, preference, and odor intensity. Four types of food odorants were used as odor samples, and the subjects rated their preference. The subjects also reported their perceived fatigue levels during the taste and odor tests. Fatigue levels and taste intensity were rated using a 100-mm visual analogue scale, and taste and odor preferences and odor intensity were evaluated using a scoring method.

RESULTS

The degree of physical fatigue significantly increased with each successive bicycle exercise segment. The taste intensity and preference for beverages with higher concentrations increased as the number of exercise segments increased, showing a significant increase in taste intensity for the × 1.25 solution in the final segment compared with before the tests. On the other hand, no significant effect was observed on the perceived odor intensity of the isotonic beverages. Similarly, there was no significant effect on the preference for odor samples due to repeated exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that taste sensitivity may change with prolonged exercise. Additionally, since odor intensity and preference were not significantly affected by repeated exercise, odor sensitivity may be less impacted by exercise than taste sensitivity.

The effect of acute beetroot juice consumption prior to climbing on lower-body isokinetic and isometric strength, aerobic power, and muscle soreness among mountain climbers

BACKGROUND

Beetroot juice (BRJ) contains various bioactive compounds which can enhance athletes" performance. However, there is a limited number of studies assessing the effects of BRJ on climbers" performance and indicators of muscle soreness (MS). Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of consuming beetroot juice acutely before climbing on lower-body isokinetic and isometric strength, aerobic power, and muscle soreness in mountain climbers.

METHODS

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, 27 climbers (14 males and 13 females) were divided into three groups: Control (CON), Placebo (PLA), and Beetroot Juice (BRJ), with 9 participants in each group. The study evaluated swelling around the thigh (Sw-T), pressure pain threshold (PPT), isokinetic and isometric strength, horizontal jump (HJ), wall-sit, handgrip strength (HGS), flexibility, and the Queen's College Step test. Testing occurred in three sessions: baseline, climbing, and posttest. At baseline, all participants completed the full battery of tests at Shiraz University. One week later, during the climbing session, they consumed 70 mL of BRJ (400 mg nitrate), PLA, or water 2.5 hours before ascending to 3720 meters. Functional tests (HJ, wall-sit, and estimated VO₂max) were performed at the altitude. After completing these tests, participants immediately descended the mountain. DOMS was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles at the following time points: 2 hours before climbing, and 0 (immediately), 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after descending. The posttest session, held 72 hours after descending, repeated all baseline assessments.

RESULTS

The results revealed a statistically significant decrease in DOMS in the gastrocnemius muscles 24 hours post-descending in the BRJ group compared to the control group (p = 0.003, pEta2 = 0.204). However, no changes in DOMS were observed for the quadriceps (p = 0.090, pEta2 = 0.090) and hamstring (p = 0.254, pEta2 = 0.056) muscles. Moreover, notable improvements were observed in PPT (p = 0.001, pEta2 = 0.374), Estimated VO2max (p = 0.016, pEta2 = 0.291), HGS (p = 0.004, pEta2 = 0.270), flexibility (p = 0.003, pEta2 = 0.407), HJ (p = 0.008, pEta2 = 0.155), and isokinetic (peak torque, average power and rate of force development) and isometric (Maximum voluntary isometric contraction) strength indicators in the BRJ groups compare to the other groups (p˂0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in Sw-T between groups (p = 0.305).

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggested that acute consumption of BRJ before climbing improves climbers' lower-body isokinetic and isometric strength, power, and endurance performance, and it is associated with a reduced perception of muscle soreness.

Physiological effects of spirulina supplementation during lactate threshold exercise at simulated altitude (2,500 m): a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Existing literature indicates that spirulina supplementation can improve a variety of blood morphological parameters (such as hemoglobin) in healthy and clinical populations. Given the importance of hemoglobin for endurance exercise, particularly at altitude, this study aimed to investigate whether spirulina supplementation can improve blood morphological parameters in healthy cyclists and positively influence physiological variables when completing a lactate threshold test at simulated moderate altitude (2,500 m).

METHODS

Twenty (18 male; 2 female) healthy participants (Mean  ±  SD; Age 37   ±   9 years, Stature 181   ±   6 cm, Mass 81   ±   9 kg, V ˙ O2max 51.8   ±   7.8 ml·kg-1·min-1) ingested 6 g/day of spirulina or placebo for 3-weeks in a double-blinded randomized counter-balanced cross-over design, then completed a lactate threshold test at simulated moderate altitude, with a 14-day washout period between trials.

RESULTS

Following spirulina supplementation, heart rate at the lactate threshold was significantly lower in comparison to placebo supplementation (spirulina = 152   ±   11 b.min -1 vs. placebo = 155   ±   12 b.min -1, p < 0.05). No other physiological variables (Watts, RER, RPE, VO2) were significantly different (p > 0.05) at the calculated threshold, or during the first four lower stages. Red Cell Distribution Width significantly increased following spirulina supplementation in comparison to placebo (spirulina = 13.3   ±   0.9 % vs. placebo = 12.5   ±   0.7 %, p < 0.05). Plateletcrit significantly decreased following spirulina supplementation (spirulina = 0.288   ±   0.032 vs. placebo = 0.293   ±   0.050, p < 0.05). No other blood morphological parameters changed (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, three weeks of spirulina supplementation at 6 g/day reduced heart rate during a lactate threshold test at a simulated moderate altitude (2,500 m), but did not produce additional physiological or hematological benefits.

Treatment stigma mediates relationships between morally injurious events and depression, PTSD and anxiety symptoms

Background: Morally injurious events (MIEs), encompassing personal transgressions, witnessing others commit transgressions, or experiencing betrayal by leaders, can conflict with one's moral/ethical principles, evoking outrage and profound mistrust. Although MIEs are associated with depression, PTSD, and anxiety, the mechanisms linking MIEs to psychiatric symptomatology remain unclear, especially among civilians in times of collective trauma.Objective: This study explored one potential mechanism: stigma toward mental-health treatment, which can deter help-seeking and exacerbate guilt, shame, and mistrust.Method: We focused on civilians (N = 1,052) exposed to MIEs in conflict zones in southern and northern Israel following the 7 October 2023 attack. Participants were recruited using an online platform and assessed for depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptoms. We hypothesised that stigma toward treatment would mediate relationships between MIE exposure levels and depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptoms.Results: Results showed high MIE exposure levels and symptomatology among civilians in conflict zones. Moreover, we found significant indirect effects of stigma toward treatment on all three symptom types.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that while MIEs directly link to symptoms, stigma toward treatment plays a significant role in understanding this link. These findings emphasise the importance of addressing stigma toward treatment for individuals experiencing MIEs and underscore the need for targeted interventions in conflict zones.

Oxidative markers and SOD variant: predictors of autism severity and susceptibility

BACKGROUND

This study examines the relationship between oxidative stress, anti-oxidative markers, and the Ala16Val SOD2 polymorphism in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to better understand ASD severity and susceptibility.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 80 children (40 with ASD and 40 controls) from Erbil City, Iraq.

RESULTS

Serum antioxidant markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), were significantly lower in ASD patients compared to controls (P = 0.036 and P < 0.001, respectively), while markers of oxidative damage, including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and cytochrome C, were significantly elevated (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed reduced SOD and GPX activities were strongly associated with increased autism severity, as measured by the childhood autism rating scale (CARS), while elevated NO and cytochrome C levels also correlated positively with higher CARS scores. Although the Ala16Val SOD polymorphism was not significantly associated with ASD risk, logistic regression showed no connection between SOD genotypes and serum SOD levels.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense play critical roles in ASD severity.

How do coping strategies influence fertility-related information seeking/avoidance?

Despite the rise in discussions around fertility and reproductive health, recent evidence indicates that women's fertility awareness (FA) remains low, with many avoiding essential fertility-related information (FRI). Existing research has linked low awareness to demographic factors, yet psychological and behavioural determinants have received less attention. This study, therefore, explores the influence of coping strategies (avoidant and problem-focused) on FRI-seeking and avoidance behaviours and their effect on FA. A cross-sectional survey gathered data from 216 UK-based female participants aged 18-68 (M = 31.69, SD = 10.42), measuring demographics, FA, FRI-seeking and avoidance, and coping strategies. Data underwent multiple regression and moderation analyses. The average FA score was 17.87/29 (62%). FRI-seeking positively predicted FA (p < 0.001), while FRI-avoidance negatively predicted FA (p < 0.001). Avoidant coping significantly predicted increased FRI-avoidance (p < 0.001), moderating the relationship between FRI-avoidance and FA (p < 0.001). Problem-focused coping significantly predicted FRI-seeking (p < 0.001), moderating the relationship between FRI-seeking and FA (p < 0.001). Results suggest that coping strategies influence motivation to seek and avoid FRI. Future FRI and fertility education should be tailored to suit women's coping strategies to facilitate active engagement, which may enhance awareness and support more informed fertility decision-making.

The mechanism of a 16-Week Baduanjin intervention in altering neural inhibition responses to food cues in healthy adults - an ERP study

The positive impact of exercise on inhibitory control has been validated in numerous studies; however, few studies have explored the effect of long-term exercise on food-related inhibitory control. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of long-term exercise on the inhibitory response to food cues and the underlying neural mechanism. We recruited 51 healthy participants who were pseudo randomly divided into an exercise group and a non-exercise group, body mass index (BMI), age and sex. The exercise group underwent 16 weeks of Baduanjin intervention at a frequency of 3 days/week for 60 min/session. The assessment consisted of a personal information questionnaire, a hunger questionnaire and Go/NoGo tasks. The electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded as the participants performed the Go/NoGo task. Only EEG data for the NoGo stimuli were analysed. The participants were asked to complete the entire procedure at baseline and within 1 week after the end of the exercise. There were 26 participants in the exercise group (age: 18.90 ± 0.49; number of females (%): 23 (88.46%); BMI: 21.79 ± 4.40) and 25 participants in the control group (age: 19.19 ± 0.63; number of females (%):20 (80.00%); BMI: 21.26 ± 3.36).A significant interaction effect of group and time on NoGo accuracy and N2/P2/P3 amplitudes was observed. Specifically, 16 weeks of Baduanjin exercise significantly increased NoGo accuracy, decreased the N2 amplitude and increased the P2/P3 amplitudes for food-related NoGo stimuli. We speculated that exercise may improve inhibitory control by reasonably regulating the allocation of attentional resources and improving the strategic orientation of attention.

Nerve root magnetic stimulation regulates the synaptic plasticity of injured spinal cord by ascending sensory pathway

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202512000-00026/figure1/v/2025-01-31T122243Z/r/image-tiff Promoting synaptic plasticity and inducing functional reorganization of residual nerve fibers hold clinical significance for restoring motor function following spinal cord injury. Neuromagnetic stimulation targeting the nerve roots has been shown to improve motor function by enhancing nerve conduction in the injured spinal cord and restoring the synaptic ultrastructure of both the sensory and motor cortex. However, our understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms by which nerve root magnetic stimulation facilitates motor function recovery in the spinal cord is limited, and its role in neuroplasticity remains unclear. In this study, we established a model of spinal cord injury in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by applying moderate compression at the T10 vertebra. We then performed magnetic stimulation on the L5 nerve root for 3 weeks, beginning on day 3 post-injury. At day 22 post-injury, we observed that nerve root magnetic stimulation downregulated the level of interleukin-6 in the injured spinal cord tissue of rats. Additionally, this treatment reduced neuronal damage and glial scar formation, and increased the number of neurons in the injured spinal cord. Furthermore, nerve root magnetic stimulation decreased the levels of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and increased the expression of synaptic plasticity-related mRNA and proteins PSD95, GAP43, and Synapsin II. Taken together, these results showed that nerve root magnetic stimulation alleviated neuronal damage in the injured spinal cord, regulated synaptic plasticity, and suppressed inflammatory responses. These findings provide laboratory evidence for the clinical application of nerve root magnetic stimulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Coping flexibility and associated factors after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: A cross-sectional multisite study

Objective

To elucidate the current state of coping flexibility and associated factors in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy.

Methods

A cross-sectional multisite study was conducted with 142 patients with gastric cancer who completed questionnaires on coping flexibility, postgastrectomy dysfunction, health literacy, and perceived social support. Coping flexibility was measured using the Coping Flexibility Scale-Revised, which includes three subscales: Abandonment Coping (i.e., abandoning ineffective coping strategies), Re-Coping (i.e., assessing the process of developing and implementing alternative coping strategies), and Meta-Coping (i.e., monitoring coping flexibility process). Higher scores indicate greater coping flexibility. Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with coping flexibility.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 72.6 (± 10.5) years. Limited activity due to decreased food consumption was associated with lower scores for Abandonment Coping (odds ratio [OR]: 0.4; P ​= ​0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-0.9) and Re-Coping (OR: 0.3; P ​= ​0.003; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6). Higher levels of communicative health literacy were associated with higher Abandonment Coping scores (OR: 1.1; P ​= ​0.04; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3), and higher levels of critical health literacy were associated with higher Re-Coping scores (OR: 1.2; P ​= ​0.03; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3).

Conclusions

Limited activity due to decreased food consumption and limited coping flexibility were significantly associated. Health literacy had an important role in facilitating coping flexibility. Nursing support may be crucial in evaluating coping strategies and developing alternatives based on new information.

Pre-sleep casein ingestion with probiotic strains improves anaerobic power and lower-body-specific strength and power performance in soccer players

BACKGROUND

Probiotics comprise various strains that offer numerous health benefits. Researchers have recently focused on the relationship between probiotic consumption and improved gut microbiota function, enhanced digestion, increased nutrient absorption, and enhanced sports performance. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of pre-sleep casein intake, coupled with probiotic strains, on soccer players' anaerobic power, lower-body-specific strength, and power performance.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study was conducted with forty-four male soccer players (Age: 22.81 ± 2.76 years, Height: 177.90 ± 6.75 cm, Weight: 67.42 ± 8.44 kg). The participants underwent the isokinetic strength, Wall-squat, and running-based anaerobic sprint (RAST) tests initially; then, they were randomly divided into four groups: probiotics (PRO), casein (CAS), probiotics with casein (PRO+CAS), and placebo (PLA). The PRO groups were given one probiotic capsule (containing eight bacterial strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BP06, Lacticaseibacillus casei BP07, Lactobacillus acidophilus BA05, Lactobacillus bulgaricus BD08, Bifidobacterium infantis BI04, Bifidobacterium longum BL03, Bifidobacterium breve BB02, and Streptococcus thermophilus BT01, with a total dose of 4.5 × 1011 CFU) during dinner, while the CAS groups consumed 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The PRO+CAS group was given one probiotic capsule during dinner and 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The participants in the PLA group were given one red capsule (containing 5 grams of starch) during dinner. All participants were instructed to take the supplements only on training days, three times a week for four weeks. Additionally, isokinetic strength parameters, including absolute peak torque (APT) and average rate of force development (AvRFD), were measured for the knee extensors (ext) and flexors (flx) muscles (concentric phase at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s, using the dominant leg). One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) or Quade tests with a significance level of p < 0.05 was used to analyze the collected data.

RESULT

The current study's findings indicated that APT-180°/s (ext) significantly increased in CAS (p = 0.008) and PRO+CAS (p = 0.003) compared to PLA. Additionally, the AvRFD-180°/s (ext) increased significantly in the PRO compared to the PLA (p = 0.007). Also, the AvRFD-60°/s (flx) increased significantly in the PRO+CAS group compared to the PLA (p = 0.014), CAS (p = 0.001), and PRO (p = 0.007). Furthermore, the AvRFD-180°/s (flx) increased significantly in the PRO+CAS compared to the CAS (p = 0.010). Moreover, the RAST average power increased dramatically in PRO+CAS compared to PLA (p = 0.003) and CAS (p = 0.02). Additionally, the Wall-squat test demonstrated a significant increase in PRO+CAS compared to PLA (p = 0.001) and PRO (p = 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the APT-60°/s (ext&flx), APT-180°/s (flx), and AvRFD-60°/s (ext) between groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The simultaneous consumption of casein and probiotics significantly improved anaerobic power, isokinetic strength, and lower-body muscular endurance in male soccer players. These enhancements were more pronounced than those observed with casein or probiotics alone, as supported by statistical significance and effect sizes. The findings suggest a synergistic benefit of combined supplementation for athletic performance.

Comparative analysis of posterior tibial slope measurements: Accuracy and reliability of radiographs and CT

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of posterior tibial slope (PTS) measurements obtained from radiographs and CT. PTS, particularly its differences in medial and lateral measurements, plays a crucial role in knee alignment, and inconsistencies in measurement techniques across different imaging modalities have raised concerns about accuracy.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included data from 98 Japanese patients legs and 324 Chinese patients legs. PTS was measured on long-leg and short-leg radiographs and CT. Two independent surgeons assessed the measurements, and the inter- and intra-observer reliability were evaluated. The primary outcome was the comparison of medial and lateral PTS measurements, while the secondary aim was to assess the impact of tibial length on measurement accuracy.

Discussion

The study revealed that lateral PTS was consistently smaller than medial PTS, with an average difference of 1.2°-1.9°. Shorter leg radiographs tend to underestimate PTS compared to full-length tibial measurements. The correlation between measurements from short and long leg radiographs showed that PTS measurements were more prone to errors, which may be due to anatomical factors such as tibial bowing. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were good for medial PTS but poor to moderate for lateral PTS, especially when using radiographs.

Conclusion

For accurate measurement of both medial and lateral PTS, surgeons should consider using additional examination methods such as CT and MRI. If PTS is to be measured on radiographs, the focus should be on the medial PTS, as it tends to provide more reliable results.

Investigating the role of weight in body representation through the Rubber Hand Illusion: when individual weight concerns matter

Bodily weight is a physical characteristic involved in body dissatisfaction. We investigated whether the cognitive body representation can be updated to include weight variations using the Rubber Hand Illusion. Moreover, we aimed to explore the role of the individual expression of weight concerns and fat-phobia. Twenty-eight healthy-weight women participated to a Rubber Hand Illusion study, in which an over- and an under-weight rubber hand were tested together with a normal-weigh rubber hand. We verified the effect of hand's weight on the proprioceptive drift and the subjective experience of illusion. Moreover, we measured the individual expression of weight concerns. As with the normal-weight rubber hand, both the underweight and overweight ones produced significant rubber hand illusion effects, as quantified by proprioceptive judgments and questionnaire ratings. Moreover, higher levels of body image concerns were linked to higher shift towards the under-weight rubber hand, as well as higher expression of fat-phobia increased higher illusory subjective experience towards the normal-weight hand. Hands of different weights can be successfully embodied, in line with previous evidence relative to whole body illusions. Nevertheless, we underlined the role of weight concerns in modulating the illusion. Our results are meaningful for those psychopathological conditions characterized by profound changes in individual weight.

A randomized controlled trial of self-help cognitive behavioural therapy for depression in adults with pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, life-reducing group of conditions associated with an elevated risk of depression. To meet this clinical need, we developed an unguided self-help intervention targeting depression in PH based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and tested its acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was utilized with a wait-list control group. Acceptability was assessed using content analysis.

METHODS

Adults self-reporting difficulties with depression were recruited from global Pulmonary Hypertension Associations. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 33) or the wait-list control group (n = 35). Depression was the primary outcome; secondary outcomes included anxiety, health-related quality of life, pain self-efficacy, fatigue, and cognitions and behaviours associated with mood difficulties. Change from baseline to post-intervention (4 weeks) and follow-up (1 month later) was measured.

RESULTS

We found a significant reduction in depression and HRQoL in the intervention group compared with the control group, with medium effect sizes. No significant changes were observed in other outcomes (p > .05). Overall, 72% of individuals in the treatment arm scored above the clinical level of depression, compared with 28% at post-intervention and 36% at follow-up. The intervention was judged to be acceptable and feasible, with the main benefits including tools to support, increased motivation, and understanding of depression. No adverse events were reported. Change in cognitions and behaviours did not mediate the relationship between the intervention group and change in depression (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the use of CBT for depression in PH and provide evidence for the delivery of self-help at scale via PHA-UK, the UK's leading charity for PH.

Ambivalence towards food, healthy eating and the role of self-compassion

OBJECTIVES

Many people experience ambivalence about food (e.g., broccoli is healthy, but boring; chocolate is tasty, but fattening). However, research examining the link between ambivalence and eating behaviour is scarce and findings are mixed. Self-compassion may influence the extent to which ambivalence is experienced and regulated. In two studies, we investigated the relationship between ambivalence towards healthy and unhealthy food and eating behaviour, and examined the role of self-compassion.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study (Study 1) and a short-term prospective study (Study 2).

METHODS

Ambivalence (degree and strength of opposing evaluations) was assessed in relation to images of healthy and unhealthy foods. Study 1 (N = 206) assessed ambivalence, self-compassion and self-reported eating behaviour measures cross-sectionally. Study 2 (N = 155) measured ambivalence and self-compassion at baseline and self-reported eating behaviour measures 3 weeks later.

RESULTS

Unhealthy foods elicited more ambivalence than healthy foods. As expected, greater self-compassion was related to healthier eating behaviours and healthy food ambivalence mediated this relationship. Individuals high in self-compassion exhibited less ambivalence to healthy food images, which in turn was related to overall healthier eating patterns. In contrast, ambivalence to unhealthy foods was unrelated to self-compassion and mostly unrelated to the eating behaviour measures. Findings were consistent across both studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with higher levels of self-compassion exhibited less ambivalence towards healthy foods (but not unhealthy foods). Although healthy foods generated less ambivalence than unhealthy foods did, greater healthy food ambivalence was consistently related to unhealthier eating behaviour patterns.

The role of testosterone in modulating positive and negative empathy in social interactions

Empathy encompasses both negative (e.g., distress) and positive (e.g., shared joy) dimensions, yet the effects of testosterone on positive empathy and its modulation of intrinsic neural dynamics remain underexplored. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined how testosterone influences neural sensitivity to empathy within social inclusion and exclusion contexts, as well as its impact on resting-state EEG microstates-millisecond-scale transient patterns of brain activity. Healthy male participants received either testosterone or placebo before completing resting-state EEG recordings and an empathy task featuring social scenarios. While self-reported empathy ratings remained unchanged, testosterone amplified neurophysiological responses: it enhanced anterior N2 amplitude (250-310 ms), associated with negative empathy toward social exclusion, and increased posterior α-event-related desynchronization (8.28-10 Hz; 1226-1901 ms), linked to positive empathy during social inclusion. These findings suggest that testosterone enhances neural responsiveness to both threatening and affiliative social cues, reinforcing its role in adaptive social vigilance. Resting-state EEG microstate analysis further revealed that testosterone prolonged the temporal dominance of microstate E-a centro-parietal activity pattern associated with interoceptive awareness and emotional processing. Notably, these microstate E changes predicted increased emotional empathy across both positive and negative contexts. Together, our findings suggest that testosterone indirectly enhances empathy-related responsiveness by amplifying baseline interoceptive sensitivity to socially salient stimuli. These dual effects-enhanced intrinsic interoceptive processing and heightened neural reactivity to social cues-position testosterone as a key neuromodulator of context-adaptive social perception.

The development of gross motor skills in children: Insights from the Motor Assessment Test for Children

This study investigated the gross motor skills (GMS) of 424 children aged 2.5 to 6 years with the Motor Assessment Test for Children (MATCH). Results from multivariate analysis of variance revealed (a) positive age effects in stability, locomotion, and object manipulation; (b) higher stability scores for girls than for boys and higher object manipulation scores for boys than for girls; and (c) GMS differences even within 6-month age intervals for some motor tasks. The positive age effect indicates that GMS proficiency changes with physical development, whereas gender effects may stem from genetic and/or environmental factors. We recommend that educators be aware of pronounced early childhood motor development and implement varied approaches that cater to diverse developmental levels. To facilitate ongoing monitoring, annual motor assessments are advised. Educators should acknowledge gender-type play behaviors with a naturalistic approach while advocating inclusive play opportunities.

A Pre-Registered Examination of the Relationship Between Psychopathy, Boredom-Proneness, and University-Level Cheating

Academic cheating is a prevalent problem in all educational institutions. Finding solutions for cheating requires an understanding of who is more likely to engage in these behaviors. In this pre-registered study (including an a priori power analysis), we investigated the relationship between the four facets of psychopathy, boredom-proneness, and academic cheating in undergraduate university students (N = 161) while controlling for demographic factors (age, sex, and socioeconomic status) and attitudes supportive of cheating. Students were asked whether they had cheated in the fall 2021 term (yes/no) and about the different types of cheating behaviors they engaged in. Overall, 57% of students admitted to cheating, with online cheating being the most frequently reported behavior. Participants scoring higher on the antisocial facet of psychopathy and endorsing more positive attitudes towards cheating were more likely to report cheating in fall 2021 and engaged in a higher number of different types of cheating behaviors. Those scoring lower on the affective facet of psychopathy (i.e., more emotional) were also more likely to engage in a higher number of cheating behaviors. Boredom-proneness was correlated to both cheating outcomes in the bivariate analyses, but this effect disappeared once controlling for psychopathy and other known correlates. Understanding the features of students who engage in cheating behaviors allows for a critical examination of the potential effectiveness of anti-cheating policies and the development of more preventative classroom practices.

Automatic deep learning segmentation of mandibular periodontal bone topography on cone-beam computed tomography images

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the performance of a multi-stage Segmentation Residual Network (SegResNet)-based deep learning (DL) model for the automatic segmentation of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of patients with stage III and IV periodontitis.

METHODS

Seventy pre-processed CBCT scans from patients undergoing periodontal rehabilitation were used for training and validation. The model was tested on 10 CBCT scans independent from the training dataset by comparing results with semi-automatic (SA) segmentations. Segmentation accuracy was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Intersection over Union (IoU), and Hausdorff distance 95th percentile (HD95). Linear periodontal measurements were performed on four tooth surfaces to assess the validity of the DL segmentation in the periodontal region.

RESULTS

The DL model achieved a mean DSC of 0.9650 ± 0.0097, with an IoU of 0.9340 ± 0.0180 and HD95 of 0.4820 mm ± 0.1269 mm, showing strong agreement with SA segmentation. Linear measurements revealed high statistical correlations between the mesial, distal, and lingual surfaces, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.9442 (p < 0.0001), 0.9232 (p < 0.0001), and 0.9598(p < 0.0001), respectively, while buccal measurements revealed lower consistency, with an ICC of 0.7481 (p < 0.0001). The DL method reduced the segmentation time by 47 times compared to the SA method.

CONCLUSIONS

Acquired 3D models may enable precise treatment planning in cases where conventional diagnostic modalities are insufficient. However, the robustness of the model must be increased to improve its general reliability and consistency at the buccal aspect of the periodontal region.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study presents a DL model for the CBCT-based segmentation of periodontal defects, demonstrating high accuracy and a 47-fold time reduction compared to SA methods, thus improving the feasibility of 3D diagnostics for advanced periodontitis.

In one ear and out the other: Verbal reminders do not improve young children's prospective memory performance on a virtual task

Prospective memory (PM), or remembering to carry out future intentions, is an ability with which young children often struggle. Thus, it is crucial to determine how to best support the development of their PM skills. Reminders are often used to support PM, and previous research has found that reminders referencing both the PM cue and intended action can improve children's and adults' PM. To date, no studies have investigated the effect of verbal cue and action reminders on preschool children's PM performance, a gap the current study intended to fill. A total of 88 North American children aged 3 to 6 years completed a PM task virtually. The PM task required children to interrupt a card-sorting task to wave at specific cards (those depicting elephants). Children were randomly assigned to receive one of the following: (a) three cue-action reminders, which referenced the PM cue (the elephants) and the intended action (waving); (b) three cue-only reminders, which referenced only the PM cue; (c) three action-only reminders, which referenced only the intended action; or (d) three irrelevant control reminders. The only significant predictor of PM performance was age, which became nonsignificant when the interaction terms were added in the model. Reminders did not have an effect on children's PM. We consider how these findings may lend support to theories of PM development and discuss the implications of using verbal reminders to support children's PM in everyday contexts.

Common and distinct neural substrates of rule- and similarity-based category learning

Categorization is a fundamental ability in human cognition that enables generalization and promotes decision-making. A categorization problem can be solved by employing a rule-based or a similarity-based strategy. The current study aims to elucidate the brain mechanism for category learning by investigating whether the use of the two strategies is supported by common or distinct neural substrates. We conducted three experiments using stimuli with a rule-plus-similarity category structure and applying an EEG-fNIRS fusion methodology. In Experiment 1, participants were explicitly instructed to use either a rule-based (single feature) or a similarity-based strategy, while in Experiment 3, they were instructed to use a rule-based (multi-feature) or a similarity-based strategy. In contrast, in Experiment 2, participants were required to self-discover categorization strategies. After learning, categorization was tested. The results of the three experiments were largely consistent, revealing distinct decision-making processes associated with each strategy. The results revealed that hypothesis testing and semantic processing, as reflected by the larger P300 and N400 components and increased activation in Wernicke's area, were critical for rule-based category learning, suggesting the role of an explicit system. In contrast, complex visual processing and the integration of multiple features, as indicated by a larger P1 component and the heightened activation in the frontopolar cortex, were critical for similarity-based category learning, suggesting the role of an implicit system. These distinct cognitive processes challenge single-system accounts suggesting a unified neural mechanism for both forms of category learning. Instead, our findings are consistent with the COVIS theory, which implies an explicit system for rule-based category learning and an implicit system for similarity-based category learning.

The Effect of the Benevolent Experienced Sexism and the Sexual Myths on Women's Health

The impact of sexism on health has been widely demonstrated. However, literature affirms sexual myths, as sexual harassment myths, avoid some behaviours being perceived as sexist. This result has been found frequently in studies of simulated situations with students. This research examines the effect of endorsement of sexual myths and of benevolent experienced sexism on women's health. A first study evaluated the psychometric properties of Spanish' version of benevolent experienced sexism (EBX-SP). In a second study, a hierarchical multiple regression tested the effect of the two variables on health. Results indicated that benevolent experienced sexism, has more effect in the prediction of health than endorsement of sexual myths. Women who experienced sexual harassment declared fewer myths than those who have not. The women who have suffered sexual harassment also had poorer health and reported more benevolent sexist experiences. Our results suggest that myths do not affect the perception of the benevolent sexist experiences that women undergo, which has an impact on health.

The effect of a disability-friendly nursing education program based on story theory on nursing students' empathic tendencies and perceptions of competence in providing care: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Existing literature highlights the need for educational programs that enhance nursing students' knowledge, foster empathic tendencies, and strengthen their perceived competence in providing care to persons with disabilities.

OBJECTIVES

This research aims to evaluate the impact of the Disability-Friendly Nursing Education Program, grounded in Liehr and Smith's (2018) Story Theory, on nursing students' empathic tendencies and their perceptions of competence in caring for persons with disabilities.

DESIGN

This study employed a multi-stage evaluation design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods within a mixed-methods framework.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in the nursing program at a state university in Türkiye.

METHODS

The quantitative dimension of this study is an intervention study organized according to a randomized controlled single-blind pre-test-post-test trial model. In the qualitative dimension of the study, phenomenological focus group interviews were conducted.

PARTICIPANTS

The study population comprised 122 fourth-year undergraduate nursing students.

RESULTS

The post-intervention mean total scores on the Empathic Tendency Scale were higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The qualitative data analysis revealed key themes such as "Contribution to Knowledge Level," "Contribution to Affective Domain," and "Contribution to Practice Process".

CONCLUSION

The DIFNEP effectively enhanced nursing students' empathic tendencies and their perceived competence in caring for persons with disabilities, as evidenced by both quantitative and qualitative findings.

Fostering creativity-nurturing behaviors among nurse educators: Investigating the interplay between evidence-based practice climate and artificial intelligence competence self-efficacy

BACKGROUND

Fostering creativity in nursing education is essential for equipping students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Nurse educators play a pivotal role in nurturing creativity among nursing students, yet their effectiveness is shaped by institutional and technological influences. While an evidence-based practice (EBP) climate provides a structured framework for innovative teaching, the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education necessitates that educators develop AI competence self-efficacy. AI tools, such as personalized learning systems, adaptive simulations, and data-driven decision-making platforms, enhance creativity-nurturing behaviors by supporting individualized student engagement and dynamic problem-solving approaches. However, the extent to which AI competence self-efficacy strengthens the relationship between EBP climate and creativity-nurturing behaviors remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationship between EBP climate and creativity-nurturing behaviors among nurse educators, with a specific focus on the moderating role of AI competence self-efficacy. The key research question is: Does AI competence self-efficacy enhance the positive effect of EBP climate on creativity-nurturing behaviors among nurse educators?

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data were collected from 570 nurse educators using a structured online questionnaire measuring EBP climate, AI competence self-efficacy, and creativity-nurturing behaviors. Regression analyses, including interaction terms, assessed the moderating role of AI competence self-efficacy.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that both EBP climate and AI competence self-efficacy significantly predict creativity-nurturing behaviors. Furthermore, AI competence self-efficacy moderates this relationship, amplifying the positive effect for educators with higher AI competence.

CONCLUSION

EBP climate and AI competence self-efficacy are crucial in fostering creativity-nurturing behaviors among nurse educators. Higher AI competence self-efficacy enhances the ability to leverage EBP climate for creative teaching.

IMPLICATIONS

Nursing institutions should enhance AI competence among nurse educators through targeted AI literacy programs, faculty mentorship, and integration of AI-driven teaching tools to optimize creativity-nurturing behaviors within an evidence-based educational environment.

Accuracy of two static computer-assisted implant surgery systems in partially edentulous patients: A randomized clinical trial using intraoral scan data

OBJECTIVES

To compare implant deviations between two static computer-assisted implant surgery (sCAIS) systems in partially edentulous patients using intraoral scan data.

METHODS

Fully guided dental implant placements were planned using two implant systems, Straumann Bone Level Tapered (S-BLT) and CAMLOG SCREW LINE Promote plus (C-SL), with respective planning software (S-BLT: coDiagnostiX; C-SL: SMOP). Intraoperative scans were performed after implant placement and compared to virtual implant positions in Geomagic Control X (GCX) a software for three-dimensional (3D) quality control. Deviations were analyzed in a coordinate system (x-, y-, z-axis) and total deviations (entry point, apex, and angular deviations) were compared. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.0125.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients received 80 implants placed by 13 surgeons with varying experience in sCAIS. Deviations from 75 datasets were evaluated. Mean 3D deviation at the entry point was 0.64 ± 0.25 mm for S-BLT and 0.75 ± 0.33 mm for C-SL. At the apex, the mean 3D deviation was 1.00 ± 0.40 mm for S-BLT and 1.26 ± 0.68 mm for C-SL. The mean angular deviation was 3.22 ± 2.12° for S-BLT and 3.80 ± 2.81° for C-SL. No significant differences were observed between systems, surgeon experience or implant location (all p > 0.0125).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the drill-body guided (C-SL) and drill-handle guided (S-BLT) systems provide comparable and predictable outcomes in fully guided implant placements. No system or planning software was found to be superior.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

sCAIS ensures predictable results in terms of accuracy in implant positioning, compensating for varying levels of surgical experience.

Dynamic modulation of confidence based on the metacognitive skills of collaborators

In collaborative decision-making contexts, people typically share their metacognitive experience of confidence to convey the degree of certainty in their decisions. To reach collective decisions, collaborators' individual beliefs can be aggregated and weighted according to their respective confidence, thereby enhancing group accuracy beyond individual capabilities. Previous joint decision-making studies have shown that individuals tend to adopt the same scale for communicating their levels of confidence. However, confidence judgments vary not only in terms of metacognitive bias, that is whether individuals tend to report generally low or high confidence, but also in terms of metacognitive accuracy, or how well the confidence judgments align with choice accuracy. In the first two experiments, where the metacognitive accuracy of the collaborator was manipulated and explicitly communicated to participants, individuals increased their average confidence levels as the metacognitive accuracy of the collaborator decreased, while their own metacognitive accuracy remained unaffected. Trial-wise analyses showed that participants differentially adapted their confidence after a collaborator made a wrong group decision, depending on the metacognitive accuracy of the collaborator. In two follow up studies, we showed that both manipulations (i.e. manipulating objective differences in the metacognitive accuracies of the collaborators and explicitly communicating these differences) were necessary for these effects to emerge. Our findings shed light on how collaborative decision-making contexts can dynamically affect metacognitive processes.

Low-carbohydrate diet enriched with omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids modulates inflammation and lipid metabolism in the liver and white adipose tissue of a mouse model of obesity

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet lipids are often overlooked for obesity management. We hypothesized that unsaturated lipids enhance fatty acid metabolism, and influence obesity-related metainflammation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male Swiss mice were fed an obesity-inducing diet for ten weeks. Subsequently, the obese mice were divided into four groups, each receiving a LCHF diet enriched with different types of lipids: saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ω-3, PUFA ω-6, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) ω-9 during six weeks as an obesity intervention. For comparison, a lean control (CTL) group and an obesity control (HFC) group were also included, spanning the entire 16-week experimental protocol. We evaluated body mass gain, fatty acid profiles via gas chromatography, elongase, and desaturase activities, NFκBp65 expression by western blotting, and cytokine by ELISA kits in serum, liver, and retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RET) samples. Our results highlight that ω-3 and ω-9 LCHF diets facilitate weight loss and enhance unsaturated fatty acid incorporation in liver, RET, and serum compared to the other groups. The ω-3 LCHF diet notably reduced the ω-6/ω-3 ratio and improved inflammatory status by reducing cytokines such as IL-4, IL-17, IL-33, CXCL1/KC, and inhibiting NFκBp65 activity compared to the HFC group. Desaturase (delta-9 desaturase-18, delta-6 desaturase) and elongase (ELOVL5 and ELOVL6) activities were modulated in liver, RET, and serum samples by ω-3 and ω-9 compared to the HFC group.

CONCLUSIONS

ω-3 and ω-9 fats were most effective in obesity treatment with the LCHF diet, highlighting the significance of lipid type in carbohydrate-restriction for obesity management.

CrossFit beyond the barbell: Exploring the psychological benefits for individuals and organizations

Branded as 'the sport of fitness', CrossFit is well known for its physical benefits, but the benefits may extend far beyond general fitness. Through the lens of positive psychology, we focused on a global CrossFit community to examine the potential psychological and workplace benefits behind this popular exercise program. Results showed that the frequency of CrossFit participation each week significantly predicted well-being and positive Psychological Capital (PsyCap). Additionally, both well-being and PsyCap mediated the relationship between weekly frequency and employee engagement. Our findings show support for benefits in frequent weekly CrossFit participation that reach far beyond physical health. This research underscores CrossFit's multifaceted benefits and encourages organizations to incorporate CrossFit into employee wellness initiatives. It also paves the way for further exploration into the complex impacts of physical fitness on psychological and organizational health.

More active, more nature-connected? The carry-over effect of physical activity in pro-environmental behavior

Carry-over effects describe how one behavior, such as physical activity (PA), can influence another, like pro-environmental behavior (PEB), through psychological mechanisms and the transfer of resources. Three studies have examined the potential carry-over effect and its mechanism between PA and PEB, testing whether psychological mechanisms link the two behaviors and enable the transfer of resources. Study 1 used the China General Social Survey (n = 9,960) and found a significant positive correlation between PAB and PEB, providing preliminary evidence for their interrelation. In pre-registered Study 2, n = 228 college students were examined twice, one month apart, to test the longitudinal carry-over effect from PA to PEB. The results showed that the carry-over effect occurred through a mediating chain of PA intention - PA plans - pro-environmental intention - PEB. In Study 3, a 2 (group: planning intervention group vs. active control group) × 3 (time: baseline vs. post-test vs. follow-up) pre-registered randomized controlled trial was conducted among n = 70 college students. Results showed a time effect with an increase in all dependent variables from baseline to post-test but no interaction effect between time and group. However, we found a significant mediating effect of change in pro-environmental intention between changes in physical activity planning and change in PEB (B = 0.17, 95 % CI [0.05, 0.30]). Overall, the results of these studies demonstrate that planning PA can promote PEB, supporting the hypothesized psychological mechanisms. However, the experimental results from Study 3 require further exploration owing to the absence of a significant interaction effect.

The interpersonal effect of hunger: How others' hunger shapes consumer expected taste perceptions of advertised foods

Expected taste perceptions of advertised foods play a crucial role in consumer purchase decisions, yet these perceptions are heavily influenced by external food cues. While extensive research has examined various external factors affecting taste expectations, the impact of others' hunger has remained unexplored. The current research investigates how exposure to others' hunger in advertising contexts shapes consumers' expected taste perceptions of advertised foods. Through three studies, our findings show that consumers expect food to taste better when exposed to others' hunger, with this effect being serially mediated by self-hunger perception and mental simulation. This work contributes to the literature by addressing a significant gap in understanding how others' hunger influences individuals' expected taste perceptions, and by identifying a novel external cue that enhances these perceptions. Additionally, this research offers practical implications for food marketers on effectively incorporating social cues into their advertising strategies.

The Ability to Direct Attention in Working Memory Is Not Impaired in Adults With Symptoms of ADHD

OBJECTIVE

Neurotypical individuals can prioritize particularly valuable information in working memory. This is a well-replicated effect, demonstrated across a wide variety of task factors and age groups. However, it is not clear if individuals with symptoms of ADHD are able to do this effectively, as there is some evidence this group struggle to allocate attention in working memory tasks. Two experiments were conducted online to investigate this.

METHOD

Participants were presented with series of four colored shapes, and asked to report the color of each shape in a counterbalanced order following a brief delay. In some trials (equal value condition), all shapes were equally valuable with the correct recall of each shape gaining the participant 2 points. In other trials (differential value condition), the first item presented during the encoding phase was more valuable than the rest (5 point for the first item vs. 1 point for the other items). Trial-by-trial feedback was either provided (Experiment 1) or omitted (Experiment 2).

RESULTS

Across both experiments, there was a clear prioritization effect at the first (targeted) serial position, with higher accuracy in the differential value condition relative to the equal value condition. There were also clear costs at the less valuable serial positions. These effects did not differ as a function of ADHD symptoms. There were also no significant correlations between scores on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Screener and the prioritization effects.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these findings demonstrates that the ability to prioritize particularly valuable information in working memory is not impaired in individuals with symptoms of ADHD.

Deconstructing Temporal Stages of Prosocial and Antisocial Risky Decision-making in Adolescence

Risk-taking is a prominent aspect of adolescent behavior. A recent neurodevelopmental model suggests that this trait could influence prosocial and antisocial decision-making, proposing a new category known as prosocial and antisocial risk-taking. The primary objective of this study was to examine the electrophysiological underpinnings of prosocial and antisocial risk-taking in adolescence, a developmental period characterized by elevated risky, prosocial, and antisocial decisions. To this end, 32 adolescents aged 13-19 years completed a modified dictator game to choose between three options, representing prosocial and antisocial risk-taking constructs and a risk-free fair one. At the behavioral level, adolescents favored antisocial risky decisions over prosocial risky ones. ERP results at the electrophysiological level in the response selection stage demonstrated that decision preceding negativity was more negative-going before making prosocial risky decisions than other decisions. During the feedback evaluation stage, feedback-related negativity was the least negative after selecting the antisocial risky option and receiving successful feedback. However, choosing the fair option and receiving neutral feedback resulted in the most negative feedback-related negativity. Moreover, P300 showed the most positive mean amplitude following the selection of the antisocial risky option and facing successful feedback, with the lowest positive amplitude observed after choosing the fair option and encountering neutral feedback. These results underscore the distinct electrophysiological underpinnings associated with prosocial and antisocial decisions involving risks.

Feasibility and Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Social Prediction Training in Children and Young Adults with Congenital Cerebellar Malformations

This study tested the feasibility and efficacy of a Virtual Reality (VR) social prediction training (VR-Spirit) specifically designed for patients with congenital cerebellar malformation. The study is a randomised controlled trial in which 28 cerebellar patients aged 7-25 yo were randomly allocated to the VR-Spirit or to a control intervention in VR. The VR-Spirit required participants to compete with different avatars in scenarios that prompted them to form predictions about avatars' intentions. The control intervention consisted of games currently adopted for motor rehabilitation. Social prediction as well as secondary neuropsychological and behavioural outcomes were assessed at the beginning (T0), at the end (T2) and after 2 months (T3). The experimental group showed a significant increase, compared to the control participants, in social prediction assessed through a VR task. Moreover, at least at T3, the VR-Spirit enhanced the use of contextual predictions in a computer-based action prediction task. Importantly, these effects were generalized to secondary neuropsychological outcomes, specifically theory of mind and, only at T2, inhibition. No differences between the interventions were detected on emotional-behavioural problems. Lastly, both interventions showed high feasibility and acceptability. These findings confirm that it is possible to develop condition-specific rehabilitative training on the basis of neurocognitive functions impaired in case of congenital malformation. The VR-Spirit demonstrated to generalize its effects to theory of mind abilities, and it might be thus extended to other neurodevelopmental disorders that present social perception deficits and alterations of predictive processing.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ID: ISRCTN22332873. Retrospectively registered on 12 March 2018.

Can transformative experiences bridge the gap between receiving communities and formerly incarcerated persons?

The stigma of incarceration contributes to the global reoffending crisis and remains a barrier to reintegration into receiving communities. Recent research suggests that the key to solving this problem may lie in shared transformative experiences. We tested whether the salience of such experiences can overcome stigma among members of receiving communities when they act as gatekeepers for formerly incarcerated persons seeking employment. Across four experimental studies with seven samples of US and UK nationals (N = 2091), we examined the conditions under which transformative experiences can lead to identity fusion, a powerful form of social bonding and contribute to hiring and optimism about reintegration among prospective employers. In six of seven samples, those who reported stronger transformative experiences of their own were more fused to a job applicant, which was linked to positive attitudes towards them and willingness to hire them. Effects of formerly incarcerated persons' experiences varied between national samples and experience contexts: American citizens were more receptive to experiences in prison, while British citizens were more influenced by sports experiences. These findings highlight the potency of transformative experiences to forge connective bridges to stigmatized groups, despite cultural differences in perceptions of relevant social cues about formerly incarcerated people.

Ankle muscle activity characteristics of stroke patients with hemiplegia at gait initiation

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the ankle muscle activity characteristics during gait initiation in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

METHODS

Gait initiation behavior was analyzed in 10 elderly controls and 30 stroke patients with hemiplegia. Activity latencies of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles on both sides were measured using surface electromyography. The left and right conditions of the participant's leading leg were randomized and specified, and the gait initiation task was performed six times. Muscle activity latencies between the stance and stepping sides in both groups were compared. We also compared the paretic and non-paretic sides of stroke patients.

RESULTS

Muscle activity latency of the paretic leg was delayed in stroke patients compared to elderly controls. Activity latencies of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles on the paretic side were delayed compared to those on the non-paretic side in stroke patients when leading with the paretic leg. Delayed muscle activity latency was observed only in the tibialis anterior muscle on the paretic side than on the non-paretic side when leading with the non-paretic leg.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that muscle activity in the paretic leg of stroke patients was delayed and that ankle muscle activity characteristics differed depending on the leading leg. These new results may provide a basis for training aimed at improving the latency of muscle activity in the paretic leg, as well as specific training for gait initiation by guiding the non-paretic leg, considering muscle activity patterns.

Visualizing one's Best Possible Self increases positive future expectancies, but does not boost selective learning in fibromyalgia

Compromised learning is considered to contribute importantly to the development and maintenance of chronic pain disability. More specifically, predictive learning is impaired in people with chronic pain. Therefore, learning mechanisms have been identified as treatment targets. A widely neglected, but relevant question is whether resilience factors can enhance selective learning. This online study combined a selective learning task with a positive psychology intervention in participants with fibromyalgia (FM). The Best Possible Self group (BPS) described and visualized a future in which everything had gone well, which is shown to increase optimism and positive affect, while the active control group described and visualized their Typical Day (TD). Subsequently, selective learning was tested within a contingency learning scenario task using a blocking procedure and pain expectancies as main outcome. We successfully manipulated positive future expectancies (a proxy for state optimism), but not positive affect within a single-session intervention. In contrast with our expectations, the positive psychology intervention did not increase selective learning in the BPS group compared to the TD group, but a small blocking effect was observed in the merged sample. However, because no healthy control group was included, no conclusions can be drawn as to whether the selective learning effect is reduced compared to a non-clinical population. To conclude, there was partial evidence for selective learning in people with fibromyalgia, but manipulated resilience factors did not modulate the selective learning effect.

Differential neural responses to body image-related cyberbullying in adolescent females

Body image-related cyberbullying (BRC), which targets an individual's body shape, weight, and/or size, is associated with body dissatisfaction and maladaptive eating behaviours among adolescent females. However, its neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined neural responses to BRC stimuli in 26 females (14-18 years; Mage = 15.54) from the Longitudinal Adolescent Brain Study. BRC stimuli elicited greater BOLD responses in regions implicated in emotional regulation (insula, anterior cingulate cortex), visual processing (lateral occipital cortex, fusiform gyrus), and social cognition (temporal pole, angular gyrus). Adolescents with recent cyberbullying experiences exhibited greater BOLD responses in the parahippocampal gyrus and lateral occipital cortex, whereas those without body dissatisfaction showed greater responses in the caudate and amygdala. Longitudinally, increased cyberbullying perpetration was associated with greater BOLD responses in the angular and middle temporal gyri. These findings provide insights into neurobiological pathways through which BRC may influence adolescent brain function and mental health.

Modulating respiratory mechanics and inflammation in hepatopulmonary syndrome: Aerobic exercise as a therapeutic strategy

INTRODUCTION

Aerobic exercise training positively modulates the immune system and improves lung function; however, its effects on respiratory system's elastic, resistive properties and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentration in hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) remains unexplored. This study aimed to assess whether moderate-intensity aerobic (AE) training altered exercise capacity, respiratory mechanics and lung inflammation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly assigned to SHAM, HPS, HPS + AE4, and HPS + EA8 groups. The EA4 group represents AE training for 4 weeks starting 7 days after HPS induction, whereas EA8 accounts for AE training for 4 weeks before and after HPS induction, both protocols practiced 3 times weekly. Exercise capacity, respiratory mechanics, lung and systemic inflammation, and lung morphology were assessed.

RESULTS

Moderate aerobic exercise significantly increased the maximal running capacity of the HPS animals. The training decreased tissue elastance by 19 % (p = 0.01 compared to SHAM) and reduced frequency-dependent respiratory reactance at 0.5 Hz, 0.75 Hz, and 1.25 Hz frequencies compared to HPS animals (p < 0.05 for all). For the HPS + EA4 and HPS + EA8 groups IL-10 plasma concentration increased by 23 % and 31 % compared to SHAM (p < 0.001 both) and by 38 % and 47 % compared to HPS (p < 0.01 both). Nonetheless, AE did not alleviate lung tissue remodeling induced by HPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-intensity aerobic training improved maximum running capacity, reduced HPS-induced respiratory mechanics derangements at the lung regional level, and increased systemic IL-10 concentration, although it did not ameliorate lung tissue remodeling.

The PAR2 Antagonist Larazotide Can Mitigate Acute Histamine-Stimulated Epithelial Barrier Disruption in Keratinocytes: A Potential Adjunct Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with evidence of defects in the barrier properties of the epidermis. Changes in the permeability properties of the tight junction have been reported in AD, and reversing this leaky tight junction may be a potential treatment for AD. This study aimed to determine the effect of larazotide, an antagonist of the protease-activated receptor 2, on the permeability and barrier properties of the tight junctions in keratinocyte monolayers. Normal human epithelial keratinocytes were grown in culture on permeable supports. The effects of larazotide on transepithelial resistance and permeability properties of keratinocyte monolayers were studied before and after histamine challenge. Larazotide mitigated the disruptive effect of histamine on epithelial permeability by increasing the electrical resistance and decreasing epithelial permeability. Larazotide may be beneficial as a topical therapeutic for AD; however, the permeability properties of the short-peptide larazotide through the uppers layers of the epidermis is currently unknown. In conclusion, the protease-activated receptor 2 antagonist larazotide has a protective effect on keratinocyte monolayers and may be useful as an adjunct therapeutic agent to enhance barrier function and promote epidermal healing in AD.

Meditation in the third-person perspective modulates minimal self and heartbeat-evoked potentials

Experienced meditation practitioners often report altered states of their sense of self, including decentering and distancing the self from the body and one's current concerns. Altered states of the sense of self, such as disembodiment and distancing of the self from the body, have also been induced experimentally using virtual reality (VR) and linked neurally to heartbeat-evoked potentials (HEPs). Whereas studies investigated the related neural correlates of such decentering during meditation, none experimentally modulated the sense of self during meditation practice using VR nor determined the potentially associated behavioral changes of the sense of self. Here we determined HEPs and behavioral measures in 23 participants who performed a guided meditation in VR, either from a third-person (3PP) or first-person perspective (1PP) to modulate the sense of self. In the 3PP-vs-1PP meditation condition, we report immediate effects including stronger sensations of detachment and disconnection, reduced salience of the perceived body boundary, and reduced self-identification with the body. HEP analysis revealed a more negative HEP amplitude in the 3PP condition, associated with activation of the posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. Leveraging a new VR-supported meditation platform and methods, these data link the sense of self in meditation practice to the neuroscience of the bodily self, based on short-term subjective, behavioral, and neural changes. The study provides a foundation for future research on whether manipulating the minimal self in VR can aid in cultivating self-transcendent experiences reported by experienced meditators and whether integrating this manipulation facilitates the cultivation of long-term changes.

Investigating the effects of reminiscence using smells on loneliness and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The use of a variety of sensory elements is recommended when implementing reminiscence therapy. However, there is a lack of evidence supporting this recommendation. This study aimed to examine the benefits of using smell as a memory trigger during reminiscence therapy for community-dwelling older adults, focusing on its effects on loneliness and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Seventy-nine community-dwelling older adults were randomly allocated to either an intervention or a control group. Participants in the intervention group underwent a total of eight 40-min. reminiscence therapy sessions once a week that used smell as a trigger. The control group underwent similar reminiscence therapy but only used themed conversations. Their responses were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3 (UCLA LS3), which evaluates loneliness, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15-Japanese, which measures the state of depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

The pre-intervention comparison of the participants' characteristics and each evaluation item showed significant differences (P = 0.030) between the two groups' olfactory visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Subsequently, we performed analysis of covariance via repeated measurements, using olfactory VAS as the covariate, and found significant interactions in UCLA LS3 (P = 0.006) alone. To identify items for consideration during interventions, we examined factors related to post-intervention UCLA LS3 scores. Our results showed that the notion of usefulness, by which participants perceived the smell triggers to be useful for inducing reminiscence (P = 0.045), was significantly related to pre-intervention UCLA LS3 scores (P < 0.001) in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that using smell as a trigger during reminiscence therapy can effectively alleviate loneliness and suggest the need to prepare appropriate odorants for facilitating reminiscence.

Effects of a 24-week dual-task training on postural control complexity during standing and walking in older adults: Secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Functional decline in gait motor control and the capacity to maintain balance during upright standing posture in older adults is influenced by deterioration in the complexity of various physiological systems involved in these daily activities.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is a 24-week dual-task protocol training, beginning with alternating cognitive demands and progressing to simultaneous dual-tasking, more effective than a control group training only with alternating dual tasks in improving the physiological complexity of postural control in older adults during upright standing posture under interoceptive and exteroceptive demands and gait under dual tasks?

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 community-dwelling older adults of both sexes, aged between 60 and 80. The experimental group (EG; n = 30) underwent training with progression from alternating dual-task (ADT) to simultaneous dual task (SDT) during activities such as gait, and static and dynamic functional balance. The control group (CG; n = 30) only underwent the ADT protocol throughout the six months of training. The primary outcome of this study was the physiological complexity of gait under dual task calculated by the refined composite multiscale fuzzy entropy method for the anteroposterior (AP), mediolateral (ML), and vertical (V) directions. The outcomes were acquired at baseline (T1) and after 24 weeks of intervention (T2). The analyses were based on the intention-to-treat principle, using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with a significance level of 5 %.

RESULTS

No interaction or group effects were observed. However, both groups significantly improved body sway physiological complexity in the AP direction during gait under ST, ADT, and SDT and in the V direction under ADT and SDT. No change in complexity during upright standing posture under interoceptive and exteroceptive demand was significantly observed, regardless of the group.

SIGNIFICANCE

Regardless of the training protocol, both groups significantly improved the physiological complexity of gait under dual task.

Understanding the role of beliefs on intentions and actual usage of a tool for self-management of mental health among college students

Mental health issues are prevalent among college students, with digital interventions lacking in attempts to reduce participant attrition and address low engagement with technology. This study assessed changes in college students' beliefs regarding mental health after exposure to a digital mental health self-management coaching and education app, the Mental Health Evaluation and Lookout Program (mHELP). Participants' beliefs, measured using constructs from the Health Belief Model and Technology Acceptance Model, were compared to user engagement and changes in scores on validated scales for stress, depression, and anxiety. Participant beliefs including self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, and cues to action became more positive post-intervention. Higher participant self-efficacy indicated lower stress, anxiety, and depression ratings. Participants who believed stress to be a serious health threat and perceived the app as useful and easy to use were more likely to engage with the app. Providing digital mental health coaching showed significant relationships between students' beliefs regarding mental health self-management, their engagement with the app, and the reduction in stress and anxiety.

Perilipin-2 mediates ferroptosis in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and myelin injury after ischemic stroke

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202507000-00024/figure1/v/2024-09-09T124005Z/r/image-tiff Differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into mature myelin-forming oligodendrocytes contributes to remyelination. Failure of remyelination due to oligodendrocyte progenitor cell death can result in severe nerve damage. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death caused by membrane rupture induced by lipid peroxidation, and plays an important role in the pathological process of ischemic stroke. However, there are few studies on oligodendrocyte progenitor cell ferroptosis. We analyzed transcriptome sequencing data from GEO databases and identified a role of ferroptosis in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell death and myelin injury after cerebral ischemia. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that perilipin-2 (PLIN2) was involved in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell ferroptosis. PLIN2 is a lipid storage protein and a marker of hypoxia-sensitive lipid droplet accumulation. For further investigation, we established a mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. We found significant myelin damage after cerebral ischemia, as well as oligodendrocyte progenitor cell death and increased lipid peroxidation levels around the infarct area. The ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1, rescued oligodendrocyte progenitor cell death and subsequent myelin injury. We also found increased PLIN2 levels in the peri-infarct area that co-localized with oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Plin2 knockdown rescued demyelination and improved neurological deficits. Our findings suggest that targeting PLIN2 to regulate oligodendrocyte progenitor cell ferroptosis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for rescuing myelin damage after cerebral ischemia.

Investigating the relationship between allocentric spatial working memory and biomarker status in preclinical and prodromal Alzheimer's disease

The 4 Mountain Test (4MT) is a test of allocentric spatial working memory and has been proposed as an earlier marker of predementia Alzheimer's disease (AD) than episodic verbal memory. We here compare the 4MT to the CERAD word list memory recall in both cognitively normal (CN) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) cases with or without cerebrospinal fluid markers (CSF) of Alzheimer's disease pathology. Linear regression was used to assess the influence of CSF determined Aβ-plaque (Aβ-/+) or neurofibrillary tau tangles (Tau-/+) on 4MT and CERAD recall performance. Analyses were performed in the full sample and the CN and MCI sub-samples. Pearson correlations were calculated to examine the relationship between 4MT and tests of psychomotor speed, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, verbal fluency, and visuo-spatial perception. Analyses showed no significant differences in 4MT scores between Aβ-/Aβ+, nor Tau-/Tau + participants, irrespective of cognitive status. In contrast, CERAD recall scores were lower in both Aβ+ compared to Aβ- (p<.01), and Tau + compared to Tau- participants (p<.01) in the full sample analyses. There were no significant differences in CERAD recall performance between Aβ- vs. Aβ+ and Tau- vs. to Tau + in the in CN/MCI sub-samples. 4MT scores were significantly correlated with tests of psychomotor speed, cognitive flexibility, and visuo-spatial perception in the full sample analyses. In conclusion, the CERAD recall outperformed the 4MT as a cognitive marker of CSF determined AD pathology. This suggests that allocentric working memory, as measured by the 4MT, may not be used as an early marker of predementia AD.