Functional Aspects Research Articles

Comparison of the Opinions of Adolescents With Different Orthodontic Treatment Needs.

The aim of this study was to compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents granted (G) versus not granted (NG) publicly funded orthodontic treatment. Adolescents aged 15-20 years who were granted versus not granted publicly funded orthodontic treatment responded to a web-based survey, assessing OHRQoL in relation to functional impact, psychological impact, and motivators for orthodontic treatment. Before the survey, pretesting of the questionnaire was conducted to ensure its reliability. Differences between the groups were tested using the chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Reliability was assessed using Cohen's κ and Pearson's correlation coefficient during the pretest phase. One hundred and forty patients, equally distributed between a G and an NG group, responded to the survey. Gender, age, and demographic distribution were comparable in both groups. All respondents expressed a high subjective treatment need and similar answers regarding functional aspects. Orthodontic treatment motivators (G: 86.2% and NG: 94.7%, p = 0.443) were primarily related to improved self-esteem, overall well-being, facial appearance, and being able to laugh without embarrassment. The NG group expressed a more negative OHRQoL impact due to the appearance of their teeth compared with the G group (p < 0.001) and a negative impact caused by the position of their teeth (p < 0.001). Orthodontic treatment need indices should aim to reinforce subjective measures as adolescents express similar motivators for orthodontic treatment, regardless of the clinician's objectively based decision about treatment need.

Digital assessment of cognitive-affective biases related to mental health.

With an increasing societal need for digital therapy solutions for poor mental health, we face a corresponding rise in demand for scientifically validated digital contents. In this study we aimed to lay a sound scientific foundation for the development of brain-based digital therapeutics to assess and monitor cognitive effects of social and emotional bias across diverse populations and age-ranges. First, we developed three computerized cognitive tasks using animated graphics: 1) an emotional flanker task designed to test attentional bias, 2) an emotional go-no-go task to measure bias in memory and executive function, and 3) an emotional social evaluation task to measure sensitivity to social judgments. Then, we confirmed the generalizability of our results in a wide range of samples (children (N = 50), young adults (N = 172), older adults (N = 39), online young adults (N=93), and depression patients (N = 41)) using touchscreen and online computer-based tasks, and devised a spontaneous thought generation task that was strongly associated with, and therefore could potentially serve as an alternative to, self-report scales. Using PCA, we extracted five components that represented different aspects of cognitive-affective function (emotional bias, emotional sensitivity, general accuracy, and general/social attention). Next, a gamified version of the above tasks was developed to test the feasibility of digital cognitive training over a 2-week period. A pilot training study utilizing this application showed decreases in emotional bias in the training group (that were not observed in the control group), which was correlated with a reduction in anxiety symptoms. Using a 2-channel wearable EEG system, we found that frontal alpha and gamma power were associated with both emotional bias and its reduction across the 2-week training period.

Engineering acyclovir-induced RNA nanodevices for reversible and tunable control of aptamer function.

Small molecule-regulated RNA devices have the potential to modulate diverse aspects of cellular function, but the small molecules used to date have potential toxicities limiting their use in cells. Here we describe a method for creating drug-regulated RNA nanodevices (RNs) using acyclovir, a biologically compatible small molecule with minimal toxicity. Our modular approach involves a scaffold comprising a central F30 three-way junction, an integrated acyclovir aptamer on the input arm, and a variable effector-binding aptamer on the output arm. This design allows for the rapid engineering of acyclovir-regulated RNs, facilitating temporal, tunable, and reversible control of intracellular aptamers. We demonstrate the control of the Broccoli aptamer and the iron-responsive element (IRE) by acyclovir. Regulating the IRE with acyclovir enables precise control over iron-regulatory protein (IRP) sequestration, consequently promoting the inhibition of ferroptosis. Overall, the method described here provides a platform for transforming aptamers into acyclovir-controllable antagonists against physiologic target proteins.

Glycosylation in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Aging, a complex biological process, involves the progressive decline of physiological functions across various systems, leading to increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases. In society, demographic aging imposes significant economic and social burdens due to these conditions. This review specifically examines the association of protein glycosylation with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Glycosylation, a critical post-translational modification, influences numerous aspects of protein function that are pivotal in aging and the pathophysiology of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. We highlight the alterations in glycosylation patterns observed during aging, their implications in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential of glycosylation profiles as biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and monitoring of these age-associated conditions, and delve into the mechanisms of glycosylation. Furthermore, this review explores their role in regulating protein function and mediating critical biological interactions in these diseases. By examining the changes in glycosylation profiles associated with each part, this review underscores the potential of glycosylation research as a tool to enhance our understanding of aging and its related diseases.

Personal Growth Initiative: Relation to Coping Styles, Strategies, and Self-Efficacy

Personal growth initiative (PGI) refers to active and intentional participation in the growth process. PGI includes behavioral and cognitive skills and attitudes that are captured by four factors: Readiness for Change, Planfulness, Using Resources, and Intentional Behavior. There is substantial evidence supporting the positive relations between PGI and various domains of well-being. However, a lack of nuance regarding how the four facets of PGI differentially relate to other aspects of optimal functioning, such as coping, persists. Additionally, PGI has been theoretically tied to coping, but there is limited empirical evidence substantiating this link. Thus, the current study examined the relations between PGI and coping styles, strategies, and self-efficacy in a sample of 789 college students through a series of three canonical correlations. The findings indicated different combinations of the four aspects of PGI related significantly to 13 coping styles, three coping strategies, and three forms of coping self-efficacy. These findings have implications for both the theory and operationalization of PGI, such as the viability of the four separate aspects of PGI, as well as for the application of PGI and coping in college settings, including the development of trainings to increase PGI and adaptive aspects of coping.

Within the optimal thermal range, temperature fluctuations with similar means have little effect on offspring phenotypes: A comparison of two approaches that simulate natural nest conditions

Temperature influences nearly every aspect of organismal function. Because aspects of global change such as urbanization and climate change influence temperature, researchers must consider how altering thermal regimes will impact biodiversity across the planet. To do so, they often measure temperature in natural and/or human-modified habitats, replicate those temperatures in laboratory experiments to understand organismal responses, and make predictions under models of future change. Consequently, accurately representing temperature in the laboratory is an important concern, yet few studies have assessed the consequences of simulating thermal conditions in different ways. We used nest temperatures for two urban-dwelling, invasive lizards (Anolis sagrei and A. cristatellus) to create two egg incubation treatments in the laboratory. Like most studies of thermal developmental plasticity, we created daily repeating thermal fluctuations; however, we used different methods to create temperature treatments that differed in the magnitude and breadth of thermal cycles, and then evaluated the effects of these different approaches on embryo development and hatchling phenotypes. Additionally, we measured embryo heart rate, a proxy for metabolism, across temperature to understand the immediate effects of treatments. We found that treatments had minimal effect on phenotypes likely because temperatures were within the optimal thermal range for each species and were similar in mean temperature. We conclude that slight differences in thermal treatments may be unimportant so long as temperatures are within a range appropriate for development, and we make several recommendations for future studies of developmental plasticity.

Personality, Social Factors, Brain Functioning, Familial Risk, and Trajectories of Alcohol Misuse in Adolescence

The development of an alcohol use disorder in adolescence is associated with increased risk of future alcohol dependence. The differential associations of risk factors with alcohol use over the course of 8 years are important for preventive measures. To determine the differential associations of risk-taking aspects of personality, social factors, brain functioning, and familial risk with hazardous alcohol use in adolescents over the course of 8 years. The IMAGEN multicenter longitudinal cohort study included adolescents recruited from European schools in Germany, the UK, France, and Ireland from January 2008 to January 2019. Eligible participants included those with available neuropsychological, self-report, imaging, and genetic data at baseline. Adolescents who were ineligible for magnetic resonance imaging or had serious medical conditions were excluded. Data analysis was conducted from July 2021 to September 2022. Personality testing, psychosocial factors, brain functioning, and familial risk of alcohol misuse. Hazardous alcohol use as measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores, a main planned outcome of the IMAGEN study. Alcohol misuse trajectories at ages 14, 16, 19, and 22 years were modeled using latent growth curve models. A total of 2240 adolescents (1110 female [49.6%] and 1130 male [50.4%]) were included in the study. There was a significant negative association of psychosocial resources (β = -0.29; SE = 0.03; P < .001) with the general risk of alcohol misuse as well as a significant positive association of the risk-taking aspects of personality with the intercept (β = 0.19; SE = 0.04; P < .001). Furthermore, there were significant positive associations of the social domain (β = 0.13; SE = 0.02; P < .001) and the personality domain (β = 0.07; SE = 0.02; P < .001) with trajectories of alcohol misuse development over time (slope). Family history of substance misuse was negatively associated with general risk of alcohol misuse (β = -0.04; SE = 0.02; P = .045) and its development over time (β = -0.03; SE = 0.01; P = .01). Brain functioning showed no significant association with intercept or slope of alcohol misuse in the model. The findings of this cohort study suggest known risk factors of adolescent drinking may contribute differentially to future alcohol misuse. This approach may inform more individualized preventive interventions.

Comparing the Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Sexual Function in Women in Iran

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of aromatherapy with lavender and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for sexuality (MBCT-S) on female sexual function. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingHealth centers in Roudan city, Iran. ParticipantsSixty married women, ages 18 to 45 years, were recruited using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Participants were selected from health centers in 2022 via convenience sampling. Intervention and MeasurementsUpon their completion of a demographic checklist and the FSFI as a pretest, participants were divided into three groups, including lavender aromatherapy (n = 20), MBCT-S (n = 20), and control (n = 20) through random selection with permutation blocks. All groups completed FSFI as a posttest. Data were analyzed by SPSS 26 using chi-square, Wilcoxon, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney statistical tests. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference among the three groups before the intervention (p = .652), but there was a significant difference among them after the intervention (p = .001). There was a significantly positive difference between the intervention groups and the control group (p < .001). A significant relationship was observed among the three groups in sexual desire, pain, satisfaction, lubrication, and arousal. The mean scores of the posttest in sexual desire, pain, satisfaction, and lubrication were positively higher in the MBCT-S group than in the aromatherapy group, and both intervention groups showed the same effect for sexual arousal. Aromatherapy and counseling had no significant effect on improving sexual orgasm. ConclusionMBCT-S can be used to improve many aspects of female sexual function, except for orgasm disorders; aromatherapy may improve sexual arousal.

Quantifying surface tension and viscosity in biomolecular condensates by FRAP-ID

Many proteins with intrinsically disordered regions undergo liquid-liquid phase separation under specific conditions in vitro and in vivo. These complex biopolymers form a metastable phase with distinct mechanical properties defining the timescale of their biological functions. However, determining these properties is nontrivial, even in vitro, and often requires multiple techniques. Here we report the measurement of both viscosity and surface tension of biomolecular condensates via correlative fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in a single experiment (fluorescence recovery after probe-induced dewetting, FRAP-ID). Upon surface tension evaluation via regular AFM-force spectroscopy, controlled AFM indentations induce dry spots in fluorescent condensates on a glass coverslip. The subsequent rewetting exhibits a contact line velocity that is used to quantify the condensed-phase viscosity. Therefore, in contrast with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), where molecular diffusion is observed, in FRAP-ID fluorescence recovery is obtained through fluid rewetting and the subsequent morphological relaxation. We show that the latter can be used to cross-validate viscosity values determined during the rewetting regime. Making use of fluid mechanics, FRAP-ID is a valuable tool to evaluate the mechanical properties that govern the dynamics of biomolecular condensates and determine how these properties impact the temporal aspects of condensate functionality.

DESIGNING VISUAL SYMBOLS IN DIGITAL CULTURE

Designing visual symbols is crucial in the ever-changing world of digital culture for communication, identity building, and cultural expression. With an eye toward the aesthetic, functional, and semiotic aspects, this article delves into the methods and principles of making effective visual symbols in digital settings. The study delves into a wide array of digital symbols, including emojis, logos, icons for user interfaces, and digital art, to uncover how these visual components communicate meaning, impact user behavior, and aid in forming online identities and communities. Recognizing digital spaces' multicultural and global character, the research highlights the significance of cultural sensitivity and contextual knowledge throughout the design phase. Additionally, it delves into how technological innovations, including augmented reality and vector graphics, have influenced the development of visual symbols. The adaptability of symbols in response to user interactions and cultural trends may be shown in case studies from various digital platforms and social media networks. The results stress the importance of designers balancing originality and clarity in creating visually appealing and universally understandable symbols. At the end of the paper, we suggest ways to make symbols that may change with digital culture and appeal to different audiences by using iterative design processes and user feedback.

Follow-up after urinary diversion

Radical cystectomy is currently the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Different parts of the small and large intestines can be utilized for continent and incontinent urinary diversion. The postoperative follow-up after urinary diversion should consider functional, metabolic and oncological aspects. The functional follow-up of (continent) urinary diversion includes stenosis, emptying disorders or incontinence. The oncological follow-up should focus on the detection of local, urethral and upper tract recurrences as well as distant metastases. As 90% of the tumor recurrences occur during the first 3years, aclose follow-up should be carried out during this period. Metabolic disturbances, such as vitamin B12 and bile acid deficits, acidosis and disorders of calcium metabolism can also occur during long-term follow-up. The metabolic follow-up should consider the metabolic consequences of the parts of the intestines utilized for the urinary diversion.

Understanding healthy ageing in India: insights from multivariate regression trees

BackgroundPopulation ageing represents a significant global challenge, particularly pronounced in countries like India.AimsThis study aims to explore how factors such as socio-economic status, behaviour, and health influence healthy ageing across the Indian older population.MethodsIn this study, we utilized the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India – wave 1 dataset for analysis purposes. Scores were generated for five dimensions of healthy aging, including physical, functional, mental, cognitive, and social aspects and these scores were treated as the target variables. Multivariate Regression Trees analysis was employed to identify the behavioural and socio-demographic factors associated with each dimension of healthy ageing.ResultsYears of education emerge as crucial across all dimensions, positively impacting cognitive health and mitigating age-related decline in healthy ageing. Marital status, engagement in household activities, spiritual practices, and living arrangements impacts the scores of different aspects of healthy ageing. Gender disparities in healthy aging are noticeable in the 60–74 age group, with women generally having lower scores. Safety of the living environment is a crucial determinant of the mental health of the elderly across all age groups.These findings highlight the complex interplay of factors in healthy ageing outcomes.ConclusionOur study emphasizes the pivotal role of education in fostering healthy ageing in India. Factors such as environmental safety and social participation also influence well-being. Targeted interventions addressing education, gender equality, safety, and healthcare access are vital for enhancing the ageing experience and overall well-being of older adults.

Cognitive predictors of response to interpersonal and social rhythm therapy in mood disorders.

There has been increasing interest in examining the potential moderating effects that cognitive functioning has on treatment outcome in bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Therefore, the aim of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship between baseline cognitive function and treatment outcome in individuals with mood disorders who completed 12 months of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and were randomised to receive adjunctive cognitive remediation (CR) or no additional intervention. Fifty-eight patients with mood disorders (BD, n = 36, MDD, n = 22), who were randomised to IPSRT-CR or IPSRT, underwent cognitive testing at baseline and completed follow-up mood measures after 12 months. General linear modelling was used to examine the relationship between baseline cognitive function (both objective and subjective) and change in mood symptom burden, and functioning, from baseline to treatment-end. Poorer baseline attention/executive function was associated with less change in mood symptom burden, particularly depressive symptoms, at treatment-end. Additionally, slower psychomotor speed at baseline was associated with less improvement in mania symptom burden. Subjective cognitive function at baseline was not related to change in mood symptom burden at treatment-end, and neither objective nor subjective cognitive function was associated with functional outcome. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, there was no correction for multiple comparisons. Aspects of objective cognitive function were associated with treatment outcomes following psychotherapy. Further large-scale research is required to examine the role that cognitive function may have in determining various aspects of mood disorder recovery.

Surgical and orthodontic management of impacted maxillary central incisor in children: A case report

Impaction of maxillary permanent central incisor is a frequently reported case in dental practice, and its treatment is challenging because maxillary central incisors are of great important for both aesthetic and functional aspects, since they provide support of the lip and facial muscles. Early detection of such teeth is most important if complications are to be avoided. In this article, we report a case of a 12-year-old girl, in the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist, Dental and Oral Hospital, Airlangga University. Combined approach with surgical exposure and the application of an orthodontic force brought the impacted left maxillary central incisor down to its proper position in the dental arch.

Flexible modular dwelling for rural environments; specific case: Cebadas – Ecuador

Background Sustainable modular dwelling design for rural areas should focus on creating healthy and economically accessible spaces, sensitive to local needs and integrating environmental, functional, sociological and technological aspects. Flexibility is essential to reduce the initial investment and allow future transformations, optimizing the recovery and reuse of materials. These houses must be adaptable, safe and have basic services, satisfying the needs and stages of families’ development. In Ecuador, poverty and energy inefficiency worsen the quality of life in rural areas. This project in the Cebadas parish proposes modular dwelling that applies bioclimatic and sustainable criteria, using local materials to improve habitability and promote the social and economic development of the community. Method The research approach is qualitative-quantitative. Qualitative, since it is necessary to identify the qualities of the sector, bibliographic exploration of guidelines and sustainable strategies. Quantitative, to evaluate the degree of affectation through a diagnosis of the study site and to provide efficient solutions that respond to the context and social reality. Results The spaces presented in the proposal respond to the spatial need for growth and expansion of the users of the sector, through 6 basic guidelines that this type of dwelling should have: Environment, Visual, Form, Function, Bioclimatic and Materials. Conclusions The flexible modular dwelling project for rural environments addresses complex housing needs, highlighting the flexibility and adaptability of an expandable module. It includes income generation with a duplex apartment, fosters communal and cultural life with public and commercial spaces, promotes tourism and rural development with landscape design and crops. In addition, it ensures sustainability through bioclimatic strategies and responsible use of resources.

Analysis of keratopigmentation in the treatment of iridodialysis

Keratopigmentation has emerged as an innovative approach in the treatment of iridodialysis, an ocular condition that can result in serious visual and aesthetic complications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of keratopigmentation in the treatment of iridodialysis, considering both functional and aesthetic aspects. A comprehensive qualitative literature review was conducted, utilizing databases such as Scielo, Google Scholar, scientific journals, repositories, and virtual libraries. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies directly addressing keratopigmentation in the context of iridodialysis, while case studies and publications in languages not understood were excluded. The analysis revealed that keratopigmentation can significantly improve the visual functionality of patients, reducing symptoms such as photophobia and diplopia, while also providing satisfactory aesthetic results. The risks and complications associated with the procedure were minimal, especially with the use of micronized mineral pigments and advanced techniques like femtosecond laser. It was concluded that keratopigmentation is a viable and less invasive alternative compared to traditional techniques, offering significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of iridodialysis. This study contributes to the validation of the technique and suggests future research directions to optimize results and expand the clinical applications of this innovative approach.

Treacher Collins syndrome: current and emerging treatment options

Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by bilateral craniofacial malformations, including mandibular and zygomatic hypoplasia, cleft palate, and eye anomalies, resulting in significant variability in symptom severity. The syndrome, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 50,000 births, is primarily caused by mutations in the TCOF1 gene and less frequently by mutations in POLR1C and POLR1D genes, disrupting ribosome biogenesis crucial for craniofacial development. Clinical manifestations encompass diverse craniofacial, auditory, and skeletal abnormalities, often leading to airway complications and hearing loss. Management involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical interventions such as mandibular distraction osteogenesis and orthognathic surgeries with advanced imaging techniques for precise planning. Hearing loss is managed with bone conduction aids and cochlear implants, although outcomes may vary due to associated anomalies. Genetic testing aids in diagnosis and family planning decisions, while emerging therapies like genome editing and regenerative medicine show promise for future treatments. Despite challenges in long-term management and relapse rates in surgical corrections, ongoing research aims to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment strategies addressing both functional and aesthetic aspects.

Health and disability – a multi-group latent class analysis of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 among those with mental and physical health conditions

BackgroundThis study aims to identify disability classes among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety or diabetes via the WHODAS 2.0; investigate the invariance of disability patterns among the four diagnostic groups; and examine associations between disability classes and sociodemographic variables.MethodsPatients seeking treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety or diabetes (n=1076) were recruited. Latent class analysis was used to identify disability classes based on WHODAS 2.0 responses. Measurement invariance was tested using multi-group latent class analysis. Associations between classes and sociodemographic variables were tested via multinomial logistic regression.ResultsA five-class solution was identified; examination of model invariance showed that the partially constrained five-class model was most appropriate, suggesting that class structure was consistent while class membership differed across diagnostic groups. Finally, significant associations were found between class membership and ethnicity, education level, and employment status.ConclusionsThe results show the feasibility of using the WHODAS 2.0 to identify and compare different disability classes among people with mental or physical conditions and their sociodemographic correlates. Establishing a typology of different disability profiles will help guide research and treatment plans that tackle not just clinical but also functional aspects of living with either a chronic psychiatric or physical condition.

The yin and yang of pioneer transcription factors: Dual roles in repression and activation.

Pioneer transcription factors, by virtue of their ability to target nucleosomal DNA in silent chromatin, play crucial roles in eliciting cell fate decisions during development and cellular reprogramming. In addition to their well-established role in chromatin opening to activate gene expression programs, recent studies have demonstrated that pioneer factors have the complementary function of being able to silence the starting cell identity through targeted chromatin repression. Given recent discoveries regarding the repressive aspect of pioneer function, we discuss the basis by which pioneer factors can suppress alternative lineage programs in the context of cell fate control.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Global Specialist Digital Health Workforce: Analysis of Global Census Data.

The Global Specialist Digital Health Workforce Census is the largest workforce survey of the specialist roles that support the development, use, management, and governance of health data, health information, health knowledge, and health technology. This paper aims to present an analysis of the roles and functions reported by respondents in the 2023 census. The 2023 census was deployed using Qualtrics and was open from July 1 to August 13, 2023. A broad definition was provided to guide respondents about who is in the specialist digital health workforce. Anyone who self-identifies as being part of this workforce could undertake the survey. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis of the functions respondents reported in their roles. A total of 1103 respondents completed the census, with data reported about their demographic information and their roles. The majority of respondents lived in Australia (n=870, 78.9%) or New Zealand (n=130, 11.8%), with most (n=620, 56.3%) aged 35-54 years and identifying as female (n=720, 65.3%). The top four occupational specialties were health informatics (n=179, 20.2%), health information management (n=175, 19.8%), health information technology (n=128, 14.4%), and health librarianship (n=104, 11.7%). Nearly all (n=797, 90%) participants identified as a manager or professional. Less than half (430/1019, 42.2%) had a formal qualification in a specialist digital health area, and only one-quarter (244/938, 26%) held a credential in a digital health area. While two-thirds (502/763, 65.7%) reported undertaking professional development in the last year, most were self-directed activities, such as seeking information or consuming online content. Work undertaken by specialist digital health workers could be classified as either leadership, functional, occupational, or technological. Future specialist digital health workforce capability frameworks should include the aspects of leadership, function, occupation, and technology. This largely unqualified workforce is undertaking little formal professional development to upskill them to continue to support the safe delivery and management of health and care through the use of digital data and technology.