Impaired Skills Research Articles

Investigation of Theory of Mind, Disgust Sensitivity, and Mental Contamination in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between theory of mind (ToM), disgust sensitivity, and mental contamination patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 37 patients with OCD and 45 healthy volunteers with similar socio-demographic characteristics were enrolled at the Silifke State Hospital Department of Psychiatry between October 2023 and March 2024. We utilized the Padua Inventory - Washington State University Revision, the Dokuz Eylül Theory of Mind Index, the Disgust Scale — Revised, and the Vancouver Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory — Mental Contamination Scale. Results: Patients with OCD exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to disgust (mean ± standard deviation 68.19±12.28) and mental contamination (mean ± standard deviation= 25.54± 7.64) compared to healthy controls. Although the differences in ToM abilities approached significance, they did not reach statistical significance. A significant correlation was identified between the subscale of "disgust related to contamination" and "checking compulsions" (r = 0.433), as well as with "obsessive thoughts about harming oneself/others" (r = 0.515). No significant correlation was found between mental contamination and the other variables (r = 0.240). Conclusion: The findings highlight impairments in certain ToM skills among patients with OCD, alongside elevated disgust sensitivity and mental contamination, relative to controls. The significant correlations between disgust sensitivity and specific OCD symptoms emphasize the influence of disgust in exacerbating certain compulsive behaviors. These insights contribute to our understanding of the interactions between OCD symptoms, ToM abilities, and disgust sensitivity.

The effects of stress on surgical performance: a systematic review.

Acute stress, the psychological response to short-term challenging stimuli, is frequently encountered in the high-pressure environment of the operating theatre. Surgeon stress is associated with deterioration in surgical performance, surgical team working and compromised patient safety. Given these concerns, the aim of this review was to understand the impact of acute stress on surgical performance in technical and non-technical domains as well as patient outcomes. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for studies examining acute stress in medical professionals during real or simulated surgical procedures that reported performance outcomes in technical and non-technical skills. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using appropriate tools for each study design. Out of 1445 identified studies, 19 met the inclusion criteria. In simulated environments, acute stress consistently led to impairment in both technical and non-technical skills during surgical procedures. Technical skill deterioration included higher procedural error rates, longer task completion times and diminished instrument handling. Non-technical skills, such as teamwork and communication, also were impaired under stress conditions. Real-world studies echoed these findings, demonstrating acute stress resulting in higher error rates and impaired non-technical skills. No studies identified surgeon stress as having a causal relationship with patient outcomes. Acute stress significantly impacts both technical and non-technical skills during surgical procedures, impairing performance in simulated and real-world surgical environments. Despite the growing understanding of the detrimental effects of stress, gaps remain in comprehensively assessing its impact on patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to develop reliable stress measurement methods applicable in surgical settings and explore effective stress management strategies.

Ciliopathy interacts with neonatal anesthesia to cause non-apoptotic caspase-mediated motor deficits.

Increasing evidence suggests that anesthesia may induce developmental neurotoxicity, yet the influence of genetic predispositions associated with congenital anomalies on this toxicity remains largely unknown. Children with congenital heart disease often exhibit mutations in cilia-related genes and ciliary dysfunction, requiring sedation for their catheter or surgical interventions during the neonatal period. Here we demonstrate that briefly exposing ciliopathic neonatal mice to ketamine causes motor skill impairments, which are associated with a baseline deficit in neocortical layer V neuron apical spine density and their altered dynamics during motor learning.. These neuromorphological changes were linked to augmented non-apoptotic neuronal caspase activation. Neonatal caspase suppression rescued the spine density and motor deficits, confirming the requirement for sublethal caspase signaling in appropriate spine formation and motor learning. Our findings suggest that ciliopathy interacts with ketamine to induce motor impairments, which is reversible through caspase inhibition. Furthermore, they underscore the potential for ketamine- induced sublethal caspase responses in shaping neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Comprehensive analysis of orofacial motor skills in children with obstructive sleep apnea.

The neuromuscular activity has a critical role in the permeability of the upper airways. The present study aimed to conduct a detailed and comparative investigation of the orofacial musculature and motor skills of children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Children aged 7 to 12 years with OSA (OSA group, n = 12) and without OSA (Control group, n = 12) were compared. Orofacial appearance/posture and motor skills were assessed using the orofacial myofunctional evaluation protocol with scores. Bite force, tongue pressure measurements, and surface electromyography of swallowing were also performed. Compared to the control group, the OSA group obtained lower scores in appearance/posture, mobility, and orofacial functions (P < 0.0001), and lower values of bite force (P = 0.019) and tongue strength in protrusion (P = 0.008) and deglutition (P = 0.004). The OSA group also displayed lower values of maximum speed (P = 0.003) and peak activity (P = 0.0005) during spontaneous swallowing and higher relative energy expenditure (integral) of the muscles in the water swallowing task (50 mL) (P ≤ 0.01). Notably, the effect size ranged from moderate to large for all groups differences. The children with OSA showed impairments in orofacial musculature and motor skills, as evidenced by reduced muscle recruitment capacity and coordination in applying pressure/force and performing orofacial movements and functions. This study contributes to the understanding of non-anatomical factors associated with OSA in children and to the development of therapeutic strategies.

Investigating the contribution of childhood maltreatment to suicide attempt: A multivariable Mendelian randomization study

Childhood maltreatment has been associated with suicidal behavior. However, whether this risk is causal and uniquely due to consequences of childhood maltreatment such as mental disorders, socioeconomic difficulties, and cognitive skills impairments needs clarification. We investigated direct and indirect contributions of childhood maltreatment to suicide attempt using a two-sample multivariable Mendelian randomization design. We used 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms from the childhood maltreatment genome-wide association study as instruments for childhood maltreatment. Multivariable Mendelian randomization was used to investigate the association of childhood maltreatment with suicide attempt accounting for risk of major psychiatric disorders (major depression, schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), cognitive factors, and socioeconomic factors. Evidence supported a possible causal role of childhood maltreatment on suicide attempt (OR 4.36, CI 2.36-7.97). Significant associations with suicide attempt were identified for subtypes of maltreatment (physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse), although unclear for sexual abuse. In multivariable analyses, childhood maltreatment was associated with suicidal attempt independently from selected mental disorders, socioeconomic factors, and cognitive factors although these factors accounted for most of the association (OR 1.51, CI 1.10-2.09). To prevent suicide among children exposed to maltreatment, it may be important to combine interventions to reduce mental disorders, psychosocial intervention, and suicide-specific preventive intervention.

To Play or Not to Play? Effects of Playmate Familiarity and Social Isolation on Social Play Engagement in Three Laboratory Rat Strains.

Social play is a motivating and rewarding behavior displayed by juveniles of many mammalian species, including humans and rats. Social play is vital to the development of social skills. Autistic children show less social play engagement which may contribute to their impairments in social skills. There is limited knowledge about what external conditions may positively or negatively influence social play engagement in humans or other animals. Therefore, we determined how two common external conditions, playmate familiarity and social isolation, modulate social play levels and social play defense tactics in juveniles of three common laboratory rat strains: Long-Evans, Sprague-Dawley, and Wistar. Males and females were socially isolated for either 2h or 48h prior to social play testing and were then exposed to either a familiar (cage mate) or novel playmate, creating four testing conditions: 2h-Familiar, 48h-Familiar, 2h-Novel, and 48h-Novel. Both playmate familiarity and social isolation length influenced social play behavior levels and tactics in juvenile rats, but did so differently for each of the three rat strains. Long-Evans played most with a familiar playmate, irrespective of time isolated, Sprague-Dawley played most in the 48h-Familiar condition, and Wistar played the least in the 2h-Familiar condition, but Wistar played more with a novel playmate than Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley. Analysis of social play tactics by the playmates in response to nape attacks by the experimental rats revealed strain differences with novel playmates. Here, Sprague-Dawley and Wistar defended more nape attacks than Long-Evans. Sprague-Dawley evaded these attacks, thereby shortening body contact. In contrast, Wistar turned to face their playmate attacker and showed more complete rotations, thereby extending body contact and wrestling longer. Role reversals, which increase social play reciprocity and reflect the quality of social play, were higher in Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley with familiar playmates. Role reversals decreased for Sprague-Dawley but increased for Wistar after 48h isolation. The effects of playmate familiarity or social isolation length on social play levels and tactics were similar across sex for all three strains. In conclusion, we showed that two common external factors (playmate familiarity and social isolation length) that largely vary across social play studies have a major impact on the level and quality of social play in the three rat strains. Strain differences indicate higher level and quality of social play with familiar playmates in Long-Evans, with familiar playmates after short isolation in Sprague-Dawley, and with novel playmates after longer isolation for Wistar. Future research could determine whether strain differences in neuronal mechanisms underlie these condition-induced variations in social play engagement. Our findings are also informative in suggesting that external conditions like playmate familiarity and social isolation length could influence social play levels and social play quality in typical and atypical children.

Effects of single- and double-shift work on hand and cognitive functions in nurses.

This study aims to examine the influence of single and double-shift work schedules on hand function and cognitive capacities, specifically working memory, attention, and response time in nurses. Shift work, particularly in extended formats, is known to affect various physical and cognitive functions critical to nursing duties. Understanding these impacts is vital for managing nurse schedules to minimize health risks and maximize performance. With an increase in demands on healthcare systems, nurses often endure prolonged working hours, which may impair their cognitive and manual abilities, thereby affecting patient care quality. This study involved 45 nurses aged 20-40 years from shift-oriented units providing direct patient care. Hand function was assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT). Cognitive functions such as working memory, attention, and response time were evaluated using the digit span task and the Stroop test, respectively. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis, assessing the interactions of time and shift type, with a significance level set at p<0.05. The results revealed significant changes in all tested variables between pre- and post-shift assessments and between single and double-shift conditions. Notably, the double-shift work significantly exacerbated declines in all measured functions. These findings suggest that double shifts may intensify the deterioration of essential nursing skills, potentially compromising patient care. This study underscores the detrimental effects of extended shift work on nurses' cognitive and manual functions. These insights should guide healthcare institutions in revising nurse scheduling practices to safeguard their well-being and maintain high standards of patient care.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in English Language Teaching: Pros and Cons of ChatGPT Implementation through a Systematic Review

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into language instruction has presented new opportunities, with ChatGPT emerging as a promising tool for interactive and personalized learning. This systematic review examines the effectiveness, advantages, and drawbacks of the ChatGPT in English language teaching (ELT). To achieve this objective, peer-reviewed studies published between 2023 and 2024 were sourced from the Web of Science database and focused on those that explored ChatGPT for language instruction. Using standardized criteria, data extraction covered the study design, participants, interventions, outcomes, and quality assessments. The findings indicate that the ChatGPT significantly improves language teaching by providing personalized feedback, fostering learner autonomy, enhancing student motivation and engagement, and facilitating specific language skills. Moreover, its ability to simulate real-life conversations makes it an effective tool to improve language fluency and comprehension. Nevertheless, challenges have been highlighted, such as overreliance on AI, academic dishonesty, skill deterioration, biases in AI-generated content, and the digital divide affecting access to AI technology. Integrating AI into existing educational frameworks and addressing the need for teacher training have also emerged as significant concerns. The implications are provided based on these findings.

COMPARISON OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN INSTITUTIONALIZED HEALTHY AND OLDER PERSON WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Physical activity shows benefits in cognitive function and the prevention and treatment of depression in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and healthy ones. So, the purpose of this study was to compare cognitive function and depressive symptoms in two groups: a group of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and a group of older adults without neurodegenerative diseases, by sex and level of physical activity. The sample was 30 participants divided into two groups: 15 participants with Alzheimer’s disease and 15 participants without neurodegenerative diseases. The instruments used were the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results revealed that older persons with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit a more significant impairment of cognitive skills (p = .001) and a higher incidence of depressive symptoms (p = .001) compared to older persons without neurodegenerative diseases, with no differences between sex (p &gt; .05). Results show that active older person had higher scores in cognitive abilities (p = .001) and a lower incidence of depression (p = .001). It seems that Alzheimer’s disease, typically associated with cognitive abilities decline and incidence of depressive symptoms, and physical activity influence cognitive performance and depressive symptoms in older people with Alzheimer’s disease and without dementia.

Stem Cells as a Novel Source for Regenerative Medicinal Applications in Alzheimer's Disease: An Update.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of the neurons, excessive accumulation of misfolded Aβ and Tau proteins, and degeneration of neural synapses, primarily occurring in the neocortex and the hippocampus regions of the brain. AD Progression is marked by cognitive deterioration, memory decline, disorientation, and loss of problem-solving skills, as well as language. Due to limited comprehension of the factors contributing to AD and its severity due to neuronal loss, even today, the medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are not precisely efficient and curative. Stem cells possess great potential in aiding AD due to their self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation properties. Stem cell therapy can aid by replacing the lost neurons, enhancing neurogenesis, and providing an enriched environment to the pre-existing neural cells. Stem cell therapy has provided us with promising results in regard to the animal AD models, and even pre-clinical studies have shown rather positive results. Cell replacement therapies are potential curative means to treat AD, and there are a number of undergoing human clinical trials to make Stem Cell therapy accessible for AD patients. In this review, we aim to discuss the AD pathophysiology and varied stem cell types and their application.

B - 106 Exploring the Impact of Screentime Use on Children’s Development at Aged 2 to 12: a Systematic Review

Abstract Objective Children’s use of digital media and the internet has become part of their daily lives, thus increasing their average screentime (ST). Research warns about the impact of excessive ST on children’s development. This study aimed to identify the impact of ST on the development of children between the ages of 2 and 12. Data Selection A systematic review was conducted to gather and identify the impact of excessive ST (more than two hours a day) in children aged 2 to 12. The search was limited to the databases APA PsyInfo, PubMed, COBIMET, and Google Scholar. The studies considered were published in English and Spanish between 2019 and 2023. The search terms used included “screentime,” “digital media”, “children,” “smartphones,” “tablets,” and “development.” After review, a sample of nine studies was selected for analysis, considering their publication, sample, and main findings. The quality assessment was carried out using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental/Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies (Tufanaru, et al., 2020). Data Synthesis This systematic review identified that excessive ST negatively affects children’s development. Conclusions This study’s findings underscore the importance of limiting ST to less than two hours a day due to the potential for cognitive and motor skills impairment and socio-emotional dysregulation. Professionals should strive to educate parents on better practices for the appropriate use of digital screens in children from ages 2 to 12. Public policy should raise awareness, create programs, and establish policies that regulate advertising aimed at children on smart devices, as this could increase ST.

The running and jumping game model is effective in improving physical motor disorders in children with mentally retarded

This study aims to demonstrate the effect of a running and jumping game model in improving physical motor impairments in children with intellectual disabilities. A pre-experimental design method was used, involving 15 male children aged 11-12 years with intellectual disabilities, who were selected through purposive sampling. The running and jumping game model was conducted for 30 minutes per session, with moderate intensity (60-70% HRmax), three times a week for four weeks. Data collection involved measuring motor skill development, namely running speed and jump height, between pretest and posttest using a 40-meter run test and vertical jump test. Data analysis was conducted using a paired sample t-test with a 5% confidence level. The results showed a significant difference in running speed between pretest and posttest (8.98±0.07 vs. 7.66±0.09 seconds; p=0.001). Similarly, jump height analysis showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest (21.57±0.98 vs. 31.43±1.72 cm; p=0.001). This proves that the running and jumping game model effectively improves motor skills impairments in children with intellectual disabilities.

Motor, cognitive, and socio-cognitive mechanisms explaining social skills in autism and typical development.

Challenges in social functioning are considered a core criterion for diagnosing autism. Although motor skills, executive functioning (EF), and theory of mind (ToM) abilities independently affect social challenges and are interconnected, these abilities' shared contribution to the explanation of social functioning in autism remains under-investigated. To address this disparity, we examined the motor, EF, and ToM abilities of 148 autistic and non-autistic youth (ages 6-16 years), evaluating these variables' impact on social ability and their interconnections. Our mediation model exploring the contribution of motor, EF, and ToM skills explained 85% of the variance in social functioning (Social Responsiveness Scale-SRS-2). Analysis yielded a direct path from study group to SRS-2-social (typically developing-TD > autistic) and two main parallel indirect joint paths: (a) Group ➔ motor ➔ EF ➔ SRS-2-social; and (b) Group ➔ motor ➔ ToM ➔ SRS-2-social. In two secondary indirect paths, autistic children showed lower motor skills, which in turn explained their higher EF and/or ToM impairment, which in turn explained their higher social skills impairment. Put differently, our results suggest that better EF and TOM proficiency may compensate for poorer motor skills. Findings also indicated that the collective impact of motor, EF, and ToM skills on social functioning, along with the mediating role played by EF and ToM on the social-motor linkage, may contribute to understanding individual differences in the social functioning of autistic children. These conclusions call for the inclusion of motor, EF, and ToM activities into daily practices to facilitate social functioning.

Psychosocial Burden in Parents Having Intellectually Disabled Children: A Hospital-based Study

Abstract Background: Intellectual disability is a non-communicable health disorder that has become a public health concern worldwide, with a marked impairment in communication, academic, and social skills. It is important to identify the level of psychological stress among parents of these children. Hence, this study was designed to assess the level of psychological stress among parents having intellectually disabled children. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient department (OPD) at Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital, New Delhi. Data were collected to analyze the psychological stress in families. Parental Stress Scale (PSS) was used as the tool to measure stress in parents. Results: A total of 170 mothers were enrolled in the study. In total, 14 different variables were considered plausible contributing factors to the mother’s stress. Four variables demonstrated a clear linear association between variable values and PSS. These variables were a) per-capita monthly family income, b) socioeconomic status, c) study subjects’ occupation, and d) duration of disability. The overall mean PSS for the entire cohort was found to be 47.14 ± 2.93. The reference criteria for low stress was 19–45, and it was 45–90 for high stress. Conclusion: The study suggests that mothers of children with intellectual disability experience high stress. Raising a child with special care needs is overwhelming for mothers. Appropriate clinical services should be provided to support parents of children with disabilities and offer resources to educate and enable mothers to manage their children’s disabilities and needs.

A digital intervention to support childhood cognition after the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot trial

Difficulties in executive functioning (EF) can result in impulsivity, forgetfulness, and inattention. Children living in remote/regional communities are particularly at risk of impairment in these cognitive skills due to reduced educational engagement and poorer access to interventions. This vulnerability has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies are needed to mitigate long-term negative impacts on EF. Here we propose a pilot trial investigating the benefits, feasibility, and acceptability of a school-based EF intervention for primary school students (6–8 years) living in regional, developmentally vulnerable, and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Students were randomised to a digital intervention or teaching as usual, for 7 weeks. Children completed measures of EF and parents/educators completed ratings of everyday EF and social/emotional wellbeing at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Change in EFs (primary outcome), everyday EF, and social/emotional wellbeing (secondary outcomes) from pre- to post-intervention and pre-intervention to 3-month follow-up were examined. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was assessed through educator feedback and intervention adherence.Protocol Registration: The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 20 April 2023. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WT3S2. The approved Stage 1 protocol is available here: https://osf.io/kzfwn.

Smart Speakers as an Environmental Control Unit for Severe Motor Dependence: The Case of a Young Adult with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a disease that primarily affects males and causes a gradual loss of muscle strength. This results in a deterioration of motor skills and functional mobility, which can impact the performance of various occupations. Individuals with DMD often rely heavily on caregivers to assist with daily activities, which can lead to caregiver burden. A case study was conducted to explore and describe potential variations in the performance of a young adult diagnosed with DMD and his caregivers resulting from the integration of smart speakers (SS)-controlled Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the home environment. The study also examined the potential of SS as an environment control unit (ECU) and analysed variations in caregiver burden. Smart devices and SS were installed in the most frequently used spaces, namely, the bedroom and living room. The study employed WebQDA software to perform content analysis and Microsoft Excel to calculate the scores of the structured instruments. The implementation of the IoT-assisted environment compensated for previously physical tasks, resulting in a slight increase in independent performance and reduced demands on caregivers.

Appraising Linguistic and Reading Impairments in Kannada-Speaking Persons With Central Alexia.

Alexia is an acquired condition resulting in impaired abilities to comprehend and/or read aloud written scripts secondary to lesions in the brain involved in reading processes. Just as how linguistic aspects are multi-faceted in persons with aphasia (PWAs), the reading impairments also vary extensively across each PWA depending on the type and nature of the language deficits. Each language has its unique linguistic properties. Whether the impairment is in the spoken form or written form, the dissociations in both aspects across the linguistic distinctions are paramount. Given the diverse orthographic features of Kannada, alongside inquiries into the impairment in oral language skills among individuals with acquired reading difficulties, the study emphasizes distinguishing the concurrent language processes associated with reading impairment. The study aimed to explore the relationship between spoken language and reading abilities in Kannada-speaking post-stroke survivors with acquired alexia. The study recruited 15 Kannada-speaking adults with complaints of reading impairment post-ictus through convenient sampling. The enrolled participants included both males and females with a mean age of 42.2 years (SD=15.58; range=20-68) with 16 years of formal education. The study performed three primary investigations; a) linguistic, b) oral reading, and c) reading comprehension. Linguistic tasks entailed semantics, syntax, and phonological tasks. Oral reading entailed real word and non-word reading tasks. Reading comprehension tasks entailed single-word level, sentence-level, and paragraph-level tasks. Results of overall domain performance across linguistics, oral reading, and reading comprehension revealed superior performance in linguistics (M=71.77, SD=19.18) followed by reading comprehension (M=70.55, SD=24.10) and oral reading (M=41.55, SD=24.66), which was significant (p<0.05). Performance in phonology was weakest (M=58.06, SD=12.44) compared to syntax (M=71.13) and semantics (M=85.33) on comparing PWAs' abilities within the linguistic domain. Reading abilities were compared across oral reading and reading comprehension, which significantly varied (p<0.05), and reading comprehension abilities were superior (M=72.65, SD=24.10). Task-specific variabilities were significant (p<0.05) in both oral reading and reading comprehension, wherein, real word reading (M=58.22) and comprehension at a single level (M=80.22) were better performed. Results of correlation analysis revealed semantics (r=0.494, p<0.05) and phonology (r=0.428, p>0.05) were highly positively correlated to oral reading abilities. Syntax (r=0.412, p>0.05), and semantics (r=0.377, p>0.05) were strongly positively correlated to reading comprehension abilities. The study has convincingly shown that performance on reading-related tasks reflects the functionality of central semantic, phonological, and syntactic processing elements. The literate adults routinely interact with both spoken and written language and a comprehensive assessment framework of language processing must encompass both modalities (linguistic and reading) for individuals with alexia, specific to Indian languages. Owing to the transparent writing system of the Kannada language, a multimodal phonological and lexical-based reading treatment may prove to be beneficial in remediating reading impairments among adult post-stroke survivors.

Only Child Male and their Perception Towards Romantic Relationship and Gender Roles

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to provide a thorough understanding of the attitudes and experiences of only child men by examining their opinions of romantic relationships and gender roles. Due to the lack of siblings, the historical concept of "only child syndrome" has perpetuated unfavourable perceptions about only children, implying possible social skill impairments or selfish behaviour (Falbo &amp; Polit, 1986). Modern research, however, contradicts these theories, showing that only children frequently perform comparably to siblings and, in specific situations, even outperform them in particular areas (Falbo &amp; Polit, 1986). This study (Braithwaite &amp; Holt-Lunstad, 2017) offers a nuanced perspective among only child guys, who value equality, partnership, and mutual respect in their romantic relationships through qualitative interviews and thematic analysis. They stress how important it is to spend time together, give back to the community, and engage in similar interests in order to promote emotional closeness and fulfilment (Falbo &amp; Polit, 1986). Additionally, participants advocate for flexibility and shared responsibility in partnerships, rejecting established gender norms (Bukowski et al., 1987). Good communication techniques, such having candid conversations and paying attention, become essential instruments for resolving disputes and preserving harmonious relationships (Furman &amp; Shaffer, 2003). These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of contemporary relationship dynamics by challenging stereotypes and providing insights into building fulfilling and healthy partnerships among male only children (Bukowski et al., 1987).

Role of PIM Kinase Inhibitor in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is the most prevalent form of senile dementia, causing progressive deterioration of cognition, behavior, and rational skills. Neuropathologically, AD is characterized by two hallmark proteinaceous aggregates: amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed of hyperphosphorylated tau. A significant study has been done to understand how Aβ and/or tau accumulation can alter signaling pathways that affect neuronal function. A conserved protein kinase known as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is essential for maintaining the proper balance between protein synthesis and degradation. Overwhelming evidence shows mTOR signaling's primary role in age-dependent cognitive decline and the pathogenesis of AD. Postmortem human AD brains consistently show an upregulation of mTOR signaling. Confocal microscopy findings demonstrated a direct connection between mTOR and intraneuronal Aβ42 through molecular processes of PRAS40 phosphorylation. By attaching to the mTORC1 complex, PRAS40 inhibits the activity of mTOR. Furthermore, inhibiting PRAS40 phosphorylation can stop the Aβ-mediated increase in mTOR activity, indicating that the accumulation of Aβ may aid in PRAS40 phosphorylation. Physiologically, PRAS40 is phosphorylated by PIM1 which is a serine/threonine kinase of proto-oncogene PIM kinase family. Pharmacological inhibition of PIM1 activity prevents the Aβ-induced mTOR hyperactivity in vivo by blocking PRAS40 phosphorylation and restores cognitive impairments by enhancing proteasome function. Recently identified small-molecule PIM1 inhibitors have been developed as potential therapeutic to reduce AD-neuropathology. This comprehensive study aims to address the activity of PIM1 inhibitor that has been tested for the treatment of AD, in addition to the pharmacological and structural aspects of PIM1.

Neurophenotype and genetic analysis of children with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome in China.

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare genetic disorder mainly affecting the central nervous system and autoimmunity. However, research on AGS among Chinese patients is limited. To summarize the neurologic phenotypes and genetic causes in pediatric AGS patients, providing insights for early recognition and diagnosis in the Chinese population. Clinical features and neuroimaging results of the patients diagnosed with AGS from Beijing Children's Hospital between January 2018 and January 2022 were collected. Whole exome sequencing was used for genetic analysis. A total of 15 patients was included, all presenting with various neurological symptoms, including developmental delay (100%), motor skill impairment (100%), language disability (78.6%), dystonia (93.3%), microcephaly (73.3%), sleep disorders (26.7%), regression (20.0%), vessel disease (6.7%), and epilepsy (6.7%). Neuroimaging revealed intracranial calcification (86.7%), cerebral atrophy (73.3%), and leukodystrophy (73.3%). Seven genes were identified, with TREX1 being the most common (40.0%, 6/15), followed by IFIH1 (20.0%, 3/15). Variant c.294dupA (p.C99Mfs*3) was detected in four unrelated patients, accounting for 66.7% (4/6) patients with the TREX1 variant. A literature review showed that TREX1 gene mutations in 35.6% (21/59) of AGS patients among the Chinese population. Neurological symptoms are the most prevalent and severe presentation of AGS. Diagnosis may be considered when symptoms such as developmental delay, dystonia, microcephaly, brain calcification, and leukodystrophy emerge. TREX1 mutations are predominant in the Chinese population.