Search Results (7,977)

Background/Objectives: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a life-saving treatment for many hematological disorders, but demand for unrelated donors continues to outpace donor-registry growth. Voluntary blood donors are a strategic population for donor recruitment, yet their HSCT knowledge and attitudes remain understudied. This study examined these and their relationship with sociodemographic characteristics, blood donation behaviors, and each other. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with 300 voluntary blood donors aged 18–64 years attending a blood transfusion and apheresis center in Istanbul, Türkiye, between June and October 2025. Face-to-face interviews used a researcher-developed, content-validated Donor Information Form (scale-level content validity index = 0.96; Kuder–Richardson-20 = 0.828 for knowledge and 0.863 for attitude). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Results: Mean knowledge and attitude scores were low (31.85 ± 21.82 and 34.98 ± 26.63 out of 100, respectively). Healthcare professional status, prior HSCT awareness, and previous stem cell donation were each associated with significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores (all p < 0.001), with the largest effect observed for previous donation experience on attitude (d = 1.92). Knowledge and attitude were strongly correlated (r = 0.705, p < 0.001), and knowledge predicted attitude (R² = 0.496, p < 0.001). Although 29.3% of participants had considered stem cell donation, only 1.7% had ever donated—a gap that also reflects the need to be matched with a recipient. Conclusions: Knowledge and attitudes regarding HSCT among voluntary blood donors were generally insufficient, with a marked gap between donation intention and actual behavior. Knowledge strongly predicted attitude. Nurse-led education at blood donation encounters, combined with simplified donor-registry enrollment, may help expand the pool of registered stem cell donors. Full article

Tungsten borides are promising superhard materials, but their mechanochemical synthesis requires prolonged processing, leaving the early and intermediate stages of mechanical alloying (MA) and the role of boron content largely unexplored. This study investigated the effect of boron content and high-energy MA duration (2–10 h) on the morphology, particle size distribution, and structural and phase evolution of W–B powder mixtures, comparing a near-stoichiometric W90B10 composition with a boron-excess W80B20 composition. Scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction, X-ray diffraction, and TEM-EDS were used for characterization. The average particle size of W90B10 initially increased to 3.48 μm after 6 h and then decreased to 1.28 μm after 10 h, whereas W80B20 exhibited non-monotonic behavior, stabilizing at approximately 4.3 μm. With increasing MA duration, bcc-tungsten reflections broadened and weakened, indicating a highly disordered nanocrystalline state. Reflections of hexagonal WB₂ (crystallite size 12.5 nm) appeared in W90B10 after 8 h, whereas no crystalline boride phases were detected in W80B20 up to 10 h. TEM–EDS and SAED analyses revealed local compositional inhomogeneity and provided additional crystallographic support for the formation of nanocrystalline WB₂. These results show that boron content determines the kinetics of boride phase formation and the morphology evolution pathway during MA, identifying W90B10 as the more favorable composition for rapid nanocrystalline WB₂ synthesis. Full article

Background and Objectives: Cesarean scar disorder (CSDi) may require surgical repair in women with a large niche and thin residual myometrium. At our center, temporary postoperative progestin therapy is recommended to suppress cyclic endometrial proliferation and menstrual activity at the freshly reconstructed scar during early wound healing; whether this improves structural healing is unknown. We evaluated patient-reported treatment initiation, discontinuation, tolerability, bleeding patterns, mood-related symptoms, sexual behavior, and previous hormonal treatment experience in women planning pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study included 74 women who underwent laparoscopic-assisted cesarean scar repair between 2020 and 2023. Seventy completed questionnaire follow-ups between March and October 2024 (response rate 94.6%). Hormonal exposure was patient-reported and included desogestrel, dienogest, or an unspecified progestin. Analyses were primarily descriptive and used item-specific denominators. Results: Among women with valid postoperative treatment information, 43/55 (78.2%) reported progestin use. Very-high motivation or a pregnancy-related motivation response was selected by 43/59 women (72.9%). Premature discontinuation because of adverse effects was reported by 15/61 (24.6%), and prolonged vaginal bleeding >14 days by 15/64 (23.4%). Mean perceived adverse-effect intensity was 3.43 (SD 2.99) on a 10-point scale. Fatigue, irritability, and depressed mood were the most frequently reported mood-related symptoms. Among women comparing the postoperative regimen with previous hormonal preparations, 20/32 (62.5%) reported no relevant difference in tolerability. Conclusions: Most women with available treatment information initiated postoperative progestin therapy, and motivation remained substantial despite an active desire for pregnancy. A relevant subgroup reported adverse-effect-related discontinuation or prolonged bleeding. These findings support careful pretreatment counseling and shared decision-making. The effects of postoperative hormonal suppression on anatomical healing and reproductive outcomes remain uncertain. Full article

Introduction: Methylphenidate (MPH) is a first-line treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). MPH blocks dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, increasing synaptic catecholamine levels. Neurotransmitter release depends on presynaptic vesicle docking and fusion mediated by synaptosomal-associated protein 25 kDa (SNAP-25), a target-soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein encoded by the SNAP-25 gene. This study aimed to investigate whether genetic variations in the SNAP-25 gene contribute to variability in clinical response to MPH in pediatric patients with ADHD. Methods: Forty-two children and adolescents aged 6–16 years who presented to the outpatient clinic and were diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-5-TR criteria were prospectively treated with MPH for two months. Clinical response was assessed using the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and the Turgay DSM-based Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S). SNAP-25 exons were sequenced using targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS). Results: Three common variants in SNAP-25 (rs363006, rs362585, and rs362998) were analyzed. Based on CPRS-defined outcomes, a significant association was observed between the rs362998:C > T polymorphism and response to MPH. In the genotypic model, the CT genotype was more frequent among responders (34.78%) than non-responders (5.26%) (p = 0.026, FDR-adjusted p = 0.049). In the dominant model, CT + TT genotypes were more frequent in responders (p = 0.026, FDR-adjusted p = 0.049). The allelic model showed a higher frequency of the T allele in responders (p = 0.036, FDR-adjusted p = 0.049). Haplotype analysis showed that rs362585, rs362998, and rs363006 formed a single haplotype block. The GC haplotype (rs362585–rs362998) was more frequent among non-responders (p = 0.016), while the GCG haplotype showed a similar trend among non-responders, although it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.058). However, no haplotype association remained statistically significant after FDR correction. A novel 3′UTR variant (c.*54T > C; chr20:10306251T > C) was also identified. Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest a potential association between SNAP-25 rs362998:C > T and MPH response in pediatric ADHD; however, the small sample size and wide confidence intervals warrant cautious interpretation and validation in larger, independent cohorts. Full article

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may engage in stereotypy (STPY). STPY may be problematic if it interferes with other activities or is self-injurious. We used self-monitoring (SM) alone and in a two-component mixed schedule to reduce stereotypy in three boys with ASD. We used a multiple baseline across participants design with an embedded reversal for one participant. After confirming an automatic function for STPY, baseline was followed by three conditions: Differential Reinforcement (Accuracy), during which the participant received reinforcement for accurately recording STPY; Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) with SM, during which the participant received reinforcement for not engaging in STPY; and a two-component mixed-schedule condition in which the reinforcement contingency (either differential reinforcement for accuracy or the absence of STPY) was unsignaled. Training SM reduced STPY in two participants. However, the third participant’s STPY only reduced with DRO. For him, a two-component mixed schedule in which the reinforcement contingency was unsignaled, reduced STPY, thus reducing the observation requirement for DRO. Thus, using indiscriminable contingencies may contribute to more efficient SM interventions, when reducing STPY is a goal identified by the participant themselves and is considered socially valid. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neuropathic pain is a complex chronic disorder affecting roughly 7–10% of the population. Current neuropathic pain treatments fail to provide adequate relief in at least ~40% of patients and are usually accompanied by side effects that are sometimes severe. In this study, we investigated the effect of boldine, a natural occurring alkaloid, in attenuating peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain symptoms and transcriptomic changes. Methods: Male C57BL6 mice underwent chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve. Customized diet containing boldine or control diet was administered immediately after surgery. Mechanical pain responses were measured by Von Frey filament test. Spontaneous pain-like weight bearing behavior was assessed using the dynamic weight bearing system. L3–L5 spinal cords were collected 15 days after injury and subjected to quantitative PCR and bulk RNA sequencing. Results: CCI led to ipsilateral hypersensitivity of mechanical pain responses and weight-bearing deficits including reduced rearing duration, ipsilateral/contralateral weight support ratio, and ipsilateral hind paw posed duration. Boldine treatment substantially attenuated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia but not the weight bearing deficits. Gene expression analysis showed that boldine inhibited CCI-induced upregulation of inflammatory mediators in the spinal cord. RNA sequencing analysis revealed several pain-related canonical pathways and upstream factors after CCI, and boldine treatment markedly reversed these CCI-induced transcriptomic changes. Conclusions: Early oral administration of boldine attenuated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and was associated with reduced inflammatory gene expression and reversal of multiple injury-related transcriptomic changes in the spinal cord. These preliminary preclinical findings support further investigation of boldine and do not establish therapeutic efficacy in established neuropathic pain. Full article

The increasing occurrence of anxiety disorders caused by emerging environmental toxicants has become a significant global health concern. While recent evidence indicates that 6PPD-Q can induce anxiety-like behavior, the specific mechanisms connecting 6PPD-Q to anxiety-like behavior are still largely unknown. This gap in understanding restricts our knowledge of their neurotoxic potential and complicates the development of targeted treatment strategies. Here, adverse effects, including neuronal degeneration, synaptic dysfunction, and impaired GABAergic signaling in the amygdala, were observed in mice exhibiting anxiety-like behavior following 6PPD-Q exposure. Integrated network toxicology and transcriptomic analysis revealed that inhibition of the cAMP signaling pathway was associated with PPD-Q-related anxiety-like behavior, and adenosine receptors, particularly ADORA2A, as potential targets of 6PPD-Q. Specifically, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that 6PPD-Q may stably interact with the orthosteric ligand-binding pocket of ADORA2A, potentially interfering with receptor activation. Importantly, the predicted interaction with ADORA2A may represent a potentially shared neurotoxicological feature among PPD-Qs, consistent with the computationally predicted interaction profiles across PPD-Qs. Moreover, pharmacological activation of ADORA2A with the selective agonist significantly alleviated the 6PPD-Q-induced neurobehavioral deficits in mice. Collectively, our research provides evidence supporting the involvement of ADORA2A and the cAMP-related signaling pathway in 6PPD-Q-induced anxiety-like behavior, providing a timely foundation for preventing neuropsychiatric disorders associated with PPD-Q exposure. Full article

Motor differences are increasingly recognized as relevant early markers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although they are not part of the core diagnostic criteria. Recent advances in computer vision, pose estimation, and machine learning have enabled the quantitative analysis of movement patterns, particularly stereotyped motor movements (SMMs) and gait deviations. This scoping review examines recent artificial intelligence approaches for analyzing motor and movement patterns in individuals with ASD, with particular emphasis on stereotyped motor movements (SMMs) and gait-related differences. The reviewed studies used 2D and 3D pose estimation, conventional machine learning algorithms, and deep learning models to extract movement features from video, skeletal, depth, and sensor-based data. The included studies addressed different outcomes, including ASD versus TD classification, SMM and repetitive-behavior detection, gait abnormality classification or characterization, motor phenotype assessment, and movement measurement or validation. Because these studies examined different tasks and used different performance metrics, their results cannot be directly compared. However, small or private datasets, heterogeneous protocols, and limited external validation restrict cross-study comparison and clinical generalizability. Overall, the current evidence supports technical movement analysis rather than validated clinical ASD screening or diagnosis. Full article

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at heightened risk during earthquakes, yet behavioral interventions targeting disaster preparedness in this population remain scarce. This study evaluated the effects of a multicomponent, technology-supported behavioral intervention package on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of earthquake safety skills—declarative knowledge of pre- and post-earthquake actions and a five-step drop–cover–hold chain under stimulus control—in children with ASD. Three male children with ASD (aged 8–12 years) took part in a probe-condition multiple-probe across-participants single-case experimental design. The package combined video modeling, slide-based concept presentation, conditional discrimination training, and in vivo rehearsal with least-to-most prompting and reinforcement schedule thinning. All three participants reached the maximum score after three to four instructional sessions and met the mastery criterion (three consecutive maximum scores) within six to seven daily probes. Performance was maintained at 2-, 4-, and 8-week follow-up probes, with one score of 4 at 4 weeks, and generalized to a novel setting, materials, and implementer. Visual analysis indicated three within-study replications of effect, one per participant, produced by the staggered introduction of the intervention across the three tiers of the design, and Tau-U effect sizes were 0.80 to 0.87 (large to very large). Within the limits of a three-participant design meeting What Works Clearinghouse standards with reservations, these findings indicate that structured behavioral instruction can establish earthquake safety responding in children with ASD; replication is required before wider instructional use. Full article

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with early differences in attentional control and working memory (WM), yet relatively few paradigms are developmentally feasible across the toddler-to-preschool period while also distinguishing spatial from featural information use. Addressing this “Toddler Data Desert,” we extended a self-ordered pointing paradigm into a touchscreen WM search task paired with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to characterize developmental changes in search behavior and cortical recruitment. The larger study enrolled 204 children aged 2–6 years; 200 completed both Set Size 3 conditions, 197 completed both Set Size 6 conditions, and 162 completed both Set Size 9 conditions after a performance-based advancement criterion. Children completed stationary, spatially informative and feature-informative, featural/color-informative Treasure Chest blocks across increasing memory loads while fNIRS measured bilateral frontal, temporal, and parietal responses. Behaviorally, children required fewer selections during spatial than featural search at Set Sizes 3 and 6, and performance improved with age; this condition difference was no longer statistically reliable at Set Size 9 within the selected higher-performing subset. Immediate perseverative selections also decreased markedly with age. Exploratory post hoc sequence analyses further showed increasingly organized spatial search under higher memory load, whereas featural search remained comparatively heterogeneous, and organization in a preceding spatial block did not reliably predict subsequent featural search. Symptom-defined ADHD risk did not significantly predict behavioral efficiency. Neurally, spatial and featural blocks showed age-associated differences in distributed frontotemporal–parietal recruitment, and the elevated-symptom group showed broader frontal recruitment despite comparable behavioral performance. Together, these findings support the Treasure Chest Task as a toddler-feasible approach for examining developmental differences in spatial and featural working-memory search while highlighting the value of integrating behavioral sequence measures with cortical activity. Neural risk-group findings should be interpreted as cross-sectional associations rather than diagnostic biomarkers. Full article

Behavioral disorders in companion animals are increasingly being managed with pharmacotherapy. However, prescription practices often rely on extrapolation from human psychiatry without considering species-specific phenotypes, diagnostic frameworks, or pharmacokinetic variability. A structured translational approach is required to align mechanistic plausibility with clinical evidence and interspecies constraints. This review consolidates the current information on the pharmacological modulation of neurotransmitter systems in canine and feline behavioral disorders using a comparative framework. Neurotransmitter circuits are mapped to relevant phenotypes. Controlled clinical evidence supports the use of selected serotonergic agents for specific chronic behavioral indications in dogs, whereas evidence in cats remains scarce and indication-specific. Controlled veterinary evidence is also available for selected agents used in acute or situational behavioral indications and for selegiline in canine cognitive dysfunction. Contrastingly, the broader neurotransmitter–phenotype relationships and emerging pharmacological targets discussed in this review are supported by mechanistic or translational evidence and should not be interpreted as established clinical indications. Cross-species translation is most defensible at the level of conserved receptors and transporters, whereas direct transfer of human diagnostic categories and subjective symptoms is limited in veterinary patients. Species- and drug-specific pharmacokinetic differences, along with limited feline data, necessitate careful dose initiation, titration, and monitoring to mitigate adverse effects and drug interactions. This review provides a structured framework for interpreting psychopharmacological evidence in dogs and cats by integrating pharmacological mechanisms, the design and scope of available clinical studies, translational boundaries, and species- and drug-specific pharmacokinetic considerations. Future research could benefit from standardized outcome measures, expanded feline trials, and pragmatic real-world designs. Full article

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are clinically heterogeneous, and patients sharing the same diagnosis may differ substantially in pain mechanisms, functional impairments, behavioral contributors, comorbidities, psychosocial burden, prognosis, and treatment response. Although the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), the International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP), and the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) provide essential diagnostic standards, they do not directly translate diagnosis into individualized physiotherapy management. This Masterclass proposes an evidence-informed clinical framework designed to bridge this gap and support personalized, evidence-based practice. Developed through targeted literature searches, citation tracking, and narrative synthesis of diagnostic standards, clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, consensus documents, and key phenotyping studies, the framework retains established diagnoses as clinical anchors while adding a physiotherapy-oriented translational layer. Assessment focuses on clinically relevant and potentially modifiable features, including familiar pain, mandibular mobility and motor control, behavioral load, regional and sleep-related comorbidities, psychosocial factors, prognosis, and pain-mechanism hypotheses. These findings are integrated with patient goals and preferences to identify dominant treatment targets, inform intervention intensity, select appropriate outcomes, and determine when interdisciplinary care is required. Education, therapeutic exercise, selected manual therapy, and behavioral strategies are therefore considered according to explicit clinical objectives rather than diagnostic labels alone. The framework distinguishes evidence-supported components from extrapolated and hypothesis-generating propositions and aims to make physiotherapy management more transparent, reproducible, patient-centered, and testable. Full article

Background/Objectives: Suicide became the leading cause of death among Korean adults in their 40s in 2024. We identified sociodemographic, health behavior, and mental health correlates of suicidal ideation in mid-life without adjustment for depression, which overlaps with the outcome through Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item 9 and was measured in only one of the two survey years. Methods: This cross-sectional secondary analysis of the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2022–2023) used complete data from 4715 of 5153 adults aged 40–64 years. Anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (screening threshold ≥ 10). Complex-sample logistic regression incorporated strata, clusters, and pooled weights, with all covariates prespecified. Results: Suicidal ideation prevalence was 3.8%. Independent correlates were high perceived stress (odds ratio (OR) = 8.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.47–13.34), one-generation other-type household (OR = 6.81, 3.29–14.08; n = 59, 11 events), elevated anxiety symptoms (OR = 5.01, 3.02–8.32), middle school education or below (OR = 2.13, 1.12–4.03), economic inactivity (OR = 1.85, 1.25–2.73), poor perceived health (OR = 1.70, 1.13–2.55), and low household income (OR = 1.57, 1.08–2.28). Wave-specific adjustment for depression attenuated the stress and anxiety associations by 15–55% without eliminating them. Conclusions: Mid-life suicidal ideation was associated with mental health vulnerability, household composition, and socioeconomic disadvantage. The value of these cross-sectional associations for screening or risk stratification requires prospective evaluation. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options. Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) is a key regulator of neuroinflammation and has been implicated in AD pathology. Using molecular docking against PDE4B as a screening anchor, we analyzed constituents from G. elata water extract and identified Parishin B as a top-ranked candidate. Parishin B directly inhibited recombinant PDE4B, reducing activity to 22.1% of control at 100 μM. In an Al³⁺-induced zebrafish AD model, both the crude extract and purified Parishin B significantly rescued behavioral deficits; Parishin B at 100 μM showed no statistical difference from the donepezil group, while the crude extract was effective at 30 μg/mL. Mechanistically, Parishin B protected SH-SY5Y neurons against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by reducing ROS and apoptosis and suppressed LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglia via downregulation of iNOS and COX-2. These results suggest that Parishin B is a chemically traceable constituent with dual neuroprotective actions, validating the docking-guided screening strategy and supporting further investigation of G. elata as a source of AD-relevant bioactive compounds. Full article

Background: Anxiety and obsessive–compulsive disorders can co-occur with disordered eating behaviors and difficulties in emotional regulation. This article presents the clinical case of a 21-year-old female student whose complex neuropsychiatric profile required the simultaneous consideration of psychological, psychosocial, and somatic factors. The aim of this case report was to examine the coexistence of psychopathological symptoms, eating disturbances, psychosocial experiences, and somatic findings, while considering the potential role of post-infectious factors. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the patient’s medical and psychiatric history was conducted, including childhood infections, psychiatric diagnoses, psychosocial experiences, eating behaviors, and available laboratory findings. The assessment also included quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) brain mapping performed under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Particular attention was given to the retrospective hypothesis of PANDAS/PANS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections/Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), while distinguishing documented clinical findings from unconfirmed etiopathogenetic hypotheses. Results: Retrospective history revealed recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and bilateral pneumonia in early childhood, followed by increasing anxiety and social withdrawal from peers. The patient was diagnosed with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) at the age of 13, while psychiatric records from 2023 also documented depressive disorders and social phobia. Within the family system, the patient experienced relational trauma, including systematic verbal and psychological abuse by her father. Blood tests performed on 11 June 2025 revealed an elevated antistreptolysin O (ASO) level of 436 IU/mL, which may indicate previous streptococcal exposure but does not confirm active infection, PANDAS/PANS, or a causal relationship with neuropsychiatric symptoms. The available documentation lacked microbiological confirmation of streptococcal infections or evidence substantiating a PANDAS/PANS diagnosis. QEEG brain mapping revealed elevated fast HiBeta activity in the frontal regions under both recording conditions; however, incomplete methodological documentation precluded definitive interpretation of this finding as evidence of persistent cortical overactivity or specific cognitive deficits. Somatic and metabolic findings included morning cortisol of 7.7 µg/dL, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-SO4) of 163 µg/dL, prolactin of 513.0 mIU/L, and total cholesterol of 138 mg/dL. A previously recorded glycemic value of 45 mg/dL was also noted, although insufficient information was available to confirm reactive hypoglycemia. The patient reported a dichotomous eating pattern characterized by appetite suppression during acute stress, followed by episodes of increased food intake aimed at regulating emotional tension. However, the absence of standardized assessment prevented confirmation of formal binge-eating episodes. Food avoidance and restriction were associated with contamination fears and obsessive–compulsive rituals. The patient also expressed marked body image dissatisfaction and a desire for an extremely thin physique, although no formal diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder was documented. Conclusions: This case highlights the complex coexistence of obsessive–compulsive and anxiety symptoms, disordered eating behaviors, psychosocial trauma, and somatic findings. Although retrospective clinical history and elevated ASO levels raise the possibility of a post-infectious contribution, the available evidence does not establish an autoimmune mechanism or confirm PANDAS/PANS. The findings emphasize the importance of distinguishing documented clinical observations from etiopathogenetic hypotheses and support an interdisciplinary approach integrating psychiatric care, psychotherapy, nutritional assessment, and appropriate somatic diagnostics. Full article