Despite continued prevention efforts, loneliness in older adults remains a risk factor for negative mental health outcomes. Loneliness can develop from disrupted interpersonal perceptions, namely thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB). This study examined the effectiveness of the Combating Loneliness Intervention (CLI), a brief online treatment using cognitive and behavioral strategies to reduce loneliness by restructuring cognitions and behaviors related to TB and PB in older adults. The study aimed to test three hypotheses: (1) CLI would be well-received regarding acceptability and feasibility, (2) CLI would significantly reduce loneliness relative to the control group, and (3) CLI would significantly reduce related risk factors (i.e., PB, TB).

Participants (N = 70; age > 65) were older adults with above-average levels of loneliness. Participants were randomized to the CLI or a control intervention (i.e., healthy lifestyle behaviors such as sleep hygiene) and completed assessments at pre-treatment, post-intervention, 1-month, and 6-month follow up.

Both interventions were well-tolerated with similar attrition, but CLI participants reported higher satisfaction and credibility. CLI showed a delayed but promising effect, with significantly lower levels of loneliness than the control group at six months. Both groups showed reductions in related risk factors (i.e., TB and PB), though differences between conditions were nonsignificant. However, a significant time-by-condition interaction indicated a larger reduction in perceived burdensomeness in the CLI condition.

The current study suggests that CLI is a promising intervention that should be further tested among larger samples of older adults.

Ruptures of the Achilles tendon are common, functionally debilitating injuries that can be managed nonoperatively or surgically. Preoperative depression has been associated with worse outcomes in orthopedic procedures, but its impact on surgical decision-making and recovery after Achilles repair is unclear.

This study evaluates the impact of preoperative depression on operative treatment rates and postoperative outcomes following Achilles tendon repair.

TriNetX database identified adults with Achilles tendon rupture (2005-2024). Patients were stratified by preoperative depression, with a secondary analysis comparing antidepressant users and non-users among depressed patients. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed using demographic and clinical variables. Outcomes included 90-day postoperative complications and one-year outcomes. Relative risks (RRs) and P-values were calculated.

Among patients with Achilles tendon rupture, those with preoperative depression were less likely to undergo operative repair than those without depression (6.30% vs 7.40%; 1,067 vs 1,144; P=0.0008). Patients with depression experienced higher 90-day rates of infection (4.54% vs 2.31%, P=0.0015), acute postoperative pain (6.80% vs 3.60%, P<0.001), and physical therapy evaluation (32.0% vs 27.8%,P=0.0183). At one year, persistent ankle pain was more frequent in the depression cohort (29.19% vs 23.53%,P=0.0009). Among patients with depression, antidepressant use was associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing surgery (7.10% vs 5.90%; 359 vs 296; P=0.0110) and higher rates of acute postoperative pain (8.70% vs 4.90%, P = 0.027).

Preoperative depression was associated with altered surgical decision-making and worse postoperative outcomes following Achilles tendon repair. Although patients with depression were less likely to undergo surgery, those treated operatively experienced greater postoperative pain and poorer recovery. Antidepressant use increased the likelihood of surgery but did not mitigate postoperative risk. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative mental health assessment and targeted perioperative strategies.

The evolution and relationship between anxiety and depression symptoms are complex and may vary between before and after catheter ablation for tachyarrhythmia. The present study aimed to explore the evolution and relationship between anxiety and depression symptoms by using network analysis.

Longitudinal data were selected from a cohort study of individuals with tachyarrhythmia. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to examine anxiety and depression symptoms at baseline, and one and three months postoperatively. Cross-sectional networks and cross-lagged panel networks (CLPN) were constructed to identify important predictors.

344 patients were included in the network analysis. Moderate-to-high levels of congruity were observed across three cross-sectional networks. A3 (Worrying thoughts) had higher strength centrality across all time points. Meanwhile, the strength centrality at the three time points is time-specific. Specifically, the node with the highest strength centrality was D3 (Cheerful feeling) at T1, but A4 (Relaxed feeling) at both T2 and T3. Additionally, A3 (Worrying thoughts) and A4 (Relaxed feeling) had a higher bridge strength centrality across all times. The cross-lagged network revealed that A3 (Worrying thoughts) and A4 (Relaxed feeling) could predict the subsequent presence of multiple anxiety-depression symptoms at T1 to T2 CLPN and at T2 to T3 CLPN, respectively.

This study elucidates the complex evolutionary patterns and interactions between anxiety-depression symptoms in patients with tachyarrhythmia during the perioperative period of catheter ablation. Worrying thoughts and Relaxed feeling are central symptoms that may inform the prioritization of clinical focus for alleviating anxiety and depression.

Alterations of neurotransmitter systems in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) remain partially understood, mainly due to the complexity of simultaneously and directly assessing these systems in vivo. To address this knowledge gap, recent approaches have been proposed correlating normative multi-tracer neurotransmitter data with established disease biomarkers, including [¹⁸F]FDG-PET. We retrospectively enrolled 90 AD patients (72.8 ± 7 years, Mini Mental State Examination - MMSE 24 ± 4.1) and 42 Healthy Controls (HC, 70 ± 8.5 years, MMSE 29 ± 0.8), all with a brain [¹⁸F]FDG-PET scan and MMSE collected at baseline. All AD diagnoses were confirmed by a positive amyloid marker (CSF or Amyloid PET). We performed a voxel-based analysis between AD and HC to explore brain relative hypometabolism and then, using the established JuSpace toolbox, we explored the spatial correlation between brain hypometabolism and PET-maps targeting glutamate (mGluR5), GABA (GABA-a), dopamine (D1, D2, FDOPA), serotonin (SERT, 5HT1a, 5HT1b, 5HT2a, 5HT4), noradrenaline (NAT) and choline (VAChT) systems. The significant results obtained were then correlated with MMSE and cortical amyloid burden, measured with Amyloid PET. The distribution of brain relative hypometabolism of AD patients was spatially associated with maps of 5HT2a and mGluR5 distribution (both p = 0.02, r = -0.11). Both 5HT2a and mGluR5 regional relative distribution correlated with a lower MMSE, 5HT2a was also associated with a greater cerebral amyloid burden. These findings are consistent with recent multimodal imaging studies and suggest that serotonergic and glutamatergic receptor-dense regions may show preferential metabolic vulnerability in AD, with relevance for cognitive impairment.

Aim: This review aims to shed light on the ways dental practices and patient care strategies have evolved in response to the pandemic. It also investigates how patients' perspectives and dentist-patient dynamics have shifted, highlighting lessons for the future of dental healthcare systems.

Materials and methods: The study is based on a comprehensive analysis of previously published research articles and clinical reports on how dental practitioners adapted their practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes qualitative and quantitative data reflecting both professional and patient experiences. The pandemic led to the rapid adoption of new technologies, heightened hygiene protocols, and increased mental health burdens on both patients and practitioners. Tele-dentistry, limited in-person visits, and stricter sterilization practices became the norm. Patients expressed both fear and appreciation for enhanced safety, altering their expectations of dental care, resilience and adaptability in dental settings.

Conclusions The lessons learned from COVID-19 experience underline the importance of incorporating dentistry into broader public health strategies. Moving forward, there is a need to invest in innovative technologies, uphold rigorous hygiene standards, and provide mental workers and patients. These steps are essential to prepare for future health emergencies and ensure the sustainability of dental care delivery.

The escalating pace of academic pressures and social life have intensified mental health challenges among college students, including widespread anxiety and depression. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as exercise therapy, have gained prominence, with 24-Style Tai Chi emerging as a promising mind-body exercise due to its simplicity and potential mental health benefits. However, its effectiveness across various promotion approaches in higher education settings remains underexplored.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different 24-Style Tai Chi promotion methods (on-site, online, mixed, and independent practice) on college students' mental health, assess intervention efficacy, and identify an optimal promotion strategy.

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 250 college students from Shandong Sport University was conducted over 8 weeks. Participants were allocated to On-Site Promotion Group (Offline-PG), Online Promotion Group (Offline-PG), Mixed Promotion Group (MPG), Independent Practice Group (IPG), or Control Group (CG). Mental health was assessed using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks, and follow-up. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA (RM-ANOVA), and regression analysis to evaluate intervention effects and participation impacts.

Offline-PG (90% attendance) and MPG (84% attendance) showed significant reductions in anxiety (SAS: Offline-PG 34.8 ± 6.3, MPG 36.2 ± 7.0, P < 0.01) and depression (SDS: Offline-PG 33.7 ± 6.9, MPG 34.9 ± 7.2, P < 0.05) by week 8. Online-PG (72% attendance) and MPG demonstrated significant self-efficacy improvements (GSES: Online-PG 36.1 ± 5.2, MPG 35.5 ± 5.6, P < 0.01). IPG (60% attendance) showed no significant changes. ANOVA revealed inter-group differences (SAS F = 6.45, P = 0.004; SDS F = 5.32, P = 0.009; GSES F = 6.74, P = 0.003), with RM-ANOVA confirming time effects. Regression analysis indicated participation strongly correlated with anxiety and depression reductions in Offline-PG (R = 0.62, P = 0.003) and MPG (R = 0.58, P = 0.004) and self-efficacy gains in Online-PG and MPG (R = 0.67, P = 0.002).

24-Style Tai Chi effectively improves college students' mental health, with on-site and mixed approaches excelling in reducing anxiety and depression, and online and mixed approaches enhancing self-efficacy. A hybrid promotion strategy is recommended to optimize participation and outcomes. Registration number: TCTR20250306005; https://thaiclinicaltrials.org/.

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, emotions, and behavior. Emotional dysregulation is a significant clinical issue. Recent years have seen growing interest in the use of conversational agents in mental health care, including for schizophrenia. This study explores the use of a conversational agent as virtual therapist (Terabot) designed to support the recognition and regulation of three emotions (anger, shame, and fear) in hospitalized individuals with schizophrenia. The pilot study aimed to assess the acceptability of this innovative intervention, focusing on protocol implementation, technical performance, and patient experience.

The study employed a mixed-methods design involving 35 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-10: F20.0-F20.9). Quantitative evaluation was based on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and a structured acceptability survey, while qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on patients' open-ended responses and facilitators' notes. Research procedures followed COREQ standards.

The study involved 35 patients; 34 completed the quantitative scales, and 32 completed the acceptability survey. The quantitative findings suggest that patients generally have a positive attitude toward the analyzed items, particularly Terabot's clarity of communication, friendly appearance, and the usefulness of its therapeutic exercises, whereas scores for empathy and emotional understanding were only moderate. The qualitative analysis revealed three main areas of patient experience: (1) the therapeutic relationship with Terabot, including both perceived strengths and clear limitations in relational depth, (2) the perceived usefulness of therapeutic exercises, especially relaxation techniques, and (3) Terabot's physical features, such as its appearance and voice. Patients highlighted contemporary nature of the tool, as well as its limitations, including technical issues (such as freezing and stuttering), rigid communication, insufficient personalization of exercises, and a lack of empathy. Facilitators' observations confirmed these limitations while also noting patient engagement and openness to technological innovation.

This preliminary study suggests that Terabot may be an acceptable and potentially useful tool for supporting therapeutic work with patients with schizophrenia. However, the findings must be interpreted with caution, given the study's exploratory design, the time-limited therapeutic intervention, and technical limitations. Enhancements in relational responsiveness, dialogic flexibility, and the range of therapeutic exercises are necessary before drawing more definitive conclusions. Moreover, controlled clinical trials are required to evaluate Terabot's effectiveness and its capacity to foster a stronger therapeutic alliance.

Workplace violence against health care professionals, especially nurses, is increasingly prevalent and complex. This article examines nuanced dimensions of workplace violence prevention particularly relevant to nurses practicing in nonpsychiatric settings. Although de-escalation is an essential skill, this article sought to explore additional factors that should be included in workplace violence prevention discourse, considering professional, ethical, clinical, and organizational contexts. The additional factors-derived from psychiatric nursing models, current literature, and clinical insights from trainers and nurses with workplace violence prevention expertise-include professional responsibilities, ethical tensions and competing priorities, underemphasis on engagement as a proactive practice, organizational constraints that limit effective workplace violence prevention, and unintended consequences of developing a risk-averse environment. Integrating interpersonal approaches and organizational culture change into workplace violence prevention efforts will enhance nurse and patient safety. Nurses are well positioned to lead this paradigm shift and drive systemic transformation in health care settings.

In Malaysia, the shift toward community-based psychiatric care has placed increased caregiving responsibilities on family members, particularly parents of adolescents with mental health conditions. Despite their central role, parental caregivers often face psychological, emotional, and social challenges, yet limited research explores their lived experiences in this context.

This study aimed to explore the challenges encountered by parental caregivers of adolescents with mental health conditions and the coping strategies they employ to manage caregiving stress.

An exploratory descriptive qualitative study design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 11 parental caregivers recruited through purposive sampling. Participants were mothers of adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment at public hospitals in Malaysia. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Across the sample of mothers, five major themes related to caregiving challenges emerged, namely strained family relationships, stigma, time constraints, emotional distress, and low public awareness of mental health. In response, caregivers adopted diverse coping strategies, including support-seeking, emotional regulation, distraction, religious practices, and recreational activities.

Mothers caring for adolescents with mental health conditions face significant emotional, relational, and societal challenges that affect their well-being. Nevertheless, many caregivers demonstrated resilience through the use of diverse coping strategies. These findings highlight the urgent need for structured support systems, mental health education, and caregiver-focused interventions to enhance both caregiver welfare and patient outcomes.

The XII-ZOMES Conference (Shenzhen, 2024) showcased advances in PCI complexes—proteasome, COP9 signalosome, and eIF3—which regulate cellular proteostasis through conserved architectures. Presentations covered translation initiation, proteasome assembly, ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modification regulation, protein quality control mechanisms, and emerging therapeutic technologies including PROTACs and molecular glues for targeted protein degradation.