Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, yet their underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This review critically examines the neuronal atrophy hypothesis, which posits that chronic stress and associated neurobiological changes lead to structural and functional deficits in critical brain regions, contributing to mood disorder pathogenesis. Key mechanisms explored include dysregulation of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), elevated glucocorticoids from stress responses, neuroinflammation mediated by cytokines, and mitochondrial dysfunction disrupting neuronal energy metabolism. These processes collectively impair synaptic plasticity, exacerbate structural atrophy, and perpetuate mood dysregulation. Emerging evidence from neuroimaging, genetic, and epigenetic studies underscores the complexity of these interactions and highlights the role of environmental factors such as early-life stress and urbanization. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies targeting neuroplasticity, including novel pharmacological agents, lifestyle interventions, and anti-inflammatory treatments, are discussed as promising avenues for improving patient outcomes. Advancing our understanding of the neuronal atrophy hypothesis could lead to more effective, sustainable interventions for managing mood disorders and mitigating their global health burden.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-reported personality test that has continued to gain popularity and traction across industries. The MBTI assesses individuals within four dichotomous categories corresponding to ways to, ultimately, assign one of sixteen personality types. Prior studies indicate that physicians trended towards certain personality traits and medical students with a particular trait performed lower academically. Due to the recency of these studies, however, there is a substantial knowledge gap in the relationship between medical student MBTIs and academic performance, demographics, and career interests. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate this relationship amongst 4-year allopathic U.S. medical students and determine if there is substantial correlation to implement MBTI results in creating personalized student support services in school curriculum. This study was a single institution, cross-sectional study of 83 medical students. A survey was emailed to all students with the MBTI personality test paper edition, in addition to questions regarding specialty interest, learning style preference, and career values. Each student’s responses were de-identified after pairing with the respective students’ academic performance data and demographic information. Chi-square tests were used to compare MBTI data with categorical data such as demographic characteristics while independent sample t-tests were used to compare MBTI data with numerical variables like academic performance. Our findings suggest statistically significant associations between Introversion (I) with older age and Thinking (T) with male students. Additionally, Thinking (T) students performed better academically, valued variety in patient care (breadth of patients and pathologies seen), and the specific type of patient contact (longitudinal vs. short-term, etc.). Conversely, Feeling (F) students trended towards people-oriented specialties. Regarding learning styles and study environments, Extroverted (E) and Judging (J) types preferred hands-on learning, though Judging (J) types also preferred a quiet environment. No other statistically significant differences were found amongst the remaining variables. Medical schools should utilize student MBTI results to individualize student academic and career support as our study indicates various significant associations between some of the personality types. While not a “one-size-fits-all,” the MBTI can be used as a potential starting point for specialty exploration and learning styles.

Background: Metal oxide nanoparticle–reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been shown to improve mechanical properties, such as strength. Different types of metal oxide nanoparticles have been used previously, but the comparative effect on the strength of heat-cured denture base resins remains unclear. Objective: This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that will aim to pool evidence to compare and analyze the effects of the addition of different metal oxide nanoparticles, with varied sizes and concentrations, on the strength (flexural, impact, transverse, compressive tensile strength, and fracture toughness) of heat-cured PMMA. In addition, this review aims to analyze methodological factors, such as adherence to testing and sample-making guidelines, and the effects of surface treatments of the nanoparticles on the strength of heat-cured denture base resins. Methods: The protocol has been registered in the Open Science Framework. Search strategies to identify studies on the effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on the strength of heat-cured PMMA were developed by the subject matter expert in library science. Following this, a systematic search of 5 electronic databases (PubMed [NCBI], Scopus [Elsevier], Cochrane Library [Wiley], CINAHL Plus with Full Text [EBSCO], and Dimensions Free Web App) was conducted to retrieve in vitro studies published in English from January 2012 to October 2023. Along with this citation chasing, other online sources and gray literature were also searched. Furthermore, papers will be screened, and appropriate data elements will be extracted in a standardized manner. A risk-of-bias assessment will be performed using a modified Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. A meta-analysis will be performed using a random-effects model. Results: Search in databases resulted in 1837 papers, of which 1752 were duplicates, leaving 85 records that were screened for titles and abstracts based on the eligibility criteria. A similar search run on other online sources identified 129 papers that will be further analyzed for inclusion. The study was initiated in November 2023 and research questions and search strategies were formulated. The proposed study is expected to be completed by December 2024. Conclusions: This systematic review will comprehensively analyze the effects of the incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles in heat-cured denture base resins on the strength of the material. We anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of the effects and method of use of metal oxide nanoparticles to improve the strength of PMMA denture base resins. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/59999

Introduction: Evidence exists that individual-level sociodemographic factors contribute to vaccine hesitancy, but it is unknown how community-level factors affect COVID-19 booster dose hesitancy. The current study aims to fill this knowledge gap by comparing data from a nationwide survey on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy with a community-level indicator, i.e., the Distressed Communities Index (DCI). Methods: Attitudes toward vaccinations, vaccine literacy, COVID-19 vaccine confidence index, and trust were measured using a 48-item, psychometrically valid and reliable survey tool. In this study, 2138 survey participants residing in the United States were divided into quintiles of varying community distress levels based on their zip codes using the DCI. Data were analyzed through Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc analysis with Tukey’s test. Results: A significantly higher proportion of participants from the distressed communities had lower trust than their prosperous counterparts (26.6% vs. 37.6%, p < 0.001). On the contrary, participants from the prosperous communities had significantly higher vaccine confidence index scores than those in distressed communities (2.22 ± 1.13 vs. 1.70 ± 1.01, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings affirm the importance of developing community-level interventions to promote trust in COVID-19 vaccinations and increase booster dose uptake. From these results, future studies can examine the efficacy of various community-level interventions.

Purpose: Does weather affect the rate of developing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)? This comprehensive review investigates the findings of the most recent studies on the relationship between RRD and climatic or seasonal factors. Methods: An extensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases resulted in 112 initial results, from which 18 studies published between 1980 and 2024 were selected. The selection criteria were based on the studies’ relevance to our topic. We analyzed their methodology, geographic scope, and key findings. Data extraction encompassed study design, sample size, sex ratio, incidence rates, results, and identified limitations. Results: Eight studies found no statistically significant relationship between seasonal variations and the incidence of RRD. Conversely, seven studies reported an increased incidence of RRD during the summer months. Additionally, secondary analyses of factors, such as ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and daylight hours, showed varied and sometimes conflicting results. A summary of common limitations and biases was synthesized into a table, providing guidelines for future research exploring this topic. Conclusion: This comprehensive review highlights the complex interaction between environmental factors and RRD incidence. The conflicting results across different studies suggest a need for further research in this area. Future studies should address the identified limitations and biases to provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between climate and RRD. By utilizing the guidelines from our review, future research could aim to minimize confounding factors and improve the robustness of their findings. Understanding these interactions can be used to develop preventive strategies and enhance clinical practices to reduce the burden of RRD.

Background: Current guidelines from trauma societies recommend cervical spine (c-spine) clearance for obtunded blunt trauma patients after negative CT c-spine (CS-CT). However, the value of additional c-spine MRI (CS-MRI) in patients with low-energy trauma mechanisms is unclear and controversial. This study hypothesizes that obtunded blunt low-energy mechanism trauma patients would not have c-spine injuries requiring surgery on CS-MRI after negative CS-CT. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at a level 1 trauma center, analyzing adults with low-energy blunt trauma from 2018-2022. Inclusion criteria encompassed individuals over 18 years old admitted to the ICU following assault/fall 10 feet or less requiring intubation for 24+ hours. Exclusion criteria included patients with high-energy trauma or intubated later in their admission/less than 24 hours. Primary outcomes were c-spine injuries identified on MRI following negative CS-CT and percentage of patients requiring surgery. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Of 1462 charts, 300 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these 300 patients, 194 underwent only CS-CT (64.7%), while 106 underwent both CT and MRI (35.3%). Among the 82 patients with negative CS-CT who received CS-MRI, only 1 (1.2%) was found to have an unstable c-spine injury. Patients who underwent CS-MRI had increased ICU length of stay (7.52 vs 11.87 days) and ventilator days (6.12 vs 9.43 days) compared CS-CT alone. Discussion: The findings suggest that negative CS-CT is typically sufficient for clearance in low-energy trauma patients. Additional CS-MRI may increase health care resource use without revealing significant injuries, supporting streamlined c-spine clearance protocols based on trauma mechanism.