Proceedings of the 12th annual deep brain stimulation think tank: cutting edge technology meets novel applications.

The Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Think Tank XII was held on August 21st to 23rd. This year we showcased groundbreaking advancements in neuromodulation technology, focusing heavily on the novel uses of existing technology as well as next-generation technology. Our keynote speaker shared the vision of using neuro artificial intelligence to predict depression using brain electrophysiology.

Engagement, user satisfaction, and the amplification of divisive content on social media.

Social media ranking algorithms typically optimize for users' revealed preferences, i.e. user engagement such as clicks, shares, and likes.

MechanoBioCAD: a generalized semi-automated computational tool for mechanobiological studies.

Soft micropillar arrays enable detailed studies of cellular mechanotransduction and biomechanics using traditional beam-bending models. However, they often rely on simplified assumptions, leading to significant errors in force estimation. We present MechanoBioCAD (MBC), a finite element method (FEM)-based tool designed specifically for micropillar research and error estimation.

A Clinical, Morphologic, and Molecular Comparison of Bonafide Spitz Melanomas and ASTs in the Pediatric Population.

Pediatric Spitz melanoma (SM) with bonafide metastatic disease is rare. In this study, we assembled the largest cohort to date of pediatric SM with a verified Spitz-associated genomic driver and clinical follow-up demonstrating bonafide metastasis. We compared the clinical, morphologic, and molecular features of these SMs to a control cohort of 57 pediatric atypical Spitz tumors (ASTs).

Cutaneous Hemangioma With Epithelioid Features Harboring TPM3/4::ALK Fusions: A Distinct Entity or a Molecular Variant of Epithelioid Hemangioma?

Vascular neoplasms with epithelioid cytomorphology encompass a wide spectrum of benign and malignant lesions, including epithelioid hemangioma (EH), cutaneous epithelioid angiomatous nodule (CEAN), epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), and epithelioid angiosarcoma (EAS). Recently, the first case of a cutaneous hemangioma with epithelioid features harboring a TPM3::ALK fusion was reported. Herein, we report 4 additional cases, including 1 case with an alternate TPM4::ALK fusion, and expand on the clinicopathologic and molecular genetic features of these unusual vascular lesions.

Correlates of Treatment Satisfaction among Adults Convicted of Sex Offenses.

Treatment satisfaction and post-treatment factors have not received focus in research on the efficacy of sex offender treatment. We aim to describe factors that are associated with treatment satisfaction and how having satisfaction with sex offender treatment is related to future health and protective factors. We solicited responses via an anonymous self-administered survey from 718 adults in the United States who were required to register on a sex offender registry.

Efficacy of human papillomavirus vaccines in the prevention of male genital diseases: a systematic review.

Objectives: To evaluate the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in preventing male genital-related diseases.

Methods: A systematic search of English language literature using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was performed in April 2024 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.

Results: Evidence from four RCTs (including 7008 male participants) support the efficacy of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in preventing genital warts and persistent HPV infection in HPV-naïve men.

Threatened synanthropes depend on intact forests: a critical evaluation of Moore et al. (2023).

Synanthropes are known for their remarkable adaptability to coexist with humans, yet increased visibility exposes them to significant threats, such as hunting or conflict over resources. Moore et al.'s review 'The rise of hyperabundant native generalists threatens both humans and nature' (https://doi.

Endophytic bacteria discovered in oil body organelles of the liverworts Marchantia polymorpha and Radula complanata.

Premise: Interactions between endophytic microbes and bryophytes have been understudied. The liverwort oil body has also remained poorly understood since its discovery, and modern studies have failed to ascertain its function and composition. Many liverwort species possess oil bodies with conspicuous granules of unknown structure.

Tumor-intrinsic and immune-related features associated with treatment failure in human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer.

Background: Limited understanding of the biology predisposing certain human papillomavirus-related (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) to relapse impedes therapeutic personalization. We aimed to identify molecular traits that distinguish recurrence-prone tumors.

Methods: 50 HPV+ OPSCCs that later recurred (cases) and 50 non-recurrent controls matched for stage, therapy, and smoking history were RNA-sequenced.

Cellular senescence predicts breast cancer risk from benign breast disease biopsy images.

Background: Each year, millions of women undergo breast biopsies. Of these, 80% are negative for malignancy but some may be at elevated risk of invasive breast cancer (IBC) due to the presence of benign breast disease (BBD). Cellular senescence plays a complex but poorly understood role in breast cancer development and the presence or absence of these cells may have prognostic value.

Mental health conditions, physical functioning, and health-related quality of life in adults with a skeletal dysplasia: a cross-sectional multinational study.

Background: This cross-sectional study investigated mental health conditions, physical functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults with short-statured skeletal dysplasia conditions across three centres; in New York, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Norway.

Methods: Questionnaires were sent to patients registered at the centres or distributed to adults attending clinics. The questionnaires included demographics, medical history, depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), pain catastrophizing, activities of daily living (HAQ), and HRQOL (SF 36/RAND-36 and PROMIS-29).

International evidence-based recommendations for polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents.

Background: During adolescence, accurate diagnostic criteria and/or identification of adolescents "at risk" of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are critical to establish appropriate screening, treatment, and lifelong health plans. The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline for PCOS aimed to provide the most up-to-date evidence-based recommendations to improve health outcomes for individuals with PCOS, emphasizing accurate and timely diagnosis of PCOS from adolescence.

Methods: The best practice methods following the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE-II) criteria were applied.

Examining the burden of mental disorders in Jordan: an ecological study over three decades.

Background: Mental disorders are a major public health issue, causing 4.9% of global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). In Jordan, factors like regional conflicts, economic changes, and population growth contribute to this burden.

The relationship between VAI, LAP, and depression and the mediation role of sleep duration-evidence from NHANES 2005-2020.

Background: The relationship between obesity and mental health has attracted attention. However, large sample studies on the relationship between visceral fat obesity and depression are lacking. This study aimed to explore the relationship between visceral fat obesity and depression by using visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP).

Media advocacy for farm safety and health: current landscape and future directions.

Background: Within public health, media advocacy embraces the influence of new media and journalists in setting public agendas and promoting important public health programming and policies. Though occupational health and safety (OSH) is an important component of public health, few studies have examined the use of media advocacy within this specific field. This study aims to examine how media is currently used to support OSH efforts as well as opportunities for engaging with this strategy.

Incidence of non-esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease in Sweden 1990-2015.

Background: Data on the incidence of Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) distal to the esophagus are scarce. This study aimed to examine the incidence of non-eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) EGID in Sweden, as well as its three entities; eosinophilic gastritis (EoG), eosinophilic enteritis (EoN), and eosinophilic colitis (EoC).

Methods: We performed a nationwide population-based cohort study of individuals with incident biopsy-confirmed non-EoE EGID in Sweden from 1990 to 2015.

Psychological booster shots targeting memory increase long-term resistance against misinformation.

An increasing number of real-world interventions aim to preemptively protect or inoculate people against misinformation. Inoculation research has demonstrated positive effects on misinformation resilience when measured immediately after treatment via messages, games, or videos. However, very little is currently known about their long-term effectiveness and the mechanisms by which such treatment effects decay over time.

The journey of the cardiovascular polypill from its conception to the WHO List of Essential Medicines.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has achieved pandemic proportions and is currently the leading cause of death worldwide. Barriers to optimal secondary cardiovascular prevention include lack of access to chronic treatment as well as low adherence in those who receive these treatments. The polypill represents a simple, cost-effective, scalable strategy to improve access and adherence to medication and effectively bridge the current gap in secondary prevention of CVD.

SLC37A3-associated retinitis pigmentosa: a case report of clinical features and three-year follow up.

Purpose: To describe a case of SLC37A3-associated retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and associated imaging and electroretinography findings.

Methods: The patient was evaluated at Columbia University Irving Medical Center using a comprehensive multimodal imaging protocol that included color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Functional assessments were conducted using full-field electroretinography (ERG), following the ISCEV standard protocols to ensure consistent and reproducible measurements of photoreceptor activity.

Establishing content validity of the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate content validity of the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS), a patient-reported outcome measure, in adults with anhedonia in the context of major depressive disorder (MDD). To accomplish this, a conceptual model including the symptoms and impacts of anhedonia in the context of MDD was developed and refined through a targeted literature review, clinician interviews (N = 6), and participant interviews (N = 20).

Results: Using the final conceptual model, an item mapping exercise was conducted for the DARS, demonstrating that it provided suitable concept coverage in this population.

Four-rod technique for neuromuscular scoliosis and pelvic obliquity correction: technical note and case series.

Surgical correction of neuromuscular scoliosis is a challenging problem facing spine surgeons. Many patients require long constructs and pelvic fixation to obtain adequate curve correction and pelvic obliquity correction. The aim of this technical note is to describe a technique for sequential pelvic obliquity and scoliotic curve correction in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis using four rods in upper thoracic to pelvis posterior spinal fusion, without the need for intraoperative traction.

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for postoperative pain management after ventral hernia repair: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Postoperative pain remains a common concern following ventral hernia repair (VHR), especially for open procedures. We aim to assess the effectiveness of the Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block for the management of postoperative pain following VHR.

Methods: Cochrane, EMBASE, and PubMED, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies comprising adults undergoing VHR with preoperative TAP block, compared to placebo and epidural analgesia.