A comparative in vitro study of distinct and novel stent geometries on mechanical performances of poly-L-lactic acid cardiovascular stents.

BACKGROUND: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is one of the representative polymeric materials serving as bioresorbable stents (BRS) for cardiovascular disease due to its proper biodegradation, high biocompatibility, and adequate mechanical properties among polymer candidates for BRS. However, PLLA BRS as cardiovascular stents also have limitations because their mechanical properties including low radial strength and high elastic recoil are inferior to those of metallic-based BRS stents. METHODS: In the study, we developed and manufactured distinct and novel types of stent geometries for investigating mechanical properties of thin-walled PLLA BRS (110 µm) for cardiovascular applications. Five key mechanical tests, including radial strength, crimping profile, flexibility, elastic recoil, and foreshortening were performed through a comprehensive analysis. In addition, we applied the finite element method for further validation and insight of mechanical behaviors of the PLLA BRS. RESULTS: Results revealed that Model 2 had advantages in high flexibility as well as radial strengths, which would be a proper option for complex and acutely curved lesions. Model 3 would be an optimum selection for stent placement in mild target site due to its strength in minimum elastic recoil. Even though Model 4 showed the highest radial strength, finite element simulation showed that the geometry caused higher maximum stress than that of Model 2 and Model 3 during the crimping process. Model 1 showed the most vulnerable geometry among the tested models in both in vitro and finite element analysis. CONCLUSION: Such data may suggest potential guidance in regard to understanding the mechanical behaviors of PLLA BRS as not only applicable cardiovascular but also peripheral and intracranial stents.

Development and Initial Evaluation of a Digital Phenotype Collection System for Adolescents: Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: The growing concern on adolescent mental health calls for proactive early detection and intervention strategies. There is a recognition of the link between digital phenotypes and mental health, drawing attention to their potential use. However, the process of collecting digital phenotype data presents challenges despite its promising prospects. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop and validate system concepts for collecting adolescent digital phenotypes that effectively manage inherent challenges in the process. METHODS: In a formative investigation (N=34), we observed adolescent self-recording behaviors and conducted interviews to develop design goals. These goals were then translated into system concepts, which included planners resembling interfaces, simplified data input with tags, visual reports on behaviors and moods, and supportive ecological momentary assessment (EMA) prompts. A proof-of-concept study was conducted over 2 weeks (n=16), using tools that simulated the concepts to record daily activities and complete EMA surveys. The effectiveness of the system was evaluated through semistructured interviews, supplemented by an analysis of the frequency of records and responses. RESULTS: The interview findings revealed overall satisfaction with the system concepts, emphasizing strong support for self-recording. Participants consistently maintained daily records throughout the study period, with no missing data. They particularly valued the recording procedures that aligned well with their self-recording goal of time management, facilitated by the interface design and simplified recording procedures. Visualizations during recording and subsequent report viewing further enhanced engagement by identifying missing data and encouraging deeper self-reflection. The average EMA compliance reached 72%, attributed to a design that faithfully reflected adolescents' lives, with surveys scheduled at convenient times and supportive messages tailored to their daily routines. The high compliance rates observed and positive feedback from participants underscore the potential of our approach in addressing the challenges of collecting digital phenotypes among adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating observations of adolescents' recording behavior into the design process proved to be beneficial for developing an effective and highly compliant digital phenotype collection system.

Inability to Remove Locking Screws from the Femoral Neck System due to Stripping of the Screwdriver within the Locking Screw Head.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to investigate the frequency of screwdriver stripping in the head of the locking screw that attaches to the side plate to the femur shaft among the patients who underwent implant removal after Femoral Neck System (FNS) for femoral neck fracture, to determine the risk factors for locking head screw stripping in FNS treatment of femoral neck fracture, and to suggest a surgical tip that removes FNS, which is difficult to remove due to screw stripping. METHODS: Design: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Eight Urban tertiary referral academic hospitals. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Included were patients with OTA/AO 31-B1, 31-B2, and 31-B3 femoral neck fractures who underwent surgical fixation with FNS from Nov 2019 to Feb 2023. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The frequency of locking head screw stripping of FNS during the implant removal was evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 47 patients (18 (38%) men and 29 (62%) women) who met the inclusion criteria with average age of 59.2 years (range, 28 to 94 years), 13 (27.7%) experienced screwdriver stripping in the head of the distal locking screw during FNS removal surgery. A higher BMI showed a borderline significant association with the stripping in the adjusted model (OR = 1.233; 95% CI: 0.988-1.539; p = 0.064). No other variables showed significant association with the stripped locking head screw (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stripping of the screwdriver within the head of the distal locking screw occurred in over one quarter of cases. While a higher BMI demonstrated a borderline significant association, none of the other variables examined showed a statistically significant relationship with the stripped locking head screw. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III (retrospective cohort study).

Garlic-Induced Enhancement of Bifidobacterium: Enterotype-Specific Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Populations.

The gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem crucial for maintaining its host's health by regulating various immune and metabolic functions. Since diet plays a fundamental role in shaping the gut microbiome, understanding the relationship between food consumption and microbiome structure is essential. Although medicinal plants are widely recognized for their broad health benefits, their specific impact on the gut microbiome remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) on the gut microbiome using an in vitro human fecal incubation model. Our findings revealed that the impact of garlic on gut microbial structure varied depending on the dominant gut microbiome components (enterotypes). The Bacteroides-dominant enterotype exhibited significant changes in overall microbial diversity in response to garlic, while the Prevotella-dominant enterotype remained unaffected. Additionally, the garlic treatment led to specific alterations in microbiota composition, such as an increase in beneficial probiotics like Bifidobacterium. We validated garlic's prebiotic potential by promoting the growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis under in vitro culture conditions. Our study highlights the importance of understanding enterotype-specific responses to diet and suggests that garlic may serve as a dietary supplement for modulating gut microbiota and promoting the growth of beneficial probiotics.

Profiling Bioactive Components of Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM) for Cartilage Protection and Its Protective Effect on Oxidative Stress in Human Chondrocytes.

The current study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of the natural eggshell membrane (NEM) and its protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human chondrocytes (SW-1353). Bioactive components from NEM related to cartilage were profiled, consisting of 1.1 ± 0.07% hyaluronic acid, 1.2 ± 0.25% total sulfated glycosaminoglycans as chondroitin sulfate, 3.1 ± 0.33% collagen, and 54.4 ± 2.40% total protein. Protein was hydrolyzed up to 43.72 ± 0.76% using in vitro gastro-intestinal digestive enzymes. Peptides eluted at 9.58, 12.46, and 14.58 min using nano-LC-ESI-MS were identified as TEW, SWVE, and VYL peptides with an M/Z value of 435.1874, 520.2402, and 394.2336, respectively. Radical scavenging activity of NEM at 10 mg/mL using the ABTS assay was revealed to be 2.1 times higher than that of the positive control. NEM treatment significantly enhanced cellular SOD expression (p < 0.05). Pre-treatment with NEM (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL) dose-dependently reduced H2O2-induced ROS levels in SW-1353. Cell live imaging confirmed that NEM pre-treatment led to a significant reduction in apoptosis expression compared to control. Results from the present study suggest that NEM rich in cartilage protective components including hyaluronic acid, collagen, and chondroitin antioxidative peptides could be a potential therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis (OA) by scavenging oxidative stress.

Chronic periodontal disease is related with newly developing hypertension: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease (PD) is a condition that can be treated and managed. This study aimed to determine if chronic PD status is associated with the risk of developing hypertension, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Database of Korea. METHODS: Participants who received oral health examinations both in 2003 and in 2005-2006 were included. Those with a history of hypertension were excluded. Hypertension was defined as at least one outpatient or inpatient claim diagnosis (primary or secondary) of hypertension (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes I10-I11) with prescription for antihypertensive medication or at least one incident of systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg during a health examination. Changes of PD status was determined during two oral examinations. Study participants were divided into 4 groups according to the changes of PD status: PD-free (those consistently free of disease in both exams), PD-recovered (individuals with disease initially but not in the second exam), PD-developed (no disease initially, but present in the second exam), and PD-chronic (disease throughout both exams). The incidence of hypertension after the second oral health examination (index date) was monitored. Participants were observed from the index date until the earliest occurrence of hypertension onset, mortality, or December 2020. RESULTS: The study comprised 706,584 participants: 253,003(35.8%) in the PD-free group, 140,143(19.8%) in the PD-recovered group, 132,397(18.7%) in the PD-developed group, and 181,041(25.6%) in the PD-chronic group. Over a median follow-up duration of 14.3 years, 239,937 (34.0%) cases of hypertension were recorded. The PD-recovered group had a lower risk of hypertension compared to the PD-chronic group, while the PD-developed group had a higher risk of hypertension compared to the PD-free group. CONCLUSION: Chronic PD is associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. Although the increase in risk is modest, recovery from PD may have beneficial effects in reducing hypertension risk. Further studies are needed to confirm the importance of regular dental examinations and effective management of PD to reduce hypertension risk.

First report of Colletotrichum liaoningense causing anthracnose on winter squash in Korea.

Winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) is rich in vitamins C and B6 and is also a source of beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid. About 13,000 tons have been produced annually in South Korea over the past 10 years. In the summer of 2022, severe rot was observed in winter squash for sale at a wholesale market in Jinju, South Korea, with approximately 10% of the 500 squashes observed affected. White fungal hyphae and dark orange spore masses were observed on the surface of the decayed squash. To isolate the causal agents, symptomatic tissues (3 × 3 mm) between diseased and healthy tissues per squash from 3 diseased squashes were excised, disinfested with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 20 s and 70% ethanol for 10 s, washed twice in sterilized distilled water, dried on sterilized filter paper, transferred to water agar, and incubated at 25°C for 2 days. Agar blocks (3 mm2) containing fungal colonies were transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates and incubated at 25°C until fungal colonies grew. Three isolates (GNU F137a‒c) with similar morphology were subcultured using the single-spore method. In PDA, the colonies looked like gray cotton when viewed from the front, were pale orange from the back, and numerous small black sclerotia-like grains could be observed on both sides. Setae were pale to medium brown, verrucose, 40-120 µm long, and 3-6 septated. Conidiophores were hyaline to pale brown, smooth-walled, septate, branched, and up to 45 µm long. Conidia were hyaline, smooth walled, aseptate, straight, cylindrical, the apex and base rounded, and 14-18 × 5-7 µm (n = 30). Appressoria were single, brown, aseptate, ellipsoidal to irregular in outline, with crenate margins, and 3.5-5 × 3-5 µm (n = 30). The morphological features of the fungal isolates matched descriptions of Colletotrichum species. To confirm the identity of the isolated fungus, genomic DNA of all three isolates was extracted using the Phire Plant Direct PCR Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Baltics, UAB). The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA gene region, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), chitin synthase 1 (CHS-1), histone H3 (HIS3), actin (ACT), and beta-tubulin (TUB2) genes were amplified and sequenced using the primer pairs ITS1/ITS4, GDF/GDR, CHS-79F/CHS-354R, CYLH3F/CYLH3R, ACT-512F/ACT-783R, and T1/T2, respectively. The sequences were deposited in GenBank (acc. nos., PP504320 and PP555649-PP555653). Concatenated sequences of the six genes obtained from isolates GNU F137a‒c and ex-types from each accepted taxon in previous studies were used to conduct a phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method in MEGA 11. The fungus isolated from winter squash was in the same clade as C. liaoningense. Therefore, the isolates were identified as C. liaoningense. For pathogenicity tests, three winter squash were wounded with a sterilized needle and inoculated with each isolate by injecting 100 µl conidial suspension (105 conidia/ml). Control squash were injected with sterilized distilled water. All treated squash were incubated at 25°C in the dark. The test was performed three times. All inoculated winter squash reproduced symptoms within 15 days, whereas the control squash were symptomless. The morphological characteristics and ITS sequence of the re-isolated strain matched those of the inoculated strain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fruit rot of winter squash in Korea and is even the first report on C. liaoningense in Korea. This disease is considered a post-harvest disease because no cases have yet been discovered in the field in Korea. This report will facilitate epidemiological research and the development of effective disease control strategies.

High-Intensity focused ultrasound linear array and system for dermatology treatment.

Dermatological lesions are typically located just a few millimeters below the surface of the skin, which constrains the efficacy of optical-based therapeutic methods such as photothermal and photodynamic therapy due to limited therapeutic depth caused by optical scattering. As an alternative, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been explored for its potential to treat a variety of dermatological conditions because it offers greater flexibility in terms of treatment depth. Since dermatological lesions have a small thickness ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 mm, high-frequency ultrasound (3-10 MHz or higher) is preferred as the focal area is proportional to the operating frequency. However, due to the difficulty in fabricating HIFU array transducers at this frequency range, the majority of HIFU treatments for dermatology rely on single element transducers. Despite the advantages of HIFU, single-element-based HIFU systems are limited in prevalent use for dermatology treatment due to their fixed focal length and mechanical movement for treatment, which can be time-consuming and unsuitable for treating multiple lesions. To address this, we present a newly developed HIFU linear array and 128-channel driving electronics specifically designed for dermatology treatment. This array consists of 128 elements, has a center frequency of 3.7 MHz, an elevation focal length of 28 mm, and an F-number of 1.27 in the elevation direction. The array has a footprint of 71.6 mm by 22 mm. Experiments using a tissue-mimicking phantom have demonstrated that the HIFU linear array and system are capable of transmitting sufficient ultrasound energy to create coagulation inside the phantom.

Triple-Camera Rectification for Depth Estimation Sensor.

In this study, we propose a novel rectification method for three cameras using a single image for depth estimation. Stereo rectification serves as a fundamental preprocessing step for disparity estimation in stereoscopic cameras. However, off-the-shelf depth cameras often include an additional RGB camera for creating 3D point clouds. Existing rectification methods only align two cameras, necessitating an additional rectification and remapping process to align the third camera. Moreover, these methods require multiple reference checkerboard images for calibration and aim to minimize alignment errors, but often result in rotated images when there is significant misalignment between two cameras. In contrast, the proposed method simultaneously rectifies three cameras in a single shot without unnecessary rotation. To achieve this, we designed a lab environment with checkerboard settings and obtained multiple sample images from the cameras. The optimization function, designed specifically for rectification in stereo matching, enables the simultaneous alignment of all three cameras while ensuring performance comparable to traditional methods. Experimental results with real camera samples demonstrate the benefits of the proposed method and provide a detailed analysis of unnecessary rotations in the rectified images.

Inhibiting the Appearance of Green Emission in Mixed Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals for Pure Red Emission.

Mixed halide perovskites exhibit promising optoelectronic properties for next-generation light-emitting diodes due to their tunable emission wavelength that covers the entire visible light spectrum. However, these materials suffer from severe phase segregation under continuous illumination, making long-term stability for pure red emission a significant challenge. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the role of halide oxidation in unbalanced ion migration (I/Br) within CsPbI2Br nanocrystals and thin films. We also introduce a new approach using cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) to encapsulate CsPbI2Br perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs), effectively suppressing ion migration by increasing the corresponding activation energy. Compared with that of unencapsulated samples, we observe a substantial reduction in phase separation under intense illumination in PNCs with a COC coating. Our findings show that COC enhances phase stability by passivating uncoordinated surface defects (Pb2+ and I-), increasing the formation energy of halide vacancies, improving the charge carrier lifetime, and reducing the nonradiative recombination density.

User-Centric Cell-Free Massive MIMO with Low-Resolution ADCs for Massive Access.

This paper proposes a heuristic association algorithm between access points (APs) and user equipment (UE) in user-centric cell-free massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems, specifically targeting scenarios where UEs share the same frequency and time resources. The proposed algorithm prevents overserving APs and ensures the connectivity of all UEs, even when the number of UEs is significantly greater than the number of APs. Additionally, we assume the use of low-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to reduce fronthaul capacity. While realistic massive access scenarios, such as those in Internet-of-Things (IoT) environments, often involve hundreds or thousands of UEs per AP using multiple access techniques to allocate different frequency and time resources, our study focuses on scenarios where UEs within each AP cluster share the same frequency and time resources to highlight the impact of pilot contamination in dense network environments. The proposed algorithm is validated through simulations, confirming that it guarantees the connection of all UEs and prevents overserving APs. Furthermore, we analyze the required fronthaul capacity based on quantization bits and confirm that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing algorithms in terms of SE and average SE performance for UEs.

A retrospective evaluation of individual thigh muscle volume disparities based on hip fracture types in followed-up patients: an AI-based segmentation approach using UNETR.

Background: Hip fractures are a common and debilitating condition, particularly among older adults. Loss of muscle mass and strength is a common consequence of hip fractures, which further contribute to functional decline and increased disability. Assessing changes in individual thigh muscles volume in follow-up patients can provide valuable insights into the quantitative recovery process and guide rehabilitation interventions. However, accurately measuring anatomical individual thigh muscle volume can be challenging due to various, labor intensive and time-consuming. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to evaluate differences in thigh muscle volume in followed-up hip fracture patients computed tomography (CT) scans using an AI based automatic muscle segmentation model. The study included a total of 18 patients at Gyeongsang National University, who had undergone surgical treatment for a hip fracture. We utilized the automatic segmentation algorithm which we have already developed using UNETR (U-net Transformer) architecture, performance dice score = 0.84, relative absolute volume difference 0.019 ± 0.017%. Results: The results revealed intertrochanteric fractures result in more significant muscle volume loss (females: -97.4 cm3, males: -178.2 cm3) compared to femoral neck fractures (females: -83 cm3, males: -147.2 cm3). Additionally, the study uncovered substantial disparities in the susceptibility to volume loss among specific thigh muscles, including the Vastus lateralis, Adductor longus and brevis, and Gluteus maximus, particularly in cases of intertrochanteric fractures. Conclusions: The use of an automatic muscle segmentation model based on deep learning algorithms enables efficient and accurate analysis of thigh muscle volume differences in followed up hip fracture patients. Our findings emphasize the significant muscle loss tied to sarcopenia, a critical condition among the elderly. Intertrochanteric fractures resulted in greater muscle volume deformities, especially in key muscle groups, across both genders. Notably, while most muscles exhibited volume reduction following hip fractures, the sartorius, vastus and gluteus groups demonstrated more significant disparities in individuals who sustained intertrochanteric fractures. This non-invasive approach provides valuable insights into the extent of muscle atrophy following hip fracture and can inform targeted rehabilitation interventions.

Dynamic Interplay between the Mode-Randomization and Autodetachment of the Dipole-Bound States of the Anion.

State-specific dynamics of the dipole-bound state (DBS) of the cryogenically cooled deprotonated 4,4'-biphenol anion have been investigated by picosecond time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy. For DBS vibrational states below the electron-detachment threshold, the relaxation rate is slow to give a lifetime (τ) longer than ∼5 ns, and it is attributed to the nonvalence-to-valence orbital transformation. For the DBS resonances above the detachment threshold, however, the lifetime decreases with the activation of autodetachment, whereas the otherwise zeroth DBS modes seem to be randomized by intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR), as manifested in the biexponential transients. As the DBS internal energy increases further, the lifetime shows a monotonic decrease to give τ ∼ 50 ps at E'vib ∼ 1700 cm-1. This study demonstrates that IVR may play an important role in the autodetachment dynamics when the density of states rapidly increases with increasing vibrational energy, giving important implications for the electron-transfer dynamics taking place in large biological or astrochemical systems.

ATAD5 functions as a regulatory platform for Ub-PCNA deubiquitination.

Ubiquitination status of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is crucial for regulating DNA lesion bypass. After the resolution of fork stalling, PCNA is subsequently deubiquitinated, but the underlying mechanism remains undefined. We found that the N-terminal domain of ATAD5 (ATAD5-N), the largest subunit of the PCNA-unloading complex, functions as a scaffold for Ub-PCNA deubiquitination. ATAD5 recognizes DNA-loaded Ub-PCNA through distinct DNA-binding and PCNA-binding motifs. Furthermore, ATAD5 forms a heterotrimeric complex with UAF1-USP1 deubiquitinase, facilitating the deubiquitination of DNA-loaded Ub-PCNA. ATAD5 also enhances the Ub-PCNA deubiquitination by USP7 and USP11 through specific interactions. ATAD5 promotes the distinct deubiquitination process of UAF1-USP1, USP7, and USP11 for poly-Ub-PCNA. Additionally, ATAD5 mutants deficient in UAF1-binding had increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. Our results ultimately reveal that ATAD5 and USPs cooperate to efficiently deubiquitinate Ub-PCNA prior to its release from the DNA in order to safely deactivate the DNA repair process.

Emergence of the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1 in a Leclercia adecarboxylata strain isolated from wastewater in Seoul.

Colistin is considered the last resort for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, the spread of the plasmid-borne colistin-resistance gene mcr-1 has become a public health threat. In this study, we identified mcr-1-harboring Leclercia adecarboxylata strain (WWCOL-134) isolated from wastewater in Seoul. The strain had a colistin MIC value of 2 µg/ml and was resistant to cefotaxime, gentamicin, tetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. The mcr-1 gene, along with an array of resistance genes, was located on a 236-kb plasmid (pCOL134-1), which contained the typical IncHI2 backbone of reported mcr-1-carrying plasmids, and was transferred to an Escherichia coli strain by conjugation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the emergence of mcr-1-harboring Leclercia sp. isolate. Our findings demonstrate the ongoing spread of colistin resistance among Enterobacterales species, emphasizing the need for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in wastewater environments.

Evaluating the Impact of Rotary Instrument Lubricants on Dental Implant Osseointegration: An Experimental Rabbit Tibia Study.

Purpose: The osseointegration in dental implants is greatly affected by various surface properties, such as chemistry, texture, and overall cleanliness. This study aimed to investigate the impact of mineral oil lubricants used in rotary instruments on osseointegration within rabbit tibiae, with a specific focus on potential contamination from dental handpices. Materials and Methods: Twelve New Zealand rabbits were included in this study, each receiving two implants in each tibia, resulting in a total of 48 implants across the study. Groups were organized based on the time until euthanasia and the degree of implant contamination. Three contamination levels were defined: the first group received implants without any lubricant in the handpiece (control group); the second group received implants with handpices managed as recommended; the third group had implants placed using fixtures pre-soaked in lubricant. These groups were further subdivided based on euthanization periods of two and four weeks. We measured and analyzed both the removal torque and the bone-implant contact. Results: We observed a non-significant inverse correlation between the severity of fixture contamination and removal torque. However, there was a significant reduction in bone-implant contact associated with higher contamination levels, particularly after four weeks. Conclusions: Even brief exposure to lubricants from handpieces can jeopardize the osseointegration of implants in bone. Therefore, it is imperative to implement thorough procedures for lubricant removal post-application and to employ precise cleaning and suction during implant drilling and placement to minimize residual oil on the implant surface.

Multi-class segmentation of temporomandibular joint using ensemble deep learning.

Temporomandibular joint disorders are prevalent causes of orofacial discomfort. Diagnosis predominantly relies on assessing the configuration and positions of temporomandibular joint components in magnetic resonance images. The complex anatomy of the temporomandibular joint, coupled with the variability in magnetic resonance image quality, often hinders an accurate diagnosis. To surmount this challenge, we developed deep learning models tailored to the automatic segmentation of temporomandibular joint components, including the temporal bone, disc, and condyle. These models underwent rigorous training and validation utilizing a dataset of 3693 magnetic resonance images from 542 patients. Upon evaluation, our ensemble model, which combines five individual models, yielded average Dice similarity coefficients of 0.867, 0.733, 0.904, and 0.952 for the temporal bone, disc, condyle, and background class during internal testing. In the external validation, the average Dice similarity coefficients values for the temporal bone, disc, condyle, and background were 0.720, 0.604, 0.800, and 0.869, respectively. When applied in a clinical setting, these artificial intelligence-augmented tools enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of physicians, especially when discerning between temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement and osteoarthritis. In essence, automated temporomandibular joint segmentation by our deep learning approach, stands as a promising aid in refining temporomandibular joint disorders diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Neural Effects of One's Own Voice on Self-Talk for Emotion Regulation.

One's own voice undergoes unique processing that distinguishes it from others' voices, and thus listening to it may have a special neural basis for self-talk as an emotion regulation strategy. This study aimed to elucidate how neural effects of one's own voice differ from those of others' voices on the implementation of emotion regulation strategies. Twenty-one healthy adults were scanned using fMRI while listening to sentences synthesized in their own or others' voices for self-affirmation and cognitive defusion, which were based on mental commitments to strengthen one's positive aspects and imagining metaphoric actions to shake off negative aspects, respectively. The interaction effect between voice identity and strategy was observed in the superior temporal sulcus, middle temporal gyrus, and parahippocampal cortex, and activity in these regions showed that the uniqueness of one's own voice is reflected more strongly for cognitive defusion than for self-affirmation. This interaction was also seen in the precuneus, suggesting intertwining of self-referential processing and episodic memory retrieval in self-affirmation with one's own voice. These results imply that unique effects of one's own voice may be expressed differently due to the degree of engagement of neural sharpening-related regions and self-referential networks depending on the type of emotion regulation.