The study explores the crucial role of current oscillation and neural alignment to amplitude-modulation frequency in phosphene induction through various forms of transcranial electric stimulation. Previous research has shown that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can modulate phosphene perception. The application of tACS introduces rhythmic electric field changes and alternating polarity, making the oscillatory mechanism behind phosphene perception still unclear. To dissociate the effects of changing electric field vs. alternating polarity, the present study employs oscillatory transcranial direct current stimulation (otDCS) to eliminate the influence of polarity switching. We administered scalp electric stimulations using tACS and otDCS in anodal or cathodal polarities over the occipital lobe. All stimulations were conducted with sinusoidal (18 Hz) or amplitude-modulated (2 Hz AM embedded in an 18 Hz carrier) waveforms at threshold or suprathreshold intensities. The results revealed no difference between stimulation polarities, suggesting the importance of current oscillation rather than polarity alteration in phosphene induction. Furthermore, amplitude-modulated stimulation consistently produced slower phosphene flash rates, unaffected by intensity, indicating the dominance of amplitude-modulation frequency in phosphene perception. Our findings suggest (1) current oscillation, rather than polarity switching, is crucial for phosphene generation; (2) amplitude-modulation frequency effects on perception threshold, response time, and perceived flash rate are robust irrespective of the oscillatory stimulation protocols; (3) amplitude-modulation information is encoded in phosphene perception generation independently of the carrier frequency. This study provides direct evidence of the link between phosphene occurrence and oscillatory current activity, underscoring the robustness and independence of amplitude-modulation coding in visual perception.

In a sample 110 Mexican origin infants (M = 7.24; SD = 2.06; range, 3.78 - 13.04) we examine the bidirectional covariation of mother and infant positive and negative affect across the day. Further, we examine maternal emotion regulation as a potential moderator of the linkage between mother-infant affect, and infant-mother affect. Using an Ecological Momentary Assessment design, mothers reported on their positive and negative affect three times a day, for six days. Analyses employed a multi-level modeling approach to examine moment-to-moment covariation. Results indicated both mother and infant negative affect, and mother and infant positive affect to significantly covary. Interestingly, maternal emotional regulation did not moderate either the covariation of negative or positive mother-infant affect. These analyses represent one of the first examinations of daily covariation in mother-infant dyadic affect.

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Individuals with axSpA are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which can be counteracted by physical activity. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, but the effect on disease activity and the level of inflammation in axSpA has been less studied. With the aim of investigating how levels of inflammatory cytokines, myokines, and protein markers for bone metabolism are acutely affected by one bout of HIIT, we studied serum from individuals with axSpA and healthy controls (HC). Methods: Ten participants with axSpA and 11 age- and sex-matched HC performed a single HIIT bout on a cycle ergometer: 4x4 minutes intervals with three minutes active rest in between. Blood samples were taken before and one hour after the HIIT bout. Serum proteins (IL-6, IL-17, IL-18, TNF, CXCL-10, VEGF-A, BDNF, DKK-1, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, BMP-7, CRP) were analyzed with a Luminex system or ELISA. A two-way ANOVA was used for comparisons. Results: A main effect from baseline to one hour post HIIT showed that both groups had a significant increase in serum levels of IL-6. VEGF-A was significantly lower in the axSpA group but was not affected by the HIIT bout. BMP-7 increased in both groups after the HIIT. For the other proteins analyzed, there were no significant differences in serum concentrations between individuals with axSpA and HC, or within the two groups before and after one bout of HIIT. Conclusions: One acute bout of HIIT significantly increases the serum concentrations of IL-6 and BMP-7 after one hour in both individuals with axSpA and HC, whereas serum levels of other proteins investigated are not changed.

”A Case Report on Thornwaldt Cyst: An Uncommon Nasopharyngeal Anomaly in an Eighteen-Year-Old Male.”Dhiraj Chaurasia,1 Abdus Samad Ansari,1 Rishita Dallakoti,1 Season Shrestha,2 Inku Shrestha Basnet,21Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kathmandu Medical College Teaching HospitalCorresponding Author: Dhiraj Chaurasia ,Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital , Kathmandu 44600,Nepal ,Email address: [email protected]

Warming climate impacts aquatic ectotherms both directly, by altering individual vital rates, and indirectly through environmental feedbacks and declines in body size, a phenomenon known as the temperature-size rule (TSR). However, understanding the relative importance of these effects in shaping community responses to environmental change remains limited. We employ a tri-trophic food chain model with size- and temperature-dependent vital rates and species interaction strengths to explore the role of direct kinetic effects of temperature and TSR on community structure along resource productivity and temperature gradients. We find that community structure, including the propensity of sudden shifts, is primarily driven by the direct kinetic effects of temperature on vital rates and thermal mismatches between the consumer and predator species, overshadowing the indirect effects through the TSR. Overall, our study enhances the understanding of the complex interplay between temperature, species traits and community dynamics in aquatic ecosystems.

Background Procrastination describes irrational delays of scheduled tasks despite clear awareness of adverse consequences to do so. Although procrastination is well-known to be linked to psychiatric or pathological processes, insights into why procrastination may contribute to psychopathological outcomes has not been fully explored. The aim of the current study was to identify the criterion for “pathological procrastination” and its preclinical correlates. Methods This is a longitudinal and prospective observational study with a five-year interval. Participants ( N = 464) completed measures of trait procrastination in November 2018, with a follow-up conducted in March 2023 ( N = 267) to collect preclinical psychiatric symptoms via self-reported measures. A constrained multivariate direct gradient model (cmDGM) was built to prospectively fit procrastination to the preclinical psychiatric symptomatology that formulated by DSM-5 framework. The 2-stage psychopathological connectome model was further constructed to constitute a “diagnostic criterion” reflecting “pathological procrastination”. Results Procrastination prospectively predicted severe preclinical psychiatric symptoms and unhealthy lifestyles. Preclinical bridge hubs of “failure to self-regulate delays”, “failure to control adverse consequences”, “useless to self-change”, “out-of-control irruptions”, “poor sleep quality” and “negative emotional reactions” were captured for highly local and global disruptions in the psychopathological network of procrastination, and thus constituted the 9-item pathological procrastination diagnostic criterion (3PDC) with good diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.82, p <.01). Conclusions The present study revealed the predictive rol of procrastination for preclinical psychiatric symptomatology, and further established the preclinical 3PDC to lay the foundation for the “diagnostics of pathological procrastinators” by both quantitative measurements and DSM-structured binary schemes.

We newly developed a hybrid protein, tentatively named human MIKO-1 (hM1), based on the amino acid sequences of human S100A8 (hS100A8) and hS100A9. Human macrophage-like cells (hMΦ), which were differentiated from THP-1 cells by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, were used to investigate the immune function of hM1 and its dynamic mobility in cells. Western blotting was conducted to detect hM1 in the cytoplasm and nucleus of hMΦ. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR were performed to examine changes in the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines in hMΦ. Fluorescent immunochemical staining was conducted to microscopically observe the intracellular behavior of hM1 in hMΦ, together with hS100A8 and/or hS100A9. Microscopic observations showed that hM1 rapidly bound to activated hMΦ and immediately migrated even inside the nucleus of these cells. The intracellular localization of hM1 in hMΦ almost coincided with that of hS100A8, suggesting the close involvement of hS100A8 in the intracellular behavior of hM1 in hMΦ. The mRNA expression of each proinflammatory cytokine was significantly suppressed in hMΦ preliminarily treated with hM1 despite a subsequent stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. Significant decreases in the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines in hMΦ strongly suggest the potential of hM1 as a negative regulator of inflammation. hM1 may land on a special site on the DNA chain, such as the NF-κB motif, in the nucleus to directly inhibit the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, hM1 is a prominent player that significantly attenuates the cytokine storm caused by excessively activated hMΦ.

Microorganisms are essential associates for virtually all arthropod species. Insect-associated microbes can improve the fitness of their host, be pathogens, or have no known role. During the past decade, we have increased our collective knowledge of the composition of insect-associated microbes along with the range of roles that these symbionts perform. Increases in knowledge are partly due to the continued advancements in genomic sequencing technologies. This understanding of individual microbe contributions and advancements in sequencing have allowed for a shift towards examining the complexity of microbial communities, as well as how these communities vary with different factors (e.g., microbe and/or host genetics, environment). We provide an overview of arthropod-symbiont interactions, the variety of symbiont functionalities, and the evolutionary ecology of these relationships. Additionally, we explored the influence of the environment on the modulation of insect-microbe interactions, the projected impacts of climate change, and the subsequent consequences on these ecological interactions. Lastly, we discuss some potential avenues for the future of arthropod-microbe interactions that include the modification of existing microbial symbionts as well as the construction of synthetic microbial communities. Our aim was to condense the current knowledge on insect-associated microbes and microbial communities while discussing research gaps and challenges for possible future directions.

The concept of sustainable production necessitates the utilization of waste and by-products as raw materials, the implementation of biotechnological processes, and the introduction of automated real-time monitoring for efficient use of resources. One example is the biocatalyzed conversion of the reusable by-product glycerin by acetic acid bacteria to dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is of great importance to the cosmetic industry. The application of compact spectrometers enables the rapid measurement of samples while simultaneously reducing the consumption of resources and energy. Yet, this approach requires comprehensive data preprocessing and, on occasion, multivariate data analysis. For the process monitoring of the production of DHA, a low-field 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer was implemented in on-line mode. Small-volume samples were taken from a bypass and transferred to the spectrometer by an autosampler. Complete analysis within minutes allowed real-time process control. To this purpose, reliable automated spectral preprocessing preceded the creation of a univariate model. The model enabled the acquisition of process knowledge from chemical kinetics and facilitated the tracking of both substrate and product concentrations, requiring independent calibration. As a second multivariate approach, principal component analysis was utilized to monitor the process in a semi-quantitative manner without the necessity for calibration. The results of this study are beneficial for real-time monitoring applications with the objective of exerting control over the process in question, while minimizing expenditure.

In recent decades, less aggressive ventilatory practices have been favored in extremely preterm newborns (EPNB), as invasive ventilation (IV) is a major risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, these changes have not been accompanied by consistent improvements in the incidence of BPD. The aim was to evaluate changes in ventilatory practices and their association with morbidity in EPNB. A single-center retrospective study was performed over the last 2 decades (2001-2020) on all newborns (NB) born with less than 28 weeks requiring ventilatory support. A total of 249 NB were included. There were no statistically significant differences in median gestational age and birth weight between the two decades. There was a significant decrease in IV (p=0.007) and a significant increase in exclusively non-invasive ventilation (p=0.007) in the second decade. There was a significant decrease in the use of IV in the first 24 hours of life (p=0.002). There was a higher prevalence of BPD in the second decade (p=0.042), although there was no difference in the prevalence of severe BPD (p=0.614) or when BPD was adjusted for mortality (p=0.324). Duration of IV predicts the development of BPD with good accuracy (AUC=0.911, CI95% 0.849-0.973). Only gestational age seems to be an independent factor for BPD (aOR 0.683; CI95% 0.517-0.902). Despite the use of less aggressive ventilation techniques, with an increase in exclusive non-invasive ventilation, there was not the expected improvement in the prevalence of BPD. Changing ventilation practices will probably not be a sufficient measure to improve BPD in EPNB.

The neural underpinnings of written language, similarly to the neural underpinnings of oral language, are left-lateralized. However, cerebral lateralization for written language has only been studied using handwriting tasks; the cerebral lateralization of keyboard typing, a popular alternative means of writing, has not been explored. Therefore, it remains unanswered whether handwriting and keyboard typing follow similar cerebral laterality patterns. The aim of the present preregistered study was to investigate cerebral laterality during typing versus handwriting and to further examine the presence of handedness differences. We hypothesized that: i) cerebral lateralization will not differ between the two methods of writing after movement correction (i.e., after subtracting the control condition from the main task); and ii) cerebral lateralization of both handwriting and typing will be weaker in left-handers compared to right-handers. In order to assess cerebral laterality, we employed functional transcranial Doppler (fTCD) ultrasound, which allows for a reliable assessment of cerebral laterality during language production tasks and is unaffected by movement, such as the movement generated during typing and handwriting. Twenty-four left-handers and 30 right-handers underwent fTCD while performing written word generation either by handwriting or by typing on a computer keyboard. We found evidence of an absence of a difference between the two methods of writing after movement correction. However, we did not find conclusive evidence for either a difference or an absence of a difference in the cerebral lateralization during either method of writing between left-handers and right-handers.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health conditions are prevalent among university students, putting them at elevated risk for dropout. Universities offer an array of peer programs, and students often share their concerns with peers before professionals. A well-specified peer intervention to help sustain academic persistence that colleges can directly offer their undergraduates with mental health conditions should benefit this population. The Peer Academic Supports for Success coaching model was developed to address this need. OBJECTIVE: This study’s goal was to conduct a feasibility study of the Peer Academic Supports for Success model and feasibility of randomized controlled trial research methods. METHODS: Seventy-two undergraduate students with academically impairing mental health conditions were randomized to receive Peer Academic Supports for Success versus an active control condition. Survey data were collected at baseline and at the end of the next two semesters. Official transcripts were obtained. Intervention implementation data were assessed through coach and participant report. RESULTS: Peer Academic Supports for Success was delivered with fidelity, successfully attracted and retained students, and was safe. Randomized controlled trial methods proved feasible. Findings revealed significant treatment effects on several of the targeted proximal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest Peer Academic Supports for Success is a promising university-based intervention to support young adult students with mental health conditions and should be tested in a robust clinical trial.

5-methylcytosine (m 5C) is a widely known epigenetic moderation in RNA types. Methyltransferases catalyze the genesis of m5C. This site of RNA plays a crucial role in many biological activities. For many years in DNA, the synthetic process and biological role of m 5C sites have remained the concentrating domain for researchers. Recently, many characters of RNA m 5C sites have been discovered, but it is still considered in their infancy. The accurate and systematic detection and classification of m 5C remains a challenging task. The existence of m 5C sites shows a thriving role in numerous organic activities. Machine learning techniques are alternatives to laboratory experiments, which will ease the m 5C site’s identification in Homo sapiens. This article presents a novel computational model named m 5C-TNkmer to extract RNA sequences. The model is enriched with the k-mer feature extraction technique. Four subdatasets of the primary data set are created: DNC, TNC, tetra-NC, and penta-NC. The results highlighted that m 5C-TNKmers achieved 96.15% accuracy. The suggested technique is a talented one that will help scientists correctly identify RNA m 5C sites and their modification. It provides a clue to better understanding genetic function and controlling roles.

Hemoperitoneum secondary to uterine rupture and placenta increta in the first trimester of pregnancyCarolina Huertas Ayala, MD 1, Bernadette Baker, MD11 Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USABios:Carolina Huertas Ayala, MD is a resident physician in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine School of Medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.Bernadette Baker, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Acute necrotizing otitis media (ANOM) is a severe middle ear infection which causes necrosis of the tympanic cavity. A 54-year-old female was presented who suffered from diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease presenting with severe otalgia, initially thought to be necrotizing otitis externa (NOE). She rapidly progressed to total necrosis of

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Background & Aims: The potential of mechanistic biomarkers to improve prediction of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and hepatic regeneration is widely acknowledged. We sought to determine reference intervals for new biomarkers of DILI and regeneration, as well as to characterize their natural variability and impact of diurnal variation. Methods: Serum samples from 227 healthy volunteers were recruited as part of a cross-sectional study; of these, 25 subjects had weekly serial sampling over 3 weeks, while 23 had intensive blood sampling over a 24h period. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), MicroRNA-122 (miR-122), High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1), total Keratin-18 (K18), caspase-cleaved Keratin-18 (ccK18), Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GLDH) and Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF-1) were assayed. Results: Reference intervals were established for each biomarker based on the 97.5% quantile (90% CI) following the assessment of fixed effects in univariate and multivariable models. Intra-individual variability was found to be non-significant, and there was no significant impact of diurnal variation. Conclusions: Reference intervals for novel DILI biomarkers have been described. An upper limit of a reference range might represent the most appropriate mechanism to utilize these data. These data can now be used to interpret data from exploratory clinical DILI studies and to assist their further qualification as required by regulatory authorities.

The use of visual methods in qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) adds a valuable dimension to the synthesis process by enhancing understanding and knowledge generation. This paper provides an overview of common visual methods that support various stages of QES, with a worked example from a Cochrane QES using meta-ethnography. The paper also addresses the involvement of stakeholders, and considerations of equity, diversity, inclusion, and reflexivity in the selection and application of visual methods. The authors utilised a combination of remote and in-person visual methods to initiate and develop their synthesis, involving stakeholders throughout the process. Methods used by the review authors included paper labels, cartoons, infographics, virtual whiteboards, and diagrams. The use of visual methods in the QES facilitated data visualisation, remote analysis meetings, interpretation of extensive data, and meaningful patient and public involvement. QES authors are encouraged to consider the use of visual methods, particularly when involving the public in the synthesis process. Keywords: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis, QES, Meta-ethnography, visual methods