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EEG oscillations and related brain generators of phonation phases in long utterances
Abstract While the role of brain rhythms in respiratory and speech motor control has been mainly explored during brief utterances, the specific involvement of brain rhythms in the transition of regulating subglottic pressure phases which are concomitant to specific muscle activation during prolonged phonation remains unexplored. This study investigates whether power spectral variations of the electroencephalogram brain rhythms are related specifically to prolonged phonation phases. High-density EEG and surface EMG were recorded in nineteen healthy participants while they repeatedly produced the syllable [pa] without taking a new breath, until reaching respiratory exhaustion. Aerodynamic, acoustic, and electrophysiological signals were analyzed to detect the brain areas involved in different phases of prolonged phonation. Each phase was defined by successive thoracic and abdominal muscle activity maintaining estimated subglottic pressure. The results showed significant changes in power spectrum, with desynchronization and synchronization in delta, theta, low-alpha, and high-alpha bands during transitions among the phases. Brain source analysis estimated that the first phase (P1), associated with vocal initiation and elastic rib cage recoil, involved frontal regions, suggesting a key role in voluntary phonation preparation. Subsequent phases (P2, P3, P4) showed multiband dynamics, engaging motor and premotor cortices, anterior cingulate, sensorimotor regions, thalamus, and cerebellum, indicating progressive adaptation and fine-tuning of respiratory and articulatory muscle control. Additionally, the involvement of temporal and insular regions in delta rhythm suggests a role in maintaining phonetic representation and preventing spontaneous verbal transformations. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms and brain regions involved in prolonged phonation. These findings pave the way for applications in vocal brain-machine interfaces, clinical biofeedback for respiratory and vocal disorders, and the development of more ecologically valid paradigms in speech neuroscience.
Effects of different solvents on phytochemical constituents, in-vitro antimicrobial activity, and volatile components of Boehmeria rugulosa Wedd. wood extract
Impact of propylene fibers and industrial wastewater on the properties of self-compacting concrete
Optimization and performance study of large aspect ratio SiC microgrooves by waterjet assisted laser machining
Real world effectiveness of chemotherapy plus bevacizumab with immunotherapy in colorectal cancer
Long-term effects on rate of torque development and fear of falling following high-speed resistance training in older adults
Abstract This study examined the influence of physical activity (PA) on the retention of rate of torque development (RTD) effects achieved following a 16-week high-speed resistance training (HSRT) over a 12-month follow-up period. Secondly, the fear of falling was also assessed. After the follow-up, 36 participants were categorized into two groups according to the PA: light activity group (LAG, N = 20, age 70.00 ± 3.66 years) and moderate-to-vigorous activity group (MVAG, N = 16, age 68.50 ± 2.09 years). At the four time points, RTDPEAK and its time intervals for knee extension and flexion were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60º/s, and the fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale–International questionnaire. Both groups showed significant RTDPEAK improvements from pre-intervention to the 12-month follow-up (moderate-to-large effect sizes). However, PA levels suggested to influence the retention effects: LAG showed declines in dominant RTDPEAK (2% in extension and flexion) and in non-dominant side (6% extension and 5% flexion). In contrast, the MVAG maintained or slightly improved RTDPEAK performance in dominant (1% extension and 2% flexion) and in non-dominant side (3% extension and 1% flexion). Fear of falling scores remained significantly reduced in both groups compared to pre-intervention, regardless of PA level. In summary, maintaining moderate-to-vigorous PA during follow-up appears to enhance the long-term retention of HSRT-induced neuromuscular adaptations, whereas HSRT effects on fear of falling were sustained regardless of PA level, highlighting its clinical potential for fall prevention.
Patient and nodule characteristics associated with adherence to lung cancer screening in a large integrated healthcare system
Abstract We examined the association of pulmonary nodule characteristics with adherence to follow-up low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) after the initial screening in lung cancer screening. Using 2014–2021 electronic health record data from a large integrated health system, we analyzed adherence to Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) follow-up recommendations, considering socio-demographic, clinical factors, and natural language processing-extracted nodule characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the impact of these factors on adherence to follow-up LDCT. Among 2,673 individuals (mean age = 66.8 ± 5.9 years), overall adherence was 27.6%, with rates of 24.2%, 27.5%, 26.7%, and 64.0% for Lung-RADS categories 1–4 A. A race-ethnicity disparity in adherence was observed among category 1, with non-Hispanic blacks less likely to adhere than non-Hispanic whites (OR[95% CI] = 0.59[0.41–0.85]). Among patients in categories 2 to 4 A, category 4 A was significantly more likely to adhere (OR[95% CI] = 3.18[1.86–5.40]) and having more nodules increased adherence (OR[95% CI] = 1.12[1.09–1.14]). Adherence to follow-up LDCT is suboptimal, driven by patient and nodule characteristics, and influenced by how physicians communicated initial CT results. These findings underscore the need for structured screening programs and consistent follow-up protocols to improve adherence and ensure effective lung cancer screening.
Dynamics of bacterial communities across developmental stages of the litchi stink bug, Tessaratoma javanica
Design and implementation of a low-power position monitoring and control system for on-orbit focusing
To enable the optical remote sensing satellite to flexibly adjust the camera’s focal length for clearer imaging, a low-power position monitoring and control system suitable for space environments is designed, which is highly significant for aerospace devices with limited energy resources. A novel constant voltage drive circuit is proposed for driving the stepper motor. The differential linear driving and receiving circuit is presented to collect data from the linear encoder. By using the linear encoder to provide feedback on the current focal length, both open-loop and closed-loop focusing functions are achieved. The performances of the designed system are implemented on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit board. The experimental results demonstrate that the developed system consumes approximately 1.4 W of power, has a strong load-carrying capacity, and achieves a focusing control precision of ±0.0004 mm over the entire motion range of −6 mm to +6 mm.
Exposotypes in psychotic disorders
Long-term effects of air pollution on the incidence and progression of multiple sclerosis: A population cohort study in Isfahan, Iran
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by autoimmune inflammation. Recent research indicates that environmental factors, particularly air pollution, may significantly affect the risk of developing MS. Objective This study investigates the association between PM2.5 levels, as a measure of air pollution, and the incidence of MS in Isfahan, Iran, a city with one of the highest reported MS prevalence rates in the country. Methods A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using data from the National MS registry of Iran and Isfahan’s air pollution monitoring department from 2011 to 2021. The incidence of MS across urban areas was calculated, and the relationship between PM2.5 levels and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of MS was assessed using a Poisson generalized regression models. Results PM2.5 levels averaged 41.99 µg/m3 across the study period (first year: 59.21 ± 33.56; mid-study: 30.51 ± 11.77; final year: 37.71 ± 53.64), persistently exceeding safety standards. Three-year cumulative exposure showed significant association with higher MS incidence (IRR = 1.027, 95%CI = 1.022–1.031, p < 0.001) and correlated with disease progression in progressive MS cases. Conclusion Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with an increased incidence of MS and disease progression, emphasizing the critical need for improved air quality management strategies.
In-vitro antiproliferative evaluation of newly synthesized titanium(IV) metallacyclic complexes on HeLa and MCF7 cell lines
Abstract A series of eight metalacyclic derivatives of titanium i.e. [ (acac)Ti(ph)L ] ( TiC1–TiC7 ) and [ LTiL ] ( TiC8 ) (where acacH = acetylacetone, ph = phenol derivatives and L = ligand L1) were synthesized in anhydrous media and were characterized employing NMR ( 1 H and 13 C), UV-Vis, FT-IR and ESI-mass analyses. Viscosity assays, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking studies have been extrapolated to investigate the complexes’ interaction with CT-DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Interaction of the complexes with CT-DNA was validated as groove binding mode using UV-Vis absorption spectra as evidenced by their intrinsic binding constants of all wherein TiC1 and TiC2 exhibited higher values (19.4 × 10 5 and 5.50 × 10 5 M − 1 ) of K b . Gel electrophoresis assay displayed that CT-DNA had a limited cleavage ability when metal complexes with different activators were present. Fluorescence technique also verified the interaction of the complexes with CT-DNA and BSA to demonstrate greater K b values (2.84 × 10 4 and 6.42 × 10 4 M − 1 ) of the derivatives TiC1 and TiC2 . DPPH assay was carried out to determine the radical scavenging activity of the complexes, so in-vitro cytotoxic effect on malignant cell lines was investigated by MTT Assay with MCF7 and HeLa cell lines, where complexes were observed as potent towards the HeLa cell line only. The potent TiC2 and TiC8 were screened with MTT assay against a normal HEK-293 cell line and were found to be inactive as expected. Subsequently, dual staining with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB) was performed to determine the cell death. Eventually, intracellular ROS was determined by DCFDA staining followed by cell cycle analysis was carried out using propidium iodide (PI) by flow cytometry to determine the phases.
Evaluating the potential effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on the risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are a new class of drugs used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. PCSK9 inhibitors have been shown to remarkably reduce cardiovascular events in patients at high risk, but data on their impact on sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular arrhythmias are limited. This study aimed to evaluate whether PCSK9 inhibitor therapy reduces the risk of SCD and ventricular arrhythmias. Methods PubMed and Embase were searched up to September 1, 2024 and combined with data from ClinicalTrials.gov. Randomized controlled trials of PCSK9 inhibitors with ≥ 450 patients and follow-up of ≥ 48 weeks were considered for inclusion. Primary outcomes were the incidence of SCD and ventricular arrhythmias. We used a random-effects model to synthesize the data, calculating risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed with I² statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results A total of 12 articles with 16 trials involving 90,764 patients were included. The follow-up duration ranged from 48 weeks to 3.4 years. PCSK9 inhibitor therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of SCD (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.54–1.28; P = 0.40; I2 = 0%), ventricular arrhythmias (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.60–1.09; P = 0.17; I2 = 0%), and cardiac arrest (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.61–2.33; P = 0.60; I2 = 0%). Conclusion PCSK9 inhibitor therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of SCD and ventricular arrhythmias.
Impact of climate change on the distribution of Ligustrum leucanthum using MaxEnt modeling
A dynamical systems analysis of criminal behavior using national longitudinal survey of youth data
Building on previous work on the spread and sustenance of crime, we construct and analyze a dynamical systems model of criminal involvement, arrest, desistance, and rehabilitation to be estimated empirically using interviews in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. We examine how marginal increases in flows between states interact to decrease or increase the long-run level of crime, and whether this varies by subgroup. We study how observed racial disparities along certain pathways interact to generate macro-level disparities in criminal involvement as measured by arrest and self-report. Finally, we discuss the implications of the model for a broader policy debate on crime control and for competing explanations of the Black-White gap in criminal involvement. We find, among other conclusions, that marginal independent increases in first-time arrest rates (but not arrest rates for repeat offenders) increase long-run crime for all subgroups; that long-run crime levels for Black men are most sensitive to initial flows into crime and arrest and to rehabilitation; and that among people with no arrest history, Black women are significantly more likely than other subgroups to desist the following year.
Clinical and pathological features of lymphomas in the breast: a comprehensive multicentric study
The PREDEP-SERT study protocol: A 6-month follow-up cohort study of predictors of effectiveness, tolerability and safety of sertraline for depression using Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Sertraline is a common first-line pharmacological treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). There is no established consensus nor clinical guidelines for personalized dose adjustments, which imply risks of toxicity and lack of efficacy. To address these challenges, there is preliminary evidence of the clinical utility of the determination of blood levels of sertraline by means of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Further evidence is needed regarding the optimal therapeutic range of sertraline in terms of an optimal efficacy/tolerability-safety balance, with need of prospective studies on the association between blood concentration of sertraline and clinical outcomes. The PREDEP-SERT study (PREdictors of response in DEPression treated with SERTraline) is a single-center, observational, longitudinal, ambispective cohort study of patients with MDD to investigate the association between blood concentration of sertraline and its effectiveness, tolerability and safety (pre-registered study in Spain, REec number: 0014-2022-OBS, https://reec.aemps.es/reec/observacional/0014-2022-OBS). It adopts wide inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to allow the inclusion of patients that are representative of real-world clinical practice. It includes an exploratory retrospective subcohort and a subsequent 6-month follow-up prospective subcohort, with repeated measures (blood concentrations of sertraline and clinical outcomes) at scheduled timepoints (15 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and 6 months). Relevant clinical, pharmacogenetic and sociodemographic potential predictors, confounders and effect modifiers will be explored. Its primary objective is to prospectively assess the association between blood concentration of sertraline (and the ratio with its metabolite, N-desmethylsertraline) and the intensity of depressive symptoms measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at 6 months of treatment. Other secondary objectives are to assess the association between blood concentration of sertraline/N-desmethylsertraline and clinical variables of effectiveness (by means of validated clinical scales) and side effects at every timepoint. Its results may elucidate the clinical utility of TDM in the therapeutic management of MDD in a personalized fashion.
Innovative nanostructured lipid-particles of apocynin and clove oil tagged with Chitin oligosaccharide for amelioration of tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity
Abstract Tacrolimus (FK506) is a potent immunosuppressive agent widely employed to prevent allogeneic rejection in transplant recipients. However, its nephrotoxic effects pose significant limitations to long-term therapeutic use. To address this challenge, the present study aims to develop an innovative oral nano-delivery system designed to mitigate FK506-induced nephrotoxicity through the antioxidant properties of Apocynin (APO), clove oil (CO), and chitin oligosaccharide (CTOS). A nanostructured lipid carrier (NSLC) incorporating APO dissolved in CO and functionalized with CTOS was formulated using ultrasonic emulsification. Gelucire 43/01 and CO served as key lipid components in varying ratios. Physicochemical characterization of the developed NSLCs was conducted, assessing particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The optimized formulation (F4) exhibited an EE% of 63.85 ± 1.98, PS of 123 ± 2.21 nm, PDI of 0.17 ± 0.09, and ZP of − 28 ± 1.98, demonstrating a biphasic release profile and stability under refrigerated conditions for six months. In vivo nephroprotective efficacy was evaluated in FK506-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) rat models, where oral administration of APO-loaded NSLCs significantly improved renal function and alleviated nephrotoxicity, as evidenced by biochemical markers and histopathological analyses. These findings underscore the potential of APO-loaded NSLCs as a promising oral phytopharmaceutical strategy for mitigating FK506-associated nephrotoxicity and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in transplant patients. Further studies are warranted to optimize and expand clinical applications.
MSPA-informed SLEUTH urban growth modeling for green space protection in Ottawa
We created optimal urban expansion scenarios that also safeguard green spaces using SLEUTH-3r in the National Capital Region, Ottawa, Ontario. The scenarios were based on using two exclusion layers in SLEUTH-3r modeling, adjustments to the model’s calibrated growth coefficients for a compact city scenario and applying green space social equity weights to urban zones in model’s prediction results. The first exclusion layer contained common restricted areas for urban growth, while the second additionally incorporated cores of green spaces defined through Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), core importance and their corridors for connectivity. For each scenario, we selected 23,850 hectares as the required urban growth by the year 2050 and only 10% of this amount (2385 ha), to encourage more compact growth. We compared the scenarios based on the affected green space cores and urban growth polygons using Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). In most cases, scenarios incorporating MSPA were the favored ones. As the first attempt integrating MSPA definition of green space cores, their importance and connectivity into SLEUTH-3r model, we showed that MSPA-informed SLEUTH-3r modeling affects prediction results and provides a useful platform for generating scenarios. Incorporating MSPA information into SLEUTH-3r modeling enhanced the protection of green space cores and their connectivity. However, it also led to the selection of smaller urbanization polygons for the year 2050, distributed across the study area. Focusing on the preferred options, social equity weights and the selected polygons, provides city planners and stakeholders with valuable assistance and flexibility in designing urban growth scenarios while protecting green spaces.