Control Condition Research Articles

Impulse Controllability for Singular Hybrid Coupled Systems

This study examines the concept of impulse controllability within singular hybrid coupled systems through the utilisation of decentralised proportional plus derivative (P-D) output feedback. By employing the Differential Mean Value Theorem, the nonlinear model can be converted into a linear parameter-varying large-scale system. Our analysis leads to the establishment of algebraic conditions that are both necessary and sufficient for the existence of a decentralised P-D output feedback controller that can guarantee impulse controllability in these complex systems. Moreover, we address the issue of admissibility within these systems by employing matrix trace inequalities. We present a novel sufficient condition for impulse controllability, which offers a new perspective on addressing this challenging problem. To validate our findings, we present numerical examples that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies in practice.

Revealing the Reaction Pathway of Anodic Hydrogen Evolution at Magnesium Surfaces in Aqueous Electrolytes.

Aqueous metal corrosion is a major economic concern in modern society. A phenomenon that has puzzled generations of scientists in this field is the so-called anomalous hydrogen evolution: the violent dissolution of magnesium under electron-deficient (anodic) conditions, accompanied by strong hydrogen evolution and a key mechanism hampering Mg technology. Experimental studies have indicated the presence of univalent Mg+ in solution, but these findings have been largely ignored because they defy our common chemical understanding and evaded direct experimental observation. Using recent advances in the ab initio description of solid-liquid electrochemical interfaces under controlled potential conditions, we describe the full reaction path of Mg atom dissolution from a kinked Mg surface under anodic conditions. Our study reveals the formation of a solvated [Mg2+(OH)-]+ ion complex, challenging the conventional assumption of Mg2+ ion formation. This insight provides an intuitive explanation for the postulated presence of (Coulombically) univalent Mg+ ions, and the absence of protective oxide/hydroxide layers normally formed under anodic/oxidizing conditions. The discovery of this unexpected and unconventional reaction mechanism is crucial for identifying new strategies for corrosion prevention and can be transferred to other metals.

Impact of cannabinoids on synapse markers in an SH-SY5Y cell culture model

Patients suffering from schizophrenic psychosis show reduced synaptic connectivity compared to healthy individuals, and often, the use of cannabis precedes the onset of schizophrenic psychosis. Therefore, we investigated if different types of cannabinoids impact methylation patterns and expression of schizophrenia candidate genes concerned with the development and preservation of synapses and synaptic function in a SH-SY5Y cell culture model. For this purpose, SH-SY5Y cells were differentiated into a neuron-like cell type as previously described. Effects of the cannabinoids delta-9-THC, HU-210, and Anandamide were investigated by analysis of cell morphology and measurement of neurite/dendrite lengths as well as determination of methylation pattern, expression (real time-qPCR, western blot) and localization (immunocytochemistry) of different target molecules concerned with the formation of synapses. Regarding the global impression of morphology, cells, and neurites appeared to be a bit more blunted/roundish and to have more structures that could be described a bit boldly as resembling transport vesicles under the application of the three cannabinoids in comparison to a sole application of retinoic acid (RA). However, there were no obvious differences between the three cannabinoids. Concerning dendrites or branch lengths, there was a significant difference with longer dendrites and branches in RA-treated cells than in undifferentiated control cells (as shown previously), but there were no differences between cannabinoid treatment and exclusive RA application. Methylation rates in the promoter regions of synapse candidate genes in cannabinoid-treated cells were in between those of differentiated cells and untreated controls, even though findings were significant only in some of the investigated genes. In other targets, the methylation rates of cannabinoid-treated cells did not only approach those of undifferentiated cells but were also valued even beyond. mRNA levels also showed the same tendency of values approaching those of undifferentiated controls under the application of the three cannabinoids for most investigated targets except for the structural molecules (NEFH, MAPT). Likewise, the quantification of expression via western blot analysis revealed a higher expression of targets in RA-treated cells compared to undifferentiated controls and, again, lower expression under the additional application of THC in trend. In line with our earlier findings, the application of RA led to higher fluorescence intensity and/or a differential signal distribution in the cell in most of the investigated targets in ICC. Under treatment with THC, fluorescence intensity decreased, or the signal distribution became similar to the dispersion in the undifferentiated control condition. Our findings point to a decline of neuronal differentiation markers in our in vitro cell-culture system under the application of cannabinoids.

Audio-Vibratory You-Are-Here Mobile Maps for People with Visual Impairments

Self-localization and wayfinding are challenging tasks for people with visual impairments (PVIs), severely impacting independent mobility. Visual “You-are-here” (YAH) maps are useful for assisting local wayfinding of sighted users. They are used to self-localize and display points of interest, landmarks and routes in the surroundings. However, these maps are not always available and rarely accessible to PVIs. Relying on an iterative participatory design process with eight end-users with visual impairments, we created a proof of concept of a mobile audio-vibratory YAH map. Our design is based on either a tablet or a smartphone to ensure a small and portable solution. A user study with ten PVIs showed that the audio-vibratory YAH map that we designed provides the user with a good understanding of the surroundings and wayfinding cues. Surprisingly, the results show that the audio-vibratory YAH map prototype was as usable as the control condition (audio-tactile YAH map with a tactile overlay), with similar user satisfaction and cognitive load. A follow-up field study with two participants showed the effectiveness of the prototype for assisting in crossroad understanding. To conclude, our innovative design of a mobile audio-vibratory YAH map can overcome the portability and printing issues associated with tactile overlays and can be an appropriate solution for assisting the pedestrian navigation of PVIs.

Teasing apart time reference-related encoding and retrieval deficits in aphasia: evidence from Greek, Russian, Italian and English

ABSTRACT Background Persons with aphasia (PWAs) are often impaired in time reference/tense production. It has been suggested that this impairment is due to encoding or/and retrieval deficits. However, to the best of our knowledge, no experimental design that enables teasing apart selective encoding and retrieval deficits has been proposed thus far. Aims This study aims at disentangling time reference-related encoding deficits from time reference-related retrieval deficits in PWAs. Methods & procedures Two sentence completion tasks tapping production of time reference and subject-verb agreement (control condition) were administered to eight Greek-speaking PWAs, eight Russian-speaking PWAs, six Italian-speaking PWAs, seven English-speaking PWAs and four groups of language-, age- and education-matched healthy controls. Task 1 tapped encoding and retrieval processes to a similar extent. Task 2 predominantly tapped retrieval processes. Comparisons between each PWA and the corresponding control group, as well as within-participant comparisons were performed. Outcomes & results All four control groups performed at ceiling. Twenty-eight out of 29 PWAs were impaired in time reference in at least one of the two completion tasks, and all but three PWAs were impaired in production of subject-verb agreement in at least one of the two tasks. In all language groups, there were PWAs exhibiting between-task dissociations. A double dissociation emerged in the time reference condition, as some Greek-, Russian- and English-speaking PWAs performed better on Task 1 than on Task 2, whereas other Greek- and Italian-speaking PWAs performed worse on Task 1 than on Task 2. In the agreement condition, in each language group, there were PWAs performing better on Task 1 than on Task 2. However, none PWA exhibited the opposite pattern. Based on the results, we identified both PWAs with selective time reference-related encoding deficits and PWAs with selective time reference-related retrieval deficits. Conclusions The present experimental design provides a sound basis for teasing apart selective time reference-related encoding deficits and time reference-related retrieval deficits.

Enhancing salt tolerance in rice genotypes through exogenous melatonin application by modulating growth patterns and antistress agents

Melatonin is a bioactive molecule with an important role in plants responding to various abiotic and biotic stresses. This study aims to determine the role of melatonin in rice under salt stress. This study used a factorial completely randomized design. The first factor was local rice varieties (IR64 and Silaun), and the second factor was plant treatments (control, 1 µM melatonin, 150 mM NaCl, 150 mM NaCl + 1µM melatonin). This study shows that exogenous melatonin can increase plant growth, such as plant height, root length, stem length, leaf length, leaf area, and plant biomass under salt stress compared to treatment without melatonin. Exogenous melatonin can increase the total chlorophyll content, relative water content, and proline content, reduce the total sodium content, and increase potassium absorption under conditions of salinity stress. Melatonin is also able to scavenge ROS in plants, resulted the decrease in ROS and MDA content. In terms of gene expression, OsAPX1 and cytosolic APX exhibited the highest expression in IR64 under combined salt and melatonin treatment, while GPOD, Mn-SOD, and Cu/Zn-SOD were upregulated under various conditions in both varieties. Additionally, OsLEA showed high expression in both varieties under control conditions, and CAT was significantly upregulated under salt stress. Our findings indicate that exogenous melatonin has the potential to enhance various factors under salt stress and helping in the recovery of rice plants from sodium (Na+) damage.

Determining the Severity of Benign Urologic Health States in Men Using Utilities Measures

ObjectivesTo assess a population level perceived health status of common reconstructive urologic conditions using health utilities. MethodsHealth utilities are generic quality of life measures that can help describe overall health status and can quantitatively compare different disease states and the perceived benefits of various interventions. An a priori determined, representative sample of adult men were recruited by Qualtrics™ to review standardized scenarios describing typical patients with reconstructive urologic conditions, surgeries to treat conditions, and control conditions (e.g. blindness, osteoarthritis). Condition-specific health status was measured using four tools: visual analog scale, standard gamble, time-trade off and willingness-to-pay and reported in Quality-adjusted Life Years (QALY; range 0.0 (death) to 1.0 (perfect health)). ResultsWe analyzed 562 completed surveys from condition-naive participants. Condition-specific health status ranged from a mean of 0.52 QALY to 0.66 QALY, with all reconstructive conditions perceived to be worse than osteoarthritis and monocular blindness (QALY 0.68). Health status was lowest for adult acquired buried penis (0.52 QALY) and pelvic radiation disease (0.53 QALY), comparable to binocular blindness (QALY 0.52). Treatment of erectile dysfunction with inflatable penile prosthesis (∆QALY +0.02; p<0.001) and stress urinary incontinence with artificial urinary sphincter (∆QALY +0.04; p<0.001) offered only nominal perceived gain in health status. ConclusionsHealth utilities may improve the ability to discriminate between heterogeneous reconstructive urologic disease states. For non-oncologic disease states in which mortality is not measured, health utilities could improve the ability to measure societal impact and justification for clinical and research investment.

Trauma-informed acceptance and commitment therapy with peer coaching for college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

The current pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a mental health promotion intervention for college students based on trauma-focused acceptance and commitment therapy (Harris, 2021). This hybrid intervention combined web-based modules with peer coaching in a research lab setting. Seventy-eight students were randomized to either the intervention group, "Present and Open for Values" training, or an active control group, "Crash Course" training. Psychological distress and life satisfaction levels were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months postintervention. Open-ended feedback, rating scales, and completion rates suggested that both conditions were well-received and feasible. Longitudinal mixed-effects regression models with subject-specific intercepts were used to examine intervention effects. Participants in the Present and Open for Values condition reported significantly greater reductions in psychological distress levels compared to the control group, both at the end of the intervention and 3-month follow-up. Additionally, they reported significantly greater improvements in life satisfaction levels at these same intervals compared to baseline measurements. No significant changes in these outcomes were observed for the control condition. These findings suggest that the Present and Open for Values intervention with peer coaching is a promising approach for addressing mental health issues among college students, with the potential to be scaled up for broader implementation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Results of a randomized waitlist-controlled trial of online cognitive behavioral sex therapy and online mindfulness-based sex therapy for hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction in women.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of two internet-delivered psychological treatments for hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD) in women: internet-based cognitive behavioral sex therapy (iCBST) and internet-based mindfulness-based sex therapy (iMBST). Women with HSDD were randomly assigned to one of three groups: iCBST, iMBST, or a waitlist control group. The interventions consisted of eight modules delivered via an e-health platform with e-coach support to enhance adherence. Sexual desire and sexual distress were assessed at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups (active conditions only). Per protocol, of the 266 consenting women, 106 were randomized to iCBST (Mage = 36.1, SD = 10.3), 106 to iMBST (Mage = 36.4, SD = 0.2), and 54 to the control condition (Mage = 36.7, SD = 11.0). Primary analyses utilized an intention-to-treat approach with linear mixed models. Clinical significance, assessed with clinical cutoffs and the reliable change index, was examined for active conditions. Compared to the control condition, both iCBST and iMBST demonstrated significant improvements in sexual desire and sexual distress at 3-month (d = 0.89-1.14) and 6-month follow-up (d = 0.74-1.18). Results were sustained at 12-month follow-up, with 35 and 41% demonstrating reliable improvements and additional 20 and 24% achieving clinically significant improvements in sexual desire after iCBST and iMBST. Regarding sexual distress, 49 and 42% exhibited reliable change, with an additional 37%-42% achieving clinically significant improvements. Results provide support for the overall long-term efficacy of psychological therapies in treating HSDD in women. However, fewer than one in four women showed improvements in sexual desire that met the threshold for clinically significant change. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Outcome devaluation as a method for identifying goal-directed behaviors in rats.

Goal-directed behaviors allow animals to act to satisfy needs and desires. The outcome devaluation task is an effective method for identifying goal-directed behaviors and distinguishing these from other types of behavior. Rats can be trained to lever-press for one or multiple distinct food rewards. During testing, the previously earned food-or a control food for comparison-is devalued by allowing the animal to freely feed on it until they are sated before testing lever-press performance under extinction conditions (no rewards are delivered). Behavior that adapts to reflect the new value of the outcome is considered goal-directed, whereas behavior that continues as in previous training despite the change in outcome value, is not. As more research groups have used this task, variability in the procedures used has increased. Here, we provide a reliable procedure for conducting the outcome devaluation task with appropriate controls. We describe the most common variants of the task and control conditions and discuss troubleshooting measures such as outcome pre-exposure, habituation to pre-feeding chambers and attention to animals' hunger levels. The method outlined can be executed in ~2 weeks including training (~8 d) and testing (1-4 d) by researchers who are familiar with performing behavioral tasks in laboratory rodents, although longer training may be considered for those who are interested in observing habitual control of behavior. This protocol should facilitate the comparison of results from different studies and laboratories, while allowing flexibility in the application of the outcome devaluation task to different research questions.

Beyond anti-urban sentiment: Rural consciousness and affect toward undocumented immigrants

Stricter immigration attitudes are associated with rurality. I argue that rural consciousness can help explain this tendency; those Americans higher in rural consciousness should theoretically see undocumented immigrants as a lower-status out-group unduly favored by decision-makers. Using ANES data, I find that colder feelings toward undocumented/illegal immigrants and harsher immigration policy attitudes significantly and positively associate with rural consciousness for rural/small-town residents. This is not moderated by partisanship or racial resentment, though the effect is stronger for non-whites. Further, exposure to an experimental treatment article sympathizing with rural way of life being disrespected – i.e., highlighting rural people being disrespected, which is an element of rural consciousness– results in significantly warmer feelings toward undocumented immigrants for rural/small-town respondents compared to those in the control condition. Conversely, exposure to an article about racial demographic changes in rural areas, or to a lagging rural economic recovery article, did not consistently or significantly affect the outcome variable. This study both confirms links between rural resentment or consciousness in similar contexts, while providing evidence that such a relationship is driven by feelings of in-group disrespect over economic or racial/ethnic threat.

Induced Discomfort Promotes Executive Function While Walking With(out) an Artificial Neuromuscular Impairment.

Neuromotor disorders can degrade one's ability to locomote and attend to salient stimuli in the environment. Many disorders are physiologically complex, making it difficult to tease apart interactions between motor adaptation and executive function processes. We address this challenge by giving participants a controlled artificial impairment, using electrical stimulation to produce an uncomfortable disruption in normal muscular coordination during locomotion. While adapting to this gait perturbation, participants performed an executive function task containing neutral and affectively charged stimuli. The artificial impairment was counterbalanced against control and sham (discomfort-only stimulation) walking conditions. Our twofold hypothesis that discomfort would selectively tax hot, emotionally-charged executive function and motor adaptation would challenge cold, logical executive function was not supported. However, we found that the discomfort experienced with both stimulation conditions improved participants' ability to inhibit distracting information, enhancing this aspect of executive function, and the effect did not depend on whether the task was affectively charged. Moderate discomfort during physical activity may have improved inhibitory control by increasing arousal, a known factor mediating executive function. These results show that using a sensorimotor perturbation that acts internally and bridges multiple physiological domains, including discomfort, can reveal effects not seen with purely environmental manipulations. The broader implications are that when high cognitive performance is needed during physical activity, it may be beneficial to, quite literally, operate outside one's comfort zone.

Rice Response to Struvite and Other Phosphorus Fertilizers in a Phosphorus-Deficient Soil Under Simulated Furrow-irrigation

AbstractWastewater-recovered phosphorus (P), in the form of the mineral struvite (MgNH4PO4⋅6H2O), may provide a sustainable alternative to decreasing rock-phosphate reserves. Struvite can be generated via precipitation methods, potentially reducing the amount of P runoff to aquatic ecosystems. The objective of this greenhouse tub study was to evaluate the effects of chemically- and electrochemically precipitated struvite (CPST and ECST, respectively) on above- and belowground plant response in a hybrid rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar grown using furrow-irrigation compared to other common fertilizer-P sources [i.e., triple super phosphate (TSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP)]. Rice was grown in tubs in controlled environmental conditions in a greenhouse for a full growing season in a P-deficient, silt-loam soil (Typic Glossaqualfs). Plant nutrients (i.e., N. P. K. Mg, Zn) were determined at the end of the growing season through Mehlich-3 extraction. Below- and aboveground rice dry matter (DM), root-P concentration and uptake, aboveground tissue-P uptake, total aboveground and total plant DM, grain yield, and grain P uptake from CPST and ECST did not differ from DAP or TSP. However, aboveground tissue-P concentration was greater (P &lt; 0.05) from TSP (0.05%) than from ECST, CPST, and the unamended control (UC). Total aboveground (i.e., vegetative plus grain) tissue-P uptake was largest (P &lt; 0.05) from TSP (4.8 g m− 2), which did not differ from DAP or CPST, and was at least 1.1 times greater than from ECST and the UC. Despite only a few differences from the UC, the many similar rice responses among struvite and other common fertilizer-P sources suggest that struvite, especially ECST, is a potential alternative fertilizer-P source that warrants further research into struvite’s role in food production.

An Investigation Into the Unconscious Influence of Mortality Salience Upon Sentencing Decisions.

This study aimed to explore if unconscious awareness of death influences the harshness of offender sentencing. According to Terror Management Theory death is anxiety-provoking, and self-esteem and a belief in a shared cultural worldview keep anxiety at bay. When these factors are challenged then death awareness increases. These dynamics could be relevant in a court setting in which judges have to make decisions regarding offenders who may have different world views and in cases that trigger the awareness of mortality. We used subliminal priming to activate the awareness of death and recorded the effect it had on decision-making against a hypothetical offender. Participants (N = 303) were recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental mortality condition or a neutral control condition. Analysis revealed that death-related subliminal priming brought about harsher sentencing effects than the control. The results suggest that subconscious awareness of death may bias decision-making when sentencing.

A multi-institution longitudinal randomised control trial of speaking up: Implications for theory and practice.

Speaking up is an important yet challenging aspect of health professional communication. To overcome social-cognitive influences and improve speaking up, an intervention based on Kolb's experiential learning cycle was developed, which integrated Virtual Simulation, curriculum, and practice speaking up. The present study investigated if integrating Virtual Simulation influenced Respiratory Therapy students' ability to challenge a physician compared to a control condition at multiple time points during training. A multi-institutional longitudinal randomized control trial was conducted. Students from two schools completed a Virtual Simulation or No Virtual Simulation before classroom instruction on speaking up and an in-person simulation requiring speaking up. After three-to-six months and post-clinical placement, students completed a second simulation requiring speaking up. The student's ability to speak up and use CUS (Concerned, Uncomfortable, Safety Issue) was measured. No significant effects for the intervention were observed across time points, p>.05, with a small effect for using CUS, ϕ=.28. During the study, two unexpected findings emerged with theoretical and practical implications. The multi-institutional design created a natural experiment that allowed for the identification of instructor effects on speaking up and Bloom's Two-Sigma problem. Observations were also made related to perceptual limitations that diminish the ability to speak up. Single speaking-up interventions continue to appear to be ineffective. To substantially influence behaviour, consistent mentorship through a "champion" is likely necessary to train for and create a culture of speaking up. Training in situational awareness is also likely needed to counter human perceptual limitations in complex situations.

A Pilot Controlled Trial of Relaxation Training Combined with a Video Game Reinforcing Emotional Regulation to Improve Anger Management in Children and Adolescents.

Untreated anger and aggression in youth confer heightened risk for subsequent psychosocial problems. However, engaging youth in treatment for anger can be difficult given barriers to accessing care and high rates of attrition. This study examined whether learning relaxation skills and practicing them using a videogame, whose operation was contingent upon keeping heart rate close to baseline levels, could help children learn to manage anger and aggression. Youth ages 7-17 with elevated levels of anger (N = 39) were randomized to receive the active video game condition or a control game that displayed heart rate but did not stop the game if heart rate became elevated. Youth underwent baseline screening, 6 treatment sessions, and follow-up assessments at 2-weeks and 3-months. Compared to the control condition, children in the active condition demonstrated significantly greater improvements in clinician-rated aggression severity (d = 1.48) and youth-rated emotion dysregulation (d = 3.46) at 2-weeks post-treatment. The active group maintained these improvements at 3-month follow-up, but no longer significantly differed from the control group. Intervention effects were nonsignificant for parent-reported emotion dysregulation and aggression. In addition, the intervention group youth, but not control group, experienced increased time with heart rate below baseline over the course of the 6 sessions. Findings suggest a promising brief intervention for reducing aggression and emotion dysregulation in children while they are waiting for longer-term outpatient therapy. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03270813.

Bovine pulp extracellular matrix hydrogel for regenerative endodontic applications: in vitro characterization and in vivo analysis in a necrotic tooth model

BackgroundRegenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) offer the promise of restoring vitality and function to a previously necrotic and infected tooth. However, the nature of regenerated tissues following REPs remains unpredictable and uncontrollable. Decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds have gained recent attention as scaffolds for regenerative endodontics.ObjectivesPreparation and characterization of a bovine dental pulp-derived extracellular matrix (P-ECM) hydrogel for regenerative endodontic applications. Biocompatibility and regenerative capacity of the prepared scaffold were evaluated in vivo in a canine animal model.MethodsFifteen freshly extracted bovine molar teeth were used to prepare P-ECM hydrogels following approval of the institutional review board of the faculty of dentistry, Alexandria University. Decellularization and lyophilization of the extracted pulp tissues, DNA quantification and histological examination of decellularized P-ECM were done. P-ECM hydrogel was prepared by digestion of decellularized pulps. Prepared scaffolds were evaluated for protein content and release as well as release of VEGF, bFGF, TGF-β1 and BMP2 using ELISA. Rabbit dental pulp stem cells’ (rDPSCs) viability in response to P-ECM hydrogels was performed. Finally, proof-of-concept of the regenerative capacity of P-ECM scaffolds was assessed in an infected mature canine tooth model following REPs versus blood clot (BC), injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) or hyaluronic acid (HA). Statistical analysis was done using independent t test, the Friedman test and chi-square tests (p value ≤ 0.05).ResultsDNA was found to be below the cut-off point (50 ng/mg tissue). Histological evaluation revealed absence of nuclei, retention of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen content, respectively. P-ECM hydrogel had a total protein content of (493.12 µg/µl) and protein release was detected up to 14 days. P-ECM hydrogel also retained VEGF, bFGF, TGF-β1 and BMP2. P-ECM hydrogel maintained the viability of rDPSCs as compared to cells cultured under control conditions. P-ECM hydrogel triggered more organized tissues compared to BC, i-PRF and HA when used in REPs for necrotic mature teeth in dogs. Periapical inflammation was significantly less in HA and P-ECM groups compared to blood-derived scaffolds.ConclusionBovine dental pulp-derived extracellular matrix (P-ECM) hydrogel scaffold retained its bioactive properties and demonstrated a promising potential in regenerative endodontic procedures compared to conventional blood-derived scaffolds.

Females have better metabolic flexibility in different metabolically challenging stimuli.

The first aim was to explore the difference in metabolic flexibility between sexes in response to changing exercise intensity under control conditions. The second aim was to evaluate metabolic flexibility between sexes in response to exercise intensity adding two different metabolically challenging stimuli (glycogen depletion and heat). Eleven males (22±3yrs, 176.2±4cm, 68.4±4.9kg and 60.2±4.1ml/kgFFM/min) and nine females (22±2yrs, 166.7±4.5cm, 61.9±2.9kg, 64.2±5.6 ml/kgFFM/min) performed a maximal incremental exercise test (30W every 3min) on a cycle ergometer under three conditions: control (24h high-carbohydrate diet followed by the incremental test), glycogen depletion (glycogen-depletion protocol followed by 24h low-carbohydrate diet and then the incremental test) and heat (24h high-carbohydrate diet followed by 30 min passive heating and then the incremental test in heat). In the last minute of each step, lactate was analysed, fat (FATox/FFM) and carbohydrate oxidation (CHox/FFM) and energy expenditure (EE/FFM) normalized to fat free mass was estimated by indirect calorimetry. Females presented a greater FATox/FFM as exercise intensity increases across conditions (control, glycogen depletion and heat) (p=0.006). In contrast, CHox/FFM was not significantly different between sexes at any specific intensity across conditions (p>0.05). Consequently, EE/FFM was higher in females throughout the different intensities across conditions (p=0.002). Finally, lactate concentration was not different between sexes at the same intensities across conditions (p=0.87). In conclusion, females present a greater metabolic flexibility, due to the higher FATox/FFM throughout the different intensities, regardless of whether the test is performed in a conditions emphasizing the oxidative pathway (glycogen depletion) or the glycolytic pathway (heat). Clinical trials:NCT05703100.

Paddy straw biochar amended sediment enhances pond productivity, growth and physiological profile of Penaeus vannamei cultured in inland saline nursery ponds.

The growing interest in commercial Inland saline aquaculture has taken momentum across the globe due to the available technologies for aquaculture and the abundant resources of saline groundwater. However, the critical problems in inland saline ponds are degraded soil and imbalanced or deficient nutrients. To address these issues, a 75-day experiment was conducted to explore the effects of Paddy Straw Biochar (PSB) as a sediment amendment on sediment quality, water characteristics, growth parameters, and the well-being of Penaeus vannamei reared in inland saline environments. PSB was applied to the nursery ponds at 1 ton/hectare (Treatment, T1) and 2 ton/hectare (Treatment, T2). The findings of water quality parameters showed a significant increase in K+ and Mg++ with a decrease in ammonia-N levels in biochar-applied ponds. Similarly, the addition of biochar to ponds (T2) resulted in improved sediment characteristics with enhanced water holding capacity (24.75%), increased soil organic carbon content (77.94%), pH levels (0.37 units), cation exchange capacity (43.15%), available potassium (16.3%), and lower bulk density (12.61%) compared to ponds subjected to control conditions at the end of the experiment. Over the experiment, improvements in sediment and water quality parameters followed the T2 > T1 > control trend. Growth characteristics showed a significant rise in the percentage of weight gain (12.398 ± 0.12), SGR (11.80 ± 0.01% day-1) and PER (2.39 ± 0.01) with reduced FCR (1.19 ± 0.00) in biochar-treated ponds (T2), followed by T1 and control. The digestive enzyme activity (amylase) and metabolic enzymes like hepatopancreatic alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and muscle ALT activities were significantly higher in shrimps raised in the biochar-applied ponds. On the other hand, the oxidative stress enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in gills, muscles, and hepatopancreas (HP) exhibited lower values, suggesting reduced oxidative stress due to the biochar amendment of the pond sediment. Overall, the study recommends incorporating PSB at a rate of 2 t/ha into nursery pond sediment to enhance water quality, physiological status, and the growth of P. vannamei juveniles. Moreover, this approach improves soil and water characteristics in saline soils, making it an effective culture practice in degraded environments.

Digital cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Prior meta-analyses have evaluated digital interventions for alcohol exclusively and alcohol/tobacco combined. These meta-analyses showed positive outcomes pertaining to alcohol and alcohol/tobacco combined. Yet questions remain pertaining to the effect of digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on reducing alcohol and drug use.Objectives: The purpose of the meta-analysis was to determine the mean effect size, relative to control groups, of digital CBT, for posttest reductions in drug and/or alcohol use.Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria was used to guide this review and meta-analysis. Electronic databases (APA PsycArticles, Academic Search Complete, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Social Sciences Full Text, Social Work Abstracts, SocINDEX), clinicaltrials.gov, reference lists were searched. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID#: CRD42023471492). The CBT interventions included cognitive restructuring.Results: All but one of the effect sizes favored digital CBT (from -0.02 to -1.45). After the removal an outlier, a small, significant, random effects model Hedges' g summary effect of -0.23 (95% confidence interval: -0.32, -0.14, p < .0001) showed a reduction in substance use at the posttest, favoring digital CBT relative to the control group. A variety of control conditions were used; however, the effects sizes had minimal heterogeneity (k = 17, I2 = 5.34, Q = 16.9, p = .39). The funnel plot and Egger regression test intercept (0.01, p = .99) lacked publication bias.Conclusion: The meta-analytic findings suggest digital CBT is an efficacious treatment for reducing alcohol and drug use overall.