Index Dispersion Research Articles

RELAXATION BEHAVIOR OF 3D PRINTED NBR-BASED RUBBER O-RINGS AS INNER PART OF ROD SEALS

ABSTRACT The viscoelastic properties of rubber polymer-based compounds are crucial for further applications but challenging in the manufacturing process using additive manufacturing techniques. The fact that the first layer is attached to the printing bed restricts free relaxation after extrusion, that the part shows a strong contraction along the printing direction after release and especially after vulcanization. In this study, the molar mass distribution and acrylonitrile (ACN) content of an NBR-based compound for the fabrication of O-rings for rod seal applications was varied to demonstrate the different degree of contraction resulting from 3D printing. An ACN content of 34% and an average molar mass Mw of 2.47·105 g·mol−1 with a dispersity index D of 2.6 was found to be a suitable compromise between the degree of contraction and compression set as a criterion for the application as O-ring as inner part of rod seals.

Silver Nanoparticles Encapped by Dihydromyricetin: Optimization of Green Synthesis, Characterization, Toxicity, and Anti-MRSA Infection Activities for Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

To achieve the environmentally friendly and rapid green synthesis of efficient and stable AgNPs for drug-resistant bacterial infection, this study optimized the green synthesis process of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Dihydromyricetin (DMY). Then, we assessed the impact of AgNPs on zebrafish embryo development, as well as their therapeutic efficacy on zebrafish infected with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light-scattering (DLS) analyses revealed that AgNPs possessed an average size of 23.6 nm, a polymer dispersity index (PDI) of 0.197 ± 0.0196, and a zeta potential of -18.1 ± 1.18 mV. Compared to other published green synthesis products, the optimized DMY-AgNPs exhibited smaller sizes, narrower size distributions, and enhanced stability. Furthermore, the minimum concentration of DMY-AgNPs required to affect zebrafish hatching and survival was determined to be 25.0 μg/mL, indicating the low toxicity of DMY-AgNPs. Following a 5-day feeding regimen with DMY-AgNP-containing food, significant improvements were observed in the recovery of the gills, intestines, and livers in MRSA-infected zebrafish. These results suggested that optimized DMY-AgNPs hold promise for application in aquacultures and offer potential for further clinical use against drug-resistant bacteria.

The fate of plastic wraps in constructed wetland: Surface structure and microbial community

The high use of plastic wraps leads to significant environmental pollution. In this study, the surface structure and microbial community evolution of commercially available plastic wraps [polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and polylactic acid (PLA)] in constructed wetlands (CWs) were investigated. The results indicated that all plastic wraps gradually decreased in molecular weight, crystallinity, melting, and crystallization temperatures, whereas a gradual increase was observed in the surface roughness, polymer dispersity index (PDI), carbonyl index (CI) and Shannon index of microorganisms colonizing the CWs. The aging rate of the plastic wrap was in the order: PLA > PVC > PE > PVDC, at the same site in the CWs, and it was in the order: soil surface > plant roots > subsoil, for the same plastic wrap. The diversity of microorganisms colonizing the same plastic wrap was in the order: plant roots > subsoil > soil surface. The Shannon indices of microorganisms on plastic wraps were lower than those in the soil, indicating that the diversity of microorganisms colonizing plastic wraps is limited. Additionally, the microbial community structure on the plastic surface was co-differentiated by the plastic type, placement position in the CWs, and aging time. Significantly different microbial community structures were found on the PVC and PVDC wrap surfaces, revealing that the chlorine in plastics limits microbial diversity. Unclassified members of Rhizobiaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were the dominant genera on the surface of the plastic wraps, suggesting that they may be the microorganisms involved in plastic degradation processes. The study provides valuable perspectives to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the migration, fate, and environmental risks associated with microplastics (MPs) in wetlands.

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF AN EMULGEL CONTAINING SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND VITAMIN D-3 FOR ITS POTENTIAL TO ACCELERATE THE HEALING OF WOUND

Objective: The aim of this research work was to prepare a topical emulgel based dosage form incorporated with vitamin D-3 and silver nanoparticles to reduce the wound healing time in any kind of wound. Methods: Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied for the optimization of emulgel by using Design expert software. Three responses (pH, viscosity, and in vitro drug release) and two factors (Carbopol concentration and stirring duration) were chosen, and Statistical Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that all the factors were significantly affecting the responses. Silver Nanoparticles (SNPs) was prepared with Green Tea Extract (GTE) and evaluated for particle size, Poly Dispersity Index (PDI), zeta potential and Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and revealed that SNPs of desired range and stability have been synthesized. Here excision wound model was used to evaluate the wound healing activity of formulation in vivo. Results: Maximum in vitro release 88.2±2.1 has shown by the optimized formulation F13, pH and viscosity were also found in optimum range i.e., 6.2±0.4 and 1672±33 respectively, followed by Korsmeyer and Peppas model. Total eight groups were designed for animal study and silver sulphadiazine was used as marketed formulation. F13 formulation was further evaluated for in vivo data, it was revealed that emulgel loaded with high dose of vitamin D-3 along with silver nanoparticles has shown 100.5±1.7% wound contraction, while marketed formulation has shown 103.7±1.1% wound contraction, which was much similar with test formulation. Cytotoxic cell study was done using assay on chicken egg, formulation has not shown any cytotoxic behaviour like haemolysis and cell damage on chick embryo’s blood vessels. Accelerated stability study of the optimized formulation was also performed to check whether the formulation was stable or not and it was revealed that optimized formulation was found stable for the period of six months. Conclusion: It was revealed that emulgel loaded with high dose of vitamin D-3 and SNPs found suitable to accelerate wound healing and showed almost similar response in wound contraction on comparison with marketed formulation. This emulgel promised to controlled the delivery of the drug for the longer duration.

White Matter Microstructure of the Genu of the Corpus Callosum Measured Using Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) Is Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Older Adults

Changes in white matter microstructure of the genu of the corpus callosum are predictive of cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is positively associated with brain health; however, the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and white matter microstructure of the genu of the corpus callosum is unknown. Further, a novel diffusion method for assessing white matter microstructure, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), can detect specific microstructural features that are not observed with conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Young (n=27, age=25±5, m=12, f=15) and older (n=23, age=64±5, m=12, f=11) adults free of underlying disease participated in this study. CRF was assessed using an incremental maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. On a separate visit, white matter microstructure of the genu of the corpus callosum was measured using both DTI and NODDI MRI scans. In young adults, there were no associations between CRF and white matter microstructure of the genu of the corpus callosum measured using either DTI or NODDI (p>0.05). In older adults, there were no associations between CRF and white matter microstructure of the genu of the corpus callosum measured with DTI. However, in older adults, there was a positive association between CRF and orientation dispersion index of the genu of the corpus callosum measured with NODDI (r=0.47, p=0.02). In conclusion, using conventional DTI, no associations between CRF and white matter microstructure of the genu of the corpus callosum were observed. However, using NODDI, which can detect specific microstructural features, our results suggest that older adults with higher CRF demonstrated enhanced white matter microstructure, specifically orientation dispersion index, of the genu of the corpus callosum. Conventional DTI may underestimate the impact of CRF on age-related changes in white matter microstructure. National Institutes of Health - HL118154 (JNB), HL007936 (KBM). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Infant attachment does not depend on neonatal amygdala and hippocampal structure and connectivity

Infant attachment is an antecedent of later socioemotional abilities, which can be adversely affected by preterm birth. The structural integrity of amygdalae and hippocampi may subserve attachment in infancy. We aimed to investigate associations between neonatal amygdalae and hippocampi structure and their whole-brain connections and attachment behaviours at nine months of age in a sample of infants enriched for preterm birth. In 133 neonates (median gestational age 32 weeks, range 22.14–42.14), we calculated measures of amygdala and hippocampal structure (volume, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, neurite dispersion index, orientation dispersion index) and structural connectivity, and coded attachment behaviours (distress, fretfulness, attentiveness to caregiver) from responses to the Still-Face Paradigm at nine months. After multiple comparisons correction, there were no significant associations between neonatal amygdala or hippocampal structure and structural connectivity and attachment behaviours: standardised β values − 0.23 to 0.18, adjusted p-values > 0.40. Findings indicate that the neural basis of infant attachment in term and preterm infants is not contingent on the structure or connectivity of the amygdalae and hippocampi in the neonatal period, which implies that it is more widely distributed in early life and or that network specialisation takes place in the months after hospital discharge.

Common risk alleles for schizophrenia within the major histocompatibility complex predict white matter microstructure

Recent research has highlighted the role of complement genes in shaping the microstructure of the brain during early development, and in contributing to common allele risk for Schizophrenia. We hypothesised that common risk variants for schizophrenia within complement genes will associate with structural changes in white matter microstructure within tracts innervating the frontal lobe. Results showed that risk alleles within the complement gene set, but also intergenic alleles, significantly predict axonal density in white matter tracts connecting frontal cortex with parietal, temporal and occipital cortices. Specifically, risk alleles within the Major Histocompatibility Complex region in chromosome 6 appeared to drive these associations. No significant associations were found for the orientation dispersion index. These results suggest that changes in axonal packing - but not in axonal coherence - determined by common risk alleles within the MHC genomic region – including variants related to the Complement system - appear as a potential neurobiological mechanism for schizophrenia.

An Effective Method to Prepare Curcumin-Loaded Soy Protein Isolate Nanoparticles Co-Stabilized by Carrageenan and Fucoidan.

In this study, a novel and simple strategy is proposed based on 3D network formed by easily blending polysaccharide carrageenan (Car) and fucoidan (Fuc) without a crosslinker. The Fuc/Car dual coating effectively assists the self-assembly of soy protein-isolated (SPI)/curcumin (Cur, C) composite microcapsules (SPI/C) and achieves an excellent curcumin encapsulation efficiency (EE) up to 95.28% with a 4.16% loading capacity (LC) under optimal conditions. The resulting nanocomposites achieved a satisfying redispersibility in aqueous solution and enhanced the water solubility with a lower size dispersity index (PDI) of 0.12 and a larger zeta potential of -29.67 mV. The Fuc/Car double-layer network not only dramatically improved its thermal stability and photostability, but also provided controlled release and enhanced antioxidant activity in in vitro conditions. The underlying mechanism of the self-assembly of the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles was also addressed. The results proved the feasibility of the encapsulation of unstable hydrophobic bioactive substances (curcumin) with the dual anionic polysaccharide Fuc/Car co-stabilized SPI nanoparticles. This study paves the way for an alternative way of developing novel curcumin delivery systems and will have broad prospects in the pharmaceutical industries.

Apparent metabolizable energy and ileal amino acid digestibility of commercial soybean meals of different origins in broilers

We studied the chemical composition and the in vivo AMEn content and apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibility of CP and amino acids (AA) of 27 samples of soybean meals (SBM) from Argentina (ARG), Brazil (BRA), and USA, collected in Spain. On 88% DM basis, the BRA meals had more CP (46.9 vs. 46.0 and 45.9%; P < 0.05) and less sucrose (5.21 vs. 6.28 and 6.47%; P < 0.001) and stachyose (4.20 vs. 4.66 and 4.78%; P < 0.05) than the USA and ARG meals. Urease activity, protein dispersibility index, KOH protein solubility, and trypsin inhibitor activity values, were higher for the USA meals than for the South American meals (P < 0.05). In the in vivo trial, broilers received a common crumble diet from 0 to 16 d of age and then, their respective experimental diets (53% of a N-free diet and 47% of each of the 27 SBM tested) in mash form, for 5 d. The AMEn (2,334 vs. 2,282 and 2,277 kcal/kg; P = 0.062) and the AID (87.3 vs. 86.7 and 86.4%; P = 0.054) and SID (91.9 vs. 91.2 and 90.8%; P < 0.05) of the protein, were greater for the USA meals than for the ARG and BRA meals. In fact, the SID of Lys (93.5 vs. 93.0 and 92.1%; P < 0.001) and of the sum of Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, and Cys (91.4 vs. 91.0 and 90.2%; P < 0.05) were greater for the USA meals than for the ARG and BRA meals. In summary, the chemical composition, protein quality indicators, AMEn content, and ileal digestibility of the CP and the AA of the SBM, varied with the country of origin of the soybeans. In order to increase the accuracy of the feed formulation process, the composition and nutrient content of commercial batches of SBM, by country of origin should be controlled and periodically updated.

The Correlation Between P Wave Dispersion and Left Ventricle Mass Index (LVMI) in Heart Failure Patients in H. Adam Malik Central General Hospital Medan

The Correlation Between P Wave Dispersion and Left Ventricle Mass Index (LVMI) in Heart Failure Patients in H. Adam Malik Central General Hospital Medan

Meta-analysis of nano-phytosomes: unleashing the potential of plant-derived compounds for advancing cancer therapy

Nano-phytosomes are considered as an efficient drug delivery system for phytochemicals. Phytosomes enhance stability and significantly improves phytochemicals bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Thorough meta-analysis of 93 articles, phytochemical versus phytosomes size, charge, polydispersity index (PDI) and IC50 values were investigated. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance revealed significant phytochemicals type effects, even when accounting for cancer cell type and phospholipid type as covariates. Least Significant Difference (LSD) post hoc tests described unique attributes among various phytosomes. Flavonoid-based phytosomes exhibited larger particle sizes than others. In contrast, terpenoid-based phytosomes displayed significantly lower charges. Flavonoids demonstrated higher poly dispersity index (PDI) values than alkaloids and polyphenols. Alkaloids exhibited more extensive PDI values, while polyphenols had lower PDI values than terpenoids. Furthermore, flavonoid-containing nanoparticles exhibited higher IC50 values than terpenoids. In conclusion, nano-phytosomes offer promising prospects for revolutionising drug delivery methodologies and advancing the development of innovative therapeutic solutions in the domain of cancer therapy.

Encapsulation of propolis extracted with methylal in the chitosan nanoparticles and its antibacterial and cell cytotoxicity studies

In this study we develop novel type of antibacterial chitosan-propolis NPs to improve theantimicrobial activity against various pathogens. To this aim, we primarily extracted propolis with methylal and ethanol as green solvents and its encapsulation with chitosan NPs. The developed propolis loaded chitosan NPs indicated antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties against various gram positive and negative. FTIR revealed the successful encapsulation of the propolis extract with Ethanol (PE) and Methylal (PM) into the chitosan nano career matrix. HPLC and GC-MASS also confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenols compounds of propolis extracted with both solvents. In addition, we confirmed the total phenolic and flavonoid compounds in propolis by calorimetric method of Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride complex formation assays, respectively. PE-CH and PM-CH were optimized regarding physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential, and poly dispersity index (PDI) index. DLS and SEM micrographs confirmed a spherical morphology in a range of 360–420 nm with Z potential values of 30–48 mV and PDI of 0.105–0.166 for PE-CH and PM-CH, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency was evaluated using colorimetric analysis, with median values ranging from 90 to 92%. The MIC values within the range of 2 to 230 µg/ml and MBC values between 3 to 346 μg/ml against both gram-positive and negative bacteria. While both PE and PM showed a significant reduction in the number of E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis, the use of PE-CH and PM-CH led to a statistically significant and greater reduction in number of E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis strains on the biofilm, pre-formed biofilm and planktonic phases. Besides, the DPPH assay showed significant antioxidant activity for these NPs within the range of 36 to 92%. MTT assay for MHFB-1, HFF, L929, MDF, and MCF-7 cells exhibited statistically significant differences in each other that show the IC50 between 60–160 µg/ml for normal cells and 20 for cancer cells. Finally the present study indicated that both PM and PM-CH greater than PE and PE-CH in which contain high flavonoid and phenolic contents with a high antioxidation potential antioxidant properties, which could be beneficial for cell proliferation and antibiotic and anticancer applications.

Convex model-based regularization method for force reconstruction

In the process of reconstructing structural forces, the influence of measurement errors and inherent model inaccuracies cannot be ignored. These errors exhibit a degree of correlation, and the presence of such correlation inevitably affects the quantification of uncertainties in force reconstruction. Objectively, the inherent ill-posed nature of structural inverse problems makes it difficult to obtain the forces to be identified, subject to uncertainties and highly susceptible to perturbations. Consequently, this paper introduces a force reconstruction regularization approach that explicitly considers the correlation of uncertainty parameters based on the truncated singular value regularization method. The primary objective is to refine the influence of uncertainties on the reconstructed force bounds with greater precision. When determining robust regularization parameters, the generalized cross-validation method and convex modelling approach are introduced to consider the uncertainty and its correlation in solving inverse problems. The proposed approach is rigorously validated through a comprehensive numerical case study. Error indexes and dispersion indices are employed to analyze the impact of different levels of noise and correlation on force reconstruction results. The force bounds obtained using the proposed method are compared with Monte Carlo simulation results. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified by an experiment with a four-story shear frame.

Physical and enzymatic pretreatments of rice bran and their roles in the nutritional value of protein concentrate

Protein concentrates from rice bran (DRBC – Defatted rice bran, EDRBC – Deffated rice bran extruded and hydrolyzed, HDRBC – Deffated rice bran hydrolyzed DRB and EHDRBC – Deffated rice bran extruded and hydrolyzed) exhibit not only good content of protein and promising nutritional properties but also appropriate profiles of amino acids to meet daily intake requirements of histidine, lysine, leucine, threonine and valine, in agreement with recommendations issued by the FAO. The average of protein concentrates had a Dig (digestibility) 51% and PDI (Protein Dispersibility Index) 97%. Extrusion resulted in protein concentrate whose content of protein (73%), Dig (65.6%) and recovery (72%) were higher than other pretreatments and had the highest sum of essential amino acids (28.7 g aa .100 g-1 protein). The combination of pretreatments – extrusion and the enzymatic one (EHDRBC) – led to 70% protein, 72% recovery, 67% Dig and low prolamin (30%) in the protein fraction. These concentrates have amino acid profiles similar to commercial whey protein and are good ingredients that may be added to formulations to increase soluble and digestible protein.

Community structure, population dynamics and biomass estimation of Bombacaceae in the 50 ha plot at Pasoh Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

A study was carried out to determine the population dynamics and biomass estimation of Bombacaceae in the 50 ha plot at Pasoh Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan. Census data for the year 1985, 1990, 1990, 2000 and 2005 were obtained from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong. The study was mainly focused on data of the year 2005. Nevertheless, comparisons between each census year were carried out to observe variations between each census. Based on the 2005 data, a total of 1,152 stems of Bombacaceae was recorded, representing three genera and five species. Durio recorded the highest number of stems with 950 individuals. The species with the highest total number of individuals was Durio griffithii with 781 individuals. Tree class size of 1.0–9.9 cm, consisting of 840 stems, accounted for 72.92% of the total abundance. The growth rate was 0.06 cm/year and the total basal area measured 0.19 m2/ha. Through distribution pattern analysis using Morisita’s Index of Dispersion (Id), Bombacaceae shows a clustered pattern distribution, with value Id = 11.46. The stimation of biomass for the year 2005 was at 2.24 t/ha, with above ground biomass at 1.98 t/ha and below ground biomass at 0.27 t/ha. Durio has the highest biomass with an estimation 2.09 t/ha, while Durio griffithii contributed to an estimated 1.01 t/ha of the biomass. A total of 237 stems were found dead (12 stems/year) and 118 new recruitments (6 stems/year) had been recorded.

Sequential sampling plan for the adults of Conotrachelus psidii (Marshall, 1922) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in guava crop

AbstractUnderstanding the spatial distribution and population fluctuations of insect pests facilitates the development of effective control strategies for a given crop. Conotrachelus psidii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important guava pest; however, no sampling plans are available for its management. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to (i) determine the spatial distribution pattern of C. psidii adults and (ii) develop a sequential sampling plan for pest control in guava crops. Evaluations began at 120 days after pruning and were performed weekly. To sample C. psidii adults, a white tarp was placed under the plants, covering the entire canopy. Plant branches were then shaken to dislodge the adult insects on the tarp, which were then identified and counted. Using the data obtained in each sampling, dispersion indices were determined and tests of adjustments to the theoretical Poisson and negative binomial frequency distributions were performed. The calculated dispersion indices revealed that the individuals in the studied populations exhibited aggregated dispersion. Notably, only four samples showed adjustment to the Poisson distribution, whereas 18 samples showed adjustment to the negative binomial distribution in the field, confirming the aggregated pattern of the population spatial arrangement. The sequential sampling plan developed for C. psidii revealed the maximum and minimum numbers of sample units expected for decision‐making as 45 and 15, respectively.

Characterisation of a casein-/whey protein concentrate–Antarctic krill oil emulsion system and improvement of its storage stability

Aims To develop Antarctic krill oil emulsions with casein and whey protein concentrate (WPC) and study their physicochemical properties and storage stability. Methods Emulsions were prepared by homogenisation and ultrasonication. The properties of the emulsions were investigated via ultraviolet ray spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, confocal laser scanning microscope, sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transform infra-red spectrometer, and fluorescence spectrum. Shelf life was predicted by the Arrhenius model. Results Casein- and WPC-krill oil emulsions were well formed; the mean particle diameters were less than 128.19 ± 0.64 nm and 158 ± 1.56 nm, the polymer dispersity indices were less than 0.26 ± 0.01 and 0.27 ± 0.01, and the zeta potential were around −46.88 ± 5.02 mV and −33.51 ± 2.68 mV, respectively. Shelf life was predicted to be 32.67 ± 1.55 days and 29.62 ± 0.65 days (40 °C), 27.69 ± 1.15 days and 23.58 ± 0.14 days (50 °C), 24.02 ± 0.15 days and 20.1 ± 0.08 days (60 °C). Conclusion The prepared krill oil emulsions have great potential to become a new krill oil supplement.

Early Infant Prefrontal Cortical Microstructure Predicts Present and Future Emotionality

BackgroundHigh levels of infant negative emotionality (NE) and low positive emotionality (PE) predict future emotional and behavioral problems. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) supports emotional regulation, with each PFC subregion specializing in specific emotional processes. Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging estimates microstructural integrity and myelination via the neurite density index (NDI) and dispersion via the orientation dispersion index (ODI), with potential to more accurately evaluate microstructural alterations in the developing brain. Yet, no study has used these indices to examine associations between PFC microstructure and concurrent or developing infant emotionality. MethodsWe modeled PFC subregional NDI and ODI at 3 months with caregiver-reported infant NE and PE at 3 months (n = 61) and at 9 months (n = 50), using multivariable and subsequent bivariate regression models. ResultsThe most robust statistically significant findings were positive associations among 3-month rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) ODI and caudal ACC NDI and concurrent NE, a positive association between 3-month lateral orbitofrontal cortex ODI and prospective NE, and a negative association between 3-month dorsolateral PFC ODI and concurrent PE. Multivariate models also revealed that other PFC subregional microstructure measures, as well as infant and caregiver sociodemographic and clinical factors, predicted infant 3- and 9-month NE and PE. ConclusionsGreater NDI and ODI, reflecting greater microstructural complexity, in PFC regions supporting salience perception (rostral ACC), decision making (lateral orbitofrontal cortex), action selection (caudal ACC), and attentional processes (dorsolateral PFC) might result in greater integration of these subregions with other neural networks and greater attention to salient negative external cues, thus higher NE and/or lower PE. These findings provide potential infant cortical markers of future psychopathology risk.

Circulating PACAP levels are associated with altered imaging measures of entorhinal cortex neurite density in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Introduction: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) regulates plasticity in brain systems underlying arousal and memory and is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research in animal models suggests that PACAP modulates entorhinal cortex (EC) input to the hippocampus, contributing to impaired contextual fear conditioning. In PTSD, PACAP is associated with higher activity of the amygdala to threat stimuli and lower functional connectivity of the amygdala and hippocampus. However, PACAP-affiliated structural alterations of these regions have not been investigated in PTSD. Here, we examined whether peripheral PACAP levels were associated with neuronal morphology of the amygdala and hippocampus (primary analyses), and EC (secondary) using Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging.Methods: Sixty-four (44 female) adults (19 to 54 years old) with DSM-5 Criterion A trauma exposure completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), a blood draw, and magnetic resonance imaging. PACAP38 radioimmunoassay was performed and T1-weighted and multi-shell diffusion-weighted images were acquired. Neurite Density Index (NDI) and Orientation Dispersion Index (ODI) were quantified in the amygdala, hippocampus, and EC. CAPS-5 total score and anxious arousal score were used to test for clinical associations with brain structure.Results: Higher PACAP levels were associated with greater EC NDI (β = 0.0099, q = 0.032) and lower EC ODI (β = -0.0073, q = 0.047), and not hippocampal or amygdala measures. Neither EC NDI nor ODI was associated with clinical measures.Conclusions: Circulating PACAP levels were associated with altered neuronal density of the EC but not the hippocampus or amygdala. These findings strengthen evidence that PACAP may impact arousal-associated memory circuits in PTSD.

Association between environmental gradient of anthropization and phenotypic plasticity in two species of triatomines

BackgroundTriatoma garciabesi and T. guasayana are considered secondary vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi and frequently invade rural houses in central Argentina. Wing and head structures determine the ability of triatomines to disperse. Environmental changes exert selective pressures on populations of both species, promoting changes in these structures that could have consequences for flight dispersal. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between a gradient of anthropization and phenotypic plasticity in flight-related traits.MethodsThe research was carried out in Cruz del Eje and Ischilín departments (Córdoba, Argentina) and included 423 individuals of the two species of triatomines. To measure the degree of anthropization, a thematic map was constructed using supervised classification, from which seven landscapes were selected, and nine landscape metrics were extracted and used in a hierarchical analysis. To determine the flight capacity and the invasion of dwellings at different levels of anthropization for both species, entomological indices were calculated. Digital images of the body, head and wings were used to measure linear and geometric morphometric variables related to flight dispersion. One-way ANOVA and canonical variate analysis (CVA) were used to analyze differences in size and shape between levels of anthropization. Procrustes variance of shape was calculated to analyze differences in phenotypic variation in heads and wings.ResultsHierarchical analysis was used to classify the landscapes into three levels of anthropization: high, intermediate and low. The dispersal index for both species yielded similar results across the anthropization gradient. However, in less anthropized landscapes, the density index was higher for T. garciabesi. Additionally, in highly anthropized landscapes, females and males of both species exhibited reduced numbers. Regarding phenotypic changes, the size of body, head and wings of T. garciabesi captured in the most anthropized landscapes was greater than for those captured in less anthropized landscapes. No differences in body size were observed in T. guasayana collected in the different landscapes. However, males from highly anthropized landscapes had smaller heads and wings than those captured in less anthropized landscapes. Both wing and head shapes varied between less and more anthropogenic environments in both species.ConclusionsResults of the study indicate that the flight-dispersal characteristics of T. garciabesi and T. guasayana changed in response to varying degrees of anthropization.Graphical