Left Asymmetry Research Articles

Influence of theoretical and semi-empirical peak models on the efficiency calculation in chiral chromatography

Height equivalent to theoretical plate (H) equations, such as the van Deemter or Knox-Saleem equations, and other efficiency vs. linear velocity equations (u), provide kinetic insights into chromatographic separations phenomena and column performance. In enantioselective separations, the peak shape of the two enantiomers can differ significantly and are often asymmetric. The peak efficiency calculations heavily impact these efficiency-flow profiles, leading to erroneous estimations of eddy diffusion, longitudinal diffusion, and mass transfer terms. In this work, new asymmetric peak functions are employed for modeling enantiomer peaks based on the Haarhoff-Van der Linde function, its generalized variant (GHVL), once Generalized Asymmetric Gaussian (AGN), and Twice Generalized Gaussian (TGN). The new models (AGN, TGN, and GHVL) incorporate higher statistical moments besides the zeroth, first, and second moments to account for two-sided asymmetry (fronting or tailing). The fit results are compared with the traditional efficiency calculation methods endorsed by official pharmacopeia and numerical estimation of moments from the raw data. Enantiomeric separations of ibuprofen and dl-homophenylalanine were chosen as probe molecules. The results demonstrate that non-linear least squares fitted functions provide better estimations of peak efficiency data even in the presence of high noise. In particular, the generalized models consistently offered the best quality fits for various peak shapes in chiral separations. Conversely, the half-height Gaussian method greatly overpredicted skewed peak efficiencies. This investigation reveals that the commonly held assumptions of peak shape and numerical integration of raw data are highly insufficient for chiral chromatography. The impact of asymmetry on plate height should not be overlooked when accurate data from efficiency-flow rate curves is derived. We advocate for the broader adoption of these new generalized peak (AGN, TGN, GHVL) models because they provide robustness at various SNRs that account for right or left asymmetry while accurately representing peak geometry.

The neural correlates of reinforcement sensitivity theory: A systematic review of the frontal asymmetry and spectral power literature.

The original Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (oRST) proposes two systems of approach (BAS) and avoidance (BIS) motivation to underpin personality and behavior. The revised-RST (rRST) model separates avoidance motivation into passive (BIS; anxiety) and active (FFFS; fear) systems. Prior research has attempted to map RST onto lateralized frontal asymmetry to provide a neurophysiological marker of RST. The main aim is to examine the relationships of the o/rRST scales with trait (baseline) and state (manipulated through experimental paradigms) frontal asymmetry. A systematic review was conducted, resulting in 158 studies designated to neuroimaging research. In total, 54 studies were included in this review using either frontal asymmetry or spectral power. The results were split into three main categories: resting frontal alpha asymmetry (N = 23), emotional induction and state-related frontal alpha asymmetry (N = 20), and spectral analysis (N = 16). Findings indicated that BAS was associated with enhanced left frontal asymmetry at baseline and during state-related paradigms. Findings for BIS were more inconsistent, especially at rest, suggesting that BIS, in particular, may require active engagement with the environment. Only 9 of the 54 papers included used the revised RST model, highlighting the need for more rRST research.

Disentangling periodic and aperiodic resting EEG correlates of personality

Previous studies of resting electroencephalography (EEG) correlates of personality traits have conflated periodic and aperiodic sources of EEG signals. Because these are associated with different underlying neural dynamics, disentangling them can avoid measurement confounds and clarify findings. In a large sample (n = 300), we investigated how disentangling these activities impacts findings related to two research programs within personality neuroscience. In Study 1 we examined associations between Extraversion and two putative markers of reward sensitivity—Left Frontal Alpha asymmetry (LFA) and Frontal-Posterior Theta (FPT). In Study 2 we used machine learning to predict personality trait scores from resting EEG. In both studies, power within each EEG frequency bin was quantified as both total power and separate contributions of periodic and aperiodic activity. In Study 1, total power LFA and FPT correlated negatively with Extraversion (r ∼ -0.14), but there was no relation when LFA and FPT were derived only from periodic activity. In Study 2, all Big Five traits could be decoded from periodic power (r ∼ 0.20), and Agreeableness could also be decoded from total power and from aperiodic indices. Taken together, these results show how separation of periodic and aperiodic activity in resting EEG may clarify findings in personality neuroscience. Disentangling these signals allows for more reliable findings relating to periodic EEG markers of personality, and highlights novel aperiodic markers to be explored in future research.

Changes in Dynamic Balance Ability Among Firefighter Recruits: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Cornell, DJ, Gnacinski, SL, and Ebersole, KT. Changes in dynamic balance ability among firefighter recruits: A longitudinal cohort study. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 734-741, 2024-It has been suggested that enhanced balance ability may mitigate the high musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) rate among firefighters, but the longitudinal changes in dynamic balance ability within this tactical athlete population have yet to be characterized. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in dynamic balance ability of a cohort population of firefighter recruits completing a training academy and their probationary period as active-duty firefighters. Twenty-seven male firefighter recruits completed the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) at the beginning (W1) and at the end of their training academy (W14) and after completing their probationary period as active-duty firefighters (W38). After controlling for age and changes in body fat (BF) over time, significant changes in mSEBTANT ( p < 0.001), mSEBTPL ( p = 0.015), mSEBTPM ( p < 0.001), and mSEBTCOMP ( p = 0.003) were observed across time. Although mSEBTPL performance significantly increased ( p = 0.033) in from W1 to W14, significant decreases in all mSEBT reach directions were observed from W14 to W38 ( p < 0.05), with mSEBTANT ( p < 0.001) and mSEBTCOMP ( p = 0.002) also significantly decreasing from W1 to W38. However, the frequency of right vs. left asymmetries (>4 cm) did not significantly change over time in any mSEBT reach direction ( p > 0.05). Irrespective of age or changes in BF, minimal changes in the dynamic balance ability of firefighter recruits were observed during their training academy, but significant decreases in balance ability were noted by the end of their probationary period.

Examining Conduct Problems in a Community Sample during Middle Childhood: The Role of Frontal EEG Asymmetry, Temperament, and Working Memory

Previous literature shows that aspects of temperament, executive functioning, and EEG frontal asymmetry are related to externalizing behaviors in children. We examined whether frontal EEG asymmetry measured at age 6 would moderate the impact of negative affectivity, attentional control, and working memory at age 6 on conduct problems at age 9. Behavioral tasks were given to assess children’s attentional control and working memory. Parents completed questionnaires about their children’s negative affectivity and conduct problems. Results showed that greater negative affectivity reported at age 6 predicted for more conduct problems reported at age 9, regardless of EEG frontal asymmetry. Lower levels of attentional control and working memory at age 6 predicted for more conduct problems reported at age 9 when children also exhibited greater left EEG frontal asymmetry, which has been linked to approach motivation. These findings illustrate the importance of assessing multiple intrinsic factors, both independent and interactive, that contribute to children’s conduct problems.

Decreased uncinate fasciculus integrity in functional seizures following traumatic brain injury.

The uncinate fasciculus (UF) has been implicated previously in contributing to the pathophysiology of functional (nonepileptic) seizures (FS). FS are frequently preceded by adverse life events (ALEs) and present with comorbid psychiatric symptoms, yet neurobiological correlates of these factors remain unclear. To address this gap, using advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), UF tracts in a large cohort of patients with FS and pre-existing traumatic brain injury (TBI + FS) were compared to those in patients with TBI without FS (TBI-only). We hypothesized that dMRI measures in UF structural connectivity would reveal UF differences when controlling for TBI status. Partial correlation tests assessed the potential relationships with psychiatric symptom severity measures. Participants with TBI-only (N = 46) and TBI + FS (N = 55) completed a series of symptom questionnaires and MRI scanning. Deterministic tractography via diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) was implemented in DSI studio (https://dsi-studio.labsolver.org) with q-space diffeomorphic reconstruction (QSDR), streamline production, and manual segmentation to assess bilateral UF integrity. Fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), streamline counts, and their respective asymmetry indices (AIs) served as estimates of white matter integrity. Compared to TBI-only, TBI + FS participants demonstrated decreased left hemisphere FA and RD asymmetry index (AI) for UF tracts (both p < .05, false discovery rate [FDR] corrected). Additionally, TBI + FS reported higher symptom severity in depression, anxiety, and PTSD measures (all p < .01). Correlation tests comparing UF white matter integrity differences to psychiatric symptom severity failed to reach criteria for significance (all p > .05, FDR corrected). In a large, well-characterized sample, participants with FS had decreased white matter health after controlling for the history of TBI. Planned follow-up analysis found no evidence to suggest that UF connectivity measures are a feature of group differences in mood or anxiety comorbidities for FS. These findings suggest that frontolimbic structural connectivity may play a role in FS symptomology, after accounting for prior ALEs and comorbid psychopathology severity.

Jumping Asymmetries and Risk of Injuries in Preprofessional Ballet

Background: Preprofessional ballet dancers are exposed to the risk of injuries, primarily in the lower extremities, with most injuries occurring during jumping and landing activities. Interlimb asymmetry during jumping and landing activities has been associated with the injury risk in adolescent athletes, but this has not been examined in dancers. Purpose: To investigate associations between interlimb asymmetry during a double-leg countermovement jump (DL-CMJ) and single-leg jump (SLJ) and the injury risk in adolescent preprofessional ballet dancers. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Adolescent preprofessional ballet dancers (N = 255) performed 3 DL-CMJs and 3 SLJs on force plates during annual screening. Absolute and directional (separate values for left and right limb dominance) asymmetries in a set of kinetic variables during a DL-CMJ and in jump height during an SLJ were calculated. Each variable was characterized as having “high” or “normal” asymmetry according to the percentage of asymmetry (greater than or less than or equal to, respectively, the mean ± 0.5 SD) based on the present sample. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated based on the injury incidence in the subsequent academic year. Results: Of the 242 dancers that satisfied the inclusion criteria, 128 injuries were observed in the subsequent academic year. In the whole sample, 3 absolute, 7 left limb–dominant, and 1 right limb–dominant kinetic asymmetry in the eccentric, concentric, and landing phases of the DL-CMJ as well as left limb–dominant jump height asymmetry in the SLJ were associated with a significant (P < .001) increase in the injury risk (RR, 1.28-1.69 [95% CI, 1.02-2.37]). Separating by sex, asymmetries in the eccentric and landing phase of the DL-CMJ were not significant in boys, while in girls, RRs for asymmetries in the eccentric and landing phase of the DL-CMJ increased, and SLJ jump height asymmetry was not significant. Conclusion: Higher asymmetries in certain kinetic variables during the DL-CMJ and in jump height during the SLJ were associated with an elevated risk of injuries in elite preprofessional ballet dancers with some sex-specific differences. Associations were mainly identified for high left limb–dominant asymmetry in the takeoff phase, suggesting that the injury risk may be specific to a relative right limb deficit.

Diplopia as the presenting symptom of a post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a bilateral inferior lim transplanted young adult

Aims/Purpose: To present a unique case of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after bilateral inferior limb transplantation, which is still controversial due to the absence of precedents in the literature and the unclear risk–benefit ratio.Methods: Case report.Results: A 22‐year‐old male presented to the emergency room complaining of double vision. He had a history of bilateral inferior limb amputation 8 years ago and received a bilateral lower limb transplantation 2 years later. He had normal graft function and was receiving cytomegalovirus prophylaxis. During neurological examinations left abducens nerve (CN VI) palsy was noted. Other cranial nerves affected produced facial hypoesthesia (CN V) and mild paresis (CN VII), hearing loss and tinnitus in left side (CN VIII) and soft palate asymmetry (CN X). He was otherwise neurologically intact, alert and orientated. MRI revealed a lesion located at the facial colliculus at the floor of 4th ventricle. In the context of immunosuppression, the differential diagnosis included abscess versus PTLD. Biopsy of the lesion was performed. Morphologically atypical lymphocytic cells suggestive of B lymphoma were identified. Monoclonal rearrangement for heavy chain Igen and immunoglobulins were identified with molecular biology techniques. The histology features were consistent with a diagnosis of CNS B lineage primary lymphoma. Two days later, bilateral supracondylar amputation was performed. Following the explant, immunosuppression was withdrawn. His underlying condition was finally diagnosed as PTLD, for which he started a chemotherapeutic regimen with radical intention (methotrexate and cytosine arabinoside). The patient recovered fully and up to date, 10 years later, is doing well.Conclusions: Due to its diverse aetiologias, a proper workup must be done of the patients presenting with diplopia to the emergency room. PLTD must be a condition to always be considered in patients with history of solid organ transplant; since the early diagnosis is crucial for a successful management of this often‐fatal condition.

Slat Control Asymmetry Failure Simulation and Research

To construct the slats control system model and design asymmetry failure injection in the Slats control model, this paper provides an operation analysis of Slat system control and mechanical actuation in detail. The model of a slat control system based on Matlab or Simulink is established. Also, the method of slat asymmetry failure injection is designed, the root cause of slat asymmetry failure is listed, and left slat asymmetry failure is simulated via the designed model. The results demonstrated that the slats control system model and failure injection method can support the simulation of slat asymmetry failure and established the basis for subsequent research on the slats control system.

Lower canine traction with jaw functional orthopedics. case report

The treatment of impacted teeth requires an interdisciplinary approach, in which early diagnosis avoids later complications. The frequency of canine retention, especially of the lower canines, has a 0.22 % average in the general population. Case information: A 9.1-year-old patient presented Lepto/Lepto, Lepto; distocclusion due to retrognathism and maxillary protrusion with left condylar asymmetry and preferential chewing on the right side. The patient also presented a structural open bite (Lower Go 78°) hyper-divergence level 4; severe crowding with complete lack of space for tooth 33, and alteration of the eruption corridor of tooth 43. Objective: Stimulate jaw growth to correct distocclusion, stimulate transversal development to gain space and eliminate crowding, and exercise traction on the lower right canine to position it correctly and correct asymmetry. Methods: A series of functional orthopedics devices were used. A Standard Bimler during the first 6 months, subsequently, Simões Network 1 (SN1) to conquer space and initiate traction, followed by the use of an SN11 to correct asymmetry with contra attachment for de-rotation and a lingual S spring. Results: It was possible to obtain incisive contact and align the anteroinferior segment, full space was obtained for tooth 33. Traction of tooth 43 was achieved and thus asymmetry was controlled. Conclusions: Functional orthopedic techniques are an effective form of dental traction that favors treatment from different perspectives. On one hand, it allows to gain space to eliminate crowding. On the other hand, it does not affect neighboring or antagonist teeth because the anchorage is not on the teeth, and it is not necessary to place intraosseous mini-implants. Also, an adequate surgical and functional orthopedic procedure makes it possible to traction the impacted teeth, orienting them to erupt and occupy the correct position in the dental arch.

53 REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Parkinson’s Disease : Longitudinal Effects on Brain Lateralization

Objective:Laterality of motor symptom onset in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is well-known and under-appreciated. It is still unclear though if this laterality might have an influence on other symptoms. Specifically, REM sleep behavior disorder has been shown to be a factor that has a high probability to be lined to PD. In this study we analyzed the longitudinal effect of REM symptomatology on brain lateralization in PD.Participants and Methods:We used the baseline and 3-year visit data of 116 participants (67 without REM (PD-non-REM), 49 with REM (PD-REM)) aged 37-81 years from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) dataset. Statistical 3T MRI data (cortical thicknesses, areas, foldings of cortical Desikan atlas and volumes of subcortical regions) were obtained via FreeSurfer 7.1.1. Lateralization was computed using the formula: (left-right)/(lef +right). Mixed ANOVAs were performed on each region of interest.Results:Our findings showed an increased right asymmetry of the paracentral lobule area and of the pars orbitalis area and volume in PD-REM. There was a reduced right asymmetry of the parietal inferior volume at baseline in PD-REM, whereas REM symptomatology had a stable effect at the 3 years visit. At baseline, there was an increased left asymmetry of the thickness of the caudal anterior cingulate, pars orbitalis and pars triangularis regions in PD-REM. After 3 years, there was an increased right asymmetry in those regions. The precentral, frontal superior and transversal temporal gyri showed inverse results: an increased right asymmetry of the thickness at baseline and an increased left asymmetry after 3 years. Finally, REM symptomatology is associated with more significant increases of the left asymmetry of the frontal superior gyrus volume and of the right asymmetry of the supramarginal gyrus volume after 3 years than at baseline.Conclusions:These results provide evidence of the modulating effect of the disease progression on the relationship between REM symptoms and brain lateralization in PD.

Examination of the Development and Asymmetry of the Cerebellum and Its Lobules in Individuals Aged 1-18 Years: A Retrospective MRI Study.

Developmental studies of cerebellar lobules were limited. To our knowledge, structural asymmetry has not been studied in immature cerebellar lobules in the 1-18 age group. This study investigated the effect of age and gender on the volumetric development and asymmetry of the global cerebellum and cerebellar lobules in children and adolescents. In this retrospective study, we included 670 individuals [376 (56.1%) males] aged 1-18years with normal brain MRIs between 2012 and 2021. volBrain CERES automatically segmented the right and left sides of the cerebellar lobules on three-dimensional T1-weighted MRIs. Volume and asymmetry data from individuals in 16 different age ranges were compared with SPSS (ver.28). The absolute volumetric development of the total cerebellum was consistent with the "S" development model in both sexes. The developmental trajectories of the cerebellar lobules were different from each other and showed sexual dimorphism. In the 1-18 age group, the absolute volumes of the total cerebellum and cerebellar lobules were significantly greater in males (p < 0.05). Absolute volumes of lobules IV, VIIB, VIIIA and VIIIB in the age groups had more gender differences. However, sexual dimorphism was insignificant in the cerebellum's total and lobular relative volume. Lobules IV, V, VI, VIIIA and VIIIB had left > right asymmetry and other lobules and total cerebellum had right > left asymmetry. This study confirmed the developmental heterogeneity and sexual dimorphism in the cerebellar lobules. It also provided volumetric data of the immature cerebellum to enable comparison in various neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.

Effect of visual lateralization on the spatial position of individuals within a school of oval squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana).

The spatial position of individuals within a social group, which provides the group members with benefits and costs, is determined by several physical and physiological factors. Lateralization (left and right asymmetry of morphology and behavior) could also be factors determining the individual's positions within a group. However, this possibility has been documented in some fish species, but never in an invertebrate species. This study investigates the association between spatial positions and lateralization in oval squid, Sepioteuthis lessoniana, which displays social behavior, such as schooling and lateralization for eye use (visual lateralization). The direction and strength of visual lateralization were determined for single squid by observing which eye was used to detect the prey, predators, and conspecifics. The spatial positions of individuals were determined by identifying whether the squids were in the left or right side from the center of the school. When the prey was presented to schooling squids, strongly lateralized squids against prey positioned themselves on the right side, whereas weakly lateralized squids positioned themselves on the left side. When the predator was presented to squids, the strongly lateralized squids against the conspecifics positioned themselves on the right side, and the weakly lateralized squids positioned themselves on the left side. When no targets were presented, the strongly lateralized squids against the predator positioned themselves on the right side, whereas the weakly lateralized squids positioned themselves on the left side. The strength of visual lateralization of oval squid could offer the defensive and offensive functions of schools with specific individual positions.

Patterns of brain atrophy in recently-diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Recurrent neuroinflammation in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is thought to lead to neurodegeneration, resulting in progressive disability. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain provides non-invasive measures of atrophy over time, a key marker of neurodegeneration. This study investigates regional neurodegeneration of the brain in recently-diagnosed RRMS using volumetry and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). RRMS patients (N = 354) underwent 3T structural MRI <6 months after diagnosis and 1-year follow-up, as part of the Scottish multicentre 'FutureMS' study. MRI data were processed using FreeSurfer to derive volumetrics, and FSL for VBM (grey matter (GM) only), to establish regional patterns of change in GM and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) over time throughout the brain. Volumetric analyses showed a decrease over time (q<0.05) in bilateral cortical GM and NAWM, cerebellar GM, brainstem, amygdala, basal ganglia, hippocampus, accumbens, thalamus and ventral diencephalon. Additionally, NAWM and GM volume decreased respectively in the following cortical regions, frontal: 14 out of 26 regions and 16/26; temporal: 18/18 and 15/18; parietal: 14/14 and 11/14; occipital: 7/8 and 8/8. Left GM and NAWM asymmetry was observed in the frontal lobe. GM VBM analysis showed three major clusters of decrease over time: 1) temporal and subcortical areas, 2) cerebellum, 3) anterior cingulum and supplementary motor cortex; and four smaller clusters within the occipital lobe. Widespread GM and NAWM atrophy was observed in this large recently-diagnosed RRMS cohort, particularly in the brainstem, cerebellar GM, and subcortical and occipital-temporal regions; indicative of neurodegeneration across tissue types, and in accord with limited previous studies in early disease. Volumetric and VBM results emphasise different features of longitudinal lobar and loco-regional change, however identify consistent atrophy patterns across individuals. Atrophy measures targeted to specific brain regions may provide improved markers of neurodegeneration, and potential future imaging stratifiers and endpoints for clinical decision making and therapeutic trials.

Evaluation of mandibular osseous structure in patients with mandibular asymmetry: a fractal analysis study

We evaluated the effect of mandibular asymmetry on the trabecular structure of the mandible as measured through fractal analysis (FA). We divided a sample of 105 patients with skeletal class I occlusion, cervical vertebral maturation CS6, and skeletal vertical dimension ratios within normal limits into right asymmetric, left asymmetric, and symmetric groups. We performed FA on 6 bilateral regions of interest on panoramic radiographs of the patients and calculated the mean fractal dimension (FD) for each region. We performed the Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t tests to compare the significance of differences in FD between sides within each group and between groups for all regions. Statistical significance was established at P < .05. We found statistically significant differences in mean FD values between the right and left condyles of the 2 asymmetric patient groups. The FD was greater in the left condyle of patients with right asymmetry and in the right condyle of patients with left asymmetry. The right condyle had a significantly greater FD in left asymmetric patients than in right asymmetric patients. The results of FA indicate that asymmetry is characterized by an increase in the mean FD of the condyle that is responsible for the asymmetry. Fractal analysis can be a valuable diagnostic technique in distinguishing trabecular differences in the condylar areas of asymmetric individuals.

PRIMORDIAL ODONTOGENIC TUMOR IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT: RARE CASE REPORT

Primordial Odontogenic Tumor (POT) is a benign lesion of mixed odontogenic origin that mainly affects the posterior mandible of young patients. This report aims to describe a case of POT in a 12-year-old female patient presenting an asymptomatic left facial asymmetry. Intraoral examination showed swelling in the buccal vestibule of the left maxilla. Computed tomography revealed a hypodense, unilocular, and circumscribed lesion associated with an impacted tooth and extending from the left maxillary sinus to the orbital floor. The lesion was enucleated, and the involved tooth were extracted. Microscopically, we observed the proliferation of spindle cells in a fibromyxoid mesenchymal tissue surrounded by columnar odontogenic epithelium. The final diagnosis of POT was established, and the patient has been undergoing a 28-month follow-up with no signs of recurrence. Despite the indolent behavior, it is important to properly diagnose POT in order to avoid invasive surgical approaches. Primordial Odontogenic Tumor (POT) is a benign lesion of mixed odontogenic origin that mainly affects the posterior mandible of young patients. This report aims to describe a case of POT in a 12-year-old female patient presenting an asymptomatic left facial asymmetry. Intraoral examination showed swelling in the buccal vestibule of the left maxilla. Computed tomography revealed a hypodense, unilocular, and circumscribed lesion associated with an impacted tooth and extending from the left maxillary sinus to the orbital floor. The lesion was enucleated, and the involved tooth were extracted. Microscopically, we observed the proliferation of spindle cells in a fibromyxoid mesenchymal tissue surrounded by columnar odontogenic epithelium. The final diagnosis of POT was established, and the patient has been undergoing a 28-month follow-up with no signs of recurrence. Despite the indolent behavior, it is important to properly diagnose POT in order to avoid invasive surgical approaches.

Right versus left eye asymmetry of microvasculature in diabetes revealed by optical coherence tomography angiography

In this study, we explored inter-ocular asymmetry (between the two eyes of the same patient) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) at different retinopathy stages. A total of 258 patients were divided into four groups: no DM, DM without diabetic retinopathy (DR), non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR). Superficial and deep vessel density (SVD, DVD), superficial and deep perfusion density (SPD, DPD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, perimeter and circularity were calculated, and asymmetry index (AI) was used to evaluate the asymmetry of two eyes of the same subject. AIs of SPD, SVD, FAZ area and FAZ perimeter in the PDR group were larger than all other 3 groups (all p < 0.05). The AIs of DPD, DVD, FAZ area and FAZ perimeter in males were larger than in females (p = 0.015, p = 0.023, p = 0.006 and p = 0.017). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was positively correlated with AI of FAZ perimeter (p = 0.02) and circularity (p = 0.022). In conclusion, PDR patients’ eyes were significantly asymmetric in both vascular density and FAZ metrics. Male sex and HbA1c are risk factors that influenced symmetry. This study highlights that right-left asymmetry should be taken into account in DR-related studies, particularly those analyzing microvascular changes with OCTA.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): fetal cardiac screening.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): fetal cardiac screening.

Males show their best side revisited – Effects of predation pressure on laterality in wild guppies

AbstractThe ability to detect and avoid predators has been suggested as one of the main drivers for behavioral lateralization. This is supported by studies reporting that animals from high‐predation environments are more lateralized than those from low‐predation environments. Some studies, however, have shown no effect of predator regime on lateralization. Lateralized behavior can also be driven by phenotypic asymmetry, where the more attractive side of the body is preferentially displayed during male–female interaction and courtship. The importance of fluctuating asymmetry for mate choice has been highly debated for a number of reasons. Here, we revisited the concepts of predator‐induced behavioral lateralization and phenotypic asymmetry using wild Trinidadian guppies Poecilia reticulata from three different stream systems. Using fish collected from both high‐ and low‐predation environments, we quantified behavioral lateralization in terms of directional turning bias, measured right–left body color asymmetry, and investigated whether a male side‐showing preference was present in male–female interaction trials. We found that guppies were, at best, moderately lateralized on average (across all populations), without any general effect of predator regime. There were some slight stream‐dependent side biases in color asymmetry, but this did not translate into a side‐showing preference in any of the populations in the interaction trials. Some significant observed effects align with previously published results, but these were dependent on stream‐origin and were not repeated across different experiments, complicating interpretation. We conclude that when investigating the effects of predation regime in general, and such effects on behavioral lateralization or fluctuating asymmetry in particular, attention must be focused toward several factors such as experimental assay used and population origin, and broad generalizations from results stemming from experiments including only one population should be avoided.

Влияние дружественной и враждебной информации в условиях геополитического противостояния на экономическое поведение

The article considers a set of reasons for influencing the information field on an individual’s and a group’s economic behaviour in conditions of information redundancy. The authors proceed from the general hypothesis that the phenomenon of trust in the information source is at the heart of the data impact that causes rush demand. Based on analysing objective economic information and economic and psychological monitoring, the context of expectations and work with information is highlighted. According to the context, a working experimental hypothesis is formed that the subjective level of trust in sources of economic information correlates with increasing a brain activity in the frontal parts of the brain in delta and theta rhythms, as well as in functional asymmetry. On the basis of the experimental data, it is established that there is some relationship between the left hemispheric asymmetry when perceiving a source with a low level of confidence and a decrease in asymmetry when perceiving a source with a subjectively positive level of confidence. The individual’s attitude to the information source is positively correlated with the level of trust. The study result is a set of theses that fake news and information channels that do not inspire confidence: a) do not cause negative emotions in the information recipient, and therefore are not blocked as the information field components; b) contribute to a person’s inclination to continue tracking even the information that he obviously perceives as unreliable despite the data redundancy in general and his crisis state. Consequently, hostile and friendly information equally comes to the recipient, and the lack of trust is not a tool for personal rejection of its consumption.