Long-lasting Changes Research Articles

Sex-related differences in young binge drinkers on the neurophysiological response to stress in virtual reality.

Stress is one of the main environmental factors involved in the onset of different psychopathologies. In youth, stressful life events can trigger inappropriate and health-damaging behaviors, such as binge drinking. This behavior, in turn, can lead to long-lasting changes in the neurophysiological response to stress and the development of psychological disorders late in life, e.g., alcohol use disorder. Our aim was to analyze the pattern of neurophysiological responses triggered with the exposition to a stressful virtual environment in young binge drinkers. AUDIT-3 (third question from the full AUDIT) was used to detect binge drinking (BD) in our young sample (age 18-25 years). According to the score, participants were divided into control (CO) and BD group. Next, a standardized virtual reality (VR) scenario (Richie's Plank) was used for triggering the stress response while measuring the following neurophysiological variables: brain electrical activity by electroencephalogram (EEG) and cortisol levels through saliva samples both measurements registered before and after the stressful situation. Besides, heart rate (HR) with a pulsometer and electrodermal response (EDA) through electrodes placed on fingers were analyzed before, during and after the VR task. Regarding the behavior assessed during the VR task, BD group spent significantly less amount of time walking forward the table and a tendency toward more time walking backwards. There was no statistically significant difference between the BD and the CO group regarding time looking down, but when we controlled the variable sex, the BD women group displayed higher amount of time looking down than the rest of the groups. Neurophysiological measurements revealed that there was not any statistically significant difference between groups in any of the EEG registered measures, EDA response and cortisol levels. Sex-related differences were found in HR response to VR scenario, in which BD women displayed the highest peak of response to the stressor. Also, the change in heartbeat was higher in BD women than men. Unveiling the neurophysiological alterations associated with BD can help us to prevent and detect early onset of alcohol use disorder. Also, from our data we conclude that participants' sex can modulate some stress responses, especially when unhealthy behaviors such as BD are present. Nevertheless, the moment of registration of the neurophysiological variables respect to the stressor seems to be a crucial variable.

MoS2 2D materials induce spinal cord neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity affecting locomotor performance in zebrafish.

MoS2 nanosheets belong to an emerging family of nanomaterials named bidimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs). The use of such promising materials, featuring outstanding chemical and physical properties, is expected to increase in several fields of science and technology, with an enhanced risk of environmental dispersion and associated wildlife and human exposures. In this framework, the assessment of MoS2 nanosheets toxicity is instrumental to safe industrial developments. Currently, the impact of the nanomaterial on the nervous tissue is unexplored. In this work, we use as in vivo experimental model the early-stage zebrafish, to investigate whether mechano-chemically exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets reach and affect, when added in the behavioral ambient, the nervous system. By high throughput screening of zebrafish larvae locomotor behavioral changes upon exposure to MoS2 nanosheets and whole organism live imaging of spinal neuronal and glial cell calcium activity, we report that sub-acute and prolonged ambient exposures to MoS2 nanosheets elicit locomotor abnormalities, dependent on dose and observation time. While 25 μg mL-1 concentration treatments exerted transient effects, 50 μg mL-1 ones induced long-lasting changes, correlated to neuroinflammation-driven alterations in the spinal cord, such as astrogliosis, glial intracellular calcium dysregulation, neuronal hyperactivity and motor axons retraction. By combining integrated technological approaches to zebrafish, we described that MoS2 2D nanomaterials can reach, upon water (i.e. ambient) exposure, the nervous system of larvae, resulting in a direct neurological damage.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived changes in responsibilities for adult caregivers who support children and youth in Ontario, Canada.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created long-lasting changes in caregiving responsibilities, including but not limited to increased demands, loss of support, worsening mental and physical health, and increased financial worries. There is currently limited evidence regarding factors associated with perceived changes in caregiving responsibilities. This observational study aimed to investigate factors (sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers and mental health and/or addiction concerns of the caregiver and their youth) that predict perceived negative changes in caregiving responsibilities among adult caregivers (aged 18+ years) of children and youth (aged 0-25 years) in Ontario, Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 1381 caregivers of children and youth between January and March of 2022 through a representative cross-sectional survey completed online. Logistic regression was conducted to determine predictors contributing to perceived negative changes in caregiving responsibilities. Among the sociodemographic characteristics, only ethnicity significantly predicted outcome. Higher caregiver strain (odds ratio [OR] = 10.567, 95% CI = 6.614-16.882, P < 0.001), worsened personal mental health (OR = 1.945, 95% CI = 1.474-2.567, P < 0.001), a greater number of children/youth cared for per caregiver (OR = 1.368, 95% CI = 1.180-1.587, P < 0.001), dissatisfaction with the availability of social supports (OR = 1.768, 95% CI = 1.297-2.409, P < 0.001) and negative changes in mental well-being in at least one child/youth (OR = 2.277, 95% CI = 1.660-3.123, P < 0.001) predicted negative changes in caregiving responsibilities. These results support further exploration of the implications of negative perceptions of caregiving responsibilities and what processes might be implemented to improve these perceptions and the outcomes.

Neonatal treatment with para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) induces adolescent hyperactivity associated with changes in the paraventricular nucleus Crh and Trh expressions

Disruption of the brain serotoninergic (5-HT) system during development induces long-lasting changes in molecular profile, cytoarchitecture, and function of neurons, impacting behavioral regulation throughout life. In male and female rats, we investigate the effect of neonatal tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) inhibition by using para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) on the expression of 5-HTergic system components and neuropeptides related to adolescent social play behavior regulation. We observed sex-dependent 5-HT levels decrease after pCPA-treatment in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) at 17 and 35 days. Neonatal pCPA-treatment increased playing, social and locomotory behaviors assessed in adolescent rats of both sexes. The pCPA-treated rats demonstrated decreased Crh (17 days) and increased Trh (35 days) expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). There was sex dimorphism in Htr2c (17 days) and VGF (35 days) in the prefrontal cortex, with the females expressing higher levels of it than males. Our results indicate that neonatal pCPA-treatment results in a long-lasting and sex-dependent DRN 5-HT synthesis changes, decreased Crh, and increased Trh expression in the PVN, resulting in a hyperactivity-like phenotype during adolescence. The present work demonstrates that the impairment of TPH function leads to neurobehavioral disorders related to hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Developmental exposure to methylmercury alters GAD67 immunoreactivity and morphology of endothelial cells and capillaries of midbrain and hindbrain regions of adult rat offspring

IntroductionMethylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental contaminant that is of particular concern in Northern Arctic Canadian populations. Specifically, organic mercury compounds such as MeHg are potent toxicants that affect multiple bodily systems including the nervous system. Developmental exposure to MeHg is a major concern, as the developing fetus and neonate are thought to be especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of MeHg. The objective of this study was to examine developmental exposure to low doses of MeHg and effects upon the adult central nervous system (CNS). The doses of MeHg chosen were scaled to be proportional to the concentrations of MeHg that have been reported in human maternal blood samples in Northern Arctic Canadian populations. MethodOffspring were exposed to MeHg maternally where pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed cookies that contained MeHg or vehicle (vehicle corn oil; MeHg 0.02 mg/kg/body weight or 2.0 mg/kg/body weight) daily, throughout gestation (21 days) and lactation (21 days). Offspring were not exposed to MeHg after the lactation period and were euthanized on postnatal day 450. Brains were extracted, fixed, frozen, and sectioned for immunohistochemical analysis. A battery of markers of brain structure and function were selected including neuronal GABAergic enzymatic marker glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD67), apoptotic/necrotic marker cleaved caspase-3 (CC3), catecholamine marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), immune inflammatory marker microglia (Cd11b), endothelial cell marker rat endothelial cell antigen-1 (RECA-1), doublecortin (DCX), Bergmann glia (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)), and general nucleic acid and cellular stains Hoechst, and cresyl violet, respectively. Oxidative stress marker lipofuscin (autofluorescence) was also assessed. Both male and female offspring were included in analysis. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized where sex and treatment were considered as between-subject factors (p* <0.05). ImageJ was used to assess immunohistochemical results. ResultsIn comparison with controls, adult rat offspring exposed to both doses of MeHg were observed to have (1) increased GAD67 in the cerebellum; (2) decreased lipofuscin in the locus coeruleus; and (3) decreased GAD67 in the anterior CA1 region. Furthermore, in the substantia nigra and periaqueductal gray, adult male offspring consistently had a larger endothelial cell and capillary perimeter in comparison to females. The maternal high dose of MeHg influenced RECA-1 immunoreactivity in both the substantia nigra and periaqueductal gray of adult rat offspring, where the latter neuronal region also showed statistically significant decreases in RECA-1 immunoreactivity at the maternal low dose exposure level. Lastly, males exposed to high doses of MeHg during development exhibited a statistically significant increase in the perimeter of endothelial cells and capillaries (RECA-1) in the cerebellum, in comparison to male controls. ConclusionFindings suggest that in utero and early postnatal exposure to MeHg at environmentally relevant doses leads to long-lasting and selective changes in the CNS. Exposure to MeHg at low doses may affect GABAergic homeostasis and vascular integrity of the CNS. Such changes may contribute to neurological disturbances in learning, cognition, and memory that have been reported in epidemiological studies.

Decreasing Sedentary Time during Lessons Reduces Obesity in Primary School Children: The Active Movement Study

Introduction: School-based exercise interventions targeted at reducing obesity are often successful in the short term, but they are resource-heavy and do not always lead to long-lasting behaviour changes. This study investigated the effect of reducing sedentary time, rather than increasing exercise, on physical activity (PA) behaviours and obesity in primary school children. Methods: Thirty UK state primary schools participated in this cluster-controlled intervention study (IDACI score = 0.15 ± 0.07, free school meals = 26 ± 9%). Twenty-six intervention and 4 control schools (intervention = 3,529, control = 308 children) completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) in terms 1 and 3. Three intervention and 3 control schools (intervention = 219, control = 152 children) also measured waist-to-height ratio (WTHR). The Active Movement Intervention is a school-based programme which integrates non-sedentary behaviours such as standing and walking in the classroom. Data were analysed via ANCOVAs and multiple linear regressions. Results: WTHR was reduced by 8% in the intervention group only (F(2, 285) = 11.387, p < 0.001), and sport participation increased by 10% in the intervention group only (F(1, 232) = 6.982, p = 0.008). Other PAQ-C measures increased significantly in the intervention group, but there was no group*time interaction. Changes in PAQ-C did not predict reductions in WTHR. Instead, the amount of change in WTHR was predicted by intervention group and by baseline WTHR of the pupil, where children with higher baseline WTHR showed greater reductions (F(2, 365) = 77.21, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.30). Socio-economic status (SES), age, or gender did not mediate any of the changes in the PAQ-C or WTHR. Conclusion: Reducing sedentary behaviours during school time can be an effective obesity reduction strategy for primary school children who are overweight. The lack of demographic effects suggests that this method can be effective regardless of the school’s SES, pupil age, or gender.

Trauma, Haunting, and Representation: Rereading and the Translation Examination of Kokoro

The Japanese novel, Kokoro (1914), offers a profound insight into early 20th-century Japanese society encompassing history, politics, and literature. Although this novel has been extensively explored in literary and translation studies, the convergence remains underexplored. This study advocates integrating literary criticism with translation practice for a more faithful representation of narratives. Applying trauma/PTSD studies theory, it meticulously analyzes Kokoro, particularly examining the English and Chinese renditions of the pivotal term “談判 (danpan; negotiation)”. The methodology involves constructing a trilingual database, incorporating the Japanese source text and seven translations in English and Chinese. By scrutinizing specific passages, the study delves into trauma-related responses and behaviors, revealing their impact on long-lasting changes in personality and relationships. Emphasis is placed on the translation of key terms, preserving cultural and linguistic nuances. This innovative approach advances both literary criticism and translation theory, emphasizing psychological elements for a nuanced portrayal of characters’ states of mind. The study underscores the significance of trauma narratives in comprehending personal and historical traumas, asserting that translators of trauma literature must blend theoretical knowledge with social responsibility. They serve as “secondary witnesses,” entrusted with accurately transmitting traumatic stories between languages, fostering empathy, and preventing the repetition of tragedies in history. This approach provides an innovative interpretation of Kokoro and its translations, bridging the realms of literary criticism and translation studies.

Select dietary changes towards sustainability: Impacts on dietary profiles, environmental footprint, and cost

Healthy sustainable diets have the power to improve dietary intakes and environmental resource use. However, recommendations for improving food choices need to consider the effects of any changes across multiple dimensions of health, environmental sustainability, and dietary cost to promote long-lasting behaviour change. The aim of this study was to identify differences between original diets, and the diets that can be achieved through the implementation of select small dietary changes towards sustainability. Twelve hypothetical sustainable actions were investigated for the potential effects of these actions on dietary markers (protein, saturated fat, sugars, salt, iron, and calcium), environmental footprints (greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater withdrawals, and land use), and dietary cost. Dietary data from 1235 individuals, aged 19–94 years, participating in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2017/19) provided the original diet. Dietary changes were implemented as required by each sustainable action, and differences between the original diet and each new diet were investigated. Results revealed benefits to dietary markers and environmental characteristics from eleven sustainable actions (range: F(1,728) = 5.80, p < .001 to F(1,506) = 435.04, p < .001), but effects were stronger for some actions than for others. Greatest benefits for all three outcomes were found for actions which reduced meat consumption and/or replaced meat with pulses or eggs. The remaining sustainable actions tended to be beneficial for improving outcomes individually or to some degree. Our results demonstrate the possible impacts of a number of small sustainable dietary actions for dietary, environmental, and cost outcomes, and provide a hierarchy of actions based on benefit. Findings may facilitate dietary behaviours towards improved health, whilst also offering fruitful contributions towards environmental footprint targets in the UK.

Deep brain stimulation-related experiences for obsessive-compulsive disorder: In-depth interviews with operated patients and relatives

BackgroundDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective intervention for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although treatment success is measured by a decrease in the severity of core symptoms, this procedure can have broader psychological and physical effects. The field regrettably still lacks knowledge and tools allowing an adequate understanding and assessment of the full range of experiences that accompany DBS treatment. We aimed to describe possible side effects of DBS treatment as experienced by patients, beyond specific changes in OCD core symptoms. MethodsWe interviewed 16 patients and 7 of their relatives from two independent cohorts, receiving stimulation in different anatomical locations. We conducted semi-structured interviews, then transcribed at verbatim. Inductive content analysis was performed to code and group common themes. ResultsWe categorized a variety of psychological and physical experiences. Patients frequently reported long-lasting changes often manifesting as improved mood and calmer behavior, but also as impaired memory, concentration, and sleep problems. Further, a wide range of individual experiences were described, suggesting that patients can feel and behave significantly different towards themselves and others, feeling more sensitive, more or less emotional, more impulsive, more irritable, more talkative. ConclusionsWe stress the importance of accumulating knowledge of the full range of DBS-related experiences, to improve shared decision making between patients and treating clinicians, and to facilitate comprehensive monitoring throughout the course of treatment.

Crosstalk of CGMP and CAMP in the vertebrate phototransduction cascade

The conventional phototransduction cascade suggests that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) functions as the chief secondary messenger while intracellular calcium concentration dominates as the central feedback modulator. Countless years and several scientific institutions have led to this conclusion, and it stands as the most extensively researched and explicit among all sensory transduction schemes. However, experimental evidence suggests that our understanding of the phototransduction cascade mechanisms remains significantly incomplete [1]. According to the canonical cascade scheme, all transients should be completed within a second once the light stimulus is no longer present. However, our data indicates that there are long-lasting changes in cell sensitivity and dark current parameters after the stimulus, which can last for more than 10 s. Phenomena that deviate from the standard phototransduction cascade behavior can potentially be clarified by an alternative regulatory mechanism that is based on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Previous research has provided convincing evidence that the intracellular levels of cAMP can significantly impact the functioning of the phototransduction cascade on both slow (day) [2] and relatively fast (minutes) [3] time scales. Additionally, there is phenomenological evidence indicating the existence of other regulatory signaling pathways in the phototransduction cascade without a corresponding mechanism in the classical phototransduction scheme, including inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). We investigate whether cAMP, IP3, and DAG regulate the phototransduction cascade during photoresponse. For this regulatory effect to occur, there must be a change in the signaling molecule concentration during the process. These processes occur in less than a second, and it is crucial for the presence of the regulatory effect. Given that traditional fluorescence methods cannot measure the concentration of any signaling molecule in the retina, a hardware-software setup has been developed that allows cryofixation of retinal samples at the required speed. The setup permits fixing up to six samples in a series with a delay of no more than 80 milliseconds after light stimulation. The concentration of signal molecules is assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate a 4.5-fold elevation in cAMP concentration 1.1 s after switching on a light with an intensity close to saturation. The concentration of cAMP is directly proportional to the intensity of the stimulating light; there is no increase in cAMP at lower light intensities. No noteworthy changes in IP3 and DAG concentration were detected in response to light stimulation. The findings align with existing literature on the kinetics of light-triggered protein kinase A (PKA) activity [3], which indicated an initial decrease followed by an increase in PKA activity. These results could potentially inform the revision and expansion of the phototransduction cascade model.

PREVALENCE OF GASTRIC PRECANCEROUS CONDITIONS : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Gastric carcinoma is a common malignant disease associated with an unfavorable prognosis in the case of late dia-gnosis. The most significant precancerous condition is chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. These longlasting changes may lead to formation of dysplastic precancerous lesions. Methods: By comparing itself to the standards set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, this study was able to show that it met all of the requirements. So, the experts were able to make sure that the study was as up-to-date as it was possible to be. For this search approach, publications that came out between 2013 and 2023 were taken into account. Several different online reference sources, like Pubmed and SagePub, were used to do this. It was decided not to take into account review pieces, works that had already been published, or works that were only half done. Result: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 1.045 articles, whereas the results of our search on SagePub brought up 701 articles. The results of the search conducted for the last year of 2013 yielded a total 12 articles for PubMed and 8 articles for SagePub. In the end, we compiled a total of 4 papers, 3 of which came from PubMed and 1 of which came from SagePub. We included five research that met the criteria. Conclusion: Precancerous conditions including chronic atrophic gastritis gastritis, metaplasia, foveolar hyperplasia and gastric hyperplastic polyps derived from the gastric epithelium have been concluded, based on the overview of gastric epithelial histological organization and its renewal.

Exploring How Corporate Social Responsibility Achieves Gender Equality in the Workplace from the Perspective of Media Image

The importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in promoting gender equality in the workplace is increasingly recognized. This study aims to comprehensively explore the role of CSR in achieving workplace gender equality through media image and representation. Methodologically, the study employed a literature review approach, analyzing existing research and scholarly works related to CSR, gender equality, and media influence. The findings of this study underscore the pivotal role of CSR in driving gender equality within workplaces. Media portrayal and corporate initiatives are shown to have a significant impact on shaping public perceptions and expectations regarding gender equality efforts by organizations. The analysis revealed that media strategies, collaborations, and advocacy contribute to fostering a supportive environment for gender equality initiatives and enhancing corporate image. However, it is important to acknowledge limitations such as the potential for media bias and the complexity of cultural influences on gender perceptions. The study also highlights the need for further empirical research to enhance the understanding of the dynamics between CSR, media, and gender equality. In conclusion, this study highlights the substantial contribution of CSR in promoting gender equality in workplaces, with media acting as a powerful catalyst for change. The study suggests that a collaborative approach between organizations, media, and policymakers is pivotal in driving long-lasting change. Future research directions could delve deeper into cross-cultural analyses and explore the effectiveness of specific media strategies in different contexts.

Borrowed Time: Imposed Synchronicity An Examination of Time and its Meaning

Time governs our lives. But whose time is it? Through the centuries, the easy rhythm of the seasons has been superseded by increasingly accurate measurements and infinitesimally smaller increments of time. From town organization during the Renaissance to a single universal time established in the 1884 Meridian Conference to time used as force by governments, time is molded by the people who inhabit its eons. Imperialism carries with it the implication that time is not simply the hours on the clocks but the attitudes of the governing. For a contemporary audience, Covid-19 has changed the measurement of time itself, and perhaps long-lasting changes to working hours will be the result. There is now a deliberate decoupling of Industrial ideas of time equaling money. Drawing together philosophy, literature, history, science, art, and recent experiments, time and its imposed synchronicity is examined and analyzed. Additionally, time and its relationship to space, through spacetime is also explored from a number of angles. Time, and its power, has shifted throughout the centuries. What remains true is that synchronicity is multi-layered, in terms of nature and society, and that people continue to shape time for its usage and endow it with new meanings. This paper seeks to explore the multidisciplinary nature of time, embedded into all lives, in a sample of the myriad ways time is experienced. It seeks, in part, to show that the shadow of the historical past is not behind us, but beside us moment by moment. Textual analysis for sources from a variety of fields was employed to facilitate a qualitative and exploratory methodology.

Early social isolation differentially affects the glucocorticoid receptor system and alcohol-seeking behavior in male and female Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats

Adverse early life experiences during postnatal development can evoke long-lasting neurobiological changes in stress systems, thereby affecting subsequent behaviors including propensity to develop alcohol use disorder. Here, we exposed genetically selected male and female Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) and Wistar rats to mild, repeated social deprivation from postnatal day 14 (PND14) to PND21 and investigated the effect of the early social isolation (ESI) on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) system and on the propensity to drink and seek alcohol in adulthood. We found that ESI resulted in higher levels of GR gene and protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in male but not female msP rats. In female Wistars, ESI resulted in significant downregulation of Nr3c1 mRNA levels and lower GR protein levels. In male and female msP rats, plasma corticosterone levels on PND35 were similar and unaffected by ESI. Wistar females exhibited higher levels of corticosterone compared with males, independently from ESI. In alcohol self-administration experiments we found that the pharmacological stressor yohimbine (0.0, 0.312, 0.625, and 1.25 mg/kg) increased alcohol self-administration in both rat lines, regardless of ESI. After extinction, 0.625 mg/kg yohimbine significantly reinstated alcohol seeking in female rats only. ESI enhanced reinstatement in female msP rats. Overall, the present results indicate that repeated social deprivation during the third week of postnatal life affects GR expression in a strain- and sex-dependent manner: such effect may contribute, at least partially, to the heightened sensitivity of female msP rats to the effects of yohimbine-induced alcohol seeking.

The bodily self from psychosis to psychedelics

The sense of self is a foundational element of neurotypical human consciousness. We normally experience the world as embodied agents, with the unified sensation of our selfhood being nested in our body. Critically, the sense of self can be altered in psychiatric conditions such as psychosis and altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelic compounds. The similarity of phenomenological effects across psychosis and psychedelic experiences has given rise to the “psychotomimetic” theory suggesting that psychedelics simulate psychosis-like states. Moreover, psychedelic-induced changes in the sense of self have been related to reported improvements in mental health. Here we investigated the bodily self in psychedelic, psychiatric, and control populations. Using the Moving Rubber Hand Illusion, we tested (N = 75) patients with psychosis, participants with a history of substantial psychedelic experiences, and control participants to see how psychedelic and psychiatric experience impacts the bodily self. Results revealed that psychosis patients had reduced Body Ownership and Sense of Agency during volitional action. The psychedelic group reported subjective long-lasting changes to the sense of self, but no differences between control and psychedelic participants were found. Our results suggest that while psychedelics induce both acute and enduring subjective changes in the sense of self, these are not manifested at the level of the bodily self. Furthermore, our data show that bodily self-processing, related to volitional action, is disrupted in psychosis patients. We discuss these findings in relation to anomalous self-processing across psychedelic and psychotic experiences.

Plasma catalysis: separating plasma and surface contributions for an Ar/N2/O2 atmospheric discharge interacting with a Pt catalyst

Atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasmas can form nitrogen oxide (NO x ) compounds directly from nitrogen and oxygen without a catalyst, and at lower catalyst temperatures than would be possible without plasma. In this work, the oxidation of plasma-produced NO from an Ar/N2/O2 non-equilibrium atmospheric-pressure plasma-jet (APPJ) over a platinum-on-alumina powder catalyst was investigated with in-situ infrared spectroscopy. Products downstream of the catalyst bed were analyzed along with catalyst surface species. The catalyst was exposed to plasma at both constant temperature and a cyclic temperature ramp in order to study long-lasting and transient surface changes. Primary incident reactive species to the catalyst were assessed to be NO and O3. Pt-Al2O3 at 350 °C increased oxidation of NO relative to Al2O3 or an empty chamber. The surface state of Pt-Al2O3 evolves during plasma-effluent exposure and requires upwards of 20 min exposure for stabilization compared to Al2O3. Once stable surface conditions are achieved, thermal cycling reveals a repeatable hysteresis pattern in downstream products. At low temperature, oxygen and NO x accumulate on the catalyst surface and react at elevated temperatures to form NO2. Increasing plasma power and O2:N2 ratio increases the hysteresis of the heating relative to the cooling curves in the pattern of NO2 formation. The limitation on NO oxidation at high temperatures was assessed to be Pt-O which is depleted as the catalyst is heated. Once stored species have been depleted, NO oxidation rates are determined by incoming reactants. Two overlapping NO oxidation patterns are identified, one determined by surface reactants formed at low temperature, and the other by reactants arriving at the surface at high temperature. The plasma is responsible for providing the reactants to the catalyst surface, while the catalyst enables reaction at high temperature or storage at low temperature for subsequent reaction.

Early Adverse Family Experiences and Elevated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Predict Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Females with Non-Psychotic Mental Disorders and Suicidal Ideation.

Nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI), prevalent in patients with non-psychotic mental disorders (NPMD), is associated with numerous adverse outcomes. Despite active research into the clinical and psychological aspects of NSSI, the underlying biological mechanisms remain obscure. Early adverse experiences are believed to induce long-lasting changes in neuroendocrine mechanisms of stress control playing a key role in NSSI development. The aim of the study was to evaluate parameters potentially predicting development of NSSI in female patients with NPMD and suicidal ideation. Eighty female patients over 18 years with NPMD and suicidal ideation (40 with and 40 without NSSI) and 48 age matching women without evidence of mental illness (healthy controls) were enrolled. Diagnostic interviews and self-report measures were used to assess childhood maltreatment, presence, frequency, and characteristics of suicidal and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, the Beck Depression Inventory scale to assess severity of depression. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis markers, hormones, and neurotrophic factors were measured in blood serum. The likelihood of developing NSSI in patients with NPMD and suicidal ideation was associated with early adverse family history and elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. Dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as a result of early chronic stress experiences may represent critical biological mechanism promoting the development of NSSI behaviors in patients with NPMD.

Acute Inflammation Redirect Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Stem Cell Cycling and Differentiation Program By Reshaping Their Chromatin Architecture at Long-Term

Background: Acute and persistent inflammation induced by microbial infections/sepsis or by therapeutic interventions, such as whole-body irradiation and CAR-T therapy, triggers a rapid overwhelming immune response in the host. While these responses are well defined in the short-term, the long-term impact of the inflammatory injury on the hematopoietic system still needs to be unveiled. Using a murine model of severe inflammation induced by bacteria P. aeruginosa ( P. aer.) or LPS, our group has previously reported that bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) respond to infections with an aberrant expansion associated with their transitory inability to generate the downstream myeloid progenitors. Such dysfunctions correlated with the suppression of transcription factors governing stem-cell self-renewal and myeloid differentiation. Furthermore, when transplanted into healthy mice, the “inflamed” HSC showed reduced ability to contribute to the myeloid lineage and to engraft at long-term, suggesting that they retain memory of the LPS-mediated insult and maintain long-lasting changes. Thus, we hypothesized that severe inflammation alters the HSC epigenome, reshaping their transcriptional programs and affecting cell fate decisions and differentiation. Methods: We performed time-course experiments in WT mice challenged with a single dose of LPS or PBS, as control, and investigated 1) the kinetics of hematopoietic recovery by flow-cytometric immunophenotypic characterization, including cell-cycle 2) changes in the chromatin landscape of Lin- sorted BM subpopulations identified by the expression of the CD150 and CD48 markers as Long-Term (LT-HSC), Short-Term (ST-HSC), and Multipotent Progenitors (MPP1/2 and MPP3/4) using ATAC-seq. Results: Our studies revealed that the LPS challenge resulted in a significant increase in the cell-cycle of LT-HSC, ST-HSC, MPPs, common myeloid progenitors (CMP), and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMP), which persisted up to 3 days from the inflammatory injury. Immunophenotypic analysis showed that while HSC frequencies returned to baseline at 5 days from LPS, the abundance and cell-cycle of myeloid progenitors and mature cells remained altered. Surprisingly, at 15 days post LPS, the cell-cycle of HSC markedly decreased, and such dysregulation was maintained until our last observation at 30 days from LPS. The pool of BM HSC was severely depleted and associated with exhaustion of T-cells but increased B-cells. GMP and Gr1+Mac1+ cells were also significantly decreased in the BM whereas mature lineages were increased in the peripheral blood, exhibiting high WBC, lymphocytes, and platelet count, neutrophilia, monocytosis, basophilia, and eosinophilia. ATAC-seq analysis revealed prominent differences in the chromatin architecture of the four HSC subpopulations at steady state (PBS). In all of them, LPS induced both i) a transient reorganization of the chromatin in some loci, and ii) the formation of persistently reshaped regions. Deeper investigations into the long-term changed sites revealed that chromatic accessibility was altered in proximity of CTCF-enriched regions fundamental to mediate chromatin reorganization and drive gene expression. Moreover, LPS modified the accessibility of genomic loci involved in the maintenance of HSC stemness and quiescence as well as regulation of their cell-cycle, self-renewal, and cell fate decision. Conclusions: Taken together these results suggest that LPS-mediated acute inflammation has long-lasting effects on HSC epigenetic regulation, influencing their cell-cycle and multilineage decisions. Relevance: The association between the resulting phenotype and the persistency of epigenetically remodeled HSC loci identified here may provide potential insights for future therapeutic approaches to re-direct “inflamed” HSC to a normal differentiation program, thereby enabling an efficient innate host response. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The factor structure of Big Five personality trait measures at the between- and within-person levels

The cross-sectional factor structure of Big Five personality trait measures is a weighted blend of the factor structure at the between-person level (i.e., the level of time-invariant interpersonal personality differences) and the factor structure at the within-person level (i.e., the level of intrapersonal personality fluctuations and changes). Thus, the Big Five might not represent the underlying factors at either of the two levels. To probe this issue, I fit multilevel exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) models to longitudinal data from the Netherlands and Australia ( N = 15,085 and 22,582, respectively). In both data sets, the canonical Big Five emerged at the between- but not at the within-person level. At the within-person level, a two-factor structure appeared to be most suitable. Factor 1 indicated positive attitudes towards the self. Factor 2 indicated neuroticism or negative attitudes towards the self. The two factors might reflect short-term fluctuations in positive and negative affect rather than long-lasting personality changes. The findings are tentative due to methodological limitations. We need more research on the within-person factor structure of personality trait measures to clarify what fluctuations and changes they assess and whether we need to revise the way we measure and analyze trait changes.

Experience-Dependent Plasticity in Nucleus Laminaris of the Barn Owl.

Interaural time differences (ITDs) are a major cue for sound localization and change with increasing head size. Since the barn owl's head width more than doubles in the month after hatching, we hypothesized that the development of their ITD detection circuit might be modified by experience. To test this, we raised owls with unilateral ear inserts that delayed and attenuated the acoustic signal, and then measured the ITD representation in the brainstem nucleus laminaris (NL) when they were adults. The ITD circuit is composed of delay line inputs to coincidence detectors, and we predicted that plastic changes would lead to shorter delays in the axons from the manipulated ear, and complementary shifts in ITD representation on the two sides. In owls that received ear inserts starting around P14, the maps of ITD shifted in the predicted direction, but only on the ipsilateral side, and only in those tonotopic regions that had not experienced auditory stimulation prior to insertion. The contralateral map did not change. Thus, experience-dependent plasticity of the ITD circuit occurs in NL, and our data suggest that ipsilateral and contralateral delays are independently regulated. As a result, altered auditory input during development leads to long-lasting changes in the representation of ITD.Significance Statement The early life of barn owls is marked by increasing sensitivity to sound, and by increasing ITDs. Their prolonged post-hatch development allowed us to examine the role of altered auditory experience in the development of ITD detection circuits. We raised owls with a unilateral ear insert and found that their maps of ITD were altered by experience, but only in those tonotopic regions ipsilateral to the occluded ear that had not experienced auditory stimulation prior to insertion. This experience-induced plasticity allows the sound localization circuits to be customized to individual characteristics, such as the size of the head, and potentially to compensate for imbalanced hearing sensitivities between the left and right ears.