Present Differences Research Articles

N-3 PUFA ameliorate functional outcomes following repetitive mTBI in the fat-1 mouse model.

Repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are a continuing healthcare concern worldwide, given its potential for enduring adverse neurodegenerative conditions. Past research suggests a potential protective effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in experimental models of mTBI. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the neuroprotective benefits of n-3 PUFA persist following repetitive weight drop injury (WDI). Male fat-1 mice (n = 12), able to endogenously convert n-6 PUFA to n-3 PUFA, and their wild type (WT) counterparts (n = 12) were maintained on a 10% w/w safflower diet. At 9-10 weeks of age, both groups received one mild low-impact WDI on the closed cranium daily, for three consecutive days. Following each WDI, time to righting reflex and seeking behaviour were measured. Neurological recovery, cognitive, motor, and neurobehavioural outcomes were assessed using the Neurological Severity Score (NSS) over 7 days (168 h) post-last WDI. Brains were assessed for cerebral microhemorrhages by Prussian blue and cellular damage by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining. Fat-1 mice exhibited significantly faster righting reflex and seeking behaviour time, and lower mean NSS scores and at all post-WDI time points (p ≤ 0.05) compared to WT mice. Immunohistochemistry showed no significant difference in presence of cerebral microhemorrhage however, fat-1 mice had significantly lower GFAP staining in comparison to WT mice (p ≤ 0.05). n-3 PUFA is effective in restoring cognitive, motor, and behavioural function after repetitive WDI, which may be mediated through reduced cellular damage of the brain.

Comparative characteristics of neuropsychological and neurometabolic changes in patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment

To investigate the pattern and connections of neuropsychological and metabolic indices in patients with cognitive disorders of Alzheimer's and vascular (subcortical-cortical) types of different severity. A total of 177 patients were examined, including 85 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 92 patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). All patients underwent complex neuropsychological examination; 18F-FDG PET was performed in 17 patients with AD and 15 patients with VCI. The greatest changes in patients with AD were noted in the mnestic sphere, and the indicators significantly differed from the results of the study of patients with VCI already at the pre-dementia stage. Neurodynamic and dysregulatory disorders prevailed in patients with VCI. Patients with AD showed bilateral symmetrical reduction of metabolic activity in the cortex of parietal and temporal lobes, often in combination with marked hypometabolism in the hippocampal region. In patients with VCI, there were areas of decreased brain tissue metabolism of different localization and size, mainly in the projection of the basal ganglia and in the prefrontal and parietal cortex, as well as in the cingulate gyrus, which indirectly confirms the mechanism of disconnection of subcortical and cortical structures. In AD, impaired metabolic activity in the hippocampal region correlated with impaired temporal and spatial orientation (ρ=-0.54, p<0.05), memory impairment (ρ=-0.71, p<0.005). Hypometabolism of the parietal lobe cortex was associated with total MMSE score (ρ=-0.8, p<0.001), 10-word test (ρ=-0.89, p<0.001 and ρ=-0.82, p<0.001), visual-spatial impairment (ρ=-0.64, p<0.01), categorical association test (ρ=-0.73, p<0.005). In patients with VCI, dysregulatory disorders correlated with hypometabolism in the thalamic projection (ρ=-0.56, p<0.05), prefrontal cortex (ρ=-0.64, p<0.05) and in the cingulate gyrus (anterior regions) (ρ=-0.53, p<0.05). The results indicate the presence of differences in cognitive impairment and cerebral metabolism in patients with AD and VCI.

Solar elastosis correlates with high tumor mutation burden and better 5-year disease-specific survival in patients with stage II/III melanoma

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relation between solar elastosis and tumor mutation burden (TMB) in a large clinically annotated cohort of stage II and III melanoma patients. MethodsPrimary cutaneous melanomas from 469 AJCC (8th edition) stage II and III patients with clinical annotation including outcome at 5 years of diagnosis were histopathologically evaluated for solar elastosis. Next-generation sequencing assay MSK-IMPACTTM was employed to determine TMB. Analysis by Fisher’s exact test, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis were performed, as well as uni- and multivariate logistic regression. ResultsTumors stratified by low and high TMB showed marked and statistically significant differences in presence and extent of associated solar elastosis. Lower risk patient stage (II versus III by AJCC 8th edition) as well as better 5-year melanomaspecific survival (as binary variable of controls-survivors versus cases-dead of disease at 5 years of diagnosis) were associated with severe solar elastosis. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, severe solar elastosis predicted significantly decreased odds of dying of melanoma within 5 years of diagnosis (OR 0.60, 95 % CI 0.39–0.89; and OR 0.42, 95 % CI 0.20–0.83, respectively; both p<0.05) ConclusionThe association of solar elastosis to TMB and 5-year melanoma specific survival points to its potential as a biomarker of clinical relevance that can be assessed by routine histopathology.

Clinical significance of serum levels of ferritin, interleukins 6 and 17A in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by significant clinical polymorphism. To optimize the treatment of RA, it is necessary to develop a personalized approach based on the determination of the value of various biomarkers in the clinical course of RA. The aim of this work was to determine the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and ferritin in RA and to establish their effect on the clinical course of RA. Methods. The object of the study was 62 patients with RA and 33 healthy volunteers. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 17A (IL-17A), and ferritin were determined. The study of the interrelationships of the studied indicators with clinical and laboratory-instrumental parameters was carried out. Results. The study found an increase in the levels of cytokines IL-6 and IL-17A, as well as ferritin in RA compared with the control group (p&lt;0.05). Subsequently, all patients were divided into three groups depending on the level of ferritin established in the study. The presence of differences in the main clinical and immunological parameters between the groups was analyzed. Differences in CRP levels were found between the study groups, it was the lowest in the low ferritin group compared to the other two groups (p&lt;0.05). The levels of IL-17A and IL-6 did not differ between the groups (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions. Serum ferritin is a promising and affordable biomarker in RA and can be used for personalized assessment of the condition of a patient with RA, differential diagnosis of anemia, and risk assessment of macrophage activation syndrome. The pathogenetic pathways of ferritin regulation in RA require further study.

Vertical structure characterization of acoustically detected zooplankton aggregation: a case study from the Ross Sea

Acoustic data were collected by means of Simrad EK60 scientific echosounder on board the research vessel “Italica” in the Ross Sea during the 2016/2017 austral summer as part of the P-Rose and CELEBeR projects, within the framework of the Italian National Research Program in Antarctica (PNRA). Sampling activities also involved the collection of vertical hydrological profiles using the SBE 9/11plus oceanographic probe. Acoustic data were processed to extract three specific scattering structures linked to Euphausia superba, Euphausia crystallorophias and the so called Sound-Scattering Layers (SSLs; continuous and low-density acoustic structures constituted by different taxa). Four different sectors of the study area were considered: two southern coastal sectors (between the Drygalski Ice Tongue and Coulman Island), a northern sector (~30 nmi East of Cape Hallett) and an offshore one spanning about 2 degrees of latitude from Coulman Island south to the Drygalski Ice Tongue. The vertical structure of each group in each area was then analyzed in relation to the observed environmental conditions. Obtained results highlighted the presence of different vertical structures (both environmental and acoustic) among areas, except for the two southern coastal sectors that were found similar. GAM modelling permitted to evidence specific relationships between the environmental factors and the vertical distribution of the considered acoustic groups, letting to hypothesize the presence of trophic relationships and differences in SSL species composition among areas. The advantages of acoustic techniques to implement opportunistic monitoring strategies in endangered ecosystems are also discussed.

Altered cerebrovascular reactivity along functional networks in older adults with long COVID

AbstractBackgroundCerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), an indicator of neurovascular function associated with cognitive decline, relies on vascular and inflammatory processes, making it a potential mechanism of interest driving neurological changes in long COVID among older adults. Given the variability in symptoms associated with long COVID, distribution corrected z‐scores (DisCo‐Z), a subject‐specific abnormalities (SSA) approach more suited for heterogenous conditions, was employed to examine CVR and long COVID in older adults. Relationships between CVR, post‐COVID subjective cognitive decline (pcSCD), and cognitive function were examined.Methods15 older adults with long COVID (M age = 63.9, 6 males) and 24 healthy older adults (M age = 66.7, 6 males) performed a breath‐holding task while in the MR scanner to examine CVR. DisCo‐Z was used to examine the presence and size of extreme clusters of increased or decreased CVR (&gt;100 voxels) within the 7 Yeo functional networks. Non‐parametric tests were used to examine group differences in presence and mean size of extreme clusters. Finally, relationships between: 1) extent of pcSCD and extreme cluster values in long COVID, and 2) cognitive testing scores and global “burden” (cluster size mean and sum) were examined.ResultsGroups did not differ significantly on gender (p = .323) or age (p = .324). Greater incidence of positive extreme clusters within Ventral Attention (p = .028) and Limbic (p = .049) networks were observed in long COVID (with minimal incidences of negative extreme clusters across networks). Group differences were observed for mean cluster size in the Ventral Attention network (p = .016), as well. Extent of pcSCD was positively correlated with DisCo‐Z values for the Ventral Attention network (p = .021) with a trending level of significance for the Limbic network (p = 0.053). Finally, within the full sample, global CVR burden was negatively correlated with memory test scores (p = 0.014).ConclusionsUsing the SSA approach, group differences in CVR were observed in older adults experiencing long COVID. In particular, differences were observed within functional networks thought to drive attention, executive function, and emotional control, which was correlated with pcSCD. Finally, global CVR burden was negatively correlated with memory. These findings, though preliminary, suggest CVR may represent a potential neurobiological mechanism driving pcSCD in older adults.

Altered cerebrovascular reactivity along functional networks in older adults with long COVID

AbstractBackgroundCerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), an indicator of neurovascular function associated with cognitive decline, relies on vascular and inflammatory processes, making it a potential mechanism of interest driving neurological changes in long COVID among older adults. Given the variability in symptoms associated with long COVID, distribution corrected z‐scores (DisCo‐Z), a subject‐specific abnormalities (SSA) approach more suited for heterogenous conditions, was employed to examine CVR and long COVID in older adults. Relationships between CVR, post‐COVID subjective cognitive decline (pcSCD), and cognitive function were examined.Method15 older adults with long COVID (M age = 63.9, 6 males) and 24 healthy older adults (M age = 66.7, 6 males) performed a breath‐holding task while in the MR scanner to examine CVR. DisCo‐Z was used to examine the presence and size of extreme clusters of increased or decreased CVR (&gt;100 voxels) within the 7 Yeo functional networks. Non‐parametric tests were used to examine group differences in presence and mean size of extreme clusters. Finally, relationships between: 1) extent of pcSCD and extreme cluster values in long COVID, and 2) cognitive testing scores and global “burden” (cluster size mean and sum) were examined.ResultGroups did not differ significantly on gender (p = .323) or age (p = .324). Greater incidence of positive extreme clusters within Ventral Attention (p = .028) and Limbic (p = .049) networks were observed in long COVID (with minimal incidences of negative extreme clusters across networks). Group differences were observed for mean cluster size in the Ventral Attention network (p = .016), as well. Extent of pcSCD was positively correlated with DisCo‐Z values for the Ventral Attention network (p = .021) with a trending level of significance for the Limbic network (p = 0.053). Finally, within the full sample, global CVR burden was negatively correlated with memory test scores (p = 0.014).ConclusionUsing the SSA approach, group differences in CVR were observed in older adults experiencing long COVID. In particular, differences were observed within functional networks thought to drive attention, executive function, and emotional control, which was correlated with pcSCD. Finally, global CVR burden was negatively correlated with memory. These findings, though preliminary, suggest CVR may represent a potential neurobiological mechanism driving pcSCD in older adults.

Detection of Unauthorized Actions in Networks Using Wavelet Analysis

Signal processing techniques are used to analyze and detect network anomalies because of their ability to detect new and unknown intrusions. The paper proposes a method of modeling network signals for the detection of network anomalies, which combines wavelet approximation and the theory of system identification. To characterize the behavior of network traffic, fifteen functions are provided, which are used as input signals within the system. At the same time, it is assumed that security violations within the network can be detected by checking abnormal patterns of system functioning according to audit data.&#x0D; Despite the fact that machine learning methods have achieved significant results in detecting network anomalies, they still face the difficulty of using the implemented algorithms, in the presence of differences in the behavior of the training data and test data, which in turn leads to inefficient performance of the algorithms. This effect is exacerbated by the limitation of algorithms to detect previously unknown types of attacks due to the large number of false positives.&#x0D; The paper develops a new method of modeling network signals for detecting anomalies in networks using wavelet analysis. In particular, the general architecture of the approach consists of three components: feature analysis, modeling of normal network traffic based on wavelet approximation and prediction using ARX model, intrusion or non-intrusion decision making&#x0D; The result is evaluated using the DARPA intrusion detection dataset, which performs a comprehensive analysis of the intrusions in the dataset. Evaluation results show that this approach provides a high level of detection of both instances and types of attacks.

Impact of Symbolic Modeling on Developing the Emotional Intelligence and Ability to Solve Life Problems of the Children at Early Childhood Stage

This present study aimed to the know impact of symbolic modeling on developing emotional intelligence skills and the ability to solve the life problems of children. The study used the semi-experimental method, the study population consisted of all elementary classes at Al-Hussein Ben Talal University school in Ma'an Governorate, and children were distributed in a random way to two groups: the control group and the experimental group. A group of results has been reached, the most prominent: the promises of differences with statistical significance at level (&lt;0.05) between means degrees of the control and experimental groups children in the post-application in favor of the experimental group in emotional an intelligence test, also the presence of differences with statistical significance between the pre and post measures for the experimental group in favor of the post measure in problems solving test of the children. In light of these results, a group of recommendations was introduced, the most important assuring the importance of using the symbolic modeling strategy by the female teachers with the children due to its positive impact on developing emotional intelligence skills and the ability of the children to solve life problems, and the necessity for engaging the kindergartens' female teachers in development courses about how to prepare and use this strategy, and conducting studies focusing on the effective role of the family in training their children on how to be characterized by the emotional intelligence and problems solving skills.

Evaluation of Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 in the vein wall of males with varicocele.

This study aims to investigate potential differences in the presence of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 (TGF-β1) between the vein walls of patients with varicocele and those of healthy individuals. The study comprised a total of 40 participants, divided into two groups. The control group (Group 1) consisted of 20 patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery, while the varicocele group (Group 2) included 20 patients scheduled for varicocelectomy. The cytoplasmic and nuclear staining patterns of TGF-β1 immunohistochemistry were assessed in tissue samples under light microscopy, identifying any differences in TGF-β1 presence between varicocele patient vein walls and normal (saphenous) veins. The varicocele group demonstrated lower nuclear and cytoplasmic TGF-β1 staining rates compared to the control group. After controlling for the independent factor of age, significantly lower nuclear and cytoplasmic staining was still observed in the varicocele group. This study is the first of its kind to compare TGF-β1 staining in the vein walls of varicocele patients and healthy individuals. Previous studies focusing on varicose veins reported elevated TGF-β1 expression. Contrarily, our study observed lower TGF-β1 expression in varicocele patient veins, marking a unique contribution to the field.

P03.13.B RADIOTHERAPY-INDUCED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN CANCER PATIENTS: IS SENESCENCE INVOLVED?

Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors that survive may experience cognitive problems including progressive impairments in memory, attention, and executive function attributed to radiation-induced brain injury. Irradiation is known to bring tumor cells into senescence, a state of permanent proliferation arrest that is accompanied by metabolic changes and a secretory phenotype, which may cause inflammation. We hypothesize that senescence in the healthy brain, caused by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), plays an important role in cognitive problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this pilot experiment the effect of three different dosages (12, 30 and 60 Gy) of fractionated WBRT was assessed at different intervals after irradiation using male C57BL/6JRj mice. We performed senescence associated β-glucosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, cytokine ELISA assays, RT-qPCRs and immunohistochemistry to identify cellular senescence in the healthy brain. RESULTS Unexpectedly, no clear indications of induced cellular senescence in the brain could be observed by assessing SA-β-gal, cytokines and senescence markers on RNA and protein level. However, we found persistent DNA damage foci, microglial activation, a reduction in oligodendrocyte precursor cells and neurogenesis in the subvertricular zone. CONCLUSION No clear evidence for cellular senescence after WBRT was detected in the mouse brain, whereas profound effects were found on glia, neurogenesis and DNA damage. Difficulties in detecting cellular senescence might be explained by differences in presence of so-called markers for cellular senescence in the brain, or the rare nature of senescence in vivo. In future studies neurobiological changes will be assessed at later time points after WBRT, using a senescence reporter mouse and will be combined with behavioral studies.

Comparison of visitor experiences of virtual reality exhibitions by spatial environment

The growing interest in the metaverse has led to a corresponding increase in attention towards virtual reality (VR) exhibitions. Furthermore, with the potential and possibility of a virtual environment without physical and economic constraints, expectations for user experiences based on diverse exhibition environments are increasing. Accordingly, this study investigated the characteristics of visitor experience in relation to the spatial environment of VR exhibitions, particularly focusing on the representational fidelity of the real-physical world. We experimented with comparing the user experience in reality-based (realistically representing the physical world, high representational fidelity level) and virtuality-based (surreal, low representational fidelity level) VR exhibition settings to explore design implementation. User experience data were collected through surveys, behavioral observation by video recording, and interviews. In terms of surveys, there was no significant difference in presence and enjoyment by environment, but the reality-based environment was scored significantly higher for communication. The behavioral analysis found that more active movements were captured in the virtuality-based environment. Qualitative analysis of the interview found differences in perception, emotions, and behavior by spatial environment, such that the newness and openness of the virtuality-based environment induced active movement of participants, and the familiarity of the reality-based environment provided comfortable feelings and supported participants’ concentration on exhibition contents. The results of the study suggest how the spatial environment of VR exhibitions can contribute to user experiences.

Metabolic syndrome (mets) as one of the major comorbidities of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd)

Aim: We aimed to investigate the association between COPD and MetS, the relation to the severity of airflow limitation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 220 patients with initially diagnosed COPD (IG), aged 40 to 75 years and 58 non-COPD subjects matched by age, smoking status, body mass index, as controls (CG). All study participants underwent anthropometric measurements, fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, pulmonary evaluation (dyspnea severity assessment, baseline and postbronchodilator spirometry, gas analyses, chest X-ray). Results: Results presented statistically significant difference in presence of MetS in COPD patients compared to controls (32.27% vs 10.34%; P=0.0009). According to the GOLD classification, the frequencies of MetS in COPD patients were categorized in stages I, II, III, IV (17.54%, 37.10%, 34.62%, 40.82%, respectively). The proportion of patients with increased glycemic values was: a) GOLD1 - 18 (31.58%); b) GOLD 2 - 32 (51.61%); c) GOLD3 - 29 (55.77%); and d) GOLD4 - 31 (63.27%). There was no significant difference between IG and CG patients regarding HDL level. According to arterial hypertension the highest proportion was observed in GOLD3 - 22 (42.31%) followed by GOLD4 - 20 (40.82%), and GOLD3 - 22 (35.48 %), smallest in GOLD1 - 17 (29.82%). Conclusion: We found higher prevalence of MetS in patients with COPD even in early COPD stages compared to non-COPD. Our findings suggest an urgent need to develop comprehensive strategies for prevention, screening and start of treatment in early stage.

The impact of adverse climatic conditions and forms of labour management on the quality of life of the population

Introduction. The quality of life is a cumulative characteristic of different aspects of a person’s life affected by uncomfortable climatic and geographical conditions.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The health-related quality of life was studied using the SF-36 questionnaire. Men and women engaged in mental labour were residents of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, manual workers (men) lived outside the district and worked on a rotational basis.&#x0D; Results. The indicators of the quality of life according to the state of health among the workers of the northern region, depending on the nature of labour activity and gender were determined. In the examined groups, latent factors of the quality of life were revealed.&#x0D; Limitations. Men and women engaged in mental work; men working on a rotational basis.&#x0D; Conclusion. The conditions of the northern region in the quality of life were determined by the state of health, there are differences associated with the nature of labour activity and gender. Occupationally conditioned increased social activity was shown to negatively affect on the somatic and mental health of males. As a result, in groups of office workers, the gender characteristics of self-assessment of psychological criteria for the quality of life are partially levelled, in the presence of differences in the physical component. The leading factor in the quality of life for them was the psychological comfort. For men engaged in physical labour, the leading factor in the quality of life was the scale of role functioning, due to physical condition, that is, the most important thing for them was the possibility of life, not limited by deviations in physical health.

Cognitive comorbidities of experimental absence seizures are independent of anxiety

Typical absence seizures (ASs) are brief periods of lack of consciousness, associated with 2.5–4 Hz spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in the EEG, which are highly prevalent in children and teenagers. The majority of probands in these young epileptic cohorts show neuropsychological comorbidities, including cognitive, memory and mood impairments, even after the seizures are pharmacologically controlled. Similar cognition and memory deficits have been reported in different, but not all, genetic animal models of ASs. However, since these impairments are subtle and highly task-specific their presence may be confounded by an anxiety-like phenotype and no study has tested anxiety and memory in the same animals. Moreover, the majority of studies used non-epileptic inbred animals as the only control strain and this may have contributed to a misinterpretation of these behavioural results. To overcome these issues, here we used a battery of behavioural tests to compare anxiety and memory in the same animals from the well-established inbred model of Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS), their inbred strain of Non-Epileptic Control (NEC) strain (that lack ASs) and normal outbred Wistar rats. We found that GAERS do not exhibit increased anxiety-like behavior and neophobia compared to both NEC and Wistar rats. In contrast, GAERS show decreased spontaneous alternation, spatial working memory and cross-modal object recognition compared to both NEC and Wistar rats. Furthermore, GAERS preferentially used egocentric strategies to perform spatial memory tasks. In summary, these results provide solid evidence of memory deficits in GAERS rats that do not depend on an anxiety or neophobic phenotype. Moreover, the presence of differences between NEC and Wistar rats stresses the need of using both outbred and inbred control rats in behavioural studies involving genetic models of ASs.

Intraoperative Fluorophores: An Update on 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Sodium Fluorescein in Resection of Tumors of the Central Nervous System and Metastatic Lesions-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Recent advances in tumor visualization have improved the extent of resection (EOR) of primary and secondary tumors of the central nervous system, while limiting the morbidity and mortality of the surgery. One area of recent interest has been the use of intraoperative fluorophores for tumor visualization such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ala) and sodium fluorescein. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the utility of fluorophore administration and EOR with each fluorophore to update the current literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of intraoperative 5-ala or fluorescein between 2021 and 2023 using the PubMed, SCOPUS, and WOS databases. The initial search yielded 8688 results. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were met, 44 studies remained for review. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the EOR between studies for each fluorophore and to compare the presence of intraoperative fluorescence by tumor type. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for gross total resection (GTR), and two-way ANOVA tests were performed to compare rates of intraoperative fluorescence by fluorophore and tumor type. In all groups except low-grade glioma, fluorescence was present after 5-ala administration; fluorescence was present for all groups after fluorescein administration. Two-way ANOVA analysis for both fluorophores demonstrated no statistically significant difference in presence of fluorescence between type of tumor resected. Meta-analysis of EOR did show a higher, but not significant, rate of GTR in the 5-ala group compared to controls (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.49; 3.37). In the fluorescein group, there were statistically significant higher odds of GTR compared to the control group (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.43; 3.10, I2 = 0%). Both 5-ala and sodium fluorescein demonstrated intraoperative fluorescence among various tumor types in both cranial and spinal tumors, as well as efficacy in improving EOR. Both fluorophores merit further investigation for use in surgery of CNS tumors.

EEG-Correlates of Emotional Memory and Seasonal Symptoms

The aim of this study was to investigate a potential all-year vulnerability of people with seasonal mood fluctuations. We compared behavioral and neurophysiological responses to emotional stimuli in summer between people who report seasonal symptoms in winter and those who do not. EEG was recorded in summer from 119 participants while they memorized 60 emotional pictures, balanced for valence and arousal. The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire was used to determine seasonal symptoms. EEG power was analyzed in the alpha and gamma frequency bands and in early (50–150 ms) and late (300–400 ms) time-windows over frontal, temporal, and occipital sites. Positive pictures were more frequently recalled than negative and neutral pictures, and negative pictures were more frequently recalled than neutral pictures (p &lt; 0.001), but memory performance did not interact with seasonality. EEG power was overall higher in participants without elevated levels of seasonal symptoms (p = 0.043). This group difference interacted with emotional valence (p = 0.037), region of interest (p = 0.003), hemispheric differences (p = 0.027), frequency band (0.032), and time-window (0.018). This differential pattern of activation while viewing emotional pictures suggests a difference in emotional processing between the groups. The absence of behavioral effects but presence of differences in EEG activity suggests an all-year-long difference in processing of emotional contents in people who experience seasonal symptoms in winter.

Natural course of chronic subdural hematoma following surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysm by pterional approach.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a neurological complication following clipping surgery. However, the natural course and ideal approach for the treatment of clipping-related-CSDH (CR-CSDH) have not been clearly established. We aimed to investigate the course of CR-CSDH using chronological radiological findings. We performed a retrospective analysis of 28 (3.8%) patients who developed CSDH among 736 patients who underwent surgical clipping using pterional approach for unruptured aneurysms at our institution between December 2010 and December 2018. Patients underwent follow-up CT scan 6-8 weeks after clipping surgery and decision to pursue surgical intervention rests upon the patient's symptom based on the Markwalder's grading scale (MGS) and numeric rating scale (NRS). Of the 28 patients, 3 patients (10.7%) underwent surgery, while 25 (89.2%) showed spontaneous resolution of CR-CSDH. Eighteen patients (64.2%) had mild headache with MGS of 0-1. The mean maximum hematoma volume was 41.9±30.9 ml (5.8-135 ml), and 26 patients (92.8%) had homogeneous hematoma. The mean time to hematoma resolution was 126.7±52.9 days (46-228 days). Comparing group of CR-CSDH volume ≥43 ml or a midline shift ≥5 mm, the difference in presence of linear low-density area (p=0.002) and age (p=0.026) between the conservative and operative groups were found to be statistically significant. Most CR-CSDH cases spontaneously resolved within 4 months. Therefore, we suggest that close observation should be performed if patient's symptoms are mild and special radiologic findings are present, despite its relatively large volume and midline shifting.

The psychological safety of specialists involved in the organization and provision of psychological assistance in war conditions

The aim. To provide an analysis of the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to addressing the issue of psychological safety for specialists involved in the organization and provision of psychological assistance in war conditions.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The research employed the bibliographic method, method of analysis, and synthesis of scientific materials from academic sources.&#x0D; Results and discussion. A detailed analysis of several scientific studies revealed that among the main prerequisites for the emergence of emotional burnout in helping professionals, two directions are traditionally identified: the characteristics of professional activities and the psychological characteristics of the specialist.&#x0D; In the context of the question about the psychological changes that can occur in professionals during their professional activities, we have examined the phenomenon of secondary trauma or secondary traumatic stress, which refers to the trauma experienced by a professional while providing psychological assistance. In the literature on crisis psychology, the phenomenon of burnout is often equated with the phenomenon of secondary trauma due to the following reasons: 1) both states tend to accumulate over time, and 2) they have similar consequences (insomnia, depressed mood, impaired communication with social environment and family).However, a detailed analysis of these phenomena indicates the presence of differences, primarily in the characteristics of their emergence.&#x0D; Conclusion. &#x0D; The main safety rules for assisting specialists, compliance with which is necessary to maintain their professional well-being, include: awareness of one's abilities and the limits of one's competence;having an understanding of one's vulnerabilities and assessing one's capabilities and risks when working with cases that involve heightened emotional sensitivity; tracking changes in one's emotional and physical state, as well as changes in behavior; seeking help from superiors when needed;when dealing with challenging crisis events and their aftermath, working better in pairs with colleagues. This is necessary for maintaining emotional balance for each specialist working in a pair and for the ability to rely on each other during consultations or group psychological work;participating periodically in supervision groups or receiving supervision.Following these rules is essential for preserving the emotional well-being of each specialist and enables them to rely on support systems such as working in pairs and seeking supervision or consultation when needed.

The availability and type of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer content on sperm, oocyte, and embryo provider websites.

To evaluate and quantify the character and amount of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ +) content on sperm, oocyte, and embryo provider websites in the USA. Websites with LGBTQ + information were categorized into "minimal," "moderate," and "significant" content. The presence and type (category) of LGBTQ + content were assessed in its relationship to geographic regions, in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles/year, and website types. Interobserver reliability was assessed for the categorization system created. Out of 373 unique websites, 191 (51.2%) had LGBTQ + content of any kind. Regarding the amount of content, websites were categorized as "none" (48.8%), "minimal" (8.0%), "moderate" (28.4%), and "significant" (14.8%). "Private fertility clinic" websites were more likely to have LGBTQ + content and a significantly increased amount of content compared to other website types ("academic hospital" and "sole sperm, oocyte, and embryo provider" websites) (p < 0.0001). Fertility clinics with more IVF cycles/year were more likely to have increased amount of LGBTQ + content compared to those with fewer IVF cycles/year (OR = 4.280; 95% CI, 1.952-9.388). Northeast, West, South, and Midwest regions showed no statistically significant difference in presence and type of content (p = 0.06 and p = 0.13, respectively). Approximately half of websites had LGBTQ + content. Private fertility clinics and fertility clinics with increased IVF cycles/year show a positive relationship to the presence and type of LGBTQ + content, while LGBTQ + website content was similar across four geographic regions.