High-sugar driven microbial dynamics in spontaneous fermentations of Lebanese cooked wines.

Recent technological advances offer new perspectives for the assessment and management of low back pain (LBP). Due to the multidimensional nature of pain, assessment methods must continuously evolve. Although some studies have analyzed the impact of LBP on gait under real-world conditions, their clinical applicability remains limited by methodological constraints. Technology-based interventions with different levels of immersion (TBILI) are therefore being explored as an alternative, since locomotor behaviors appear to be largely preserved in simulated environments. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the potential contribution of TBILI to the assessment of LBP. In accordance with JBI recommendations and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, studies meeting the PCC criteria were selected. These included a population with low back pain, a concept using TBILI assessment, and a context focusing on the mechanisms of action of TBILI. Thirty-nine studies (2547 patients; mean age: 46.8 ± 10.4 years) were analyzed. Pain intensity (n = 31) and physical function (n = 28) were the most reported assessment outcomes. Feedback (n = 18) and motivation (n = 16) were the most identified mechanisms among a broad range of TBILI action mechanisms. Immersive technology seems used for bodily awareness or biopsychosocial approach while non-immersive technology seems used for motivation and sensory modulation. However, methodological heterogeneity and a lack of standardization limit the clinical applicability of TBILI. TBILI demonstrate strong potential for the assessment and management of LBP. Standardization of protocols and better integration of biopsychosocial dimensions are required to fully realize this potential.

Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) enables non-invasive neuromodulation, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we show that transient receptor potential canonical 4 (TRPC4) and transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) channels are critical mediators of tFUS-induced neuronal modulation in the mouse brain. Applying tFUS to the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) in male mice desensitizes mechanical and thermal sensitivity while robustly elicits early growth response 1 (Egr1) expression. Inhibiting these tFUS-induced Egr1 ensembles blocks the somatic sensory effects. Transcriptomic analysis identifies Trpc4 enrichment in tFUS-activated Egr1-positive cells. Both pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockdown of TRPC4 abolish tFUS-mediated sensory modulation. Targeted knockdown further demonstrates that the highly homologous TRPC5 plays a comparable role. In situ proximity ligation assay, co-immunoprecipitation, and live-cell calcium imaging confirm that TRPC4 and TRPC5 form a protein complex in the RSC that facilitates the tFUS response. These findings establish TRPC4/TRPC5 as essential molecular components for tFUS neuromodulation.

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common, debilitating complication following limb amputation. Despite various available pharmacological and non-pharmacology treatment modalities, phantom limb pain can be quite challenging to treat. This clinical vignette describes the case of a man in his mid-20s with chronic PLP and history of congenital bilateral clubfoot deformity and left transtibial amputation who discharged a 12-gauge shotgun through his prosthetic boot to relieve himself of PLP. Following this unorthodox, self-directed, behavioral event involving a single intense episode of multisensory input directed at the perceived location of phantom pain, he experienced sustained resolution of his PLP. While we do not condone this behavior due to safety concerns, this unusual case highlights the potent role of sensory, cognitive, and behavioral modulation in PLP. This suggests potential applications of AI-assisted virtual or simulated sensory environments in safely engaging neural mechanisms, including sensorimotor integration and perceived control, to address this type of pain.

Sensory symptoms have been increasingly recognized as core characteristics of tic disorders (TD). This study aimed to systematically investigate the core features of sensory processing abnormalities in Chinese children with tic disorders, analyze their association with tic severity, and explore potential subtypes based on sensory profiles. This cross-sectional study recruited 151 children diagnosed with TD (encompassing Tourette syndrome, chronic motor tic disorders, and provisional tic disorders) along with 100 age-matched healthy controls (HC). Sensory processing characteristics were assessed using the Short Sensory Profile, and tic severity was evaluated with the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. Principal component analysis (PCA) and latent profile analysis (LPA) were employed to explore sensory subtypes. Correlation analyses and regression models were used to examine sensory-symptom relationships. Children with TD showed significantly lower total SSP scores than HCs (P < 0.001), with deficits primarily in "under-responsive/sensation seeking", "auditory filtering" and "low energy/weakness". PCA extracted two core dimensions: "sensory dysfunction" and "sensory hypersensitivity". A significant positive graded relationship was found between the degree of sensory abnormality and tic severity (P for trend = 0.025). The "under-responsive/ sensation seeking" dimension was an independent predictor of tic severity (β = -0.164, P = 0.044). LPA identified two subtypes: a "relatively typical sensory processing" subtype (88.7%) and a "sensory over-responsivity" subtype (11.3%). However, no significant difference in tic severity was found between these subtypes. Sensory processing abnormalities, particularly generalized sensory modulation dysfunction, are prevalent across TD subtypes and are closely associated with tic severity. Sensory under-responsivity represents a core risk dimension, while the unique "sensory over-responsivity" subtype may be relatively independent of tic severity. This study provides important evidence for sensory-based subtyping of TD and for developing individualized interventions targeting sensory symptoms.

Comparative analysis of peptide and protein self-assembly in food systems: Driving forces, influencing factors, structural outcomes, and future prospects.

Bayesian integration is posited as a fundamental computational mechanism underlying multisensory integration, and feedforward neural networks have been proposed to instantiate optimal Bayesian integration (OBI). However, empirical and theoretical research highlights the prevalence of neural feedback projections, raising questions about how recurrent neural networks might contribute to multisensory OBI. We simulated a two-layer neural circuit computational model with reciprocal projections performing a perceptual discrimination task, in which sensory inputs comprise single or dual modalities. The model with reciprocal projections between sensory and decision-making modules can match, underperform, or outperform OBI, depending on feedforward-feedback interplay. This model performance variability accords with prior experimental data. In addition, our theoretical analysis reveals the importance of non-linear interactions within neuronal assemblies in mediating such multisensory integration behaviors. Our work suggests that sensory modalities can be entangled through top-down feedback, challenging the traditional view of their independence, while explaining deviations from OBI.

Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is a key bacterial second messenger that regulates a wide range of cellular processes, including biofilm formation and virulence. Multi-domain one-component systems regulate c-di-GMP synthesis and turnover in response to external signals. Periplasmic sensing of environmental cues is performed by versatile but conserved sensory domains, including members of the CHASE4 superfamily. Here, we explore the promiscuity of the CHASE4 domain in c-di-GMP signal transduction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by analyzing two CHASE4-containing transducers from the virulent PA14 strain, namely PA14_53310 and PA14_37690. With the integration of biochemical and biophysical methods, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and isothermal titration calorimetry, we demonstrate that the CHASE4 domains of these proteins possess different ligand specificities. We show that PA14_53310 is a diguanylate cyclase, and that its enzyme activity is controlled by heme binding to its periplasmic CHASE4 domain. The PA14_37690 CHASE4 domain, on the other hand, does not bind heme, but likely recognizes copper, indicating a role in metal ion sensing. A comparison with the PAO1 counterpart, that is, PA0847 and PA2072, is discussed and the divergences highlighted. This work demonstrates that the CHASE4 domain is a multifunctional sensory module that can be calibrated to detect a range of environmental cues, thus providing a mechanism for c-di-GMP signaling refinement in P. aeruginosa. These results shed light on the molecular basis for the functional diversification of CHASE4-containing one-component systems and their role in bacterial adaptation.IMPORTANCEThe results presented in this study reveal a fascinating versatility of the CHASE4 domain in PA14 Pseudomonas aeruginosa cyclic di-GMP signaling systems (i.e., PA14_53310 and PA14_37690), highlighting its ability to sense different environmental cues, such as heme and copper. In the context of infection, the interplay between heme and copper sensing could be particularly relevant, being both nutrients or poisons. Their sensing (and adaptive response) would be a significant advantage for the bacterium, allowing it to optimize its virulence and survival strategies. Therefore, these results represent the starting point for future in vivo studies aimed at exploring the relevance of heme and copper in pathogenesis, to finally develop novel anti-virulence strategies targeting the pathogen's ability to adapt to the host environment.

This study examined sensory processing profiles in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and considered how these profiles connect with executive function (EF) and participation, based on reports from different informants. The goal was not only to describe these profiles. It was also to understand how they relate to everyday functioning across school, and community contexts. A total of 102 adolescents aged 12-17 years with clinically confirmed ASD participated in this cross-sectional study. Sensory processing was assessed with the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (A/ASP), executive function (EF) with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Second Edition (BRIEF-2), and participation with the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP). Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) based on standardized A/ASP quadrant scores identified distinct sensory subtypes. Differences in EF and participation were analyzed using the BCH three-step method controlling for age, sex, and medication use. LPA revealed four sensory subtypes: Typical/Low Difficulty, Sensory Over-Responsive/Avoidant (SOR), Under-Responsive/Low Registration (SUR), and Sensation Seeking/Mixed. The SOR profile showed higher EF difficulties on BRIEF-2 and lower caregiver-reported participation (Hedges g ≈ 0.70-1.05, q < 0.01). The SUR group showed moderately higher EF difficulties and small participation decreases compared with the Typical group, while the Seeking/Mixed group showed minimal EF differences and context-dependent participation patterns. Distinct sensory modulation profiles are associated with executive function and participation in adolescents with ASD. Findings suggest that sensory-cognitive patterns reflect variability in everyday self-regulation. Profile-based, multi-perspective assessment may support individualized intervention planning in educational and occupational therapy contexts.

Objectives This study proposes and evaluates a novel Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI)-mediated art therapy framework for children with autism spectrum disorder that aims to improve their social cognition, emotional communication, and sensory adaptation, while addressing limitations of conventional approaches through tailored multimodal solutions. Methods Experts in many fields have been invited to participate in interviews and focus group discussions. Five focus group discussions have been conducted on the questions, with no new themes emerging. A theme analysis was performed by two writers. Results Thematic analysis revealed five primary themes with corresponding sub-themes: expression pathways, technological mediation, sensory heterogeneity, self-identity, and social cognition. Conclusions GAI revolutionizes autism treatment via dynamic co-creation and adaptive sensory modulation, enabling children to articulate feelings and participate socially.

ABSTRACTBackgroundChildhood anxiety is an increasing concern globally, with rates rising significantly following the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, there are relatively few evidence‐based interventions specifically designed to directly target and involve younger children under 7 years old. To address this gap, a six‐session manualised programme was developed to assist children aged 4–7 in managing their anxiety. The programme integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Sensory Modulation (SM) strategies, providing simple and practical tools to aid young children in coping with anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, and practicality of this CBT‐SM intervention when delivered through community‐based child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).MethodsA single‐case experimental design (SCED) was employed, involving six children diagnosed with anxiety across two sites. At least three children were reported to have sensory challenges. A psychologist assessed the children's anxiety at three intervals: at the beginning of the study, after the intervention was completed, and 4 weeks later. Parents also completed questionnaires measuring behavioural issues (both internalising and externalising) and the impact of anxiety on daily life at baseline, prior to treatment, and after treatment.ResultsThe study revealed significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in overall functioning. Both parents and therapists reported the programme as acceptable. Notably, four out of six children (67%) no longer met the criteria for an anxiety diagnosis following the intervention and at follow‐up.ConclusionsThese findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness, acceptability, and practicality of this innovative CBT‐SM approach in assisting young children in managing anxiety.

Sniffing the context: divergent effects of odor valence on intertemporal choice in loss vs. gain frames.

Delirium is a preventable yet pervasive complication in intensive care units (ICUs) settings, disproportionately increasing patient morbidity and healthcare costs. While environmental disruptions (e.g., light/noise) are modifiable risk factors, nurse-delivered, non-pharmacological strategies may be under-implemented in routine practice despite guideline recommendations. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a simple, holistic nursing intervention-eye masks and earplugs-to mitigate delirium incidence in ICU patients. A randomised controlled trial was conducted in the adult general intensive care unit of a public hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye, between May and September 2024. Patients were assigned to either an intervention group (nightly use of eye masks and earplugs together with a delirium prevention guide) or a control group (delirium prevention guide only). Delirium was assessed using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) and the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). In total, 190 patients were randomised. Ten participants allocated to the intervention group did not receive the intervention because 9 were unwilling to continue and 1 became intubated. Consequently, 180 patients were analysed (90 per group). The intervention group showed a 62% lower incidence of delirium than the control group (7.8% vs. 20%, p = 0.001). In addition, delirium developed later in the intervention group (2.57 ± 0.79 vs. 1.89 ± 0.85 days, p = 0.001), and Nu-DESC scores differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.001). Nightly use of eye masks and earplugs was associated with lower delirium incidence and later onset in ICU patients when implemented alongside a NICE-aligned delirium prevention guide. As a scalable, non-pharmacological approach, this intervention offers a feasible, low-cost option that empowers nurses to lead delirium prevention through holistic, patient-centred care. Further studies may help clarify generalisability across different ICU settings. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06403410.

Taste perception is known to be altered in microgravity, which can significantly impact astronauts’ food acceptance and overall dietary experience. This study examines the effects of microgravity and virtual reality (VR) on the sensory perception and overall liking of foods, specifically lemonade and vegetable soup, under controlled experimental conditions. The results indicate that overall liking for both products decreased significantly in microgravity, consistent with prior research on sensory suppression in space environments. However, VR demonstrated a compensatory effect, as overall liking scores in VR-enhanced microgravity stabilized and closely resembled those observed under normal gravity. This suggests that VR has the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of microgravity on taste perception, thereby improving food acceptability for astronauts. These findings underscore the necessity for further research into sensory modulation in altered-gravity environments, particularly for long-duration space missions. Future studies should explore VR-based interventions, adaptive food formulations, and multisensory integration strategies to optimize food palatability and acceptance in space.

Task-specific orofacial tremor is a rare condition in which rhythmic oscillations of orofacial muscles occur during specific actions. Drinking tremor represents a recurrent pattern in isolated reports, although its phenomenology and underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined. We report three cases of orofacial drinking tremor, each showing a different pattern. Differences involved the distribution of orofacial muscle activity and the presence of additional signs, including tremor in other body regions or subtle dystonic postures. Variability in task dependence, posture sensitivity, and sensory modulation contributed to the heterogeneity of these presentations. Published reports describe a spectrum of orofacial drinking tremors, ranging from strictly task-specific patterns to mixed task- and position-dependent presentations. Some patients exhibit subtle dystonic features, whereas others show no clear additional neurological signs. Electrophysiology typically demonstrates regular 5-8 Hz rhythmic discharges in the orofacial muscles. Systemic pharmacological therapies offer limited benefit, whereas botulinum toxin remains the most effective option. Current evidence suggests that orofacial drinking tremor does not represent a single clinical entity. An approach integrating detailed phenomenological characterization with plausible pathophysiological mechanisms may improve diagnostic interpretation and guide individualized management strategies.

Thezebrafish lateral linesystem is a sensory network made up ofneuromasts, which contain hair cells to detect water flow. Neuromasts signal via sensory afferentneurons and their activity is modulated byefferentneurons. Inhibitory efferent neurons consist of REN, ROLE, and RELL cells and previous work has shown that neuromasts can be innervated by multiple efferent neurons, suggesting potentialfunctional differences. To explore this, we performedsingle-cell RNA sequencingon REN, ROLE, and RELL neurons in 5-day-old zebrafish larvae. GO analysis across differentially expressed genes did not reveal pathways that suggest differences in cellular function. Comparing markers for neurotransmitter phenotype showed all inhibitory efferent neurons to be cholinergic, but also expressed genes related to other neurotransmitters. Expression of selected genes related to rhombomere location, axon guidance, or gap junctions was similar across efferent neurons. Expression of genes encoding proteins related to membrane potential suggest that REN neurons might be more sensitive to glutamate and may have different action potential dynamics, although functional validation remains to be done. In addition, we assessed neuromast innervation by ROLE and RELL neurons. We found that both ROLE and RELL neurons synapse to approximately50%of hair cells within a neuromast, compared to approximately75% innervation by all inhibitory efferent neurons combined. In addition, we did not observe flow polarity bias by innervating efferent axons. However, we did find that RELL neurons had a lower number of synaptic boutons compared to ROLE, which may reflect differences in synaptic output capacity. Taken that our transcriptional analysis did not reveal major intrinsic molecular differences, but we did observe differences in neuromast innervation, raises the possibility that functional differences, if present, may come from upstream inputs. Future work, such asretrograde tracing, could help map these input partners and clarify how different types of efferent neurons contribute to sensory modulation.

The Just Right State program (JRSP) is an occupational therapy-based, sensory intervention designed to support self-regulation. Qualitative methodology was used to explore the experiences of five members of staff working in a secure children’s home in training in and implementing the JRSP under the guidance of occupational therapy staff. Using thematic analysis four themes emerged: Sensory regulation training enhanced staff wellbeing, Sensory regulation as a new lens in a unique environment, Embedding theory in practice, and Considerations for the experiential JRSP training. The findings provide insights into effective training and implementation of sensory modulation interventions.

BACKGROUND: Sensory rooms, widely used in psychiatric care, offer customizable environments designed to enhance comfort and reduce distress. Although our previous research demonstrated that sensory room use was associated with increased vagal activity in healthy individuals, its physiological effects in individuals with depression remain unclear. AIM: This study aimed to examine the effects of a sensory room intervention on autonomic function and psychological outcomes in adults with depression. METHODS: Twenty adults with depression participated in a randomized crossover trial. Each participant completed two 30-min sessions-sensory room use and static seated activities-in a counterbalanced order. Resting vagal activity, vagal reactivity to auditory stimulation, subjective discomfort, mood states, and interoceptive awareness were assessed before and after each session. Vagal indices were derived from respiratory sinus arrhythmia, a heart rate variability measure reflecting parasympathetic cardiac control. Mood was assessed with the Profile of Mood States, Second Edition, and interoceptive awareness with the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness. RESULTS: Compared to static activities, the sensory room significantly increased resting vagal activity and reduced vagal reactivity to auditory stimuli, indicating enhanced autonomic stability. Although no significant differences were found in subjective discomfort or negative mood states, several aspects of interoceptive awareness, including the Not-Worrying subscale, showed significant improvement following sensory room use. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that sensory rooms may help regulate vagal function and support sensory modulation in individuals with depression, providing a non-pharmacological approach to enhance autonomic regulation and body awareness in psychiatric care.

BackgroundInfant colic, defined by excessive crying following the ‘Rule of Threes’, remains an enigmatic and challenging phenomenon with an unclear etiology. While organic causes are rare, differences in sensory processing are increasingly recognized as playing a significant role. This study aimed to investigate the sensory processing profiles of infants diagnosed with colic compared to non-colicky peers.MethodsA cross-sectional comparative design was used. We assessed the sensory processing patterns of 7–12 month old infants with colic (n = 40) and age-matched non-colicky controls (n = 40) using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile–2 (ITSP-2). The ITSP-2 evaluates four sensory quadrants: Low Registration, Sensation Seeking, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding.ResultsColicky infants exhibited significantly higher reactivity and processing difficulties across all assessed sensory domains including tactile, vestibular, oral, and behavioral areas compared to non-colicky controls. Notably, colicky infants showed pronounced challenges in tactile and vestibular processing, suggesting early neuro-regulatory dysfunction. A complex, paradoxical profile was observed, characterized by the simultaneous presence of high Sensory Sensitivity and high Low Registration.ConclusionOur findings suggest that developmental difficulties in sensory input modulation may be associated with colic etiology. These results highlight that developing intervention strategies that focus on sensory processing difficulties, beyond traditional gastrointestinal or behavioral approaches to improve self-regulation and alleviate colic symptoms, may also be important for managing these problems.

Abstract Cancer treatment environments often intensify stress and psychological vulnerability among patients and caregivers. While healthcare design typically emphasizes clinical efficiency, the emotional and experiential impact of architectural space remains underexplored. This dissertation examines how therapeutic architecture can enhance psychological well-being in cancer-care settings through strategies such as nature integration, sensory modulation, and human-scaled design. Using a mixed-method approach grounded in theories including Biophilic Design, Salutogenesis, and Attention Restoration Theory, the research analyzes contemporary oncology case studies such as Maggie's Centres. Primary research methods include post-occupancy evaluations, observational studies, and user interviews to identify spatial stress points within hospital environments. The study culminates in a design proposal that reconceptualizes the cancer hospital as a therapeutic landscape—integrating daylight, natural views, healing gardens, and emotionally supportive spatial sequences. The research reinforces the role of architecture as an active contributor to resilience, dignity, and holistic healing in oncology care. Key Words Key Words: Therapeutic Architecture, Cancer Care Design ,Healing Environments, Biophilic Design, Salutogenesis ,Attention Restoration Theory, Healthcare Architecture, Evidence-Based Design, Psychological Wellbeing ,Healing Landscapes