Significant Differences In Activity Research Articles

Nitrate nitrogen enhances the efficiency of photoprotection in Leymus chinensis under drought stress.

Global climate change exerts a significant impact on the nitrogen supply and photosynthesis ability in land-based plants. The photosynthetic capacity of dominant grassland species is important if we are to understand carbon cycling under climate change. Drought stress is one of the major factors limiting plant photosynthesis, and nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient involved in the photosynthetic activity of leaves. The regulatory mechanisms responsible for the effects of ammonium (NH4 +) and nitrate (NO3 -) on the drought-induced photoinhibition of photosystem II (PSII) in plants have yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, there is a significant need to gain a better understanding of the role of electron transport in the photoinhibition of PSII. In the present study, we conducted experiments with normal watering (LD), severe drought (MD), and extreme drought (HD) treatments, along with no nitrogen (N0), ammonium (NH4), nitrate (NO3), and mixed nitrogen (NH4NO3) treatments. We analyzed pigment accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, photosynthetic enzyme activity, photosystem activity, electron transport, and O-J-I-P kinetics. Analysis showed that increased nitrate application significantly increased the leaf chlorophyll content per unit area (Chlarea) and nitrogen content per unit area (Narea) (p< 0.05). Under HD treatment, ROS levels were lower in NO3-treated plants than in N0 plants, and there was no significant difference in photosynthetic enzyme activity between plants treated with NO3 and NH4NO3. Under drought stress, the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), PSII electron transport rate (ETR), and effective quantum yield of PSII (φPSII) were significant higher in NO3-treated plants (p< 0.05). Importantly, the K-band and G-band were higher in NO3-treated plants. These results suggest that drought stress hindered the formation of NADPH and ATP in N0 and NH4-treated L. chinensis plants, thus damaging the donor side of the PSII oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). After applying nitrate, higher photosynthetic enzyme and antioxidant enzyme activity not only protected PSII from photodamage under drought stress but also reduced the rate of damage in PSII during the growth of L. chinensis growth under drought stress.

Comparing surface electroenterography measurements between patients suffering from Hirschsprung’s disease and controls: a feasibility study

Current diagnostics in Hirschsprung’s disease are often challenging and invasive. This study aims to investigate whether surface electroenterography can non-invasively discern healthy subjects from subjects suffering from Hirschsprung’s disease. Nine healthy subjects (seven children, two adults) and eleven subjects suffering from surgically untreated Hirschsprung’s disease (nine children, two adults) underwent an electroenterography procedure. This procedure consisted of ultrasound-guided placement of surface electrodes on the abdomen covering all parts of the colon, fasting and two 20-min electroenterography measurements separated by a meal. The dominant frequency, magnitude and relative increase (pre- to postprandial) of colonic activity were compared between both groups. The results showed that in the pediatric group, no significant differences in dominant frequency, colonic activity and relative power increase were observed between controls and patients. The adult patients showed decreased colonic motility and relative power increase in the electrodes closest to the distal colon, both when compared to the same electrodes in controls and to the more proximal electrodes of themselves. To conclude, electroenterography measurements in young children is challenging, but the results in adults demonstrate that these measurements can possibly distinguish between controls and Hirschsprung’s patients. Therefore, optimization of electroenterography measurements in young children is necessary.

Examınatıon of famous use ın televısıon advertısements wıth electroencephalogram (EEG)

Objective: The research aims to analyze the changes in brain activity of emotions caused by the use of celebrities in television (TV) commercials using Electroencephalography (EEG). It tries to determine the positive (liking, having fun) and negative (disliking, bored) emotions of the audience with Electroencephalography (EEG). Method: We tried to determine the emotional states of the volunteers who watched the commercials by examining the theta activities in different parts of their brains. A questionnaire was applied to 36 volunteers in our research before and after watching the advertisements. EEG recordings were made while the volunteers were watching the commercials. Theta activities obtained as a result of EEG recording were tabulated as duration. The hypotheses were tested by using the responses of the volunteers to the questionnaires and the EEG results comparatively with frequency tables and the Independent-Samples T test. Originality/Relevance: Both the preparation and broadcasting of TV advertisements, which have a very important place in marketing communication, can be very costly for businesses. Neuromarketing, which encourages interdisciplinary work, allows the use of methods, designs, theories and technologies used in neuroscience in areas such as marketing and advertising. In this study, with the help of EEG, one of the techniques used in neuromarketing, it has been tried to determine the emotions that the advertisements will create in the audience. It is among the few experimental studies conducted in Turkey. Results: Although EEG results shows that the activity intensity in the left hemisphere and left frontal lobe was higher than the activity intensity observed in the right hemisphere and right frontal lobe in the volunteers watching TV commercials, and the activity intensity in the left hemisphere and left frontal lobe in the volunteers where the advertisements created positive emotions, and the activity intensity in the left hemisphere and left frontal lobe in the volunteers, where the advertisements created negative emotions, statistically, as our hypotheses suggest, no significant activity difference was observed. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The research contributes to the scientific community by deepening the knowledge on neuromarketing, which is under development in Turkey as in many countries. It also provides clues about the use of neuromarketing in advertising research. This study will contribute to the preparation of effective advertisements by understanding the emotions of the audience. Managerial implications: Research findings can help businesses and advertisers prepare more effective commercials, thereby saving businesses costs.

Metabolite profiling and in-silico studies show multiple effects of insecticidal actinobacterium on Spodoptera littoralis

The polyphagous pest, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval), poses a significant global economic threat by gregariously feeding on over a hundred plant species, causing substantial agricultural losses. Addressing this challenge requires ongoing research to identify environmentally safe control agents. This study aimed to elucidate the insecticidal activity of the metabolite (ES2) from a promising endophytic actinobacterium strain, Streptomyces sp. ES2 EMCC2291. We assessed the activity of ES2 against the eggs and fourth-instar larvae of S. littoralis through spectrophotometric measurements of total soluble protein, α- and β-esterases, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and catalase enzyme (CAT). The assessments were compared to commercial Biosad® 22.8% SC. Untargeted metabolomics using LC-QTOF-MS/MS identified 83 metabolic compounds as chemical constituents of ES2. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of ES2 (165 mg/mL) for treated Spodoptera littoralis eggs showed significant differences in polyphenol oxidase and catalase enzymatic activities, while the LC50 of ES2 (695 mg/mL) for treated S. littoralis fourth instar larvae showed lower significance in α- and β-esterase activities. Molecular docking of ES2 identified seven potent biocidal compounds, showing strong affinity to PPO and catalase CAT proteins in S. littoralis eggs while displaying limited binding to alpha and beta esterase proteins in the larvae. The results contribute to the understanding of ES2 as a promising alternative biopesticide, providing insights for future research and innovative applications in sustainable pest management strategies.

Subcutaneous hydromorphone hydrochloride provides antinociception with transient adverse effects in four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydromorphone administered SC in four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). 12 healthy adult hedgehogs. Hedgehogs underwent 2 randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, complete crossover studies. Hind limb withdrawal latencies in response to an acute thermal noxious stimulus were measured to evaluate the antinociceptive efficacy of hydromorphone. Baseline latencies were obtained prior to injection and collected again at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours following injection. Based on pilot studies, single doses of SC hydromorphone at 0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg were evaluated for efficacy in crossover trials. Safety of single (0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg) and multiple doses of hydromorphone (0.3 mg/kg, SC, q 4 h, for 3 doses) was also assessed. In addition to monitoring behavior during latency measurements, animals were evaluated for overt sedation and daily changes in food intake, body weight, and running wheel activity for 6 days after injection to evaluate for adverse effects. Hydromorphone at 0.15 mg/kg provided antinociception lasting < 4 hours, and 0.3 mg/kg provided antinociception lasting < 6 hours. Hydromorphone produced transient abnormal behaviors at both doses, including vocalization, chewing motions of the jaw, and paw raising. There were no statistically significant differences in body weight or running wheel activity between treatments for single or multiple doses of hydromorphone. Three doses of 0.3 mg/kg hydromorphone (q 4 h) produced a statistically significant decrease (median, -9.7%; range, -64% to 10%) in 6-day total food intake. Subcutaneous hydromorphone (0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg) can be used for short-term antinociception with transient adverse effects in hedgehogs.

Effects of stand ages on soil enzyme activities in Chinese fir plantations and natural secondary forests.

Forest type and stand age are important biological factors affecting soil enzyme activities. However, the changes in soil enzyme activities across stand ages and underlying mechanisms under the two forest restoration strate-gies of plantations and natural secondary forests remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the variations of four soil enzyme activities including cello-biohydrolase (CBH), β-1,4-glucosidase (βG), acid phosphatase (AP) and β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), which were closely associated with soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling, across Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations and natural secondary forests (5, 8, 21, 27 and 40 years old). The results showed that soil enzyme activities showed different patterns across different forest types. The acti-vities of AP, βG and CBH in the C. lanceolata plantations were significantly higher than those in the natural secon-dary forests, and there was no significant difference in the NAG activity. In the plantations, AP activity showed a decreasing tendency with the increasing stand ages, with the AP activity in the 5-year-old plantations significantly higher than other stand ages by more than 62.3%. The activities of NAG and CBH decreased first and then increased, and βG enzyme activity fluctuated with the increasing stand age. In the natural secondary forests, NAG enzyme activity fluctuated with the increasing stand age, with that in the 8-year-old and 27-year-old stand ages being significantly higher than the other stand ages by more than 14.9%. βG and CBH enzyme activities increased first and then decreased, and no significant difference was observed in the AP activity. Results of the stepwise regression analyses showed that soil predictors explained more than 34% of the variation in the best-fitting models predicting soil enzyme activities in the C. lanceolata plantations and natural secondary forests. In conclusion, there would be a risk of soil fertility degradation C. lanceolata plantations with the increasing stand age, while natural secondary forests were more conducive to maintaining soil fertility.

Real-world data on the Immunity Response to the COVID-19 Vaccine among Patients with Central Nervous System Immunological Diseases

Objective: The effects of immunotherapies on the immune response to various regimens of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with autoimmune neurological disease have been demonstrated in limited data. Thus, we evaluated the immune responses in each platform of COVID-19 vaccination between patients with autoimmune neurological disease and a healthy population. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study. We collected serum from patients with autoimmune neurological diseases to perform serological methods using anti-RBD IgG assay, neutralizing antibodies assay, and interferon SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay. Serological response level was analyzed by platforms of vaccines and types of immune modifying therapy. Results: Fifty-eight patients had tested for an anti-RBD IgG response, and those receiving no immunotherapy/ healthy controls had the highest median anti-RBD IgG levels amongst immunotherapy statuses. Rituximab in those who received inactivated or mRNA vaccine regimens had the lowest antibody level compared with other immunotherapies. In vector-based vaccine regimens, significant reductions of anti-RBD IgG response were observed in all other immunotherapy groups except for azathioprine, with the greatest difference seen compared to rituximab. Thirty-five patients with positive anti-RBD responses were further tested for neutralizing antibodies. The mRNA vaccine regimen demonstrated the highest inhibition percentage among the Delta and Omicron variants. Twentytwo patients were tested for T cell responses, with no significant difference in T-cell activity across all groups. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a significant decrease in antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with autoimmune neurological diseases receiving immunotherapies compared to a healthy population, especially for patients taking rituximab.

Mycofiltration of Aqueous Iron (III) and Imidacloprid Solutions, and the Effects of the Filtrates on Selected Biomarkers of the Freshwater Snail Helisoma duryi

To alleviate the burden of water contamination, a newly developed form of bioremediation known as mycofiltration can be employed. Mycofiltration is an environment-friendly technology involving the treatment of contaminated water by passing it through a network of saprophytic fungal mycelium. A mycofilter made of Pleurotus ostreatus was used for the removal of iron (III) and imidacloprid from aqueous solutions. Batch mycofiltration, at a dosage of 1 g of mycofilter per 50 mL, was performed on iron (III) solutions of different concentrations (0.99, 10.7, 22.9, and 27.72 mg/L) and pH (3.3, 7 and 11). For column mycofiltration, the mycofilter was packed into pyrex columns (3.3 × 15 cm) to desired bed heights. Iron (III) and imidacloprid solutions of 18.99 mg/L and 234.70 ng/L, respectively, were filtered at a constant flow rate. Thereafter, Helisoma duryi snails were exposed for 96 h to the respective filtrates, and their catalase and acetylcholinesterase activities were assessed. Batch mycofiltration showed iron (III) removal rates as high as 85%. Column mycofiltration showed removal rates of 94 and 31% for iron (III) and imidacloprid, respectively. Catalase activity was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the snails exposed to iron (III) or imidacloprid filtrates, compared to the snails exposed to the non-mycofiltered media. A significantly higher acetylcholinesterase activity was induced by iron (III) filtrates in comparison with the non-mycofiltered media (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in acetylcholinesterase activity (p > 0.05) in the snails exposed to mycofiltered and non-mycofiltered imidacloprid media. Mycofilter characterisation using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry revealed significant changes in transmittance intensity in the mycofilters used for the iron (III) vs the ones used for the imidacloprid solutions. Mycofiltration was found to improve water quality although iron (III) was removed more effectively than imidacloprid.

People With Low Back Pain Exhibit Higher Trunk Muscle Activity and Impaired Postural Control During Static and Dynamic Functional Tasks: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The study compared superficial trunk muscle activity and postural control among an active extension subgroup of people with nonspecific chronic low back pain (AE-NSCLBP) with painfree controls during functional tasks. Thirty-two people (17 people with low back pain [LBP] and 15 painfree controls) participated in this study. Muscle activity of 5 trunk muscles and postural control were investigated during both standing tasks (eyes open/closed; single/double-leg balance) and dynamic functional tasks (spinal forward flexion and return, and a sit to stand transfer). Results showed that during single-leg standing, people with AE-NSCLBP exhibit higher muscle activity than painfree controls for 3 trunk muscles, especially with their eyes closed. There were no significant differences in muscle activity between eye conditions during double-leg standing and sit to stand transfer, forward flexion, and return from flexion. The AE-NSCLBP subgroup also demonstrated significantly impaired postural control (lower time to boundary) in 4 of 8 conditions, especially during single-leg standing and with their eyes closed. These findings show people with LBP typically demonstrated greater trunk muscle activity and poorer postural control while maintaining standing posture. This pattern was most evident when the postural challenge was higher, such as single-leg standing or with eyes closed. While this study design cannot infer causality, these findings have implications for LBP rehabilitation, particularly regarding approaches which seek to alter muscle activation among people with LBP.

Standardizing Continuous Physical Activity Monitoring in Patients with Cervical Spondylosis.

Prospective cohort study. To use a commercial wearable device to measure real-life, continuous physical activity in patients with CS and to establish age-adjusted and sex-adjusted standardized scores. Patients with cervical spondylosis (CS) often present with pain or neurologic deficits that result in functional limitations and inactivity. However, little is known regarding the influence of CS on the patient's real-life physical activity. This study included 100 English-speaking adult patients with cervical degenerative diseases undergoing elective spine surgery at Stanford University who owned iPhones. Patients undergoing surgery for spine infections, trauma, tumors, or lumbar degenerative disease were excluded. Activity two weeks before surgery was expressed as raw daily step counts. Standardized z-scores were calculated based on age-specific and sex-specific values of a control population. Responses to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) surveys assessed convergent validity. Functional impairment was categorized based on predetermined z-score cut-off values. Thirty CS with a mean (±SD) age of 56.0 (±13.4) y wore an Apple Watch for ≥8 hours/day in 87.1% of the days. The mean watch wear time was 15.7 (±4.2) hours/day, and the mean daily step count was 6400 (±3792). There was no significant difference in activity between 13 patients (43%) with myelopathy and 17 (57%) without myelopathy. Test-retest reliability between wearable step count measurements was excellent (ICC β=0.95). Physical activity showed a moderate positive correlation with 36-Item Short Form Survey Physical Component Summary, EuroQol-5-dimension visual analog scale, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Subscale. Activity performance was classified into categories of "no impairment" [step count=9640 (±2,412)], "mild impairment" [6054(±816)], "moderate impairment" [3,481 (±752)], and "severe impairment" [1,619 (±240)]. CS patients' physical activity is significantly lower than the general population or the frequently stated goals of 7000 to 10,000 steps/day. Standardized, continuous wearable physical activity monitoring in CS is a reliable, valid, and normalized outcome tool that may help characterize functional impairment before and after spinal interventions.

Pengaruh Penambahan Sari Kurma Terhadap Kualitas dan Aktivitas Antimikroba pada Dadih

This research aims to determine the additional concentration of date palm juice which can influence the quality of curd in terms of total LAB, pH value, antimicrobial activity and organoleptic characteristics including color, texture, aroma and taste. This research design used a Completely Randomized Design using 100ml of buffalo milk added with date juice, consisting of 4 treatments, namely P0 (without adding date juice), P1 (10%), P2 (15%), and P3 (20%). Research data was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's advanced test if there were differences in influence. The research results showed that Treatment P1 (10%) produced curd with the best characteristics in terms of total BAL 8.60×1011 CFU/ml, pH value 4.45, irradical inhibition zone formed with a diameter of 9.35 mm against Sterptococcus mutans. Meanwhile, in the organoleptic test, treatment P3 (20%) was the best curd chosen by the panelists including aroma 4.60 (liked very much), color 4.16 (liked very much), taste 4.40 (liked very much). However, in terms of texture, the panelists liked the curd treatment P0 (without adding date juice) 4.00 (liked). In conclusion, curd with the addition of date juice had a significantly different effect on total BAL, pH value, antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus mutans, aroma, texture and taste. However, there was no significant difference in color and antimicrobial activity for Candida albicans. Keywords: BAL, Curd, Dates

P478 Fatigue, physical fitness, and physical activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with a great impact on quality of life and work productivity. A better comprehension of the contributing factors to fatigue could potentially pave the way for more targeted and effective strategies for managing fatigue in IBD. Fatigue may be associated with lower levels of physical activity and reduced physical fitness. Yet, the interaction between these factors in IBD, measured with validated tests, is not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between fatigue and physical fitness and physical activity in patients with IBD. Methods Adult patients with IBD in remission or with mild-to-moderate clinical disease activity with an ASA Physical Status &amp;lt;III were eligible for inclusion. Fatigue was defined as a Checklist Individual Strength-fatigue subscale score ≥35. Patient and clinical characteristics were collected, including age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, disease duration, disease location and behavior, clinical and biochemical disease activity, smoking status, previous intestinal resection, and medication use. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess the oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2peak). Muscular strength (peak torque at 60°/s) and endurance (fatigue rate as percentage decline in peak torque over 30 repetitions at 180°/s) of the knee extensor and flexor muscles were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Objective physical activity data were collected continuously for seven consecutive days utilizing the MOX accelerometer, with activities categorized into sedentary, standing, light (LPA), moderate (MPA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA) levels. Results In total, 50 patients were included, with 17 being classified as fatigued. Fatigued patients had significantly higher BMIs, a higher frequency of clinical disease activity, and a higher prevalence of smoking (Table 1). They also exhibited significantly lower VO2peak (mean [±SD] 28.1 [±7.9] vs. 36.0 [±9.8] mL·kg-1·min-1, p=0.007) and higher knee extensor fatigue rate (mean [±SD] 39.0% [±8.8] vs. 31.1% [±10.4], p=0.010) compared to non-fatigued patients. There was no statistical significant difference in physical activity between fatigued and non-fatigued patients. Conclusion Although physical activity did not differ between patients with and without fatigue, fatigued patients exhibited lower cardiorespiratory fitness and knee extensor muscular endurance. A larger population is needed to further investigate the influence of patient and disease characteristics on this relationship to work towards more targeted and effective strategies for managing fatigue in patients with IBD.

What is in a [poverty] label? The effect of regional poverty labeling in the Appalachian region of the U.S. and self-employment

Extending the growing amount of literature on poverty and entrepreneurship, we draw on stereotype threat theory to test whether labels of regional poverty categories, controlling for regional GDP, influence engagement in self-employment. In using the county designations of at-risk, attainment, competitive, distress, or transitional provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the County Business Patterns, Business Dynamics Statistics, and Startup Cartography Project, we find no significant differences in regional entrepreneurial activity among labels. However, in the individual-level analysis using CPS-ASEC two-wave longitudinal data, the findings show that those residing in counties labeled as at-risk counties, relative to attainment counties, had lower odds of being self-employed. These findings at regional and individual levels show stereotype threat may not aggregate to the regional level, but may manifest at the individual level. The findings have implications for stereotype threat based on government-identified regional labels of relative economic standing.

Dracotangusions A and B, two new sesquiterpenes from Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim. with anti-inflammatory activity

Two new guaiane sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the dried aerial parts of Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim., named as dracotangusions A (1) and B (2), together with four known sesquiterpenoids, which were identified as Curcumenone (3), (4Z,7Z,9Z)-11-Hydroxy-4,7,9-germacratriene-1,6-dione (4), Kobusone (5), and (1S,10S), (4S, 5S)—(+)-germacrone-1(10)-4-diepoxide (6). The structures of isolates were determined by UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR analysis. What is noteworthy is that four known sesquiterpenoids were isolated for the first time from the genus of Dracocephalum L. All compounds inhibited the extremely significant difference (p < 0.01) in anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting that these compounds may be promising candidates as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Enhanced Fc Receptor Expression In Sea Urchin Spermatozoa By Platelet-Activating Factor

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a signaling phospholipid that has a variety of reproductive roles, e.g. sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction (an exocytotic process). PAF’s mechanism action involves G-protein receptor activation induction of intracellular calcium, which enhances sperm motility. In nonreproductive cells, the Fc receptor (FcR) functions in ligand-triggered transmission signals across the membrane which alters secretion, exocytosis, and increased intracellular calcium. This study looked at the impact of PAF on FcR expression in sea urchin spermatozoa. Sea urchin sperm were exposed to exogenous PAF (10-7M; 15 minutes) and evaluated for FcR activity via flow cytometry. A significant (P=0.01) difference (64.30%) in FcR wave activity between the PAF (mean 3.286) and control (2.0) groups was observed. Within waves, there were more (83.31%) high points (crests) in the PAF (mean 1.571) group than the control (mean 0.857) group. Similarly, there were more (49.96%) low (troughs) points in the PAF (mean 1.714) group than the control (mean 1.143) group. This is the first report to demonstrate a relative positive change in spermatozoa FcR expression when exposed to PAF. The FcR functions in ligand-triggered transmission of PAF via a G-protein coupled receptor mediated pathway leading to physiological alterations. Provided the known mechanism of action of PAF on spermatozoa physiology, the data suggests that the interaction of PAF and FcR play a pivotal role in sperm activity and fertilization potential.

Modulating the difficulty of a visual oddball-like task and P3m amplitude

It is often necessary to modulate the difficulty of an experimental task without changing physical stimulus characteristics that are known to modulate event-related potentials. Here, we developed a new, oddball-like visual discrimination task with varying levels of difficulty despite using almost identical visual stimuli. Gabor patches of one orientation served as frequent standard stimuli with 75% probability. Gabor patches with a slightly different orientation served as infrequent target stimuli (25% probability). Analyzing the behavioral outcomes revealed a successful modulation of task difficulty, i.e. the hard condition revealed decreased d' values and longer reaction times for standard stimuli. In addition, we recorded MEG and computed event-related fields in response to the stimuli. In line with our expectation, the amplitude of the P3m was reduced in the hard condition. We localized the sources of the P3m with a focus on those that are modulated by changes in task difficulty. The sources of P3m modulation by difficulty were found primarily in the centro-parietal regions of both hemispheres. Additionally, we found significant differences in source activity between the easy and hard conditions in parts of the pre and post-central gyrus and inferior parietal lobe. Our findings are in line with previous research suggesting that the brain areas responsible for the conventional P3m generators also contribute to a modulation by task difficulty.

The relationship between physical activity and self-esteem among Turkish university students: a gender perspective; a multidisciplinary and multi-center study

Aims: The current study aimed to examine the associations between physical exercise and self-esteem as well as other social-cognitive variables including self-efficacy and body image among Turkish university students. Methods: Sociodemographic Information Form, short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Body Cathexis Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale were administered to 1167 students. Results: There were significant gender differences in total, vigorous, moderate activity, and walking scores as well as body image scores in favor of male participants; while female participants had significantly higher self-efficacy scores. There were significant differences between sedentary, active, and very active participants in terms of self-esteem, and body image and between all groups in terms of self-efficacy. Also, there were significant and positive correlations between physical activity and self-esteem, and between body image and self-efficacy in university students. Conclusion: Level of physical activity increased with age. This increased level of physical activity showed positive correlations with self-esteem, body image, and self-efficacy.

Acute seizure activity in neonatal inflammation-sensitized hypoxia-ischemia in mice.

To examine acute seizure activity and neuronal damage in a neonatal mouse model of inflammation-sensitized hypoxic-ischemic (IS-HI) brain injury utilizing continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) and neurohistology. Neonatal mice were exposed to either IS-HI with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or HI alone on postnatal (p) day 10 using unilateral carotid artery ligation followed by global hypoxia (n = 10 [5 female, 5 male] for IS-HI, n = 12 [5 female, 7 male] for HI alone). Video cEEG was recorded for the duration of the experiment and analyzed for acute seizure activity and behavior. Brain tissue was stained and scored based on the degree of neuronal injury in the hippocampus, cortex, and thalamus. There was no significant difference in acute seizure activity among mice exposed to IS-HI compared to HI with regards to seizure duration (mean = 63 ± 6 seconds for HI vs mean 62 ± 5 seconds for IS-HI, p = 0.57) nor EEG background activity. Mice exposed to IS-HI had significantly more severe neural tissue damage at p30 as measured by neuropathologic scores (mean = 8 ± 1 vs 23 ± 3, p < 0.0001). In a neonatal mouse model of IS-HI, there was no significant difference in acute seizure activity among mice exposed to IS-HI compared to HI. Mice exposed to IS-HI did show more severe neuropathologic damage at a later age, which may indicate the presence of chronic inflammatory mechanisms of brain injury distinct from acute seizure activity.

Brain activation during scene encoding fMRI in the Alzheimer’s disease continuum: Association with amyloid and tau burden in PE

Background and Hypothesis:This project assessed brain activation during a scene encoding task in 4 groups: older adults who were cognitively normal (CN), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Associations between scene encoding related brain activation and tau, amyloid, and other biomarkers were analyzed. Our hypothesis was that higher levels of cerebral tau and amyloid would be associated with reduced scene encoding activation. In addition, we hypothesized that scene encoding activation would be significantly different between cognitively normal and cognitively impaired groups.&#x0D; Methods:234 individuals from the Indiana Memory and Aging Study (79 CN, 67 SCD, 70 MCI, and 18 AD) completed structural and functional MRI, clinical/cognitive assessment and biomarkers; 155 underwent amyloid ([18F]florbetapir/[18F]florbetaben) PET, while 111 also underwent [18F]flortaucipir PET. For the fMRI scene encoding task, participants were asked to view and remember a set of images. A one-way ANOVA test was used to analyze scene encoding related activation differences among the 4 groups. Regression was used to identify associations between scene encoding activation and tau and amyloid deposition.&#x0D; Results:Significant differences in activation were observed between the MCI and CN groups, including less activation in widespread regions during the task and reduced deactivation in the default mode network (DMN) in MCI participants relative to CN. Significant associations between higher amyloid and tau deposition and altered scene encoding activation were also observed.&#x0D; Conclusion and Potential Impact:Cognitive decline is associated with activation changes during scene encoding, as well as reduced deactivation in the DMN, especially in the posterior cingulate region. Higher cerebral amyloid and tau deposition predicted decreased scene encoding related activation. These findings are consistent with models linking cognitive status, functional brain activation during episodic encoding, and pathophysiological processes in the AD continuum.

The physiological responses to titanium dioxide nanoparticles exposure in pearl oysters (Pinctada fucata martensii)

To evaluate the physiological responses to titanium dioxide nanoparticles exposure in pearl oysters (Pinctada fucata martensii), pearl oysters were exposed for 14 days to different levels (0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/L) of nano-TiO2 suspensions, while a control group did not undergo any nano-TiO2 treatment. And then recovery experiments were performed for 7 days without nano-TiO2 exposure. At days 1, 3, 7, 14, 17, and 21, hepatopancreatic tissue samples were collected and used to examine the activities of protease, amylase, lipase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysozyme (LYS), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and acid phosphatase (ACP). The microstructure of the nacreous layer in shell was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that pearl oysters exposed to 5 mg/L of TiO2 nanoparticles had significantly lower protease, amylase, and lipase activities and significantly higher CAT, SOD, GPx, LYS, ACP, and AKP activities than control pearl oysters did even after 7-day recovery (P-values <0.05). Pearl oysters exposed to 0.5 mg/L or 0.05 mg/L of TiO2 nanoparticles had lower protease, amylase, and lipase activities and higher CAT, SOD, GPx, LYS, ACP, and AKP activities than control pearl oysters did during the exposure period. After 7-day recovery, no significant differences in protease, lipase, SOD, GPx, CAT, ACP, AKP, or LYS activities were observed between pearl oysters exposed to 0.05 mg/L of TiO2 nanoparticles and control pearl oysters (P-values >0.05). In the period from day 7 to day 14, indistinct and irregular nacreous layer crystal structure in shell was observed. This study demonstrates that TiO2 nanoparticles exposure influences the levels of digestion, immune function, oxidative stress, and biomineralization in pearl oysters, which can be partially and weakly alleviated by short-term recovery. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms of action of TiO2 nanoparticles in bivalves. However, studies should evaluate whether a longer recovery period can restore to their normal levels in the future.