Disrupted White Matter Functional Connectivity With the Cerebral Cortex in Migraine Patients

Background: In attempts to understand the migraine patients’ overall brain functional architecture, blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals in the white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) were considered in the current study. Migraine, a severe and multiphasic brain condition, is characterized by recurrent attacks of headaches. BOLD fluctuations in a resting state exhibit similar temporal and spectral profiles in both WM and GM. It is feasible to explore the functional interactions between WM tracts and GM regions in migraine.Methods: Forty-eight migraineurs without aura (MWoA) and 48 healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Pearson’s correlations between the mean time courses of 48 white matter (WM) bundles and 82 gray matter (GM) regions were computed for each subject. Two-sample t-tests were performed on the Pearson’s correlation coefficients (CC) to compare the differences between the MWoA and healthy controls in the GM-averaged CC of each bundle and the WM-averaged CC of each GM region.Results: The MWoAs exhibited an overall decreased average temporal CC between BOLD signals in 82 GM regions and 48 WM bundles compared with healthy controls, while little was increased. In particular, WM bundles such as left anterior corona radiata, left external capsule and bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus had significantly decreased mean CCs with GM in MWoA. On the other hand, 16 GM regions had significantly decreased mean CCs with WM in MWoA, including some areas that are parts of the somatosensory regions, auditory cortex, temporal areas, frontal areas, cingulate cortex, and parietal cortex.Conclusion: Decreased functional connections between WM bundles and GM regions might contribute to disrupted functional connectivity between the parts of the pain processing pathway in MWoAs, which indicated that functional and connectivity abnormalities in cortical regions may not be limited to GM regions but are instead associated with functional abnormalities in WM tracts.

Neuromuscular recovery from severe- and extreme-intensity exercise in men and women

Maximal voluntary contraction force (MVC), potentiated twitch force (Qpot), and voluntary activation (%VA) recover to baseline within 90s following extreme-intensity exercise. However, methodological limitations masked important recovery kinetics. We hypothesized reductions in MVC, Qpot, and %VA at task failure following extreme-intensity exercise would be less than following severe-intensity exercise, and Qpot and MVC following extreme-intensity exercise would show significant recovery within 120s but remain depressed following severe-intensity exercise. Twelve subjects (6 men) completed two severe-intensity (40, 50%MVC) and two extreme-intensity (70, 80%MVC) isometric knee-extension exercise bouts to task failure (Tlim). Neuromuscular function was measured at baseline, Tlim, and through 150s of recovery. Each intensity significantly reduced MVC and Qpot compared to baseline. MVC was greater at T¬lim (p<0.01) and at 150s of recovery (p=0.004) following exercise at 80%MVC compared to severe-intensity exercise. Partial recovery of MVC and Qpot were detected within 150s following Tlim for each exercise intensity; Qpot recovered to baseline values within 150s of recovery following exercise at 80%MVC. No differences in %VA were detected pre- to post-exercise or across recovery for any intensity. Although further analysis showed sex-specific differences in MVC and Qpot, future studies should closely examine sex-dependent responses to extreme-intensity exercise. It is clear, however, that these data reinforce that mechanisms limiting exercise tolerance during extreme-intensity exercise recover quickly. NOVELTY: •Severe- and extreme-intensity exercise cause independent responses in fatigue accumulation and the subsequent recovery time courses. •Recovery of MVC and Qpot occurs much faster following extreme-intensity exercise in both men and women.

Doppler Mitral Inflow Variables Time Course After Treadmill Stress Echo with and Without Ischemic Response

This study evaluated Doppler mitral inflow variables changes from rest to post-exercise among 104 subjects with and without echocardiographic evidence of ischemic response (IR) to exercise (63.9 ± 11 years, 54% male, 32% with IR) who underwent a clinically indicated treadmill stress echo (TSE) test. The time from exercise cessation to imaging (TIME) was recorded. The changes (after TSE minus baseline values) in the peak E-wave velocity (∆E) [34.2 vs. 24.2, p = 0.024] and E-wave deceleration rate (∆DR) [348.0 vs. 225.7, p = 0.010] were bigger in ischemic than in nonischemic subjects, while the changes in the peak A-wave velocity (∆A) did not differ [7.9 vs. 15.0, p = 0.082]. The correlations between Doppler variables and IR, TIME, and TIME*IR interaction were analyzed. We observed a significant interaction between TIME and IR regarding ∆E and ∆DR. The differences in the regression line slopes of time courses for ∆E and ∆DR based on IR were significant: ∆E (–0.09 vs. –8.17, p = 0.037) and ∆DR (11.23 vs. –82.60, p = 0.022). Main findings: 1. Time courses after exercise of ∆E and ∆DR in subjects with and without IR were different. 2. ∆E and ∆DR did not differ between subjects with and without IR at exercise cessation (TIME = 0). 3. The simple main effect of ischemia on ∆E and ∆DR was significant at TIME of ≥3 min. Divergent time courses of ∆E and ∆DR after exercise might be promising for detecting diastolic dysfunction caused by ischemia.

A REVIEW OF TREATMENT, RISK FACTORS, AND INCIDENCE OF COLORECTAL CANCER

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as the third most frequent cancer in the world and the incidence increases with increasing age. CRC accounts for nearly 9 % of all cancer incidence, with an estimated 1.4 million cases happening in 2012. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of incidence, risk factors, screening strategies, and treatment of colorectal cancer. We searched the studies in five English databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar with no limitation in publication time to find all papers regarding colorectal cancers. Papers with any language were included in the first step of search if they had an English abstract. We used the following words and terms including colorectal cancer, treatment, risk factor, diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery. Geographical variations and different time courses in the CRC incidence indicate that environmental factors and lifestyle are major factors in the development of this disease. The main preventable risk factors for CRC are nutrition, a high-fat diet, a low-fiber diet, obesity and physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol consumption, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and some non-preventable risk factors such as age, gender, race, and diabetes mellitus. Colonoscopy remains the study of choice to diagnose colorectal cancer. Prior to any treatment, CT imaging of chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast is needed for staging the patient’s CRC. The preferred option for localized colorectal cancer is surgery (etc, laparoscopic surgery, colostomy for rectal cancer); whereas the adjuvant chemotherapy is generally recommended for patients with lymph node metastases. Targeted treatment of colorectal cancer by monoclonal antibodies are important bioengineered proteins that can help the body's natural immune response to detect, attack, and kill cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies may be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy. CRC accounts an important health problem worldwide that is estimated to increase because of the growth and aging of the population, and because of the adoption of at-risk manners and lifestyles, particularly in economically less developed countries. Screening has been confirmed to significantly decrease mortality and can prevent the onset of the disease. More international efforts are required to situate into practice targeted prevention approaches that might reduce the burden of CRC worldwide.

Identifying gene expression profiles associated with neurogenesis and inflammation in the human subependymal zone from development through aging

The generation of new neurons within the mammalian forebrain continues throughout life within two main neurogenic niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and the subependymal zone (SEZ) lining the lateral ventricles. Though the SEZ is the largest neurogenic niche in the adult human forebrain, our understanding of the mechanisms regulating neurogenesis from development through aging within this region remains limited. This is especially pertinent given that neurogenesis declines dramatically over the postnatal lifespan. Here, we performed transcriptomic profiling on the SEZ from human post-mortem tissue from eight different life-stages ranging from neonates (average age ~ 2 months old) to aged adults (average age ~ 86 years old). We identified transcripts with concomitant profiles across these decades of life and focused on three of the most distinct profiles, namely (1) genes whose expression declined sharply after birth, (2) genes whose expression increased steadily with age, and (3) genes whose expression increased sharply in old age in the SEZ. Critically, these profiles identified neuroinflammation as becoming more prevalent with advancing age within the SEZ and occurring with time courses, one gradual (starting in mid-life) and one sharper (starting in old age).

The Effects of Foliar Application of Phenoxy and Imidazoline Family Herbicides on the Limitation of Primary Photosynthetic Processes in Galega orientalis L.

Fodder galega (Galega orientalis) is a perennial, wintering plant with great potential for agricultural development. The species has a large yield potential and exceptional adaptability to various environmental conditions. The sensitivity of G. orientalis to herbicides, however, as well as the photosynthetic performance of the species, are generally unknown. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of the application of selected phenoxy herbicides (MCPA, MCPB) and the imidazoline family herbicide (IMA) on the parameters of primary photosynthetic processes as understood through fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics (OJIP). The effect of cultivation temperature was also investigated in the plants grown at 5, 18 and 25 °C. Time courses of OJIP-derived parameters describing photosystem II functioning after foliar application revealed that the plants showed negative responses to the herbicides in the order MCPB–MCPA–IMA within 24 h after the application. The application of herbicides decreased the values of maximum chlorophyll fluorescence (FM) and increased minimum fluorescence (F0), which led to a reduction in the maximal efficiency of PSII (FV/FM). Applications of MCPA and MCPB decreased variable chlorophyll fluorescence at 2 ms (VJ), 30 ms (VI) and VP, as well as the performance index (PIABS), which is considered a vitality proxy. The application increased absorption flux (ABS/RC), trapped energy flux (TRo/RC) and dissipated energy flux (DIo/RC). The effects were more pronounced in plants grown at 18 and 25 °C. The study revealed that the OJIP-derived parameters sensitively reflected an early response of G. orientalis to the foliar application of herbicides. Negative responses of PSII were more apparent in MCPA- and MCPB- exposed plants than IMA-exposed plants.

Empirical Assessment of the Long-Term Impact of an Embedded Systems Programming Requalification Programme

Digital transformation has increased the demand for skilled Information Technology (IT) professionals, to an extent that universities cannot satisfy it with newly graduated students. Furthermore, the economical downturn has created difficulties and scarcity of opportunities in other areas of activity. This combination of factors led to the need to consider requalification programmes that enable individuals with diverse specialisations and backgrounds to realign their careers to the IT area. This has led to the creation of many coding bootcamps, providing intensive full-time courses focused on unemployed people or unhappy with their jobs, and individuals seeking a career change. A multidisciplinary group of higher education teachers, in collaboration with several industry stakeholders, have designed and promoted an embedded systems programming course, using an intensive project-based learning approach comprising 6 months of daylong classes and a 9 months internship. Having finished two editions of the programme, a questionnaire was presented to the students that finished successfully, in order to evaluate the long-term benefits to graduates and companies. This paper presents a brief discussion of the programme organisation and pedagogical methodologies, as well as the results of the questionnaire, conducted following a Goal–Question–Metric (GQM) approach. The results demonstrate very positive outcomes, both for graduates and companies.

Institutional variables explaining the performance of accounting and administration students

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between institutional variables and the performance of Accounting and Administration students. The microdata of Enade 2018 were used, obtaining 152,491 valid observations. Performance was measured in three ways: final performance, performance in the general training test and performance in the specific component test. In addition, the following institutional variables were considered: academic organization, region, modality and shift. The data were examined using zero adjusted Box Cox Cole Green (BCCG) regression models. The results indicated the institutional variables were relevant to explain the performance. Specifically, it was staked students enrolled in federal centers of technological education had superior performance than the other forms of academic organization. Another relevant point was the students in the North region performed worse than other regions in general. However, they outdid the students from Central-East region in the issues of general training. Regarding the teaching modality, it was found that students of face-to-face teaching presented higher performance than the distance learning students (DL). And the full-time students had better performances overall. As implications, it is pointed out that institutions offering Accounting and Administration courses in the Northern region may want to improve the quality of education, as well as those of the Centre-Western shall want to do so in relation to general training education. Similarly, the teaching on the DL modality can be improved and the offer of full-time courses can be thought of and potentially implemented.

Manganese Dynamics in Mouse Brain After Systemic MnCl2 Administration for Activation-Induced Manganese-Enhanced MRI

Activation-induced manganese-enhanced MRI (AIM-MRI) is an attractive tool for non-invasively mapping whole brain activities. Manganese ions (Mn2+) enter and accumulate in active neurons via calcium channels. Mn2+ shortens the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) of H+, and the longitudinal relaxation rate R1 (1/T1) is proportional to Mn2+ concentration. Thus, AIM-MRI can map neural activities throughout the brain by assessing the R1 map. However, AIM-MRI is still not widely used, partially due to insufficient information regarding Mn2+ dynamics in the brain. To resolve this issue, we conducted a longitudinal study looking at manganese dynamics after systemic administration of MnCl2 by AIM-MRI with quantitative analysis. In the ventricle, Mn2+ increased rapidly within 1 h, remained high for 3 h, and returned to near control levels by 24 h after administration. Microdialysis showed that extracellular Mn returned to control levels by 4 h after administration, indicating a high concentration of extracellular Mn2+ lasts at least about 3 h after administration. In the brain parenchyma, Mn2+ increased slowly, peaked 24–48 h after administration, and returned to control level by 5 days after a single administration and by 2 weeks after a double administration with a 24-h interval. These time courses suggest that AIM-MRI records neural activity 1–3 h after MnCl2 administration, an appropriate timing of the MRI scan is in the range of 24–48 h following systemic administration, and at least an interval of 5 days or a couple of weeks for single or double administrations, respectively, is needed for a repeat AIM-MRI experiment.

The time-course of distractor-based activation modulates effects of speed-accuracy tradeoffs in conflict tasks

The cognitive processes underlying the ability of human performers to trade speed for accuracy is often conceptualized within evidence accumulation models, but it is not yet clear whether and how these models can account for decision-making in the presence of various sources of conflicting information. In the present study, we provide evidence that speed-accuracy tradeoffs (SATs) can have opposing effects on performance across two different conflict tasks. Specifically, in a single preregistered experiment, the mean reaction time (RT) congruency effect in the Simon task increased, whereas the mean RT congruency effect in the Eriksen task decreased, when the focus was put on response speed versus accuracy. Critically, distributional RT analyses revealed distinct delta plot patterns across tasks, thus indicating that the unfolding of distractor-based response activation in time is sufficient to explain the opposing pattern of congruency effects. In addition, a recent evidence accumulation model with the notion of time-varying conflicting information was successfully fitted to the experimental data. These fits revealed task-specific time-courses of distractor-based activation and suggested that time pressure substantially decreases decision boundaries in addition to reducing the duration of non-decision processes and the rate of evidence accumulation. Overall, the present results suggest that time pressure can have multiple effects in decision-making under conflict, but that strategic adjustments of decision boundaries in conjunction with different time-courses of distractor-based activation can produce counteracting effects on task performance with different types of distracting sources of information.