Time and time-frequency analysis of near-infrared signals for the assessment of ozone autohemotherapy long-term effects in multiple sclerosis

Ozone autohemotherapy is an emerging therapeutic technique that is gaining increasing importance in treating neurological disorders. A validated and standard methodology to assess the effect of such therapy on brain metabolism and circulation is however still lacking. We used a near-infrared spectroscopy system (NIRS) to monitor the cerebral oxygenation of 9 subjects: 4 remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferers and 5 controls. Subjects were tested before, during, and after ozone autohemotherapy. We monitored the concentration changes in the level of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin, and in the level of the Cytochrome-c-oxidase (CYT-c). From the time and time-frequency analysis of the NIRS signals we extracted 128 variables, which were used to characterize the metabolic brain pattern during the therapy. We showed that by using only 7 NIRS variables out of 128 it is possible to characterize the metabolic brain pattern of the two groups of subjects. The MS subjects showed a marked increase of the CYT-c activity and concentration about 40 minutes after the end of the autohemotherapy, possibly revealing a reduction of the chronic oxidative stress level typical of MS sufferers. From a technical point of view, this preliminary study showed that NIRS could be useful to show the effects of ozone autohemotherapy at cerebral level, in a long term monitoring. The clinical result of this study is the quantitative measurement of the CYT-c level changes in MS induced by ozone autohemotherap

Effect of Emotion and Personality on Deviation from Purely Rational Decision-Making

Human decision-making has consistently demonstrated deviation from "pure" rationality. Emotions are a primary driver of human actions and the current study investigates how perceived emotions and personality traits may affect decision-making during the Ultimatum Game (UG). We manipulated emotions by showing images with emotional connotation while participants decided how to split money with a second player. Event-related potentials (ERPs) from scalp electrodes were recorded during the whole decision-making process. We observed significant differences in the activity of central and frontal areas when participants offered money with respect to when they accepted or rejected an offer. We found that participants were more likely to offer a higher amount of money when making their decision in association with negative emotions. Furthermore, participants were more likely to accept offers when making their decision in association with positive emotions. Honest, conscientious, and introverted participants were more likely to accept offers. Our results suggest that factors others than a rational strategy may predict economic decision-making in the UG

Event-Related Potentials during a Gambling Task in Young Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by deficits in executive functions and decision making during childhood and adolescence. Contradictory results exist whether altered event-related potentials (ERPs) in adults are associated with the tendency of ADHD patients toward risky behavior. Clinically diagnosed ADHD patients ( javax.xml.bind.JAXBElement@5fb8b0ff = 18) and healthy controls ( javax.xml.bind.JAXBElement@76b3b68b = 18), aged between 18 and 29 (median 22 Yo), were screened with the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales and assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, and by the 60-item HEXACO Personality Inventory. The characteristic personality traits of ADHD patients were the high level of impulsiveness associated with lower values of agreeableness. All participants performed a probability gambling task (PGT) with two frequencies of the feedback information of the outcome. For each trial, ERPs were triggered by the self-paced trial onset and by the gamble selection. After trial onset, N2-P3a ERP component associated with the attentional load peaked earlier in the ADHD group than in controls. An N500 component related to the feedback frequency condition after trial onset and an N400-like component after gamble selection suggest a large affective stake of the decision making and an emphasized post-decisional evaluation of the choice made by the ADHD participants. By combining ERPs, related to the emotions associated with the feedback frequency condition, and behavioral analyses during completion of PGT, this study provides new findings on the neural dynamics that differentiate controls and young ADHD adults. In the patients' group, we raise the hypothesis that the activity of frontocentral and centroparietal neural circuits drive the decision-making processes dictated by an impaired cognitive workload followed by the build-up of large emotional feelings generated by the conflict toward the outcome of the gambling choice. Our results can be used for new investigations aimed at studying the fine spatiotemporal distribution of cortical activity, and the neural circuits that underly the generation of that activity, associated with the behavioral deficits characteristic of ADHD

Numerical model of a valvuloplasty balloon: in vitro validation in a rapid‑prototyped phantom

Background Patient-specific simulations can provide insight into the mechanics of cardiovascular procedures. Amongst cardiovascular devices, non-compliant balloons are used in several minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon aortic valvuloplasty. Although these balloons are often included in the computer simulations of these procedures, validation of the balloon behaviour is often lacking. We therefore aim to create and validate a computational model of a valvuloplasty balloon. Methods A finite element (FE) model of a valvuloplasty balloon (Edwards 9350BC23) was designed, including balloon geometry and material properties from tensile testing. Young’s Modulus and distensibility of different rapid prototyping (RP) rubber-like materials were evaluated to identify the most suitable compound to reproduce the mechanical properties of calcified arteries in which such balloons are likely to be employed clinically. A cylindrical, simplified implantation site was 3D printed using the selected material and the balloon was inflated inside it. The FE model of balloon inflation alone and its interaction with the cylinder were validated by comparison with experimental Pressure–Volume (P–V) and diameter–Volume (d–V) curves. Results Root mean square errors (RMSE) of pressure and diameter were RMSE P = 161.98 mmHg (3.8 % of the maximum pressure) and RMSE d = 0.12 mm (<0.5 mm, within the acquisition system resolution) for the balloon alone, and RMSE P = 94.87 mmHg (1.9 % of the maximum pressure) and RMSE d = 0.49 mm for the balloon inflated inside the simplified implantation site, respectively. Conclusions This validated computational model could be used to virtually simulate more realistic valvuloplasty interventions

Pola Komunikasi Komunitas Tradwife di Eropa, Amerika Serikat, Australia dalam Era Digital Media

The article discusses the "traditional wife" community, a group of women or wives who prioritize life values based on the social norms of women's roles in 1959. These norms position women in domestic spaces, dedicating themselves to the functionality of a family while placing the husband as the breadwinner. This article seeks to explore why, in an era where everything is measured by materialistic values, there has emerged a community of women who do not prioritize material achievements but instead choose to maximize their roles in more private domestic spaces. The article is written using an interpretative qualitative research method through literature studies, Instagram observations, website reviews, and interviews with academics specializing in women's and gender issues, as well as interviews with Indonesian women who have lived in Canada for more than five years. It also presents several facts related to the "traditional wife" phenomenon, which is viewed positively in some aspects. However, its negative side is considered a promotion of racial issues that favor white supremacy.Artikel ini membahas mengenai komunitas traditional wife, sebuah komunitas perempuan atau isteri yang mengedepankan nilai nilai kehidupan dengan standard norma fungsi sosial perempuan di tahun 1959 yang memposisikan diri sebagai perempuan yang berada pada ruang ruang domestik, mendedikasikan diri utk berfungsinya sebuah keluarga , menempatkan suami sebagai Bread Winner.Pada masa saat ini banyak perempuan dalam rumah tangganya juga berperan sebagai Bread Winner dalam rangka mencukupi kebutuhan keluarga. Namun juga ada perempuan yang merindukan peran peran domestiknya seperti peran sosial perempuan di tahun 1959 yang berfokus pada ruang domestik yang terkait dengan pemenuhan fungsi – fungsi home maker dalam rumah tangga. Artikel ini ingin mencari tahu mengapa di era yang segala sesuatu di ukur dengan nilai nilai materialistik kemudian malah berbalik memunculkan komunitas perempuan yang tidak terlalu mengejar pencapaian yang bersifat materialistik, namun lebih memilih memaksimalkan fungsi – fungsinya di ruang domestik yang lebih privat. Komunitas ini mengikuti perkembangan teknologi informasi dengan saling berinteraksi di dunia media sosial seperti website dan instagram. Para perempuan di komunitas traditional wife menempatkan diri pada posisi dalam hal bekerja memperoleh manfaat finansial sebagai sebuah aktualisasi diri, bukan sebuah peran yang menjadi kewajiban dalam rumah tangganya. Artikel ini di tulis melalui metode penelitian kualitatif intepretatif dengan studi pustaka,observasi instagram,website &nbsp;dan wawancara terhadap akademisi yang memiliki spesifikasi pada issue issue perempuan dan gender juga mewawancarai perempuan indonesia yang telah lebih dari 5 tahun tinggal di Kanada. Artikel ini ditulis dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif, artikel ini juga menyajikan beberapa fakta terkait fenomena Traditional Wife yang di pandang secara positif, sedangkan sisi negatifnya dianggap sebagai promosi terhadap isu rasial yang mengunggulkan ras kulit putih

Numerical model of a valvuloplasty balloon:in vitro validation in a rapid-prototyped phantom

BACKGROUND: Patient-specific simulations can provide insight into the mechanics of cardiovascular procedures. Amongst cardiovascular devices, non-compliant balloons are used in several minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon aortic valvuloplasty. Although these balloons are often included in the computer simulations of these procedures, validation of the balloon behaviour is often lacking. We therefore aim to create and validate a computational model of a valvuloplasty balloon. METHODS: A finite element (FE) model of a valvuloplasty balloon (Edwards 9350BC23) was designed, including balloon geometry and material properties from tensile testing. Young’s Modulus and distensibility of different rapid prototyping (RP) rubber-like materials were evaluated to identify the most suitable compound to reproduce the mechanical properties of calcified arteries in which such balloons are likely to be employed clinically. A cylindrical, simplified implantation site was 3D printed using the selected material and the balloon was inflated inside it. The FE model of balloon inflation alone and its interaction with the cylinder were validated by comparison with experimental Pressure–Volume (P–V) and diameter–Volume (d–V) curves. RESULTS: Root mean square errors (RMSE) of pressure and diameter were RMSE(P) = 161.98 mmHg (3.8 % of the maximum pressure) and RMSE(d) = 0.12 mm (<0.5 mm, within the acquisition system resolution) for the balloon alone, and RMSE(P) = 94.87 mmHg (1.9 % of the maximum pressure) and RMSE(d) = 0.49 mm for the balloon inflated inside the simplified implantation site, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This validated computational model could be used to virtually simulate more realistic valvuloplasty interventions

Altered Mesolimbic Dopamine System in THC Dependence

To explore the functional consequences of cannabinoid withdrawal in the rat mesolimbic dopamine system, we investigated the anatomical morphology of the mesencephalic, presumed dopaminergic, neurons and their main post-synaptic target in the Nucleus Accumbens. We found that TH-positive neurons shrink and Golgi-stained medium spiny neurons loose dendritic spines in withdrawal rats after chronic cannabinoids administration. Similar results were observed after administration of the cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant to drug-naïve rats supporting a role for endocannabinoids in neurogenesis, axonal growth and synaptogenesis. This evidence supports the tenet that withdrawal from addictive compounds alters functioning of the mesolimbic system. The data add to a growing body of work which indicates a hypodopaminergic state as a distinctive feature of the “addicted brain”

HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES ON MILKFISH SKIN (Chanos chanos) DURING POSTMORTEM

Aquatic products are easily perishable commodity, one of them are fish skin. Information about the declining quality of milkfish skin has not been revealed yet. Milkfish skins were analysed to determine the chemical composition, postmortem storage on chilling temperatures, and compared the microstructure changes during postmortem. Measured parameters in this study were proximate, organoleptic score, and histological examination to observe the tissue damage that occurred in post mortem storage. Milkfish skin contained moisture, ash, lipid, protein, and carbohydrate were 64.74%; 2.43%; 4.76%; 23.74%; 4.34%, respectively. Milkfish skin entered prerigor at 0 days, rigormortis at 8 days, postrigor at 14 days, and the decomposed phase at 23 days of chilled storage. Milkfish skin began experiencing damage in rigormortis by the occurrence of degeneration. In postrigor and decomposed phase occurred cariolysis. In addition, in the decomposed phase there were empty spaces marked by the loss of the milkfish skin tissue due to cell death. Keyword: chilling, histology, milkfish skin, postmortem.

PENGARUH INSENTIF DAN LINGKUNGAN TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN HN COLLECTION KOTA CIMAHI

HN Collection kota Cimahi merupakan sebuah Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) yang bergerak dibidang produksi aksesoris perempuan seperti Tas, Dompet, Baju, Masker, dan juga produk Costumize atau memproduksi barang sesuai dengan pesanan pelanggan. HN Collection telah memulai kegiatan usahanya sejak tahun 2016. Dari hasil prasurvey yang dilakukan dapat diketahui fenomena-fenomena yang terjadi seperti: 1). Insentif yang belum memuaskan 2). Lingkungan Kerja yang belum memadai 3). Kinerja yang belum optimal. Dalam penelitian ini metode analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis Deskriptif dan Asosiatif. Untuk metode pengumpulan data digunakan metode kuesioner. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 35 orang yaitu seluruh karyawan HN Collection yang diperoleh dengan menggunakan metode sampling jenuh atau sensus. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: 1). Nilai skor Variabel Insentif adalah sebesar 100,6 yang dikategorikan cukup. 2). Nilai skor Variabel Lingkungan Kerja adalah sebesar 98,87 yang dikategorikan cukup. 3). Nilai skor Variabel Kinerja adalah sebesar 107,3 yang dikategorikan cukup. 4). Persamaan regresi dari penelitian ini adalah Y = 3,552 + 0,295X1 + 0,620X2, dari persamaan tersebut dapat disimpulkan a). Bahwa baik variabel Insentif maupun variabel Lingkungan Kerja kedua-duanya memberikan pengaruh yang positif terhadap variabel Kinerja karyawan HN Collection kota Cimahi. b). Kinerja bernilai sebesar 3,552 tanpa adanya pengaruh Insentif maupun Lingkungan Kerja. c). Apabila Insentif naik sebesar 1 satuan maka akan mempengaruhi Kinerja sebesar 0,295 dan jika Lingkungan Kerja naik 1 satuan akan mempengaruhi Kinerja 0,620. 5). Besarnya pengaruh Insentif terhadap Kinerja adalah sebesar 0,123 atau sebesar 12,3% dan besarnya pengaruh Lingkungan Kerja terhadap Kinerja adalah sebesar 0,499 atau sebesar 49,9%. 6). Besarnya pengaruh Insentif dan Lingkungan Kerja secara simultan terhadap Kinerja karyawan HN Collection kota cimahi dalah sebesar 0,622 atau 62,2