Glioma-Induced Disruption of Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations in the Salience Network

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Cognitive challenges are prevalent in survivors of glioma, but their neurobiology is incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of glioma presence and tumor characteristics on resting-state functional connectivity and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations of the salience network, a key neural network associated with cognition.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Sixty-nine patients with glioma (mean age, 48.74 [SD, 14.32] years) who underwent resting-state fMRI were compared with 31 healthy controls (mean age, 49.68 [SD, 15.54] years). We identified 4 salience network ROIs: left/right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and left/right anterior insula. Average salience network resting-state functional connectivity and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations within the 4 salience network ROIs were computed.RESULTS:Patients with gliomas showed decreased overall salience network resting-state functional connectivity (P = .001) and increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in all salience network ROIs (P < .01) except in the left dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. Compared with controls, patients with left-sided gliomas showed increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (P = .002) and right anterior insula (P < .001), and patients with right-sided gliomas showed increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the left anterior insula (P = .002). Anterior tumors were associated with decreased salience network resting-state functional connectivity (P < .001) and increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the right anterior insula, left anterior insula, and right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. Patients with high-grade gliomas had decreased salience network resting-state functional connectivity compared with healthy controls (P < .05). The right anterior insula showed increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in patients with grade II and IV gliomas compared with controls (P < .01).CONCLUSIONS:By demonstrating decreased resting-state functional connectivity and an increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations related to the salience network in patients with glioma, this study adds to our understanding of the neurobiology underpinning observable cognitive deficits in these patients. In addition to more conventional functional connectivity, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations is a promising functional-imaging biomarker of tumor-induced vascular and neural pathology.

Detrimental effects of cancer on cognitive function and, consequently, on the quality of life are emerging as a key focus of cancer survivorship both in research and clinical practice.^1,2 Brain tumors have been shown to affect memory, processing, and attention in patients; however, their underlying neurobiology is incompletely understood.³ Using resting-state functional MR imaging (rsfMRI) to evaluate changes in cognitive resting-state networks may provide a better understanding of the pathology underlying the observable cognitive disruptions in gliomas, the most common primary brain tumor in adults.A “triple network model” of neurocognitive pathology has been proposed, which encompasses the default mode network, involved in mind wandering; the central executive network, involved in decision-making; and the salience network (SN), implicated in modulating activation of the default mode network and central executive network by detecting the presence of salient stimuli.^4-8 While previous rsfMRI research has largely focused on tumor-induced changes in the default mode network,^9,10 our study examined the less-studied SN, a network rooted in the anterior insula and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex.⁶Prior studies evaluating gliomas and SN resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) provided conflicting results in small patient samples: Maesawa et al¹⁰ found no significant differences in the SN in 12 patients, while Liu et al¹¹ more recently found decreased SN connectivity in 13 patients. Gliomas impact the integrity of the neurovascular unit to varying degrees, resulting in neurovascular uncoupling that has been reported to confound fMRI interpretations in patients with brain tumors.^12-14 Additionally, research has reported neuronal plasticity manifested by structural reorganization and functional remodeling of neural networks in patients with gliomas with possible alterations in clinically observable cognitive manifestations.^15-17 An rsfMRI metric, the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), has recently shown promise as a biomarker for brain plasticity and hemodynamic characterization, including neurovascular uncoupling in patients with gliomas.^15-19The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of glioma presence and tumor characteristics on overall RSFC and regional normalized ALFF within the SN in a large patient population. We hypothesized that there would be decreased average SN RSFC and altered ALFF in patients with gliomas compared with healthy controls. Recent studies have acknowledged that gliomas have variable effects on network integrity based on lesion location and proximity to network ROIs,^20-22 and unilateral gliomas can be associated with plasticity in both the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres.^11,17 Research also supports differences in resting-state network reorganization in aggressive high-grade gliomas compared with slower-growing low-grade gliomas.^20,23 Therefore, we also hypothesized that there would be differences in average SN RSFC and regional ALFF in patients based on the anterior-versus-posterior location, hemispheric side, and grade of glioma.     

Ultrasound-Assist Extrusion Methods for the Fabrication of Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Polypropylene/Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Isotactic polypropylenes (iPP) with different melt flow indexes (MFI) were used to fabricate nanocomposites (NCs) with 10 wt % loadings of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using ultrasound-assisted extrusion methods to determine their effect on the morphology, melt flow, and electrical properties of the NCs. Three different types of iPPs were used with MFIs of 2.5, 34 and 1200 g/10 min. Four different NC fabrication methods based on melt extrusion were used. In the first method melt extrusion fabrication without ultrasound assistance was used. In the second and third methods, an ultrasound probe attached to a hot chamber located at the exit of the die was used to subject the sample to fixed frequency and variable frequency, respectively. The fourth method is similar to the first method, with the difference being that the carbon nanotubes were treated in a fluidized air-bed with an ultrasound probe before being used in the fabrication of the NCs with no ultrasound assistance during extrusion. The samples were characterized by MFI, Optical microscopy (OM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrical surface resistivity, and electric charge. MFI decreases in all cases with addition of MWCNTs with the largest decrease observed for samples with the highest MFI. The surface resistivity, which ranged from 10¹³ to 10⁵ Ω/sq, and electric charge, were observed to depend on the ultrasound-assisted fabrication method as well as on the melt flow index of the iPP. A relationship between agglomerate size and area ratio with electric charge was found. Several trends in the overall data were identified and are discussed in terms of MFI and the different fabrication methods.     

Determinantes sociales de la salud de distintos niveles por género: educación y hogar en España

Objective

To explore from a gender perspective the association with subjective health of the interaction between education and household arrangements within the framework of social determinants of health placed at the micro and mezzo levels.

Interpersonal Counseling in the Treatment of Adolescent Depression: A Randomized Controlled Effectiveness and Feasibility Study in School Health and Welfare Services

In order to offer early and accessible treatment for adolescents with depression, brief and effective treatments in adolescents’ everyday surroundings are needed. This randomized controlled trial studied the preliminary effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of interpersonal counseling (IPC) and brief psychosocial support (BPS) in school health and welfare services. The study was conducted in the 28 lower secondary schools of a large city in Southern Finland, randomized to provide either IPC or BPS. Help-seeking 12–16-year-old adolescents with mild-to-moderate depression, with and without comorbid anxiety, were included in the study. Fifty-five adolescents received either 6 weekly sessions of IPC or BPS and two follow-up sessions. Outcome measures included self- and clinician-rated measures of depression, global functioning, and psychological distress/well-being. To assess feasibility and acceptability of the treatments, adolescents’ and counselors’ treatment compliance and satisfaction with treatment were assessed. Both treatments were effective in reducing depressive disorders and improving adolescents’ overall functioning and well-being. At post-treatment, in both groups, over 50% of adolescents achieved recovery based on self-report and over 70% based on observer report. Effect sizes for change were medium or large in both groups at post-treatment and increased at 6-month follow-up. A trend indicating greater baseline symptom severity among adolescents treated in the IPC-providing schools was observed. Adolescents and counselors in both groups were satisfied with the treatment, and 89% of the adolescents completed the treatments and follow-ups. This trial suggests that both IPC and BPS are feasible, acceptable, and effective treatments for mild-to-moderate depression in the school setting. In addition, IPC seems effective even if comorbid anxiety exists. Our study shows that brief, structured interventions, such as IPC and BPS, are beneficial in treating mild-to-moderate depression in school settings and can be administered by professionals working at school.

Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03001245.

     

An electronic travel guide for visually impaired – vehicle board recognition system through computer vision techniques

Abstract

Purpose: In the context of assistive technology, mobility takes the meaning of “moving safely, gracefully, and comfortably”.The aim of this article is to provide a system which will be a convenient means of navigation for the Visually Impaired people, in the public transport system.

Method: A blind regular commuter who travels by public transport facility finds difficulty in identifying the vehicle that is nearing the stop. Hence, a real-time system that dynamically identifies the nearing vehicle and informs the commuters is necessary. This paper proposes such a system namely the “Vehicle Board Recognition System” (VBRS). Computer Vision techniques such as segmentation, object recognition, text detection and optical character recognition are utilized to build the system, which will detect, analyze, derive and communicate the information to the passengers.

Results: Thanks to the rapid development in technology, there are several navigation systems both hand held and wearable, available to help visually impaired (VI) people move comfortably both indoor and outdoor. Many blind people are not comfortable in using these devices or they are not affordable for them. Thus the proposed system gives them the comfort of navigation.

Conclusion: This system can be installed in the bus stop to assist the Visually Impaired, from externally rather than their hand held or wearable assistive devices.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• This proposed system will help the visually impaired to

• ensure secure navigation

• be independent of the others

• develop self confidence.

• overcome the training, affordability of wearable/ handheld devices.

     

Communication Between HIV Patients and Their Providers: A Qualitative Preference Match Analysis

Since the introduction of cART (combination antiretroviral therapy), HIV has evolved into a chronic disease such that it requires lifelong medical treatment to which patients must adhere. Communication with health care providers is pivotal in supporting patients to adapt to having HIV and adhering to treatment, in order to maintain health and quality of life. Previous research indicates that communication is optimal when it matches patient preferences for information exchange, relationship establishment, and involvement in treatment decisions. The aim of the present study is to explore HIV patient communication preferences as well as patient experiences with their providers (not) matching their preferences. A second aim is to explore provider beliefs about patient preferences and provider views on optimal communication. Data were collected through interviews with 28 patients and 11 providers from two academic hospitals. Results indicate that patient preferences reflect their cognitive, emotional, and practical needs such that patients look to increase their sense of control over their HIV. Patients aim to further increase their sense of control (by proxy) through their relationship with their providers and through their decisional involvement preferences. Providers are well aware of patient communication preferences but do not explicate underlying control needs. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.     

Inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes and antioxidative properties of some edible seeds in vitro

This study sought to evaluate the antioxidant properties and effects of some edible wild seeds [Afzelia africana Sm. (AFZ), Cyperus esculentus L. (CYP), Eleusine coracana Gaertn. (ELE), Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Baill. (IRV), Monodora myristica Dunal. (MON) and Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. (PAR)] on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. The phenolic content and antioxidant activities of aqueous extracts of the seeds as typified by 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals scavenging abilities and inhibition of Fe²⁺-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) production in rat’s pancreas in vitro were also assessed. ELE had significantly (p < 0.05) higher total phenol content than the other seeds; however, AFZ had the highest flavonoid content. The extracts scavenged DPPH· and OH· in a dose-dependent manner with aqueous extracts of PAR having the highest DPPH· scavenging ability, while extracts from IRV had the highest OH· scavenging ability and inhibition of Fe²⁺-induced MDA production in rat’s pancreas. Furthermore, all the extracts inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in a dose-dependent manner. The α-amylase inhibitory effect of MON (IC₅₀ = 0.48 mg/mL) was comparable to that of acarbose (IC₅₀ = 0.40 mg/mL), while the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of AFZ (IC₅₀ = 0.45 mg/mL) was comparable to that of acarbose (IC₅₀ = 0.39 mg/mL). The results suggest the potential use of the seeds in the dietary management of blood glucose levels associated with type 2 diabetes.

     

Clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease in female SLE patients: Interplay between body mass index and bone mineral density

Background and aims

Since accelerated atherosclerosis has been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), predictive biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are needed. Among non-traditional risk factors, bone mineral density (BMD) has been related to CVD. However, its role in SLE remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the associations of subclinical atherosclerosis with traditional and non-traditional CV risk factors.