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The present study investigated spatial dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) in patients with functional hemiparesis (i.e., functional stroke mimics, FSM). The aim of this work was to assess static functional connectivity (large-scale) networks and dynamic brain states, which represent distinct dFNC patterns that reoccur in time and across subjects. Resting-state fMRI data were collected from 15 patients with FSM (mean age = 42.3 ± 9.4, female = 80 %) and 52 age-matched healthy controls (HC, mean age = 42.1 ± 8.6, female = 73 %).Each patient underwent a resting-state functional MRI scan for spatial dFNC evaluation and transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols for indirect assessment of GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission. We considered three dynamic brain networks, i.e., the somatomotor network (SMN), the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN), each summarized into four distinct recurring spatial configurations. Compared to HC, patients with FSM showed significant decreased dwell time, e.g. the time each individual spends in each spatial state of each network, in state 2 of the SMN (HC vs. FSM, 13.5 ± 27.1 vs. 1.9 ± 4.1, p = 0.044). Conversely, as compared to HC, FSM spent more time in state 1 of the DMN (10.8 ± 14.9 vs. 27.3 ± 38.9, p = 0.037) and in state 3 of the SN (23.1 ± 23.0 vs. 38.8 ± 38.2, p = 0.002). We found a significant correlation between the dwell time of impaired functional state of the SMN and measures of GABAergic neurotransmission (r = 0.581, p = 0.037). Specifically, longer impaired dwell time was associated with greater GABAergic inhibition. These findings demonstrate that FSM present altered functional brain network dynamics, which correlate with measures of GABAergic neurotransmission. Both dFNC and GABAergic neurotransmission may serve as potential targets for future intervention strategies.

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging is currently the mainstay of functional neuroimaging and has allowed researchers to identify intrinsic connectivity networks (aka functional networks) at different spatial scales. However, little is known about the temporal profiles of these networks and whether it is best to model them as continuous phenomena in both space and time or, rather, as a set of temporally discrete events. Both categories have been supported by series of studies with promising findings. However, a critical question is whether focusing only on time points presumed to contain isolated neural events and disregarding the rest of the data is missing important information, potentially leading to misleading conclusions. In this work, we argue that brain networks identified within the spontaneous blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal are not limited to temporally sparse burst moments and that these event present time points (EPTs) contain valuable but incomplete information about the underlying functional patterns.We focus on the default mode and show evidence that is consistent with its continuous presence in the BOLD signal, including during the event absent time points (EATs), i.e., time points that exhibit minimum activity and are the least likely to contain an event. Moreover, our findings suggest that EPTs may not contain all the available information about their corresponding networks. We observe distinct default mode connectivity patterns obtained from all time points (AllTPs), EPTs, and EATs. We show evidence of robust relationships with schizophrenia symptoms that are both common and unique to each of the sets of time points (AllTPs, EPTs, EATs), likely related to transient patterns of connectivity. Together, these findings indicate the importance of leveraging the full temporal data in functional studies, including those using event-detection approaches.

Multiple authors have noted overlapping symptoms and alterations across clinical, anatomical, and functional brain features in schizophrenia (SZ), schizoaffective disorder (SZA), and bipolar disorder (BPI). However, regarding brain features, few studies have approached this line of inquiry using analytical techniques optimally designed to extract the shared features across anatomical and functional information in a simultaneous manner. Univariate studies of anatomical or functional alterations across these disorders can be limited and run the risk of omitting small but potentially crucial overlapping or joint neuroanatomical (e.g., structural images) and functional features (e.g., fMRI-based features) which may serve as informative clinical indicators of across multiple diagnostic categories. To address this limitation, we paired an unsupervised multimodal canonical correlation analysis (mCCA) together with joint independent component analysis (jICA) to identify linked spatial gray matter (GM), resting-state functional network connectivity (FNC), and white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) features across these diagnostic categories. We then calculated associations between the identified linked features and trans-diagnostic behavioral measures (MATRICs Consensus Cognitive Battery, MCCB).Component number 4 of the 13 identified displayed a statistically significant relationship with overall MCCB scores across GM, resting-state FNC, and FA. These linked modalities of component 4 consisted primarily of positive correlations within subcortical structures including the caudate and putamen in the GM maps with overall MCCB, sparse negative correlations within subcortical and cortical connection tracts (e.g., corticospinal tract, superior longitudinal fasciculus) in the FA maps with overall MCCB, and negative relationships with MCCB values and loading parameters with FNC matrices displaying increased FNC in subcortical-cortical regions with auditory, somatomotor, and visual regions.

In this work, we report the synthesis of silver decamolybdate, Ag6Mo10O33, nanostructure by a simple mechanohemical process followed by calcination treatment using acetamide as driving agent. Morphological study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed bundles of rods grown closely together with an average diameter of 92 nm for Ag6Mo10O33 sample. Ni-substituted Ag6Mo10O33 compound was prepared via introducing nickel cation to precursor system in mechanical milling step. The particle size decreased to 87 nm by incorporating nickel units in substituted polymolybdate. It was concluded that the suitable selection of reagents can direct solid phase reaction towards producing nanostructured products. This technique is easy and simple for preparation of various mixed metal oxides without using any solvents and or complex procedures. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of the prepared products was studied on the removal of 4-nitro phenol (4-NP) as organic pollutant from water. The obtained results were also discussed in detail.

Since unfortunate events can happen to anyone at any time, it is important for everyone to understand the concept of psychological trauma and be able to identify its symptoms to prevent or treat it before it becomes too late. The character of Hamlet is traumatized from the very beginning of the play, and as the story develops, so does his trauma. Shakespeare's Hamlet is a well-known and widely performed play, making it a good option to illustrate trauma and its detrimental consequences on both the individual and others around them in real life. The study, which was founded on the constructivist paradigm, demonstrated adult psychological trauma, its symptoms, and its effects by using a phenomenological approach. Twelve people, six men and six women, over the age of eighteen (from 19 to 60), participated in this study. After an analysis of the experiences and feedback provided by the participants, it became clear that if psychological trauma is not identified and treated in a timely manner, it can negatively impact not only the victim's own life but also the lives of those close to them and even society as a whole.

Abstract Background Malnutrition is a significant concern reported in adult critically ill patients, yet there is no gold standard to assess nutritional status in this population. This study examines the association between nutritional status and clinical outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients using nutritional risk assessment tools and aims to look for the best tool. Method In a single-center prospective cohort study among 165 patients, the predictive performance of high or low malnutrition risk assessed by Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS), Modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (m-NUTRIC), Mini-Nutritional-Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), Controlling Nutritional status (CONUT), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) were evaluated and compared for mortality, organ failure, length of hospitalization, and mechanical ventilation (MV). Results Different assessment tools showed various nutritional statuses. m-NUTRIC and NRS-2002 were found to be associated more strongly relative to other tools with mortality (RR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.42–2.08) and (RR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08–1.72), organ failure (RR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.44–1.96) and (RR = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.99–1.48), MV (RR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.27–1.65) and (RR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04–1.39) respectively. There was no correlation between malnutrition levels assessed by mentioned tools except for NRS-2002 and length of hospitalization. In predicting mortality or illness severity, the cut points were different for some tools like NUTRIC-score and all assessed outcomes (3.5), MNA-SF and mortality (6.5), CONUT with mortality, and MV (6.5). Conclusions A considerable proportion of patients admitted to the ICU are at high risk for malnutrition. Compared to other tools, m-NUTRIC and NRS-2002 proved superior in predicting clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Other tools overestimated the risk of malnutrition in the ICU so couldn’t predict clinical outcomes correctly.

Pronunciation, a skill often overlooked in language instruction, has historically yielded suboptimal results. Language learners must understand phonological and phonetic principles, as well as cognitive patterns, which are integral to the learning process. The cognitive phonological approach posits that phonological and structural categories are influenced by both cognitive processes and phonetic-linguistic factors. These categories can be enhanced with data-driven statistical features and require immersion in a linguistic environment to be refined and fortified. As learners progress, phonological categories become intertwined with the formation of internal linguistic structures, and the expansion of mental vocabulary contributes to phonological growth. Recognizing that phonetic and lexical errors are inherent in learning, it is imperative to address language-specific errors stemming from an unfamiliarity with the phonological structure of the second language and from established language habits. Consequently, employing a cognitive approach to scrutinize phonetic errors is not only motivational but also essential for elucidating the phonological, phonetic, and phonological systems of the target language in the post-sensory phase for learners. This study seeks to probe the underlying causes of phonetic errors and to offer an effective strategy, grounded in a cognitive framework, for rectifying such errors in language learners. The research, of a descriptive-inferential nature, was carried out among 80 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels from the University of Applied Science and Technology in Tehran. Data analysis was conducted through field study methods, utilizing SPSS software. The findings suggest that, in light of Fraser's cognitive framework (2010), implementing a conceptual approach within a real-world context, based on meaningful communication, can significantly aid in ameliorating phonetic and pronunciation errors. This approach proves beneficial not only during the critical period of language acquisition in childhood but also throughout adulthood.

One of the topics raised in cognitive linguistics is the topic of radial network. The purpose of this study aimed to comparison of the learning process of prepositions (from, in, to and with) from the perspective of the radial network in children of age group A and B by the theory of stages of child development and language learning. In should be mentioned that the radial network has not been sufficiently focused on by cognitive linguistics. The results of this research can have a great impact on children's fiction literature and fiction writers in the field of children can use the results of this research. The present study was descriptive _analytical in the theoretical framework of cognitive semantics. The statistical population includes 40 children from 2 and 9 years. To collect the data, children's natural speech was used the field method (Instagram videos). The research results show that the preposition "to" with the meaning of addressing someone has the highest frequency in age groups A and B. From the point of view of Bruner's cognitive theory, children in age group A are in the stage of movement and image representation and in age group B are in the stage of symbolic representation. A radial network is a term used to describe a collection of words that are interconnected through their meanings, concepts, and expressions. These words possess multiple definitions and are categorically related radially. Within this framework, a single meaning is designated as the primary or archetypal meaning, while alternative meanings are situated around it, akin to rays radiating out from a central, exemplary core.

In neurophysiological recording, reducing electrode impedance is crucial for enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and achieving the desired spatial resolution. This study presents an approach to improve the performance of Au/Cr/glass electrodes by incorporating synthesized gold nanosheets without the need for additional adhesive material. We characterized the performance of the modified electrodes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and equivalent circuit analysis. Our findings showed an 81% reduction in mean impedance for the modified electrode, which was 0.85 kΩ at 1 kHz, compared to the unmodified electrode at 4.5 kΩ, an improvement attributed to the higher effective surface area of the modified electrode. Additionally, Scanning electron microscopy observations of PC12 cells cultured on the modified electrodes indicated favorable cell elongation and interaction with the rough surface. Stability studies indicated acceptable performance of the modified electrodes in solution environments. These results suggest that surface modification of electrodes with gold nanosheets could be a promising strategy for enhancing neural interface applications.

Abstract Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and prevalent musculoskeletal condition that is the underlying cause of disability in most patients worldwide. Even though the pathophysiology of KOA has not yet been fully understood and includes a wide range of risk factors, current therapeutic options are temporarily palliative rather than curative. In recent years, new strategies have focused on the curative agents. As part of this review, we highlight the latest treatment approaches for KOA.