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Developmental stuttering (DS) is a neurodevelopmental speech-motor disorder characterized by symptoms such as blocks, repetitions, and prolongations. Persistent DS often has a significant negative impact on quality of life, and interventions for it have limited efficacy. Herein, we briefly review existing research on the neurophysiological underpinnings of DS -specifically, brain metabolic and default mode/social-cognitive networks (DMN/SCN) anomalies- arguing that psychedelic compounds might be considered and investigated (e.g., in randomized clinical trials) for treatment of DS. The neural background of DS is likely to be heterogeneous, and some contribution from genetically determinants of metabolic deficiencies in the basal ganglia and speech-motor cortical regions are thought to play a role in appearance of DS symptoms, which possibly results in a cascade of events contributing to impairments in speech-motor execution. In persistent DS, the difficulties of speech are often linked to a series of associated aspects such as social anxiety and social avoidance. In this context, the SCN and DMN (also influencing a series of fronto-parietal, somato-motor, and attentional networks) may have a role in worsening dysfluencies. Interestingly, brain metabolism and SCN/DMN connectivity can be modified by psychedelics, which have been shown to improve clinical evidence of some psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.) associated with psychological constructs such as rumination and social anxiety, which also tend to be present in persistent DS. To date, while there have been no controlled trials on the effects of psychedelics in DS, anecdotal evidence suggests that these agents may have beneficial effects on stuttering and its associated characteristics. We suggest that psychedelics warrant investigation in DS.

Abstract Background Numerous studies have compared the efficacy of ustekinumab (UST) and anti-TNF agents [infliximab (IFX) or adalimumab(ADA)] in moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. This study aims to compare the efficacy of UST, IFX, and ADA while differentiating between bio-naïve and bio-experienced patients, which is an underexplored aspect, particularly in Asia. Methods We conducted a retrospective multi-center study from 2012 to 2023, categorizing patients into bio-naïve and bio-experienced groups. We evaluated clinical remission rates after induction therapy and clinical outcomes, including CD-related hospitalization, intestinal resection, and drug discontinuation during maintenance therapy. Results Among the 214 bio-naïve CD patients, 60 received UST, 108 received IFX, and 46 received ADA. After 1:1 propensity score matching between UST and anti-TNF agents groups, 59 patients were analyzed in each group (45 in the IFX group and 14 in the ADA group). We found no significant differences in clinical remission rates (P = 0.071), CD-related hospitalization (P = 0.800), intestinal resection (P = 0.390), or drug discontinuation (P = 0.052) between the UST, IFX, and ADA groups in bio-naïve CD patients. In bio-experienced CD patients, with 35 in the UST group and 13 in the anti-TNF agents group, the UST group showed a lower risk of drug discontinuation (P = 0.004) than the anti-TNF agents group. Conclusions This study suggests that UST, IFX, and ADA are equally effective in bio-naïve CD patients, while in bio-experienced patients, mostly with previous exposure to anti-TNF agents, UST may offer superior drug durability.

Developmental stuttering (DS) is a neurodevelopmental speech-motor disorder characterized by symptoms such as blocks, repetitions, and prolongations. Persistent DS often has a significant negative impact on quality of life, and interventions for it have limited efficacy. Herein, we briefly review existing research on the neurophysiological underpinnings of DS -specifically, brain metabolic and default mode/social-cognitive networks (DMN/SCN) anomalies- arguing that psychedelic compounds might be considered and investigated (e.g., in randomized clinical trials) for treatment of DS. The neural background of DS is likely to be heterogeneous, and some contribution from genetically determinants of metabolic deficiencies in the basal ganglia and speech-motor cortical regions are thought to play a role in appearance of DS symptoms, which possibly results in a cascade of events contributing to impairments in speech-motor execution. In persistent DS, the difficulties of speech are often linked to a series of associated aspects such as social anxiety and social avoidance. In this context, the SCN and DMN (also influencing a series of fronto-parietal, somato-motor, and attentional networks) may have a role in worsening dysfluencies. Interestingly, brain metabolism and SCN/DMN connectivity can be modified by psychedelics, which have been shown to improve clinical evidence of some psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.) associated with psychological constructs such as rumination and social anxiety, which also tend to be present in persistent DS. To date, while there have been no controlled trials on the effects of psychedelics in DS, anecdotal evidence suggests that these agents may have beneficial effects on stuttering and its associated characteristics. We suggest that psychedelics warrant investigation in DS.

Purpose: We present two patients who developed neurogenic stuttering after long COVID-19 related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods and Results: Both patients experienced both physical (e.g., fatigue) and cognitive difficulties, which led to impaired function of attention, lexical retrieval, and memory consolidation. Both patients had new-onset stuttering-like speech dysfluencies: Blocks and repetitions were especially evident at the initial part of words and sentences, sometimes accompanied by effortful and associated movements (e.g., facial grimaces and oro-facial movements). Neuropsychological evaluations confirmed the presence of difficulties in cognitive tasks, while neurophysiological evaluations (i.e., electroencephalography) suggested the presence of "slowed" patterns of brain activity. Neurogenic stuttering and cognitive difficulties were evident for 4-5 months after negativization of SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab, with gradual improvement and near-to-complete recovery. Conclusions: It is now evident that SARS-CoV-2 infection may significantly involve the central nervous system, also resulting in severe and long-term consequences, even if the precise mechanisms are still unknown. In the present report, long COVID-19 resulted in neurogenic stuttering, as the likely consequence of a "slowed" metabolism of (pre)frontal and sensorimotor brain regions (as suggested by the present and previous clinical evidence). As a consequence, the pathophysiological mechanisms related to the appearance of neurogenic stuttering have been hypothesized, which help to better understand the broader and possible neurological consequences of COVID-19.

Desde la época en que emerge la problemática ambiental contemporánea, esta ha devenido en objeto de análisis e intervención tanto para la ecología (área de la biología) como para distintos organismos intergubernamentales de alcance mundial. En ambos ámbitos se han desarrollado una serie de marcos conceptuales dirigidos al abordaje de los cambios ecológicos, es decir, aquellas alteraciones que recaen sobre unidades que son objeto de estudio de la ecología. El objetivo de este trabajo es clarificar y contrastar los modos en que la ecología del disturbio (un reciente campo dentro de la ecología) y diferentes organismos intergubernamentales conceptualizan y abordan el cambio ecológico. Para ello, efectuamos una comparación analítica entre el concepto de ‘disturbio’ de la ecología y la noción de ‘driver’ proveniente de los organismos intergubernamentales. En la comparación, observamos que dichos conceptos buscan explicar procesos similares de cambio ecológico bajo una misma lógica causal, aunque manifiestan importantes diferencias en el tratamiento de las condiciones iniciales que permiten estudiarlos. Concluimos que la noción de ‘driver’ supone un empobrecimiento epistemológico en relación con el concepto de ‘disturbio’. Finalmente discutimos algunas implicancias de este problema epistemológico, dado que es la noción empobrecida de ‘driver’ la que se impone en el contexto internacional a la hora de explicar un cambio ecológico, materializándose en lineamientos reconocidos por naciones de todo el mundo que trasladan dicho empobrecimiento al terreno de las políticas públicas. Urge revisar en qué medida estamos contribuyendo a la construcción y reproducción de una problemática ambiental empobrecida epistemológicamente.

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) is associated with altered body composition, affecting clinical outcomes. We evaluated the impact of biologics on body composition in CD patients. Methods This multicenter longitudinal study across four Korean university hospitals conducted from January 2009 to August 2021 retrospectively reviewed data of CD patients with abdominal computed tomography (CT) before and after the biologic treatment. Skeletal muscle area (SMA), visceral fat area (VFA), and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) on CT were measured. Myopenia was defined as L3 skeletal muscle index (SMI) of

BackgroundStroke is a debilitating disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite the survival rate has significantly increased over the years, many stroke survivors are left with severe impairments impacting their quality of life. Rehabilitation programs have proved to be successful in improving the recovery process. However, a reliable model of sensorimotor recovery and a clear identification of predictive markers of rehabilitation-induced recovery are still needed. This article introduces the cross-modality protocols designed to investigate the rehabilitation treatment’s effect in a group of stroke survivors.Methods/designA total of 75 stroke patients, admitted at the IRCCS San Camillo rehabilitation Hospital in Venice (Italy), will be included in this study. Here, we describe the rehabilitation programs, clinical, neuropsychological, and physiological/imaging [including electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques] protocols set up for this study. Blood collection for the characterization of predictive biological biomarkers will also be taken. Measures derived from data acquired will be used as candidate predictors of motor recovery.Discussion/summaryThe integration of cutting-edge physiological and imaging techniques, with clinical and cognitive assessment, dose of rehabilitation and biological variables will provide a unique opportunity to define a predictive model of recovery in stroke patients. Taken together, the data acquired in this project will help to define a model of rehabilitation induced sensorimotor recovery, with the final aim of developing personalized treatments promoting the greatest chance of recovery of the compromised functions.

En este trabajo indagamos acerca de cómo las lógicas que impulsaron la creación de los primeros Parques Nacionales de Argentina, en el marco de la expansión del Estado-nación y el establecimiento del capitalismo en la región, continúan modelando los diseños actuales de conservación. Al respecto, nuestra hipótesis señala que a través de la implementación de nuevos Parques Nacionales se reproducen formas de pensar y relacionarse con el ambiente que, en lugar de brindar soluciones, en varios aspectos profundizan las problemáticas socioambientales. Para corroborar lo propuesto, revisamos el proceso de creación del Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, primero de Argentina, para luego ponerlo en relación con el diseño del Parque Nacional El Impenetrable, uno de los últimos en implementarse en el país. Tras analizar fuentes diversas, complementadas con instancias de observación participante, detectamos la continuidad de un abordaje fragmentario y la persistente negación de historias, relaciones y conocimientos propios de los mundos sobre los que recae la implementación de Parques Nacionales. Además, problematizamos sobre cómo las áreas naturales protegidas legitiman el modo de producción y la racionalidad utilitaria que condujeron a las crisis socioambientales actuales.

Desde la década de 1960, con el surgimiento de las problemáticas ambientales, el discurso hegemónico de la ecología es recibido, reproducido y amplificado por una amplia variedad de actores sociales. Aquí, analizaremos un aspecto que consideramos central de este discurso. Nuestro objetivo se dirige a indagar en qué medida la ecología recupera los dualismos y . Nuestra hipótesis de trabajo es que esta disciplina opera mediante un doble movimiento: mientras trae a primer plano el dualismo , simultáneamente, soslaya el dualismo . Bajo este doble movimiento, esperamos mostrar que el discurso ecológico logra despolitizar la naturaleza, relegando a la periferia diferentes formas de concebir el entorno. Nuestro enfoque epistemológico-metodológico descansará sobre una lógica de las distinciones, de aquí que trabajaremos sobre los dualismos mencionados, a partir de la distinción . Finalmente, presentaremos algunas consideraciones sobre el dominio del discurso ecológico y sobre la relevancia de una posición relativista en el contexto internacional de las problemáticas ambientales.

Recurrent implantation failure is represented by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after transfer of at least 4 good-quality embryos in a minimum of 3 fresh or frozen cycles in a woman under the age of 40 years. One of the recent approaches in studying the window of implantation was building the expression profile of the genes of the endometrial cells. We performed a retrospective study which investigated if endometrial receptivity tests improved the outcomes of IVF procedures in patients with recurrent implantation failure. We enrolled 47 couples with RIF and divided them in 2 groups: the first group of 22 couples performed the ERA test and the embryo transfer according to the result of the test; the second group of 27 couples had the embryo transfer done without the ERA test. Our conclusion was that the ERA test did not improve the outcomes for patients with recurrent implantation failure.

Summary: Modifications are present on many classes of RNA, including tRNA, rRNA, and mRNA. These modifications modulate diverse biological processes such as genetic recoding and mRNA export and folding. In addition, modifications can be introduced to RNA molecules using chemical probing strategies that reveal RNA structure and dynamics. Many methods exist to detect RNA modifications by short-read sequencing; however, limitations on read length inherent to short-read-based methods dissociate modifications from their native context, preventing single-molecule modification analysis. Here, we demonstrate direct RNA nanopore sequencing to detect endogenous and exogenous RNA modifications on long RNAs at the single-molecule level. We detect endogenous 2′-O-methyl and base modifications across E. coli and S. cerevisiae ribosomal RNAs as shifts in current signal and dwell times distally through interactions with the helicase motor protein. We further use the 2′-hydroxyl reactive SHAPE reagent acetylimidazole to probe RNA structure at the single-molecule level with readout by direct nanopore sequencing.

Developmental stuttering (DS) is a disturbance of the normal rhythm of speech that may be interpreted as very debilitating in the most affected cases. Interventions for DS are historically based on the behavioral modifications of speech patterns (e.g., through speech therapy), which are useful to regain a better speech fluency. However, a great variability in intervention outcomes is normally observed, and no definitive evidence is currently available to resolve stuttering, especially in the case of its persistence in adulthood. In the last few decades, DS has been increasingly considered as a functional disturbance, affecting the correct programming of complex motor sequences such as speech. Compatibly, understanding of the neurophysiological bases of DS has dramatically improved, thanks to neuroimaging, and techniques able to interact with neural tissue functioning [e.g., non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS)]. In this context, the dysfunctional activity of the cortico-basal-thalamo-cortical networks, as well as the defective patterns of connectivity, seems to play a key role, especially in sensorimotor networks. As a consequence, a direct action on the functionality of “defective” or “impaired” brain circuits may help people who stutter to manage dysfluencies in a better way. This may also “potentiate” available interventions, thus favoring more stable outcomes of speech fluency. Attempts aiming at modulating (and improving) brain functioning of people who stutter, realized by using NIBS, are quickly increasing. Here, we will review these recent advancements being applied to the treatment of DS. Insights will be useful not only to assess whether the speech fluency of people who stutter may be ameliorated by acting directly on brain functioning but also will provide further suggestions about the complex and dynamic pathophysiology of DS, where causal effects and “adaptive''/‘‘maladaptive” compensation mechanisms may be strongly overlapped. In conclusion, this review focuses future research toward more specific, targeted, and effective interventions for DS, based on neuromodulation of brain functioning.

Starting with January 1, 2019, in Romania, the salary in construction has undergone significant changes. In the present paper we propose to analyze how these changes are implemented in practice for this year, 2019, revealing those situations leading to abnormalities, namely the obligation to establish a differentiated gross minimum wage for entities in the construction sector, the application of facilities to entities that cumulatively fulfill the conditions established by legislation in comparison with entities which, on the one hand, do not carry out construction activities and, on the other hand, although they carry out construction activities, are not entitled to apply those facilities. Also, in July 2019 two variants of calculation apply, respectively between 1 – 21 July 2019 and 22 – 31 July 2019. The fiscal facilities include: exemption from tax on income from wages and social security contributions, respectively the reduction of the social insurance contribution and the contribution of labor insurers. These abnormalities are mainly caused by the establishment of a minimum wage, by about 44% higher than that imposed on the other entities in Romania, for all the employees of the entities in the construction sector, and on the other hand, the granting of important fiscal facilities regarding the salary in construction conditional upon the cumulative fulfillment of three conditions, amended as of July 22, 2019. The analysis method is the comparison, aiming to highlight, for salaries ranging between 30,000 lei and the minimum wage, the effect of applying / not applying facilities to employees and employers in the construction sector. We will also present through a few examples the new way of applying the fiscal facilities in July 2019, compared to those in force until July 21, 2019.

Se presenta y problematiza un dispositivo dirigido al tema de la problemática ambiental, del cual destaca su alcance global, su carácter de urgente y su capacidad para afectar a la viabilidad de la especie humana. A la vez, indicamos que esta caracterización de la crisis ambiental se encuentra asociada a una red institucional de corte internacional dirigida a la gestión de este tema. También, se señalan algunos intentos por utilizar a la problemática ambiental como coartada para el establecimiento de una administración mundial. Se concluye que hay cierta simetría presente entre la forma en que el saber configura el tema de la problemática ambiental y la forma en que el poder se estructura para administrarlo.

El enfoque de Servicios Ecosistémicos (SE) constituye una herramienta utilizada para abordar problemáticas ambientales. La valoración de SE en términos ecológicos, monetarios o socioculturales es un elemento clave de esta perspectiva. Realizamos una revisión de artículos científicos centrados en SE publicados entre 2005-2017 en revistas de ecología y biología de la conservación, investigando la forma en que se recuperan voces de diferentes actores sociales (AS). Los resultados indican que predominan las valoraciones ecológica y monetaria por sobre la valoración sociocultural, y que esta última se realiza de una manera que consideramos superficial -sin abordar conflictos entre diferentes AS, y con los investigadores seleccionando los SE a valorar. Considerando que los conflictos vinculados con SE están inmersos en contextos sociales complejos, descuidar “dimensiones sociales”, puede llevar a omitir distancias culturales, diferencias de clase, ubicación geográfica, estilo de vida, y esto puede llevar al desarrollo de opciones de gestión inviables o perjudiciales para los AS involucrados.

BACKGROUND/AIMS:It is well known that 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the standard first-line treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). Medication adherence is an important factor in the treatment of UC. We aimed to identify predictors of low adherence to oral 5-ASA in Koreans with UC. METHODS:Between July 2017 and January 2018, we performed a multicenter, cross-sectional study across 6 University Hospitals in Korea. Medication adherence was assessed using the modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) questionnaire. Our study included 264 patients with UC. Patients were requested to complete the self-reported MMAS-8 questionnaire and a survey assessing sociodemographic data. Adherence was categorized as low (scores

This study aims at analysing the extent in which production in construction and engine manufacturing influence the basic metals manufacturing at the level of European Union zone, for a period of 105 months, January 2007 - September 2015, by means of the model of multifactorial linear regression. This model can be utilized in determining the necessary quantity of basic metals under the conditions of knowing the evolution of production in construction branch and in motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers branch.

The agrotouristical sector allows demand to space by engaging in recreational activities, sports and cultural entertainment, respond to the urban population growing interest towards the natural heritage and rural culture, having important implications in terms of economic and socio-political life of the Romanian village. The paper provides a brief analysis of the sector of agro-tourism in our country during 2000-2015, using the statistics presented by the National Institute of Statistics, to the eight regions level, namely: North West, Central, North East, South East, South-Muntenia, Bucharest-Ilfov, South West and West Oltenia.

Starting from the fact that imports and production is one of the direct factors influencing a country's economy, this paper analyzes the influence of crude steel production and imports on gross domestic product in 22 European Union countries in the period 2008-2013.

El presente trabajo se sostiene a partir de dos ejes centrales. El primero aborda la hegemonía discursiva en torno al tema de la problemática ambiental de orden global, la cual ha “atravesado” la división de los discursos, sean estos científicos, publicitarios, literarios, críticos, o bien provenientes de programas internacionales, de organismos no gubernamentales y de declaraciones ambientales. En el segundo eje, por su parte, se señala que el tema de la problemática ambiental global una vez instalado, ha sido utilizado como justificación para el establecimiento de una gestión de alcance mundial.

Debido a los dramáticos cambios ambientales que se han generado en el marco del capitalismo en general y de su fase neoliberal en particular, se han generado herramientas que permitan mensurar de alguna manera los efectos de dichos cambios, así como evaluar y/o mitigar sus consecuencias. En este trabajo abordamos, desde la perspectiva de la filosofía de la ecología, algunos aspectos problemáticos relativos a las nociones de impacto ambiental (IA) y de evaluación del impacto ambiental (EIA): su conceptualización, cuáles son los campos de conocimiento involucrados y cómo es el vínculo entre ellos, a partir del análisis de la bibliografía especializada y leyes nacionales e internacionales. Finalmente, a partir del recorrido realizado, analizamos algunas de sus principales consecuencias.

Motor balance in developmental stuttering (DS) was investigated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), with the aim to define novel neural markers of persistent DS in adulthood. Eleven DS adult males were evaluated with TMS on tongue primary motor cortex, compared to 15 matched fluent speakers, in a "state" condition (i.e. stutterers vs. fluent speakers, no overt stuttering). Motor and silent period thresholds (SPT), recruitment curves, and silent period durations were acquired by recording tongue motor evoked potentials. Tongue silent period duration was increased in DS, especially in the left hemisphere (P

BACKGROUND: Cerebral activation during planning of reaching movements occurs both in the superior parietal lobule (SPL) and premotor cortex (PM), and their activation seems to take place in parallel. METHODOLOGY: The activation of the SPL and PM has been investigated using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during planning of reaching movements under visual guidance. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A facilitory effect was found when TMS was delivered on the parietal cortex at about half of the time from sight of the target to hand movement, independently of target location in space. Furthermore, at the same stimulation time, a similar facilitory effect was found in PM, which is probably related to movement preparation. CONCLUSIONS: This data contributes to the understanding of cortical dynamics in the parieto-frontal network, and suggests that it is possible to interfere with the planning of reaching movements at different cortical points within a particular time window. Since similar effects may be produced at similar times on both the SPL and PM, parallel processing of visuomotor information is likely to take place in these regions.

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Copyright of Politica y Sociedad is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista MAD is the property of Revista MAD and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Starting with January 1, 2019, in Romania, the salary in construction has undergone significant changes. In the present paper we propose to analyze how these changes are implemented in practice for this year, 2019, revealing those situations leading to abnormalities, namely the obligation to establish a differentiated gross minimum wage for entities in the construction sector, the application of facilities to entities that cumulatively fulfill the conditions established by legislation in comparison with entities which, on the one hand, do not carry out construction activities and, on the other hand, although they carry out construction activities, are not entitled to apply those facilities. Also, in July 2019 two variants of calculation apply, respectively between 1 - 21 July 2019 and 22 - 31 July 2019. The fiscal facilities include: exemption from tax on income from wages and social security contributions, respectively the reduction of the social insurance contribution and the contribution of labor insurers. These abnormalities are mainly caused by the establishment of a minimum wage, by about 44% higher than that imposed on the other entities in Romania, for all the employees of the entities in the construction sector, and on the other hand, the granting of important fiscal facilities regarding the salary in construction conditional upon the cumulative fulfillment of three conditions, amended as of July 22, 2019. The analysis method is the comparison, aiming to highlight, for salaries ranging between 30,000 lei and the minimum wage, the effect of applying / not applying facilities to employees and employers in the construction sector. We will also present through a few examples the new way of applying the fiscal facilities in July 2019, compared to those in force until July 21, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]