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Stéphane Potvin,1,2 Charles-Édouard Giguère,1 Adrianna Mendrek3 1Centre de recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; 2Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; 3Department of Psychology, Bishop’s University, Lennoxville, Quebec, CanadaCorrespondence: Stéphane PotvinCentre de recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga, Montreal, Quebec, H1N 3V2, CanadaEmail stephane.potvin@umontreal.caBackground: Robust evidence shows that schizophrenia is associated with significant cognitive impairments, including deficits in visuospatial abilities. While other cognitive domains have sparked several functional neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia, only a few brain activation studies have examined the neural correlates of visuospatial abilities in schizophrenia.Purpose: Here, we propose to perform a functional connectivity study on visuospatial processing in schizophrenia, and to determine the classification accuracy of the observed alterations.Methods: Thirty-nine schizophrenia patients and 42 healthy controls were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a mental rotation task. Task-based functional connectivity was examined using a region-of-interest (ROI) to ROI approach, as implemented in the CONN Toolbox. ROIs were selected from a previous meta-analysis on mental rotation. Logistic regression with Lasso regularization was performed, using train-test cross-validation.Results: Schizophrenia was associated with a complex pattern of dysconnectivity between the superior, middle and inferior frontal gyrus, the precentral gyrus, the superior parietal lobule (SPL) and the inferior lateral occipital cortex. The classification accuracy was 86.1%. Mental rotation performance was predicted by the dysconnectivity between the right and left superior frontal gyrus (SFG), as well as between the left SFG and left SPL.Conclusion: The results of the current study highlight that visuospatial processing is useful for examining the widespread dysconnectivity between executive, motor and visual brain regions in schizophrenia. We also demonstrate that very good classification accuracy can be achieved using visuospatial-related functional connectivity data.Keywords: schizophrenia, mental rotation, functional connectivity, machine learning

BackgroundChildren with speech, language, and communication disorders require specialized support in response to their emotional expression challenges. Not only is such support key for their development, but it is also essential for their mental well-being. Art making emerges as a valuable tool for enabling these children to convey emotions both verbally and non-verbally, fostering a positive self-concept. School-based arts interventions have the potential to improve self-concept and emotional expression, and more generally, the quality of life. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness of a manualized, school-based creative arts intervention for this specific group.AimThis study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived benefits of an art-based intervention for elementary school students with speech, language, and communication disorders, using qualitative methods to obtain diverse perspectives.ResultsThe findings indicate that the intervention was feasible and well received, as reported by teachers, students, and facilitators. Participants also discussed potential positive outcomes, including emotional expression, emotional growth, and fulfilment of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs. Students found the workshops conducive to sharing emotions and took pride in the creative process. Teachers gained deeper insights into their students, fostering positive classroom relationships. Observational data triangulated these findings.ConclusionThis innovative project suggests that art-based interventions can potentially benefit students’ emotional expression, but further experimental studies are needed to substantiate these effects.

Despite numerous benefits of practicing meditation, a growing body of evidence posits possible detrimental effects on one's mental health and well-being. As meditation's popularity is steadily increasing in the general population, it is critical to assess, discuss and educate the public of any possible risks associated with available practices. Here, we review existing literature on the adverse effects (AEs) of meditation in non-clinical samples. Relevant original research articles were found through various academic search engines. The bibliographies of the selected studies were reviewed to identify additional articles of interest. A total of 39 studies were retained. These articles were divided into one of three categories: Observational (n = 19), Experimental (n = 9), or Case Studies (n = 11). AEs varied substantially across the studies, yet trends were identified. Common AEs included affective difficulties, distorted senses of self, derealization, hallucinations, delusions, interpersonal challenges, and susceptibility to false memory. Other AEs that were less commonly reported are also summarized. Meditation-related AEs in non-clinical samples are apparent in the literature. We discuss how the perceived valence of a meditative experience can vary, particularly if the experience is considered beyond the secular framework. We conclude that the general public should be aware of any potential effects derived from meditation in order to assert the meditation community's safety and well-being., Author(s): D. Lambert [sup.1] , N. H. van den Berg [sup.1] [sup.2] , A. Mendrek [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.253135.3, 0000 0004 1936 842X, Department of Psychology, Bishop's University, , [...]

Coarse wool from Polish mountain sheep, often treated as a useless by-product of sheep husbandry, was used to produce pile carpets with tufting technique. Raw wool was used in the small-scale spinning mill to spin prototype rug yarns, which were then used for the production of carpets. The carpets with cut and loop piles of two different heights and densities were manufactured. During examinations, the basic parameters of raw wool, yarns, and tufted fabrics were determined. Then, the soundproofing properties of carpets were analyzed. To characterize the acoustic properties of the carpets, the sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss were measured. The measurements were carried out in one-third octave bands in the frequency range of 80–5000 Hz using the impedance tube method. It was stated that the wool of Polish mountain sheep is coarse, highly differentiated both in thickness and length and contains a significant content of medullated fibers and kemp. Despite its poor characteristics, the wool can be used for the production of rag yarns suitable for the production of pile carpets with tufting technique. The carpets possess acceptable sound absorbing capacity comparable to other similar products obtained from other wool types, which is dependent on both pile types and their parameters. The carpets exhibit low transmission loss, which is influenced, to a lesser extent, by the change in the parameters of the pile layer.

16p11.2 and 22q11.2 Copy Number Variants (CNVs) confer high risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), schizophrenia (SZ), and Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD), but their impact on functional connectivity (FC) remains unclear. Here we report an analysis of resting-state FC using magnetic resonance imaging data from 101 CNV carriers, 755 individuals with idiopathic ASD, SZ, or ADHD and 1,072 controls. We characterize CNV FC-signatures and use them to identify dimensions contributing to complex idiopathic conditions. CNVs have large mirror effects on FC at the global and regional level. Thalamus, somatomotor, and posterior insula regions play a critical role in dysconnectivity shared across deletions, duplications, idiopathic ASD, SZ but not ADHD. Individuals with higher similarity to deletion FC-signatures exhibit worse cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Deletion similarities identified at the connectivity level could be related to the redundant associations observed genome-wide between gene expression spatial patterns and FC-signatures. Results may explain why many CNVs affect a similar range of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Introduction: The number of published biofilm studies and novel ways for studying them has risen dramatically in recent years, ow-ing to the broad application of biofilms in medicine. Some bacteria develop biofilms that are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents, resulting in persistent infections. This necessitates the development of alternative methods for combating biofilms. In this regard, the application of cationic polymers is a good candidate for realization of this strategy. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the potential of a newly synthesized covalently attached star copolymer of N,N’-dimeth-ylaminoethyl methacrylate and hydroxyl-bearing oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate [P(DMAEMA-co-HOEGMA)] to silica surfaces and its quaternized version [P(QDMAEMA-co-HOEGMA)] for destruction of biofilms formed by Bacillus subtilis or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Materials and methods: Model strains representing different genera and taxonomic groups were selected for the study. The anti-biofilm activities of two different newly synthesized cationic polymers were investigated by observation (live/dead staining) of the viability of bacterial cells within the biofilm.Results: The results obtained by the live/dead labeling of bacterial biofilms show a substantial decrease in the viability of population in the presence of cationic polymers, better expressed at B. subtilis.Conclusions: The studied two immobilized on silica wafers newly synthesized star copolymers exhibited potential for anti-biofilm effects. The results demonstrated combined potential for reducing the viability of bacterial cells within the biofilms and probably for loosening the biofilm matrix. The effect was better expressed in B. subtilis.

Coarse wool obtained from mountain sheep has low economic value and is treated as a troublesome by-product of sheep farming. To find ways to utilize it, waste separated from the better-quality wool during sheep shearing was used as a fertilizer in winter wheat cultivation. During the preliminary tests, it was stated that unwashed wool does not contain excessive amounts of heavy metals and environmentally unfriendly contaminations and can be safely used as a fertilizer. Then, the raw wool was cut into shorter segments and mixed with the soil, and its influence on winter wheat growth during two seasons was examined. Simultaneously, the progress of wool biodegradation and the nitrogen content in the soil were analyzed. It was stated that, during vegetation, nitrogen compounds are slowly released into the ground, and the content of nitrogen in the soil is strictly correlated with the progress of wool biodegradation. Released nitrogen positively impacts wheat growth in various stages, which is manifested by higher tillering degree, more intense leaf color, higher stems and finally, greater yield. Wool added into the soil reveals its positive influence on wheat development up to two harvests. Mountain sheep wool can be successfully used as a nitrogen-rich, organic fertilizer in organic farming. This enables utilization of coarse wool, which is not suitable for textile processing, according to the zero-waste strategy.

Introduction: The benefits of patient’s specific cell/gene therapy have been reported in relation to numerous genetic related disorders including osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In osteogenesis imperfecta particularly also a drug therapy based on the administration of bisphosphonates partially helped to ease the symptoms.Methods: In this controlled trial, fibroblasts derived from patient diagnosed with OI type II have been successfully reprogrammed into induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPSCs) using Yamanaka factors. Those cells were subjected to repair mutations found in the COL1A1 gene using homologous recombination (HR) approach facilitated with star polymer (STAR) as a carrier of the genetic material.Results: Delivery of the correct linear DNA fragment to the osteogenesis imperfecta patient’s cells resulted in the repair of the DNA mutation with an 84% success rate. IPSCs showed 87% viability after STAR treatment and 82% with its polyplex.Discussion: The use of novel polymer Poly[N,N-Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate-co-Hydroxyl-Bearing Oligo(Ethylene Glycol) Methacrylate] Arms (P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA-OH) with star-like structure has been shown as an efficient tool for nucleic acids delivery into cells (Funded by National Science Centre, Contract No. UMO-2020/37/N/NZ2/01125).

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a bio-derived water-soluble, edible, hydrating, non-immunogenic polymer. Bacillus subtilis natto is a wild-type γ-PGA producer originally isolated from Japanese fermented natto beans whose activity has been shown to be enhanced through ion-specific activation of Extrachromosomal DNA maintenance mechanisms. Being a GRAS γ-PGA producer, this microorganism has attracted great interest in its use within an industrial context. Here we successfully synthesised amorphous, crystalline and semi-crystalline γ-PGA between 11–27 g/L. In line with circular economy principles, scalable macroalgal biomass has been evaluated as substrate for γ-PGA, displaying great potential in both yields and material composition. In this study whole cell, freeze dried seaweed -namely Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta-were pre-treated by means of mechanical methods, sterilised and subsequently inoculated with B. subtilis natto. High shear mixing was found to be the most suitable pre-treatment technique. Supplemented L. digitata (9.1 g/L), S. latissima (10.2 g/L), A. esculenta (13 g/L) displayed γ-PGA yields comparable to those of standard GS media (14.4 g/L). Greatest yields of pure γ-PGA were obtained during the month of June for L. digitata (Avg. 4.76 g/L) comparable to those obtained with GS media (7.0 g/L). Further, pre-treated S. latissima and L. digitata complex media enabled for high molar mass (4,500 kDa) γ-PGA biosynthesis at 8.6 and 8.7 g/L respectively. Compared to standard GS media, algal derived γ-PGA displayed significantly higher molar masses. Further studies will be necessary to further evaluate the impact of varying ash contents upon the stereochemical properties and modify the properties of algal media based γ-PGA with the aid of key nutrients; however, the material synthesised to date can directly displace a number of fossil fuel derived chemicals in drug delivery applications, cosmetics, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, flocculation and as cryoprotectants.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a carboxylic-acid-rich, bio-derived, water-soluble, edible, hydrating, non-immunogenic polymer produced naturally by several microorganisms. Here, we re-emphasise the ability of Bacillus subtilis natto to naturally produce γ-PGA on whole seaweed, as well as for the yields and chemical properties of the material to be affected by the presence of Mn(2+). Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an extracellular glycosaminoglycan which presents a high concentration of carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups, being key in fulfilling numerous applications. Currently, there are strong environmental (solvent use), social (non-vegan extraction), and economic factors pushing for the biosynthesis of this material through prokaryotic microorganisms, which is not yet scalable or sustainable. Our study aimed to investigate an innovative raw material which can combine both superior hygroscopicity and UV protection to the cosmetic industry. Comparable hydration effect of commercially available γ-PGA to conventional moisturising agents (HA and glycerol) was observed; however, greater hydration capacity was observed from seaweed-derived γ-PGA. Herewith, successful incorporation of seaweed-derived γ-PGA (0.2–2 w/v%) was achieved for several model cream systems with absorbances reported at 300 and 400 nm. All γ-PGA-based creams displayed shear thinning behaviour as the viscosity decreased, following increasing shear rates. Although the use of commercial γ-PGA within creams did not suggest a significant effect in rheological behaviour, this was confirmed to be a result of the similar molecular weight. Seaweed-derived γ-PGA cream systems did not display any negative effect on model HaCaT keratinocytes by means of in vitro MTT analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction As a reaction to growing number of COVID-19 cases in Quebec, the government issued a lockdown to prevent further spread of the virus in March 2020. The novelty of the imposed restrictions warranted an assessment of adult coping and potential effects on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Objectives The purpose of the present study was to evaluate methods of coping employed during Quebec’s lockdown and their potential ramifications on anxiety and depressive symptoms post-lockdown in Quebec. Methods In a retrospective longitudinal design, two-hundred and twenty-three (n = 223) adults (65.5% female; 34.5% male) completed the study online. They were asked to fill out several questionnaires and provide demographic information. Results Analysis revealed significant improvement in anxiety symptoms post-lockdown relative to during lockdown across the entire sample. Depressive symptoms also improved significantly across the sample, but the difference was less pronounced among 18–34-year-olds than those 35 and above. Male adults aged 18-34 utilized maladaptive coping strategies to the greatest extent. Moreover, maladaptive coping was significantly associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms and predicted depressive symptoms post-lockdown. Further investigation revealed that young adult males differed from females in their use of substances and self-blame to cope. Conclusions Overall, the data suggest that the lockdown adversely affected anxiety and depressive symptoms among the general population. Furthermore, young adults, particularly males, were most susceptible to depressive symptomatology due in part to their methods of coping with the novel context. A follow-up study is warranted. Future studies should also seek to recruit individuals whose self-identified gender is non-traditional (e.g., non-binary). Disclosure No significant relationships.

Production and use of plastic products have drastically increased during the past decades and their environmental impacts are increasingly spotlighted. At the same time, coarse wool, a by-product of meat and dairy production, goes largely unexploited in the EU. This paper asks why more coarse wool is not used in consumer goods, such as acoustic and sound-absorbing products, garden products, and sanitary products. This is answered through a SWOT analysis of results from a desktop study and interviews with producers of these products made from wool, as well as policy documents relating to wool, waste, textiles, and plastic. Findings show that on a product level, the many inherent properties of wool create opportunities for product development and sustainability improvements and that using the coarser wool represents an opportunity for replacing plastics in many applications as well as for innovation. This is, however, dependent on local infrastructure and small-scale enterprises, but as such, it creates opportunities for local value chains, value creation, and safeguarding of local heritage. The shift to small-scale and local resource utilization requires systemic change on several levels: Here the findings show that policy can incentivize material usage transitions, but that these tools are little employed currently.

A study published in BJU International examined the complications associated with robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction. The study analyzed data from 858 patients who underwent the procedure at 16 European centers between 2003 and 2022. The results showed a high overall rate of complications, with urinary tract infection (UTI) being the most common complication. The study highlighted the need for improvements in surgical technique and peri-operative management to reduce complications. The findings also suggested the importance of careful management of the urinary device and consideration of neoadjuvant therapy in patient care. [Extracted from the article]

Soldiers who return to their country of residence after military service are subject to numerous, mostly negative, effects linked to exposure to stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most common anxiety disor-ders, one which develops as a result of being exposed to traumatic experiences, both psychological and physi-cal. Post-traumatic stress disorder is also the main result of participation in active armed combat impacting war veterans, concerning mostly service undertaken outside their home country. Consequently, proper psychologi-cal preparation for armed combat, psychological support during service, as well as the support granted after soldiers return home, are of critical importance. This work characterises social support which is given to army personnel involved in armed combat. Methods of social involvement, which are provided to the soldiers taking part in military service outside their country, have also been described. The paper itself was written for two rea-sons: firstly, in order to exchange knowledge mainly in the areas of psychology and sociology; and secondly, to focus attention on those soldiers struggling with issues resulting from participation in military service outside their home country.

Introduction and purpose of the work. Pain is one of the most common causes of medical rescue teams’ callings. Most of the cases are solved at patients’ homes. Some problems presented by geriatric patients are too difficult to be evaluated at home and need to be admitted to hospitals’ emergency departments(ED) for further diagnosis. Geriatric patients are often burdened with multiorgan dysfunctions which can cause pain. This problem in senior population is often overlooked or underestimated Material and method. Survey was conducted among 100 patients after 65 years of age who were admitted to ED because of pain. Location, the intensity of pain before and after application of analgesia, vital signs( heart rate, blood pressure, the number of breaths, temperature), previously administered pain killers and sociodemographic factors were evaluated and noted Results. Women predominated in the study group as well as the patients with posttraumatic pain (mostly fall from the same height). Forty five percent of patients took a painkiller at home. Preliminary average rating of pain numeric scale (NRS) was 7.49 points. Respondents who received painkillers before coming to the ED, felt more severe pain than those who did not take medications (NRS 7.93 vs. 7.41). Thirty minutes after application of analgesic pain intensity averaged 3.74 points. Conclusions. Pain is a common cause among elderly patients who report to ED, despite previously adopted analgesics. It remains underestimated in prehospital care and needs special attention in emergency departments.

Background: Despite individuals with schizophrenia being at an elevated risk of violence compared to the general population, limited efforts have been invested in investigating the neurobiological etiology explaining the increase. Among the few studies examining functional disruptions pertaining to violent schizophrenia patients using fMRI, only one study has considered functional connectivity. The current state of knowledge does not allow to infer deficits in functional connectivity specific to distinct cognitive/emotional states that have been associated with the emergence of violence in schizophrenia, such as negative emotion processing. This study sought to identify disrupted connectivity among men with schizophrenia and a history of violence (SCZ+V), compared to men with schizophrenia without a history of violence (SCZ-V) and healthy controls, during negative emotion processing using fMRI.Methods: Twenty SCZ+V, 19 SCZ-V, and 21 healthy men were scanned while viewing negative images.Results: Negative images elicited an increased connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the bilateral rostral prefrontal cortex (rPFC), as well as a decreased functional connectivity between the frontal regions (bilateral rPFC and dACC) and the putamen and hippocampus in SCZ+V men as compared to SCZ-V men and healthy controls. Concurrently, the centrality of the dACC within the network was reduced in SCV+V subjects.Conclusions: These results suggest an inefficient integration of the information by the dACC between frontal and limbic regions in SCZ+V men during negative emotion processing and highlight the importance of the ACC in the neurobiological bases of violent behavior in schizophrenia.

The article discusses the aerodynamic properties of the Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter. The main considerations concern the helicopters ascending to the altitude under initial conditions, which were assumed in the project and how the change of the defuzzification method affects the work of the fuzzy controller. The authors analyzed the following: the aircraft, the crew and the payload. The authors assessed the altitude and the minimum time of the helicopter climb. In designing and the work simulation process, the authors used Matlab and Simulink software. A comparison of the influence of selected defuzzification methods on the work of the fuzzy controller was made.

Pyeloplasty is one of the most common urological reconstructive interventions. Since the presentation of the first open pyeloplasty by Anderson and Hynes in 1949, the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction has dramatically developed. The most immense progress was made in the 1990s with the introduction of laparoscopy. A multitude of new minimal surgical techniques have been introduced since then. In the last few years, the innovations were based on refinement of already-existing techniques and technology. With this aim, single-port surgery, three-dimensional vision for laparoscopy, robotic technology, and alternative techniques for creating the anastomosis-like fibrin glue have been introduced. This unsystematic review is timely, and the scientific interest is to present and discuss some of the latest advances in surgical techniques and different approaches for the intra- and post-operative management in pyeloplasty. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only review looking at the recent advances in urological surgical techniques for pyeloplasty during the last few years with a focus on new technology and surgical techniques.