The Network Structure of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Presentations: The Interplay between ROCD Symptoms with Maladaptive and Non-Maladaptive Personality Traits.

INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to utilize a network perspective to identify the core symptoms of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), encompassing both partner-focused and relationship-centered presentations. Additionally, we examined the interaction between ROCD symptoms and personality traits. METHOD: 493 participants were included in the current study. The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 - short form (PID-5-SF), NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Partner-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (PROCSI), and Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (ROCI) were used to estimate the network structure. Specifically, we computed network structure, bridge expected influence (BEI), and Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) for ROCD scales. RESULTS: In the ROCI network, items 1 and 11 (ROCI.1: "The idea that my affection for my partner is not genuine troubles me," ROCI.7: Thoughts that something is "off" in my relationship significantly disturb me.) emerged as the most important nodes (ROCI.1: Betweenness:1.777, Closeness:1.025, Strength: .872; ROCI.11" Betweenness: 1.097, Closeness:0.457, strength:.699). Additionally, ROCI.7 stands out with significant Betweenness and Expected Influence, emphasizing its importance in facilitating communication and influencing information flow. Conversely, in the PROCI network, item 2 (PROCI.2: "I am constantly questioning whether my partner is deep and intelligent enough") was identified as the most crucial node (Betweenness: 2.568, Closeness: 2.528, Strength: 1.905). Neuroticism is highly influential in the interaction of personality traits with the ROCI scale (BEI: .3781), connecting non-maladaptive traits, while Negative affect, a maladaptive trait, has a significant impact (Bridge Value: .283). CONCLUSION: The present study provided a detailed examination of the psychological dynamics within romantic relationships, highlighting key cognitive processes and personality trait.

Human love: Physical and mental health from Avicenna's viewpoint.

Avicenna is one of the most eminent and influential Persian philosophers and scientists whose philosophical and medical works are of high significance all over the world. Using descriptive analysis, the present study aims to deal with philosophical, physiological, and psychological aspects of human love and lovesickness from his perspective. His anthropology stems from his philosophical contemplation and practical experience in medicine. According to the research results, Avicenna believes that the love of noble-minded and young for external beauty, as a branch of human love, leads to the perfection of moral virtues and spiritual tendencies. Virtual love for beautiful human forms, as a representation of divine names and attributes, is a means to reach absolute perfection and true love in the mystic journey. With respect to the medical and psychological aspects, Avicenna holds that lovesickness brings disease to the soul and body of a lover. Lustful and impious love has resulted from intermingling, recurrent, and obsessive perceptions of mental forms. Since it terminates proper and moderate reasoning and disturbs the mental balance of a lover, it would lead to spiritual, mental, and even physical impairment. After explaining the features and symptoms of lovesickness, Avicenna reviews its therapeutic treatments including spiritual and physical remedies. He concludes that physical condition and temperamental health are obedient to and under the control of the mind.

Investigating Ligand Sphere Perturbations on MnIII-Alkylperoxo Complexes.

Manganese catalysts that activate hydrogen peroxide carry out several different hydrocarbon oxidation reactions with high stereoselectivity. The commonly proposed mechanism for these reactions involves a key manganese(III)-hydroperoxo intermediate, which decays via O-O bond heterolysis to generate a Mn(V)-oxo species that institutes substrate oxidation. Due to the scarcity of characterized MnIII-hydroperoxo complexes, MnIII-alkylperoxo complexes are employed to understand factors that affect the mechanism of the O-O cleavage. Herein, we report a series of novel complexes, including two room-temperature-stable MnIII-alkylperoxo species, supported by a new amide-containing pentadentate ligand (6Medpaq5NO2). We use a combination of spectroscopic methods and density functional theory computations to probe the effects of the electronic changes in the ligand sphere trans to the hydroxo and alkylperoxo units to thermal stability and reactivity. The structural characterizations for both MnII(OTf)(6Medpaq5NO2) and [MnIII(OH)(6Medpaq5NO2)](OTf) were obtained via single-crystal X-ray crystallography. A perturbation to the ligand sphere allowed for a marked increase in reactivity towards an organic substrate, a modest change in the distribution of the O-O cleavage products from homolytic and heterolytic pathways, and little change in thermal stability.

A Smartphone-Gamified Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Augmented With Biofeedback for Ailurophobia: Development and Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, no specialized research has been conducted to address ailurophobia (fear of cats) in Iran or globally. This has driven our project, along with the prevalence of ailurophobia and the absence of a gamified virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) that incorporates affordable and easily accessible biofeedback (BF) tools. We hypothesize that a gamified VRET augmented with BF will yield more positive effects than a similar device lacking BF. OBJECTIVE: This study primarily focuses on the development and preliminary evaluation of a smartphone-gamified VRET integrated with BF, targeting animal phobia, with a specific case study on ailurophobia. The secondary objectives are using affordable and readily available BF found in devices such as smart bands and smartwatches and creating a mobile virtual reality gamified app to improve patients' adherence to treatments while simultaneously enhancing the app's accessibility, scalability, and outreach. METHODS: Evaluations encompassed 3 methods. First, we identified the tool's potential positive effects on phobia interventions, exploring 4 effects: intrinsic motivation, simulation of fearful situations, management of stressful circumstances without therapists' presence and mitigation of catastrophic thoughts, and preliminary effects on ailurophobia treatment. Participants were divided into BF and non-BF groups. Second, we gathered user preferences and opinions about the treatment. Third, we conducted heuristic evaluations using 44 heuristics from existing system usability scales assessing user interfaces, virtual reality platforms, and video games' playability. To interpret the data, mean scores; ANOVA, single factor; and ANOVA, 2-factor with replication were used. A total of 29 individuals were identified, of which 10 met the eligibility criteria or were accessible. RESULTS: The smartphone-gamified VRET augmented with BF exhibited better results on the identified effects compared with the non-BF version and contributed to normalizing encounters with cats. Moreover, 41 of the 44 heuristics achieved a percentage above 62%, indicating its potential as a therapeutic product and its ability to enhance patient adherence to treatments. Patient preferences on the treatment and its strengths and weaknesses were provided for further improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The tool has the potential to evolve into a comprehensive solution by incorporating various types of cats and their behaviors, simulating environments in which they are commonly found, and enhancing its appeal through an increased sense of adventure without inducing unrealistic fears. By adapting fear elements, the game can be tailored to treat various animal phobias. Phobia-focused games should avoid action and combat scenarios to prevent reinforcement of fear responses. After rigorous evaluation, further exploration is required to provide remote use beyond clinical settings.

Blood-lead level in humans and drug addiction: a comprehensive study in Iran.

Drug abuse has a high prevalence worldwide and causes many health-related disorders. There are limited human exposure studies on establishing lead exposure levels and their propensity for drug addiction. In the present study, blood samples were tested for lead (Pb) concentrations in illicit drug users together with the related symptoms in comparison with control group of non-drug users. The study was performed on 250 volunteers divided equally in four drug groups, namely, opioids, hashish, methadone, and methamphetamine, and one control group of non-drug users. Participants were recruited from drug addiction clinics and camps in Kashan city, Iran, who were using drugs continuously for more than 1 year. Control group was recruited from companions of the patients with no drug use history. In the investigated groups of drug users, the highest blood-lead level (BLL) concentrations were observed in the opioid group (mean 37.57 µg/dL) with almost 3.7 times higher than in the control group (mean 3.39 µg/dL). In the methamphetamine group, type of occupation had the significant association with BLL concentrations. The positive correlation was revealed in the opioid and methadone groups for BLL concentrations and the duration of drug usage. In the opioid group, the highest BLL concentrations were observed among users who used both methods of drug use: smoking and eating. Also, several behavioral and life-style factors were identified which influence the blood-lead concentration in the drug users. The results of our study revealed that the BLL concentrations in investigated drug users' groups were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.001). That can be related with the Pb contents in illicitly used drugs. Apart other adverse health effects, long-term illicit drug use might cause to lead poisoning.

Maternal exposure to polystyrene microplastics alters placental metabolism in mice.

INTRODUCTION: The rapid growth in the worldwide use of plastics has resulted in a vast accumulation of microplastics in the air, soil and water. The impact of these microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development remains largely unknown. In pregnant mice, we recently demonstrated that exposure to micro- and nanoplastics throughout gestation resulted in significant fetal growth restriction. One possible explanation for reduced fetal growth is abnormal placental metabolism. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of maternal exposure to microplastics on placental metabolism. METHODS: In the present study, CD-1 pregnant mice were exposed to 5 µm polystyrene microplastics in filtered drinking water at one of four concentrations (0 ng/L (controls), 102 ng/L, 104 ng/L, 106 ng/L) throughout gestation (n = 7-11/group). At embryonic day 17.5, placental tissue samples were collected (n = 28-44/group). Metabolite profiles were determined using 1 H high-resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: The relative concentration of lysine (p = 0.003) and glucose (p < 0.0001) in the placenta were found to decrease with increasing microplastic concentrations, with a significant reduction at the highest exposure concentration. Multivariate analysis identified shifts in the metabolic profile with MP exposure and pathway analysis identified perturbations in the biotin metabolism, lysine degradation, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. CONCLUSION: Maternal exposure to microplastics resulted in significant alterations in placental metabolism. This study highlights the potential impact of microplastic exposure on pregnancy outcomes and that efforts should be made to minimize exposure to plastics, particularly during pregnancy.

Endothelial nitric oxide deficiency results in abnormal placental metabolism.

Placental metabolism determines the amount of nutrients available to the fetus and may be altered in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). To study which metabolites are associated with FGR, we performed 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy of placental tissue from endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS KO) mice, a model of FGR, and C57BL/6J controls at embryonic day 17.5 (n = 24/genotype). The relative concentration of glucose was increased in the placentas of eNOS KO mice compared to controls (p = 0.006). This study highlights the potential for glucose as a biomarker of abnormal placental metabolism that leads to FGR.

The impact of perfluoroalkyl substances on pregnancy, birth outcomes, and offspring development: a review of data from mouse models†.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans, potentially causing adverse health effects at all stages of life. Studies from human pregnancy have shown that exposure to these contaminants are associated with placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction; however, studies in humans are confounded by genetic and environmental factors. Here, we synthesize the available results from mouse models of pregnancy to show the causal effects of prenatal exposure to PFOA and PFOS on placental and fetal development and on neurocognitive function and metabolic disorders in offspring. We also propose gaps in the present knowledge and provide suggestions for future research studies.

A Gamification Framework for Cognitive Assessment and Cognitive Training: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive tasks designed to measure or train cognition are often repetitive and presented in a monotonous manner, features that lead to participant boredom and disengagement. In this situation, participants do not put forth their best effort to do these tasks well. As a result, neuropsychologists cannot draw accurate conclusions about the data collected, and intervention effects are reduced. It is assumed that greater engagement and motivation will manifest as improved data quality. Gamification, the use of game elements in nongame settings, has been heralded as a potential mechanism for increasing participant engagement in cognitive tasks. Some studies have reported a positive effect of gamification on participant performance, although most studies have shown mixed results. One reason for these contrasting findings is that most studies have applied poor and heterogeneous design techniques to gamify cognitive tasks. Therefore, an appropriate gamification design framework is needed in these tasks. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to propose a framework to guide the design of gamification in cognitive tasks. METHODS: We employed a design science research (DSR) approach to provide a framework for gamifying cognitive assessments and training by synthesizing current gamification design frameworks and gamification works in cognitive assessment and training, as well as incorporating field experiences. The prototypes of the framework were iteratively evaluated with 17 relevant experts. RESULTS: We proposed a framework consisting of 7 phases: (1) preparation; (2) knowing users; (3) exploring existing tools for assessing or training a targeted cognitive context and determining the suitability of game-up and mapping techniques; (4) ideation; (5) prototyping using the Objects, Mechanics, Dynamics, Emotions (OMDE) design guideline; (6) development; and (7) disseminating and monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: We found that (1) an intermediate design framework is needed to gamify cognitive tasks, which means that game elements should be selected by considering current cognitive assessment or training context characteristics since game elements may impose an irrelevant cognitive load that, in turn, can jeopardize data quality; (2) in addition to developing a new gamified cognitive task from scratch, 2 gamification techniques are widely used (first, adding game elements to an existing cognitive task and second, mapping an existing game to a cognitive function or impairment to assess or train it); and (3) further research is required to investigate the interplay of cognitive processes and game mechanics.

Effect of Different Drying Methods on the Physicochemical Properties and Bioactive Components of Saffron Powder.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world; so, determining optimum conditions for its processing is crucial. The most important processing stage of saffron is drying of its stigma, which should be optimized and there are no reports on reactance-window (RW) of saffron. In this research, drying of saffron with traditional, RW, and oven driers and at three temperatures of 60, 70 and 80 °C, as well as room temperature (25 °C) were studied. Regarding process duration, RW drier with 200 µm Mylar membrane and oven drier were the best methods with average drying time of 25.28 and 22.28 min, respectively. As far as the concentration of bioactive ingredients, i.e., picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin, of saffron was concerned, RW drier with Pyrex glass was better than other driers, resulting in 112.83 [Formula: see text] of picrocrocin, 51.79 [Formula: see text] of safranal, and 274.76 [Formula: see text] of crocin. The panelist most favored those saffron samples dried by RW with 300 µm Mylar membrane.

Do patients with penetrating abdominal stab wounds require laparotomy?

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of hemodynamically stable asymptomatic patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds (AASWs) remains controversial. The goal is to identify and treat injuries in a safe cost-effective manner. Common evaluation strategies are local wound exploration (LWE), diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL), serial clinical assessment (SCAs) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Making a decision about the right time to operate on a patient with a penetrating abdominal stab wound, especially those who have visceral evisceration, is a continuing challenge. OBJECTIVES: Until the year 2010, our strategy was emergency laparotomy in patients with penetrating anterior fascia and those with visceral evisceration. This survey was conducted towards evaluating the results of emergency laparotomy. So, better management can be done in patients with penetrating abdominal stab wounds. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on patients with abdominal penetrating trauma who referred to Al- Zahra hospital in Isfahan, Iran from October 2000 to October 2010. It should be noted that patients with abdominal blunt trauma, patients under 14 years old, those with lateral abdomen penetrating trauma and patients who had unstable hemodynamic status were excluded from the study. Medical records of patients were reviewed and demographic and clinical data were collected for all patients including: age, sex, mechanism of trauma and the results of LWE and laparotomy. Data were analyzed with PASW v.20 software. All data were expressed as mean ± SD. The distribution of nominal variables was compared using the Chi-squared test. Also, diagnostic index for LWE were calculated. A two-sided P value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: During the 10 year period of the study, 1100 consecutive patients with stab wounds were admitted to Al-Zahra hospital Isfahan, Iran. In total, about 150 cases had penetrating traumas in the anterior abdomen area. Sixty-three (42%) patients were operated immediately due to shock, visceral evisceration or aspiration of blood via a nasogastric tube on admission. Organ injury was seen in 78% of patients with visceral evisceration. Among these 87 cases, 29 patients' (33.3%) anterior fascia was not penetrated in LWE. So, they were observed for several hours and discharged from the hospital without surgery. While for the remaining 58 patients (66.6%), whose LWE detected penetration of anterior abdominal fascia, laparotomy was performed which showed visceral injuries in 11 (18%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: All in all, 82 percent of laparotomies in patients with penetrated anterior abdominal fascia without visceral evisceration, who had no signs of peritoneal irritation, were negative. So, we recommended further evaluation in these patients. However, visceral evisceration is an indication for exploratory laparotomy, since in our study; the majority of patients had organ damages.