The influence of temperature and genomic variation on intracranial EEG measures in people with epilepsy.

Heatwaves have serious impacts on human health and constitute a key health concern from anthropogenic climate change. People have different individual tolerance for heatwaves or unaccustomed temperatures. Those with epilepsy may be particularly affected by temperature as the electroclinical hallmarks of brain excitability in epilepsy (inter-ictal epileptiform discharges and seizures) are influenced by a range of physiological and non-physiological conditions. Heatwaves are becoming more common and may affect brain excitability. Leveraging spontaneous heatwaves during periods of intracranial EEG recording in participants with epilepsy in a non-air-conditioned telemetry unit at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London from May to August 2015-22, we examined the impact of heatwaves on brain excitability. In London, a heatwave is defined as three or more consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures ≥28°C. For each participant, we counted inter-ictal epileptiform discharges using four 10-min segments within, and outside of, heatwaves during periods of intracranial EEG recording. Additionally, we counted all clinical and subclinical seizures within, and outside of, heatwaves. We searched for causal rare genetic variants and calculated the epilepsy PRS. Nine participants were included in the study (six men, three women), median age 30 years (range 24-39). During heatwaves, there was a significant increase in the number of inter-ictal epileptiform discharges in three participants. Five participants had more seizures during the heatwave period, and as a group, there were significantly more seizures during the heatwaves. Genetic data, available for eight participants, showed none had known rare, genetically-determined epilepsies, whilst all had high polygenic risk scores for epilepsy. For some people with epilepsy, and not just those with known, rare, temperature-sensitive epilepsies, there is an association between heatwaves and increased brain excitability. These preliminary data require further validation and exploration, as they raise concerns about the impact of heatwaves directly on brain health.

First Insight into Lignin Valorization as a Promising Biopolymer for the Modulation of the Physicochemical Properties of Port Wine.

Lignosulfonate (LS), kraft lignin (KL), and organosolv lignin (OL) were evaluated as potential modulating agents of the physicochemical properties of Port wine at two different concentrations for 7 and 30 days. KL and LS demonstrated the ability to remove proteins and potentiate the anthocyanin concentration. LS reduced the tannin content and the interaction of salivary acidic proline-rich proteins with wine phenolic compounds. None of the lignin promoted a perceptible color change; however, the yellowish color of KL and OL at 100 g/hL contributed to an increase in the yellow tones of wines. Lignin improved wine aroma by reducing the amount of unwanted volatiles by 30% and increasing the content of ethyl esters associated with fruity aromas by up to 60%. The results suggest that lignin, especially LS, can be employed as a modulating agent, positively impacting wine's physicochemical properties. This valorization of a byproduct opens up new opportunities for the wine industry.

Exploring acylated anthocyanin-based extracts as a natural alternative to synthetic food dyes: Stability and application insights.

This work explores the potential of anthocyanin-based extracts (hibiscus calyxes - HC, red cabbage - RC, and butterfly pea flower - BPF) as natural alternatives to synthetic dyes in the food industry. Analyses in a pH range for food applications revealed higher color stability for the BPF extract, keeping vibrant colors over the 7 days at room temperature. At pH 3 and 100 °C, the BPF was more stable, losing half of its anthocyanin concentration after 14 h, while RC and HC lost half of their color after 7 and 2 h, respectively. The bisulfite bleaching followed a second-order reaction for HC and RC, and a first-order reaction for BPF, suggesting a minor effect of the bisulfite on this extract. Incorporating these extracts into porcine protein and agar-agar gelatin formulations produced consistent products with appealing hues, particularly the blue and purple colors for BPF and RC, dependent on the pH.

The Red Reflex Test and Leukocoria in Childhood.

The red reflex test, performed using a direct ophthalmoscope, serves as a critical diagnostic tool in identifying various ocular conditions. These conditions encompass retinal anomalies (such as retinoblastoma, Coats disease, retinopathy of prematurity, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, myelinated nerve fibers, ocular toxocariasis, ocular toxoplasmosis, retinochoroidal coloboma, astrocytic, and combined hamartoma), vitreous abnormalities (including persistent fetal vasculature), lens issues (like cataract), anterior chamber and corneal conditions (comprising dysgenesis of the anterior segment, congenital glaucoma, birth trauma), and tear film disturbances. During this examination, the presence of leukocoria, characterized by a white pupillary reflex, can suggest the presence of underlying conditions. Any suspicion of an abnormal red reflex test warrants immediate evaluation by a qualified ophthalmologist. This article primarily underscores the paramount importance of the red reflex examination, not only to identify potential sight-threateningbut also life-threatening conditions. It delves into the most common causes of leukocoria in childhood and offers insights into a comprehensive diagnostic approach. The target audience for this article includes pediatricians, primary care clinicians, and ophthalmologists, all of whom play a pivotal role in the early detection and intervention of these critical eye disorders.

Cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted total hysterectomy for benign pathologies compared to laparoscopic surgery: A retrospective study with propensity score.

BACKGROUND: Hysterectomy for benign pathologies is one of the most common gynecological surgeries. In recent years, robotic surgery has become an alternative to traditional surgery, but at a higher cost. OBJECTIVE: Estimate the cost of benign robot-assisted hysterectomy for the purpose of supporting public decision-making, as well as the additional cost per major postoperative complication (ClavienDindo score ≥ 3) avoided one month after surgery robotic versus traditional laparoscopic. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study including patients operated on for benign hysterectomy at La Pitié Salpêtrière hospital between January 2016 and December 2019: 99 by robotic approach, and 86 by laparoscopic approach. Comparison of robotic surgery to laparoscopy. Calculation of a cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Use of the propensity score inverse weighting method to ensure comparability of groups. RESULTS: Robotic surgery has a total cost of € 6,615 at 1 month per patient compared to € 3,859 for laparoscopic surgery with an additional cost of € 377,534 per major postoperative complication avoided, longer operating time and an absence of significant difference in terms of complications and length of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: In terms of cost-effectiveness, according to this study, the robot does not appear to be better than laparoscopy. In the years to come, we can expect a development of robotic surgery with rationalization of the practice, with appropriate selection of patients for robotic surgery, development of outpatient surgery and a reduction in the cost of the equipment.

Evaluation of microcirculatory protection in percutaneous revascularisation: A stent implantation technique and device comparison.

BACKGROUND: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is prognostically important and may also be a cause of persistent angina. The stent balloon inflation technique or material properties may influence the degree of CMD post-PCI. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with stable angina attending for elective PCI were randomized to either slow drug eluting stent (DES) implantation technique (DES slow group): +2 atm. every 5 s., maintained for a further 30 s or a standard stent implantation technique (DES std group): rapid inflation and deflation. PressureWire X with thermodilution at rest and hyperemia and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed pre- and post-PCI. Combined primary endpoints were changes in index of microvascular resistance (delta IMR) and coronary flow reserve (delta CFR) following PCI. The secondary endpoints included differences in cardiac troponin I (delta cTnI) at 6 h post-PCI, Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and OCT measures of stent results immediately post-PCI and at 3 months. RESULTS: Both groups were well matched, with similar baseline characteristics and OCT-defined plaque characteristics. Delta IMR was significantly better in the DES slow PCI arm with a median difference of -4.14 (95% CI -10.49, -0.39, p = 0.04). Delta CFR was also numerically higher with a median difference of 0.47 (95% CI -0.52, 1.31, p = 0.46). This did not translate to improved delta median cTnI (1.5 (34.8) vs. 0 (27.5) ng/L, p = 0.75) or median SAQ score at 3 months, (85 (20) vs. 95 (17.5), p = 0.47). CONCLUSION: Slow stent implantation is associated with less CMD after elective PCI in patients with stable angina.

Quantitative cellular pathology of the amygdala in temporal lobe epilepsy and correlation with magnetic resonance imaging volumetry, tissue microstructure, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Amygdala enlargement can occur in temporal lobe epilepsy, and increased amygdala volume is also reported in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Apnea can be induced by amygdala stimulation, and postconvulsive central apnea (PCCA) and generalized seizures are both known SUDEP risk factors. Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) has recently provided additional information on altered amygdala microstructure in SUDEP. In a series of 24 surgical temporal lobe epilepsy cases, our aim was to quantify amygdala cellular pathology parameters that could predict enlargement, NODDI changes, and ictal respiratory dysfunction. METHODS: Using whole slide scanning automated quantitative image analysis methods, parallel evaluation of myelin, axons, dendrites, oligodendroglia, microglia, astroglia, neurons, serotonergic networks, mTOR-pathway activation (pS6) and phosphorylated tau (pTau; AT8, AT100, PHF) in amygdala, periamygdala cortex, and white matter regions of interest were compared with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging data on amygdala size, and in 13 cases with NODDI and evidence of ictal-associated apnea. RESULTS: We observed significantly higher glial labeling (Iba1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, Olig2) in amygdala regions compared to cortex and a strong positive correlation between Olig2 and Iba1 in the amygdala. Larger amygdala volumes correlated with lower microtubule-associated protein (MAP2), whereas higher NODDI orientation dispersion index correlated with lower Olig2 cell densities. In the three cases with recorded PCCA, higher MAP2 and pS6-235 expression was noted than in those without. pTau did not correlate with SUDEP risk factors, including seizure frequency. SIGNIFICANCE: Histological quantitation of amygdala microstructure can shed light on enlargement and diffusion imaging alterations in epilepsy to explore possible mechanisms of amygdala dysfunction, including mTOR pathway activation, that in turn may increase the risk for SUDEP.

Vanilla from Brazilian Atlantic Forest: In vitro and in silico toxicity assessment and high-resolution metabolomic analysis of Vanilla spp. ethanolic extracts.

The natural vanilla market, which generates millions annually, is predominantly dependent on Vanilla planifolia, a species characterized by low genetic variability and susceptibility to pathogens. There is an increasing demand for natural vanilla, prized for its complex, authentic, and superior quality compared to artificial counterparts. Therefore, there is a necessity for innovative production alternatives to ensure a consistent and stable supply of vanilla flavors. In this context, vanilla crop wild relatives (WRs) emerge as promising natural sources of the spice. However, these novel species must undergo toxicity assessments to evaluate potential risks and ensure safety for consumption. This study aimed to assess the non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic properties of ethanolic extracts from V. bahiana, V. chamissonis, V. cribbiana, and V. planifolia through integrated metabolomic profiling, in vitro toxicity assays, and in silico analyses. The integrated approach of metabolomics, in vitro assays, and in silico analyses has highlighted the need for further safety assessments of Vanilla cribbiana ethanolic extract. While the extracts of V. bahiana, V. chamissonis, and V. planifolia generally demonstrated non-mutagenic properties in the Ames assay, V. cribbiana exhibited mutagenicity at high concentrations (5000 µg/plate) in the TA98 strain without metabolic activation. This finding, coupled with the dose-dependent cytotoxicity observed in WST-1 (Water Soluble Tetrazolium) assays, a colorimetric method that assesses the viability of cells exposed to a test substance, underscores the importance of concentration in the safety evaluation of these extracts. Kaempferol and pyrogallol, identified with higher intensity in V. cribbiana, are potential candidates for in vitro mutagenicity. Although the results are not conclusive, they suggest the safety of these extracts at low concentrations. This study emphasizes the value of an integrated approach in providing a nuanced understanding of the safety profiles of natural products, advocating for cautious use and further research into V. cribbiana mutagenicity.

Neural underpinnings of ethical decisions in life and death dilemmas in naïve and expert firefighters.

When a single choice impacts on life outcomes, faculties to make ethical judgments come into play. Here we studied decisions in a real-life setting involving life-and-death outcomes that affect others and the decision-maker as well. We chose a genuine situation where prior training and expertise play a role: firefighting in life-threatening situations. By studying the neural correlates of dilemmas involving life-saving decisions, using realistic firefighting situations, allowed us to go beyond previously used hypothetical dilemmas, while addressing the role of expertise and the use of coping strategies (n = 47). We asked the question whether the neural underpinnings of deontologically based decisions are affected by expertise. These realistic life-saving dilemmas activate the same core reward and affective processing network, in particular the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and amygdala, irrespective of prior expertise, thereby supporting general domain theories of ethical decision-making. We found that brain activity in the hippocampus and insula parametrically increased as the risk increased. Connectivity analysis showed a larger directed influence of the insula on circuits related to action selection in non-experts, which were slower than experts in non rescuing decisions. Relative neural activity related to the decision to rescue or not, in the caudate nucleus, insula and anterior cingulate cortex was negatively associated with coping strategies, in experts (firefighters) suggesting practice-based learning. This shows an association between activity and expert-related usage of coping strategies. Expertise enables salience network activation as a function of behavioural coping dimensions, with a distinct connectivity profile when facing life-rescuing dilemmas.

Corrigendum: A conceptual view of cognitive intervention in older adults with and without cognitive decline-a systemic review.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.844725.].

Compressed fluid-based technology for downstream isolation of bluish anthocyanin-derived pigments obtained from blueberry surplus.

A dynamic compressed fluid-based separation process combining carbon dioxide and ethanol was explored to isolate portisins previously hemi-synthesized from blueberry surplus anthocyanins. The influence of process parameters such as pressure (100-500 bar), temperature (40-60 °C), and ethanol content in the compressed fluid mixture (20-50 wt%) on extraction yield, portisins yield, and portisins content in the extract was investigated. The two-step isolation process includes (1) a first step at 100 bar, 60 °C, and 20 wt% ethanol content in the compressed fluid mixture to remove the low polarity compounds; and (2) a second step at 500 bar, 40 °C, and 100 wt% ethanol to recover portisins, resulting in a 1.5-fold increase in portisins content. The performance of the two-step separation process was compared to centrifugal partitional chromatography and conventional reverse phase liquid chromatography already reported in terms of portisins content in the extract, process throughput, process efficiency, and total solvent used. The two-step separation process decreased the total solvent used, although with a decrease in the throughput and efficiency. Nevertheless, the choice of the best separation technology depends on the application, as these techniques result in different portisins purities. Overall, this study contributed to a scalable and more sustainable process for natural colorant production, specifically focusing on blue pigments, with several industrial applications.

Human versus Artificial Intelligence: Validation of a Deep Learning Model for Retinal Layer and Fluid Segmentation in Optical Coherence Tomography Images from Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Artificial intelligence (AI) models have received considerable attention in recent years for their ability to identify optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers with clinical diagnostic potential and predict disease progression. This study aims to externally validate a deep learning (DL) algorithm by comparing its segmentation of retinal layers and fluid with a gold-standard method for manually adjusting the automatic segmentation of the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA + OCT software Version 6.16.8.0. A total of sixty OCT images of healthy subjects and patients with intermediate and exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were included. A quantitative analysis of the retinal thickness and fluid area was performed, and the discrepancy between these methods was investigated. The results showed a moderate-to-strong correlation between the metrics extracted by both software types, in all the groups, and an overall near-perfect area overlap was observed, except for in the inner segment ellipsoid (ISE) layer. The DL system detected a significant difference in the outer retinal thickness across disease stages and accurately identified fluid in exudative cases. In more diseased eyes, there was significantly more disagreement between these methods. This DL system appears to be a reliable method for accessing important OCT biomarkers in AMD. However, further accuracy testing should be conducted to confirm its validity in real-world settings to ultimately aid ophthalmologists in OCT imaging management and guide timely treatment approaches.

Physical Activity, Anxiety, Depression, and Body Image in Trans Individuals: An Exploratory Study.

Physical activity (PA), mental health, and body image are some important health topics in the transgender population that have been recently discussed and appear to play a crucial role in the quality of life of the trans population. This study aims to elucidate the complex interplay of these variables and their implications for the well-being of trans individuals. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 75 Portuguese transgender individuals (M = 23.68; SD ± 6.59) were recruited to participate in this study. The participants completed three questionnaires related to the assessment of physical activity (IPAQ), depressive and anxious symptomatology (HADS), and satisfaction with body image (BISQp). RESULTS: Trans individuals showed a total energy expenditure of 3316.40 metabolic equivalent tasks (METS), had a moderate level of anxiety symptomatology, and low levels of satisfaction with body image. Satisfaction with body image was negatively associated with anxiety (r = -0.441, p < 0.01) and depression symptomatology (r = -0.600, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of inclusive programs that promote body acceptance and coping strategies, particularly within the context of physical exercise, may help alleviate distress related to body image dissatisfaction while also addressing underlying anxiety and depression symptoms.

Latent profiles of emotion regulation among university students: links to repetitive negative thinking, internet addiction, and subjective wellbeing.

Recent years have seen a deterioration in the mental health of university students and notable surge in the need for psychological support. Due to its links to psychopathology and high-risk behaviors, difficulty in emotion regulation frequently serves as a transdiagnostic dimension. This cross-sectional study used a person-centered analytical approach (latent profile analysis; LPA) to identify groups of Portuguese university students with similar profiles of emotion regulation difficulties (N = 261; Mage = 22.5 ± 1.2 years; n = 213 female) and describe how these groups differ in their presentation of repetitive negative thinking, internet addiction, and subjective wellbeing. The analyses identified four latent profiles: 14.5% of students showed global dysregulation (the Low Emotion Regulation Profile), 23% were moderately dysregulated with elevated problems in goal-directed behavior (the Moderate Emotion Regulation Profile), 8% showed specific difficulties with low emotional awareness and clarity (the Low Insight Profile), and 54.4% showed adaptive emotion regulation (the High Emotion Regulation Profile). As anticipated, the Low Emotion Regulation Profile had the lowest subjective wellbeing and the highest prevalence of repetitive negative thinking and internet addiction. Students with a Low Insight Profile also showed low subjective wellbeing, but less repetitive negative thinking compared to the Low Emotion Regulation Profile. Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving health and wellbeing among university students should consider each student's unique set of emotion regulation difficulties, rather than focusing on particular strategies. Further research may help determine whether emotion regulation profiles can serve as predictive indicators of varying mental health trajectories and subjective wellbeing in university students.

Efficacy of monthly treatment with oral fluralaner (Bravecto® 1-Month) against Tunga penetrans in dogs in Brazil: a randomized, double-blind, controlled field study.

BACKGROUND: Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the adult female sand flea (Tunga penetrans). Dogs are considered important reservoirs of T. penetrans in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the monthly insecticidal efficacy of a single oral administration of fluralaner at a dose of 10-18 mg/kg (Bravecto® 1-Month, also registered as Defenza® in some countries; MSD Animal Health) in dogs naturally infested with T. penetrans. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted in a rural community located in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. A total of 64 dogs were selected and distributed in a completely randomized design between a treated group (TG) that received one single dose of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) and a negative control group (CG) that received no treatment. Each group was composed of 32 dogs. The evaluations took place on days 0, 7 ± 2, 14 ± 2, 21 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 35 ± 2, and 42 ± 2 post treatment, in which the dogs were inspected to evaluate the infestation stage and classify lesions associated with tungiasis. The primary efficacy was determined from the percentage of treated dogs free of fleas (stage II and III lesions) after administration of the formulation at each evaluation time. Secondary efficacy was based on the number of active lesions (stages II and III) in each group at each evaluation time. The clinical condition of the animals was defined based on the Severity Score for Acute Dog Tungiasis (SCADT), which is related to the number and severity of lesions. RESULTS: The primary efficacy of the product was greater than 95.0% from days 7 to 21 and reached 100.0% between days 28 and 42, with a significant association between treatment and infestation decline (P < 0.025) between days 7 and 42. Secondary drug efficacy was greater than 99.9% from days 7 to 21, reaching 100.0% between days 28 and 42 (P < 0.05). The treated dogs also scored lower on the SCADT than the control animals did during the entire clinical evaluation period (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) was effective in eliminating Tunga penetrans infestations, as well as in preventing parasitism for at least 42 days after treatment.

The dilution evaluation as a corrective measure for interference in the white blood cell scattergram in Beckman Coulter DxH 900.

BACKGROUND: The Beckman Coulter DxH 900 is a haematological analyser capable of counting and sizing blood cells, and obtaining a complete blood cell count (CBC). This analyses different parameters of red blood cells (RBC), platelets and white blood cells/leukocytes. Some automated CBC counters present limitations due to specimen characteristics, abnormal cells or both factors. In the presence of abnormalities, the DxH 900 has a flagging system, warning the laboratory technician that something needs to be verified. In the present work, we evaluated samples from oncologic patients, presenting a population erroneously perceived as being lymphocytes. The most common explanations for this situation are RBC resistant to lysis or serum hyperbilirubinaemia. METHODS: In an attempt to solve and understand what the cause of this problem might be, we diluted our samples (1:3) and analysed the serum total bilirubin. To identify cells' abnormalities, the samples were also analysed by manual DLC counts. During the study, we also checked the different flags presented by the equipment. RESULTS: The results evidenced that the major interference was due to RBC lysis resistance, corresponding to 94.7% of the cases, while hyperbilirubinaemia was only present in 73.4%. Besides, we determined that some samples with normal bilirubin levels also presented interference, suggesting that hyperbilirubinaemia was not the main cause of the error. The most recurrent flag observed was "High event rate". CONCLUSION: The dilution solved all of the observed interferences. The results between diluted and manual counts showed a strong correlation, leading us to introduce dilution in our laboratory routine.

Application of three-dimensional imaging software to map carcinomatosis in recurrent ovarian cancer.

The treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer has been based on systemic therapy. The role of secondary cytoreductive surgery has been addressed recently in several trials. Imaging plays a key role in helping the surgical team to decide which patients will have resectable disease and benefit from surgery. The role of staging laparoscopy and several imaging and clinical scores has been extensively debated in the field. In other surgical fields there have been reports of using 3D imaging software and 3D printed models to help surgeons better plan the surgical approach. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of a patient with recurrent ovarian cancer undergoing 3D modeling before secondary cytoreductive surgery. The 3D modeling was of most value to evaluate the extension of the disease in our patient who underwent a successful secondary cytoreductive surgery and is currently free of the disease.

Body Condition Scores in Cats and Associations with Systolic Blood Pressure, Glucose Homeostasis, and Systemic Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Feline obesity is the most common nutritional disease in cats. This study aimed to investigate the differences between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and serum amyloid-A (SAA) in ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats. METHODS: The animals were divided into three groups: ideal-weight (BCS 5, N = 20), overweight (BCS 6, N = 20), and obese cats (BCS ≥ 7, N = 20). SBP, circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and SAA were evaluated. RESULTS: The SBP values of the ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats were 140.0 mmHg, 160.0 mmHg, and 160.0 mmHg, respectively. The blood glucose and fructosamine levels for the ideal, overweight, and obese cats were 104.0 mg/dL and 245.0 µmol/L, 123.0 mg/dL and 289.0 µmol/L, and 133.0 mg/dL and 275.0 µmol/L, respectively, for each group. The SAA values were <5 ug/mL in all the groups. The SBP values of the cats with ideal BCS were significantly lower compared to overweight (p = 0.019) and obese (p = 0.001) cats. The blood glucose values of obese cats were higher than those of ideal-weight cats (p = 0.029). There was no statistical difference between the groups for fructosamine and SAA. CONCLUSIONS: Obese cats had significantly higher SBP and blood glucose concentrations than ideal-weight cats, showing the effect of BSC on these parameters.

Neural inhibition as implemented by an actor-critic model involves the human dorsal striatum and ventral tegmental area.

Inhibition is implicated across virtually all human experiences. As a trade-off of being very efficient, this executive function is also prone to many errors. Rodent and computational studies show that midbrain regions play crucial roles during errors by sending dopaminergic learning signals to the basal ganglia for behavioural adjustment. However, the parallels between animal and human neural anatomy and function are not determined. We scanned human adults while they performed an fMRI inhibitory task requiring trial-and-error learning. Guided by an actor-critic model, our results implicate the dorsal striatum and the ventral tegmental area as the actor and the critic, respectively. Using a multilevel and dimensional approach, we also demonstrate a link between midbrain and striatum circuit activity, inhibitory performance, and self-reported autistic and obsessive-compulsive subclinical traits.

Comparing the Chemistry of Malvidin-3-O-glucoside and Malvidin-3,5-O-diglucoside Networks: A Holistic Approach to the Acidic and Basic Paradigms with Implications in Biological Studies.

The kinetics, thermodynamics, and degradation of malvidin mono- and diglucosides were studied following a holistic approach by extending to the basic medium. In acidic conditions, the reversible kinetics of the flavylium cation toward the equilibrium is controlled by the hydration and cis-trans isomerization steps, while in the basic medium, the OH- nucleophilic addition to the anionic quinoidal bases is the slowest step. There is a pH range (transition pHs), between the acidic and basic paradigms, that includes physiological pH (7.4), where degradation reactions occur faster, preventing the system from reaching the equilibrium. The transition pH of the diglucoside is narrower, and in contrast with the monoglucoside, there is no evidence for the formation of colored oligomers among the degradation products. Noteworthy, OH- addition in position 4 to form B42-, a kinetic product that decreases the overall equilibration rate, was observed only for the diglucoside.