Computerized assessment of handwriting in de novo Parkinson's disease: A kinematic study.

INTRODUCTION: Dysgraphia, a recognized PD motor symptom, lacks effective clinical assessment. Current evaluation relies on motor assessment scales. Computational methods introduced over the past decade offer an objective dysgraphia assessment, considering size, duration, speed, and handwriting fluency. Objective evaluation of dysgraphia may be of help for early diagnosis of PD. OBJECTIVE: Computerized assessment of dysgraphia in de novo PD patients and its correlation with clinical scales. METHODS: We evaluated 38 recently diagnosed, premedication PD patients and age-matched controls without neurological disorders. Participants wrote "La casa de Pamplona es bonita" three times on paper and once on a Wacom tablet under the paper, totaling four phrases. Writing segments of 5-10 s were analyzed. The Wacom tablet captured kinematic data, including mean velocity, mean acceleration, and pen pressure. Data were saved in.svc format and analyzed using specialized software developed by Tecnocampus Mataró. Standard clinical practice data, Hoehn & Yahr staging, and UPDRS scales were used for evaluation. RESULTS: Significant kinematic differences existed; patients had lower mean speed (27 ± 12 vs. 48 ± 18, p < 0.0001) and mean acceleration (7.2 ± 3.9 vs. 15.01 ± 7, p < 0.0001) than controls. Mean speed and mean acceleration correlated significantly with UPDRS III scores (speed: r = -0.52, p < 0.0007; acceleration: r = 0.60, p < 0.0001), indicating kinematic parameters' potential in PD evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Dysgraphia is identifiable in PD patients, even de novo, indicating an early symptom and correlates with clinical scales, offering potential for objective PD patient evaluation.

Impact on neonatal morbidity of moderate to severe early foetal growth restriction defined by doppler criteria: multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been a change in the conceptualization of foetal growth restriction (FGR), which has gone from being defined solely based on weight criteria to being defined and staged based on Doppler criteria. The aim of our study was to evaluate neonatal risk in a cohort of neonates with moderate to severe early-onset FGR defined by Doppler criteria. POPULATION AND METHODS: We conducted a multicentre prospective cohort study in a cohort of neonates with early-onset foetal growth restriction and abnormal Doppler findings and a control cohort without Doppler abnormalities matched for sex and gestational age. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients (50 cases, 55 controls) were included. We found a higher frequency of respiratory morbidity in the FGR group, with an increased need of surfactant (30% vs. 27.3%; OR, 5.3 [95% CI, 1.1-26.7]), an increased need for supplemental oxygen (66% vs. 49.1%; OR, 5.6 [95% CI, 1.5-20.5]), and a decreased survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (70 vs. 87.3%; OR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.03-0.99]). Patients with FGR required a longer length of stay and more days of parenteral nutrition and had a higher incidence of haematological abnormalities such as neutropenia and thrombopenia. The lactate level at birth was higher in the severe FGR subgroup (6.12 vs. 2.4 mg/dL; P = .02). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of early-onset moderate to severe FGR defined by Doppler criteria carries a greater risk of respiratory, nutritional and haematological morbidity, independently of weight and gestational age. These patients, therefore, should be considered at increased risk compared to constitutionally small for gestational age preterm infants or preterm infants without FGR.

Effect of nusinersen on respiratory and bulbar function in children with spinal muscular atrophy: Real world experience from a single center.

AIM: Due to the limited data from clinical trials and real-world settings in the realm of nusinersen, there is a need for further evidence. This study seeks to assess the impact of nusinersen, when combined with standard care, on bulbar function, respiratory function, and the necessity for respiratory support among pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). METHODS: Prospective observational study, involving pediatric SMA patients (types 1-3) undergoing nusinersen treatment at the Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío in Spain over at least a 24-month period. The cohort included 11 SMA type 1 patients, comprising 6 type 1b and 5 type 1c, 12 SMA type 2 patients, and 5 SMA type 3 patients. RESULTS: 28 pediatric patients were enrolled, with a majority being male (n=20). Patients with type 1 were diagnosed and received treatment significantly earlier than those with types 2 and 3 (P<0.001). Additionally, there was a longer period between diagnosis and the start of treatment in types 2/3 (P=0.002). Follow-up revealed statistically improved functional and respiratory outcomes associated with earlier initiation of nusinersen treatment at 6, 12, and 24 months in all phenotypes. The ability to swallow and feed correctly remained unchanged throughout the study, with SMA type 1c patients maintaining oral feeding in contrast to patients with SMA type 1b. Notably, no deaths were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important insights into the real-world clinical progress of pediatric SMA patients and their response to nusinersen treatment, highlighting the significance of early intervention for better functional and respiratory outcomes.

Effects of Mental Visualization on Plyometric Performance and Self-Confidence of Football Players.

Plyometric training in football is essential for enhancing athletic performance, as it allows for increasing strength and speed in gameplay. Meanwhile, mental visualization improves players' technical play and motor performance during both training and competitions, thereby contributing to an overall sports performance enhancement. Collectively, physical and technical training is thought to boost athletes' confidence in facing competitive demands. Our aim in the present study was to analyze the effectiveness of mental visualization during a plyometric training program for improving strength speed, and competitive self-confidence in young adult football (soccer) players. Our sample consisted of 40 male players aged between 19 and 25 years (M = 20.82; SD = 1.26). We used a quasi-experimental design with a control group and pretest/posttest measurements. The experimental group participated in an 8-week plyometric training program that incorporated visualization tasks, while the control group underwent the same program but without visualization exercises. We found significant improvements for the experimental group on vertical jump (p = .047) and speed (50-m sprints) (p < .034) tests, as well as in their perceived competitive self-confidence (p < .017). These findings suggest that combining plyometric exercises with visualization tasks may contribute to better motor learning, increased lower limb muscle speed and strength, and self-confidence to face competition.

Nanophotonic Bragg grating assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometers for O-band add-drop filters.

Spectral filters are fundamental building blocks in integrated photonics. Bragg grating filters have been demonstrated in silicon waveguides with a wide range of spectral responses and are suitable for wavelength division multiplexing applications. However, retrieving Bragg grating reflections typically requires external components such as fiber optic circulators. In this work, we develop fully integrated add-drop filters based on cladding-modulated Bragg gratings incorporated in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration. We design complex spectral filtering devices with single and dual-band flat-top responses for the specified bandwidth. Additionally, we propose a novel design methodology which aims to minimize phase errors within the filters. We experimentally demonstrate add-drop filters with single-band and two-band rejection spectra at the datacom O-band, fabricated on a 220-nm thick silicon-on-insulator platform. Our results show an insertion loss below 1 dB and a crosstalk of around -20 dB at the channel center for a 4.5-nm wavelength grid and 3-nm wide channels.

Evaluation of the Antigenotoxic Potential of Two Types of Chayote (Sechium edule) Juices.

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant with tendrils and tuberous roots belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits ("chayote"), stems, roots, and leaves are edible and are commonly ingested by humans. It has shown medicinal properties attributed to its bioactive compounds (vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols, and cucurbitacins), which together have been associated with the control and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases, highlighting its antibacterial, anti-cardiovascular/antihypertensive, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities. The objective of the study was to determine the antigenotoxic potential of two types of fresh chayote juice (filtered (FChJ) and unfiltered (UFChJ)) against DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay (MN). The juices were consumed freely for 2 weeks. A negative control, a control group of each juice, a positive batch [B[a]P], and two combined batches (B[a]P plus FChJ or UFChJ) were included. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope to quantify the number of micronucleated normochromic erythrocytes (MNNEs). The results indicate: (a) B[a]P increased the frequency of MNNEs and reduced the rate of PEs; and (b) no juice produced toxic effects or induced MN. On the contrary, both juices were genoprotective. However, the most significant effect was presented by UFChJ at the end of the experiment (70%). It is suggested that UFChJ has a greater amount of fiber and/or phytochemicals that favor the therapeutic effect. Possibly, the genoprotection is also related to its antioxidant capacity.

Sexual abuse and dysfunction in people with addiction problems and the general population. A descriptive study.

The fact of having suffered Childhood Sexual Abuse (ASI) is considered a risk factor for the subsequent development of sexual dysfunctions, these being more frequent among women than among men. The objective of this work is to analyze the different sexual dysfunctions in people who have suffered ASI, with addiction problems and in the general population. The sample is made up of 426 participants (241 men and 185 women). A retrospective ex post facto study has been carried out using a sociodemographic data questionnaire (ad hoc) and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). For data analysis, the Kolomogorov-Smirnov and Mann Whitney U tests were performed. The Mann-Whitney U test has been carried out to verify if there are significant differences between the people who present sexual dysfunction, between the groups that have suffered sexual abuse and have addiction problems, and the group that has not suffered sexual abuse and have addiction problems. The results indicate that the variables in which significant differences are found are the following: Dissatisfaction (p = 0.013), Avoidance (p < 0.001), No sensuality (p = 0.008), Vaginismus (p < 0.001), Anorgasmia (p < 0.001), erectile dysfunction (p = 0.045), and premature ejaculation (p = 0.007). The average scores that have been obtained among people who have addiction problems, without having suffered ASI in comparison with those who have suffered it, are the following: Dissatisfaction (5.09 vs. 6.41), Avoidance (2.03 vs. 2.22), No Sensuality (2.96 vs. 4.50), Vaginismus (0.88 vs. 2.94), Anorgasmia (0.97 vs. 3.78), Erectile Dysfunction (2.41 vs. 1.69), Premature Ejaculation (3.60 vs. 2.22). People who have suffered ASI present, with a greater probability, sexual dysfunctions than those who have not suffered it.

Efficacy assessment of liposome crosslinked hyaluronic acid and standard hyaluronic acid eye drops for dry eye disease management: a comparative study employing the ocular surface analyzer and subjective questionnaires.

Introduction: Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent condition causing ocular discomfort and visual disturbances, often managed with artificial tears. This study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of eye drops containing Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid (CHA) with liposomes and crocin and standard Hyaluronic Acid (HA) for DED management. Methods: A single-blind, longitudinal study was conducted on 24 participants (48 eyes), randomized to receive one of the two treatments. Ocular health measures, including the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and the standard patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) scores, were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks post-treatment using the Ocular Surface Analyzer. Results: CHA achieved a lipid layer thickness increase of 1.29 ± 1.08 Guillon pattern degree (p < 0.01), FNIBUT increase 0.64 ± 0.77 s (p < 0.01), MNIBUT increase1.28 ± 4.74 s (p = 0.19), OSDI decrease 11.72 ± 6.73 score points (p < 0.01) and SPEED decrease 1.16 ± 5.05 score points (p = 0.27). Significant reductions in the OSDI and SPEED scores post-treatment were observed with both treatments, indicating their effectiveness. Conclusion: CHA with liposomes exhibits superior efficacy compared to standard HA eye drops in the management of DED. These findings highlight the potential for personalized treatment strategies incorporating CHA, indicating a more effective approach to DED management. However, further research is required to validate these results and investigate the long-term effects, which may pave the way for a data-driven and optimized approach to managing DED.

Protocol for electrophysiological measurements of circadian changes in excitability in dentate granule cells from adult mice.

Many types of neurons exhibit a daily rhythm of intrinsic excitability. Here, we present a protocol for assessing circadian regulation of dentate granule cell excitability using a mouse model for conditional knockout of the molecular clock protein BMAL1. We describe steps for obtaining healthy oblique horizontal slices that contain the hippocampus and measuring intrinsic excitability and synaptic potentials by combining whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and perforant-path electric stimulation. We then detail procedures for validating single-cell genetic deletion of Bmal1 by immunohistochemistry. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Gonzalez et al.1.

Long-Term Impacts of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy on Ocular Surface Health and Tear Film Dynamics in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: Detailed Analysis and Observations Over a 1-Year Follow-Up Period.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the long-term effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy on patients with dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). METHODS: A retrospective case series was performed with 110 participants undergoing IPL therapy. Assessments included the eye fitness test (EFT) to gauge subjective symptoms, along with objective measures using the Tearcheck® device (ESW Vision, Houdan, France) noninvasive first breakup time (NIFBUT), noninvasive average breakup time (NIABUT), central tear meniscus height (CTMH), thinnest tear meniscus height (TTMH), and ocular surface inflammatory risk evaluation (OSIE) assessed using the SCHWIND SIRIUS device (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany). RESULTS: This study documented significant improvements in subjective and objective symptoms associated with DED and MGD. Subjective symptoms measured by the EFT showed an average increase of 9.74 points (range -10 to 28, standard deviation [SD] ± 7.54), indicating reduced symptoms. Objective measures of tear film stability, represented by NIABUT, increased by an average of 4.04 s (range -15.00 to 14.40, SD ± 4.91). Tear film stability evaluation (TFSE) scores decreased by 229.12 points on average (range -1775 to 528, SD ± 384.94), suggesting enhanced tear film stability. OSIE type 1 showed a reduction in inflammation, with a percentage decrease of 4.98% (range -45 to 5, SD ± 7.33). Additionally, OSIE capture time decreased by 3.25 s on average (range -27 to 22, SD ± 10.35), further indicating an improvement in ocular surface health. CONCLUSION: IPL therapy was shown to be a promising, noninvasive approach for improving quality of life in patients with DED by effectively managing symptoms and stabilizing tear film. The findings support the use of IPL as a sustainable treatment modality for DED associated with MGD.

Clinical characteristics and impact on patient-reported outcomes and quality of life of people with ambulatory secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: Discover study.

BACKGROUND: People with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (pwSPMS) experience increasing disability, which impacts negatively on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Our aims were to assess the impact of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) on functional status and HRQoL and describe the clinical profile in this population. METHODS: DISCOVER is an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study with retrospective data collection in real-world clinical practice in Spain. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, functional and cognitive scales, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and direct healthcare, and non-healthcare and indirect costs were collected. RESULTS: A total of 297 evaluable pwSPMS with a EDSS score between 3-6.5 participated: 62.3 % were female and 18.9 % had active SPMS. At the study visit, 77 % of them presented an Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS) of 6-6.5. Nearly 40 % did not receive any disease-modifying treatment. Regarding the working situation, 61.6 % were inactive due to disability. PROs: 99.3 % showed mobility impairment in EuroQoL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels, and about 60 % reported physical impact on the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29. Fatigue was present in 76.1 %, and almost 40 % reported anxiety or depression. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test was used to assess cognitive impairment; 80 % of the patients were below the mean score. Participants who presented relapses two years before and had high EDSS scores had a more negative impact on HRQoL. PwSPMS with a negative impact on HRQoL presented a higher cost burden, primarily due to indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS: PwSPMS experience a negative impact on their HRQoL, with a high physical impact, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and a high burden of indirect costs.

Giant solitary fibrous tumor of the olfactory groove. An unusual simulator in an unusual location.

Solitary fibrous tumors are rare mesenchymal neoplasms that can develop in any part of the body, with those that settle intracranially being confused with meningiomas as a general rule. We present the case of a 57-year-old man referred to our hospital due to bifrontal headache, anosmia, and behavioral alterations of 6 months' duration. Radiological studies revealed the existence of a large tumor mass with an extra-axial appearance and location in the anterior cranial fossa, initially compatible with a giant meningioma of the olfactory groove. Gross total resection of the mass was carried out. The pathological diagnosis was unexpected: a solitary fibrous tumor (WHO grade 1, 2021). Given the aggressive nature of these lesions, with a tendency to recurrence, malignant transformation and even metastasis, surgery with macroscopically complete resection intention should constitute the first therapeutic option. Close clinical-radiological follow-up after the procedure is justified.

Explainable machine learning on baseline MRI predicts multiple sclerosis trajectory descriptors.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifaceted neurological condition characterized by challenges in timely diagnosis and personalized patient management. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to MS holds promises for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and predictive modeling. The objectives of this study are: 1) to propose new MS trajectory descriptors that could be employed in Machine Learning (ML) regressors and classifiers to predict patient evolution; 2) to explore the contribution of ML models in discerning MS trajectory descriptors using only baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies. This study involved 446 MS patients who had a baseline MRI, at least two measurements of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and a 1-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) for model development and 2) for evaluation. Three descriptors: ß1, ß2, and EDSS(t), were related to baseline MRI parameters using regression and classification XGBoost models. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis enhanced model transparency by identifying influential features. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of AI in predicting MS progression using the proposed patient trajectories and baseline MRI scans, outperforming classic Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) methods. In conclusion, MS trajectory descriptors are crucial; incorporating AI analysis into MRI assessments presents promising opportunities to advance predictive capabilities. SHAP analysis enhances model interpretation, revealing feature importance for clinical decisions.

Microglia mitochondrial complex I deficiency during development induces glial dysfunction and early lethality.

Primary mitochondrial diseases (PMDs) are associated with pediatric neurological disorders and are traditionally related to oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) defects in neurons. Interestingly, both PMD mouse models and patients with PMD show gliosis, and pharmacological depletion of microglia, the innate immune cells of the brain, ameliorates multiple symptoms in a mouse model. Given that microglia activation correlates with the expression of OXPHOS genes, we studied whether OXPHOS deficits in microglia may contribute to PMDs. We first observed that the metabolic rewiring associated with microglia stimulation in vitro (via IL-33 or TAU treatment) was partially changed by complex I (CI) inhibition (via rotenone treatment). In vivo, we generated a mouse model deficient for CI activity in microglia (MGcCI). MGcCI microglia showed metabolic rewiring and gradual transcriptional activation, which led to hypertrophy and dysfunction in juvenile (1-month-old) and adult (3-month-old) stages, respectively. MGcCI mice presented widespread reactive astrocytes, a decrease of synaptic markers accompanied by an increased number of parvalbumin neurons, a behavioral deficit characterized by prolonged periods of immobility, loss of weight and premature death that was partially rescued by pharmacologic depletion of microglia. Our data demonstrate that microglia development depends on mitochondrial CI and suggest a direct microglial contribution to PMDs.

Increasing culturally relevant science media coverage: exploring the outcomes of a collaboration in Puerto Rico.

CienciaPR, a nonprofit that brings together the largest network of Puerto Rican scientists and one of the largest networks of Hispanic/Latine scientists in the world, has collaborated with El Nuevo Día (END), Puerto Rico's newspaper of record, to increase culturally relevant stories in their science section. This Practice Insight quantifies and compares the presence of culturally relevant elements (e.g., referring to Puerto Rico, local landmarks, historic figures, slang) and other content information (e.g., topics, location, focus, protagonist) in articles authored by CienciaPR members versus articles by END, news agencies, and other organizations. Results demonstrate that CienciaPR-authored articles published in END featured culturally relevant elements more often (e.g., mentioned Puerto Rico, used Puerto Rican slang, stories located in Puerto Rico) than those by other sources.

Influence of Sonication on the Molecular Characteristics of Carbopol® and Its Rheological Behavior in Microgels.

In this work, the effect of sonication on the molecular characteristics of polyacrylic acid (Carbopol® Ultrez 10), as well as on its rheological behavior in aqueous dispersions and microgels, was analyzed for the first time by rheometry, weight-average molecular weight (Mw) measurements via static light scattering (SLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and confocal microscopy. For this, the precursor dispersion and the microgels containing 0.25 wt.% of Ultrez 10 were sonicated in a commercial ultrasound bath at constant power and at different times. The main rheological properties of the microgel, namely, shear modulus, yield stress and viscosity, all decreased with increasing sonication time, while the microgel's Herschel-Bulkley (H-B) behavior, without thixotropy, was preserved. Also, Mw of Ultrez 10 decreased up to almost one-third (109,212 g/mol) of its original value (300,860 g/mol) after 180 min of sonication. These results evidence a softening of the gel microstructure, which results from the reduction in the Mw of polyacrylic acid with sonication time. Separately, FTIR measurements show that sonication produces scission in the C-C links of the Carbopol® backbone, which results in chains with the same chemistry but lower molecular weight. Finally, confocal microscopy observations revealed a diminution of the size of the microsponge domains and more free solvent with sonication time, which is reflected in a less compact and softer microstructure. The present results indicate that both the microstructure and the rheological behavior of Carbopol® microgels, in particular, and complex fluids, in general, may be manipulated or tailored by systematic high-power ultrasonication.

Elucidating Black α-CsPbI3 Perovskite Stabilization via PPD Bication-Conjugated Molecule Surface Passivation: Ab Initio Simulations.

The cubic α-CsPbI3 phase stands out as one of the most promising perovskite compounds for solar cell applications due to its suitable electronic band gap of 1.7 eV. However, it exhibits structural instability under operational conditions, often transforming into the hexagonal non-perovskite δ-CsPbI3 phase, which is unsuitable for solar cell applications because of the large band gap (e.g., ∼2.9 eV). Thus, there is growing interest in identifying possible mechanisms for increasing the stability of the cubic α-CsPbI3 phase. Here, we report a theoretical investigation, based on density functional theory calculations, of the surface passivation of the α-, γ-, and δ-CsPbI3(100) surfaces using the C6H4(NH3)2 [p-phenylenediamine (PPD)] and Cs species as passivation agents. Our calculations and analyses corroborate recent experimental findings, showing that PPD passivation effectively stabilizes the cubic α-CsPbI3 perovskite against the cubic-to-hexagonal phase transition. The PPD molecule exhibits covalent-dominating bonds with the substrate, which makes it more resistant to distortion than the ionic bonds dominant in perovskite bulks. By contrasting these results with the natural Cs passivation, we highlight the superior stability of the PPD passivation, as evidenced by the negative surface formation energies, unlike the positive values observed for the Cs passivation. This disparity is due to the covalent characteristics of the molecule/surface interaction of PPD, as opposed to the purely ionic interaction seen with the Cs passivation. Notably, the PPD passivation maintains the optoelectronic properties of the perovskites because the electronic states derived from the PPD molecules are localized far from the band gap region, which is crucial for optoelectronic applications.

Photocatalytic Synthesis and Functionalization of Sulfones, Sulfonamides and Sulfoximines.

Sulfur(VI)-based functional groups are popular scaffolds in a wide variety of research fields including synthetic and medicinal chemistry, as well as chemical biology. The growing interest in sulfur(VI)-containing molecules has motivated the scientific community to explore new methods to synthesize and modify them. Here, photocatalysis plays a key role granting access to new types of reactivity under mild reaction conditions. In this Perspective, we present a selection of works reported in the last six years focused on the photocatalytic assembly and reactivity of sulfones, sulfonamides, and sulfoximines. We addressed the key synthetic intermediates for each transformation, while discussing limitations and strength points of the protocols. Future directions of the field are finally presented.

Establishing Normal Serum Values of Neurofilament Light Chains and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Considering the Effects of Age and Other Demographic Factors in Healthy Adults.

Multiple studies have shown the importance of blood-based biomarkers indicating axonal damage (serum neurofilament light chains [sNfL]) or astroglia activation (serum glial fibrillary acidic protein [sGFAP]) for monitoring different neurological diseases. However, normal values of these variables remain to be clearly defined, partly due to the influence of different demographic factors. We investigated demographic differences in a cohort of healthy volunteers. A cross-sectional study was conducted including 116 healthy controls with ages between 18 and 69 years (67.5% females; n = 79). sNfL and sGFAP concentrations were measured using single-molecule arrays. Age and body mass index affected sNfL values, and age was found to be the most important factor. The normal values changed with age, and we established normal values for individuals younger than 45 years as <10 pg/mL and for controls older than 45 years as <15 pg/mL. We established normal values at <10 pg/mL for individuals younger than 45 years and <15 pg/mL for older individuals. Alternatively, a Z-score of 1.5 was relevant for all controls. sGFAP was only affected by age. Differences in normal values were evident by 55 years. The highest normality limit for sGFAP was 140 pg/mL for controls under 55 years and 280 for older controls. We defined normal levels for sNfL and sGFAP and their corresponding age-associated changes. These data may contribute to the application of such variables in clinical practice.

Switching and Frequency Response Assessment of Photovoltaic Drivers and Their Potential for Different Applications.

Newly introduced Photovoltaic (PV) devices, featuring a built-in chip with an illuminating Light Emitting Diode (LED), have emerged in the commercial market. These devices are touted for their utility as both low- and high-side power switch drivers and for data acquisition coupling. However, comprehensive knowledge and experimentation regarding the limitations of these Photovoltaic Drivers in both switching and signal processing applications remain underexplored. This paper presents a detailed characterization of a Photovoltaic Driver, focusing on its performance under resistive and capacitive loads. Additionally, it delineates the device's constraints when employed in signal processing. Through the analysis of switching losses across various power switches (Silicon and Silicon Carbide) in both series and parallel driver configurations, this study assesses the driver's efficacy in operating Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFETs). Findings suggest that Photovoltaic Drivers offer a low-cost, compact solution for specific applications, such as high-voltage, low-bandwidth measurements, and low-speed turn-on with fast turn-off power switching scenarios, including solid-state switches and hot-swap circuits. Moreover, they present a straightforward, cost-effective method for driving JFETs, simplifying the circuit design and eliminating the need for an additional negative power source.