Search Results (78)

Eye movements (EMs) offer valuable insights into cognitive and perceptual processes, serving as potential biomarkers for disordered thinking. This study explores the relationship between EM indices and perception and thinking problems in the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS). Sixty non-clinical participants underwent eye-tracking while completing the Rorschach test, focusing on variables from the Perception and Thinking Problems Domain (e.g., WSumCog, SevCog, FQo%). The results reveal that increased cognitive disturbances were associated with greater exploratory activity but reduced processing efficiency. Regression analyses highlighted the strong predictive role of cognitive variables (e.g., WSumCog) over perceptual ones (e.g., FQo%). Minimal overlap was observed between performance-based (R-PAS) and self-report measures (BSI), underscoring the need for multi-method approaches. The findings suggest that EM patterns could serve as biomarkers for early detection and intervention, offering a foundation for future research on psychotic-spectrum processes in clinical and non-clinical populations. Full article

Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of eating disorders (EDs), particularly in women, who are more frequently affected by these conditions. Women with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder exhibit distinct alterations in gut microbiota composition compared to healthy controls. These alterations, collectively termed dysbiosis, involve reduced microbial diversity and shifts in key bacterial populations responsible for regulating metabolism, inflammation, and gut–brain signaling. The gut microbiota is known to influence appetite regulation, mood, and stress responses—factors closely implicated in the pathogenesis of EDs. In women, hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause may further modulate gut microbial profiles, potentially compounding vulnerabilities to disordered eating. Moreover, the restrictive eating patterns, purging behaviors, and altered dietary intake often observed in women with EDs exacerbate microbial imbalances, contributing to intestinal permeability, low-grade inflammation, and disturbances in neurotransmitter production. This evolving understanding suggests that microbiota-targeted therapies, such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modulation, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), could complement conventional psychological and pharmacological treatments in women with EDs. Furthermore, precision nutrition and personalized microbiome-based interventions tailored to an individual’s microbial and metabolic profile offer promising avenues for improving treatment efficacy, even though these approaches remain exploratory and their clinical applicability has yet to be fully validated. Future research should focus on sex-specific microbial signatures, causal mechanisms, and microbiota-based interventions to enhance personalized treatment for women struggling with eating disorders. Full article

Sudden coal and gas outbursts pose a significant hazard in deep-seated coal seam extraction, necessitating reliable risk assessment methods. Traditionally, assessments focus on gas-dynamic parameters, but experience shows they must be supplemented with tectonic factors such as fault-related disturbances, weak interlayers, and increased fracturing. Even minor faults in the Karaganda Basin can weaken the coal massif and trigger outbursts. The integration of 3D modeling enhances risk evaluation by incorporating both dynamic (gas-related) and static (tectonic) parameters. Based on exploratory drilling and geophysical studies, these models map coal seam geometry, fault positioning, and high-risk structural zones. In weakened coal areas, stress distribution changes can lead to avalanche-like gas releases, even under normal gas-dynamic conditions. An expert scoring system was used to convert geological and gas-dynamic data into a comprehensive risk index guiding preventive measures. An analysis of Karaganda Basin incidents (1959–2021) shows all outbursts occurred in geological disturbance zones, with 43% linked to fault proximity, 30% to minor tectonic shifts, and 21% to sudden coal seam changes. Advancing 3D modeling, geomechanical analysis, and microseismic monitoring will improve predictive accuracy, ensuring safer coal mining operations. Full article

International trade plays a pivotal role in shaping global supply chains, which are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and environmental disasters. These disturbances, particularly in maritime logistics, can trigger cascading effects across global industries. This study aims to identify and prioritize strategic responses to such disruptions by employing a combined qualitative exploratory approach and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Expert judgments were obtained from 32 senior professionals across the maritime logistics and port management sectors during a structured evaluation conducted in the second quarter of 2025. AHP was utilized to systematically assess these inputs and determine the relative importance of resilience strategies. The results emphasize the need for adaptive, proactive, and sustainable logistics approaches to ensure long-term stability in maritime trade. By bridging a gap in the literature concerning integrated assessment of disruption responses, the study offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers navigating an increasingly volatile global trade environment. Full article

Background: Beach volleyball (BVb) is a highly demanding Olympic sport characterized by intense physical activity and unique environmental challenges, including varying weather conditions and sandy, unstable court surfaces. Despite its popularity, there is a notable lack of scientific research addressing the metabolic and immune responses of elite female athletes in this sport. This study aims to address this gap by investigating two world-class Olympic medalists, female BVb players, who represent a country with a rich history in the sport. Methods: Two athletes underwent a simulated competition day consisting of two matches. A standardized protocol was utilized to collect blood and urine samples at seven time points, allowing for analysis throughout the competition and recovery phases. The analysis included various electrolytes, as well as hematological, metabolic, and inflammatory markers. Additionally, we assessed selected hormones, such as insulin, serotonin, ACTH, and cortisol, along with amino acids related to energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Results: Both athletes presented a trend toward electrolyte disturbances, especially hypokalemia, with a mean decrease of 15% and individual values reaching as low as 3.3 mmol/L post-match. This indicates that BVb may pose a risk for such disturbances. Additionally, the matches led to 20% to 60% increases in muscle injury markers, with incomplete recovery even after a day of rest, signaling persistent physiological stress post-competition. This increase was matched by stimulating stress hormones (ACTH and cortisol rose up to 4-fold and 3-fold, respectively), and markers of exercise intensity, such as lactate and ammonium. Moreover, the simulated BVb competition day impacted the amino acid response, with the Fischer ratio (BCAA/AAA) and blood tryptophan decreasing to a minimum of 60% of the initial levels and blood serotonin increasing by up to 180%, which are signs of an increased risk of central fatigue onset, according to the Fischer and Newsholme theory. Conclusions: The responses examined in this exploratory study contribute to a deeper understanding of the metabolic and immune demands placed on elite female BVb players, suggesting practical applications. By addressing the similar physiological responses observed among the athletes and emphasizing their unique individual responses—despite following the same protocol under identical conditions and sharing similar life habits for an extended period—this study highlights the critical necessity for the n-of-1 monitoring of athletes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on neurobehavioral testing in young Wistar rats and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Thymus ciliatus (TEO) essential oil to attenuate the damage induced by this chemical toxin. Methods: The essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation (yield of 2.26%), and the characterization by GC-MS indicates that the major components of Thymus ciliatus oil are thymol (63.33%), p-cymene (13.4%), and σ-terpinene (6.69%). Acute BPA intoxication was induced with a dose of 50 mg/kg orally for 60 days. The neurobehavioral evaluation, performed using a comprehensive set of tests including the forced swim test, dark/light box, Morris water maze, open field test, and sucrose preference test, clearly demonstrated that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure induced significant neurobehavioral impairments. Results: These impairments included reduced exploratory behavior indicative of heightened stress, anxiety, and depressive-like states, as well as deficits in memory and learning. Furthermore, BPA intoxication was associated with metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia along with histopathological evidence of brain tissue damage. However, TEO treatment attenuated these adverse effects by restoring neurobehavioral function. Molecular docking analysis revealed an affinity between the major essential oils identified in T. ciliatus, BPA, and the 5HT2C receptor and the MAO, AChE, and BChE enzymes, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying BPA’s effects on behavior and memory. In addition, TEO also showed an interaction with these molecules, suggesting a therapeutic potential against BPA. These findings underscore the promising role of TEO in mitigating the poisonous effects of BPA and pave the way for additional research into the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic uses of natural bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of toxic diseases. Thymol, the major compound in TEO, exhibited activity related to the dopamine and serotonin pathways, so it could have potential antidepressant properties. Conclusions: Thymol might be a promising candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders such as depression, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease while also preventing histological damage in the brain. Full article

Background: Sleep disturbances are a core feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting up to 90% of patients and often persisting after standard PTSD treatment. As all the current interventions have limitations, amygdala-targeted neuromodulation may offer a novel treatment pathway. Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective, single-arm trial (n = 58) was carried out evaluating Prism™ amygdala-derived-EEG-fMRI-Pattern neurofeedback (Amyg-EFP-NF). Sleep outcomes were assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) sleep item, PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) sleep item, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) sleep items at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Treatment consisted of 15 sessions over 8 weeks. Results: At 3-months’ follow-up, 63.79% of participants demonstrated clinically meaningful reduction in sleep disturbances (≥1 point reduction in CAPS-5 Item 20). Sleep improvement showed a moderate correlation with overall PTSD symptom reduction (r = 0.484, p < 0.001) and a balanced improvement pattern (−15.1% early, −9.1% late). Sleep responders sustained improvement across multiple measures and showed significant increases in cognitive reappraisal (mean change: +2.57 ± 1.0, p = 0.006), while non-responders showed initial but un-sustained improvement in trauma-related dreams. Conclusions: Amyg-EFP-NF shows preliminary promise for treating PTSD-related sleep disturbances. Our exploratory analyses suggest distinct temporal patterns of sleep improvement and potential associations with enhanced cognitive reappraisal capacity that warrant rigorous investigation in future randomized controlled trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep and cognitive alterations are common symptoms associated with child Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression (DEP). This study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances and cognitive alterations in PTSD and DEP. Methods: Using a quantitative, cross-sectional exploratory design, we examined 130 students (106 girls and 24 boys) aged 11 to 16 years (mean age = 12.9, SD = 1.35) from 6th to 8th grade. Twenty-eight participants met the criteria for PTSD, 15 met the criteria for DEP, 43 met the criteria for both PTSD+/DEP+, and 44 served as the control group. Comparative analyses were conducted using the MANOVA and multiple one-way ANOVA tests. Results: The MANOVA test indicated an interaction between cognitive and sleep alterations. Post hoc analysis revealed that sleep patterns were significantly altered among the groups with PTSD, DEP, and PTSD+/DEP+ (F(3, 126) = 16.98, p = 0.001). In contrast, cognitive alterations were most pronounced in PTSD and PTSD+/DEP+ (F(3, 126) = 63.97, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings emphasize the impact of PTSD and DEP on cognition and sleep. Potential clinical implications suggest the need for interventions targeting sleep and cognitive alterations. This study underscores the complex relationship among traumatic experiences, depression, and cognitive/sleep alterations. Full article

This research explores the design and evaluation of a webcam-based presentation tool that enables presenters to directly interact with web content via free-hand gestures. Our approach consists of overlaying the webcam video feed on top of web browser content to enable live presentations of any webpage. To support interactive presentations, we designed free-hand gesture interactions with the webpage to enable pointing, clicking, panning, and zooming interactions. We propose three alternatives to enable free-hand clicking: dwell time, modal key control, and a pinching interaction technique. We conducted an exploratory user study of these alternative designs to gather insights on the usability of such systems from a presenter point of view, with a focus on understanding the impact of the three techniques on flow interruptions. The results indicate that the system we propose can be used to deliver presentations effectively and that natural gestures do not disturb the flow of the presentation. Full article

This study aims to develop and validate the Adolescent Problematic Gaming Scale (PGS-Adolescent). Following established scientific protocols, we developed an initial version of the PGS-Adolescent scale and validated it using data from 448 valid survey responses collected from adolescents in China. The dataset was split into two parts: 225 responses were allocated for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and 223 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA and CFA processes necessitated the removal of 10 items due to low factor loadings, low communalities, misalignment with intended factors, and inadequate item retention. Significantly, all the survey items measuring daily-life disturbance (DD) were excluded. The final 20-item PGS-Adolescent scale includes four constructs: interpersonal relationships (IRE), schooling disruption (SD), physical consequences (Phy-C), and psychological consequences (Psy-C). Researchers may consider directly applying the validated PGS-Adolescent scale or evaluating its applicability and validity in diverse populations and contexts. Full article

Available evidence from animal studies suggests that placental serotonin plays an important role in proper fetal development and programming by altering brain circuit formation, which later translates into altered abnormal adult behaviors. Several environmental stimuli, including stress and maternal inflammation, affect placental and, hence, fetal serotonin levels and thus may disturb fetal brain development. We investigated the effect of prenatal stress of varying intensities on the formation of adaptive behaviors in mouse offspring and the role of placental serotonin in these processes. Mild prenatal stress increased placental serotonin synthesis, whereas exposure to moderate stress decreased it. Prenatal stress of varying intensities also resulted in multidirectional changes in animal behavior in progeny, consistent with changes in serotonin levels in the placenta and fetal tissues. Mice exposed to mild prenatal stress showed higher sociality and exploratory activity, whereas, after moderate stress, in contrast, they avoided contact with other individuals of their species and had reduced exploratory activity, with no effect on locomotor activity. Thus, in mice, stressors of varying intensities during the critical period of intrauterine development can affect the synthesis of serotonin by the placenta and lead to multidirectional changes in animal behavior in postnatal life. Full article

Background: The involvement of the circadian system in the etiology and treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is becoming an increasingly important topic. The prodromal symptoms of PD include insomnia, fatigue, depression and sleep disturbance which herald the onset of the primary symptoms of bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity while robbing patients of their quality of life. Light treatment (LT) has been implemented for modifying circadian function in PD but few studies have examined its use in a protracted term that characterizes PD itself. Methods: The present exploratory study monitors the effect of LT over a 10 year course of PD in the context of ongoing circadian function. Results: Improvement in circadian based symptoms were seen soon after LT commenced and continued for the duration of the study. Improvement in motor function was more subtle and was not distinguishable until 1.2 years after commencing treatment. Improvement in most motor and prodromal symptoms remained in steady state for the duration of the study as long as patients were compliant with daily use. Conclusions: The sequence of improvement in prodromal symptoms and motor function seen here parallels the slow, incremental repair process mimicking the protracted degenerative sequelae of PD that extends over decades. This process also emulates the slow incremental improvement characterizing the reparative course seen with circadian symptoms in other disorders that improve with LT. Recent findings from epidemiological work suggest that early disruption of circadian rhythmicity is associated with increased risk of PD and the present findings are consistent with that hypothesis. It is concluded that intervening in circadian function with LT presents a minimally invasive method that is compatible with internal timing that slows the degenerative process of PD. Full article

The Solar System Boundary Exploration (SSBE) mission is the focal point for future far-reaching space exploration. Due to the SSBE having many scientific difficulties that need to be studied, such as a super long space exploratory distance, a super long flight time in orbit, and a significant communication data delay between the ground and the probe, the probe must have sufficient intelligence to realize intelligent autonomous navigation. Traditional navigation schemes have been unable to provide high-accuracy autonomous intelligent navigation for the probe independent of the ground. Therefore, high-accuracy intelligent astronomical integrated navigation would provide new methods and technologies for the navigation of the SSBE probe. The probe of the SSBE is disturbed by multiple sources of solar light pressure and a complex, unknown environment during its long cruise operation while in orbit. In order to ensure the high-accuracy position state and velocity state error estimation for the probe in the cruise phase, an autonomous intelligent integrated navigation scheme based on the X-ray pulsar/solar and target planetary Doppler velocity measurements is proposed. The reinforcement Q-learning method is introduced, and the reward mechanism is designed for trial-and-error tuning of state and observation noise error covariance parameters. The federated extended Kalman filter (FEKF) based on the Q-learning (QLFEKF) navigation algorithm is proposed to achieve high-accuracy state estimations of the autonomous intelligence navigation system for the SSBE probe cruise phase. The main advantage of the QLFEKF is that Q-learning combined with the conventional federated filtering method could optimize the state parameters in real-time and obtain high position and velocity state estimation (PVSE) accuracy. Compared with the conventional FEKF integrated navigation algorithm, the PVSE navigation accuracy of the federated filter integrated based the Q-learning navigation algorithm is improved by 55.84% and 37.04%, respectively, demonstrating the higher accuracy and greater capability of the raised autonomous intelligent integrated navigation algorithm. The simulation results show that the intelligent integrated navigation algorithm based on QLFEKF has higher navigation accuracy and is able to satisfy the demands of autonomous high accuracy for the SSBE cruise phase. Full article

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances, with an increasing incidence as the global population ages. This study investigates the effects of semaglutide (SEM), a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog, on cognitive function and anxiety-like behavior in a transgenic murine model of AD. Methods: 20 mice were randomly distributed into the following groups (n = 5): (WT + VEH) group: C57BL/6J + saline, (WT + SEM) group: C57BL/6J + semaglutide, (AD + VEH) group: AD + saline, (AD + SEM) group: AD + semaglutide. The animals underwent a four-week treatment, during which we monitored blood glucose levels, body weight, and responses in an open field test, novel object recognition test, social chamber test, and 0-maze test. Results: Post-treatment, SEM significantly reduced blood glucose levels in AD mice, aligning them with those of wild-type controls. Cognitive assessments indicated an improvement in the investigation index for SEM-treated mice compared to those receiving a vehicle, suggesting cognitive benefits. Although SEM did not significantly enhance motor and exploratory activities, it displayed a potential anxiolytic effect, particularly evident in the combined anxiety index, with notable differences observed before and after treatment in the AD group. Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study suggest that SEM may play a dual role in managing AD by improving glycemic control and potentially enhancing cognitive function. As the landscape of AD treatment evolves, the comprehensive approach of utilizing SEM could pave the way for innovative interventions targeting the complex interplay of metabolic and cognitive dysfunctions in this challenging neurodegenerative disorder. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based information is crucial for policymakers and providers of mental health and psychosocial services (MHPSS) for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). However, there is a scarcity of national-level studies investigating the MHPSS needs of UASC and how these are addressed in Greece. The research objectives of this study were to explore: (a) the psychosocial and mental health needs of UASC living in Greek long-term accommodation facilities as perceived by MHPSS providers, and (b) the range of services across the country, highlighting gaps and best practices in service delivery. Method: An exploratory, predominantly quantitative design was adopted to map UASC’s psychosocial difficulties, mental health problems, and MHPSS delivery. Purposive sampling was implemented, with 16 of 17 NGOs operating long-term accommodation facilities for UASC and 16 child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) participating. The sample included 79 participants (34 facility coordinators, 28 field psychologists, and 16 CAMHS directors). A 5-W mapping tool (Who, Where, What, When, and Which) was used for data collection, through an online survey. Data analysis involved quantitative and qualitative methods (content analysis). Results: Of 798 minors, almost 59% showed signs of behavioral or emotional disturbance, with over half referred for psychiatric assessment and 27.7% needing inpatient care. Aggression, disruptive behaviors, self-harm, and suicidal ideation were the most challenging issues. CAMHS directors reported a high rate of crisis-driven responses, with 42.1% of UASC needing emergency psychiatric evaluation. Psychosocial support was hindered by communication difficulties, lack of a shared care philosophy, understaffing, job insecurity, and limited resources. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the mental health needs of UASC, and the challenges faced by facility coordinators, psychologists, and community mental health specialists. Future research should focus on the institutional and organizational factors influencing service delivery to improve support for UASC. Full article