Search Results (553)

Understanding what people think about hydrogen energy and how this influences their acceptance of the associated technology is a critical area of research. The public’s willingness to adopt practical applications of hydrogen energy, such as hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs), is a key factor in their deployment. To analyse the direct and indirect effects of key attitudinal variables that could influence the intention to use HFCVs in Spain, an online questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of the Spanish population (N = 1000). A path analysis Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied to determine the effect of different attitudinal variables. A high intention to adopt HFCVs in Spain was found (3.8 out of 5), assuming their wider availability in the future. The path analysis results indicated that general acceptance of hydrogen technology and perception of its benefits had the greatest effect on the public’s intention to adopt HFCVs. Regarding indirect effects, the role of trust in hydrogen technology was notable, having significant mediating effects not only through general acceptance of hydrogen energy and local acceptance of hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS), but also through positive and negative emotions and benefits perception. The findings will assist in focusing the future hydrogen communication strategies of both the government and the private (business) sector. Full article

Background: This study investigates differences in muscle co-contraction and peak electromyography (EMG) activity between novice and advanced Taekwondo athletes during consecutive roundhouse (bandal chagui) kicks, examining the influence of body composition and experience level. Methods: Sixteen Taekwondo athletes (12 males, 4 females; mean age: 20.5 ± 4.3 years) were divided into novice (n = 8) and advanced (n = 8) groups. Muscle co-contraction indices and peak EMG activity across 15 consecutive kicks were assessed in key lower limb muscles, including the biceps femoris (BF), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), rectus femoris (RF), soleus (SO), semitendinosus (ST), tibialis anterior (TA), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM). Results: Advanced athletes exhibited significantly higher co-contraction indices in BF–RF, VM–BF, and SO–TA pairs (p < 0.05) and increased peak EMG trends in the BF and LG (p < 0.05). Novice athletes showed significantly reduced peak EMG increases in the RF, VM, and VL. EMG trends were influenced by body composition, with principal component analysis indicating that higher fat mass and lower muscle mass were associated with greater variations in muscle activation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that advanced athletes refine motor control through increased co-contraction, improving stability and efficiency, while novices exhibit less optimized coordination patterns. This study provides insights into the neuromechanical adaptations associated with expertise development in Taekwondo. Full article

The extensive use of digital media among adolescents has raised concerns about its impact on emotional development and mental health. Understanding the psychological factors behind problematic digital media use is essential for effective prevention. This study examined whether the relationships between emotion regulation (negative and positive), compulsive use, cognitive preoccupation, and negative outcomes linked to digital media are consistent across sex and academic year. We used a cross-sectional design with 2357 adolescents (12–16 years old) from Compulsory Secondary Education. Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing problematic digital media use, and associated consequences in four domains: internet, video games, social networking, and messaging. Four structural equation models (SEMs), each focused on a media type, tested whether these relationships remained stable across sex and academic year. All models showed good fit, and differences between groups were minimal, supporting valid comparisons. Results confirm that emotion regulation difficulties and problematic digital media use are consistently associated with negative outcomes in all adolescents, regardless of sex or academic level. Preventive strategies targeting emotional regulation and digital media behaviors may be broadly applied to reduce emotional and functional problems related to excessive media use. Full article

Background: This longitudinal study aims to explore the stability and changes in child temperament dimensions between the ages of three and six, analyzing their relationship with emotional and behavioral problems, differentiated by gender. Method: This study involved 24 boys and 25 girls from various early childhood education centers in Málaga, Spain. To assess temperament, the Spanish adaptation of the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire was used, while emotional and behavioral problems were evaluated using the SPECI Screening for Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children. Results: Findings indicate that 9 out of the 15 temperament dimensions remained stable, while 4—anger/frustration, attentional focusing, perceptual sensitivity, and sadness—showed significant changes in the total sample. The gender-specific analysis revealed different developmental patterns for boys and girls. Girls exhibited changes in attentional focusing, fear, and perceptual sensitivity, while boys showed changes in anger/frustration and attentional focusing. In addition, girls scored higher in discomfort and fear, whereas boys stood out in activity levels. Regarding behavioral problems, girls’ externalizing symptoms were significantly associated with attentional focusing and smiling/laughter, while internalizing symptoms were linked to low-intensity pleasure and perceptual sensitivity. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of addressing temperament from a gender-differentiated perspective when designing educational and family interventions aimed at promoting socioemotional development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Deficits in emotion recognition abilities have been described as risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. However, much of this research is based on self-reports or instruments that present limited psychometric properties. While current scientific literature supports the use of eye tracking to assess cognitive and emotional processes, including emotional decoding abilities, there is a gap in the scientific literature when it comes to measuring these processes in IPV perpetrators using eye tracking in an emotional decoding task. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the association between fixation times via eye tracking and emotional decoding abilities in IPV perpetrators, controlling for potential confounding variables. Methods: To this end, an emotion recognition task was created using an eye tracker in a group of 52 IPV perpetrators. This task consisted of 20 images with people expressing different emotions. For each picture, the facial region was selected as an area of interest (AOI). The fixation times were added to obtain a total gaze fixation time score. Additionally, an ad hoc emotional decoding multiple-choice test about each picture was developed. These instruments were complemented with other self-reports previously designed to measure emotion decoding abilities. Results: The results showed that the longer the total fixation times on the AOI, the better the emotional decoding abilities in IPV perpetrators. Specifically, fixation times explained 20% of the variance in emotional decoding test scores. Additionally, our ad hoc emotional decoding test was significantly correlated with previously designed emotion recognition tools and showed similar reliability to the eyes test. Conclusions: Overall, this pilot study highlights the importance of including eye movement signals to explore attentional processes involved in emotion recognition abilities in IPV perpetrators. This would allow us to adequately specify the therapeutic needs of IPV perpetrators to improve current interventions. Full article

We aim to provide a translational model to investigate the reproductive consequences of pubertal delay using the GnRH agonist triptorelin in transgender girls, tested in particular on testicular maturation in peripubertal rats. A total of 30 Sprague Dawley rats were utilized, with 10 subjects assigned to each of three groups from day P30 postpartum (prepubertal) until day P95 (postpubertal), mimicking treatment timing in patients. Rats received triptorelin at three time points (P30, P50, and P71), or only at P30 and P50. Control rats were injected with vehicle. Plasma testosterone levels were determined using MRM analysis. Testes and epididymides were examined histologically. There were significantly lower testosterone levels at postnatal day 48 in treated rats, indicating delayed puberty, with further reductions by day 69. By day 93, testosterone levels had recovered in rats given vehicle at P71 but remained low in the triptorelin-continuous group, suggesting the reversibility of the treatment. Treated rats had smaller testes; however, the majority of the testicular parenchyma was unaffected, with most seminiferous tubules displaying complete spermatogenesis. However, focal atrophic changes were observed in 1–30% of the parenchyma. One-third of the short-term group and half of the long-term group were classified as atrophic. Despite these changes, all treated rats had mature sperm in the epididymis, ensuring their fertility. In conclusion, triptorelin treatment promotes a decline in testosterone levels accompanied by discrete atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, which is partially reversible and compatible with sperm production and fertility preservation. Triptorelin could be an appropriate treatment prior to estrogen therapy for patients seeking gender transition. Full article

Euterpe oleracea Martius, also popularly known as açaí palm, is a palm tree of the Aracaceae family widely found in the Amazon region. Traditional plant use reports indicate the beneficial effects of açaí juice on fever, pain, and flu. Moreover, many studies have demonstrated the pharmacological potential of açaí, mainly the pulp and seed of the fruit, due to its chemical composition, which significantly consists of polyphenols. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the neuroprotective effects of açaí, with the potential for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, mainly due to the increasing aging of the population that has contributed to the increase in the number of individuals affected by this disease that has no cure. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the potential role of açaí fruit in preventing or treating cognitive deficits, highlighting its potential in Alzheimer’s disease therapy. Preclinical in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies were utilized to investigate the learning and memory effects of the pulp and seed of the açaí fruit, focusing on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and autophagy restoration actions. Full article

There is a growing interest in ToM performance among individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, the difference and the performance level between different diagnoses are unclear. Here, we compared the ToM abilities of schizophrenia (SZ), schizoaffective (SZaff), and borderline personality individuals (BPD) with healthy individuals. Individuals with SZ (n = 44), SZaff (n = 11), BPD (n = 11), and healthy individuals (n = 18) were recruited from Mazor Mental Health Center. All groups underwent the Reading Mind in the Eyes (RME) and the Faux Pas recognition test (FB) to assess TOM ability and completed empathy and autism questionnaires. The current results show that the three diagnostic groups performed worse in the RME and FB test compared to healthy individuals. However, women with BPD performed significantly better in ToM tasks than women with SZ and SZaff. Individuals with schizophrenia and BPD scored higher on the autism spectrum questionnaire, while all the diagnostic groups scored lower on the empathy quotient scale than healthy individuals. Finally, a positive correlation was found between ToM ability and empathy. Strikingly, our findings challenge the ability to use ToM as a differential clinical diagnostic tool, especially among men, and strengthen the correlation between decreased empathy and impaired ToM. Full article

This study examines the interplay between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and substance use disorders (SUDs) among Brazilian college students, also addressing associated emotional distress (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress). A total of 3130 students (M_age = 23.6; SD_age = 5.34) participated in an online survey featuring validated measures for assessing PSU, alcohol and drug consumption, and emotional distress. Participants were categorized into problematic smartphone use (PSU) and non-problematic use (nPSU) groups. The prevalence of PSU was 46.9%, notably higher among female students, those lacking a religious affiliation, individuals living alone, and the unemployed. PSU individuals showed significantly elevated rates of alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit substance use, along with greater emotional distress. Network analysis revealed that weekly alcohol consumption and stress symptoms exhibited the highest centrality indices (e.g., stress with high betweenness; alcohol with strong expected influence), underscoring their key roles in connecting PSU and SUDs. These findings suggest that PSU and SUDs may share underlying emotional vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for integrated intervention strategies targeting both conditions concurrently. Full article

Adolescent binge drinking has lasting behavioral consequences by disrupting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and depleting brain omega-3. The natural accumulation of omega-3 fatty acids in cell membranes is crucial for maintaining the membrane structure, supporting interactions with the ECS, and restoring synaptic plasticity and cognition impaired by prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure. However, it remains unclear whether omega-3 supplementation can mitigate the long-term effects on the ECS, endocannabinoid-dependent synaptic plasticity, and cognition following adolescent binge drinking. Here, we demonstrated that omega-3 supplementation during EtOH withdrawal increases CB1 receptors in hippocampal presynaptic terminals of male mice, along with the recovery of receptor-stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding to Gαi/o proteins. These changes are associated with long-term potentiation (LTP) at excitatory medial perforant path (MPP) synapses in the dentate gyrus (DG), which depends on anandamide (AEA), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Finally, omega-3 intake following binge drinking reduced the time and number of errors required to locate the escape box in the Barnes maze test. Collectively, these findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation restores Barnes maze performance to levels comparable to those of control mice after adolescent binge drinking. This recovery is likely mediated by modulation of the hippocampal ECS, enhancing endocannabinoid-dependent excitatory synaptic plasticity. Full article

This study examined spontaneous activity in children aged 3–11 years with specific language impairment (SLI) using an electroencephalogram (EEG). We compared SLI-diagnosed children with a normo-development group (ND). The signal complexity, multiscale entropy (MSE) and parameterized power spectral density (FOOOF) were analyzed, decomposing the PSD into its aperiodic (AP, proportional to 1/fx) and periodic (P) components. The results showed increases in complexity across scales in both groups. Although the topographic distributions were similar, children with SLI exhibited an increased AP component over a broad frequency range (13–45 Hz) in the medial regions. The P component showed differences in brain activity according to the frequency and region. At 9–12 Hz, ND presented greater central–anterior activity, whereas, in SLI, this was seen for posterior–central. At 33–36 Hz, anterior activity was greater in SLI than in ND. At 37–45 Hz, SLI showed greater activity than ND, with a specific increase in the left, medial and right regions at 41–45 Hz. These findings suggest alterations in the excitatory–inhibitory balance and impaired intra- and interhemispheric connectivity, indicating difficulties in neuronal modulation possibly associated with the cognitive and linguistic characteristics of SLI. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Altered pain perception is a diagnostic challenge for patients with a history of trauma and substance use. Familial dysautonomia (Riley-Day syndrome) may further complicate the sensory profiles. Case Presentation: We describe a male in his late twenties, originally from Central America, with a history of severe childhood trauma and chronic cannabis use, who reported diminished pain perception despite multiple injuries. Despite the absence of nociceptive pain (nociceptive hypoesthesia), abnormal sensations, such as tingling and itching (paresthesia), and occasionally unpleasant burning sensations (dysesthesia) were common symptoms in this case. Diagnosis: Clinical suspicion of familial dysautonomia was raised based on altered pain perception and minor autonomic signs. However, no genetic testing or neurological evaluation was performed. Psychological assessment revealed high levels of neuroticism, depression, and maladaptive coping. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and the Symptom Severity Scale (SS) further supported the presence of psychological symptoms suggestive of possible central sensitization. Outcome: Functional improvement was observed after a reduction in substance use and implementation of self-directed physical and cognitive rehabilitation. No standardized follow-up or formal interventions were recorded. Conclusions: This case illustrates the complexity of pain modulation in trauma-affected individuals and emphasizes the need for an integrative, interdisciplinary evaluation of atypical pain presentations. Full article

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic chemical compounds that have bioaccumulated and contaminated the entire global ecosystem, causing neurotoxic effects. However, polyphenols may have protective effects against this neurotoxicity. We aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of fresh leaves of Alpinia zerumbet (ALE), which is rich in polyphenols, on the neurobehavioral changes induced by 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126). We divided C57BL/6 male mice into four groups (n = 40): Control, Control + ALE, PCB, and PCB + ALE. We administered the ALE (50 mg/kg/day) through drinking water and PCB 126 (2 mg/kg/once a week) intraperitoneally for four weeks. The mice were subjected to the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests in the last week of treatment. PCB 126 reduced locomotor activity, DOPAC levels, dopamine turnover, and D2 receptor expression. This compound also increased lipid peroxidation, tyrosine levels, and BAX expression in the cerebral cortex. Notably, ALE treatment prevented locomotor activity reduction and increased DOPAC levels, dopamine turnover, and D2 receptor expression. Moreover, the extract prevented the PCB-induced increases in BAX expression and lipid peroxidation. Finally, the ALE increased SOD antioxidant activity. Our investigation highlights that using the ALE may serve as a therapeutic strategy against PCB-induced neurotoxicity. Full article

Background/Objectives: This feasibility study explores the use of virtual reality (VR) as an adjunct therapy during capsaicin administration for individuals with chronic neuropathic pain. Chronic neuropathic pain poses significant management challenges due to its complex biopsychosocial nature. This study aimed to assess the acceptability, usability, and preliminary effectiveness of VR in reducing pain, anxiety, aversiveness, and rumination during painful procedures. Methods: A total of 24 patients participated in the study and received either capsaicin treatment with VR (n = 12) or treatment as usual (n = 12). The VR group engaged with “SnowWorld”, an immersive, interactive environment designed to promote distraction and relaxation. Outcomes including pain (average and worst), aversiveness, rumination, and anxiety, were assessed via 11-point scales. Results: Participants in the VR condition reported significantly lower scores for worst pain (2.83 vs. 6.33), average pain (2.08 vs. 5.42), aversiveness (1.50 vs. 6.08), rumination (1.17 vs. 5.75), and anxiety (0.83 vs. 5.17) compared to the controls (all p < 0.001). Participants reported high satisfaction regarding the VR experience, noting its immersive nature and ease of use. The qualitative feedback highlighted the VR’s ability to foster relaxation and distraction during capsaicin administration. Conclusions: These findings support the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of VR as an adjunctive tool for acute pain management during capsaicin treatment. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to confirm these effects and explore long-term outcomes. Full article

This study investigated prefrontal cortex activity during the viewing and evaluation of pictures depicting scenarios with varying levels of danger, with a focus on the modulatory effects of personality traits and decision-making styles. The study sample included 120 male participants (44.4 ± 12.9 years) and 87 female participants (38.9 ± 10.5 years). Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure prefrontal oxygenation during the period of looking at pictures and the subsequent period of judging how dangerous they looked. Psychometric assessments included the Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire (ZKA-PQ) and the Melbourne Decision-Making Questionnaire (MDMQ). The results revealed significant time-by-region (F = 2.9, p = 0.013) and danger level by region interactions (F = 2.8, p = 0.021) during the viewing period. During the evaluation period, a significant time-by-region interaction was observed (F = 8.7, p < 0.001). High sensation seekers exhibited reduced oxygenation levels in specific right prefrontal regions, reflecting a differential neural response to varying danger levels. Similarly, individuals with higher Aggressiveness and Extraversion displayed distinct oxygenation patterns during the evaluation phase, suggesting that personality traits influence prefrontal activity. However, no significant effects of decision-making styles were detected in either phase. These findings emphasise the pivotal role of the prefrontal cortex in assessing scene safety and highlight how neural responses are modulated by personality traits, rather than by decision-making styles. Full article