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Processing of negative affective pictures typically leads to desynchronization of alpha-to-beta frequencies (ERD) and synchronization of gamma frequencies (ERS). Given that in predictive coding higher frequencies have been associated with prediction errors, while lower frequencies have been linked to expectations, we tested the hypothesis that alpha-to-beta ERD and gamma ERS induced by aversive pictures are associated with expectations and prediction errors, respectively. We recorded EEG while volunteers were involved in a probabilistically cued affective picture task using three different negative valences to produce expectations and prediction errors. Our data show that alpha-to-beta band activity after stimulus presentation was related to the expected valence of the stimulus as predicted by a cue. The absolute mismatch of the expected and actual valence, which denotes an absolute prediction error was related to increases in alpha, beta and gamma band activity. This demonstrates that top-down predictions and bottom-up prediction errors are represented in typical spectral patterns associated with affective picture processing. This study provides direct experimental evidence that negative affective picture processing can be described by neuronal predictive coding computations.

In the context of a generative model, such as predictive coding, pain and heat perception can be construed as the integration of expectation and input with their difference denoted as a prediction error. In a previous neuroimaging study (Geuter et al., 2017) we observed an important role of the insula in such a model but could not establish its temporal aspects. Here, we employed electroencephalography to investigate neural representations of predictions and prediction errors in heat and pain processing. Our data show that alpha-to-beta activity was associated with stimulus intensity expectation, followed by a negative modulation of gamma band activity by absolute prediction errors. This is in contrast to prediction errors in visual and auditory perception, which are associated with increased gamma band activity, but is in agreement with observations in working memory and word matching, which show gamma band activity for correct, rather than violated, predictions.

Abstract Introduction: Excessive visceral adiposity is known to drive the onset of metabolic derangements, mostly involving oxidative stress, prolonged inflammation, and cellular senescence. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a synthetic form of l-cysteine with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-senescence properties. This ex-vivo study aimed to determine the effect of NAC on some markers of senescence including β-galactosidase activity and p16, p53, p21, IL-6, and TNF-α gene expressions in visceral adipose tissue in obese adults. Methods: This ex-vivo experimental study involved 10 obese participants who were candidates for bariatric surgery. Duplicate biopsies from the abdominal visceral adipose tissue were obtained from the omentum. The biopsies were treated with or without NAC (5 and 10 mm). To evaluate adipose tissue senescence, beta-galactosidase (β-gal) activity and the expression of P16, P21, P53, IL-6, and TNF-α were determined. ANOVA test was employed to analyze the varying markers of cellular senescence and inflammation between treatment groups. Results: The NAC at concentrations of 5 mm and 10 mm resulted in a noteworthy reduction β-gal activity compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the expression of P16, P21, and IL-6 was significantly reduced following treatment with NAC (5 mm) and NAC (10 mm) compared to the control group (All p < 0.001). Discussion/Conclusion: Taken together, these data suggest the senotherapeutic effect of NAC, as it effectively reduces the activity of SA-β-gal and the expression of IL-6, P16, and P21 genes in the visceral adipose tissue of obese individuals.

Background Accurate preoperative molecular and histological risk stratification is essential for effective treatment planning in endometrial cancer. However, inconsistencies between pre- and postoperative tumor histology have been reported in previous studies. To address this issue and identify risk factors related to inaccurate histologic diagnosis after preoperative endometrial evaluation, we conducted this retrospective analysis. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 375 patients treated for primary endometrial cancer in five different gynaecological departments in Germany. Histological assessments of curettage and hysterectomy specimens were collected and evaluated. Results Preoperative histologic subtype was confirmed in 89.5% of cases and preoperative tumor grading in 75.2% of cases. Higher rates of histologic subtype variations (36.84%) were observed for non-endometrioid carcinomas. Non-endometrioid (OR 4.41) histology and high-grade (OR 8.37) carcinomas were identified as predictors of diverging histologic subtypes, while intermediate (OR 5.04) and high grading (OR 3.94) predicted diverging tumor grading. Conclusion When planning therapy for endometrial cancer, the limited accuracy of endometrial sampling, especially in case of non-endometrioid histology or high tumor grading, should be carefully considered.

This study involves the investigation of antioxidant phenolic and flavonoid compounds in Rheum ribesL.There is a continuous mounting pressure, in the scientific world, to discover new and potent antioxidants, to combat the free radicals. Among the antioxidant compounds, the phenolics and flavonoids comprise the largest class, and thus hold an important place in biochemical studies.Rheum ribes belong to the family of Polygonaceae in the genus Rheum, which is consumed as a medicinal plant. Since this plant is a source of one of the most important crude drugs in the Middle East (Kashiwada et al., 1988), its antioxidative properties were also worthwhile to be investigated as well as its phenolic constituents. In this study, the crude extract of the roots of Rheum ribessubjected to solvent-solvent fractionation. and each of the fractions were then subjected to the DPPH , total phenolic content and total flavonoids tests. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, total phenolics and flavonoids compounds. Further analysis by RP-HPLC showed that all fractions contained different number of phenolic compounds and gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and quercetin were present according to the co-injection in RP-HPLC in ethyl acetate extract.

Processing of negative affective pictures typically leads to desynchronization of alpha-to-beta frequencies (ERD) and synchronization of gamma frequencies (ERS). Given that in predictive coding higher frequencies have been associated with prediction errors, while lower frequencies have been linked to expectations, we tested the hypothesis that alpha-to-beta ERD and gamma ERS induced by aversive pictures are associated with expectations and prediction errors, respectively. We recorded EEG while volunteers were involved in a probabilistically cued affective picture task using three different negative valences to produce expectations and prediction errors. Our data show that alpha-to-beta band activity was related to the expected valence of the stimulus as predicted by a cue. The absolute mismatch of the expected and actual valence, which denotes an absolute prediction error was related to gamma band activity. This demonstrates that top-down predictions and bottom-up prediction errors are represented in specific spectral patterns associated with affective picture processing. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.

Abstract In the context of a generative model, such as predictive coding, pain and heat perception can be construed as the integration of expectation and input with their difference denoted as a prediction error. In a previous neuroimaging study (Geuter et al., 2017) we observed an important role of the insula in such a model, but could not establish its temporal aspects. Here we employed electroencephalography to investigate neural representations of predictions and prediction errors in heat and pain processing. Our data show that alpha-to-beta activity was associated with stimulus intensity expectation, followed by a negative modulation of gamma band activity by absolute prediction errors. This is in contrast to prediction errors in visual and auditory perception, which are associated with increased gamma band activity, but is in agreement with observations in working memory and word matching, which show gamma band activity for correct, rather than violated predictions. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.

All elements of the pistachio tree are considered raw pistachio by-products. The soft hull makes up the majority of these by-products. It contains proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, phenolics contents (TPC), and antioxidants. Early smiling pistachios are one of the most important sources of pistachio contamination with aflatoxin in the garden and processing stages. The present study aimed to evaluate pistachio hull essential oil (EO) composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties under in vitro conditions. TPC, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity were measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, and serial dilution titration method, respectively. A gas chromatography system with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was utilized to determine the chemical components of the EO. The findings revealed that the quantity of TPC and anti-radical activity in IC 50 were 245.43 mg gallic acid/mL and 206.32 µL/L, respectively. The free radical absorption activity of DPPH (%) increased with EO content. The inhibitory activity of EO on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis was much lower than that of streptomycin and penicillin. Aspergillus flavus was effectively inhibited by pistachio hull EO, comparable to fluconazole. The results obtained from GC-MS showed that the major compounds in pistachio hull essential oil include α-pinene (47.36%), terpinolene (10.57%), limonene (9.13%), and L-bornyl acetate (8.57%). The findings indicated that pistachio hull EO has potent antibacterial and antioxidant components and can be employed as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant in food systems.

Purpose The objective of this research was to examine the influence of olive kernel biochar on silty clay soil that is susceptible to erosion. The hypothesis proposed that the effectiveness of biochar in improving soil physical properties and mitigating soil erosion depends on factors such as application rate, particle size as well as placement method. Materials and methods Three application rates (0, 1, and 2%) and two particle size ranges (53–250 and 250–500 µm) of biochar were tested, along with two placement methods (commixing and slurry). Effects of biochar application on soil aggregate stability and water repellency were investigated after a 10-month incubation period. Effectiveness of biochar to reduce soil loss and runoff generation was also assessed. Results and discussion The biochar application resulted in a reduction of soil water repellency. Notably, regarding particle size, application rate, and placement method, no statistically significant difference was observed. The slurry method resulted in about 30% higher mean weight diameter of aggregate (MWD) compared to the commixing. The reduced soil disturbance in the slurry method may allow for greater enhancement of soil aggregation by biochar. The relative decrease in runoff (462 vs. 356%) and soil loss (52 vs. 23%) in biochar-treated soils compared to the control treatment were considerably higher in the slurry than commix method. The results also demonstrated a significant interaction between the biochar placement method and treatment type regarding soil loss characteristics in both commixing and slurry methods. Larger biochar particles at higher rates effectively reduced runoff and soil loss using the slurry method, while smaller biochar particles at lower rates were more effective with commixing method. Conclusion Overall, the slurry method proved effective in incorporating biochar into erosion-prone areas. Furthermore, the selection of appropriate biochar particle sizes and application rates is crucial for optimizing desired outcomes.