Oscillatory network markers of subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation for depression.

Identifying functional biomarkers related to treatment success can aid in expediting therapy optimization, as well as contribute to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms of the treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation (SCC-DBS). Magnetoencephalography data were obtained from 16 individuals with SCC-DBS for TRD and 25 healthy subjects. The first objective of the study was to identify region-specific oscillatory modulations that both (i) discriminate individuals with TRD (with SCC-DBS OFF) from healthy controls, and (ii) discriminate TRD treatment responders from non-responders (with SCC-DBS ON). The second objective of this work was to further explore the effects of stimulation intensity and frequency on oscillatory activity in the identified brain regions of interest. Oscillatory power analyses led to the identification of brain regions that differentiated responders from non-responders based on modulations of increased alpha (8-12 Hz) and decreased gamma (32-116 Hz) power within nodes of the default mode, central executive, and somatomotor networks, Broca's area, and lingual gyrus. Within these nodes, it was also found that low stimulation frequency had stronger effects on oscillatory modulation than increased stimulation intensity. The identified functional network biomarkers implicate modulation of TRD-related activity in brain regions involved in emotional control/processing, motor control, and the interaction between speech, vision, and memory, which have all been implicated in depression. These electrophysiological biomarkers have the potential to be used as functional proxies for therapy optimization. Additional stimulation parameter analyses revealed that oscillatory modulations can be strengthened by increasing stimulation intensity or reducing frequency, which may represent potential avenues of direction in non-responders.

Long-term follow-up on bilateral posterior hypothalamic deep brain stimulation for treating refractory aggressive behavior in a patient with Cri du chat syndrome: analysis of clinical data, intraoperative microdialysis, and imaging connectomics

Posterior hypothalamic-deep brain stimulation (pHyp-DBS) has been reported as a successful treatment for reducing refractory aggressive behaviors in patients with distinct primary diagnoses. Here, we report on a patient with cri du chat syndrome presenting severe self-injury and aggressive behaviors toward others, who was treated with pHyp-DBS. Positive results were observed at long-term follow-up in aggressive behavior and quality of life. Intraoperative microdialysis and imaging connectomics analysis were performed to investigate possible mechanisms of action. Our results suggest the involvement of limbic and motor areas and alterations in main neurotransmitter levels in the targeted area that are associated with positive results following treatment.

Field performance of sterile male mosquitoes released from an uncrewed aerial vehicle.

Genetic control methods of mosquito vectors of malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika are becoming increasingly popular due to the limitations of other techniques such as the use of insecticides. The sterile insect technique is an effective genetic control method to manage insect populations. However, it is crucial to release sterile mosquitoes by air to ensure homogeneous coverage, especially in large areas. Here, we report a fully automated adult mosquito release system operated from an uncrewed aerial vehicle or drone. Our system, developed and tested in Brazil, enabled a homogeneous dispersal of sterile male Aedes aegypti while maintaining their quality, leading to a homogeneous sterile-to-wild male ratio due to their aggregation in the same sites. Our results indicate that the released sterile males were able to compete with the wild males in mating with the wild females; thus, the sterile males were able to induce sterility in the native female population. The use of drones to implement the sterile insect technique will lead to improvements in areal coverage and savings in operational costs due to the requirement of fewer release sites and field staff.

Do as I do? Prospects for parental participation 1.5 years after immersion treatment for adolescent obesity.

This study compared successful with unsuccessful participants and their mothers 1.5 years following completion of an immersion programme for the treatment of adolescent obesity. Teenagers (M age = 14.5; 69.5% female) participated in a 4- to 8-week therapeutic camp; those who continued losing weight 1.5 years post-camp were identified as 'Losers'; those who regained weight were considered 'Gainers'. Twenty-six Loser campers, 23 Gainer campers and all mothers were interviewed about their current weights and lifestyle habits. Losers' and Gainers' mothers both reported losing weight significantly. Relative to Gainer mothers, however, Loser mothers reported 26% fewer high-fat foods in the house and greater likelihood of self-monitoring. Loser campers, relative to Gainer campers, reported self-monitoring more consistently; using trainers more frequently; and consuming fewer calories and less fat. Gainer campers also reported a tendency to use family therapy more than Loser families. The Loser campers reported following the dictates of the programme more than the Gainer campers, as expected. One striking and unique finding, however, was that Gainer mothers seemed to follow the programme for themselves as much as Loser mothers. Apparently for some participants in immersion treatment (like the Loser campers in this study), parents who participate fully may promote sustained success; for other adolescent weight controllers (like the present Gainer campers), having 'Do as I do' mothers clearly does not guarantee sustained changes in lifestyle for the teenagers. A hypothesis based on these results is that additional cognitive-behaviour therapy subsequent to immersion may be useful for this latter group.

Preference for violent electronic games, self-concept, and gender differences in young children.

Electronic game-playing has been linked to adjustment problems in player subgroups. This study examined relationships among time commitment, gender, preference for violent games, and self-concept in 364 fourth and fifth graders. Main effects were identified for game preference and gender, with stronger preference for violent games being associated with lower self-perceived behavioral conduct. Implications for future research are discussed.