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covid-safer-hotties · 7 months ago

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Also preserved in our archive

By John Flint

A landmark study has found the virus that causes COVID-19 accumulates and persists in the body - especially the brain - for years after infection.

The international team of scientists believe what they have discovered can help explain long COVID.

The research builds on other studies showing the invasiveness of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the long-term implications.

“Using optical clearing and imaging, we observed the accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the skull-meninges-brain axis of human COVID-19 patients, persisting long after viral clearance,” the study authors reported in leading biomedical journal Cell Host and Microbe last week.

Meninges are three layers of membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Infectious disease experts in Australia have acclaimed the peer-reviewed study.

Professor Brendan Crabb, Director and CEO of the Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health in Melbourne said the study underlined the need to treat COVID more seriously.

“This work uses cutting edge imaging technology to see things (molecules and cellular structures) to a resolution not achieved before in and around the brains of people infected with SARS-Cov-2 and mice infected with a version of SARS-Cov-2 modified to (infect) mice.

“The virus moves around the body, elegantly confirming what we already know.

“This paper shows that the virus, and especially shed spike protein, can persist around the brain for a long period of time, driving a pathological inflammatory response. This is proposed as a likely cause of the neurological symptoms people with acute and long forms of COVID experience.

“Although not without limitations, this works adds substantially to a large body of work that says COVID enters via the respiratory tract but goes into your bloodstream and so quickly moves around the body accessing many tissues, including the outer regions of the brain.

“Virus in this brain region likely persists and seemingly sheds spike protein which can be further neuro-invasive and persist even longer, (for) years even. This spike persistence is pathological, driving inflammatory responses that have likely consequences for proper brain functioning, such as memory, cognition and neurodegenerative diseases.”

“Next time you think of dismissing COVID as just another annoying common cold it may pay to visualise what you see so starkly in this paper, the virus moving freely around your body and finding a long-term home in all sorts of places where it can really cause trouble, including the brain and the heart,” Prof Crabb, who’s on the board of the WA-based Kids Research Institute Australia, added.

“This work further emphasises the need for individuals, and societies as a whole to take this infection more seriously and try and reduce the amount of transmission using the tools we currently have, most especially vaccination, clean indoor air approaches and well-fitted masks in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor settings.”

“It also showed mRNA spike-based vaccines are protective against spike accumulating in the brain periphery, consistent with what we already know about their protective effect in long COVID.”

Perth long COVID sufferer Melissa Challenor has been sick for two years.

“It’s not getting any better for me,” she said on Friday. “People like me are not making shit up. It’s in our brains, it’s in our bodies, it’s in our organs.

“I’m still being seen by the senior neuro physio at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital who’s been amazing, but now he’s sort of going, ‘Well, where do I refer you? Do I refer you to the Parkinson’s people? Do I refer you to the dementia people?’ Because the neurological symptoms are really quite bad.”

In a commentary published by the Medical Journal of Australia two weeks, researchers from the Burnet Institute said long COVID may be driven by “long infection” and that persistent replicating SARS‐CoV‐2 may be the “unifying driver for long COVID”.

The institute’s Dr Michelle Scoullar said studies had found traces of the virus in many tissues, blood and the gut well after an initial infection.

“We know vaccines can reduce the risk of long COVID, but if the virus continues to be active, antiviral treatments could be a potential treatment for long COVID and might even offer a cure,” she said.

“By prioritising prevention, advancing treatments, and improving access to vaccines, we can take significant steps toward addressing the global challenge of long COVID.”

In the United States, about 5.5 per cent of people infected with COVID experience long-term health effects, including fatigue, muscle pain, and impaired cognitive function.

A recent study demonstrated a lowering of IQ by six points in individuals with long COVID relative to unaffected individuals. Individuals with mild acute infection showed a three‐point drop in IQ. Children can also get long COVID. A US study in August reported symptoms in 6-to-11 year-olds were different to those for adolescents.

Researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that “younger children were more likely to experience a cluster of symptoms relating to stomach and digestive problems, and another characterised by sleep and memory/focus issues, while adolescents had a cluster dominated by change in smell or taste.”

Long COVID also carries an economic burden in terms of lost labour hours. It cost the Australian economy about $9.6 billion in 2022, a study by The Kirby Institute at the University of NSW, reported.

#mask up #public health #wear a mask #pandemic #wear a respirator #covid #still coviding #covid 19 #coronavirus #sars cov 2

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spacetimewithstuartgary · 5 months ago

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Astronauts' eyes weaken during long space missions, raising concerns for Mars travel

The low levels of gravity (microgravity) in space cause significant changes in astronauts' eyes and vision after six to 12 months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), according to a study published in the IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology.

Université de Montréal ophthalmologist Santiago Costantino found that at least 70% of astronauts on the ISS have been affected by spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, or SANS.

In the biophotonics research unit he runs at the UdeM-affiliated Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Costantino assembled a group of researchers to identify the biomechanical changes responsible for this disorder.

They analyzed data collected by the Canadian team at NASA on 13 astronauts who spent between 157 and 186 days on the ISS.

The subjects had an average age of 48 and came from the U.S., European, Japanese and Canadian space agencies; 31% were women; eight were on their first mission.

Three parameters involved

The researchers compared three ocular parameters before and after the astronauts' space missions: ocular rigidity, intraocular pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude.

They measured ocular rigidity using optical coherence tomography with a customized video module to improve the quality of images of the choroid. The other two parameters, intraocular pressure and ocular pulse amplitude, were measured using tonometry.

The study found significant changes in the biomechanical properties of the astronauts' eyes: a 33% decrease in ocular rigidity, an 11% decrease in intraocular pressure, and a 25% reduction in ocular pulse amplitude.

These changes were accompanied by symptoms including reduced eye size, altered focal field and, in some cases, optic nerve edema and retinal folds.

The researchers also found that five astronauts had a choroidal thickness greater than 400 micrometers, which was not correlated with age, gender or previous space experience.

"Weightlessness alters the distribution of blood in the body, increasing blood flow to the head and slowing venous circulation in the eye," explained Costantino. "This is probably what causes the expansion of the choroid, the vascular layer that nourishes the retina."

Long-lasting changes

According to the researchers, the expansion of the choroid during weightlessness could stretch the collagen in the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye, causing long-lasting changes in the eye's mechanical properties.

They also believe that blood pulsations under microgravity can create a water-hammer effect in which sudden changes in blood-flow-pressure cause a mechanical shock to the eye, leading to significant tissue remodeling.

Eyes return to normal

According to the researchers, these ocular changes are generally not cause for concern when the space mission lasts six to 12 months. Although 80% of the astronauts they studied developed at least one symptom, their eyes returned to normal once back on Earth.

In most cases, wearing corrective eyeglasses was sufficient to correct the symptoms developed aboard the ISS.

However, the research community and international space agencies are cautious about the consequences of longer missions, such as a flight to Mars. The eye-health effects of prolonged exposure to microgravity remain unknown, and no preventive or palliative measures now exist.

The Maisonneuve-Rosemont research team is waiting for more data from NASA to continue its investigations.

"The observed changes in the mechanical properties of the eye could serve as biomarkers to predict the development of SANS (spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome)," said Costantino.

"This would help identify at-risk astronauts before they develop serious eye problems during long-duration missions."

#science #space #astronomy #physics #news #astrophysics

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philosophiesde · 4 months ago

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Zoomposium with Professor Dr. Mark Solms: "Expedition to the sources of consciousness. The feelings as the embodiment of consciousness."

1. Information about the person and his scientific research work

This time we had the great honor and pleasure of talking to the very well-known South African neuroscientist and psychoanalyst Mark Solms, who has continued and successfully applied his own discipline, "neuropsychoanalysis" in the sense of Sigmund Freud, in another very exciting interview from our Zoomposium theme blog "Cognitive Neuroscience and Epistemology". He is "Head of the Department of Neuropsychology at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town and since 2005 Professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, as well as editor and translator of Sigmund Freud's Complete Neuroscientific Works. Solms strives for a synthesis of neurology and psychoanalysis and was founding editor of the journal Neuro-Psychoanalysis, whose advisory board includes brain researchers such as Antonio Damasio and Wolf Singer." (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Solms)

2. Interview questions: "The sources of consciousness or why Freud's emotions are still important - with Prof. Mark Solms"

1. As editor and translator of Sigmund Freud's Complete Neuroscientific Works and founding editor of the international journal "Neuro-Psychoanalysis", you can be regarded as the initiator and co-founder of a new research direction of "neuropsychoanalysis".

Let us first talk briefly about psychoanalysis. Nowadays it is perhaps more in need of explanation than in earlier times, even if its founder Sigmund Freud is still good for a bestseller (think of "Der Trafikant" by Robert Seethaler).

Malicious tongues claim that psychoanalysis is irrefutable by design, because it explains criticism of it through repression, which in turn confirms it. Dietrich Schwanitz writes in his bestseller "Bildung. Everything you need to know", Dietrich Schwanitz even writes about psychoanalysis: "It even created the problems it sold itself as the solution to."

Where does psychoanalysis stand today and what benefits can we still derive from it? Another point of criticism of psychoanalysis is its alleged lack of empirical verifiability. Sigmund Freud himself had already described his vision in his book "Entwurf einer Psychologie" (1895/1950) that the findings of psychoanalysis should also be verifiable using the methods of the natural sciences. Do you believe that this goal has been achieved through the groundbreaking results of imaging techniques in cognitive neuroscience or are we still a long way from being able to trace the psyche (emotions and affects, memory, sleep and dreams, conflict and trauma, conscious and unconscious problem-solving processes) back to the physique (neuronal activities and processes)? In "neuropsychoanalysis", you now combine the methods of brain research with ideas from psychoanalysis.

How should we imagine this and what are your research goals? 2. in your book "The Hidden Spring - A Journey to the Source of Consciousness" (2022), you try to get back to the possible "sources of consciousness" in order to offer an alternative solution to the "hard problem of consciousness":

"The hard problem of consciousness is said to be the biggest unsolved puzzle of contemporary neuroscience, if not all science. The solution proposed in this book is a radical departure from conventional approaches. Since the cerebral cortex is the seat of intelligence, almost everybody thinks that it is also the seat of consciousness. I disagree; consciousness is far more primitive than that. It arises from a part of the brain that humans share with fishes. This is the `hidden spring' of the title. Consciousness should not be confused with intelligence. It is perfectly possible to feel pain without any reflection as to what the pain is about. Likewise, the urge to eat - a feeling of hunger - need not imply any intellectual comprehension of the exigencies of life. Consciousness in its elemental form, namely raw feeling, is a surprisingly simple function."

Does this mean that we have been looking in the "wrong places" because we have always equated consciousness with cognitive (human) intelligence and have only ever located it in the cortex?

On the other hand, there are philosophers who distinguish between consciousness (in the sense of inner experience) and intelligence. Peter Bieri, for example, writes: "There are countless feedback mechanisms in an organism [that lead to intelligent behavior - A. S.] without the slightest experience: why couldn't our entire self-model be present, but no experience?"

Is consciousness a pure luxury and basically superfluous for the progress of the world? (see "zombie problem")

Shouldn't we perhaps, as suggested in your book, pay more attention to feelings and affects or also to embodiment and embeddedness when explaining the phenomenon of consciousness in order to prevent this neurocentrism in the cerebral cortex?

Is it perhaps only our anthropocentric viewpoint that blocks our access to the problem, if we always start from our human consciousness and consciousness in general is perhaps a much "simpler function": "Consciousness in its elemental form, namely raw feeling, is a surprisingly simple function."?

Or does this point of view already make you a panpsychist? 3. But if this is the case and the naturalistic principles may also apply to consciousness, would it not also be theoretically possible to simulate a form of "artificial consciousness" ("AC/DC = artificial consciousness/digtital consciousness") on a machine that not only has a corresponding algorithm, but also sensorimotor inputs, backpropagation for its predictive coding/procsesing and affective feedback loops?

Based on Antonio Damasio's "Theory of Consciousness", could it perhaps be possible to develop a corresponding "construction manual for artificial consciousness" from the 3 stages for the development of consciousness: 1. "fundamental protoself", 2. "core consciousness" and 3. "extended consciousness", if the feelings and affects of unsupervised and reinforcement learning of machines are taken into account accordingly?

4. A paper "How and Why Consciousness Arises: Some Considerations from Physics and Physiology" (2018) emerged from your collaboration with Karl Friston, the renowned British neuroscientist at University College London, who works on mathematical models for imaging techniques in cognitive neuroscience and brain mapping.

In this and in another article "The Hard Problem of Consciousness and the Free Energy Principle" (2019), you try to make the concept of the "free energy principle" developed by Karl Friston fruitful for solving the "hard problem of consciousness".

Could you briefly explain the concept of the "free energy principle" and why you think it is a possible solution to the "hard problem"?

In your opinion, is it possible to derive a conclusive functionalism for the "free energy principle" or "predictive coding/processing" based on the concept of "extended homeostasis", which also explicitly includes feelings/effects?

If this functionalism were applicable, what does this mean for the possible technological possibilities of a "multiple realization" in the form of the above-mentioned "artificial consciousness" on machines?

You have also looked closely at the meaning of dreams. Do you think that a highly developed AI could dream? "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" as in the dystopian novel by US author Philip K. Dick from 1968. More at: https://philosophies.de/index.php/2024/05/12/sources-of-consciousness/ or: https://youtu.be/orOvCh7Fnn8

#artificial consciousness #artificial intelligence #ai #philosophy #neuropsychology #mark solms #consciousness #sigmund freud #karl friston #free energy principle #neuropsychoanalysis

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faunabells · 8 months ago

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henlo everyone, it's nice to meet cha! and...who are we exactly?:

✿♡✿ our collective being has many names, so we can just be referred to as the faunabells or simply bambie/attie (he/they/it). :3 our body's 20, and a lot of us are around that age too. ♡ terms we currently feel connected to: alterhuman, posic+, queer, maladaptive daydreamers, multicollective, polyplex, adaptive, & eso/neuro/paragenic. ✿ we're audhd with mid support needs + we seem to have d.i.d? we don't know, but another system of ours thinks so. ♡ the image above is our collective flag! it's colors & arrangement are mostly pure aesthetic choices, but they do have personal meanings. if we ever want to/are ask to explain our design in detail, we'll link it *here*. (there's no link as of now, and the image description is at the end below a cut. dear screen readers, we hope that's ok?) ✿♡✿

byf & interact:

✿♡✿ this blog started out as a plural positivity blog, it still is, but it now has a public journal aspect to it. we'll also host art & whatever special interest our headmates want to talk about. *here's our extensive tag list if that helps any.* ♡ we, of course, support & respect all plurals regardless of origin. we won't necessarily block you if you break your own dni, but we will if you light a match to our stove. let us cook in peace, please. ✿ by the way, please block #stim rbs if stimboards make you motion sick/or anything. other than that, this space is relatively vanilla & nut free... hopefully not too boring haha; we do have some exciting projects in progress. ♡ we do not consider multiple likes/rbs spam. i don't know if that needs to be clarified, but here's the go ahead anyway. ✿ dm & askbox status: open! just give us some time to answer, please. ✿♡✿

userboxes we've made for ourselves! though anyone can use them if they'd like. credit is appreciated, but necessarily needed.♡:

{ Image descriptions galore underneath cut: warning, it's a bit long.}

{start of image description for the very top of post:} { the first image: a divider of an assortment of hello kitty 3d models with a yellow heart charm on the right side while having a blue star charm on the left side.} { the second image: a complicated flag design that features tiny four stripes of white, pink, green, yellow running across a blue background. it's bordered with pink stars, covered in sparkles, has small hearts on the inner corners, and most notably, has a heart shape strawberry cake with strawberry themed tamagotchis on its either side.} { the third image: same as the first, repeated below the flag. } {end of the top-of-post description.} {start of userboxes description:} { the first userbox: a green box with my melody's pink rabbit ears poking up in a field of flowers. the text reads: this collective is shy and finds communication to be difficult. } { the second userbox: a pink box with a cartoon paw that's made out of strawberries in front of a green, white, and pink background. this is the pawberrygender flag. the text reads: this collective is anthro in a nonhuman sense. } { the third userbox: a green box with the eighties strawberry shortcake cast inside a heart. the text reads: this collective view themselves as a community. } { the fourth userbox: a pink box with a painting of a tea party hosted by rabbits. the text reads: this collective is looking for plural moots! } { the fifth userbox: a purple box with its image being a my melody plush. the text reads: this collective is trying to stay calm, so we are not open to discussions about discourse. } { the sixth userbox: a pink box with its image being a brown anthropomorphic bunny picking flowers. the text reads: this collective is still finding thr words that describes their experiences. } { the seventh userbox: a purple box with its image being an anime girl sitting with an unicorn. it says: this collective has issues with alexithymia, empathy, and general understanding of emotions. } { end of userboxes description. }

#intro post.archive #redirection era #endo safe #our edits.pic #feel a little bad making a whole new intro post because i think it defeats the purpose as to why anyone clicks likes onto them.#but we have our reasons.

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mycrusadestranger · 1 month ago

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Innovations and Technological Proficiency

Dr. Kulaksizoglu is renowned for integrating advanced medical technologies into his practice, ensuring patients receive state-of-the-art care. His proficiency includes:

Robotic-Assisted Surgeries: Utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System for precision in procedures like prostatectomies .

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): A non-invasive treatment for localized prostate cancer, offering reduced recovery times .

REZUM Therapy: Employing water vapor therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), minimizing side effects compared to traditional surgeries .

MR-Fusion Prostate Biopsy: Combining MRI and ultrasound imaging for accurate prostate cancer detection .Novomed

Research and Academic Contributions

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Kulaksizoglu has significantly contributed to medical literature:

Publications: Authored over 55 peer-reviewed articles and co-authored 10 book chapters, focusing on topics like erectile dysfunction, neuro-urology, and urologic oncology .

Presentations: Delivered more than 100 presentations at national and international medical conferences, sharing insights on advanced urological treatments .

Editorial Roles: Served as co-editor for the Turkish Andrology Bulletin and participated on the reviewing boards of over 10 national and international journals .NovomedDrFive+1iCliniq+1

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Kulaksizoglu maintains active memberships in several esteemed medical organizations, reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development:

European Association of Urology (EAU)

American Urological Association (AUA)

International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM)

Turkish Urological Association

Turkish Andrology AssociationNovomed+1Medarabia+1

Patient Testimonials

Patients commend Dr. Kulaksizoglu for his empathetic approach and effective treatments. One patient noted:

"I visited Dr. Haluk after getting diagnosed with prostate cancer. He gave me great care and treated me with his full attention and potential... He is the best urologist in Dubai. I trust him and his work for any male health issue and recommend you too."Dr Haluk

Such testimonials underscore his dedication to patient-centered care and clinical excellence .

Consultation and Contact Information

Dr. Kulaksizoglu currently practices at:

Novomed Center Marina Plaza 3004, 30th Floor - Al Marsa St - Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Phone: +971 52 1235943 Website: www.urologichealthdubai.com

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neurologist11 · 1 month ago

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Neuro Specialist Doctor

Top Neuro Specialist in South Delhi – Dr. Bhashkar Shukla

When it comes to the brain and nervous system, expert care is essential. Neurological disorders can impact everything from movement and memory to mood and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with chronic headaches, seizures, stroke, or muscle weakness, a neuro specialist is the right person to diagnose and treat these complex conditions. Dr. Bhashkar Shukla, one of the leading neurologists in South Delhi, is highly regarded for his comprehensive, patient-centered approach and vast experience in treating a wide range of neurological issues.

🧠 What Does a Neuro Specialist Do?

A neurologist, or neuro specialist, Neuro Specialist Doctor is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. These can include:

Headaches & Migraines

Epilepsy and Seizures

Stroke and Paralysis

Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Neuropathy and Nerve Pain

Muscle Disorders and Myopathies

Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease

Sleep Disorders

Vertigo and Balance Issues

If you’re experiencing symptoms like chronic headaches, numbness, memory problems, dizziness, or muscle weakness, it’s time to consult a qualified neurologist like Dr. Shukla.

👨‍⚕�� About Dr. Bhashkar Shukla

Dr. Bhashkar Shukla is a trusted name in the field of neurology with over 15 years of clinical experience. Based in South Delhi, he is known for combining deep medical knowledge with a compassionate and personalized approach to patient care.

Qualifications:

MBBS and MD (Neurology) from reputed Indian medical institutions

Specialized training in Clinical Neurophysiology, Epilepsy, and Neuromuscular Disorders

Active membership in national and international neurological societies

Speaker and contributor to medical conferences and journals on neurology

Dr. Shukla is dedicated to helping his patients manage neurological conditions effectively and improve their quality of life through precise diagnosis and advanced treatments.

🩺 Comprehensive Neurology Services

At his clinic, Dr. Shukla offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services under one roof:

1. Neurological Consultation & Evaluation

Detailed neurological exams

History analysis to detect underlying conditions

Lifestyle and stress evaluation

2. Advanced Diagnostic Tools

EEG (Electroencephalogram) for epilepsy and brain disorders

EMG & Nerve Conduction Studies for neuropathy and muscle disease

Brain Imaging (MRI, CT Scan) referrals

Cognitive testing for memory loss and dementia

3. Personalized Treatment Plans

Medication management for epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS, and migraines

Pain management for nerve and muscle disorders

Botox therapy for chronic migraine and dystonia

Physical therapy and rehabilitation coordination

Preventive care for stroke and dementia

🌟 Why Patients Trust Dr. Bhashkar Shukla

Expert Diagnosis – Known for pinpointing even complex or subtle neurological issues

Personalized Care – Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s condition, lifestyle, and health goals

Patient Education – Dr. Shukla believes in empowering patients through knowledge and support

Modern Techniques – Uses the latest diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments

Holistic Approach – Addresses both physical and emotional aspects of neurological health

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muhammedfayasma · 6 months ago

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Reader - Sources and Significance

1. Kuc, K., 2016. Karol Irzykowski and Feliks Kuczkowski: (Theory of) Animation as the Cinema of Pure Movement. Animation, 11(3), pp. 284-296. Available at: https://doi-org.ezproxy.herts.ac.uk/10.1177/1746847716660685

In this article, the author introduces polish literary critic Karol Irzykowski and his theory of animation cinema which he considered to be “Cinema of pure movement”, it chronicles the development of these theories which was largely influenced by the works of polish Animator Felix kuczkowski and his principles of “synthetic visionary films”. The article lays down what Irzykowski believed to be the unique aspects of film, its similarities and differences to other art forms, how through animation can cinema be considered an art form with its insistence on movement and the freedom granted to the artist, extensive and intensive cinema and how filmmakers during the german golden age were able to use aspects of animation to transform their live action films into works of art.

I find this source useful as it deepens my understanding of what makes animation cinema unique compared to live action cinema along with introducing me to a more experimental and raw approach to animation and cinema and the artists that occupy that space that I can learn from.

2. Ben Labidi, I., 2021. Representation and emancipation: Cinema of the oppressed. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 24(2), pp. 250-265. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1367877920959338

In this article, The author explores the idea of media being a tool used to transform the social consciousness, to fight racial biases and to act as a form of resistance against colonization. Drawing on the works of palestinian critic Edward Said, his analysis of representation and its relation to colonialism, the article does a deep dive into intricacies of representation, fact checking biased media representation and the relation between emancipation and representation. It explores through examples, how palestinian filmmakers have turned to cinema to provide a more critical, human and accurate representation of life as a palestinian, borrowing principles of second and third cinema movements whose definitions are also expanded upon.

The topic of representation is one that is very close to me as a minority myself and through the article I was able to understand how as a filmmaker I can better approach the topic, understanding the intricacies of representation and how other minority filmmakers have approached the subject.

3. Lin, J., Swart, J. and Zeng, G., 2023. Theorising TikTok cultures: Neuro-images in the era of short videos. Media, Culture & Society, 45(8), pp. 1550-1567. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/01634437231202167

In this article, the author using Dutch film theorist Patricia Pister’s theory of “neuro-images” discusses tiktok as more than just a platform, but as a cultural form that is deeply participatory, platform specific and shaped by the algorithm. It discusses how with its large database of user data, the algorithm and the users engage in an almost give and take relationship to produce personalized stories about people and the world. It likens tiktok and its “brain screen” interface to a kind of automated cinema, where everyday life is captured and augmented, arranged into categories that span multiple genres, with its own unique sense of time and unpredictability.

The article is relevant to my practice as it helps me understand new ways in which technology affects how consumers interact with content, the new creative avenues that open in terms of storytelling and interactivity and how the technology itself influences the content.

4. Ehrlich, N. (2019) ‘Conflicting realisms: animated documentaries in the post-truth era’, Studies in Documentary Film, 15(1), pp. 20–40. doi: 10.1080/17503280.2019.1663718.

In this article, The author explores animation's role as a contemporary documentary aesthetic and how it tackles established ideas of realism. It explores the traditional struggles of animation to be seen as real. The author analyses the role of realism and truth today in a post-truth world that values “truthiness” and explains how animation can be an effective tool in navigating this landscape. It analyses realism through the lens of two conflicting theories of “familiar” and “defamiliar” with examples highlighting both the strengths that animation brings to the representation of the real and the pitfalls that could present itself with increasing numbers of such documentaries and content.

This article is relevant to my work as an animator and filmmaker as it tackles existing notions and biases of what animation can be and represent in terms of real, how audience's perception of truth have evolved and how this helps animators to bring forth new complex ways of representation that aim to not simply inform but go deeper.

5. Yoon, H. (2015) ‘Globalization of the animation industry: multi-scalar linkages of six animation production centers’, International Journal of Cultural Policy, 23(5), pp. 634–651. doi: 10.1080/10286632.2015.1084298.

In this article, the author examines animation production centers around the world. Identifying them, their development over time and changes, the distribution of types of knowledge across different production centers and the kind of work that is also distributed based on that knowledge. The article also examines and finds reasons for the various cultural and economical factors that affect animation production in the identified centers, the local and global linkages and the different ways studios are attempting to push the market forward.

This article is important to my work as a professional in the animation industry to understand the types of markets that exist for the medium, its global and local links, how the cultural and economics combine to determine the types of creative work that is practiced in the market.

6. Goudarzi, M., Jamasbi, S. M., Safoora, M. A. (2022) ‘A Semiotic Analysis of Camera Movement in Animation Works of Disney Company*’, Quarterly Review of Film and Video, 41(2), pp. 225–243. doi: 10.1080/10509208.2022.2108689.

In this article, the author uses Charles Sanders Pierces ideas of semiotics and uses his widely used threefold classification of iconic, indexical and symbolic to examine the movement of the camera in cinema. It gives a detailed definition of sign and each of the classifications and its potential for use in cinema and particularly animation to create meaning and enrich the narrative. The author also introduces Jean-Francois Lyotard’s different types of movement in cinema and expands on it and talks about the camera movement as part of the semiotic system, the limited ways it has been explored so far as well as introducing parameters for the exploration, dividing into the threefold classification and analyzing it with examples from both live action and animation films with an semiotic analysis of how Disney uses camera movement to convey a deeper meaning and concept of their film.

This article is important to my work as a filmmaker since it helps to expand on camera movements and to use it for deeper meaning in the narrative. The case study with disney movies was particularly insightful as an animation filmmaker as it really highlights the potential of the virtual camera in use for animation for more complex storytelling.

7. Mohd Hasri, U. H., Md Syed, M. A. and Runnel, C. (2020) ‘Transmedia storytelling in the Malaysian animation industry: embedding local culture into commercially developed products’, Atlantic Journal of Communication, 30(2), pp. 115–131. doi: 10.1080/15456870.2020.1835909.

In this article, the author discusses how transmedia storytelling has been used to success in the Malaysian animation industry. It provides an overview of transmedia storytelling and its different characteristics, how transmedia storytelling can be developed and implemented. The article compares the development of the Japanese animation industry, considered a pioneer in transmedia storytelling to highlight the possible influences on the Malaysian animation industry. The article chronicles the development of transmedia storytelling to a mainstream practice in the Malaysian industry with examples, highlighting both government and private stakeholders influence to promote local culture,values and traditions and increase the marketability of the local product which has propelled the industry to new heights.

This article is useful for me as an animator from India, who has a sizable animation industry but one that does not deal in creative original content. It highlights how a small original creative market was able to find success by embracing its cultural roots to attach itself to the audience and how important government support can be as well.

8. Weber, I. and Zhang, Y., 2023. Adapting, modifying and applying cinematography and editing concepts and techniques to cinematic virtual reality film production. Media International Australia, 186(1), pp. 115-135. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1329878X211018476

In this article, the author explores cinematic virtual reality (CVR), touted by Lev Manovich as the inheritors of the development of cinematic technique and theory. The article analyses cinematic virtual reality as a new cinematic frontier but with the context of existing practices, components and thinking of traditional 2D filmmaking. The article identifies cinematography and editing as the two main components of innovation for cinematic reality and using the example of CVR film “calling” and the experience of the director, presents various methods in which the traditional filmmaking language can be applied in the case of cinematic virtual reality. Through an analysis of the directors process, it also suggests a methodology, the possible dangers of an unexplored technology as well as technological developments that can help new aspiring directors to aid in their own CVR work.

9. Romanowski, M., Sheldon, Z. and Shafer, D. M. (2019) ‘Parasocial interactions and digital characters: the changing landscape of cinema and viewer/character relationships’, Atlantic Journal of Communication, 29(1), pp. 15–25. doi: 10.1080/15456870.2019.1702550.

In this article, the author attempts to understand whether parasocial interactions differ when the characters are completely CG, a hybrid or when they are played by a real human, an actor. Seen as a by-product of character creation for media entertainment, the article explores development and types of parasocial interactions, its importance to success of the media and differences to parasocial relationships. It also highlights notable CG characters that have had a lasting impact in the culture and visual effects technology. The study offers an encouraging conclusion to filmmakers regarding the believability and relatability of their characters, whether they are CG, hybrid or real actors.

this article helps to reinforce the idea that believability and ideas of realism are not impossible to achieve through the medium of animation and mix media, which is liberating for an animation filmmaker.

10. Krämer, N. C. et al. (2019) ‘I feel what they say: the effect of social media comments on viewers’ affective reactions toward elevating online videos’, Media Psychology, 24(3), pp. 332–358. doi: 10.1080/15213269.2019.1692669.

In this article, It conducts a study to understand how comments on social media, particularly youtube, affect the emotional responses to non-hedonic entertainment videos, which explore deeper conditions of being human such as acts of kindness. It also studies whether the comment or the international aspect of the comment is more important .Through a thorough analysis it comes to the conclusion that they do affect the emotional responses, with negative comments reducing the feelings of emotional elevation while positive comments enhance the impacts of videos online.

This article is important for me as a content creator and filmmaker who wants to venture into the indie scene which is largely dominated by Youtube and social media in general. To understand how the community aspect will influence how my work will be perceived and how to understand the negative trends in order to correct them.

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alexesguerra · 7 months ago

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The Neuroscience of Tarot: From Imagery to Intuition to Prediction The Neuroscience of Tarot: From Imagery to Intuition to Prediction Contributor(s): Ramakrishnan, Siddharth (Author), Greer, Mary K (Foreword by) ISBN: 9780738777368 Binding: Paperback Pub Date: November 08, 2024 Author: Siddharth Ramakrishnan Physical Info: 0.3" H x 8.9" L x 5.9" W (0.95 lbs) 192 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publications What happens inside your brain when you look at a tarot card? How do you attribute significance to symbols? In this book, Siddharth Ramakrishnan, PhD, answers these questions and more as he explores the neuroscience behind intuition and proves that tarot readers aren't just making up their results. Siddharth unveils the fascinating dance between your body and brain that occurs while delivering or receiving a reading. Learn how this unconscious synergy allows you to process tarot imagery, attach personal meaning, and elicit emotional responses, laying the groundwork for prediction. Filled with dozens of journal exercises and full-color images, this book makes it easy to understand what intuition is scientifically and how to enhance it for more accurate readings from both sides of the table. Includes a foreword by Mary K. Greer, author of Mary K. Greer's 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card Biographical Note: Siddharth Ramakrishnan, PhD, is a neuroscientist, artist, and educator. He is the chair of neuroscience at the University of Puget Sound and a recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER award and W. M. Keck Foundation award. An avid tarot reader for the last twenty years, Siddharth explores the intersections of science, art, and mysticism. This led him to design and create the Neuro Tarot deck inspired by the major arcana of tarot but infused with neuroscience concepts. He also runs a blog offering neuroscience insights for tarot readers. Mary Greer is an author and teacher specializing in methods of self-exploration and transformation. A Grandmaster of the American Tarot Association, she is a member of numerous Tarot organizations, and is featured at Tarot conferences and symposia in the United States and abroad. Mary also has a wide following in the women's and pagan communities for her work in women's spirituality and magic. A Priestess-Hierophant in the Fellowship of Isis, she is the founder of the Iseum of Isis Aurea. Mary has studied and practiced Tarot and astrology for over 34 years. Her teaching experience includes eleven years at New College of California, as well as at many workshops, conferences, and classes. She is the founder and director of the learning center T.A.R.O.T. (Tools and Rites of Transformation).

#The Neuroscience #of Tarot From #Imagery to Intuition #to Prediction #Siddharth #Ramakrishnan

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biomedres · 3 months ago

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Use of A Jig to Control Forearm Rotation and Wrist Position for MR and CT Imaging of Patients with Distal Radioulnar Joint and Wrist Dysfunction

Use of A Jig to Control Forearm Rotation and Wrist Position for MR and CT Imaging of Patients with Distal Radioulnar Joint and Wrist Dysfunction in Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research

Use of a jig to control forearm rotation and wrist position for MR and CT imaging of patients with distal radioulnar joint and wrist dysfunctiong.Aim: To design and assess efficacy of a jig to enhance MR and CT imaging of the distal forearm.Materials and Methods: A forearm-support jig was developed for clinical use in imaging the forearm, DRUJ, TFCC and wrist joint. The jig was constructed in MRl- safe materials and incorporated a goniometer allowing control of forearm rotation and a support for wrist position. The jig was used as an adjunct to a clinical research project on the DRUJ both in patients and volunteers. For the purpose of assessment of the utility of the jig record was made of patient comfort and acceptability, end- image quality output, reproducibility of scans repeated intra- and inter-subject, and ease of use by the radiographers.Results: Twenty-three volunteers found the jig to be comfortable during the scanning procedure. Nine patients who had also undertaken standard MRl scans without the jig unanimously reported improved comfort and satisfaction levels with the jig. Radiographers found the device easy to use obviating the need to repeat scans due to patient movement or incorrect wrist positioning. lmages obtained readily permitted intra- and inter-patient comparison. lmage quality was improved with less subject tremor.Conclusion: A jig has been developed that allows standardization of position of forearm rotation. This has proved a useful adjunct for MR and CT imaging of the forearm and DRUJ where the position of forearm rotation needs to be controlled for the purpose of the study or investigation.

For more articles in Journals on Biomedical Sciences click here bjstr

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#Regenerative Medicine #Bio-psychological Medicine #Journals on Neuro Imaging #journal of biomedical research and reviews #Biomedical Open Access Journals

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myrawjcsmicasereports · 7 months ago

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Standardization of structural and functional brain integration in cannabis users by Tshetiz Dahal in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences

Abstract

Cannabis is one of the most widely used and commercialized illegal drugs worldwide, notably amid young adults. The neuro-biological mechanisms of cannabis, particularly in adolescents, have yet to be identified. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a cohort of 73 cannabis users (ages 22-36, 19 females) and his 73 healthy controls (ages 22-36, females). We observed some momentous differences in local structural/functional network measures (such as grade along with clustering coefficient), extended in the insular and anterior cranial cortices, and in the lateral/medial temporal cortex . An abundant structural network of clubs showed a normal tendency to distribute in the bilateral frontal, temporal, and occipital regions. However, slight differences between the two groups were found in the superior and inferior temporal gyri. Functionally rich clavate nodes were located primarily in the parietal and posterior regions, with minor differences between the groups that were found primarily in the centrotemporal and parietal regions. Regional network measures of structural/functional networks have been associated with time of cannabis use (TUC) in several regions. Structural/functional networks showed small-world ownership in both groups, but no differences were found between cannabis users and healthy control of global network measures, no association with cannabis use. After FDR alteration, all significant associations among network measurements and TUC were found to be insignificant, except for the association between termination within the subicule region and TUC . In summary, our results revealed changes in the local topological properties of structural and functional networks in cannabis users, but global brain network organization remained intact.

Key words: Cannabis, brain, structural, functional, hippocampal, parahippocampal and horizontal atrophy, brain morphology.

Introduction

Cannabis is one of the foremost commonly utilized illegal drugs around the world, and its utilization has been on the rise in later a long time, coinciding with its legalization in numerous countries1. Investigate has appeared that reliance on cannabis is related with a extend of neurocognitive shortages, counting disabled long winded memory2, engagement in unsafe behaviors, and destitute execution on cognitive errands that require executive function1,3. Within the past decades, morphometry and arrange examinations have been commonly utilized in most thinks about to explore the affiliation between cannabis utilize and brain structure and work. The morphometry based approach is utilized to think about changes within the nearby concentration (volume/thickness) of brain tissues4. Early considers found no critical morphological changes within the brain related with incessant cannabis use5. In any case, later ponders have appeared that the utilize of cannabis may lead to hippocampal, parahippocampal and horizontal atrophy6,7,8,9. Changes in brain work and structure may not be simply due to nearby changes in brain morphology, it can be moreover a result of changes in morphology between brain locales.

By modeling the brain as a network, several studies have used resting-state functional and diffusion-weighted imaging data to examine changes in functional and structural brain connectivity resulting from chronic cannabis use. I'm here. Previous studies on large-scale brain networks have reported heterogeneous results regarding the association between structural and functional brain connectivity patterns and cannabis in cannabis users. Preliminary results, using graph-theoretical means, show that structural brain network efficiency is low, in addition to changes in regional structural connectivity in zonal regions in a group of cannabis users. 12. One of the first studies to examine the effects of long-term cannabis use on axonal connectivity found impaired structural connectivity in the spleen of the corpus callosum, fornix, and commissural fibers 15 . Increased structural fractional anisotropy was found in regular cannabis users, but decreased with frequent use3. Other studies 16,17,18 found no significant differences in global characteristics of brain structural networks between cannabis users and controls. Although most studies focus on specific brain regions that use cognitive tasks, long-term cannabis use has been shown to be associated with various changes in functional connectivity. Several studies have examined resting-state functional connectivity across large brain networks16,21. Manza et al.11 found increased regional functional connectivity in the ventral striatum, midbrain, brainstem, and lateral thalamus. While using seed-based connectivity analysis, they reported no significant differences in brain-wide functional connectivity between cannabis users and healthy controls who used the above regions as seeds. Ramaekers et al.22 found widespread hyper-connectivity within key brain networks such as dorsal attention, limbic, subcortical, and cerebellar networks in chronic cannabis users compared to acute cannabis users. Did. Using graph theory analysis, no differences were found in the global and regional characteristics of resting-state functional networks between cannabis users and non-users 21. Interested in identifying densely connected nodes within brain networks (so-called 'rich clubs') that have recently been shown to play a key role in information integration across structural and functional brain networks is rising. Few studies have examined the abundance of associated tissues in the structural brain networks of cannabis users compared to non-users16,17. Despite a large body of research, changes in functional and structural connectivity of brain networks in cannabis users have not been fully investigated.

In the present study, we used graph-theoretical indices in cannabis users compared to healthy controls to identify changes in brain functional and structural connectivity and rich organization of structural and functional brain networks. intended to investigate. We also assessed the association between cannabis use time and network actions.

Materials and methods

Subjects: This study included 146 subjects. All candidates contingent written informed consent. From this cohort (n = 1206, ages 22–36, 54 males), 109 met DSM-IV criteria for her cannabis dependence and had both rs-fMRI and DWI imaging data. Subjects with concurrent alcoholism, DSM-level anxiety and depression outliers (≥3 SD from the mean for all 1206 HCP subjects), and subjects with poor outlier image quality were excluded from this subgroup. 19. The final sample included 73 cannabis users. Matching groups based on demographic and lifestyle factors is recommended, so it is an important step to minimize the potential confounding effects of these factors11. Cannabis groups were matched by age, sex, education, BMI, alcohol and tobacco use using her MatchIt function in R (p > 0.1). Subject sociodemographic .

Neuroimaging Data: Image data were acquired from each subject on a Siemens 3T scanner with a 32-channel coil at the University of Washington, as shown in Figure 26. 3D T1- and T2-weighted MR images were acquired at an isotropic resolution of 0.7 mm (FOV = 224 mm, matrix = 320, 256 slices). Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) were acquired isotropically at a high spatial resolution of 1.25 mm (TR/TE = 5520 ms/89.5 ms), using the high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) method, with 6 Shells with b = 1000, 2000, and 3000 s/mm2 with 270 q points distributed over three runs and three different shells. The rs-fMRI data were collected in two sessions, with EPI sequences (multiband coefficient = 8, TR/TE = 720 ms/33.1 ms, flip angle = 52°, FOV = 208 mm, spatial resolution = 2 in each session). 2 x 2mm). For rs-fMRI, participants were instructed to lie down with their eyes open, relax, look at a white cross on a dark background, think nothing, and not sleep.

Data Preprocessing: T1w images were minimally pre-processed for spatial distortion and motion correction and normalization in MNI space27. Diffusion-weighted images were also pre-processed for b0 intensity normalization, EPI distortion correction, eddy current and motion correction, and gradient non-linearity correction. All rs-fMRI data were used in 'CIFTI' format. H. Combination of cortical gray matter data modeled on the surface and subcortical gray matter data modeled on volumetric packets included in the image. All functional images were subjected to gradient equalization, EPI distortion correction, motion correction, registration of T1w scans, high-pass filtering with a cutoff of 2000 s for linear detrending, ICA-based de-noising for automatic artifact removal, Minimal preprocessing was done for bad images. Normalization of very low frequency and nonlinear components to MNI space. Details are described elsewhere28. The HCP preprocessing pipeline uses Independent Component Analysis (MELODIC, FSL-FIX) to remove artifacts and 'bad' components, as well as non-neuronal spatiotemporal components from 15 min of high-pass filtered rs-fMRI data. Did. To avoid removing interesting discrepancies from the data, a conservative, non-aggressive approach was still used in which a cutoff value of 2000 seconds was found to be better than 200 seconds in ICA-FIX29 . The rs-fMRI images were also cross-registered between subjects using the 'MSMall' algorithm30. This algorithm aligns functional networks to cortical functional maps using features derived from myelin, resting-state networks, and rs-fMRI visual field maps. Pipeline 30,31.

Network Construction: Glasser Atlas30 containing 360 regions (180 regions per hemisphere) was used to create functional and structural views of the brain. Since subcortical regions are often included in addiction studies, we used a modified version of this atlas containing 379 plots containing 19 subcortical regions. The subdivision scheme was based on changes in brain cortical architecture, function, connectivity and topography in 210 young healthy adults with HCP30. A structural connectivity matrix containing N × N elements representing normalized QA across regions was constructed for each participant. The optimal threshold was set to 0.1% of each person's maximum structural connectivity (the default threshold in DSI Studio).

We then calculated a weighted group structure matrix for each group by averaging the connectivity matrix elements for connections present in at least 75% of subjects23. In addition, a functional connectivity matrix for each individual was constructed by calculating the average time-course pairwise Pearson correlation coefficients of the 379 regions. We then thresholded the functional connectivity matrix using an optimal threshold of 0.2,27 retaining 20% of the strongest connections. The optimal threshold was determined based on a trade-off between density and overall efficiency36. The binary group function matrix for both groups was also calculated by averaging the individual matrices while retaining 20% of the strongest links. The overall procedure is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: A processing channel for brain structural and functional network analysis. We used fiber tractography and a subdivision scheme to construct the structural connectome for each individual. A functional connectome for each individual was also constructed by calculating the average time-course pairwise Pearson correlation coefficients of the 379 regions. Graph theory analyzes were then performed to examine the topological properties and abundant club organization of structural and functional brain networks in both healthy controls and cannabis users.

Network Topological Properties: To examine the link between cannabis use and the structural and functional connectivity of the brain, the topological properties of both structural and functional networks at the individual and group level were analyzed using the Brain Connectivity Toolbox (BCT, http://www.brainconnectivitytoolbox.org/). http://www.brain-connectivity-toolbox.net/).

To characterize the network topology of the brain, metrics of network integration (characteristic path length, global efficiency and degree), separation (clustering coefficient and modularity), and small-worldness were calculated for each network. . Details of individual properties are shown on 37 and 10.

Rich-Club Organization: In addition, we examined the effects of cannabis on abundant club tissue in the brain using methods described in 23,24. For this purpose, unweighted Rich-Club coefficients were calculated for each group mean functional network. For each k in the range [1, the maximum degree in the network], the Rich-Crab coefficient ϕ(k) was defined as the ratio of the number of connections in the sub-graph defined by nodes of less than degree k. Computes the total number of possible connections in the sub-graph

where Ek is the number of connections with a degree less than k, and Nk(Nk−1) is the total number of possible connections.

Following a similar procedure, a weighted rich-club coefficient ϕwk was computed for each group structural network. After ranking all weights of the structural network (w-ranked), ϕw(k) was computed as follows:

Where wk is the sum of the weights of links in the sub-graph of nodes with rank greater than k, and w-ranked is the vector of weights of all links in the structural network, ordered from highest to lowest weight. increase.

The normalized Rich-Club coefficients ϕnorm(k) of the structural and functional networks in each group were then calculated with respect to ϕrandom(k). It was computed as the average rich club coefficient over 1000 random networks of the same size and similar connection distribution. We use 23 μm to test whether the rich clubs of the real network significantly exceed those of the null model p < 0.05. For structural and functional networks of cannabis users and healthy controls, ϕnorm(k) is greater than 1 and within k with p < 0.05 indicated the presence of abundant club nodes. In this study, we chose k levels such that 30% of the network nodes are identified as rich club nodes.

Statistical Analysis: Differences in global and local plot metrics between cannabis users and healthy controls were assessed using t-tests. In addition, we used node-level linear regression analysis to examine the relationship between cannabis users' structural/functional network measures (grade and clustering coefficients) and time of cannabis use (TUC). Results were presented using a range of statistical significance thresholds (p < 0.05, p < 0.02, p < 0.01, and p < 0.005). Mainly due to multiple corrections, the false discovery rate (FDR) was used, uncorrected and corrected for multiple comparisons. Comparisons can be overly conservative when dealing with large numbers of nodes.

Informed Consent: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Results

Graph Measures: As shown in Table 2, global network measures (global efficiency, characteristic path length, modularity, and small size) for either structural or functional networks between cannabis users and healthy controls No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found

show significant differences (p < 0.05, p < 0.02, p < 0.01, and p < 0.005, uncorrected) in node degrees and clustering coefficients of structural and functional networks between groups. increase. As shown, the structural networks of cannabis users were less central (p < 0.01 , unmodified). Several nodes in the left parieto-occipital region, including V3CD, showed increased structural grade in cannabis users compared with controls. In functional networks, the left anterior cranial cranium showed a significant reduction in grade (p>0.005, uncorrected) in cannabis users.

Cannabis users also showed higher regional segregation (clustering coefficient, p<0.01 uncorrected) within frontoparietal regions, including the premotor cortex, the anterior cranial cortex, and the inferior frontal cortex of the structural network. Several areas in the posterior visual cortex, including the ventral visual cortex and V3CD, showed lower clustering coefficients in cannabis users.

Functional networks in cannabis users were also characterized by increased clustering coefficients in the left inferior frontal cortex, ventral visual cortex, FST and TG dorsal regions. Compared with the control group, the cannabis group showed less regional functional segregation within the right hemisphere in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, parahippocampal cortex 2, and the ventral region of the diencephalon.

Overall, none of the above significant differences between cannabis users and healthy controls survived after FDR correction.

Regions showing differences in degree and clustering coefficient between cannabis users and healthy controls in (a) structural networks and (b) functional networks. The color of nodes indicates significant increases (red) or decreases (blue) in degree and clustering coefficient for cannabis users (CB) compared to healthy controls (HC). The size of nodes represents between group differences with p < 0.05, p < 0.02, p < 0.01 and p < 0.005 (uncorrected) with large nodes showing smaller p values. Rich-Club organization of structural and functional networks: Figure 3 and Tables S9, S10 show the spatial distribution of structurally and functionally abundant club nodes in both groups. As shown, the structure-rich clavate in both groups was mainly distributed in left bilateral frontal, temporal and occipital lobe regions and deep brain structures. Compared with controls, the structural networks of cannabis users showed higher and lower numbers of abundant club nodes within the superior and inferior temporal gyri, respectively. Feature-rich club nodes were mainly located in the parietal and posterior regions of both groups, with minor differences. Cannabis users showed slightly fewer and more abundant club nodes within centrotemporal and parietal regions, respectivel. Rich club organization of (a) structural networks and (b) functional networks for cannabis users and healthy controls. The common rich club nodes in two groups are shown in blue. Few rich club nodes were only found for healthy controls (in red) or cannabis users (in green). Post hoc Analysis: Figure 4 and Tables S5–S8 show regression results showing regions where plotted measures were significantly (p < 0.05, uncorrected) associated with TUC for structural (SN) and functional (FN) networks. In this figure, the nodes exhibit a rate of change in node degree (β coefficient) and a clustering coefficient higher than mean + 2SD with increasing TUC. In several regions of the posterior region, structural networks (within the bilateral frontal cortex, left parieto-parieto-occipital junction, right V3CD) and functional networks (within the left parahippocampal region, left ventral-medial). Visual field, left superior parietal cortex, left inferior parietal cortex, right hippocampus, right medial temporal cortex).

Discussion

Considering the fact that cannabis usage is very common in the world, little is known about how marijuana could affect the brain. Using graph-theoretical analysis on a sizable sample of cannabis users and healthy controls, this study examined the relationship between cannabis use and brain structural and functional connectivity. Our findings revealed that: (1) cannabis users' brain structural and functional networks had a small world topology and a rich-club organisation, (2) there were no significant differences in global network measures between the groups, (3) cannabis users' regional integration and segregation of the structural and functional networks were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in comparison to healthy controls, and (4) there was a significant correlation between local measures of sativa use and global measures of sativa use. Collectively, the results demonstrated that cannabis users have altered regional characteristics of their brain's structural and functional networks. In line with earlier findings9,12,16, our findings revealed no appreciable differences between cannabis users and healthy controls in the overall network features of the structural and functional brain networks (p > 0.05, uncorrected). In keeping with earlier research38 on healthy persons, the small-world features of both structural and functional networks were also discovered to be comparable across the two groups.

The results revealed regional changes in structural networks associated with cannabis use, particularly in the cingulate cortex, dorsolateral, fronto/posterior tectum, fronto-medial cortex, insula, and temporal regions. . Altered structural connectivity observed in these regions may be related to regional changes in cortical gray matter thickness associated with substance use disorders and uneven distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the brain. There are 32,39,40,41,42. More isolated networks tend to have higher clustering coefficients,37 so increased clustering coefficients in some regions may indicate differences in the local processing power of these networks. 12. These different patterns of global and local indicators may reflect different sample characteristics in the study. This current data find abundant club nodes widely distributed in cortical and subcortical regions, consistent with previous findings. Structurally abundant club nodules were found predominantly in bilateral frontal, temporal, mid-occipital and deep brain structures in both groups, whereas functional networks were predominantly located in the parietal and posterior regions. rice field. Compared with controls, our results showed that the structural network of cannabis users had higher and lower numbers of Rich Crab nodes in the superior and inferior temporal gyri, respectively. This result contrasts with other studies16 that found no difference in the composition of structural networks between cannabis users and healthy controls in wealthy clubs. The results showed that most of the functional rich club nodes were located in the parietal and posterior regions of both groups, with slight differences in the number of rich club nodes. Compared with controls, cannabis users had slightly fewer and more centrotemporal and parietal horn knots, respectively. Only a few nodes in the back showed high levels of rich clubbing of the cannabis user's functional network. This domain has been reported to play an important role in habit formation in addictive behaviors44. These results suggest the possibility of an aberrant connectome associated with cannabis use.

This research findings also revealed a strong correlation between the number of lifetime cannabis users and the node degree/cluster coefficient of structural/functional networks. According to prior research41, the clustering coefficient of structural connectivity, a segregation measure, revealed a positive correlation between lifetime cannabis usage and the medial temporal cortex, as well as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in some cases. shown a bad correlation in the field of. In the prehippocampal region of the medial temporal cortex, we similarly discovered a negative association between local metrics (degree of structural network, clustering coefficient of functional network, and TUC). The medial temporal cortex, temporoparieto-occipital junction, and hippocampus were the areas with the greatest negative correlation between degree of functional network and length of cannabis usage. The hippocampus is one of the brain regions with the highest expression of CB1 receptors45. CB1-associated structural and functional alterations have been found to be common to this region in both humans and animal models16. However, positive associations between functional network clustering coefficients and TUC were mainly observed in the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. While some studies have reported no significant associations between duration of cannabis use, frequency of cannabis use, age of onset and adverse effects on brain networks, others have reported early onset of cannabis use or It has been suggested that prolonged prolongation can impair brain networks15,46. These discrepancies may be due to differences in self-reported values, differences in cannabis user populations in different studies, and differences in methodologies. Numerous restrictions apply to current research. The HCP database, which is a cross-cutting database, first, offers scant details on cannabis usage and addiction. Age of onset and other existing metrics are level-based and imprecise. Cannabis usage habits, whether daily or chronic, may cause changes in connection patterns. Second, he restricted the cross-sectional database to young adults between the ages of 22 and 36. To more accurately describe how connectivity patterns within the sample vary over time, longitudinal data are required. Last but not least, given that functional connectivity and rs-fMRI are now generally believed to be temporally dynamic, dynamic connectivity analysis may help better uncover time-varying connectivity patterns linked to cannabis usage.

Conclusion

The current study looked into the relationship between cannabis usage and structural and functional connections in the brain. To find changes in brain connection related to cannabis use, a graph-theoretic analysis was done on whole-brain functional and structural networks of cannabis users and healthy controls. Both groups' brain networks revealed small-world characteristics. Our data also showed regional impacts on network segregation and integration metrics, with the insular, frontal opercular, and lateral/medial temporal cortices showing greater significance. The general characteristics of the brain networks are still present, though. A typical pattern was revealed by the rich-club analysis of the structural and functional networks, despite some slight discrepancies between the two groups. In some areas, such as the hippocampus and presubiculum, which have been found in prior research to have a high concentration of CB1-receptors, a negative correlation between cannabis usage frequency and regional structural and functional network measurements was discovered. Future research will look into how cannabis users' functional connection patterns develop over time.

Ethics Declarations

Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

#Cannabis #brain #structural #functional #hippocampal #parahippocampal and horizontal atrophy #brain morphology #Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis #Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences.

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deivissonlopes81 · 8 months ago

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RADIOLOGIA - PERIÓDICOS DE ACESSO LIVRE.

Revistas Eletrônicas ABC – Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (SBC) ANP – Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria (ABNEURO) BIIJ – Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal BMC – Medical Imaging BMC – Nuclear Medicine Boletim do CBR CSC – Ciência & Saúde Coletiva Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Interface – Comunicação, Saúde e Educação Interventional Neuroradiology IRANJRADIOL –…

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haady-hy · 11 months ago

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Mastering the Mind: My Health and Well-being Adventure-by haady

Psychology has always intrigued me as a subject. The workings of our human mind, the complexities of our behavior, and the potential for helping others through my counseling were the things that I found fascinating. And plus my personal experience with counseling had been transformative, and it played a major role in this decision.

With this clarity of thoughts, i decided to pursue my Master's in Psychology with a focus on Health and Well-being at Christ University. This course stood out to me because of its holistic approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications aimed at improving mental and physical health.

While enrolling in this program, I had huge expectations. I'm existed to aquire deep understanding of psychological principles and their application to health and well-being. And I was also existed to learn about mental health, stress management, and lifestyle interventions that could enhance overall well-being.

And plus I look forward to the practical aspects of the cours, like engaging in research, getting to participate in community service, and get hands-on experience through internships and projects. I really hoped that these experiences would not only deepen my knowledge but also provide me with the necessary skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of psychology.

"From Crazy Myths to Career Tips: A Chat with Christite Alumni"

We had the pleasure of hearing from Christ University alumni, Mr. Akhil and Mr. Adarsh. Mr. Akhil works at the Kshetra Foundation, focusing on mentorship programs and skills like empathy and collaboration. Mr. Adarsh, now in AI, is a Subject Matter Expert at Innodata India, working to improve AI models—an unexpected turn after his Master’s in psychology!

They kicked off by laughing at the usual questions we get as psychology students—“Can you read my mind?” and “Do you treat crazy people?” Then, they dove into their careers, how they transitioned from health psychology to very different fields, and their own moments of uncertainty after graduation.

When we asked about salaries, they were honest—initial pay isn’t great, but it improves over time. Their advice was to find meaning and satisfaction in the work itself. They also stressed the importance of publishing research, internships, and engaging in workshops to build our resumes.

A key moment was when Mr. Akhil talked about the potential of Behavioral Economics if someone is interested in blending psychology and economics. Both speakers also addressed the challenges of working abroad, urging us not to rely too heavily on it and to embrace opportunities in India.

It was a super engaging session, filled with practical advice from two people who’ve been exactly where we are!

Unlocking the Mind with Ms. Kanak Govardhan:

Ms. Kanak Govardhan, a clinical psychologist, with more than 20 years of experience. This session which was organized by our classmate Prapti, contained so much information about psychology and how it helps to know ourself and people around us.

She who is a certified practitioner from Institute of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and fond of Clinical Psychology provided a wide range of information about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from the most fundamental physical need to the advanced stage of self-actualization. She also took us through a five-minute guided imagery session where we had to visualize our ‘ideal self’. It was an awesome way of connecting to one’s self-image, ideal self, and self-esteem.

The most important lesson is that it is very easy to change the way we see ourselves depending on the forces around us, but we can address it! Ms. Govardhan talked about some activities to help boost her confidence, such as practicing self-forgiveness and gratitude, writing in a journal, and planning. We also learned about the PERMA model which stands for positive emotions, engagements, relations, meaning, and accomplishment as a advancement in overall wellness.

It was a very enlightening session filled with a lot of practical pointers to enhance our mental well-being as well as get over the facade and embrace the real self within us.

Acting Your Way to Success: Lessons from Nithya J Rao

We had the opportunity to listen to Nithya J Rao, founder of Becoming Shanta and an accomplished theatre practitioner. Nithya added a lot of new ideas to the session, explaining her seven-step approach on which psychology can contribute to our aspirations at personal and professional level.

Her session differed from others in that she focused on creativity and being original. She urged us to take on different tactics with which we are not familiar while faced with problems. It was something she knew how to do from her work in theatre. Her tales provided examples of how such creative thinking can relate to psychology (as well as life in general), almost like every story offered some burning motivation, practical or otherwise.

It was a motivational and inspiring session which also gave us tasks to do and changed our approach to the problems we face. It is for sure one of those sessions when you have to change the way you envision the objectives you want to accomplish!

A Tribute to Prof. Prakash Shetty: Dr. Rajendra Badwe on Cancer Care in India

February 2019 celebrated the 6th Professor Prakash Shetty Public Lecture at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences held on 24th September, in honor of the late Professor Prakash Shetty, a true polymath. The conference was honored by the presence of Dr. Rajendra Badwe, a Padma Shri recipient and a previous Director of Tata Memorial Centre, who gave a stimulating talk on “Indian Society & Cancer”.

Dr. Badwe spoke about the various socio-economic factors influencing cancer care and effective treatment saying that there is a fair treatment in cities but unfair treatment in the villages. He introduced how cancer can be detected and treated in a three-tier system, and Required repeating endeavors in the countryside. Cancer prevention strategies were also addressed in the session considering the changing lifestyles that are causing obesity as well as breast cancer incidences in women.

The curtain for the session fell with the Dr. Badwe fielding questions from the audience, and a few housekeeping issues followed, including a vote of thanks. The programme included a segment in memory of public health excellence as exemplified by Professor Shetty, thus inspiring the participants on the need and hope for cancer management in India.

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vincewillard-1971 · 1 year ago

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Hakomi Method Of Experiential Psychotherapy

The Hakomi Method of Experiential Psychotherapy, a body-centered approach developed by Ron Kurtz combines somatic awareness with experiential techniques to promote psychological growth and transformation.

Hakomi theory holds the body to be a window to unconscious psychological material, and trained practitioners work to help those in therapy identify somatic indicators of unconscious beliefs and bring these indicators into awareness, thus aiding the process of change.

Development Of Hakomi Therapy

Hakomi integrates principles of Eastern philosophy, primarily Buddhism and Taoism, emphasizing concepts such as mindfulness, loving presence, and empathy. Kurtz also incorporated additional influences, such as general systems theory and a range of body-centered therapeutic orientations:

•Gestalt therapy

•Psychomotor therapy

•Reichian breathwork

•Feldenkrais method

•Bioenergentic analysis

•Structural bodywork

Neuro-linguistic programming

•Eriksonian hypnosis

In 1977, Kurtz held the first training in the Hakomi Method. In 1981, Kurtz and a group of therapists and educators established the Hakomi Institute to further develop this mode of therapy and promote the teaching of Hakomi. In 1990, Kurtz left the Hakomi Institute but continued to refine and expand the original Hakomi Method. Along with a group of colleagues, he founded the Hakomi Education Network, which provides training internationally to those who are interested in the principles of Hakomi.

Kurtz book, Body-Centered Psychotherapy:Hakomi Method provides a detailed overview of Hakomi and outlines the basic principles upon the Method is built. The Hakomi Institute's professional journal, the Hakomi Forum,continues to expose readers to the practice of Hakomi and to various ways in which its principles can be applied.

Theory Of Hakomi Therapy

According to the Hakomi Method, gestures, posture, facial expressions, and other bodily experiences provide information about a person's core material. This core material can be described as a combination of the images, memories, emotions, and beliefs, even those hidden from awareness, determining a person's individual nature and may also serve to place limits on one's individuality and goals. Through this therapy approach, individuals can eventually develop a clearer understanding of this core material and, with compassionate, gentle assistance from professionals trained in Hakomi, examine, challenge, and ultimately transform any self-defeating beliefs.

The Hakomi Method is grounded in five principles: mindfulness, organicity, nonviolence, mind-body integration and unity. Unlike other types of therapy taking a mindfulness-Based approach: In Hakomi, nearly the entire therapy process is conducted in mindfulness. This unique aspect helps people in therapy to quickly and safely discover and address unconscious thoughts and beliefs. A main tenet of Hakomi is the body's importance as a resource and its ability to allow the mind to access core material, and some practitioners of Hakomi may use (consensual) touch in the therapy process.

Core Principles Of Hakomi Therapy

Five core principles guide the practice of Hakomi Therapy.

•Mindfulness refers to a relaxed, alter state of consciousness characterized by a sustained focus of one's attention inward and heightened awareness of what is happening in the present. Mindfulness can reduce distraction and quiet the mind, enhancing one's ability to detect sensations, emotions, and thoughts arising in the moment. Unconscious material is typically brought into conscious awareness in this state of mindfulness.

Organicity describes individual as inherently wise living system capable of self-organization, self-correction, and self-maintenance. According to this premise, each person has an innate capacity to heal, and this capacity includes an inner knowledge or what is needed for healing to occur. The therapist's role, then, is to facilitate and support an individual's nature restorative ability as the individual journeys toward wholeness.

•Nonviolence implies the cooperation between the therapist and the person being helped. The therapist pays close attention to the individual's own innate therapeutic process and allows it to unfold without interfering. Defences are not viewed as obstacles to be broken forcefully but are recognized for what they are: reaction enabling individuals to manage (whether by containing, minimizing or avoiding) their emotional experience. Therapists offer respect and support instead of challenging defences, a practice that, according to Hakomi Therapy enables individuals to become better able to work through their defenses.

•Mind-body integration is the recognition of mind, body, and spirit as entitled that continuously interact and influence each other and a person's beliefs about the self, others, and the world. All these systems are believed to manifest what is experienced by the individual at a given point in time. Core beliefs about the self and the world are therefore reflected not only in one's way of thinking and acting, but in one's physiology and somatic experiences, as well.

Unity describes the Hakomi view that individuals consist of interdependent parts working together for the overall health of the system. The unity principles also assumes individuals to be both interconnected and interdependent. In the therapeutic setting, individual's can be helped to overcome perceived barriers or power imbalances between the self and others, establishing an atmosphere of loving presence and mutuality.

What Happens In A Hakomi Session?

Hakomi sessions typically follow a sequence:contact, accessing and integration.

Contact begins in the initial stage of therapy and involves the development and maintenance of a safe and accepting environment in which the individual feels comfortable undertaking the process of self-exploration. Without a sense of safety and trust , individuals may be disinclined to relax their defences and open themselves up to the vulnerable state of mindfulness.

Accessing refers to the process by which mindfulness is used to study current experiences and uncover unconscious core material in order to process it and assimilate it into the existing concept of self. According to Hakomi theory, those who become aware of the limitations core material creates in their lives are more likely to experience a conscious desire for change. Hakomi therapists can then help them experientially explore new opinions.

The therapist might initiate this process by asking a person in therapy to close their eyes, turn attention inward and focus on what is happening in the body from moment to moment. Throughout the process, the therapist mindfully observes and supports the unfolding of the individual's therapeutic process, encouraging the individual to focus on any thoughts,sensations, images, feelings, or memories emerging into awareness.

If individuals are willing, their somatic experiences are explored by means of "little experiences," which aim to discover the beliefs they hold above themselves and the world. These experiments often make use of probes, or positive statements conveying an idea exactly opposite to what the person appears to believe. When working with a person who lacks a strong sense of self-worth, a therapist might say, "just notice what happens when I say" These experiments often trigger memories, sensations, and emotions as a direct expression of core beliefs. These evoked reactions can then be studied in a safe environment.

Processing involves studying the individual's experiences and responses to the experiments as well as the exploration of any beliefs and ideas potentially impacting well-being. Therapist typically works with the individual to create new experiences to counteract these beliefs, encouraging the person to discover what feels personally right and true rather than analyzing these beliefs and ideas. Processing often leads to significant insight, transformation and change. The internal wisdom of the person in therapy is emphasized.

Integration occurs toward the end of a session as the therapist helps the individual to make sense of what was experienced during the session. Therapist also helps the individual make connections between experiences during the session and life outside of therapy.

The Use Of Touch In Hakomi Therapy

Unlike traditional forms of psychotherapy, Hakomi may involve consensual touch from the therapist to the individual seeking therapy. When painful or traumatic memories arise, a soft touch or a gentle hand on the shoulder might help comfort the individual in therapy and encourage the person to stay with the experience. Touch may also be used in support of the individual's management behavior (defenses). Describing a particular memory may lead an individual to cover their face with their hands, and a Hakomi therapist may support this gesture by placing hands over the individual's, thus helping to keep the person's face covered. Supporting management behaviors in this way can encourage the individual to venture deeper into the internal experience. Not all Hakomi therapists employ touch in their technique, although it is viewed as an acceptable practice in therapy. Those who do first obtain the consent of the individual in treatment.

Issues Treated With Hakomi Therapy

This approach is more often used to by individual's wishing to achieve personal growth than individuals seeking treatment for specific mental health concerns. However, the principles of Hakomi can adapted for use in most therapeutic encounters. Although research is still limited, Hakomi has been shown to be effective at treating mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactive (ADHD). It has also been employed, with positive results, in the treatment of unresolved trauma.

Although initially conceptualized as an individual psychotherapy, Hakomi approaches have been developed for use with couples, families and groups. The principles of Hakomi have also been incorporated into other professions and practices such as bodywork, pastroral counseling, coaching, meditation, conflict resolution, business, parenting, and theater.

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