Refining the Allostatic Self-Efficacy Theory of Fatigue and Depression Using Causal Inference.

Allostatic self-efficacy (ASE) represents a computational theory of fatigue and depression. In brief, it postulates that (i) fatigue is a feeling state triggered by a metacognitive diagnosis of loss of control over bodily states (persistently elevated interoceptive surprise); and that (ii) generalization of low self-efficacy beliefs beyond bodily control induces depression. Here, we converted ASE theory into a structural causal model (SCM).

The type of DNA damage response after decitabine treatment depends on the level of DNMT activity.

Decitabine and azacytidine are considered as epigenetic drugs that induce DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-DNA crosslinks, resulting in DNA hypomethylation and damage. Although they are already applied against myeloid cancers, important aspects of their mode of action remain unknown, highly limiting their clinical potential. Using a combinatorial approach, we reveal that the efficacy profile of both compounds primarily depends on the level of induced DNA damage.

Incorporating uncertainty within dynamic interoceptive learning.

Introduction: Interoception, the perception of the internal state of the body, has been shown to be closely linked to emotions and mental health. Of particular interest are interoceptive learning processes that capture associations between environmental cues and body signals as a basis for making homeostatically relevant predictions about the future. One method of measuring respiratory interoceptive learning that has shown promising results is the Breathing Learning Task (BLT).

Interoception of breathing and its relationship with anxiety.

Interoception, the perception of internal bodily states, is thought to be inextricably linked to affective qualities such as anxiety. Although interoception spans sensory to metacognitive processing, it is not clear whether anxiety is differentially related to these processing levels. Here we investigated this question in the domain of breathing, using computational modeling and high-field (7 T) fMRI to assess brain activity relating to dynamic changes in inspiratory resistance of varying predictability.

Repeated ecological and life cycle transitions make salamanders an ideal model for evolution and development.

Observations on the ontogeny and diversity of salamanders provided some of the earliest evidence that shifts in developmental trajectories have made a substantial contribution to the evolution of animal forms. Since the dawn of evo-devo there have been major advances in understanding developmental mechanisms, phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary models, and an appreciation for the impact of ecology on patterns of development (eco-evo-devo). Molecular phylogenetic analyses have converged on strong support for the majority of branches in the Salamander Tree of Life, which includes 764 described species.

Long-term Effectiveness of mHealth Physical Activity Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) interventions can increase physical activity (PA); however, their long-term impact is not well understood.

Objective: The primary aim of this study is to understand the immediate and long-term effects of mHealth interventions on PA. The secondary aim is to explore potential effect moderators.

Cirolanides wassenichae sp. nov., a freshwater, subterranean Cirolanidae (Isopoda, Cymothoida) with additional records of other species from Texas, United States.

Cirolanides wassenichae sp. nov., is described from the phreatic zone of the Edwards Aquifer, Texas, USA where it is sympatric with Cirolanides texensis Benedict, 1896.