Animacy processing by distributed and interconnected networks in the temporal cortex of monkeys.

Animacy perception, the ability to discern living from non-living entities, is crucial for survival and social interaction, as it includes recognizing abstract concepts such as movement, purpose, and intentions. This process involves interpreting cues that may suggest the intentions or actions of others. It engages the temporal cortex (TC), particularly the superior temporal sulcus (STS) and the adjacent region of the inferior temporal cortex (ITC), as well as the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC).

Spontaneous theory of mind in autism: are anticipatory gaze and reaction time biases consistent?

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit persistent deficits in social interaction and communication in adulthood. Pioneering studies have suggested that these difficulties arise from a lack of immediate, spontaneous mentalizing (i.e.

Deep Dissecting Hematoma Requiring Surgical Removal During Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Management: A Case Report.

Deep dissecting hematoma (DDH) is a disease in which minor trauma leads to the formation of an extensive hematoma. If left untreated, this can result in significant skin necrosis. Therefore, early treatment following a precise diagnosis is essential.

The three-factor structure of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Japanese version in pregnant women.

Background: There is a rising interest in perinatal mental health studies, and proper psychometric tools to assess autistic traits among this population in Japan are vital.

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the optimal factor structure of the AQ as part of a perinatal mental health research project.

Methods: We used the Japanese version of the AQ (AQ-J) to measure autistic-like traits in pregnant women.

Usefulness of the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) in screening for autism spectrum disorder and social communication disorder.

Background: In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SCD) were described as a new category of psychiatry nosography. SCD involves impairments in social communication and social interaction but not restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The autism spectrum quotient (AQ) was developed to screen for autism tendencies in adults with normal intelligence.

Association between copy number variations in parkin (PRKN) and schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: A case-control study.

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the association between copy number variations (CNVs) in parkin (PRKN) and schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a large case-control sample.

Method: Array comparative genomic hybridization was performed on 3111 cases with SCZ, 1236 cases with ASD, and 2713 controls. We systematically prioritized likely pathogenic CNVs (LP-CNVs) in PRKN and examined their association with SCZ and ASD.

High care and low overprotection from both paternal and maternal parents predict a secure attachment style with a partner among perinatal Japanese women.

This study aimed to determine how paternal and maternal parenting before adolescence affects adult attachment to a partner during the perinatal period, using three different models of attachment. We used the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) to examine perceived parenting practices and adult attachment styles, respectively. The participants included 4586 Japanese women who were pregnant or who had given birth, up until one month after childbirth.

Relationships among autistic traits, depression, anxiety, and maternal-infant bonding in postpartum women.

Background: Although several studies have found significant relationships between autistic traits and depression/anxiety, the relationships between autistic traits and postpartum depression/anxiety remain unclear. Moreover, few studies have examined the relationships between autistic traits and mother-infant bonding while considering depression or anxiety.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional data analysis design.

Case report: Methylphenidate improved chronic pain in an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Introduction: Chronic pain remains a health problem that is difficult to treat adequately. Its unknown cause and complex comorbidity with other illnesses, including mental disorders, amplify the severity of symptoms, which consequently decreases the quality of life of patients long term. In our clinical practice, we coincidentally found evidence that methylphenidate (MPH) effectively managed chronic pain in an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Factor structure of the parental bonding instrument for pregnant Japanese women.

The parental bonding instrument (PBI) is often used to examine the perceptions of children and adolescents regarding parenting practices. Previous studies have investigated the factor structure of the PBI. However, although it is important to examine the relationships between the perceived parenting practices and perinatal mental health, few studies have included perinatal women.

The cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) inhibitor SGC-GAK-1 inhibits neurite outgrowth and synapse formation.

Protein kinases are responsible for protein phosphorylation and are involved in important signal transduction pathways; however, a considerable number of poorly characterized kinases may be involved in neuronal development. Here, we considered cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) as a candidate regulator of neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis by examining the effects of the selective GAK inhibitor SGC-GAK-1. SGC-GAK-1 treatment of cultured neurons reduced neurite length and decreased synapse number and phosphorylation of neurofilament 200-kDa subunits relative to the control.

A case of afterload mismatch associated with shivering leading to fetal hypoxia in a COVID-19 patient.

Background: Fever and associated shivering are frequent symptoms in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). High body temperature activates the immune system, which might be beneficial. However, shivering leads to high oxygen demand.

A case of refractory pneumothorax and contralateral atelectasis after thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy treated with independent lung ventilation.

Background: Independent lung ventilation (ILV) allows separate positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) and inspiratory pressures for each lung. However, only a few articles have reported ILV management for lungs affected by different pathologies.

Case Presentation: A 56-year-old man underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery for esophageal cancer.

Theory of mind tested by implicit false belief: a simple and full-fledged mental state attribution.

About 40 years have passed since 'theory of mind (ToM)' research started. The false-belief test is used as a litmus test for ToM ability. The implicit false-belief test has renewed views of ToM in several disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience.

Influence of Atomoxetine on Relationship Between ADHD Symptoms and Prefrontal Cortex Activity During Task Execution in Adult Patients.

: We conducted this non-randomized prospective interventional study to clarify the relationship between improved attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and regional brain activity. : Thirty-one adult patients underwent near-infrared spectroscopy examinations during a go/no-go task, both before and 8 weeks after atomoxetine administration. : Clinical symptoms, neuropsychological results of the go/no-go task, and bilateral lateral prefrontal activity significantly changed.

Identification of Bonding Difficulties in the Peripartum Period Using the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale-Japanese Version and Its Tentative Cutoff Points.

Purpose: Identification of pregnant women with bonding difficulties is important to provide early intervention. However, few studies have examined the utility of self-report questionnaires that assess mother-infant bonding as screening tools for bonding difficulties. This longitudinal study aimed to identify pregnant women with bonding difficulties using the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS-J) and to estimate its optimal cutoff points in the peripartum period.

Perceived parenting before adolescence and parity have direct and indirect effects via depression and anxiety on maternal-infant bonding in the perinatal period.

Aim: This study was aimed towards detecting how perceived parenting practices before adolescence affect maternal-infant bonding in the perinatal period, considering factors such as depression, anxiety, and parity.

Methods: We used the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to examine perceived parenting practices. Participants included 1301 pregnant women who completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) at three time points: early pregnancy (approximately 12-15 weeks), late pregnancy (approximately 30-34 weeks) and postpartum (4 weeks after childbirth).

The lowest effective plasma concentration of atomoxetine in pediatric patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A non-randomized prospective interventional study.

Background: Atomoxetine (ATX) is used as a first-line, non-stimulant treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although no studies have systematically examined the relationship between plasma concentration and clinical efficacy. We conducted this non-randomized prospective interventional study to examine the relationship between plasma concentration of ATX and clinical efficacy.

Methods: Forty-three ADHD pediatric patients received ATX, and the steady-state through plasma concentration of the last daily dose that was maintained for at least 4 weeks were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Current Status of Clinical Engineer Anesthesia Assistants and Their Effect on Labor Task Shifting in Japan: A Prospective Observational Study in a Single Institute.

Introduction: Anesthesiologists are in short supply across the world, resulting in perpetually long working hours. To reduce the burden on anesthesiologists, tasks that can be performed by non-physicians must be shifted to other medical staff. In hospitals, clinical engineers can work as anesthesia assistants and perform some of the duties of anesthesiologists.