rhIFN-alpha (ReliFeron)

Alterations in Early Alpha-band Connectivity emerge in Infancy among children later diagnosed with Autism.

Chung Haerin H, An Winko W WW, Wilkinson Carol L CL, Davila Mejia Gabriela G et al.

Autism is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition, often accompanied by challenges in language and cognitive development. Although atypical functional connectivity (FC) has been reported in autism, the timing of when it first emerges and its relevance for later behavior remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined developmental trajectories of alpha-band FC and network organization across the first three years of life. We computed global alpha-band measures, including peak alpha connectivity frequency (PACF), mean FC, clustering coefficient, and modularity, to characterize nonlinear developmental trajectories from longitudinal EEGs collected from 238 children (3-36-month-olds) with (Autism; n=58) and without (LL-noAutism; n=180) autism. Network-based statistics (NBS-Predict) identified subnetworks contributing to group differences at each age. Exploratory graph analyses (EGA) examined associations among FC, network measures, and language outcomes. We observed that PACF increased linearly with age in both groups. Global alpha-band connectivity measures showed a similar developmental pattern, with mean global FC, clustering coefficient, and modularity all increasing rapidly during the first year in both groups. Thereafter, these measures declined in the Autism group but continued to gradually increase in the LL-noAutism group. Compared to LL-noAutism, NBS-Predict identified both hyper- and hypo-connectivity subnetworks in Autism at 3 months, followed by a hypo-connectivity subnetwork at 24 and 36 months. EGA indicated that early hyperconnectivity predicted later hypoconnectivity and was associated with subsequent network organization and language outcomes. These findings indicate that altered alpha-band connectivity trajectories are detectable in infancy in children later diagnosed with autism and may contribute to later differences in developmental outcomes.

Effects of Mandala Coloring on Alpha Brain Activity and Anxiety Symptoms among Students at Universiti Sains Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chang Xin Ni XN, Othman Azizah A, Yusoff Nasir N, Zulkifly Mohd Faizal Mohd MFM

University students commonly experience stress and anxiety, which can negatively affect their academic performance. Mandala coloring has gained attention as a therapeutic art-based activity that may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Changes in brain activity, particularly in the alpha power, are known to reflect psychological states and responses to interventions. This study investigated the effects of mandala coloring on alpha brain activity and anxiety symptoms among students at Universiti Sains Malaysia. In a randomized experimental study, sixty students aged 18 to 25 years (M=22.97, SD=1.03) with moderate to high anxiety levels were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=30), which colored a geometric mandala for 20 minutes, or a control group (n=30), which colored a blank circle. Brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG), and anxiety levels were assessed before and after the session using the Malay version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using a mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) with group (intervention vs. control) as the between-subjects factor, and time and brain regions as the within-subjects factor. Both groups showed reductions in anxiety symptoms over time, with no significant differences between groups (F(1; 56)=0.03, p=0.87). However, EEG changes across brain regions differed between groups, with mandala coloring leading to increased frontal alpha power (F(3; 156)=3.21, p=0.03). Mandala coloring was associated with increased frontal alpha power, suggesting enhanced relaxation and focused attention. Anxiety symptoms decreased in both coloring groups, indicating that coloring in general may support emotional regulation and well-being. Taken together, these findings suggest that coloring-based activities may serve as useful therapeutic tools for reducing anxiety and improving focus among university students.

A Novel MAN2B1 Variant in a Child with a Unique Presentation of Alpha-Mannosidosis.

Mittal Payal P, Bhalla Kapil K, Acharya Rohan R, Hotwani Lipika L

Pyrethroid resistance intensity and mechanisms in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae) from Oyo State, Nigeria.

Ibrahim Kolade T T, Braimah Jafar A A, Oyebamiji David A A, Obasi Nnennaya I I et al.

Pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) is increasing across Nigeria and threatens the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and other pyrethroid-based interventions across Nigeria. This study quantified resistance levels, intensity, and metabolic contributions in An. gambiae s.l. populations across ecologically distinct zones of Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, to generate evidence for locally tailored vector control strategies. Between May and September 2018, immature stages of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato were collected from six Local Government Areas in Oyo State, Nigeria, with 10-15 larval habitats sampled per LGA using standard dipping procedures. Specimens were reared to adulthood under controlled insectary conditions (27 ± 2 °C; 75-84% Relative Humidity) before testing. For each insecticide in each LGA, approximately 450-550 non-blood-fed female mosquitoes were evaluated in accordance with WHO testing procedures. Susceptibility to alpha-cypermethrin (12.5 μg/bottle), deltamethrin (12.5 μg/bottle), and permethrin (21.5 μg/bottle) was determined using the CDC bottle bioassay at diagnostic concentrations (1×), with standard replicate batches per assay. Populations exhibiting resistance at 1× were further examined using elevated concentrations (2×, 5×, and 10×) to quantify resistance intensity. The involvement of metabolic detoxification was assessed through the contribution of cytochrome P450-mediated resistance mechanisms. A total of 9000 female mosquitoes were exposed to WHO diagnostic (1×) and elevated (2 × -10×) concentrations of alpha-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin, complemented with piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergist assays. At diagnostic dose, resistance was widespread, with mortality ranging from 5% (Egbeda) to 65% (Akinyele) for permethrin, 38.8-97% for alpha-cypermethrin, and 23-78% for deltamethrin, indicating significant spatial heterogeneity. Permethrin exhibited the highest resistance intensity, with incomplete mortality recovery even at 10×, while alpha-cypermethrin and deltamethrin showed full susceptibility restoration at 5× and 2×, respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed significant variation among LGAs (χ2, P < 0.001). Knockdown responses were reduced in Atiba, Afijio, and Egbeda, where several populations failed to reach 95% knockdown within 60 min. PBO pre-exposure fully restored susceptibility to alpha-cypermethrin (100%) across resistant LGAs, while deltamethrin showed partial recovery. In contrast, permethrin mortality remained incomplete (47-94%) after PBO, indicating limited metabolic involvement and likely target-site resistance. Overall, the findings demonstrate intense, spatially heterogeneous pyrethroid resistance driven by multiple mechanisms, with important implications for malaria vector control. While PBO-based LLINs may provide partial mitigation, they are unlikely to fully address the complexity of resistance observed across the study area. Consequently, sustained control in Oyo State will require complementary and alternative strategies, including next-generation dual-active-ingredient nets and other non-pyrethroid interventions.