Emotion is represented in several limbic and prefrontal cortical brain areas herein referred to as the Affective Salience Network (ASN). Within this network, less is known about how valence and intensity are processed in the dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC), and how affective processes in dACC compare to activity in other nodes within the ASN. Using a novel spectral feature approach to analyze intracranial electrophysiological data, we discover hemispheric specialization in the dACC such that the right hemisphere is sensitive to intensity while the left hemisphere is sensitive to valence and negative affective bias. We further applied 130 Hz continuous stimulation to the anterior cingulum bundle while patients viewed emotional faces. Faces were rated happier in all patients, an effect modulated by baseline affective bias, suggesting a causal role for the dACC during the processing of external affective stimuli.

BackgroundVaccine and sufficient food availability are key factors for reducing pneumonia outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsIn this study, the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Synflorix® or PCV10) was administered to a child cohort (5–7 years old, n = 237) in Msambweni, Kenya, to determine relationships between dietary intake, nutritional/socioeconomic status of mothers/caregivers, and vaccine response. 7-day food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), dietary diversity score (DDS) and single 24-h dietary recall were used to address participants' dietary assessment and nutritional status. Individual food varieties were recorded and divided into 9 food groups as recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. Anthropometric measurements, nasopharyngeal swabs and vaccine administration were performed at the initial visit. Participants were followed 4–8 weeks with a blood draw for pneumococcal IgG titers assessed by Luminex assay.FindingsChronic malnutrition was prevalent in the cohort (15% stunting, 16% underweight). Unbalanced dietary intake was observed, with mean energy intake 14% below Recommended Dietary Allowances (1,822 Kcal) for 5–7 years age range. 72% of the daily energy was derived from carbohydrates, 18% from fats and only 10% from proteins. Poor anthropometric status (stunting/underweight) was associated with low socioeconomic/educational status and younger mother/caregiver age (p < 0.002). Limited intake of essential micronutrients (vitamins A, E, K) and minerals (calcium, potassium) associated with low consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal source foods (dairy, meat) was observed and correlated with poor vaccine response (p < 0.001). In contrast, children who consumed higher amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin B1, zinc, iron, and magnesium had adequate vaccine response (p < 0.05). Correlation between higher dietary diversity score (DDS), higher Vitamin E, K, Zinc intake and adequate vaccine response was also observed (p < 0.03).InterpretationOverall, this study highlights ongoing food scarcity and malnutrition in Kenya and demonstrates the links between adequate socioeconomic conditions, adequate nutrient intake, and vaccine efficacy.