bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opiniões e atitudes em relação à sexualidade: pesquisa de âmbito nacional, Brasil 2005
Authors: Paiva Vera , Aranha Francisco , Bastos Francisco I
Published: August 2008

OBJETIVO: Descrever opiniões e atitudes sobre sexualidade da população urbana brasileira. MÉTODOS: Inquérito de base populacional realizado em 2005, em amostra representativa de 5.040 entrevistados. Realizou-se análise das atitudes diante da iniciação e educação sexual de adolescentes, considerando sexo, idade, escolaridade, renda, estado civil, religião, cor, região geográfica e opiniões sobre fidelidade, homossexualidade e masturbação. Os resultados foram contrastados com pesquisa similar realizada em 1998, sempre que possível. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos entrevistados escolheu como significado para o sexo a alternativa: "sexo é uma prova de amor". Como em 1998, a maioria manifestou-se pela iniciação sexual dos jovens depois do casamento (63,9% para iniciação feminina vs. 52,4% para a masculina), com diferenças entre praticantes das diversas religiões. A educação escolar de adolescentes sobre o uso do preservativo foi apoiada por 97% dos entrevistados, de todos os grupos sociais. Foi elevada a proporção de brasileiros que concordaram com o acesso ao preservativo nos serviços de saúde (95%) e na escola (83,6%). A fidelidade permaneceu um valor quase unânime e aumentou, em 2005, a proporção dos favoráveis à iniciação sexual depois do casamento, assim como a aceitação da masturbação e da homossexualidade, em relação à pesquisa de 1998. As gerações mais novas tendem a ser mais tolerantes e igualitárias. CONCLUSÕES: Como observado em outros países, confirma-se a dificuldade de estabelecer uma dimensão única que explique a regulação da vida sexual ("liberal" vs "conservador"). Sugere-se que a normatividade relativa à atividade sexual deva ser compreendidas à luz da cultura e organização social da sexualidade ao nível local, auscultadas pelos programas de DST/Aids. A opinião favorável ao acesso livre ao preservativo na escola contrasta com resultados mais lentos no âmbito do combate ao estigma e à discriminação das minorias homossexuais. A formulação de políticas laicas dedicadas à sexualidade permitirá o diálogo entre diferentes perspectivas.
Nível de conhecimento e percepção de risco da população brasileira sobre o HIV/Aids, 1998 e 2005
Authors: Ferreira Maria Paula
Published: August 2008

OBJETIVO: Descrever o nível de conhecimento e percepção de risco da população brasileira sobre o HIV/Aids. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas as bases de dados da Pesquisa sobre Comportamento Sexual e Percepções da População, nos anos 1998 e 2005. Utilizou-se um indicador sintético composto de nove questões sobre níveis de conhecimento e percepção de risco acerca de formas de transmissão do vírus e situações de risco, segundo subgrupos populacionais. RESULTADOS: Os homens aumentaram seu nível de conhecimento no período, atingindo o nível de informação das mulheres. Entre os jovens não houve crescimento significativo do conhecimento, e tornou-se praticamente inexistente a diferença entre os sexos em relação a essa dimensão. Quanto à percepção de risco, aumentou a proporção dos que declaram não apresentar risco de contrair HIV/Aids. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar do aumento no nível de conhecimento em geral, os resultados encontrados indicam a necessidade de ações e programas e de prevenção do HIV/Aids para a população em geral, em especial, aos jovens.
Uso de substâncias psicoativas e métodos contraceptivos pela população urbana brasileira, 2005
Authors: Bastos Francisco I , Cunha Cynthia B , Bertoni Neilane
Published: August 2008

OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação entre os padrões de utilização de preservativos e outros métodos contraceptivos e o consumo de álcool e drogas. MÉTODOS: Estudo exploratório com base em dados de amostra probabilística com 5.040 entrevistados residentes em grandes regiões urbanas do Brasil, com idades entre 16 e 65 anos, em 2005. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários. Empregou-se a técnica de árvores de classificação Chi-square Automatic Interaction para estudar o uso de preservativos por parte de entrevistados de ambos os sexos e de outros métodos contraceptivos entre as mulheres na última relação sexual vaginal. RESULTADOS: Entre adultos jovens e de meia idade, de ambos os sexos, e jovens do sexo masculino vivendo relacionamentos estáveis, o uso de preservativos foi menos freqüente entre os que disseram utilizar substâncias psicoativas (álcool e/ou drogas ilícitas). O possível efeito modulador das substâncias psicoativas parece incidir de forma mais clara sobre as práticas anticoncepcionais de mulheres maduras, com inter-relações mais complexas, entre as mulheres mais jovens, onde a inserção em diferentes classes sociais parece desempenhar papel mais relevante. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar das limitações decorrentes de um estudo exploratório, o fato de se tratar de amostra representativa da população urbana brasileira, e não de populações vulneráveis, reforça a necessidade de implementar políticas públicas integradas dirigidas à população geral, referentes à prevenção do consumo de drogas, álcool, infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e HIV/Aids e da gravidez indesejada nos marcos de promoção da saúde sexual e reprodutiva.
Diagnóstico da situação do aleitamento materno no Estado do Piauí, Brasil
Authors: Ramos Carmen Viana , Almeida João Aprígio Guerra de , Alberto Norma Sueli Marques da Costa , Teles João Batista Mendes , Saldiva Silvia Regina Dias Médici
Published: August 2008

O objetivo do estudo foi realizar um diagnóstico da situação do aleitamento materno no Piauí, Brasil, durante a campanha de vacinação de 2006. A amostra constituiu-se de 1.963 crianças menores de um ano em 45 municípios. As medianas e probabilidades das categorias de aleitamento foram realizadas pela análise de probitos. Para análise da associação entre as variáveis do estudo e aleitamento materno/aleitamento materno exclusivo, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão logística multivariada. As probabilidades encontradas foram: 16% para o aleitamento materno exclusivo, 18% para o predominante na idade de 180 dias e 58% para aleitamento materno aos 361 dias. A duração mediana foi de 67 dias para o aleitamento materno exclusivo e 200 para aleitamento materno. Entre as crianças cujas mães pertenciam às classes econômicas C, D e E (p = 0,024) e moravam na zona rural (p = 0,009), o aleitamento materno foi maior. Não mamar nas primeiras 24 horas e utilizar chupeta e mamadeira reduziram a prevalência do aleitamento materno (p < 0,001). As prevalências encontram-se aquém das recomendações e refletem a necessidade de priorização das ações voltadas para o aleitamento no estado.
Exame clínico das mamas em consultas de pré-natal: análise da cobertura e de fatores associados em município do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Gonçalves Carla Vitola , Dias-da-Costa Juvenal Soares , Duarte Geraldo , Marcolin Alessandra Cristina , Garlet Geane , Sakai Alan Felipe , Bianchi Mônia Steigleder
Published: August 2008

O Ministério da Saúde do Brasil preconiza que seja realizado o exame clínico das mamas em conjunto com as orientações para o aleitamento materno na primeira consulta de pré-natal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cobertura do exame clínico das mamas durante o pré-natal e descrever características associadas ao não cumprimento desta norma. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre os meses de maio e julho de 2007. Dados relativos às puérperas foram registrados em um questionário padronizado. Dentre as 445 puérperas entrevistadas, 266 (59,8%) não foram submetidas ao exame clínico das mamas no pré-natal. As mulheres não-brancas, com renda familiar per capita inferior a um salário mínimo (R$ 380,00), com parto e pré-natal realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) apresentaram probabilidade maior de não terem suas mamas examinadas durante o pré-natal. Esses resultados mostram a baixa prevalência da realização do exame clínico das mamas durante o pré-natal, além disso, indicam graves problemas relacionados à qualidade do atendimento pré-natal e diferenças no acesso de mulheres pertencentes aos contingentes populacionais de menor poder aquisitivo aos cuidados preconizados.
Prescrição de antimicrobianos em unidades de saúde da família no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Tavares Noemia U. L. , Bertoldi Andréa D. , Muccillo-Baisch Ana Luiza
Published: August 2008

O artigo descreve o perfil das prescrições de antimicrobianos, suas principais indicações clínicas e aspectos sazonais. Realizou-se um estudo transversal nas unidades de saúde da família do Município de Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, nos meses de julho de 2005 e janeiro de 2006. Foram analisadas todas (n = 2.877) as prescrições médicas, e a prevalência de prescrição de antimicrobianos encontrada nos meses de inverno e verão foi de 30,4% (IC95%: 28,5-32,4) e 21% (IC95%: 19,1-22,9), respectivamente. Os antimicrobianos mais prescritos foram a amoxicilina e a associação de sulfametoxazol/trimetropin. As principais indicações clínicas para sua prescrição foram: infecção das vias aéreas superiores não especificadas (22,5%), amigdalites (20,8%) e infecções do trato urinário (13,3%). Observou-se uma mudança no perfil de prescrição de antimicrobianos para o tratamento das mesmas patologias entre os dois períodos. Os resultados evidenciam a falta de um padrão de prescrição de antimicrobianos na atenção básica à saúde, o que contraria as recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde, que sugerem a criação de protocolos de uso de antimicrobianos em todos os níveis de cuidado, como estratégia para a prevenção do uso inadequado dos antimicrobianos disponíveis.
Adaptação transcultural para o português (Brasil) do instrumento Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST) utilizado para identificar risco de violência contra o idoso
Authors: Reichenheim Michael Eduardo , Paixão Jr. Carlos Montes , Moraes Claudia Leite
Published: August 2008

Este artigo descreve a adaptação transcultural para uso no Brasil do instrumento Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST) utilizado para identificar risco de violência doméstica em idosos. Avaliando-se as equivalências conceitual e de itens, concluiu-se pela pertinência delas no contexto brasileiro. A equivalência semântica contemplou a correspondência de significado referencial/denotativo de termos e a geral/conotativa dos itens em si. A equivalência de mensuração foi investigada por intermédio de propriedades psicométricas. Semelhante ao encontrado no instrumento original em inglês, a análise fatorial revelou três dimensões. Seis dos sete itens carregaram satisfatoriamente no fator 1 (escala de "situação de abuso potencial"). A consistência interna mostrou-se razoável e reprodutibilidade intra-observador discreta. O segundo fator representando a dimensão de "violação de direitos pessoais ou abuso direto" teve desempenho semelhante. Ainda assim, identificou-se troca de itens entre estas escalas e cargas cruzadas. Uma terceira escala que deveria abarcar as "características de vulnerabilidade" não teve o mesmo desempenho. Conclui-se que mesmo sem mostrar equivalência completa, o H-S/EAST já poderia ser recomendado para uso no contexto brasileiro, pelo menos em parte.
Processo de desenvolvimento de um questionário para avaliação de abuso e dependência de açúcar
Authors: Rosa Marco Aurélio Camargo da , Slavutzky Sonia Maria Blauth de , Pechansky Flávio , Kessler Félix
Published: August 2008

Este estudo descreve o processo de desenvolvimento de um questionário para avaliação de possível abuso e dependência de açúcares extrínsecos não lácticos. Pesquisas recentes mostram que o consumo excessivo de açúcares extrínsecos não lácticos pode levar a alterações no sistema nervoso central a partir da influência destas substâncias no sistema neuroquímico de recompensa. O desenvolvimento desse instrumento ocorreu com base na adaptação do módulo "L" do questionário MINI-Plus por quatro grupos focais, e pela avaliação feita por uma comissão de especialistas na área de dependência química. O questionário apresenta algumas modificações de conteúdo em relação ao instrumento original, como substituições de palavras que estariam de melhor acordo com a substância em estudo; entretanto, manteve a estrutura original com vinte questões sobre abuso e dependência. Um instrumento de avaliação de dependência e abuso de açúcares extrínsecos não lácticos poderá no futuro ajudar os profissionais da saúde a prevenir e tratar problemas relacionados ao consumo de açúcar. É importante salientar que o diagnóstico de abuso e dependência de açúcar ainda deverá ser melhor avaliado pela comunidade científica, assim como as propriedades psicométricas desse instrumento.
Saúde em prisões: representações e práticas dos agentes de segurança penitenciária no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Diuana Vilma , Lhuilier Dominique , Sánchez Alexandra Roma , Amado Gilles , Araújo Leopoldina , Duarte Ana Maria , Garcia Mônica , Milanez Eliane , Poubel Luciene , Romano Elizabeth , Larouzé Bernard
Published: August 2008

O papel limitante dos agentes de segurança penitenciária no acesso dos detentos aos serviços sanitários e o impacto de suas representações e práticas de saúde no cotidiano prisional foram objeto de pesquisa-ação visando tanto à produção de conhecimento como à melhoria das ações de controle da tuberculose e HIV/AIDS pela participação e conscientização. Desenvolveu-se em três prisões e dois hospitais por meio de entrevistas individuais e grupos de discussão. Revelou que concepções de saúde e doença, hierarquização de riscos e estratégias de preservação no contexto carcerário relacionam-se às posições nessa organização social, aos conflitos e tensões ali existentes e aos pertencimentos grupais que reforçam identidades e antagonismos, refletindo-se nas práticas rotineiras e no acesso aos serviços. A negação da saúde como um direito dos presos e a restrição de sua autonomia contribuem para ações de saúde prescritivas. A tomada de consciência dos agentes de segurança penitenciária quanto às representações e práticas de saúde pode contribuir para a desconstrução de idéias estereotipadas e aumentar seu envolvimento nas ações de prevenção e assistência. A melhoria das condições de saúde dos detentos implica também mudanças nas condições de encarceramento.
Perfil epidemiológico da violência física intrafamiliar: agressões denunciadas em um município do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, entre 2001 e 2005
Authors: Dossi Ana Paula , Saliba Orlando , Garbin Cléa Adas Saliba , Garbin Artênio José Isper
Published: August 2008

Este estudo examinou agressões físicas intrafamiliares registradas em Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, durante 2001-2005. São descritas características sócio-demográficas de agressores e vítimas; parentesco; local, horário, dia da semana e motivos das agressões; tipos de lesão e uso de álcool/drogas pelos agressores. Das 7.750 ocorrências, 1.844 estavam relacionadas à agressão física intrafamiliar: 81,1% envolvendo parceiros íntimos (grupo A), 11,6% pais/responsáveis e filhos (grupo B) e 7,3% outros familiares (grupo C). Nos três grupos, as agressões ocorreram principalmente em casa, sendo os agressores predominantemente do sexo masculino. No grupo A as agressões ocorreram principalmente nos finais de semana (38,9%), sendo o ciúme, motivo freqüentemente relatado (21,5%). No grupo B, crianças/adolescentes constituíram 68,1% das vítimas, predominando as meninas entre os adolescentes; 3,8% dos agressores eram adolescentes, e 5,2% das vítimas tinham idade > 60 anos. Nos três grupos, predominaram lesões leves, principalmente equimoses e escoriações, acometendo cabeça e membros superiores. Os agressores estavam freqüentemente alcoolizados: 26,8% (grupo A), 21,6% (grupo B), e 17,1% (grupo C). O uso de drogas foi provavelmente subestimado nos três grupos (2,2%, 1,8% e 4,5% respectivamente).
Activin A reduces luteinisation of human luteinised granulosa cells and has opposing effects to human chorionic gonadotropin in vitro
Authors: Myers Michelle , van den Driesche Sander , McNeilly Alan S , Duncan W Colin
Published: August 2008

The transition of the dominant follicle into the corpus luteum is of fundamental reproductive importance. Luteinisation involves disparate changes in the gene expression of follicular granulosa cells that differentiate into the granulosa-lutein cells of the corpus luteum after the gonadotrophin surge. We have shown that activin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have opposing effects during luteolysis. Therefore, we hypothesised that activin A was an inhibitor of luteinisation that was blocked during the pre–ovulatory gonadotrophin surge. Ovarian tissue and cells were collected from women with regular cycles having hysterectomy and women undergoing oocyte retrieval for assisted conception. Genes that changes during luteinisation were investigated in primary cultures of luteinised granulosa cells exposed to activin A and hCG in vitro. hCG promotes a luteinised granulosa cell phenotype, while activin A promotes a more follicular phenotype in luteinised cells by upregulating granulosa cells markers such as FSHR, HSD11B2 and downregulating LHCGR. In addition, activin A blocked hCG upregulation of STAR, HSD3B1 and HSD11B1 and downregulation of oestrogen receptor α. Activin A antagonised hCG effects in a dose-dependent manner and could block the hCG-stimulated molecular inhibitors of activin action (inhibin α-subunit, follistatin and TGFBR3). These studies show that hCG and activin A have opposing effects on luteinised granulosa cells and some effects of activin are seen only in the presence of hCG. While hCG can inhibit activin action in granulosa cells to facilitate luteinisation, activin A can promote an unluteinised phenotype in luteinised granulosa cells. This confirms the importance of adequate activin withdrawal during luteinisation in women.
Measuring pyrethroids in sediment pore water using matrix-solid phase microextraction
Authors: Hunter Wesley , Yang Yu , Reichenberg Fredrik , Mayer Philipp , Gan Jianying
Published: August 2008

Pyrethroids are hydrophobic insecticides commonly used in both agricultural and urban environments. Their high toxicity to aquatic organisms, including benthic invertebrates, and detection in the sediment at many locations in California, USA, have spawned interest in understanding their bioavailability in bed sediments. A recent study showed good correlation between uptake of 14C-permethrin in Chironomus tentans and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers in sediments. The present study was directed at the development of an SPME technique applicable to trace levels of nonlabeled pyrethroids in sediment. Disposable polydimethylsiloxane fibers were used to detect freely dissolved pore-water concentrations of bifenthrin, fenpropathrin, cis-per-methrin, trans-permethrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, and esfenvalerate under agitated and static conditions. Partition equilibrium between fiber and sediment was reached in <5 d when the samples were agitated on a shaker at low speed, while much longer times (>23 d) were needed without agitation. Polydimethylsiloxane to water partition ratios (KPDMS) of the seven pyrethroids were measured separately and ranged from 2.83 × 105 to 1.89 × 106. When applied to field-contaminated sediments, agitated matrix-SPME was able to detect pore-water concentrations as low as 0.1 ng/L. The method developed in the present study may be coupled with bioassays to gain mechanistic understanding of factors affecting pyrethroid toxicities, and applied to field samples to better predict sediment toxicities from pyrethroid contamination.
Fatty acid composition of the estuarine amphipod, Melita plumulosa (zeidler): Link between diet and fecundity
Authors: Hyne Ross V. , Sánchez-Bayo Francisco , Bryan Ashley D. , Johnston Emma L. , Mann Reinier M.
Published: August 2008

The influence of various diets on the survival, fecundity, and the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of the benthic estuarine amphipod Melita plumulosa (Zeidler) in laboratory cultures were determined. Apart from a natural silty sediment, six commercial food supplements were examined: an omega-6 PUFA enriched Spirulina-based dry powder, Sera® micron; a shrimp-based pellet food; an omega-3 PUFA enriched algal paste, Rotiselco®-ALG; an omega-6 PUFA enriched algal dry powder, AlgaMac-ARA (arachidonic acid); flaxseed meal; and an omega-3 PUFA enriched dry powder, Frippak®. We have previously established that M. plumulosa cultures perform poorly and eventually decline if provided with silty sediment alone, but will thrive if supplemented with Sera micron. Conversely, if the amphipods are cultured on a nutrient-depleted sand substrate, Sera micron alone does not constitute an adequate feed. The major difference in the fatty acid composition of M. plumulosa cultured on silty sediment compared to amphipods cultured on a sand substrate and both fed Sera micron was an increase in the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 PUFAs, indicating that the silty sediment provides additional food sources rich in omega-3 PUFAs. Furthermore, amphipods cultured in sand and fed any of the three algal-based foods or the Frippak powder as the sole food source had poor survival rates, although Sera micron maintained the best survival—this was attributed to it containing high amounts of β-carotene and terpenoids. Melita plumulosa fed a mixture of Sera micron in conjunction with the omega-3 PUFA enriched Rotiselco-ALG and cultured on a silty substrate were found to have good fecundity with low variability.
Contemporary Hormonal Contraception and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Yonis Harman Gailan Hassan , Mørch Lina Steinrud , Løkkegaard Ellen , Kragholm Kristian , Møller Amalie Lykkemark , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Meaidi Amani
Published: February 2025

This study assesses the risk of venous thromboembolism of different forms of hormonal contraception, including pills with estrogen and progestin, vaginal rings, patches, progestin-only pills, intrauterine devices, implants, and injections.
Incidence of Newly Diagnosed Cancer After Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: van de Munckhof Anita , Verhoeven Jamie I. , Vaartjes Ilonca C. H. , van Es Nick , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Coutinho Jonathan M.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Active cancer is a risk factor for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), but whether CVT is associated with occult cancer is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of newly diagnosed cancer after CVT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study used data from the Dutch Hospital Discharge Registry from January 1, 1997, to July 1, 2020. Analyses were conducted between June 2023 and April 2024. Patients admitted with a first-ever CVT were included. Patients with a history of cancer or diagnosed with cancer during hospitalization for CVT were excluded.

Exposure

CVT was identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was cumulative incidence of cancer after CVT. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated relative to a matched cohort from the general population using the Netherlands Cancer Registry.

Results

A total of 2649 patients with CVT (median [IQR] age, 44.5 [30.7-56.4] years; 1856 [70.1%] female) were included. Cancer was diagnosed in 119 patients during a median (IQR) follow-up of 4.7 (1.9-8.9) years, of whom 29 (24.4%) had hematologic cancer. The cumulative incidence of cancer was 5.9% (95% CI, 4.8%-7.2%) after 10 years and was highest in men aged 50 years or older (13.5%; 95% CI, 9.1%-18.7%). Patients with CVT had an increased rate of cancer compared with the reference cohort during the entire follow-up, but the difference narrowed over time (SIRs of 3.35 [95% CI, 2.41-4.55] and 1.40 [95% CI, 1.14-1.69] at 1 and 10 years, respectively). The rate was increased both in patients younger than 50 years (SIRs of 6.70 [95% CI, 3.97-10.59] and 1.72 [95% CI, 1.24-2.34] at 1 and 10 years, respectively) and those 50 years or older (SIRs of 2.41 [95% CI, 1.53-3.62] and 1.25 [95% CI, 0.96-1.60] at 1 and 10 years, respectively), as well as in male patients (SIRs of 3.59 [95% CI, 2.16-5.61] and 1.69 [95% CI, 1.25-2.23] at 1 and 10 years, respectively) and female patients (SIRs, 3.17 [95% CI, 1.99-4.80] and 1.22 [95% CI, 0.92-1.58] at 1 and 10 years, respectively).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study of patients with CVT found an increased risk of cancer during follow-up regardless of age or sex. Men 50 years or older had the highest absolute risk, whereas younger patients had the highest relative risk. Physicians should be vigilant for signs of cancer after CVT, and further research on screening for cancer after CVT is warranted.
Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among US Adolescents
Authors: Wu Harry C. , Neeff Michel , Lin Frank R.
Published: February 2025

This cross-sectional study of national survey data from US adolescents examines changes in rates of reported hearing loss, including associations with sociodemographic characteristics.
Bottom–Up Metasurfaces for Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Petronella Francesca , Zaccagnini Federica , Sforza Maria Laura , De Mei Vincenzo , De Sio Luciano
Published: February 2025

Metasurfaces are the 2D counterparts of metamaterials, and their development is accelerating rapidly in the past years. This progress enables the creation of devices capable of uniquely manipulating light, with applications ranging from optical communications to remote biosensing. Metasurfaces are engineered by rational assembly of subwavelength elements, defined as meta‐atoms, giving rise to unique physical properties arising from the collective behavior of meta‐atoms. These meta‐atoms are typically organized using effective, reproducible, and precise nanofabrication methods that require a lot of effort to achieve scalable and cost‐effective metasurfaces. In contrast, bottom–up methods based on colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) have developed in the last decade as a fascinating alternative for accelerating the technological spread of metasurfaces. The present review takes stock of recent advances in the fabrication and applications of hybrid metasurfaces prepared by bottom‐up methods, resulting in disordered metasurfaces. In particular, metasurfaces prepared with plasmonic NPs are emphasized for their multifold applications, which are discussed from a biotechnology perspective. However, some examples of organized metasurfaces prepared by merging bottom–up and top–down approaches are also described. Finally, leveraging the historical disordered metasurface evolution, the review draws new perspectives for random metasurface design and applications.
Use of laryngeal muscle evoked potential recording for experimental vagus nerve stimulation
Authors: Bachmann Helen , Raedt Robrecht , Laureys Guy , Vonck Kristl
Published: February 2025

The laryngeal muscle evoked potential (LMEP) is a neurophysiological outcome parameter that guarantees integrity of the nerve‐electrode interface during experiments with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). This paper discusses a large series of minimally invasive LMEP recordings in 46 female Lewis rats, implanted with a custom‐made VNS electrode around the left cervical vagus nerve. After a 3‐week recovery, LMEPs were recorded twice in each animal, with swapping the anode and cathode positions of the VNS electrode (polarity inversion). A VNS‐induced LMEP was identified as the initial negative peak wave post‐stimulation artifact, consistently recorded in all sweeps at a given stimulation output current. Latency was defined as the time from stimulation onset to this negative peak, and stimulation threshold as the lowest current showing a clear and reproducible LMEP. An LMEP response was shown by 37/46 animals (80.4%), with stimulation intensity threshold of 0.37 ± 0.27 mA and latency of 2.39 ± 0.45 ms. Administering the cathodic pulse phase first at the caudal electrode contact resulted in the shortest LMEP latencies (MWU: p = 0.049. 2.36 ± 0.43 ms vs. 2.41 ± 0.47 ms). Minimally invasive LMEP recording provides a feasible and reliable means for checking electrode functioning and correct implantation.
Understanding the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction Mechanism on CuFeO2 Photocathodes
Authors: Beßner Julian , Jacob Timo
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the reaction pathways for the conversion of N2 to NH3 on CuFeO2 (CFO) by employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Concentrating on the most stable (012) surface orientation, two systems were examined: the pristine (012) surface and the corresponding oxygen defective surface. To find the thermodynamic stable pathway, the associative Heyrovský mechanism was considered, containing four different reaction pathways.  The reaction intermediates predominantly interact with the iron sites on the surface, following the distal alternating reaction pathway via the formation of hydrazine. Introducing oxygen defects changes the reaction mechanism to a Mars‐van‐Krevelen‐type mechanism, avoiding the formation of hydrazine, while the Gibbs free energy of the first hydrogenation step is lowered by 1.17 eV (from 2.17 to 1.00 eV). Analyzing the charge density distribution reveals that oxygen defective surface enables CFO to facilitate a π‐backdonation between iron sites and the NRR intermediates, increasing the intermediate‐surface interaction. This indicates an enhanced catalytic activity for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) by generating oxygen lattice defects in CFO.
Clinical Assessment of the Drug–Drug Interaction Potential of Omaveloxolone in Healthy Adult Participants
Authors: Zahir Hamim , Murai Masako , Wu Lucy , Valentine Michelle , Hynes Scott
Published: February 2025

Omaveloxolone is approved in the United States and the European Union for the treatment of patients with Friedreich ataxia aged ≥16 years. It is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 in vitro. Two drug–drug interaction studies (NCT04008186 and NCT05909644) were performed to evaluate (1) the effect of drug‐metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and drug transporter (DT) modulators on the pharmacokinetics of omaveloxolone and (2) the effect of omaveloxolone on the pharmacokinetics of DME and DT substrates. Additionally, the safety of coadministering these drugs with omaveloxolone was assessed. Coadministration of the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole significantly increased omaveloxolone maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐∞) by approximately 3‐ and 4‐fold, respectively. Conversely, coadministration with the moderate CYP3A4 inducer efavirenz decreased Cmax and AUC0‐∞ of omaveloxolone by 38.0% and 48.5%, respectively. Omaveloxolone exposure was also increased following coadministration with verapamil, a moderate CYP3A4 and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibitor, but it was unaffected by the strong CYP2C8 inhibitor gemfibrozil. Coadministration of omaveloxolone reduced systemic exposure of the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, breast cancer resistance protein, and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 but had no effect on those of P‐gp and organic cation transporter 1. Omaveloxolone was well tolerated when administered alone and in combination with the DME and DT modulators or substrates. These findings support concomitant medication precautions and dosing recommendations for omaveloxolone when coadministered with a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer, as well as the substrates of certain CYP450 enzymes or transporters.
Movement Disorders after Dengue Virus Infection: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rosca Elena Cecilia , Garg Divyani , Perez‐Lloret Santiago , Mohamed Ibrahim Norlinah , Phokaewvarangkul Onanong , Sringean Jirada , Holla Vikram , Yadav Ravi , Desai Soaham , Pal Pramod Kumar
Published: February 2025

Movement disorders after dengue virus (DENV) infection have been increasingly recognized. We aimed to synthesize the clinical and paraclinical characteristics, treatment responses, and outcomes of these neurologic complications. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS databases up to September 2023 following a published protocol. We identified 73 cases of DENV‐induced movement disorders. Cerebellar ataxia was the most common, followed by parkinsonism, opsoclonus–myoclonus–ataxia syndrome, and dystonia. Movement disorders typically developed within 14 days of DENV infection and were associated with a range of neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairment and psychiatric disturbances. Neuroimaging studies frequently showed abnormalities in the basal ganglia and brainstem. Treatment varied depending on the specific movement disorder and included corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and symptomatic medications. Whereas a handful of cases met the criteria for acute encephalitis, many lacked sufficient data to establish a definitive diagnosis. Para‐infectious and postinfectious immune‐mediated movement disorders were also reported. A rare case of chronic progressive panencephalitis due to DENV infection highlights the potential for long‐term neurological consequences. Other DENV‐related complications, such as stroke, pituitary apoplexy, subacute thyroiditis, and metabolic disturbances, can also cause movement disorders. We emphasize the importance of recognizing the diverse neurological manifestations of DENV infection and the need for further research to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies. We propose a more rigorous approach to determining the causality between infection and movement disorder, demanding stronger evidence beyond mere association and advocating for targeted research to fill the existing knowledge gaps. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The Mathematical Work of Toshiyuki Kobayashi
Authors: Goldman William M. , Kannaka Kazuki , Kubo Toshihisa , Okuda Takayuki , Oshima Yoshiki , Pevzner Michael , Sasaki Atsumu , Sekiguchi Hideko
Published: February 2025

The present Festschrift Volume is dedicated to Toshiyuki Kobayashi, a mathematician and friend we admire. Kobayashi-sensei in Japan, Toshi outside of his home country, he has made a prodigious number of groundbreaking contributions to the theory of symmetries, spanning from representation theory and noncommutative harmonic analysis to the geometry of discontinuous groups beyond the Riemannian setting.
Metabolic disruption by mycotoxins: focus on metabolic endpoints steatosis, adipogenesis and glucose metabolism in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Heikkinen Tia , Küblbeck Jenni , Rysä Jaana
Published: February 2025

Metabolic disruption encompasses the processes leading to adverse effects to major metabolic organs, such as liver and pancreas after exposure to e.g., environmental chemicals. As some mycotoxins act as endocrine disruptors, their structural similarity may lead to effects in lipid and glucose metabolism as well. Via systematic literature search, we mapped the potential of mycotoxins to cause metabolic disruption. Our systematic data search involved mycotoxin keywords combined with metabolic disruption keywords. The retrieved 31 studies revealed 24 in vivo studies, and 18 in vitro studies in total of 13 different mycotoxins. Most studied parameters were triglycerides from blood or liver, followed by total cholesterol and glucose or insulin levels. In vitro studies most often aimed to reveal mechanisms of metabolic disruption, but common metabolic parameters (lipid or cholesterol accumulation). In general, mycotoxin exposure showed a trend towards positive metabolic effects, such as reduction of blood triglycerides levels. Emodin was the most studied mycotoxin. Other mycotoxins were studied in one to three studies. Positive effects were also identified for equisetin, fumonisin B1, fumigaclavine C and ergostatrien-3-B-ol. Adverse effects (e.g. increased lipid deposition to liver) were identified for aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, citreoviridin, T-2 toxin and paxilline. As demonstrated by the evaluated in vivo and in vitro studies, mycotoxins seem to have more positive than negative effects on metabolism. However, based on the available data, a general conclusion on the role of mycotoxins as a group cannot be made.
Analytic and Monte Carlo calculations of dose-mean lineal energy for 1 MeV–1 GeV protons with application to radiation protection quality factor
Authors: Papadopoulos Alexis , Kyriakou Ioanna , Matsuya Yusuke , Cortés-Giraldo Miguel Antonio , Galocha-Oliva Miguel , Plante Ianik , Stewart Robert D. , Tran Ngoc Hoang , Li Weibo , Daglis Ioannis A. , Santin Giovanni , Nieminen Petteri , Incerti Sebastien , Emfietzoglou Dimitris
Published: February 2025

Radiation quality for determining biological effects is commonly linked to the microdosimetric quantity lineal energy (

$$y$$

y

) and to the dose-mean lineal energy (

$${y}_{\text{D}}$$

y
D

). Calculations of

$${y}_{\text{D}}$$

y
D

are typically performed by specialised Monte Carlo track-structure (MCTS) codes, which can be time-intensive. Thus, microdosimetry-based analytic models are potentially useful for practical calculations. Analytic model calculations of proton

$${y}_{\text{D}}$$

y
D

and radiation protection quality factor (

$$Q$$

Q

) values in sub-micron liquid water spheres (diameter 10–1000 nm) over a broad energy range (1 MeV–1 GeV) are compared against MCTS simulations by PHITS, RITRACKS, and Geant4-DNA. Additionally, an improved analytic microdosimetry model is proposed. The original analytic model of Xapsos is refined and model parameters are updated based on Geant4-DNA physics model. Direct proton energy deposition is described by an alternative energy-loss straggling distribution and the contribution of secondary electrons is calculated using the dielectric formulation of the relativistic Born approximation. MCTS simulations of proton

$${y}_{\text{D}}$$

y
D

values using the latest versions of the PHITS, RITRACKS, and Geant4-DNA are reported along with the Monte Carlo Damage Simulation (MCDS) algorithm. The

$${y}_{\text{D}}$$

y
D

datasets are then used within the Theory of Dual Radiation Action (TDRA) to illustrate variations in

$$Q$$

Q

with proton energy. By a careful selection of parameters, overall differences at the ~ 10% level between the proposed analytic model and the MCTS codes can be attained, significantly improving upon existing models. MCDS estimates of

$${y}_{\text{D}}$$

y
D

are generally much lower than estimates from MCTS simulations. The differences of

$$Q$$

Q

among the examined methods are somewhat smaller than those of

$${y}_{\text{D}}$$

y
D

. Still, estimates of proton

$$Q$$

Q

values by the present model are in better agreement with MCTS-based estimates than the existing analytic models. An improved microdosimetry-based analytic model is presented for calculating proton

$${y}_{\text{D}}$$

y
D

values over a broad range of proton energies (1 MeV–1 GeV) and target sizes (10–1000 nm) in very good agreement with state-of-the-art MCTS simulations. It is envisioned that the proposed model might be used as an alternative to CPU-intensive MCTS simulations and advance practical microdosimetry and quality factor calculations in medical, accelerator, and space radiation applications.
Analysis of the potential for analog and digital signal transmission via axial and radial rolling element bearings as signal transmission elements for rotating shafts
Authors: Besier Jasmin , Becker-Dombrowsky Florian Michael , Hausmann Maximilian , Kirchner Eckhard
Published: February 2025

In the context of advancing digitalization, the focus is on data acquisition using suitable sensors. Therefore, data acquisition and the required sensor technology should be located within the system to measure as close to the process as possible. With rotating systems in mechanical engineering, the integration of sensors on rotating elements poses a challenge, because the recorded data must be transferred from the rotating element to the evaluation unit. One option for this is electrical contacts like slip rings. However, these have the disadvantage that additional elements and installation space are required in the system.

In this article, the technical possibilities of using conventional rolling bearings as signal transmission elements are investigated. For this purpose, analog and digital signals are transmitted via radial and axial rolling bearings under different operating conditions. The transmission quality is quantitatively analyzed. Analog voltage signals and digital signals modulated in various ways are used as test signals.

It can be seen that the capacitive behavior of the rolling bearings causes a damping signal transmission behavior for analog signals. Axial and radial rolling bearings differ in their resulting damping of the transmitted electrical signals. The carrier frequency of the signals, the oil temperature and the bearing loads have a significant influence on the damping behavior.

Robust signal transmission is observed with digital signals. Frequency shift keying and phase shift keying modulations exhibit the lowest transmission errors. Amplitude shift keying can only be used with restrictions due to the pronounced damping behavior of the rolling bearings.

Overall, there is a pronounced potential for the transmission of analog and, above all, digital sensor signals via rolling bearings as a transmission element between rotating and stationary systems. In addition to the potential, the work also shows new research directions for further investigations.
Representations of the Symmetric Group are Decomposable in Polynomial Time
Authors: Olver Sheehan
Published: February 2025

We introduce an algorithm to decompose matrix representations of the symmetric group over the reals into irreducible representations, which as a by-product also computes the multiplicities of the irreducible representations. The algorithm applied to a d-dimensional representation of

$$S_n$$

S
n

is shown to have a complexity of

$${\mathcal {O}}(n^2 d^3)$$

O
(

n
2

d
3

)

operations for determining which irreducible representations are present and their corresponding multiplicities and a further

$${\mathcal {O}}(n d^4)$$

O
(
n

d
4

)

operations to fully decompose representations with non-trivial multiplicities. These complexity bounds are pessimistic and in a practical implementation using floating point arithmetic and exploiting sparsity we observe better complexity. We demonstrate this algorithm on the problem of computing multiplicities of two tensor products of irreducible representations (the Kronecker coefficients problem) as well as higher order tensor products. For hook and hook-like irreducible representations the algorithm has polynomial complexity as n increases. We also demonstrate an application to constructing a basis of homogeneous polynomials so that applying a permutation of variables induces an irreducible representation.
Effects of A Brief Resonance Frequency Breathing Exercise on Heart Rate Variability and Inhibitory Control in the Context of Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Spalding David M. , Ejoor Toni , Zhao Xiaochang , Bomarsi Daniele , Ciliberti Martina , Ottaviani Cristina , Valášek Milan , Hirsch Colette , Critchley Hugo D. , Meeten Frances
Published: February 2025

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with cognitive and physiological symptoms including uncontrollable worry, inhibitory control deficits, and low heart rate variability (HRV). Literature linking HRV and inhibition in GAD is predominantly correlational. The present experiment investigated whether HRV has a causal role in maintaining inhibitory control. Participants (N = 135, 111 female) aged 18–37 reporting high levels of symptoms associated with GAD (GAD-7 scores ≥ 10; Penn State Worry Questionnaire scores ≥ 56) were assigned to an experimental or active control condition and completed baseline measures of HRV, respiration rate, and inhibitory control. The experimental condition completed resonance frequency breathing (RFB) training, and the control condition practiced breathing at their mean breathing rate before repeating the inhibitory control assessment. Participants also completed the breathing training before a behavioural worry task. The experimental condition was predicted to show increased HRV, alongside improved inhibitory control and better ability to stop worrying as compared to the control condition. HRV increased during the experimental condition, as compared to the control condition. However, there were no significant effects of RFB on inhibitory control or worry, or on HRV during the inhibitory control tasks. In conclusion, RFB can increase HRV in high GAD scorers, but further research is required to determine whether there is a relationship between increased HRV and symptoms of GAD in a single session experiment.
Distinct impact of land use and soil development processes on coupled biogeochemical cycling of C, N and P in a temperate hillslope-flood plain system
Authors: Lei Kaiyu , Bucka Franziska B. , Just Christopher , van Grinsven Sigrid , Floßmann Sebastian , Dannenmann Michael , Völkel Jörg , Kögel-Knabner Ingrid
Published: February 2025

Understanding the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus (P), particularly organic P (OP) in soils, under varying land use and soil development processes is essential for optimizing P usage under P fertilizer crisis. However, the complexity of OP impedes the mechanistic understanding. Therefore, by using well-documented organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN) cycling, we studied their stoichiometric correlation with P in soil fractions to indicate soil organic matter (SOM) and P turnover under two land uses (Cropland VS. Grassland) in Germany. Our results showed that grassland soils on the hillslope have higher OC and TN stocks than cropland soils. Total P (TP) stocks were unaffected by land use. However, grassland topsoil exhibited higher OP stocks and OP/TP proportions than cropland, with a constant IP stock throughout the soil profile, as this was determined by soil development processes in the subsoil. This proves that the flood plain soils are decoupled from hillslope soils due to different soil development processes. The stoichiometric assessment revealed a higher enrichment of OP in fine fractions of grassland soils, indicating stronger resistance to P loss by soil degradation. Mechanistic insights from OC:OP ratio of fine fractions indicate two potential OP cycling pathways: a ratio similar to microbial biomass C:P ratio suggesting a greater OP stabilization within microbial biomass/necromass; whereas a narrower ratio indicating more OP associated directly with mineral surfaces. This study illuminates the complex interplay between land use and soil development processes on OC, TN and P cycling, emphasizing the potential of stoichiometric assessment in soil fractions to understand OP biogeochemical cycling.
One Head is Better than Two: A Polynomial Restriction for Propositional Definite Horn Forgetting
Authors: Liberatore Paolo
Published: February 2025

Logical forgetting is NP-complete as a decision problem even in the simple case of propositional Horn formulae, and may exponentially increase their size. A way to forget is to replace each variable to forget with the body of each clause whose head is the variable. It takes polynomial time in the single-head case: each variable is the head of at most a clause. Some formulae are not single-head but can be made so to simplify forgetting. They are called single-head equivalent. The first contribution of this article is the study of a semantical characterization of single-head equivalence. Two necessary conditions are given. They are sufficient when the formula is interequivalent, that is, the formula makes two sets of variables equivalent only if they are also equivalent to their intersection. All acyclic formulae are interequivalent. The second contribution of this article is an incomplete algorithm for turning a formula single-head. In case of success, forgetting becomes possible in polynomial time and produces a polynomial-size formula, none of which is otherwise guaranteed. The algorithm is complete on interequivalent formulae.