bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Brazilian national prospective active surveillance (AS) cohort of patients with low-risk prostate cancer in the public health system: vigiaSUS study protocol
Authors: Basso Jeziel , de Lima Juliana Beust , Bessel Marina , Tobar Leitão Santiago Alonso , Machado Baptista Thais , Roithmann Sergio , Franco Carvalhal Eduardo , da Silva Schmitt Caio , Morzoletto Pedrollo Ivan , Schuch Alice , Atalibio Hartmann Antonio , Neubarth Estivallet Carmen Liane , Behrend Silva Ribeiro Guilherme , Zordan Ricardo Andre , Isaacsson Velho Pedro
Published: December 2023

Background

Prostate cancer exhibits a very diverse behaviour, with some patients dying from the disease and others never needing treatment. Active surveillance (AS) consists of periodic PSA assessment (prostate-specific antigen), DRE (digital rectal examination) and periodic prostate biopsies. According to the main guidelines, AS is the preferred strategy for low-risk patients, to avoid or delay definitive treatment. However, concerns remain regarding its applicability in certain patient subgroups, such as African American men, who were underrepresented in the main cohorts. Brazil has a very racially diverse population, with 56.1% self-reporting as brown or black. The aim of this study is to evaluate and validate the AS strategy in low-risk prostate cancer patients following an AS protocol in the Brazilian public health system.

Methods

This is a multicentre AS prospective cohort study that will include 200 patients from all regions of Brazil in the public health system. Patients with prostate adenocarcinoma and low-risk criteria, defined as clinical staging T1–T2a, Gleason score ≤ 6, and PSA < 10 ng/ml, will be enrolled. Archival prostate cancer tissue will be centrally reviewed. Patients enrolled in the study will follow the AS strategy, which involves PSA and physical examination every 6 months as well as multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) every two years and prostate biopsy at month 12 and then every two years. The primary objective is to evaluate the reclassification rate at 12 months, and secondary objectives include determining the treatment-free survival rate, metastasis-free survival, and specific and overall survival. Exploratory objectives include the evaluation of quality of life and anxiety, the impact of PTEN loss and the economic impact of AS on the Brazilian public health system.

Discussion

This is the first Brazilian prospective study of patients with low-risk prostate cancer under AS. To our knowledge, this is one of the largest AS study cohort with a majority of nonwhite patients. We believe that this study is an opportunity to better understand the outcomes of AS in populations underrepresented in studies. Based on these data, an AS national clinical guideline will be developed, which may have a beneficial impact on the quality of life of patients and on public health.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials registration is NCT05343936.
Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, restored with two post-core systems in different post space diameters (in vitro study)
Authors: Saad Kholoud B. , Bakry Samir I. , AboElhassan Rewaa G.
Published: December 2023

Background

Fracture resistance of post-core restoration depends on the design of the post, post diameter, post length, the type of adhesive cement used along with material of the core. Despite the different studies concerning the effect of post space diameter on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, more information regarding fracture resistance and the effect of different post space systems/materials and diameters is required.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to evaluate fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, restored with two post-core systems in different post space diameters.

Materials and methods

Twenty freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were collected for this study. They were randomly divided into four groups according to intracanal post and its diameter. Group GN (glass-fiber post of 10-mm length and 1.3-mm diameter with composite core), group GW (glass-fiber post of 10-mm length and 1.75-mm diameter with composite core), group ZN (custom-made zirconia one-piece post-core of 10-mm length and 1.3-mm diameter) and group ZW(custom-made zirconia one-piece post-core of 10-mm length and 1.75-mm diameter).

Fracture resistance for all samples was evaluated using the universal testing machine under a static load. The data was collected and statistically analyzed using One-Way ANOVA test. Modes of failure were assessed using stereomicroscope for each group.

Results

The highest mean fracture resistance was recorded in group GW (638.7 ± 285.1 N), followed by group ZW (598.5 ± 127.6 N), then GN group (442.8 ± 65.38 N). The lowest mean fracture resistance was recorded in group ZN (435.3 ± 117.3 N). One-Way ANOVA test revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in fracture resistance values among the groups.

Conclusion

Post space diameter had an impact over the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. Modulus of elasticity of post material had a major effect on the fracture resistance and mode of failure along with the restorability of the restored tooth. However, there was no statistically significant difference among the tested groups.
Consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea in Greece: a Planeterranean perspective on the results of Hydria survey
Authors: Tomou Ekaterina-Michaela , Peppa Eleni , Trichopoulou Antonia
Published: December 2023

Background

The consumption of various herbal infusions was and is common in the traditional Mediterranean diet, and apparently are used in many other regions of the world outside of the Mediterranean region. The present study aimed to investigate the consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea in a nationally representative sample of Greece, considering also their Planetary use.

Methods

3951 adult participants of the HYDRIA Survey (2013–2014) were included from the 13 regions of Greece. The diet of participants was assessed by two 24-h dietary recalls (24-HDR) and the Food Propensity Questionnaire (FPQ). All food items were analyzed through the HYDRIA Food Composition Tables. Information on socio-demographics, lifestyle, and health characteristics during the baseline was also provided.

Results

26.9% of herbal infusions and decoctions consumers are ≥ 75 years old, pensioners with a low level of education, and residents of urban areas. However, 22.2% of tea consumers belong to the 18–34-year age group, being employed with an intermediate level of education and living in an urban area. Elderly men and women use more herbal infusions/decoctions (55.4%; 40.6%) compared to tea (41.8%; 25.2%). According to FPQ, 7.1% of men and 9.7% of women use herbal infusions and decoctions four times or more per week, while 7.1 and 10.9% of men and women, respectively, consume tea at the same frequency. Green tea, mountain tea (Sideritis spp.), and black tea are reported most frequently. In addition, mountain tea (61.2%), black tea (60.3%), mixed herbal infusions/decoctions (58.4%), and sage (59.4%) are consumed mostly at breakfast, while chamomile was reported mainly at dinner or during the night (42.4%).

Conclusions

Based on the FPQ results, the moderate and high consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea is low in Greece, especially among adults (18–64 years). Thus, our results indicate the existence of a generation gap to the attachment to the traditional Med Diet and the consumption of herbal infusions. The present study could encourage future research to focus on herbal infusions and decoctions consumption by other populations for cross-cultural comparison, as well as on emphasizing the value of consuming locally available herbs in a Planeterranean perspective.

Graphical Abstract
Sex differences in mouse infralimbic cortex projections to the nucleus accumbens shell
Authors: Johnson Caroline S. , Chapp Andrew D. , Lind Erin B. , Thomas Mark J. , Mermelstein Paul G.
Published: December 2023

Background

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is an important region in motivation and reward. Glutamatergic inputs from the infralimbic cortex (ILC) to the shell region of the NAc (NAcSh) have been implicated in driving the motivation to seek reward through repeated action-based behavior. While this has primarily been studied in males, observed sex differences in motivational circuitry and behavior suggest that females may be more sensitive to rewarding stimuli. These differences have been implicated for the observed vulnerability in women to substance use disorders.

Methods

We used an optogenetic self-stimulation task in addition to ex vivo electrophysiological recordings of NAcSh neurons in mouse brain slices to investigate potential sex differences in ILC-NAcSh circuitry in reward-seeking behavior. Glutamatergic neurons in the ILC were infected with an AAV delivering DNA encoding for channelrhodopsin. Entering the designated active corner of an open field arena resulted in photostimulation of the ILC terminals in the NAcSh. Self-stimulation occurred during two consecutive days of testing over three consecutive weeks: first for 10 Hz, then 20 Hz, then 30 Hz. Whole-cell recordings of medium spiny neurons in the NAcSh assessed both optogenetically evoked local field potentials and intrinsic excitability.

Results

Although both sexes learned to seek the active zone, within the first day, females entered the zone more than males, resulting in a greater amount of photostimulation. Increasing the frequency of optogenetic stimulation amplified female reward-seeking behavior. Males were less sensitive to ILC stimulation, with higher frequencies and repeated days required to increase male reward-seeking behavior. Unexpectedly, ex vivo optogenetic local field potentials in the NAcSh were greater in slices from male animals. In contrast, female medium-spiny neurons (MSNs) displayed significantly greater intrinsic neuronal excitability.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data indicate that there are sex differences in the motivated behavior driven by glutamate within the ILC-NAcSh circuit. Though glutamatergic signaling was greater in males, heightened intrinsic excitability in females appears to drive this sex difference.
Sex bias in celiac disease: XWAS and monocyte eQTLs in women identify TMEM187 as a functional candidate gene
Authors: Hernangomez-Laderas Alba , Cilleros-Portet Ariadna , Martínez Velasco Silvia , Marí Sergi , Legarda María , González-García Bárbara Paola , Tutau Carlos , García-Santisteban Iraia , Irastorza Iñaki , Fernandez-Jimenez Nora , Bilbao Jose Ramon
Published: December 2023

Background

Celiac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated disorder that develops in genetically predisposed individuals upon gluten consumption. HLA risk alleles explain 40% of the genetic component of CeD, so there have been continuing efforts to uncover non-HLA loci that can explain the remaining heritability. As in most autoimmune disorders, the prevalence of CeD is significantly higher in women. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of the X chromosome on the sex bias of CeD.

Methods

We performed a X chromosome-wide association study (XWAS) and a gene-based association study in women from the CeD Immunochip (7062 cases, 5446 controls). We also constructed a database of X chromosome cis-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in monocytes from unstimulated (n = 226) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated (n = 130) female donors and performed a Summary-data-based MR (SMR) analysis to integrate XWAS and eQTL information. We interrogated the expression of the potentially causal gene (TMEM187) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from celiac patients at onset, on a gluten-free diet, potential celiac patients and non-celiac controls.

Results

The XWAS and gene-based analyses identified 13 SNPs and 25 genes, respectively, 22 of which had not been previously associated with CeD. The X chromosome cis-eQTL analysis found 18 genes with at least one cis-eQTL in naïve female monocytes and 8 genes in LPS-stimulated female monocytes, 2 of which were common to both situations and 6 were unique to LPS stimulation. SMR identified a potentially causal association of TMEM187 expression in naïve monocytes with CeD in women, regulated by CeD-associated, eQTL-SNPs rs7350355 and rs5945386. The CeD-risk alleles were correlated with lower TMEM187 expression. These results were replicated using eQTLs from LPS-stimulated monocytes. We observed higher levels of TMEM187 expression in PBMCs from female CeD patients at onset compared to female non-celiac controls, but not in male CeD individuals.

Conclusion

Using X chromosome genotypes and gene expression data from female monocytes, SMR has identified TMEM187 as a potentially causal candidate in CeD. Further studies are needed to understand the implication of the X chromosome in the higher prevalence of CeD in women.
Effects of dynamic and rigid implantation on biomechanical characteristics of different sagittal alignment lumbar after single- or double-level spinal fixations: a finite-element modeling study
Authors: Wang Wei , Kong Chao , Pan Fumin , Wu Xueqing , Pei Baoqing , Lu Shibao
Published: December 2023

Background

Although it is critical to understand the accelerated degeneration of adjacent segments after fusion, the biomechanical properties of the spine have not been thoroughly studied after various fusion techniques. This study investigates whether four Roussouly’s sagittal alignment morphotypes have different biomechanical characteristics after different single- or double-level spinal fixations.

Methods

The parametric finite element (FE) models of Roussouly’s type (1–4) were developed based on the radiological data of 625 Chinese community population. The four Roussouly's type models were reassembled into four fusion models: single-level L4–5 Coflex fixation model, single-level L4–5 Fusion (pedicle screw fixation) model, double-level Coflex (L4–5) + Fusion (L5–S1) model, and double-level Fusion (L4–5) + Fusion (L4–5) model. A pure moment of 7.5 Nm was applied to simulate the physiological activities of flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation.

Results

Both single-level and double-level spinal fixation had the greatest effect on lumbar range of motion, disc pressure, and annulus fibrosis stress in flexion, followed by lateral bending, extension, and axial rotation. In all models, the upper adjacent segment was the most influenced by the implantation and bore the most compensation from the fixed segment. For Type 2 lumbar, the L4–L5 Coflex effectively reduced the disc pressure and annulus fibrosis stress in adjacent segments compared to the L4–L5 Fusion. Similarly, the L4–L5 Coflex offered considerable advantages in preserving the biomechanical properties of adjacent segments for Type 1 lumbar. For Type 4 lumbar, the L4–L5 Coflex did not have superiority over the L4–L5 Fusion, resulting in a greater increase in range of motion at adjacent segments in flexion and extension. The difference between the two fixations was not apparent in Type 3 lumbar. Compared to the single-level Fusion, the changes in motion and mechanics of the lumbar increased after both the double-level Coflex + Fusion and Fusion + Fusion fixations, while the differences between two double-level fixation methods on adjacent segments of the four lumbar models were similar to that of the single-level fixation.

Conclusion

Type 3 and Type 4 lumbar have good compensatory ability and therefore allow for a wider range of surgical options, whereas surgical options for small lordotic Type 1 and Type 2 lumbar are more limited and severe.
Innovative ways of handling staff shortages in ECEC? Increasing flexibility in the regulatory frameworks for non-traditional and non-German professional staff qualifications
Authors: Grgic Mariana , Friederich Tina
Published: December 2023

The staff shortages in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in Germany are an important issue. They impact centres that are forced to close earlier, shut down entire groups or are unable to open at all due to the lack of pedagogical staff. However, the federal states have been making efforts to address this problem. This article discusses innovative ways of handling staff shortages based on qualitative analyses of current regulations regarding qualification requirements for the ECEC sector in Germany. Our analysis focused on the question concerning the degree to which a multi-professional orientation is already widespread in the 16 licensing laws of the federal states and what other conditions have to be met by individuals wishing to work in the ECEC sector who have no pedagogical qualifications. The second focus regarding the handling of staff shortages was on the formal recognition of migrant pedagogical staff with non-German qualifications. The results revealed first a tendency to open the labour market to individuals with non-pedagogical qualifications in the majority of the federal states. Second, most of the federal states have created ways of recognising non-German qualifications and of putting in place special regulations for Ukrainian pedagogues. In summary, it can be said that despite the relaxing of the licensing laws, no major changes in team composition could be observed. This is a positive sign given the unchanged division of tasks and positions in the teams, as there are currently no structures in place to adequately support team members with non-pedagogical qualifications.
Laparoscopic repair of a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with repeated colon incarcerations 7 years after injury: a case report
Authors: Higuchi Satoshi , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Saito Takuro , Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Momose Kota , Yamashita Kotaro , Tanaka Koji , Makino Tomoki , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: December 2023

Background

A diaphragmatic hernia is a prolapse of the abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity through a hole in the diaphragm. Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries are rare and usually occur after blunt or penetrating thoracic or abdominal traumas. Blunt diaphragmatic rupture rarely accounts for immediate mortality and may go clinically silent until complications occur which can be life threatening. It usually present late with intrathoracic herniation of abdominal viscera and carry a high mortality rate. We experienced a very rare case who showed repeated colon incarcerations 7 years after injury. And, we operated laparoscopically.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man presented with multiple left rib fractures that occurred during an accident. After 7 years, he visited the emergency department with the chief complaint of left shoulder pain and epicardial pain after eating. He was diagnosed with transverse colon incarceration due to a left diaphragmatic hernia by computed tomography (CT) and X-ray imaging. Surgical repair was recommended, but he refused as the symptoms improved. Fourteen months later, the patient revisited the hospital in similar symptoms and improved spontaneously. He consulted our hospital for the surgical indication. We recommended that he undergo surgery, showing images of the X-ray and CT when his transverse colon was obstructed and he felt pain and when symptoms improved. Finally, he decided to undergo surgery. We performed diaphragmatic hernia repair with laparoscopic direct suturing in good view. The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery period. The absence of diaphragmatic herniation recurrence was confirmed seven months after surgery.

Conclusions

We experienced a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with repeated colon incarcerations 7 years after injury and performed surgical repair laparoscopically.
Metagenomic comparison of the faecal and environmental resistome on Irish commercial pig farms with and without zinc oxide and antimicrobial usage
Authors: Ekhlas Daniel , Cobo Díaz José F. , Cabrera-Rubio Raúl , Alexa Elena , Ortiz Sanjuán Juan M. , Garcia Manzanilla Edgar , Crispie Fiona , Cotter Paul D. , Leonard Finola C. , Argüello Héctor , Burgess Catherine M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Antimicrobials and heavy metals such as zinc oxide (ZnO) have been commonly used on Irish commercial pig farms for a 2-week period post-weaning to help prevent infection. In 2022, the prophylactic use of antimicrobials and ZnO was banned within the European Union due to concerns associated with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and contamination of the environment with heavy metals. In this study, faecal and environmental samples were taken from piglets during the weaning period from ten commercial farms, of which five farms used antimicrobial or ZnO prophylaxis (AB-ZnO farms) and five which had not used antimicrobials or ZnO for the previous 3 years (AB-ZnO free farms). A total of 50 samples were compared using a metagenomic approach.

Results

The results of this study showed some significant differences between AB-ZnO and AB-ZnO free farms and suggested positive selection for AMR under antimicrobial and ZnO treatment. Moreover, strong differences between environmental and faecal samples on farms were observed, suggesting that the microbiome and its associated mobile genetic elements may play a key role in the composition of the resistome. Additionally, the age of piglets affected the resistome composition, potentially associated with changes in the microbiome post-weaning.

Conclusions

Overall, our study showed few differences in the resistome of the pig and its environment when comparing AB-ZnO farms with AB-ZnO free farms. These results suggest that although 3 years of removal of in-feed antimicrobial and ZnO may allow a reduction of AMR prevalence on AB-ZnO farms, more time, repeated sampling and a greater understanding of factors impacting AMR prevalence will be required to ensure significant and persistent change in on-farm AMR.
Background of Peruvian gastronomy and its perspectives: an assessment of its current growth
Authors: Aguirre-Sosa Joaquín , Dextre Maria Luisa , Lozada-Urbano Michellle , Vargas-Merino Jorge Alberto
Published: December 2023

Peruvian gastronomy is continuously expanding throughout the world, captivating various regions and major cities with its flavors, textures, colors, and culinary excellence. The objective of this research is to describe the background of Peruvian gastronomy and its perspectives, in order to assess its current growth. A bibliographic and exploratory analysis was conducted, delving into its significance throughout history. The culinary background was delineated from the Pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial, Republican eras, up to the present day. Additionally, the perspectives from the government, private sector, and citizens were explored to evaluate the current status achieved worldwide. Given the importance of the current position held by Peruvian gastronomy, this study holds international relevance in assessing our legacy and paying tribute to the individuals from the past, present, and future whose strategic work enables the expansion of the Peruvian gastronomy. It is concluded that Peruvians must continue striving for continuous improvement in the key links of our gastronomy’s production chain.
Standardization of process variables for development of traditional Indian dairy product herbal apple rabri with improved organoleptic, textural, antioxidants, functional attributes and shelf life
Authors: Lata Rajnee , Jaiswal Ved Prakash , Paul Veena , Tripathi Abhishek Dutt , Agarwal Aparna , Rai Dinesh Chandra
Published: December 2023

Rabri is a concentrated whole milk product from India that has been heat desiccated and sweetened. Herbs are reported to possess therapeutic properties. The addition of these herbs in the food enhances the functionality of the food. Herbal apple rabri was prepared by adding two herbs (brahmi and shatavari). The herbal apple rabri was optimized based on its organoleptic attributes. The sensory evaluation revealed that adding brahmi up to 2.5% and shatavari up to 1.5% is acceptable. The optimized rabri was further analyzed for its texture profile. The shelf life was evaluated based on the physicochemical, antioxidant, phenolics, and microbial content like total plate count and yeast and molds count. The DPPH inhibition activity shows that the optimized rabri has antioxidant potential (58.41 ± 0.03%) compared to control rabri (34.30 ± 0.04%) due to adding herbs. The microbial spoilage in the optimized sample was less as compared to the control sample.
Evaluation of therapeutic potentials of some bioactive compounds in selected African plants targeting main protease (Mpro) in SARS-CoV-2: a molecular docking study
Authors: Akinwumi Ishola Abeeb , Ishola Barakat Olamide , Adeyemo Oluwatosin Maryam , Owojuyigbe Adefolarin Phebean
Published: December 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease brought on by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a global treat in early 2020. Despite worldwide research proving different medications used to treat COVID-19, the infection still affects the human race; we need to continue researching the virus to protect humanity and reduce the complications that some medications might cause. This study focuses on finding another promising therapeutic compound against SARS-CoV-2. Twenty-four (24) bioactive compounds were selected from the following African plants' Adansonia digitata L, Aframomum melegueta K. Schum, Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L, and Boswellia dalzielii, and Remdesivir was used as the control medication. The PubChem web server acquired the 3D structures of bioactive compounds in the plant and the control medication. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) crystal structure was obtained using the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Using the SwissADME web server, the bioactive compounds' drug-likeness was assessed, and AutoDock was employed for the molecular docking with the Mpro. The Proteins Plus and Protein–Ligand Interaction Profiler web servers were used to analyse the docked complexes. Furthermore, the admetSAR website was utilized to predict the ligands' absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties.

Results

Based on the drug-likeness screening, Rutin violated more than one of the Lipinski rules of five, while Remdesivir violated two. Molecular docking analysis results indicated that Catechin, Epicatechin, Vitexin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Gamma-Sitosterol, and Kaur-16-ene exhibited a stronger binding affinity with Mpro, with binding scores of − 7.1, − 7.1, − 8.0, − 7.3, − 7.2, − 6.8, and − 6.5 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to Remdesivir's binding score of − 6.3 kcal/mol. Consequently, binding scores of bioactive compounds suggest their potential biological activity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Additionally, these bioactive compounds exhibited favourable ADMET properties. Vitexin also has a plasma protein binding below 90%, a promising medication distribution feature.

Conclusions

This study shows that Catechin, Epicatechin, Vitexin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Gamma-Sitosterol, and Kaur-16-ene have better binding affinities with Mpro than Remdesivir. Molecular dynamics simulation in vitro and in vivo investigation is required to support this study.
Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis, an uncommon presentation in a child: a case report
Authors: Mathur Aman , Bansal Kalpana , Singhal Shailvi , Narang Poonam
Published: December 2023

Background

The typical clinical and radiological presentation of Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) has been highlighted in this case report.

Case presentation

Bickerstaff encephalitis is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disorder and is considered a subtype of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) along with Miller Fisher syndrome. The diagnosis of BBE is largely clinical, though laboratory tests and imaging can be of supportive value. We report a case of a 5-year-old child who presented with a classical clinical triad of BBE with characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Conclusions

BBE is a rare disease with very few cases being reported with typical clinical and radiological findings. Hence, we reported a typical case of BBE to make an addition to the available literature.
Mapping the global, regional and national burden of bipolar disorder from 1990 to 2019: trend analysis on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Lai Jianbo , Li Shuting , Wei Chen , Chen Jun , Fang Yiru , Song Peige , Hu Shaohua
Published: December 2023

Background

Data on trends in the epidemiological burden of bipolar disorder are scarce.

Aims

To provide an overview of trends in bipolar disorder burden from 1990 to 2019.

Method

Revisiting the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we analysed the number of cases, calculated the age-standardised rate (per 100 000 population) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of incidence, prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) for bipolar disorder from 1990 to 2019. The independent effects of age, period and cohort were estimated by the age–period–cohort modelling.

Results

Globally, the bipolar disorder-related prevalent cases, incident cases and number of YLDs all increased from 1990 to 2019. Regionally, the World Health Organization Region of the Americas accounted for the highest estimated YLD number and rate, with the highest age-standardised prevalence rate in 1990 and 2019 and highest EAPC of prevalence. By sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles, all five SDI regions saw an increase in estimated incident cases. Nationally, New Zealand reported the highest age-standardised rate of incidence, prevalence and YLDs in 1990 and 2019. The most prominent age effect on incidence rate was in those aged 15–19 years. Decreased effects of period on incidence, prevalence and YLD rates was observed overall and in females, not in males. The incidence, prevalence and YLD rates showed an unfavourable trend in the younger cohorts born after 1990, with males reporting a higher cohort risk than females.

Conclusions

From 1990 to 2019, the overall trend of bipolar disorder burden presents regional and national variations and differs by age, sex, period and cohort.
Thermoregulatory consequences of growing up during a heatwave or a cold snap in Japanese quail
Authors: Persson Elin , Ó Cuív Ciarán , Nord Andreas
Published: December 2023

Changes in environmental temperature during development can affect growth, metabolism and temperature tolerance of the offspring. We know little about whether such changes remain to adulthood, which is important to understand the links between climate change, development and fitness. We investigated whether phenotypic consequences of the thermal environment in early life remained in adulthood in two studies on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Birds were raised under simulated heatwave, cold snap or control conditions, from hatching until halfway through the growth period, and then in common garden conditions until reproductively mature. We measured biometric and thermoregulatory [metabolic heat production (MHP), evaporative water and heat loss (EWL, EHL) and body temperature] responses to variation in submaximal air temperature at the end of the thermal acclimation period and in adulthood. Warm birds had lower MHP than control birds at the end of the thermal acclimation period and, in the warmest temperature studied (40°C), also had higher evaporative cooling capacity compared with controls. No analogous responses were recorded in cold birds, although they had higher EWL than controls in all but the highest test temperature. None of the effects found at the end of the heatwave or cold snap period remained until adulthood. This implies that chicks exposed to higher temperatures could be more prepared to counter heat stress as juveniles but that they do not enjoy any advantages of such developmental conditions when facing high temperatures as adults. Conversely, cold temperature does not seem to confer any priming effects in adolescence.
Tätigkeitsbericht für das Jahr 2022
Authors: Lassau Guido
Published: December 2023

Der Tätigkeitsbericht des Kantonsarchäologen bietet einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Kennzahlen und die Arbeiten in den verschiedenen Abteilungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung im Jahr 2022.
Mechanisms Behind the Pharmacological Application of Biochanin-A: A review
Authors: Anuranjana P.V. , Beegum Fathima , K.P Divya , George Krupa Thankam , Viswanatha G.L. , Nayak Pawan G. , Kanwal Abhinav , Kishore Anoop , Shenoy Rekha R. , Nandakumar K.
Published: December 2023

This review was aimed at summarizing the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the various pharmacological actions of biochanin-A. Many studies have been reported claiming its application in cancers, metabolic disorders, airway hyperresponsiveness, cardiac disorders, neurological disorders, etc. With regard to hormone-dependent cancers like breast, prostate, and other malignancies like pancreatic, colon, lung, osteosarcoma, glioma that has limited treatment options, biochanin-A revealed agreeable results in arresting cancer development. Biochanin-A has also shown therapeutic benefits when administered for neurological disorders, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and other chronic diseases/disorders. Isoflavones are considered phenomenal due to their high efficiency in modifying the physiological functions of the human body. Biochanin-A is one among the prominent isoflavones found in soy (glycine max), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and alfalfa sprouts, etc., with proven potency in modulating vital cellular mechanisms in various diseases. It has been popular for ages among menopausal women in controlling symptoms. In view of the multi-targeted functions of biochanin-A, it is essential to summarize it's mechanism of action in various disorders. The safety and efficacy of biochanin-A needs to be established in clinical trials involving human subjects. Biochanin-A might be able to modify various systems of the human body like the cardiovascular system, CNS, respiratory system, etc. It has shown a remarkable effect on hormonal cancers and other cancers. Many types of research on biochanin-A, particularly in breast, lung, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, have shown a positive impact. Through modulating oxidative stress, SIRT-1 expression, PPAR gamma receptors, and other multiple mechanisms biochanin-A produces anti-diabetic action. The diverse molecular mechanistic pathways involved in the pharmacological ability of biochanin-A indicate that it is a very promising molecule and can play a major impact in modifying several physiological functions.
Managing digital Business transformation: concepts, cases, methods and tools
Authors: Titov Sergey , Linder Nataliya , Trachuk Arkadiy , Hovalova Tat'yana , Ustinova Ol'ga , Kuznecova Mariya
Published: December 2023

Digital business transformation, understood as a radical change in the company's business model with the active use and influence of digital technologies, is currently an extremely relevant area of practical activity and scientific research. The monograph describes the possibilities of limitations of digital transformation management methods at the organizational level, which have remained relatively poorly studied until recently. The study of digital transformation management tools is accompanied by the consideration of a large number of practical cases and practical examples.
For students, postgraduates and teachers of economic universities and faculties, as well as a wide range of readers interested in the digital transformation of business.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEME OPTIMIZATION CONSIDERING ATMOSPHERIC CORROSION USING BAYESIAN NETWOR
Authors: CHOI TAESU , LEE DOOYOUL
Published: December 2023

Atmospheric corrosion is a significant challenge the aviation industry faces, as it greatly affects the structural integrity of aircraft operated long after introduction. Therefore, an appropriate corrosion deterioration model is required to predict corrosion problems. However, the deterioration model is challenging to use in practice due to the limited data available for parameter estimation; thus, high uncertainty in prediction is unavoidable. To address these challenges, a method of integrating a physics-based model and a data-driven model on a Bayesian network (BN) is presented. The atmospheric corrosion environment is modeled using COMSOL, and a BN is constructed. Model calibration is performed using the collected atmospheric corrosion monitoring data at aircraft parking areas. The calibration approach improves upon existing models by incorporating actual environmental data, making it more accurate and applicable to real-world scenarios. Using the calibrated model, a method for optimizing the inspection and maintenance (I&M) scheme is described. In conclusion, our research emphasizes the importance of precise corrosion models for predicting and managing atmospheric corrosion in aircraft structures. BN that integrates physics-based and experimental monitoring data can improve the accuracy and applicability of these models, ensuring the safety and structural integrity of aircraft. And also, the results open up new avenues for future research, such as incorporating additional data sources to improve the accuracy of corrosion models further.
DAMAGE SENSITIVITY STUDY IN 3D-PRINTED PLA OF DIFFERENT INFILL DENSITIES USING THE ELECTROMECHANICAL IMPEDANCE METHOD
Authors: KUMAR SHISHIR SINGH , FAKIH MOHAMMAD ALI , MUSTAPHA SAMIR , MALINOWSKI PAWEL H.
Published: December 2023

In many industries, complicated parts have been produced using additive manufacturing (AM) technology. The values of such products can significantly increase if they have fault detection and load sensing features. Modern industries, especially those with crucial applications, like aerospace and civil construction, have recently begun incorporating AM components into their designs. This necessitates the creation of precise and trustworthy methods for assessing and tracking the structural integrity of such components. Based on the local structural reaction in the high-frequency region, the Electromechanical Impedance (EMI) approach is frequently used to assess the health condition of lightweight structures with minute damage. This study investigates the sensitivity of the EMI technique to potential damage in 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) plates with different infill densities. Five healthy and five damaged PLA plates were printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM) with infill densities ranging from 20% to 100% at a step of 20% for the experimental study. Piezoelectric wafers (PZTs) bonded to one side of the plates were used for the measurements. Damage was mimicked by placing two strong magnets on either side of the healthy plates, and several EMI measurements were taken for the healthy states while changing the distance of the magnets away from the PZT. The conductance (G) and resistance (R) EMI measurements were fused together before the root mean square deviation (RMSD) damage index was used for the damage-sensitivity study. It was found that damage-sensitivity distance decreases with the decrease in the infill density. Further, damage-detection thresholding was investigated when using multiple sensors from identical healthy and damaged plates with printed built-in damage. The damage was detected for all the examined infill densities by the PZT positioned at a center distance of 102.5 mm from the damage.
A MOBILE SENSOR NETWORK SYSTEM FOR SOUND AND VIBRATION
Authors: BAE SANG GEUN , CHOI JEWOO , PARK HYO SEON
Published: December 2023

The smartphone has become a powerful computing device and is equipped with various sensors due to the advancement of sensor technology. In this study, we investigated whether the built-in accelerometer sensor of a smartphone can replace the traditional SHM measuring device, an accelerometer sensor. To compare and analyze the performance, we conducted a modal analysis using a small-sized PCB accelerometer and compared it with the traditional device on a steel frame specimen.
THE ROAD TO AN OPEN AND SECURE DATA EXCHANGE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SHM
Authors: TRATTNIG HORST , BERBUER LUKAS
Published: December 2023

OPEN JOURNAL SYSTEMS Journal Help SUBSCRIPTION Access All Papers USER You are logged in as... admin My Journals My Profile Log Out NOTIFICATIONS View (7 new) Manage JOURNAL CONTENT Search Search Scope All Browse By Issue By Author By Title FONT SIZE Make font size smallerMake font size defaultMake font size larger INFORMATION For Librarians Table of Contents Purchase Full Access Hard Cover THE ROAD TO AN OPEN AND SECURE DATA EXCHANGE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SHM HORST TRATTNIG, LUKAS BERBUER ABSTRACT Today, structural health monitoring systems consist of various hardware and software components that are not always well synchronized. The paper emphasizes the need and challenges to synchronize multi time-domain and multi physical-phenomena data acquisition systems. On the way from a raw data sensor system to an independent decision-making edge device, there are still some challenges to be solved along the way. Identifying and combining technologies from foreign domains is the focus of the journey. Open and standardized communication protocols like OPC UA or MQTT are already wellestablished technologies with a high level of security. These communication protocols allow users to discover and receive structured data from compatible sensors and edge devices in the network. Moving the data processing and decision-making further to edge leads to reduced data transfer volume, lower latencies and improved privacy, security, and cost-effectiveness. This requires an extensible platform to embed custom feature extraction algorithms and to deploy trained machine learning models. ONNX, the open standard for machine learning interoperability, is a further puzzle piece on this journey. The paper shows the status of work, ongoing developments in the open standard community like OpenAE and platform strategies for advanced analytics and AI.
LAMB WAVE ACTUATION AND PROPAGATION USING FLEXOELECTRIC TRANSDUCERS
Authors: ROUT SURAJ KUMAR , KAPURIA SANTOSH
Published: December 2023

In recent years, actuation and propagation using a relatively novel electromechanical effect, namely flexoelectricity, have become an emerging field of research. In this article, we explore the use of flexoelectric dielectrics for Lamb wave actuation and propagation for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. Towards this objective, an analytical solution is presented for Lamb wave generation and propagation in plate-like structures using flexoelectric-piezoelectric transducers bonded to the host plate surface through an adhesive layer. The model considers both interfacial shear and peel stresses at the interface of the transducer and the plate. These interfacial stresses under applied electric actuation are determined based on a one-dimensional (1D) model, which assumes Kirchhoff plate-like behaviour for both the actuator and the host plate. A 2D elasticity solution is obtained for Lamb wave propagation in the host plate under the interfacial shear and peel stresses obtained from the above 1D model considering plane strain conditions. This solution is obtained in the wave number domain by applying Fourier transform spatially. Finally, the response is obtained in the physical domain by applying the inverse Fourier transform and residue theorem. The strain response at the plate surface is compared with the rigid bonding model to illustrate the effect of bonding compliance. The numerical study demonstrates the effect of the adhesive layer on the response for different excitation frequencies.
La ruptura con la tradición artística a través del futurismo.
Authors: Caro Romero Ana
Published: December 2023

En el presente Trabajo de fin de Grado se busca analizar el cambio que experimenta el arte con la aparición del futurismo y de qué forma se produce e influye en el mundo artístico. Así mismo, también se pretende analizar la repercusión que tiene esto en las corrientes artísticas que llegan tras el futurismo y la relación entre ambos. El motivo por el que se ha elegido este tema se debe a que el futurismo inaugura una nueva etapa artística que es a la que le debemos hoy gran parte del pensamiento artístico, un tema interesante del que reflexionar.
Can Telework Adjustment Help Reduce Disaster-Induced Gender Inequality in Job Market Outcomes?
Authors: Hou Jingbo , Liang Chen , Chen Pei-Yu , Gu Bin
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the role of telework adjustment in addressing gender inequality in the labor market induced by disasters, taking the COVID-19 disaster as an example. Disasters often disrupt labor markets, disproportionately impacting female workers because of traditionally greater domestic responsibilities, thus increasing gender inequality. In such a case, telework adjustment has emerged as a silver lining, granting enhanced flexibility, particularly benefiting female workers and catering to their needs. Our analysis reveals that (1) comparing workers in the same industry and holding the same occupation, we find that female workers’ telework adjustment rate is more responsive to external constraints and is 7% higher than that of male workers. (2) Telework adjustment helps reduce gender inequality in labor market outcomes via two means: (i) the higher telework adjustment rate among female workers (which reduces gender inequality by 25.48%) and (ii) the stronger marginal effect of telework adjustment on female workers (which reduces gender inequality by 31.94%). (3) Better digital infrastructure can enhance the mitigating effect of telework adjustment. Our findings offer compelling insights for policymakers and business leaders, emphasizing the strategic role of telework adjustment and digital infrastructure investments as crucial levers in promoting gender inequality during and beyond disaster scenarios.
Fluid Policies, Reoptimization, and Performance Guarantees in Dynamic Resource Allocation
Authors: Brown David B. , Zhang Jingwei
Published: December 2023

In many applications, decision makers must repeatedly allocate limited resources across randomly varying subsystems. This structure arises in a wide variety of applications, such as network revenue management, online advertising, assortment planning, marketing, managing energy systems, and multilocation inventory management, to name only a few. These problems are challenging, as the constituent subsystems may vary over many states. In this paper, we develop easy-to-compute decision rules for such problems and provide a rigorous theoretical analysis of these methods, showing that they often perform remarkably well. We illustrate these methods on examples from multiwarehouse inventory control, and these numerical examples underscore our theory.
Nota Editorial, Nº 25 (noviembre de 2023)
Authors: Rivera Beiras Iñaki
Published: December 2023

Nota Editorial número 25 (noviembre de 2023). Reflexiones sobre autoritarsimo global, guerra-mundo y mercantilización de la vida. Contenidos del número y agradecimientos
Entrevista a Alicia Alonso Merino: "La propia cárcel es una herramienta reproductora de género, cumple una función de reproducción de los roles y el binarismo heteropatriarcal"
Authors: Escudero Zabala Laura , Ruedas Torres Diego
Published: December 2023

Entrevista a Alicia Alonso Merino, autora del libro Feminismo anticarcelario: el cuerpo como resistencia, Zambra, 2023, 192 pp.