Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Effects on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Introduction: In the last thirty years, brain neuromodulation techniques have been used as an alternative to pharmacological treatment of neurological disorders. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to bradykinesia, rest tremor, postural changes, and non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, pain, and cognitive decline that compromises executive functions (EFs), responsible for the orderly execution of behaviors and tasks of daily life and intentional and directed actions. To this date, a few studies with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown beneficial effects in PD patients concerning specific motor and non-motor symptoms, targeting the motor cortex and/or prefrontal regions. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of left prefrontal tDCS across a broad spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms of PD using established validated scales. Method: Single-blind randomized clinical trial with 18 volunteers with PD, aged between 45 and 80 years (66.1 ± 9.65), who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were submitted to assessments of motor and non-motor functions employing psychometric scales and tests to evaluate EFs and were randomly divided into two groups: control (sham stimulation) and experimental (active stimulation). All participants were involved in three separate tDCS sessions. The anode was positioned over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the cathode over the right supraorbital region, with a direct current intensity of 2 mA, lasting 20 minutes. At the end of the three sessions, all participants were reassessed. Results: Significant effects of tDCS on non-motor functions were observed for cognition (verbal fluency of actions, clock copy test, appointment by visual confrontation, and verbal memory with immediate free recall) and subjective assessment of sleep quality (overall restlessness and discomfort in the arms and legs at night, leg and arm cramps at night and distressing dreams). There was also an improvement in the rate of errors and successes for congruent and incongruent stimuli of the Stroop Test. The beneficial effects on motor function were decreased rigidity, improved gait, and greater agility in the finger-tapping test. Conclusion: Three tDCS sessions showed positive results for participants with PD, producing significant improvements in various motor and non-motor functions, including sleep quality, cognition, and EFs. Additionally, the present results indicate that tDCS neuromodulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex region is feasible, safe, and provides significant objective benefits for PD patients.

Five Year Follow up after Surgical Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes with Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Associated with a Duodenal Ileal Interposition

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a chronic disease, primarily caused by a combination of defective insulin secretion and the inability of insulin-sensitive tissues to respond to insulin. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy associated with duodenal ileal interposition (SGDII) has been shown to be a feasible treatment option for patients with T2D, as it provides improvement and control of glycemia, dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid and long-term results of SGDII for the treatment of diabetic patients, considering diabetic remission, weight loss and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study with 96 patients with T2D submitted to SGDII, between 2010 and 2016. The glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value Results: Sixty-one patients (62.8%) were male, and 36 patients (37.2%) were female. The average age was 50.9 years. Median BMI was 33.43 kg/m2. The incidence of major postoperative complications in the first 30 days was 2.1%, with no mortality. Dyslipidemia control was sustained, after five years, in 62% of the patients. The five years follow-up demonstrated that 80% of patients had T2D remission at one year, 74.5% at three years and 61.8% at five years. Univariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative values of HbA1c and BMI, preoperative use of insulin, gender, and 30-day complication were not predictors of remission at all study intervals. The average duration of the disease was nine years and the mean glycated hemoglobin before surgery was 8.95%. Conclusion: SGDII resulted in good glycemic control at 5-years follow-up and represents a valid alternative for the treatment of T2D.

Comparison between Care Strategies for Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hands Based on the Use of Joint Protection, Assistive Technology and Exercises

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling disease that can affect 6% to 12% of the adult population and more than a third of people over 65 years of age. Purpose: To assess whether a group of people with hand osteoarthritis (hOA) who received different types of treatment improved their function after two years of follow-up. Method: The entire sample (n = 97) underwent three follow-up assessments regarding anthropometric parameters of the upper limbs and ability to perform functional activities. Subsequently, the sample was divided into two groups for the intervention periods, called the First Period (n = 73) and the Second Period (n = 24);the First Period kept the same protocol with orientations, and the Second Period went to an intervention with orientation strength exercises and use of orthosis. Findings: In the separate analysis of the three questions of the DASH pain module, no differences were found between the assessment moments for groups of guidelines, treatment, or symptoms. Significant effects were observed for F(2, 162) = 3.5, p = 0.033, η2 = 0.04, and interaction for moments and intervention F(2, 162) = 4.3, p = 0.016, η2 = 0.05. Implications: It can be concluded that only guidance treatment does not benefit patients with hand osteoarthritis. In contrast, guidance, exercise, and orthosis treatment can significantly improve the disease.

Obtaining 2D Soil Geotechnical Profiles from Cokriging Interpolation of Sample Data and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)—Applications in Mass Movements Studies

Brazil annually faces significant challenges with mass movements, particularly in areas with poorly constructed housing, inadequate engineering, and lacking sanitation infrastructure. Campos do Jordão, in São Paulo state, is a city currently grappling with these issues. This paper details a study conducted within a pilot area in Campos do Jordão, where geophysical surveys and geotechnical borehole data were integrated. The geophysical surveys provided 2D profiles, and samples were collected to analyse soil moisture and plasticity. These datasets were combined using a Cokriging-based model to produce an accurate representation of the subsurface conditions. The enhanced modelling of subsurface variability facilitates a deeper understanding of soil behavior, which can be used to improve landslide risk assessments. This approach is innovative, particularly within the international context where similar studies often do not address the complexities associated with urban planning deficits such as those observed in some areas of Brazil. These conditions, including the lack of proper sanitation and irregular housing, significantly influence the geological stability of the region, adding layers of complexity to subsurface assessments. Adapting geotechnical evaluation methods to local challenges offers the potential to increase the efficacy and relevance of geological risk management in regions with similar socio-economic and urban characteristics.

Nanoskin®-ACT—The Impact of Natural Membrane & Soft with Chronic and Untreated Wounds

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile biomaterial with unique properties that make it promising for various biomedical applications, including wound healing. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in wound healing, providing a structural scaffold and signaling cues for cell migration and proliferation. This study investigates the potential of BC as a scaffold for ECM production and its effect on in vivo wound healing. In this work, the bacterial cellulose fermentation process is modified by the addition of Green Propolis and Usnic acid to the culture medium and natural materials before the bacteria are inoculated. In vivo behaviour using natural membranes for regenerative medicine is presented and it is in edit. Overall, our findings demonstrate the potential of BC as a scaffold for ECM production and its beneficial effects on in vivo wound healing. BC-based dressings may offer a novel approach to promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration in clinical settings. Further studies are warranted to optimize BC-based therapies and explore their full potential in regenerative medicine.

Microbial Community with Potential for Metal Release Isolated from Palca Mine Tailings Pond in Peru

The improvement of microbial characterization has increased the comprehension of microbial population and their ability in the microbiological metal dissolution. Bioleaching processes have been expanded to use microorganisms for the recovery of metals from ores and wastes. This study introduces Palca mine tailings pond in Peru which turned into acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD is a source of microbial communities whose microorganisms may support the aqueous extractive metallurgy for metal recovery. Four samples of AMD were collected from different locations and the elemental characterization showed concentrations of metals, such as Cu, Zn, Al, Mn, and Fe. The pH of the samples showed variation between 1.9 - 6.8. Twenty-one microorganisms were isolated and selected according the cell morphology. 16s rRNA gene sequences identified five species of which three belong to the bacterial kingdom and two to the Fungi kingdom. Two of the bacterial species were ferrous ion oxidizing bacteria, identified as Acidithiobacillus ferriphilus and Acidithiobacillus ferridurans;and the other one a ferric ion reducing bacteria identified as Acidiphilium acidophilum. The fungi species identified were Rhodotorula sinensis and Exophiala xenobiotica, a filamentous fungus isolated for the first time from an AMD.

Glomerular Filtration Rate of Children with Sickle Cell Disease Compared to Non-Sickle Cell Patients in Donka Pediatric Emergencies and SOS Drepano-Guinea Center

Introduction: Our study focused on the evaluation of renal function in children with sickle cell disease compared to children without sickle cell disease at the pediatric emergency unit of the Donka National Hospital and SOS Drepano-Guinea center. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study lasting 3 months (October 1 to December 31, 2020). Were included, all sickle cell and non-sickle cell children aged 0 to 15 received on an outpatient basis and had undergone an exploration of renal function (serum creatinine and urine dipstick). Results: We performed the urine dipstick and serum creatinine in 75 children, 45 of whom were sickle cell and 30 were not sickle cell. 27 of our patients or 36% had a reduction in GFR, among them 9 or 20% were sickle cell and 18 or 60% were not sickle cell. The most affected age group was 5 to 9 years in sickle cell (66.7%) and non-sickle cell (38.9%). In sickle cell patients, 9 cases (100%) had mild renal failure (IRL). Non-sickle cell patients, had 14 cases or 77.8% of IRL and 4 cases (22.2%) of moderate IR. Sickle cell disease and antibiotics which had the respective p-value (0.01);(0.02), were statistically significant with the onset of renal failure. Conclusion: Several factors including sickle cell anemia and antibiotics are believed to be involved in lowering GFR. It would be essential to detect early the children received in consultation.

知识关联整合对大学跨学科团队创新能力影响机制研究

从知识关联整合的内涵出发,研究知识关联整合的3个维度对大学跨学科团队创新能力的影响机制。以跨层次深度学习为中介变量,通过分层回归分析进行实证检验,剖析知识关联整合通过跨层次深度学习的中介作用对创新能力的影响机制。通过对江苏省依托研究型大学或科研机构的39个跨学科研究团队的共331名成员的问卷调查分析得出:知识关联整合3个维度对大学跨学科团队创新能力均有显著正向影响;跨层次深度学习在知识关联整合对大学跨学科团队创新能力的影响机制中起部分中介作用。结论丰富了知识关联整合和跨学科团队创新能力的相关研究,为跨学科团队科研管理实践带来了启示。

脑出血预后危险因素及事件相关电位在意识监测中的应用

目的探讨脑出血术后患者6个月不良预后的危险因素,并研究事件相关电位(event-related potential,ERP)对预后的诊断效能。方法前瞻性纳入40例脑出血术后患者作为研究对象,收集患者年龄、性别、术前出血量、入院时格拉斯哥昏迷评分(Glasgow coma scale,GCS)等资料。所有研究对象应用ERP进行术后第1、3、7、14天失匹配负波(mismatch negativity,MMN)的测量,并同步进行改良昏迷恢复量表(coma recovery scale-revised,CRS-R)的评估。6个月后电话随访患者格拉斯哥预后评分(Glasgow outcome scale,GOS),1~2分定义为预后差,3~5分定义为预后良好。采用多因素Logistic回归分析影响患者结局预后的危险因素,探究MMN波幅变化值与CRS-R变化值的相关性,并采用ROC曲线评估MMN对患者预后的预测价值。结果预后良好患者术前出血量、入院GCS评分、术后第3、7、14天的MMN波幅与预后差的患者比较差异有统计学意义;多因素Logistic回归分析显示,术后第14天的MMN波幅是预后差的独立危险因素(OR=0.100,95%CI:0.000~0.355,P<0.05)。MMN波幅与CRS-R呈强相关,相关系数为0.643(P<0.01)。术后第14天的MMN波幅对6个月的临床预后具有较高的诊断效能。结论术后第14天的MMN波幅越低提示患者预后越差,ERP对患者意识障碍的监测有望成为预测脑出血术后患者预后的有效工具。

模糊、缺席、不可见:影响数字化机器人智能服务的三个关键原因

机器人服务是数字化智能服务转型的一个重要体现。以往的研究理论化和技术化地分析了自动化机器人技术在提高服务效率、提升顾客体验方面的积极影响,但很少有研究者从顾客的实际使用视角去检验这一假设,更鲜有研究者在全自动化机器人服务的环境中检验智能化人机互动的实际效果和可能存在的问题。为此,本文选择视频录制与分析的研究视角,并结合民族志的研究方法,在两家数字化无人智慧酒店中记录了495次顾客与自动化智能服务系统互动的实践,旨在从实证的互动角度发现全自动化智能机器服务场景下存在的问题,揭示智能机器系统对服务活动产生负面影响的三个因素:互动指令的模糊性、服务协助人员的缺席、机器人交互技术的“不可见性”。为了提高数字化机器人智能服务效率,未来应考虑开发用户友好型服务交互系统。

双向LLC谐振变换器的数字混合软启动策略

针对双向LLC谐振变换器高压侧启动时产生的巨大浪涌电流可能造成的器件损坏的问题,阐述了启动频率大于谐振频率的必要性和启动频率下的工作模态,并分析了相应的启动初始时刻的状态平面轨迹。据此提出了一种优化谐振变换器启动初始时刻的平面轨迹和指数降频的分阶段数字混合软启动策略,搭建了一台以SPC1168为数字控制芯片的1 440 W样机进行实验,验证了所提出的数字软启动策略的有效性,相较于传统降频启动抑制启动电流的效果提高了25.6%。

基于自注意力机制和平均池化下图卷积网络的商品新闻事件抽取

商品新闻事件抽取是对新闻非结构化语句进行归纳和表达,以提取出该语句所包含的事件以及相关信息,能够为供货需求预测、价格预测、问答系统等提供基础。现有研究工作普遍存在候选触发词与实体向量关联性利用不强以及参数角色提取准确率不够的问题,因此本文在已有研究工作的基础上,提出了一种基于自注意力机制和平均池化图卷积网络及依赖解析树的提取模型(SAT-GCN-DPT)。该模型主要分为3个模块,ComBERT预训练模块、self-attention机制下的触发分类模块、利用平均池化图卷积和依赖解析树的参数角色分类模块。模型利用self-attention机制对输入数据进行操作增强候选触发词与实体向量之间关联性,同时对图卷积结果使用平均池化函数进行信息聚合来更大程度地还原事件之间关联性和提高分类准确率。实验结果表明,在CON数据集上,本文提出的模型在触发分类以及参数角色分类的准确度以及F 1值均有了提高。

Mode-locked fiber laser of 3.5 μm using a single-walled carbon nanotube saturable absorber mirror

We report on a mid-infrared fiber laser that uses a single-walled carbon nanotube saturable absorber mirror to realize the mode-locking operation.The laser generates 3.5 μm ultra-short pulses from an erbium-doped fluoride fiber by utilizing a dual-wavelength pumping scheme.Stable mode-locking is achieved at the 3.5 μm band with a repetition rate of 25.2 MHz.The maximum average power acquired from the laser in the mode-locking regime is 25 mW.The experimental results indicate that the carbon nanotube is an effective saturable absorber for mode-locking in the mid-infrared spectral region.

Development of a Ready-to-Use PSMA-11 Kit Formulation and Biological Evaluation of Binding Affinity

Introduction: 68Ga-PSMA-11 is considered the gold standard in detection of micro and oligometastases in advanced prostate cancer, being used for therapeutic planning, as well as, potentially, for evaluating response to treatment. The development of ready-to-use lyophilized kit of PSMA-11 adds quality and safety to the routine use of this radiopharmaceutical and represents a pharmacotechnical challenge as it must preserve the integrity and specificity of the ligand. Methods: PSMA-11 kit formulation was proposed, considering radiolabeling parameters and the preservation of the peptide during the lyophilization process, using mannitol as an excipient. Critical temperature characterization studies were carried out using DSC equipment and the freeze-drying process was developed. The direct radiolabeling conditions were evaluated and standardized using 68Ge/68Ga generator eluate from two different manufacturers (ITG and Eckert & Ziegler). The radiochemical purity was evaluated by TLC and HPLC. Biological evaluation was carried out with lyophilized PSMA-11 to demonstrate the integrity of the peptide and preservation of biological activity after the lyophilization process. Results: Based on critical temperature characterization studies, the freeze-drying cycle was designed to reach a freezing temperature of around −40˚C and primary drying at 2˚C. Using 20 mg of mannitol, an intact and elegant lyophilized cake was obtained. PSMA-11 lyophilized kit was directly labeled with 68Ga eluate from 68Ge/68Ga GMP generators (ITG and Eckert & Ziegler) resulting in % RP > 95% at pH 4.0 to 4.5. The results obtained from in vitro and in vivo biological competition studies confirmed the preservation of PSMA-11 affinity for the receptor after lyophilization. Conclusion: A lyophilized formulation (Kit) of PSMA-11 was successfully obtained, which preserved the integrity and biological activity of the peptide and guaranteed radiolabeling efficiency.

注意缺陷多动障碍儿童盐酸哌甲酯用药特征及趋势分析

目的:分析近5年来某儿童医院注意缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)患儿盐酸哌甲酯缓释片(MPH)处方特征及药物消耗趋势。方法:研究2018年至2022年ADHD患儿的MPH处方,对患儿的性别差异、年龄、单次取药量、就诊间隔及药物消耗模式进行分析。依据SPSS时间-序列模型对未来两年MPH的消耗量进行预测。结果:男女患儿的处方性别比由2018年的5.99下降为2022年的5.33;患儿平均就诊年龄约为10岁;2020年以后患儿就诊量大幅增加,2022年就诊人次是2018年的3.05倍;2022年MPH药物总DDDs是2018年的3.24倍。结论:近5年来苏州某儿童医院ADHD就诊量及MPH药物消耗量均呈上涨的趋势。

Clinicopathological Description of a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in a Dog

Hematopoietic tumors are associated with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and a poor prognosis. Furthermore, their pathophysiology in dogs is not well understood. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been rarely reported in golden retrievers, perhaps due to difficulties in diagnosis and care. An 8-year-old spayed female golden retriever was referred to our hospital with a 2-month history of fatigue, weakness, and selective appetite. The dog was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia based on blood smear evaluation. Despite treatment, the dog deteriorated and the owners opted for euthanasia. Histopathological examination revealed atypical lymphocytes in the spleen, extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen and liver, bone marrow depletion, moderate neutrophilic myocarditis, and acute renal tubular necrosis. In an immunohistochemical panel, cells in the spleen and bone marrow were positive for anti-CD20, anti-CD45, anti-CD3, anti-IBA-1, anti-Ki67, anti-MUM-1, and anti-PAX-5. In conclusion, the leukemia diagnosis was confirmed through reactive histiocytosis, marked extramedullary hematopoiesis, and other clinical and laboratory findings. Herein, we report a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a female dog with clinical, laboratory, and necroscopy findings.

计算机网络信息安全风险评估标准与方法研究

尽管计算机网络为人们的工作、生活和学习提供了极大的便利,但计算机网络也对社会构成了潜在的安全威胁。木马、病毒开发技术的更新升级,以及计算机网络信息系统自身固有的漏洞等,是影响网络信息系统推广应用和安全运行的主要因素。面对快速增长的计算机网络信息安全需求,仅被动地采用防御技术已经无法满足网络安全防御的要求,而计算机网络信息安全风险评估可以有效地分析网络信息系统的实时运行状态和预测其未来发展趋势,评估风险对计算机网络信息安全的影响,并对计算机网络信息安全风险评估标准与方法研究。

基于改进集合经验模态分解的信号处理方法研究

针对信号通过集合经验模态分解(Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition,EEMD)处理后获取的缺陷特征不明显的问题,提出一种EEMD联合主成分分析法(Principal Component Analysis,PCA)的信号处理方法。此方法首先对信号进行EEMD处理;其次在重构信号时,采用相关系数法进行特征选取;最后采用PCA对缺陷信号分量进行处理,能够在有效抑制模态混叠现象的同时,加强信号特征。通过仿真验证得到,经改进后的信号处理方法的重构信号信噪比为29.5237dB,相较于单一EEMD方法提高了51.06%,均方根误差降低了51.02%。改进后的算法能够在去除噪声的同时,保留更多的信号特征,更适用于处理超声检测信号。

注射用微交联透明质酸钠凝胶改善肤质的临床研究

目的探究不同注射浓度的微交联透明质酸钠凝胶真皮内注射后改善肤质的有效性及安全性。方法招募46例女性志愿者,年龄23-37岁,随机分成两组,分别采用浓度5 mg/mL(A组)和6 mg/mL(B组)的微交联注射用交联透明质酸钠凝胶行面部真皮层内注射。分别在治疗前及治疗后1周、2周及1个月用MPA皮肤测试仪进行对比分析,同时术后随访患者满意度及并发症情况。结果46例患者顺利完成治疗及术后随访,44人完成术后常规检测,2人因出差无法完成术后检测。皮肤MPA检测分析显示A组相对于B组对各时间点肤颜色、光泽度及摩擦力的得分有正向作用(P=0.007,0.016,及0.023);而对于皮肤含水量得分两组透明质酸浓度未显示差异(P=0.141)。术后1月十分满意率调查显示,A组为81.82%,明显高于B组的25%(P=0.036)。术后并发症比较两组无统计学差异。结论面部真皮层低浓度注射微交联透明质酸钠凝胶对改善肤质有较好效果,受试者满意度较高、安全性较高,值得临床应用。

一种弧形打点的微聚焦超声在中下面部年轻化的应用观察

目的探索一种弧形打点的微聚焦超声在中下面部年轻化中的临床疗效。方法选择2023年7月至2023年12月以本院接受面部紧致治疗的女性受试者60例为研究对象,所有受试者自愿接受一种具有弧形打点功能的微聚焦超声行面部皮肤紧致治疗,术前、术后即刻及术后12周拍照,由2名高年资皮肤美容科医师盲法参与术前、术后面部形态及皱纹改善情况客观评估,采用全球审美改善量表(Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale,GAIS)其中:4分为无明显改善,3分为轻度改善,2分为中度改善,1分为明显改善。采用修订版面部表情疼痛量表(faces pain scale-Revised,FPS-R)随访受试者术中、术后第1周及第2周的疼痛情况。结果治疗后即刻及12周客观改善率分别为90%(1分6人,2分52人,3分2人,4分0人)和93.3%(1分4人,2分40人,3分15人,4分1人)。治疗中疼痛评分为0~2分4人,2~4分42人,4~6分13人,6分以上1人;治疗后即刻的疼痛评分0-2分56人,2-4分4人;术后1周疼痛评分0-2分60人。结论弧形打点微聚焦超声对面部皮肤紧致治疗具有显著的即刻及持续效果,同时临床耐受度高,值得临床推广应用。