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.

Polygenic Profile and Magnitude Impact of Inflammatory Response in Soccer Athletes

The practice of soccer involves carrying-out actions of high intensity, which demand a great generation of eccentric strength, which in turn results in an increase in the inflammatory response after training practice and game matches. The study aimed to investigate, in combination and individually, the association of 28 polymorphisms with the inflammatory responses of soccer athletes. The sample consisted of 47 male under-20 soccer athletes who belong to clubs in the first division of Brazilian soccer. Blood samples were collected at Pre, and 03, 24, and 48 hours after the training session to evaluate the inflammatory responses (hematological analyzes (hemogram), creatine phosphokinase (CK), high sensitivity quantitative C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)). DNA was obtained through scraping of buccal cells, where a sterile swab was rubbed on the inner side of the mouth of each participant 06 times. The database was built using the TruSeq DNA PCRFree kit (Illumina®) and the Covaris equipment for shearing genomic DNA (gDNA) by ultrasound. Of the analyzed SNPs, 09 (ACTN3 rs1815739, COL5A1 rs12722, COL5A1 rs3196378, HGF rs5745697, IGF1 rs35767, IL-6 rs1800795, MMP3 rs679620, SLC30A8 rs13266634, SOX15 rs4227) were individually associated with biomarkers and 07 SNPs, (COL5A1 rs12722, COL5A1 rs3196378, COL5A1 rs1800012, HGF rs5745697, IGF1 rs35767, IL-6 rs1800795 and MMP3 rs679620) analyzed in combination, explained 16% to 40% of the variation of inflammatory responses in soccer athletes. The results suggest that the genotypic profile can be taken into account for a more individualized distribution of the training load, along with the elaboration of recovery strategies for high-level athletes between training sessions and games of high physical and physiological demand.

Unusual Anterolateral Fascio Cutaneous Tight Flap for Extremity Soft Tissue Reconstruction

Soft tissue sarcoma is rare neoplasms that affect mainly the extremities. Surgery is the mean treatment and the resection results in extensive muscle and skin loss. The anterolateral tight flap is a good option for sarcomas arising in knees, superior third of legs and the medial face of thigh. The anatomy knowledge and the multidisciplinary approach is very important for a successful reconstruction. The authors report a successful case treated with the anterolateral tight flap and a literature review.

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.

Numerical Solutions of the Classical and Modified Buckley-Leverett Equations Applied to Two-Phase Fluid Flow

Climate change is a reality. The burning of fossil fuels from oil, natural gas and coal is responsible for much of the pollution and the increase in the planet’s average temperature, which has raised discussions on the subject, given the emergencies related to climate. An energy transition to clean and renewable sources is necessary and urgent, but it will not be quick. In this sense, increasing the efficiency of oil extraction from existing sources is crucial, to avoid waste and the drilling of new wells. The purpose of this work was to add diffusive and dispersive terms to the Buckley-Leverett equation in order to incorporate extra phenomena in the temporal evolution between the water-oil and oil-water transitions in the pipeline. For this, the modified Buckley-Leverett equation was discretized via essentially weighted non-oscillatory schemes, coupled with a three-stage Runge-Kutta and a fourth-order centered finite difference methods. Then, computational simulations were performed and the results showed that new features emerge in the transitions, when compared to classical simulations. For instance, the dispersive term inhibits the diffusive term, adding oscillations, which indicates that the absorption of the fluid by the porous medium occurs in a non-homogeneous manner. Therefore, based on research such as this, decisions can be made regarding the replacement of the porous medium or the insertion of new components to delay the replacement.

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.

Evaluation of Pesticidal Activities of Lignans Isolated from Piper cubeba Fruits

The identification of natural, plant-derived compounds with pesticidal properties is crucial for developing environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. In this study, four major lignans—dihydroclusin, cubebin, clusin, and yatein—were isolated from the crude extract of Piper cubeba fruit. Phytotoxicity assays revealed herbicidal activity against Agrostis stolonifera, with dihydroclusin and clusin exhibiting the highest efficacy, inhibiting seed germination by 50% and showing IC50 values of 2.9 µM and 45 µM, respectively, against Lemna paucicostata. Additionally, all compounds, except dihydroclusin, demonstrated fungicidal activity against the strawberry anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum fragariae. Moreover, only dihydroclusin exhibited larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, causing 96% mortality of mosquito larvae at the 100-ppm concentration tested. These findings highlight the broad-spectrum bioactivity of Piper cubeba lignans, suggesting their potential as alternative agents of synthetic pesticides for managing agricultural pests.

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。

Motivational and Methodological Factors Involved in the Helping Behavior Test in Laboratory Rodents

Empathy allows humans and other animals to share the emotional state of another, adopting that individual’s perspective on a given situation. This ability is fundamental for species living in groups. Helping behavior in laboratory animals has been used to study empathy. In this test, subjects are exposed to a conspecific that is trapped and learn to open the cage to release the other animal. However, the interpretation of helping behavior as an emphatically motivated action is still controversial. Here we review the studies that use the helping behavioral test proposed by Ben-Ami Bartal and colleagues in 2011 to better understand motivational factors for this behavior. In addition, we compare methodological aspects of these studies. In conclusion, helping behavior can be driven by empathy, but other factors such as the desire for social contact and learning components cannot be ruled out as motivators. In addition, studies focused on evaluating neurobiological mechanisms underlying helping behavior in laboratory rodents can help elucidate the factors involved in releasing the trapped co-specific.

The Drought of Amazonia in 2023-2024

The Amazon basin has experienced an extreme drought that started in the austral summer of 2022-23 and extends into 2024. This drought started earlier than other previous droughts. Although some rain fell during the austral summer, totals remained below average. Higher temperatures during austral winter and spring 2023, which affected most of Central South America, then aggravated drought conditions. This coincided with an intense El Niño and abnormally warm tropical North Atlantic Ocean temperatures since mid-2023. Decreased rainfall across the Amazon basin, negative anomalies in evapotranspiration (derived from latent heat) and soil moisture indicators, as well as increased temperatures during the dry-to-wet transition season, September-October-November (SON) 2023, combined to delay the onset of the wet season in the hydrological year 2023-24 by nearly two months and caused it to be uncharacteristically weak. SON 2023 registered a precipitation deficit of the order of 50 to 100 mm/month, and temperatures +3˚C higher than usual in Amazonia, leading to reduced evapotranspiration and soil moisture indicators. These processes, in turn, determined an exceptionally late onset and a lengthening of the dry season, affecting the 2023-2024 hydrological year. These changes were aggravated by a heat wave from June to December 2023. Drought-heat compound events and their consequences are the most critical natural threats to society. River levels reached record lows, or dried up completely, affecting Amazonian ecosystems. Increased risk of wildfires is another concern exacerbated by these conditions.

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。

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。

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。

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。