Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Do Child–Turcotte–Pugh and nutritional assessments predict survival in cirrhosis: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND Cirrhotic patients face heightened energy demands,leading to rapid glycogen depletion,protein degradation,oxidative stress,and inflammation,which drive disease progression and complications.These disruptions cause cellular damage and parenchymal changes,resulting in vascular alterations,portal hypertension,and liver dysfunction,significantly affecting patient prognosis.AIM To analyze the association between Child–Turcotte–Pugh(CTP)scores and di-fferent nutritional indicators with survival in a 15-year follow-up cohort.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study with 129 cirrhotic patients of both sexes aged>18 years.Diagnosis of cirrhosis was made by liver biopsy.The first year of data collection was 2007,and data regarding outcomes were collected in 2023.Data were gathered from medical records,and grouped by different methods,including CTP,handgrip strength,and triceps skinfold cutoffs.The prognostic values for mortality were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate binary logistic regression models.RESULTS The coefficient for CTP was the only statistically significant variable(Wald=5.193,P=0.023).This suggests that with a negative change in CTP classification score,the odds of survival decrease 52.6%.The other evaluated variables did not significantly predict survival outcomes in the model.Kaplan–Meier survival curves also indicated that CTP classification was the only significant predictor.CONCLUSION Although different classifications showed specific differences in stratification,only CTP showed significant predictive potential.CTP score remains a simple and effective predictive tool for cirrhotic patients even after longer follow-up.

Hepatocellular carcinoma-the role of the underlying liver disease in clinical practice

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common causes of cancerrelated mortality.This particular type of cancer has the distinctive characteristic of mostly happening in individuals with an underlying liver disease.This makes the management of patients more challenging,since physicians must take into consideration two different conditions,the chronic liver disease and the tumor.The underlying liver disease has several implications in clinical practice,because different kinds of chronic liver disease can lead to varying degrees of risk of developing HCC,obstacles in surveillance,and differences in the efficacy of the treatment against HCC.A shift in the prevalence of liver diseases has been evident over the last few years,with viral hepatitis gradually losing the leading position as cause of HCC and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease gaining importance.Therefore,in an era of personalized medicine,it is imperative that physicians are aware of the underlying liver disease of individuals with HCC and its impact in the management of their tumors.

The Impact of the Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) in Human Health

Linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic acids (ALA) are considered essential fatty acids (EFA) because they are not produced by the human body. This way, EFAs sources must come from the diet. The primary dietary source of n-3 fatty acids is ALA, found in seeds and seed oils. Other important sources are fish oils such as tuna, salmon and herring. Currently, numerous studies suggest possible benefits of essential fatty acids in human health, such as in cardiovascular, cognitive and eye health, and also during pregnancy and childhood. This paper also discusses the impact of fatty acids in human metabolism, and the available evidence regarding its risks. It addresses the relevant debate regarding a general ban of trans fatty acids (TFA) from the world food market, because of the cardiovascular risks associated with its consumption.

Building the Capacity of Health Professionals in Monitoring and Evaluation in a Public Health Institution: Experience of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire

Background: In the context of the fight against HIV, a lack of skills in monitoring and evaluating the personnel in charge of activities has been identified at the national level. It was the subject of a priority axis of the national plan for monitoring and evaluating the fight against HIV (2006-2010) that was aimed at strengthening the capacities of actors in this area. To increase the critical mass of competent human resources in the short term, the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire organized monitoring and evaluation training sessions for healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2016. Methods: A single case study with multiple levels of analysis was carried out, combining a qualitative survey and a literature review. An evaluation was carried out six months after each training session. In addition, the results of the pre- and post-tests and of the daily and final evaluations that accompanied the various training sessions were used to provide further information. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using INVIVO 15 software. Results: Some 89 health professionals (69% men and 31% women) working at the national level (51% at the central level, including 58% in health programs) and in development partner agencies (37%) participated in this capacity building program. Most participants were senior health managers (56%), data managers (23%), and statisticians and computer scientists (10%). Almost all the trainings were financed by 16 technical and financial partners (85%), mainly the MEASURE Evaluation project (27%). Conclusion: M&E training, despite all its imperfections, has made it possible to identify M&E training needs at the national level and to increase the critical mass of national skills and to have some culture in M&E.

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Variations and Climate Changes Worldwide

This investigation aims to study the El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events in these three phases: El Niño, La Niña, and neutral. Warm and cold events relate to the Spring/Summer seasons. This paper will search for connections between the ENSO events and climate anomalies worldwide. There is some speculation that those events would be necessary for the climate anomalies observed worldwide. After analyzing the data from the reports to the ENSO, it shows almost periodicity from 1950-2023. We emphasized the occurrence of El Niño two years, when it was most prominent, and the climate anomalies (following NOAA maps), 2015 and 2023. The results indicated that the observed climate anomalies couldn’t be linked to the abnormal events observed. The worldwide temperatures in those years enhanced mostly in 2023. It shows an abnormal behavior compared with all the years scrutinized and analyzed since the records began. Therefore, there must be unknown factors beyond ENSO that rule the worldwide temperatures and the climate anomalies observed.

Results Analysis of Surveys Made to Stakeholders in the Pacific Ports in the Panama Canal:A Study Focused to Improve the Efficiency of Loading/Discharging Operations

This research aims to analyze the communication process between the different participating actors in the port of Balboa,in the Panamanian Pacific.The starting hypothesis begins with the normal operation of the port itself.Considering which strategic actions have potential development and which specific strategic actions are proposed for their improvement,the article begins with a discussion of the nature of ports in Panama and their relationships with the Panama Canal,followed by a literary review of all the effects that climate change may have on navigation on the Panamanian Pacific coast.Next,the implication between the coordination and cooperation between the port,the Panama Canal pilots,and the other actors involved with the arrival and departure of vessels from the port will be analyzed.In a third part,the results of the perception of a significant sample of these actors who were surveyed,which are related to the process,are presented.The document concludes with recommendations on how the Panamanian Pacific port can improve its individual interests through the application of improvements derived from the results of the surveys,for more efficient inter-institutional coordination and cooperation.

Human immunodeficiency virus cascade–continuum of care stages and outcomes in a hospital in southern Brazil

BACKGROUND The human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)continuum of care cascade illustrates the 90-90-90 goals defined by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(UNAIDS).The care cascade includes the following five steps:Diagnosis,linkage to care,retention in care,adherence to antiretroviral therapy(ART),and viral suppression.AIM To elaborate the HIV cascade of patients diagnosed with HIV at the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital(HNSC)and to determine possible local causes for the loss of patients between each step of the cascade.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with HIV infection from January 1,2015 to December 31,2016 and followed up until July 31,2019.The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS software version 25,and Poisson regression with simple robust variance was used to analyze variables in relation to each step of the cascade.Variables with P<0.20 were included in multivariable analysis,and P<0.05 was considered significant.Pearson’sχ^(2) test was used to compare the groups of patients followed up at the HNSC and those followed up at other sites.RESULTS The results were lower than those expected by the UNAIDS,with 94%of patients linked,91%retained,81%adhering to ART,and 84%in viral suppression.Age and site of follow-up were the variables with the highest statistical significance.A comparison showed that the cascade of patients from the HNSC had superior results than outpatients,with a significant difference in the last step of the cascade.CONCLUSION The specialized and continued care provided at the HNSC was associated with better results and was closer to the goals set by the UNAIDS.The development of the HIV cascade using local data allowed for the stratification and evaluation of risk factors associated with the losses occurring between each step of the cascade.

Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B or C and coinfected with the human immunodeficiency virus:a retrospective cohort study

AIM To assess the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus(HBV) or hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed, including patients with chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV, with and without HIV coinfection. Patients were selected in the largest tertiary public hospital complex in southern Brazil between January 2007 and June 2014. We assessed demographic and clinical data, including lifestyle habits such as illicit drug use or alcohol abuse, in addition to frequency and reasons for hospital admissions via medical records review.RESULTS Of 804 patients were included(399 with HIV coinfection and 405 monoinfected with HBV or HCV). Coinfected patients were younger(36.7 ± 10 vs 46.3 ± 12.5, P < 0.001). Liver cirrhosis was observed in 31.3% of HIV-negative patients and in 16.5% of coinfected(P < 0.001). HCC was diagnosed in 36 patients(10 HIV coinfected and 26 monoinfected). The incidence density of HCC in coinfected and monoinfected patients was 0.25 and 0.72 cases per 100 patient-years(95%CI: 0.12-0.46 vs 0.47-1.05)(long-rank P = 0.002), respectively. The ratio for the HCC incidence rate was 2.98 for HIV-negative. However, when adjusting for age or when only cirrhotic are analyzed, the absence of HIV lost statistical significance for the development of HCC. CONCLUSION In this study, the presence of HIV coinfection in chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV showed no relation to the increase of HCC incidence.

中国CI:现状与趋势

CI(Corporate Identity)是80年代末传入我国的一种企业身份战略。它是这样一种操作系统,即根据企业的经营宗旨、企业内部条件与外部竞争环境以及其事业领域的特点,确立企业发展战略与企业经营理念,并对企业的组织体系、行为规范、市场策略、公共关系、广告行销乃至员工素质方面,进行全方位的策定与管理,然后运用整体情报传达沟通系统,传达给企业内外的关系者。从本质上看,CI是现代社会所必需的,通过明确认知企业身份。

Core-Shell Semiconductor-Graphene Nanoarchitectures for Efficient Photocatalysis:State of the Art and Perspectives

Semiconductor photocatalysis holds great promise for renewable energy generation and environment remediation,but generally suffers from the serious drawbacks on light absorption,charge generation and transport,and structural stability that limit the performance.The core-shell semiconductorgraphene(CSSG)nanoarchitectures may address these issues due to their unique structures with exceptional physical and chemical properties.This review explores recent advances of the CSSG nanoarchitectures in the photocatalytic performance.It starts with the classification of the CSSG nanoarchitectures by the dimensionality.Then,the construction methods under internal and external driving forces were introduced and compared with each other.Afterward,the physicochemical properties and photocatalytic applications of these nanoarchitectures were discussed,with a focus on their role in photocatalysis.It ends with a summary and some perspectives on future development of the CSSG nanoarchitectures toward highly efficient photocatalysts with extensive application.By harnessing the synergistic capabilities of the CSSG architectures,we aim to address pressing environmental and energy challenges and drive scientific progress in these fields.

基于ArcIMS的实时水雨情监测系统开发与应用研究

ArcIMS是ESRI第二代基于Web的GIS平台,用于Internet及其环境中发布和共享空间数据,并提供丰富的GIS互操作功能。实时水雨情动态监测系统是基于WebGIS技术,利用ArcIMS加以实现的动态监测系统。该系统使遥测设备接收到的水雨情数据在WebGIS平台中电子地图相关监测点实时、动态反映,并且能够以曲线图等直观图形式表现出来,为水雨情动态监测信息共享提供了开放的信息空间,从而辅助工作人员进行正确与及时的决策。

Influence of Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Phase Angle Values of People Living with HIV/AIDS with Lipodystrophy Secondary to Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: The measurement of phase angles is an important monitoring parameter and supplementation with omega-3 could promote benefits by modulating the electrical potential of membranes and increasing body cell mass. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the phase angle of people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: In this study, 63 individuals of all genders who were undergoing outpatient follow-up and showed lipodystrophy due to highly active antiretroviral therapy were analyzed. Our sample consisted of two groups, one that received supplementation containing 2550 mg of omega-3/day (1080 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 720 mg of docosahexaenoic acid) for three months (n = 32) and another that underwent nutrition guidance (n = 31). Phase angle and body cell mass were assessed for both groups and compared at the beginning of research (T0) and after our intervention (T1) for each group separately. Results: Phase angle averaged 6.45° ± 1.06 SD. The comparison between T0 and T1 showed a significant increase in phase angle and body cell mass, whereas the guidance group showed a decrease in body cell mass at T1 in relation to T0, with a significant p-value. Variance in phase angle between moments showed significant values between T0 and T1 in the supplementation group for all genders. Conclusion: Omega-3 positively modulated patients phase angle and body cell mass, but we emphasize the need for other studies that can solidify knowledge about supplementation dosage and intervention time.

Preventing brain aging by the artificial enforcement of the unfolded protein response:future directions

As the life expectancy of the world’s population increases,age-related diseases are emerging as one of the greatest problems facing modern society.The onset of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases is strictly dependent on aging as a major risk factor and has a profound impact on various aspects of the lives of individuals and their families.

Minimally invasive multivisceral resection in rectal cancer:Preparation or Precipitation?

Rectal cancer is a malignant neoplasm that constitutes a significant public health challenge due to its high incidence and associated mortality.In this editorial,we comment on the article by Chan et al.In recent years,there has been progress in the development of new treatments for initial and metastatic rectal cancer due to introduction of techniques of innovative and minimally-invasive surgery(MIS)such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery.However,only a few studies have ana-lyzed the feasibility,safety,and results of MIS in relation to open surgery,thereby highlighting the promising and superior results of MIS in functional and oncolo-gical terms.The findings were corroborated by the comparative study of Chan et al which evaluated the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive multivisceral resection(miMVR).A comparison of postoperative outcomes between open MVR and miMVR showed that miMVR presented less blood loss,fewer postoperative complications,and less morbidity.This editorial article is focused specifically on analysis of the characteristics of new minimally-invasive surgical techniques in rectal cancer,particularly in advanced stages.The importance of future research is emphasized by progress in knowledge,training,and clinical practice in the appli-cation of these surgical procedures for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

Dietary (poly)phenol intake is associated with cardiometabolic health parameters in adolescents

The protective role of(poly)phenols against metabolic disorders has been extensively studied in adults but not in adolescents.To assess associations of dietary(poly)phenols and their subclasses with cardiometabolic health parameters in adolescents.A cross-sectional study was conducted in 944 individuals aged 11–14 years enrolled in the SI!Program for Secondary Schools trial(NCT03504059).(Poly)phenol intake was assessed using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires and the Phenol-Explorer database.The measured cardiometabolic parameters were waist circumference(WC)age-sex Z-score,blood pressure(BP)age-sex Z-score,blood glucose(BG),triglycerides(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c).Multilevel mixedeffect linear regression models were applied to examine the association between(poly)phenol quintiles and cardiometabolic health parameters.Compared to the lowest quintile,adolescents in the highest quintile of total(poly)phenol intake had lower WC Z-scores,mean arterial pressure Z-scores,and HDL-c after multivariable adjustment.The WC Z-scores and HDL-c were lower in the highest quintile of flavonoid intake compared to the lowest quintile.The highest quintile of phenolic acid intake was associated with a lower WC Z-score and TG levels,and the highest quintile of stilbene intake with lower BG and TG,and with higher HDL-c compared to the lowest quintile.A higher intake of(poly)phenols,especially flavonoids,phenolic acids,and stilbenes,was associated with better cardiometabolic parameters in adolescents.

企业发展新动力──谈CIS与企业形象战略

企业发展新动力──谈ＣＩＳ与企业形象战略张成来ＴｈｅＭｏｔｉｖｅＦｏｒｃｅｏｆＴｈｅＤｅｖｅｌｏｐｍｅｎｔｏｆＥｎｔｅｒｐｒｉｓｅ￥ＺｈａｎｇＣｈｅｎｇｌａｉＡｂｓｔｒａｃｔ：Ｕｎｄｅｒｃｕｒｒｅｎｔｅｃｏｎｏｍｉｃｓ，ＣＩＳｈａｓｂｅｃｏｍｅｔｈｅ...

Introduction to the Special Issue on Advanced Security for FutureMobile Internet:A Key Challenge for the Digital Transformation

Mobile internet technologies have transformed our daily lives,allowing us to connect,communi-cate,and access various services and applications anytime and anywhere.These technologies are set to play a significant role in the next generation of digital transformation,further increasing their impact by integrating with emerging technologies like 6G,quantum computing,and generative AI.

Tubastraea coccinea: A Non-Indigenous Coral (Cnidaria, Scleractinia) Collected at Arvoredo Island, South of Brazil with Potential MRSA and VRE Antimicrobial Activity

Bacterial infection is considered to be one of the most critical health issues of the world. It is essential to overcome this problem by the development of new drugs. Marine organisms as corals, sponges, seaweeds, and other are an incredible source of novel pharmacologically active compounds. Herein, the antimicrobial activity (extract/fractions) of the invasive stony coralTubastraea coccinea was evaluated by the disk diffusion method against 21 microbial strains (ATCC and clinical strains). Micro broth dilution was used to determinate the MIC of the fractions that showed antimicrobial activity by the disk diffusion method. Bioautography assay was also performed. Our results showed that the n-butanol (BF) and aqueous fractions (AF) showed activity against ATCC strains Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 31.25 and 250 μg/mL),Salmonella typhimurium (MIC 125 and 500 μg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC 62.5 and 500 μg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 62.5 and 500 μg/mL), respectively. Moreover, BF fraction was also effective against the clinical strains S. aureus(MIC 62.5 μg/mL), Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase—KPC (MIC 125 μg/mL), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus—MRSA (MIC 125 μg/mL) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis—VRE (MIC 62.5 μg/mL). The ratio MBC/MIC reinforces the bactericidal profile of BF fraction. The bioautography assay of BF fraction showed the presence of antimicrobial components at Rf0.55.

Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in outpatients with cirrhosis in Brazil: A 10-year retrospective cohort study

AIM To determine the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and the impact of HCC surveillance on early diagnosis and survival of cirrhotic outpatients. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, cirrhotic outpatients undergoing HCC surveillance between March 2005 and March 2014 were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were HIV coinfection; previous organ transplantation; diagnosis of HCC at first consultation; missing data in the medical chart; and less than 1 year of follow-up. Surveillance was carried out every six months using ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein determination. Ten-year cumulative incidence and survival were estimated through Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS Four hundred and fifty-three patients were enrolled, of which 57.6% were male. Mean age was 55 years. Hepatitis C virus and heavy use of alcohol were the main etiologic agents of cirrhosis. HCC was diagnosed in 75 patients(16.6%), with an estimated cumulative incidence of 2.6% in the 1st year, 15.4% in the 5th year, and 28.8% in the 10 th year. Median survival was estimated at 17.6 mo in HCC patients compared to 234 mo in non-HCC patients(P < 0.001). Early-stage HCC was more often detected in patients who underwent surveillance every 6 mo or less(P = 0.05). However, survival was not different between patients with early stage vs non-early stage tumors [HR = 0.54(0.15-1.89), P = 0.33].CONCLUSION HCC is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis and adherence to surveillance programs favors early diagnosis.