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Do large-scale and unexpected events, such as natural disasters, affect elections? This article studies the political dimension of the 19-S earthquake that hit Mexico City in 2017, a few months before the 2018 elections. Using fine-grained geospatial data, the results show that candidates from the city-level incumbent Partido de la Revolución Democrática (PRD) had a small increase in vote share in 2018 compared to the previous election in precincts more exposed to damaged caused by the earthquake (in terms of both distance-based and per capita measures), accounting for the seismic profile and socioeconomic characteristics of the neighborhood. The article shows that the implementation of disaster-recovery policy explains part of this relationship. Moreover, voters were as electorally responsive to a future risk reduction strategy as to a reconstruction credit.

The benefits of financial inclusion could be particularly important in Latin America, where the levels of ownership and use of different instruments lag behind those of developed countries. An improvement in the ownership and use of formal financial instruments could result in a reduction in informality, the promotion of formal savings and productive credit, and, therefore, an inclusive economic growth. The objective of this paper is to analyze the financial inclusion of a group of Latin American countries in order to detect the most used financial instruments and the main socioeconomic determinants that explain their ownership or use. At the same time, the evolution of the main variables was also studied for the years 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2021. Micro-data from the Global Findex database was examined (except for 2021, in which only macro-data are available). Statistical models and multivariate econometrics are applied to understand the individual socioeconomic characteristics of people who are still very unlikely to own and use formal financial instruments. Finally, the main reasons for not having an account were analyzed in order to delve into the main restrictions on which the financial market must focus to achieve greater financial inclusion.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of morbidity among aging populations, yet symptom and/or disease-modification remains elusive. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (adMSCs) have demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate clinical signs and interrupt disease onset and progression. Indeed, multiple manuscripts have evaluated intra-articular administration of adMSCs as a therapeutic; however, comparatively few evaluations of systemic delivery methods have been published. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of intravenous (IV) delivery of allogeneic adMSCs in an established model of spontaneous OA, the Hartley guinea pig. Animals with moderate OA received once weekly injections of 2 × 10

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a key component in the continuum of care for patients with CVD that reduces mortality, morbidity and rehospitalization. Clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend and encourage CR participation for eligible patients with CVD. Although there are multiple studies on barriers and solutions to improve the initiation rates of CR, a limited number of studies have explored the barriers and solutions to increase the degree of adherence to CR. Purpose The aim of this study was to define those characteristics that predict adherence to CR with special focus on women and employed patients, since these groups are generally understudied. Methods We performed a retrospective electronic medical record review of the Mayo Clinic CR program, Rochester to identify patients who had started the Mayo Clinic program between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015. Among patients who met the inclusion criteria, we conducted a telephone survey with the aim of defining barriers to participation and possible solutions proposed by patients to increase CR adherence. The survey included factors previously identified in the literature as possible barriers, as well as other hypothetical factors; including closed and open-ended questions. The study was approved by the Mayo Clinic institutional review board. Results 376 patients met the inclusion criteria. 257 patients completed the survey. 240 (63.8%) returned the HIPAA (Health Information Use Authorization) document. 72 (30%) were women with a mean age of 66.4 ±12.4 years. Forty-seven percent (n = 113) of the participants did not complete the recommended course of 36 sessions of CR. Among the most important barriers, we found that schedule conflicts were more frequently noted to be a barrier to CR participation among employed patients compared to non-employed patients (p=0.04). Lack of motivation and an inadequate awareness of the importance of completing CR were significantly reported as barriers from employed and non-employed patients. Among the proposed solutions, the participants suggested the potential benefit of alternative delivery models for CR programs; as well efforts to improve awareness of the importance of CR adherence among patients and professionals. Conclusions This study has great relevance because it addressed barriers and potential solutions to CR adherence. Barriers such as mental stress and motivation, as well as a lack of knowledge about CR benefits highlight the role of patient counseling and education as keys to help improve CR adherence. Alternative CR delivery models are attractive options to help facilitate participation, with special focus on the employed population and women, as they more frequently report logistical barriers to CR compared to non-employed patients and men. Further research and advocacy work are needed to help identify and implement strategies that address barriers to CR adherence and completion.

The obesity epidemic is principally driven by the consumption of more calories than the body requires. It is therefore essential that the mechanisms underpinning feeding behavior are defined. The brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) receives direct information from the digestive system and projects to second order regions including the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC). Here we reveal that selective activation of NTS γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABANTS) neurons is sufficient to significantly control food intake and body weight. Optogenetic interrogation of GABANTScircuitry identified GABANTS→ARC projections as appetite suppressive without creating aversion. Electrophysiological analysis revealed GABANTS→ARC stimulation inhibits hunger promoting agouti-related protein/neuropeptide Y (AgRP/NPY) neurons via GABA release. Adopting an intersectional genetics strategy, we clarify that the GABANTS→ARC circuit induces satiety. These data identify GABANTSas a new modulator of feeding behavior, body weight and controller of orexigenic AgRP/NPY activity, thereby providing insight into the neural underpinnings of obesity.HighlightsNucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) GABA neurons are responsive to nutritional status.Chemogenetic GABANTSneuron activation reduces food intake and body weight.GABANTSprojections to the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) promote satiety.ptogenetic GABANTS→ARC stimulation inhibits orexigenic AgRP/NPY neurons.In BriefMartinez de Morentin et al. identify GABAergic neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract as a new player in the circuit governing feeding behavior and body weight.

To determine pertussis and influenza vaccination coverage during pregnancy among women delivering in all the maternities of Geneva (Switzerland), during the COVID-19 pandemic.All women delivering in all the maternity centres of the canton of Geneva from 1st November 2020 to 30th November 2020 (beginning of the flu vaccination season) and from 8th March 2021 to 7th April 2021 (end of the flu vaccination season) had their records checked upon admission to the labour ward regarding pertussis and influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Reasons for non-vaccination were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify predictors of vaccine uptake.951 women delivered in Geneva during the two study periods, of which 950 were included in the study. 86.2% were vaccinated against pertussis, with no significant difference between the study periods (87.5% vs 85% at the beginning and end of the flu vaccination season respectively). 49.8% were vaccinated against influenza, with no significant difference between the study periods (48.8% vs 50.7% beginning and end of the flu vaccination season respectively). The influenza vaccine was 5 times more likely not to be proposed (8.9% vs. 1.7%) and 3 times more likely to be refused (26.6% vs. 8%) than the pertussis vaccine. Main reason for refusal was a lack of maternal desire for both vaccines, but not vaccine fear. Maternal parity ≥ 1 was significantly associated with pertussis vaccine uptake at univariate analysis. Women were significantly more likely to accept the influenza vaccine if they had a university degree or if they did not deliver in a midwife-only run delivery unit in both univariate and multivariate analysis.In Geneva, most gynaecologists offer pertussis immunization during antenatal care and uptake is high, but more efforts must be done to increase influenza vaccination coverage. Education level impacts maternal flu vaccination uptake, but other social disparities did not.

Agricultural extension has been an essential strength in agricultural development and social innovation factor. The word “extension” in the modern meaning was first used which refers to informal public education in England in the second half of the 19th century (Demiryurek, 2014). This descriptive method of research aid at determining the effectivity of extension services and the productivity of sugarcane farmers in the Visayas, Philippines. The 400 sugarcane farmers randomly identified at the 10 locations in the Visayas area of the Philippines. An instrument used was the agency Extension Program Guidelines that measures productivity of the farmers, farm profile and extent of services, among others. The result shows that the level of productivity of sugarcane farms in the Visayas area was high and a significant difference indicates on the level of productivity of sugarcane farms when grouped as to location. The level of productivity of sugarcane farming in the Visayas in terms of indicators such as size of farm, type of soil, land topography, average rainfall received, distance of the farm to the sugar mill, farming innovations, workers’ availability and expenses per hectare was at low productivity. Significant difference in the productivity of sugarcane farming at the different locations in the Visayas area in terms of size of farm, land topography, distance of the farm to the sugar mill, farming innovations, workers’ availability, and expenses per hectare except for the type of soil and average rainfall. The extent of services does not significantly related to the productivity. Relatively, there is no significant relationship existed between the extent of services and farm profile. Farm profile does not influence the level of productivity, too.

Starting from a general transformation for spherically symmetric metrics where g_11=-1/g_00, we analyze coordinates with the common property of conformal flatness at constant solid angle element. Three general possibilities arise: one where tortoise coordinate appears as the unique solution, other that includes Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates as a very specific case, but that also allows other similar transformations, and finally a new set of coordinates with very different properties than the other two. In particular, this represents any causal patch of the spherically symmetric metrics in a compactified form. We analyze some relations, taking the Schwarzschild case as prototype, but also contrasting the cosmological de-Sitter and Anti-de-Sitter solutions for the new proposed “pulsating coordinates”. Pacs numbers: 04.20.Cv, 04.20.Jb, 04.70.Bw, 98.80.-k

OBJECTIVE: Overweight and obesity are endemic in developed countries, with a substantial negative impact on human health. Medications developed to treat obesity include agonists for the G-protein coupled receptors glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1R; e.g. liraglutide), serotonin 2C (5-HT2CR; e.g, lorcaserin), and melanocortin4 (MC4R) which reduce body weight primarily by suppressing food intake. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic food intake suppressive effects are still being defined and were investigated here. METHODS: We profiled PPG neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (PPGNTS) using single nucleus RNA sequencing (Nuc-Seq) and histochemistry. We next examined the requirement of PPGNTS neurons for obesity medication effects on food intake by virally ablating PPGNTS neurons. Finally, we assessed the effects on food intake of the combination of liraglutide and lorcaserin. RESULTS: We found that 5-HT2CRs, but not GLP-1Rs or MC4Rs, were widespread in PPGNTS clusters and that lorcaserin significantly activated PPGNTS neurons. Accordingly, ablation of PPGNTS neurons prevented the reduction of food intake by lorcaserin but not MC4R agonist melanotan-II, demonstrating the functional significance of PPGNTS 5-HT2CR expression. Finally, the combination of lorcaserin with GLP-1R agonists liraglutide or exendin-4 produced greater food intake reduction as compared to either monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings identify a necessary mechanism through which obesity medication lorcaserin produces its therapeutic benefit, namely brainstem PPGNTS neurons. Moreover, these data reveal a strategy to augment the therapeutic profile of the current frontline treatment for obesity, GLP-1R agonists, via coadministration with 5-HT2CR agonists.

SummaryNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is multifactorial in nature, affecting over a billion people worldwide. The gut microbiome has emerged as an associative factor in NAFLD, yet mechanistic contributions are unclear. Here, we show fast food (FF) diets containing high fat, added cholesterol, and fructose/glucose drinking water differentially impact short- vs. long-term NAFLD severity and progression in conventionally-raised, but not germ-free mice. Correlation and machine learning analyses independently demonstrate FF diets induce early and specific gut microbiota changes that are predictive of NAFLD indicators, with corresponding microbial community instability relative to control-fed mice. Shotgun metagenomics showed FF diets containing high cholesterol elevate fecal pro-inflammatory effectors over time, relating to a reshaping of host hepatic metabolic and inflammatory transcriptomes. FF diet-induced gut dysbiosis precedes onset and is highly predictive of NAFLD outcomes, providing potential insights into microbially-based pathogenesis and therapeutics.HighlightsGerm-free mice are protected from fast-food diet-induced NAFLD.Fast-food diets rapidly shift gut microbiota composition and function.Increasing dietary cholesterol exacerbates hepatic inflammation only in SPF mice.Fast-food diet-induced gut dysbiosis precedes and predicts late-stage NAFLD severity.

Two synthetic strategies employing phosphate tether-mediated one-pot sequential protocols for the total synthesis of the polyketide nonribosomal peptide macrolide, sanctolide A, and the formal synthesis of the (2

Cholesterol is the precursor of all steroid hormones, and the entry of cholesterol into the mitochondria is the rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis. Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1) is an outer mitochondrial protein part of a multiprotein complex that imports cholesterol. We previously reported that intratesticular administration of a 25 amino acid peptide blocking the interaction between 14-3-3ϵ with VDAC1 increased circulating levels of testosterone. This fusion peptide was composed of a HIV-1 transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein transduction domain cell-penetrating peptide, a glycine linker, and amino acids 159-172 of VDAC1 (TV159-172). Here, we describe the development of a family of small molecules that increase circulating testosterone levels after an oral administration. We first characterized an animal model where TV159-172 was delivered subcutaneously. This subcutaneous model allowed us to study the interactions between TV159-172 and the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) and identify the biologically active core of TV159-172. The core consisted of the tetrapeptide RVTQ, which we used as a platform to design synthetic peptide derivatives that can be administered orally. We developed a second animal model to test various derivatives of RVTQ and found 11 active compounds. Dose-response experiments identified 4 synthetic peptides that robustly increased androgen levels in a specific manner. We selected RdVTQ as the leading VDAC1-core derivative and profiled the response across the lifespan of Brown-Norway rats. In summary, we present the development of a new class of therapeutics that act within the HPG axis to increase testosterone levels specifically. This new class of small molecules self-regulates, preventing abuse.

Purpose This pilot study of a culturally adapted online mental health literacy (MHL) program called ‘Tara, Usap Tayo!’ (C’mon, Let’s Talk) aims to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and potential effectiveness in improving the help-seeking behavior of Filipino migrant domestic workers in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods Using mixed methods, we conducted a non-randomized single-group study of the online MHL program with 21 participants. The development of this intervention was guided by the Medical Research Council Framework for developing complex interventions and utilized Heim & Kohrt’s (2019) framework for cultural adaptation. Content materials from the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), WHO Problem Management Plus (PM +) and Adult Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) were modified and translated into the Filipino language. The MHL program was delivered online in three sessions for two hours each session. Data were collected at three time points: (T1) pretest; (T2) posttest; and (3) follow-up test. Quantitative data on participants’ attitudes towards help-seeking and level of mental health literacy as outcome measures of potential intervention effectiveness were collected at T1, T2 and T3, while focus group discussions (FGDs) to assess participants’ feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the online MHL program were conducted immediately at T2. Data analysis was done using a thematic approach for qualitative data from the FGDs and descriptive statistics and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to assess the difference in the T1, T2, and T3 tests. Both quantitative and qualitative results were then integrated and triangulated to answer the research questions. Results The online MHL program is generally acceptable, appropriate, and feasible for use among Filipino migrant domestic workers. Preliminary findings lend support for its possible effectiveness in improving mental health literacy and help-seeking propensity. The cultural adaptation made in the content, form, and delivery methods of the intervention was acceptable and feasible for this target subcultural group. Conclusion By improving their mental health literacy and help-seeking propensity, this online MHL program has the potential to provide support to the mental health and well-being of Filipino migrant domestic workers in the UK. Further feasibility study or large-scale randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the preliminary findings of this study.

Due to their high cost of acquisition and operation, there are still a limited number of high-yield, high-flux neutron source facilities worldwide. In this context, laser-driven neutron sources offer a promising, cheaper alternative to those based on large-scale accelerators, with, in addition, the potential of generating compact neutron beams of high brightness and ultra-short duration. In particular, the predicted capability of next-generation petawatt (PW)-class lasers to accelerate protons beyond the 100 MeV range should unlock efficient neutron generation through spallation reactions. In this paper, this scenario is investigated numerically through particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations, modeling, respectively, the laser acceleration of protons from thin-foil targets and their subsequent conversion into neutrons in secondary heavy-ion targets. Laser parameters relevant to the 1 PW LMJ-PETAL and 1-10 PW Apollon systems are considered. Under such conditions, neutron fluxes exceeding $10^{23}\,\rm n\,cm^{-2}\,s^{-1}$ are predicted, opening up attractive fundamental and applicative prospects., Comment: 16 pages, 13 figures

Mitotic duration is tightly constrained, with extended mitotic duration being a characteristic of potentially problematic cells prone to chromosome missegregation and genomic instability. We show that memories of mitotic duration are integrated by a p53-based mitotic stopwatch pathway to exert tight control over proliferation. The stopwatch halts proliferation of the products of a single significantly extended mitosis or of successive modestly extended mitoses. Time in mitosis is monitored via mitotic kinase-regulated assembly of stopwatch complexes that are transmitted to daughter cells. The stopwatch is inactivated in p53-mutant cancers, as well as in a significant proportion of p53-wildtype cancers, consistent with classification of stopwatch complex subunits as tumor suppressors. Stopwatch status additionally influences efficacy of anti-mitotic agents currently used or in development for cancer therapy.One-Sentence SummaryTime spent in mitosis is carefully monitored to halt the proliferation of potentially dangerous cells in a population.

For countries to rapidly decarbonize, they need strong leadership, according to both academic studies and popular accounts. But leadership is difficult to measure, and its importance is unclear. We use original data to investigate the role of presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs in 155 countries from 1990 to 2015 in changing their countries’ gasoline taxes and subsidies. Our findings suggest that the impact of leaders on fossil fuel taxes and subsidies is surprisingly limited and often ephemeral. This holds true regardless of the leader’s age, gender, education, or political ideology. Rulers who govern during an economic crisis perform no better or worse than other rulers. Even presidents and prime ministers who were recognized by the United Nations for environmental leadership had no more success than other leaders in reducing subsidies or raising fuel taxes. Where leaders appear to play an important role—primarily in countries with large subsidies—their reforms often failed, with subsidies returning to prereform levels within the first 12 mo 62% of the time, and within 5 y 87% of the time. Our findings suggest that leaders of all types find it exceptionally hard to raise the cost of fossil fuels for consumers. To promote deep decarbonization, leaders are likely to have more success with other types of policies, such as reducing the costs and increasing the availability of renewable energy.

This work introduces a Quality Assessment Framework that provides researchers with the flexibility, consistency, and scalability they need to evaluate and compare quality metrics, promoting the reproducibility of results. The framework is open source (Python) and currently has 11 visual quality metrics that use 3 different libraries: Scikit-video, FFmpeg toolkit, and PyMetrikz. It can be easily expanded to include more metrics in the future and allows testing on several quality datasets. To validate it, we tested it on two datasets and compared the results with the results obtained by other authors in the literature. The results are consistent with those reported by external studies. With this evidence, new image/video metrics and datasets can be integrated into this framework. This will allow researchers to compare their methods with a wide number of quality metrics on several datasets in a fast and efficient way.

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are a group of more than 80 heterogeneous disorders that occur when there is a failure in the self-tolerance mechanisms triggering self-attacking autoantibodies. Most autoimmune disorders are polygenic and associated with genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region. However, additional non-HLA genes are also found to be associated with different ADs, and often these are also implicated in more than one disorder. Previous studies have observed associations between various health-related and lifestyle phenotypes and ADs. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) allow the calculation of an individual’s genetic liability to a phenotype and are estimated as the sum of the risk alleles weighted by their effect sizes in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Here, for the first time, we conducted a comparative PRS-PheWAS analysis for 11 different ADs (Celiac Disease, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Type 1 Diabetes, Vitiligo Early Onset, Vitiligo Late Onset) and 3,281 outcomes available in the UK Biobank that cover a wide range of lifestyle, socio-demographic and health-related phenotypes. We also explored the genetic relationships of the studied ADs, estimating their genetic correlation and performing cross-disorder GWAS meta-analyses for the identified AD clusters. In total, we observed 554 outcomes significantly associated with at least one disorder PRS, and 300 outcomes were significant after variants in the HLA region were excluded from the PRS calculations. Based on the genetic correlation and genetic factor analysis, we observed five genetic factors among studied ADs. Cross-disorder meta-analyses in each factor revealed genome-wide significant loci that are pleiotropic across multiple ADs. Overall, our analyses confirm the association of different factors with genetic risk for ADs and reveal novel observations that warrant further exploration.

Objective Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) has gained considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and its related cardiometabolic diseases; however, whether the gut microbiota might be an efficient stimulus to activate BAT metabolism remains to be ascertained. We aimed to investigate the association of fecal microbiota composition with BAT volume and activity and mean radiodensity in young adults. Methods 82 young adults (58 women, 21.8 ± 2.2 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyse the fecal microbiota composition. BAT was determined via a static 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan (PET/CT) after a 2 h personalized cooling protocol. 18F-FDG uptake was also quantified in white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscles. Results The relative abundance of Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae sp. and Ruminococcus genera was negatively correlated with BAT volume, BAT SUVmean and BAT SUVpeak (all rho ≤ − 0.232, P ≤ 0.027), whereas the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium genus was positively correlated with BAT SUVmean and BAT SUVpeak (all rho ≥ 0.262, P ≤ 0.012). On the other hand, the relative abundance of Sutterellaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae families was positively correlated with 18FFDG uptake by WAT and skeletal muscles (all rho ≥ 0.213, P ≤ 0.042). All the analyses were adjusted for the PET/CT scan date as a proxy of seasonality. Conclusion Our results suggest that fecal microbiota composition is involved in the regulation of BAT and glucose uptake by other tissues in young adults. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings., Universidad de Granada / CBUA, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness via Fondo de Investigacion Sanitaria del Instituto de Salud Carlos III PI13/01393 PTA 12264-I, Retos de la Sociedad DEP2016-79512-R, European Commission Spanish Government FPU13/04365 FPU16/05159 FPU17/01523, Fundacion Iberoamericana de Nutricion (FINUT), Redes Tematicas De Investigacion Cooperativa RETIC Red SAMID RD16/0022, InFLAMES Flagship Programme of the Academy of Finland 337530, NextGenerationEU RR_C_2021_04, AstraZeneca, University of Granada Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016-Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), Junta de Andalucia, Consejeria de Conocimiento, Investigacion y Universidades (ERDF) SOMM17/6107/UGR, European Commission through the "European funds for regional development" (EFRE), regional Ministry of Economy, Science and Digitalization of Saxony-Anhalt as part of the "Autonomy in old Age", (AiA) research group for "LiLife" Project ZS/2018/11/95324, MIRACUM, Federal Ministry of Education & Research (BMBF) FKZ 01ZZ1801H, Fundacion Alfonso Martin Escudero

Coordinatively unsaturated metal sites within certain zeolites and metal-organic frameworks can strongly adsorb a wide array of substrates. While many classical examples involve electron-poor metal cations that interact with adsorbates largely through physical interactions, unsaturated electron-rich metal centers housed within porous frameworks can often chemisorb guests amenable to redox activity or covalent bond formation. Despite the promise that materials bearing such sites hold in addressing myriad challenges in gas separations and storage, very few studies have directly interrogated mechanisms of chemisorption at open metal sites within porous frameworks. Here, we show that nondissociative chemisorption of H2 at the trigonal pyramidal Cu+ sites in the metal-organic framework CuI-MFU-4l occurs via the intermediacy of a metastable physisorbed precursor species. In situ powder neutron diffraction experiments enable crystallographic characterization of this intermediate, the first time that this has been accomplished for any material. Evidence for a precursor intermediate is also afforded from temperature-programmed desorption and density functional theory calculations. The activation barrier separating the precursor species from the chemisorbed state is shown to correlate with a change in the Cu+ coordination environment that enhances π-backbonding with H2. Ultimately, these findings demonstrate that adsorption at framework metal sites does not always follow a concerted pathway and underscore the importance of probing kinetics in the design of next-generation adsorbents.

BackgroundMyasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Here, we investigate the genetic architecture of MG via a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the largest MG data set analysed to date.MethodsWe performed GWAS meta-analysis integrating three different data sets (total of 1401 cases and 3508 controls). We carried out human leucocyte antigen (HLA) fine-mapping, gene-based and tissue enrichment analyses and investigated genetic correlation with 13 other autoimmune disorders as well as pleiotropy across MG and correlated disorders.ResultsWe confirmed the previously reported MG association with TNFRSF11A (rs4369774; p=1.09×10−13, OR=1.4). Furthermore, gene-based analysis revealed AGRN as a novel MG susceptibility gene. HLA fine-mapping pointed to two independent MG loci: HLA-DRB1 and HLA-B. MG onset-specific analysis reveals differences in the genetic architecture of early-onset MG (EOMG) versus late-onset MG (LOMG). Furthermore, we find MG to be genetically correlated with type 1 diabetes (T1D), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), late-onset vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Cross-disorder meta-analysis reveals multiple risk loci that appear pleiotropic across MG and correlated disorders.DiscussionOur gene-based analysis identifies AGRN as a novel MG susceptibility gene, implicating for the first time a locus encoding a protein (agrin) that is directly relevant to NMJ activation. Mutations in AGRN have been found to underlie congenital myasthenic syndrome. Our results are also consistent with previous studies highlighting the role of HLA and TNFRSF11A in MG aetiology and the different risk genes in EOMG versus LOMG. Finally, we uncover the genetic correlation of MG with T1D, RA, ATD and late-onset vitiligo, pointing to shared underlying genetic mechanisms.

O cumaru (Dipteryx odorata) em sistemas integrados é uma opção de árvore de grande potencial mercadológico. As árvores proporcionam benefícios ao sistema, tanto de ordem técnica, quanto econômica e ambiental. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a fenologia reprodutiva e vegetativa do Cumarú em sistemas silvipastoris. O estudo foi realizado no Município de Belterra-PA em 50 indivíduos dessa espécie. As fenofases estudadas são: floração (botão floral e flor), frutificação (frutos verdes, maduros, ocos e dispersão) e mudanças foliares (folhas novas, maduras e desfolha). A renovação do dossel da espécie teve a queda foliar como um evento contínuo, porém com a permanência de folhas maduras, mantendo sombreamento durante o ano todo, sendo benéfico para sistemas de integração Pecuária-Floresta (IPF) pela redução do estresse pelo excesso luminoso. A floração do cumaru não mostrou sazonalidade para a temperatura e precipitação, porém apresentou dois picos, em janeiro-fevereiro, época chuvosa e setembro-outubro, época seca. Sazonalidade foi identificada para a frutificação (frutos verdes) durante o período chuvoso, de janeiro a julho. E para frutos maduros, a transição do período chuvoso para o seco. A dispersão de sementes ocorreu no período seco, uma estratégia para melhor utilizar os agentes de polinização e dispersão. O amplo período de dispersão de frutos e a sincronia entre os indivíduos da espécie estudada podem facilitar a coleta de sementes.

Imparting porosity to 3D printed polymeric materials is an attractive option for producing lightweight, flexible, customizable objects such as sensors and garments. Although methods currently exist to introduce pores into 3D printed objects, little work has explored the structure–processing–property relationships of these materials. In this study, photopolymer/sacrificial paraffin filler composite inks were produced and printed by a direct ink writing (DIW) technique that leveraged paraffin particles as sacrificial viscosity modifiers in a matrix of commercial elastomer photocurable resin. After printing, paraffin was dissolved by immersion of the cured part in an organic solvent at elevated temperature, leaving behind a porous matrix. Rheometry experiments demonstrated that composites with between 40 and 70 wt % paraffin particles were able to be successfully 3D printed; thus, the porosity of printed objects can be varied from 43 to 73 vol %. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that closed-cell porous structures formed at low porosity values, whereas open-cell structures formed at and above approximately 53 vol % porosity. Tensile tests revealed a decrease in elastic modulus as the porosity of the material was increased. These tests were simulated using finite element analysis (FEA), and it was found that the Neo-Hookean model was appropriate to represent the 3D printed porous material at lower and higher void fractions within a 75% strain, and the Ogden model also gave good predictions of porous material performance. The transition between closed- and open-cell behaviors occurred at 52.4 vol % porosity in the cubic representative volume elements used for FEA, which agreed with experimental findings that this transition occurred at approximately 53 vol % porosity. This work demonstrates that the tandem use of rheometry, FEA, and DIW enables the design of complex, tailorable 3D printed porous structures with desired mechanical performance.

Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) has gained considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and its related cardiometabolic diseases; however, whether the gut microbiota might be an efficient stimulus to activate BAT metabolism remains to be ascertained. We aimed to investigate the association of fecal microbiota composition with BAT volume and activity and mean radiodensity in young adults.82 young adults (58 women, 21.8 ± 2.2 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyse the fecal microbiota composition. BAT was determined via a staticThe relative abundance of Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae sp. and Ruminococcus genera was negatively correlated with BAT volume, BAT SUVmean and BAT SUVpeak (all rho ≤ - 0.232, P ≤ 0.027), whereas the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium genus was positively correlated with BAT SUVmean and BAT SUVpeak (all rho ≥ 0.262, P ≤ 0.012). On the other hand, the relative abundance of Sutterellaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae families was positively correlated withOur results suggest that fecal microbiota composition is involved in the regulation of BAT and glucose uptake by other tissues in young adults. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT02365129 (registered 18 February 2015).

Background: Growing resistance to clarithromycin is a major concern regarding treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Resistance rates have a great variation even in different geographic areas within the same country and are associated with point mutations of the microbial 23S rRNA (A2142C, A2142G, and A2143G). Given the absence of available data in Thrace, the objective of this study was to estimate the resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin and identify specific mutations that contribute to clarithromycin resistance. Methods: In this prospective study, we enrolled consecutive patients referred for dyspeptic complaints who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy over two years. Gastric biopsies from corpus and antrum were initially tested for the presence of urease by a rapid urease test. Urease positive samples were followed by real-time PCR to confirm the presence of H. pylori and to detect point mutations. Results: A total of one hundred and thirty patients were included in the study (72 women and 58 men). Resistance to clarithromycin was detected at 23.2 %. Neither gender nor age was independently correlated with resistance rate in our patient group. The most common mutations were A2142G and A2143G. Conclusions: A high rate of H. pylori resistance to clarithromycin was observed in our region, implicating that it should be addressed in accordance with the recommendations provided by national and international guidelines. Molecular testing should be considered an integral tool for effective monitoring in case of suspected antibiotic resistance. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (2):51-55.

Currently there is a need to develop more sustainable and renewable materials compromised with the environment. From these needs, hemp stalk has great potential because it is mostly a waste material. Moreover, hemp shives are a lightweight material with a high insulating property. This study aims to increase the knowledge in a material made solely from stalk and ECF (elementary chlorine free) bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp and a second 100% recycled material where the kraft pulp is replaced by recycled cardboard fiber, also a vegetable coating is added to protect against moisture. The hemp/fiber ratio influence is studied. Samples are evaluated in terms of mechanical behaviour (compression and shear), thermal and acoustic insulation. To study the thermal insulation, a testing camera is used where the heat transfer through the material is measured in order to study the thermal resistance. A Kundt tube is used in the acoustic insulation study to calculate the absorption of sound waves in a range from 0 to 6500 Hz. The results show that by increasing the percentage of hemp, the mechanical properties increase (compression and shear). Also, the eucalyptus pulp acts as a binder between the shives; nevertheless, if there is not enough, the material is not stable. Therefore, a maximum of 70 wt.% of hemp is recommended. In the case of thermal insulation, better thermal resistance is obtained in the case of 60 wt.% of hemp, while in acoustic insulation a higher percentage of hemp have a high performance, reaching attenuation values greater than 0.8 for frequencies greater than 1000Hz. The carboard sample improves the shear and acoustic insulation performance. The coating improves the thermal resistance but worsens the acoustic insulation. Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::11 - Ciutats i Comunitats Sostenibles Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::12 - Producció i Consum Responsables

El uso de servicios financieros mejora las posibilidades de ahorro, de acceso a bienes y servicios, para la salud, educación o vivienda, mejora el acceso al crédito, y por ende, aumenta los niveles de inversión y productividad de los hogares, de emprendimientos y empresas. En base a la Encuesta Nacional sobre la Estructura Social (ENES), realizada en 339 aglomerados urbanos de Argentina durante el año 2015, se analizan los determinantes de la inclusión financiera de los hogares. Se consideran variables vinculadas con el empleo y perfil del principal sostén del hogar, los ingresos familiares y otros aspectos relevantes. A través de métodos estadísticos se analiza si estas últimas variables influyen en la probabilidad de inclusión financiera de los hogares (medida a través de la tenencia de cuenta bancaria, tarjeta de crédito y el haber obtenido un crédito en los últimos 5 años). Los test estadísticos demuestran que la formalidad del empleo, el nivel de ingresos y educación del principal sostén del hogar son variables significativas sobre la probabilidad de encontrarse incluido en términos financieros, no así el género, a excepción de la tenencia de tarjetas de crédito. La edad es una variable significativa pero en términos no lineales. A su vez, se corrobora la probabilidad marginal de tres perfiles de hogares, según las principales variables determinantes, para cuantificar las brechas existentes.

In the context of the growing hydrogen (H2) economy, the demand for H2 storage materials is high, and metal borohydrides are of particular interest. Magnesium borohydride, Mg(BH4)2, has one of the ...

Motorized tricycle drivers are among the populations of the transport industry who are very much prone to the effects of hazardous substances found in automobile exhausts. This research was aimed to determine the risk factors of cytogenetic damage brought about by automobile exhaust exposure among motorized tricycle drivers of Tuguegarao City. In this study, a total enumeration of motorized tricycle drivers from of Pengue Ruyu, Tuguegarao City was done. Out of 52 tricycle drivers, only 51 participants were included in the study. Most of the tricycle drivers of Pengue Ruyu were primarily middle-aged drivers; substantially exposed to automobile exhaust; cigarette smokers and alcoholic drinkers; non-users of protective masks; had no vitamin supplementation; and had routes that involved driving across Barangay Tanza. A high incidence of genotoxicity [76.47% (95% CI: 64.83% to 88.11%)] among the study participants was observed. Among the categorical variables, only automobile exhaust exposure and vitamin supplementation showed significant correlation (p

This study aimed to determine the extent of compliance of mothers to immunization of their children and the perception of mothers on Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI). Cross-sectional Study, Descriptive. A total of 50 mothers with child or children

There is considerable uncertainty surrounding future changes in tropical cyclone (TC) frequency and intensity, particularly at local scales. This uncertainty complicates risk assessments and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. We present a novel approach to overcome this problem, using the statistical model STORM to generate 10,000 years of synthetic TCs under past (1980–2017) and future climate (SSP585; 2015–2050) conditions from an ensemble of four high-resolution climate models. We then derive high-resolution (10-km) wind speed return period maps up to 1000 years to assess local-scale changes in wind speed probabilities. Our results indicate that the probability of intense TCs, on average, more than doubles in all regions except for the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mexico. Our unique and innovative methodology enables globally consistent comparison of TC risk in both time and space and can be easily adapted to accommodate alternative climate scenarios and time periods.

To investigate voiding time (VT) in asymptomatic and symptomatic men, and compare VT to other parameters such as maximum flow rates (Qmax) as a possible solution to disparity related lack of access to standard urodynamic testing.We conducted a controlled prospective study on a total of 30 patients. Exclusion criteria included ongoing medical therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or a history of invasive therapy for LUTS. Patients completed International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry, and post-void residual (PVR) testing. Symptomatic LUTS was defined as an IPSS ≥8.On univariate analysis, men with a symptomatic LUTS had a significantly longer VT than asymptomatic men (30.6 seconds (Interquartile rage [IQR] 24.2-42.4) vs 20.5 seconds (IQR 16.6-40.5), P = .04). VT was not otherwise associated with age, race, or primary complaint. There was trend towards lower Qmax in symptomatic patients (13.4 vs 20.5 seconds, P = .07), although this was not statistically significant. Our study demonstrated that the sensitivity of a VT ≥23.5 seconds, or probability of observing a VT exceeding 23.5 seconds when the patient has a symptomatic IPSS, is 85%. On sensitivity and specificity analysis, there was no difference between the abilities of VT and Qmax to predict that a patient would have symptomatic LUTS (P = .80).In this controlled prospective study, we found that VT was as accurate as Qmax in predicting symptomatic IPSS scores. This novel finding might improve the ability to diagnose and treat LUTS, especially in primary care offices and underserved areas.

This pilot study of a culturally adapted online mental health literacy (MHL) program called 'Tara, Usap Tayo!' (C'mon, Let's Talk) aims to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and potential effectiveness in improving the help-seeking behavior of Filipino migrant domestic workers in the United Kingdom (UK).Using mixed methods, we conducted a non-randomized single-group study of the online MHL program with 21 participants. The development of this intervention was guided by the Medical Research Council Framework for developing complex interventions and utilized HeimKohrt's (2019) framework for cultural adaptation. Content materials from the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), WHO Problem Management Plus (PM +) and Adult Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) were modified and translated into the Filipino language. The MHL program was delivered online in three sessions for two hours each session. Data were collected at three time points: (T1) pretest; (T2) posttest; and (3) follow-up test. Quantitative data on participants' attitudes towards help-seeking and level of mental health literacy as outcome measures of potential intervention effectiveness were collected at T1, T2 and T3, while focus group discussions (FGDs) to assess participants' feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the online MHL program were conducted immediately at T2. Data analysis was done using a thematic approach for qualitative data from the FGDs and descriptive statistics and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to assess the difference in the T1, T2, and T3 tests. Both quantitative and qualitative results were then integrated and triangulated to answer the research questions.The online MHL program is generally acceptable, appropriate, and feasible for use among Filipino migrant domestic workers. Preliminary findings lend support for its possible effectiveness in improving mental health literacy and help-seeking propensity. The cultural adaptation made in the content, form, and delivery methods of the intervention was acceptable and feasible for this target subcultural group.By improving their mental health literacy and help-seeking propensity, this online MHL program has the potential to provide support to the mental health and well-being of Filipino migrant domestic workers in the UK. Further feasibility study or large-scale randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the preliminary findings of this study.