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AbstractIn time series analysis, the decision of modeling the trend term as a stochastic or a deterministic component is a primordial step. For decades, authors have been focused on developing statistical tests to guide the analysts in such a decision. Surprisingly, less attention has been given to evaluate the robustness of the methods. This paper compares the robustness of four of the prominent tests. For this, various scenarios were used considering (i) the actual distribution of the noise term, (ii) the sample size, and (iii) the actual time series structure among auto-regressive moving average, linear structural space state, and the exponential generalize auto-regressive conditional heteroskedasticity models. An example of application on the Brazilian Gross Domestic Product is used to discuss the behavior of the methods vis-à-vis to their inferred robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractVinyl chloride monomer plays a significant contribution to the chemical industry, serving as a fundamental component for the synthesis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is distinguished as one of the most extensively manufactured polymers worldwide, finding wide application due to its physical properties, providing good durability, affordable cost, and ease of handling. Although certain mathematical models can be found in literature, implementing the multiphase model with kinetic and diffusive effects demands a considerable set of adjustable parameters, making it challenging to reproduce in industrial sites. In contrast, this study describes the dynamic process of vinyl chloride (VC) polymerization by suspension in a batch reactor to produce PVC. The proposed approach considers a simplified yet robust model that requires fewer adjustable parameters, enabling easier implementation and corroborating with experimental data from the literature. By solving systems of algebraic and differential equations, the proposed model accurately reproduces experimental data for the conversion of VC to PVC, specifically for the initiators PW-40 and AIBN. Additionally, the model delivers superior results compared to those obtained using Aspen® Plus PVC module, a commercial platform widely employed in the industry for polymerization process modeling. These improvements are achieved without introducing excessive complexity, making the model a practical and efficient tool for industrial applications, such as the modeling and optimization of PVC reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have evaluated the impact of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake on the risk of obesity in adults. The results are contradictory, and the causality has not been explored. This study assessed the association between BCAA intake and obesity incidence among Brazilian adults and investigated the potential moderating role of the plant-based index (PDI) in this relationship. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted between 2016 and 2022, with 3090 participants (2043 women, 1047 men; mean age 34 years) from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME) Study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. The relationship between BCAA intake and obesity incidence was assessed using crude and adjusted Cox regression models. Restricted cubic spline analysis (RCS) was used to estimate the nonlinearity. The multiplicative interaction with PDI was tested. Results: The overall incidence of obesity was 192 cases (6.21%). The incidence was 16.4/1000 person-years in females; 21.8/1000 person-years in males; and 18.3/1000 person-years total, with a mean follow-up period of 3.4 years. Compared to the first tertile, the highest intake tertiles for BCAA (HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.03–2.18), isoleucine (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.04–2.22), and leucine (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03–2.20) were independently associated with obesity risk. BCAA intake above 16 g/day increases the risk of obesity. Conclusions: There was a positive association between the intake of BCAA, isoleucine, and leucine with the risk of obesity. The PDI accentuated the association between BCAA intake and obesity in both the lowest and highest quintiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the behaviour of the XP‐Endo Finisher and the variation in the intracanal temperature of the irrigant at rest and when activated over time. Methodology: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) determined the transformation temperatures of XP‐Endo Finisher instruments. A digital thermocouple was used to measure the temperature of the irrigant inside the pulp chamber. Two measurements were performed for each tooth (n = 12): with the irrigant at rest and during XP‐Endo agitation for 60 s to observe the temperature evolution. The data were statistically analysed using a t‐test with a confidence level of 95%. Results: DSC results suggested that the XP‐Endo Finisher had a mixed R‐phase and austenitic structure at room temperature. The temperature values at predetermined time points (0, 10, 40, 70, 120 and 240 s) were measured, and no statistical difference was observed between the values of the resting and activated solutions at any of the selected points (p >.05). For the protocol performed with the XP‐Endo file, the mean irrigant temperature observed at instrument insertion inside the root canal was 28.65°C. After 60 s of agitation, the temperature was 34.02°C. The solution temperature stabilized inside the canal only after 211 s at 35.5°C. The mean maximum irrigation solution temperature recorded inside the canal was 35.5°C without agitation and after XP‐endo agitation (p >.05). Conclusions: Although the XP‐Endo Finisher system does not promote heating of the irrigation solution, file expansion responsible for improved instrument cleaning starts at a temperature below the expected value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore longitudinal relationships between neurophysiological biomarkers and upper limb motor function recovery in stroke patients, focusing on electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) metrics. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study analyzed neurophysiological, clinical, and demographic data from 102 stroke patients enrolled in the DEFINE cohort. We investigated the associations between baseline and post-intervention changes in the EEG theta/alpha ratio (TAR) and TMS metrics with upper limb motor functionality, assessed using the outcomes of five tests: the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Handgrip Strength Test (HST), Pinch Strength Test (PST), Finger Tapping Test (FTT), and Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). Results: Our multivariate models identified that a higher baseline TAR in the lesioned hemisphere was consistently associated with poorer motor outcomes across all five assessments. Conversely, a higher improvement in the TAR was positively associated with improvements in FMA and 9HPT. Additionally, an increased TMS motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude in the non-lesioned hemisphere correlated with greater FMA-diff, while a lower TMS Short Intracortical Inhibition (SICI) in the non-lesioned hemisphere was linked to better PST improvements. These findings suggest the potential of the TAR and TMS metrics as biomarkers for predicting motor recovery in stroke patients. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significance of the TAR in the lesioned hemisphere as a predictor of motor function recovery post-stroke and also a potential signature for compensatory oscillations. The observed relationships between the TAR and motor improvements, as well as the associations with TMS metrics, underscore the potential of these neurophysiological measures in guiding personalized rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Tumors and tumor-like lesions of the uterine adnexa in children and adolescents are uncommon but may carry devastating consequences. Methods. We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study, to describe patients aged 0 to 19 years diagnosed with tumors and tumor-like lesions of the uterine adnexa at our institution between 2000 and 2018. Results. Eighty-nine patients with 105 adnexal lesions were included. Thirty-seven (42%) patients presented with benign tumors, 13 (15%) with borderline tumors, 25 (28%) with malignant tumors and 14 (16%) with tumor-like lesions. Germ cell tumors (n = 45|43%) were the most frequent, followed by epithelial tumors (n = 30|29%). No significant differences were found in the age distribution of the lesions by malignant potential or histologic group. Most patients (n = 80|90%) were treated primarily with conservative surgery, including cystectomy (n = 25|28%) and unilateral oophorectomy/adnexectomy (n = 54|61%). Thirty-four (38%) underwent surgical staging (partial omentectomy and peritoneal biopsies). Twenty (23%) patients with borderline and malignant tumors were submitted to chemotherapy. Four (5%) patients with borderline or malignant tumors relapsed, one of whom died from disease. Conclusion. Gynecological lesions in children and adolescents encompass a wide range of rare histological tumor subtypes, requiring evaluation by experienced pathologists. Most tumors were diagnosed at early stages, with low relapse and mortality rates. Conservative management, with fertility sparing surgery and limited use of adjuvant chemotherapy, is of utmost importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to examine parents' perceptions of how coach support influences the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and its subsequent impact on the self-esteem and overall well-being of children with Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) through participation in sports. Methods: The sample consisted of 1146 parents of children and young people diagnosed with SLDs from several European countries. The Coach Support Scale (COS), the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale (BPNS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Sport Impact Scale (SIS) were used. Descriptive, reliability, Gaussian distribution, and ANOVA analyses were conducted. Results: The results show that increased sports participation is associated with higher perceptions of coach support, autonomy, competence, psychological need satisfaction, self-esteem, relatedness, and the positive impact of sports on the lives of children and adolescents with SLDs. Children and teenagers who engage in individual and team sports exhibit greater coach support, autonomy, competence, relatedness, BPNS, and self-esteem compared to those who participate in only one type of sport, with p-values ranging from 0.004 to 0.050. Conclusions: In conclusion, participation in sports seems to benefit the self-esteem and well-being of children and young people with SLDs. The practical applications of this study highlight the importance of specialized coach training to address the psychological needs of children with SLDs, the development of balanced sports programs that integrate individual and team activities to optimize benefits, the encouragement of parental involvement to enhance positive experiences, and the implementation of policies that support inclusive and adaptive sports practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most challenging molecular subtype of breast cancer (BC) in clinical practice, associated with a worse prognosis due to limited treatment strategies and its insensitivity to conventional drugs. Zinc is an important trace element for homeostasis, and its Schiff base metal complexes have shown promise in treating advanced tumors. In this study, four new heteroleptic Zn(II) complexes (1–4) with Schiff bases were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their activity in BC cells. Methods: Compounds were synthesized, characterized, and their crystal structures were determined. Biological activity was assessed using MTT, clonogenic, scratch wound healing, caspase 3 and 8 activity, qPCR, and chemosensitization assays. Results: The complexes exhibited cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (luminal BC), MDA-MB-453 (HER2-positive BC), and MDA-MB-231 (TNBC) cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.01 to 20 µM. Complex 4 showed reduced cytotoxicity toward non-tumor cell lines. This, complexation with Zn(II) increased the cytotoxicity of the ligands, a trend not observed for complexes 1–3. Due to its favorable profile, complex 4 was selected for further assays, in which it inhibited colony formation and the cell migration of TNBC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, this compound induced cell death independently of caspases, decreasing the activity of caspase 8. Interestingly, complex 4 sensitized TBNC cells to doxorubicin and paclitaxel, possibly modulating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition mechanism, as evidenced by increased CDH1 expression. Conclusions: Results suggest the potential of complex 4 in sensitizing aggressive BC cells to chemotherapy, proving to be a promising alternative in cases of therapeutic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Location Methods Results Main Conclusions Marine organisms are responding to warming by altering their distribution ranges, causing biogeographic range shifts and in some cases, favouring the community homogenisation. Transition zones can act as natural laboratories to explore the consequences of homogenisation. However, these habitats are relatively poorly studied in coastal areas. In this study, we aimed to investigate biotic homogenisation and changes in reef fish community composition from both a taxonomic and trait‐based perspective.Seven islands in the South‐western Atlantic transition zone.We used a long‐term survey data set of reef fish species abundances and traits of communities to calculate beta‐diversity indices. By analysing the data, we derived temporal trends of beta‐diversity values by separately comparing the North and South regions of the transition zone and performed pairwise comparisons to explore their dynamics when considered together.Contrary to previous expectations, we found no sign of homogenisation. The colder islands (Southern) experienced a decrease in taxonomic and trait richness metrics, whereas for the warmer islands (Northern), the taxonomic and trait richness fluctuated without any significant temporal trends.While taxonomic composition may change over time, the trait composition is generally more conserved, highlighting the trait redundancy in South‐western Atlantic communities and supporting the idea that these communities can maintain a range of ecological processes despite changes in taxonomic composition. Finally, the study revealed that despite non‐homogenisation, the species that contribute most to variation, especially in the South, have common trait combinations indicating an increase in the trait redundancy of fish communities over time. We underline that local‐scale conservation efforts may be particularly effective in preserving and protecting species and ecological functions in areas experiencing unique and fast changes in biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]