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Centroamérica ha sido interpretada a través de la categoría de “postconflicto”, una categoría que ha agotado su potencial analítico. A partir de los casos presentados en el dossier, este artículo propone interpretar las transformaciones que afectan a esta área geográfica, más allá de los efectos de la Guerra Fría, entendiéndola como un laboratorio en la que se expresan las actuales contradicciones del mundo global, cuya complejidad requiere un reajuste en la mirada de las ciencias sociales, sin que la superación de la categoría implique renunciar a una necesaria profundidad histórica.

Abstract Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is often thought to be associated with severe bleeding manifestations. Three are the main disorders associated with this condition: gestational thrombocytopenia (GT), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and inherited thrombocytopenias (ITs). Reaching the correct diagnosis of this condition has relevant therapeutic and outcome implications. We performed a retrospective, observational, monocentric study enrolling 59 consecutive women with isolated thrombocytopenia, attended to our referral center in the last 3 years. Together with personal and family history, platelet (PLT) count trend and mean platelet volume (MPV) in pregnancy are helpful for the diagnosis, with the highest PLT count in GT and lowest in ITs, with different timing of count decrease. MPV is significantly increased in both ITs and ITP. Misdiagnosis with ITP was responsible for unnecessary and unsuccessful therapy in some GT or ITs pregnant women, determining relevant side effects. Excluding inherited platelet function disorders (IPFDs), the bleeding risk for mother with thrombocytopenia and their newborns is similar to the general population. Vaginal delivery is associated with a lower risk of bleeding than cesarean section and therefore is preferable whenever obstetrical–gynecological conditions permit.

Pierscienie ustalajace cewek turbogeneratora sa pasowane skurczowo na wirniku wokół cerek by zabezpieczyc je przed działaniem sił odsrodkowych. W typowych warunkach, sa one poddane narazeniom zmeczeniowym o malej liczbie cykli, przy czym kazdy cykl rozpoczyna sie od startu maszyny, a konczy przy jej zatrzymaniu. Przedmiotem artykułu jest wyznaczenie prawdopodobienstwa awarii pierscienia ustalajacego cewki. Rozwazanym uszkodzeniem jest pekniecie pierscienia spowodowane puchnieciem materiału pod wpływem naprezen wywołanych sila odsrodkowa. Ocena niezawodnosci przeprowadzona w tej pracy wykorzystuje dane wejsciowe wpływajace na obciazenie zmeczeniowe przy małej liczbie cykli i ich rozkłady stochastyczne. Dla rozwiazania problemu wyznaczono eksperymentalnie charakterystyki statyczne i krzywe cykli zmeczeniowych stosowanego materiału i zastosowano model statystyczny dla wyliczenia odpowiednich parametrów i ich odchylen standardowych. Na podstawie wyznaczonych rozkładów zmiennych estymuje sie prawdopodobienstwo uszkodzenia w formie dystrybuanty rozkładu. Wykorzystanyalgorytm obliczeniowy o duzej skutecznosci wykorzystuje metode ”zaawansowanej sredniej” (Advanced Mean Value). Uzyskane wyniki daja informacje o odpowiedzi materiału i stanie lokalnych naprezen i odkształcen w najbardziej obciazonych obszarach pierscienia ustalajacego cewki. Prawdopodobienstwo uszkodzenia, wyznaczone na koniec okresu eksploatacji maszyny, wynosi 10-12 i jest porównywalne z wartosciami referencyjnymi dla innych konstrukcji mechanicznych i lotniczych narazonych na zmeczenie.

Abstract Metabolic plasticity is a hallmark of cancer, and metabolic alterations represent a promising therapeutic target. Since cellular metabolism is controlled by membrane traffic at multiple levels, we investigated the involvement of TBC1 domain-containing proteins (TBC1Ds) in the regulation of cancer metabolism. These proteins are characterized by the presence of a RAB-GAP domain, the TBC1 domain, and typically function as attenuators of RABs, the master switches of membrane traffic. However, a number of TBC1Ds harbor mutations in their catalytic residues, predicting biological functions different from direct regulation of RAB activities. Herein, we report that several genes encoding for TBC1Ds are expressed at higher levels in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) vs. other subtypes of breast cancers (BC), and predict prognosis. Orthogonal transcriptomics/metabolomics analysis revealed that the expression of prognostic TBC1Ds correlates with elevated glycolytic metabolism in BC cell lines. In-depth investigations of the three top hits from the previous analyses (TBC1D31, TBC1D22B and TBC1D7) revealed that their elevated expression is causal in determining a glycolytic phenotype in TNBC cell lines. We further showed that the impact of TBC1D7 on glycolytic metabolism of BC cells is independent of its known participation in the TSC1/TSC2 complex and consequent downregulation of mTORC1 activity. Since TBC1D7 behaves as an independent prognostic biomarker in TNBC, it could be used to distinguish good prognosis patients who could be spared aggressive therapy from those with a poor prognosis who might benefit from anti-glycolytic targeted therapies. Together, our results highlight how TBC1Ds connect disease aggressiveness with metabolic alterations in TNBC. Given the high level of heterogeneity among this BC subtype, TBC1Ds could represent important tools in predicting prognosis and guiding therapy decision-making.

The efficiency and availability of modern railway infrastructure plays an increasingly strategic role in the sustainability, development and prosperity of communities and nations. Recent Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, which enable the use of digital tools such as Data-Driven models that can automatically adapt system operation, make decisions and suggest strategies based on collected data, form the basis of modern Predictive Maintenance (PdM). PdM is considered a key opportunity for accurate Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), especially for railway infrastructure, where the transition from traditional preventive or periodic maintenance to PdM will reduce intervention times and costs. Furthermore, by directly correlating actual infrastructure conditions with measured information, SHM can utilise a limited number of sensors installed on critical components such as insulated rail joints. This review starts by clearly describing the different components that make up the railway infrastructure, the monitoring systems currently in use and the technical performance parameters that indicate their health status and goes on to examine the issues related to the SHM and related modern digital tools. All these topics are summarised to provide an effective theoretical and practical knowledge of SHM for railway infrastructure, to better understand the current transformation of the sector and to predict future developments.

Existing steel frames not complying with modern seismic codes are often vulnerable to earthquakes due to inadequate seismic detailing. These types of framed structures typically feature semi-rigid and partial strength column-base connections; the behaviour of such connections may significantly affect their seismic performance. However, current code provisions offer limited guidance for the assessment and retrofit of column-base connections To fill the knowledge gap, the H2020 EU-funded Earthquake Assessment of Base-Column Connections in Existing Steel Frames project experimentally investigated, the response of exposed column-base plate connections. Bi-directional Pseudo-Dynamic tests were carried out at the Structures Laboratory of the University of Patras within the framework of "Engineering Research Infrastructures for European Synergies - ERIES" project. The case-study steel frame featured two types of column-base plate connections, i.e., stiffened and unstiffened, representing respectively the base connections of an external moment-resisting frame and an internal gravity frame. The experimental programme comprised free vibration tests to identify the modal properties of the sample steel frame. A set of quasi-static cyclic tests and pseudo-dynamic tests were then carried out to investigate the performance of the steel frame under bi-directional earthquake sequences. The response of each component constituting the column-base plate connections was monitored during the tests to fully capture the behaviour of the connections. Such experimental results allow model calibration and further parametric investigation on column base plate connections.

Debates sobre a disparidade salarial entre homens e mulheres vem aumentando nos últimos anos e este é um tema bastante relevante atualmente. No contexto brasileiro essa temática tem sido objeto de discussão em inúmeros estudos, os quais abordam as discrepâncias salariais em relação ao sexo, à experiência profissional, à etnia, à região, entre outros fatores, evidenciando a importância fundamental deste debate. O setor da TI é significativo para o mundo, representando 5% do Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) em 2011 e 6,8% no Brasil em 2019. Visto esta importância, verificou-se a necessidade de trazer o debate das diferenças salariais para o setor de TI no Brasil. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a disparidade salarial entre homens e mulheres na área de Tecnologia da Informação (TI). Para isso foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa descritiva, utilizando como base os dados provenientes da Relação Anual de Informações Sociais (RAIS), que passaram por um processo de pré-processamento para viabilizar a análise proposta. Os processos foram realizados por meio da linguagem de programação Python e seus pacotes. Como resultados verificou-se a existência de diferenças salariais em desvantagem para o sexo feminino. A diferença salarial nos dados analisados foi de -19,97% em 2009 e -22,86 em 2019, comportamento semelhante à desigualdade salarial em geral no país. Para os recortes conforme as ocupações internas de TI (diretoria, gerência etc.) e raça, na maioria, desvantagem salarial para as mulheres, com significativa piora de cenário entre os anos.

Background: Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) has been an important field of research in recent years, since machines will continue to be embedded in many human actvities in several contexts, such as industry and healthcare. Monitoring in an ecological mannerthe cognitive workload (CW) of users, who interact with machines, is crucial to assess their level of engagement in activities and the required effort, with the goal of preventing stressful circumstances. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the assessment of CW using wearable sensors in HMI. Methods: this narrative review explores several techniques and procedures for collecting physiological data through wearable sensors with the possibility to integrate these multiple physiological signals, providing a multimodal monitoring of the individuals’CW. Finally, it focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence methods in the physiological signals data analysis to provide models of the CW to be exploited in HMI. Results: the review provided a comprehensive evaluation of the wearables, physiological signals, and methods of data analysis for CW evaluation in HMI. Conclusion: the literature highlighted the feasibility of employing wearable sensors to collect physiological signals for an ecological CW monitoring in HMI scenarios. However, challenges remain in standardizing these measures across different populations and contexts.

IntroductionMammals are the main hosts for Brucella sp., agents of worldwide zoonosis. Marine cetaceans and pinnipeds can be infected by Brucella ceti and B. pinnipedialis, respectively. Besides classical bacteriological typing, molecular approaches such as MLVA, MLSA, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can differentiate these species but are cumbersome to perform.MethodsWe compared the DNA and genome sequences of 12 strains isolated from nine marine mammals, with highly zoonotic B. melitensis, B. abortus, and B. suis, and the publicly available genomes of B. ceti and B. pinnipedialis. In silico pipelines were used to detect the antimicrobial resistance (AMR), plasmid, and virulence genes (VGs) by screening six open-source and one home-made library.Results and discussionOur results show that easier-to-use HRM-PCR, Bruce-ladder, and Suis-ladder can separate marine Brucella sp., and the results are fully concordant with other molecular methods, such as WGS. However, the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method cannot discriminate between B. pinnipedialis and B. ceti B1-94-like isolates. MLVA-16 results divided the investigated strains into three clades according to their preferred host, which was confirmed in WGS. In silico analysis did not find any AMR and plasmid genes, suggesting antimicrobial susceptibility of marine Brucella, while the presence of the VGs btpA gene was variable dependent on the clade.ConclusionThe HRM-PCR and Suis-ladder are quick, easy, and cost-effective methods to identify marine Brucella sp. Moreover, in silico genome analyses can give useful insights into the genetic virulence and pathogenicity potential of marine Brucella strains.

Existing steel frames not complying with modern seismic codes are often vulnerable to earthquakes due to inadequate seismic detailing. These types of framed structures typically feature semi-rigid and partial strength column-base connections; the behaviour of such connections may significantly affect their seismic performance. However, current code provisions offer limited guidance for the assessment and retrofit of column-base connections To fill the knowledge gap, the H2020 EU-funded Earthquake Assessment of Base-Column Connections in Existing Steel Frames (HITBASE) project experimentally investigated, the response of exposed column-base plate connections. Bi-directional Pseudo-Dynamic tests were carried out at the Structures Laboratory (STRULAB) of the University of Patras within the framework of Engineering Research Infrastructures for European Synergies (ERIES). The case-study steel frame featured two types of column-base plate connections, i.e., stiffened and unstiffened, representing respectively the base connections of an external moment-resisting frame and an internal gravity frame. The experimental programme comprised free vibration tests to identify the modal properties of the sample steel frame. A set of quasi-static cyclic tests and Pseudo-Dynamic tests were then carried out to investigate the performance of the steel frame under bi-directional earthquake sequences. The response of each component constituting the column-base plate connections was monitored during the tests to fully capture the behaviour of the connections. Such experimental results allow model calibration and further parametric investigation on column base plate connections.

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease that has a significant economic and public health impact, especially in endemic countries. This review delves deeply into brucellosis’s current epidemiological situation and potential sources of livestock infection in Egypt during the last two decades. MLVA-16 and Whole Genome Sequencing based on core-genome SNP analyses confirm the presence of different B. abortus and B. melitensis outbreak strains, both older widely disseminated Brucella strains and newly introduced ones. Despite implementing the test-and-slaughter control strategy over forty years, the disease is still endemic, and different Brucella species circulate among several animal species. The raising of mixed animal species in the same households or farms, exposure to aborted animals, and lack of public awareness about brucellosis transmission are among the main risk factors for increasing livestock brucellosis prevalence in Egypt. Young animals’ voluntary vaccination, lack of a nationwide animal identification system, and uncontrolled animal movement stand beyond the ineffectively applied control strategy and may be subdued by applying mass vaccination to decrease disease prevalence dramatically and target imported camels, domestic pigs, and dogs (housed and stray) in the national control surveillance. Increasing awareness through educational campaigns is compulsory to reduce brucellosis transmission risk to livestock/humans.

Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry has provided oncology with metallodrugs for cancer treatment, including several promising candidate drugs. In particular, copper(II) coordination compounds with phenanthroline stand out as potential anticancer agents. In this work, we used Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Electron Spin Resonance to investigate the interaction of the copper phenanthroline complexes [Cu(phen)]2+ and [Cu(L-dipeptide)(phenanthroline) (L-dipeptide: L-Ala-Gly and L-Ala-Phe)) with model lipid membranes (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DPPC, and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) sodium salt, DPPG). Our results showed that the complexes interact with the membrane models, fluidizing them. The [Cu(phen)]2+ presented a different localization than the free ligand phen. The dipeptide modulated the localization of the complex in the membrane and the modifications induced in the physicochemical properties of the lipid vesicles. A stronger interaction with DPPG anionic membranes was observed, which mimic membranes with negatively charged surfaces, as found on several tumor cells.

The cross-sectional study assesses lifetime use of psychoactive substances in medical students. During 2018, medical students from "Universidad de Buenos Aires" (UBA) in Argentina were offered the survey. Males significantly used at least one of the substances studied once in their lives compared to women (AOR: 1.75; IC 95%= 1.11-2.77). Similarly, males used more marijuana (AOR: 1.69; 95% CI = 1.08-2.63). The lifetime prevalence increased with career level for any substance, marijuana and stimulants. Being employed was associated with lifetime consumption of marijuana (AOR: 1.6; 95% CI = 1.03-2.48). Living with peers was associated with lifetime prevalence for stimulants (AOR: 3.5; 95% CI = 1.54-7.97). This study shows a lifetime prevalence for the total substances studied was higher compared to studies in the region. Marijuana was the substance with the highest consumption, with more than half surveyed having tried it.

Mesalazine is an established and recommended first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). For patients with moderately active UC, the choice to use mesalazine or to initiate treatment with an oral corticosteroid or anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent is not clearly informed from current guidelines. The use of mesalazine is supported by robust clinical evidence supporting its efficacy at inducing remission in patients with moderately active disease. A key advantage of mesalazine is its tolerability profile being similar to that of placebo, which contrasts with that of the corticosteroids and advanced therapies, where there is the potential for significant toxicities. Mesalazine also has cost advantages over anti-TNFs and other advanced therapies. Evidence supports the consideration of all patients with moderately active UC for first-line mesalazine therapy at an optimized dose of ≥4g/d (± 1g/d rectal). Patients responding to treatment within 2 weeks should continue at ≥4g/d for at least 6 months before a dose reduction is considered, since this then alters the pattern of disease.