Interface fails and Young's module approximation of multilayer flexible devices through finite element method.

Electronic flexible devices are prone to degrade their electrical performance or lose functionality when subjected to deformations. Brittle fracture is a common damaging effect observed in devices composed of low-thickness layered materials stacked onto a flexible substrate by dissimilar mechanical properties interaction. This work studies the mechanical behavior of Organic Flexible Solar Cells (OFSC) with a heterostructure PET/ITO/P3HT:PCBM/Ag subjected to uniaxial displacements through an experimental and numeric point of view. Experimental showed that damage proceeds in two ways. First, the formation of a grid crack pattern begins at the ITO layer, and second, the delamination in the ITO/P3HT:PCBM interface. The numerical model analyzed the force and displacements and the absorption/dissipation of strain energy on layers and interfaces of the device. The comparison of the global Young's module for experimental and numeric studies validated the numeric analysis, with results of 4.16 ± 0.05 GPa for experimental and 4.36 ± 0.15 GPa for numeric. Additionally, the model associates the ITO layer with the highest strain energy dissipation or the most prone to failure, which agrees with the experiments. Then, the model successfully predicts the mechanical behavior of OFSC and represents a valuable tool for studying flexible devices and predicting the appearance of mechanical damage when subjected to uniaxial deformations, even being able to avoid potential damage changing parameters such as the thickness of the layers.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis C antibody and RNA among people who inject drugs in Puerto Rico.

INTRODUCTION: As a public health crisis, hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) is highly prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID). We aimed to assess factors associated with HCV antibody (Ab) and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) positivity among PWID in Puerto Rico. METHODS: The study recruited a total of 150 persons in rural and peri-urban community settings through the respondent-driven sampling method and administered a structured questionnaire. We conducted HIV and HCV testing using dried blood spots (DBS). We examined correlates of HCV infection with sociodemographics, drug use patterns, and injection practices using regression in bivariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Of the 150 participants, 89 % were male; 11 % were female; 72 % identified as mixed race; and the median duration of drug injection was 17.8 years. The mean age was 43.1 years, with 64 % of the population being from 23 to 45 years old. Among study participants (n = 150), the prevalence of HCV Ab was 73 %, and HCV RNA was 53 %. Factors significantly associated with HCV Ab and RNA included older age, increasing years of injection, incarceration, injecting other people, and identifying as Black. The belief that syringe air blowing reduces HCV transmission was also independently associated with HCV Ab positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings regarding risk factors associated with HCV infection show the need to enhance prevention and control strategies for reducing transmission among PWID. Direct-acting antiviral treatment, sustained access to harm reduction, and culturally tailored services will be required to substantially reduce rates of HCV. Community-based treatment models and treatment in correctional settings are needed.

Hepatitis C virus care cascade among people who inject drugs in puerto rico: Minimal HCV treatment and substantial barriers to HCV care.

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) in Puerto Rico are disproportionately affected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic. However, there is a scarcity of data on the HCV care cascade among PWID in Puerto Rico. This study aims to describe the HCV cascade of care among PWID in Puerto Rico, identify gaps, and explore barriers to HCV care. Methods: Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and tested for both HCV antibodies (Ab) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) using rapid testing and dried blood spot samples (DBS). The cascade of care was estimated based on the DBS HCV Ab and RNA results, as well as self-reported data on HCV screening, linkage to care, treatment uptake and sustained virologic response collected through a questionnaire. The cascade was constructed sequentially, with each step using the number of people from the preceding step as the base denominator. The survey also assessed participants' perceived barriers to HCV care. Results: Out of 150 participants, 126 (84%) had previously been HCV screened, 87% (109/126) were HCV Ab positive, 72% (79/109) were RNA positive,48% (38/79) were linked to care, 32% (12/38) initiated treatment, 58% (7/12) finished treatment, and 71% (5/7) achieved SVR. Barriers to HCV care included concerns about drug abstinence requirements, access to transportation, stigma in healthcare settings, and lack of knowledge about HCV treatment sites. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the HCV cascade of care among PWID in Puerto Rico for the first time and highlights limited diagnosis, treatment uptake, and barriers to care.

Phytochemical analysis for ten Peruvian Mentheae (Lamiaceae) by liquid chromatography associated with high resolution mass spectrometry.

The profile of secondary metabolites in ten members of tribe Mentheae (Nepetoideae, Lamiaceae) from Peru by liquid chromatography associated with high resolution mass spectrometry, is presented. Salvianolic acids and their precursors were found, particularly rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid ester derivatives, as well as a diversity of free and glycosylated flavonoids as main substances. At all, 111 structures were tentatively identified.

Evidence of sea level rise at the Peruvian coast (1942-2019).

The present work aims to analyze the variability of the sea level of the Peruvian coast with time series over a long observation period (Seventy-eight years, from 1942 to 2019). Data came from the Talara, Callao and Matarani tide gauge stations located at the north, center and south of the coast. Variations of sea level as well as air and seawater surface temperature were analyzed. Among the different scenarios studied, a sea level rise of 6.79, 4.21 and 5.16 mm/year for Talara, Callao and Matarani, respectively was found during the 1979-1997 nodal cycle. However, these results decreased significantly during the next cycle (1998-2016) until values of 1.53, 2.16 and 1.0 mm/year for Talara, Callao and Matarani, respectively. Thus, it has been demonstrated that sea level rise are highly dependent on the time interval chosen. Moreover, large interannual changes of up to 200 mm/year are observed, due to recurring phenomena, such as "El Niño". On the other hand, the trends obtained are slightly lower than those shown by the IPCC up until 2006 but significantly higher values have been observed. Finally, the results presented herein show the necessity of a local study of the sea level variability at the coastal areas.

Cognitive-communication disorder following right hemisphere damage: Narrative production.

Background: Cognitive-communication disorder (CCD) results from the association of language and cognition impairment that may follow right hemisphere (RH) damage and impair the quality of life of affected persons. Objective: We studied a set of 1,625 narratives produced by a cohort of 125 individuals (50 with a single right vascular lesion in the MCA territory and 75 cognitively healthy controls) using a task of picture-based discourse production. Discourse production was analyzed in its macro-and microlinguistic aspects to characterize better the linguistic mechanisms underlying RH patients' performance. Results: The RH group produced more words and elocutions than controls, with a lower rate of informational content and a higher percentage of global coherence errors (all p-values <0.0001). Conclusion: Individuals with RH lesions showed formal lexical and syntactic aspects of discourse mostly preserved. Alterations in the macrostructure of discourse prevailed over microstructural alterations in our sample, according to most literature studies. The group of individuals with RH lesions produced narratives containing more words and utterances, with a lesser degree of lexical information and more global coherence errors.

Clinical applications of exercise in Parkinson's disease: what we need to know?

INTRODUCTION: Exploring the potential of exercise in the rehabilitation process of patients with Parkinson's (PD) may be an interesting treatment perspective. Exercise-induced responses derived from neurotrophic elements appear to ameliorate the decline in neurodegeneration. Despite this understanding, the literature needs to be updated. AREAS COVERED: Our review focuses on: a) the key mechanisms of exercise on PD, highlighting mainly the responses related to neuroplasticity; b) the effects induced by different traditional types of exercise, also highlighting the effects of complementary therapies related to movement; c) the volume of exercise required to support efficient results are explored in the context of PD. Additionally, the proposition of new clinical application strategies in the context of PD will also be determined. EXPERT OPINION: It is suggested that different intensities of aerobic exercise be explored for the treatment of PD. The results associated with high intensity seem promising for performance, physiological and clinical parameters, such as BDNF production and cognition. On the other hand, the diversification of tasks and repetition of motor gestures appear as consistent arguments to exercise prescription. Finally, for future investigations, the neuromodulation strategy in association with aerobic exercise appears as a potential inducer of benefits on gait and cognitive function.

Can regular physical exercise be a treatment for panic disorder? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: In the last few decades, exercise has been explored as a potential tool to reduce symptoms experienced by patients with panic disorder (PD). This systematic review aims to assess the effects of regular exercise interventions on panic severity, global anxiety, and depression symptoms of these patients. AREAS COVERED: A search was conducted on PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using search terms related to PD and exercise. Eight trials were included, Furthermore, regular exercise programs presented different methodological characteristics. There is o clear evidence indicating that regular exercise programs (at least two 20-minute sessions per week for at least 6 weeks) reduce panic-related symptoms. Regular exercise is effective in improving global anxiety measures and depression. EXPERT OPINION: Continuous aerobic exercise is the main type of intervention in the literature, generally providing a limited prescription. Currently, it is recommended the interval training, with intense and shorter stimuli, and long-term duration trials. However, despite the use of self-selected intensities and control based on the internal load be interesting as recommendation to increase adherence, careful is needed regarding training prescription due to scarce evidence.

Health-Related Fitness as a Predictor of Anxiety Levels Among School Adolescents: An observational cross-sectional study.

Background: There is an inverse association between cardiorespiratory fitness and general anxiety levels in adolescents. Obesity also is associated with a higher risk of anxiety in this population. However, little is known about the association between other health-related fitness elements with anxiety symptoms in this population. The authors explored the relationship between health-related fitness and anxiety symptoms in a large sample of Brazilian youth. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study with a sample comprised of 257 school adolescents, who were 136 girls (52.9%) and 121 boys (47.1%). The health-related fitness elements were evaluated by FitnessGram® test and anxiety levels by Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children - 39. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine the association between health-related fitness elements and anxiety symptoms in both sexes. Results: In male adolescents, only the cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (F(1, 119) = 6.472; P = 0.012; R2 = 0.052; adjusted R2 = 0.044). In turn, the anxiety symptoms showed an inverse small relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness (r = - 0.227; P < 0.01). However, in female adolescents, no association was found between health-related fitness elements and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: The level of cardiorespiratory fitness may represent a marker of anxiety in male adolescents.

Self-perceived knowledge level of epidemic management in medical residents prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020, requiring a comprehensive response from all healthcare systems, including Mexico's. As medical residents' training did not involve epidemic response, we decided to evaluate their level of training on this subject, specifically self-perceived knowledge level and capacity to respond to epidemiological crises. METHODOLOGY: Medical residents from two hospitals belonging to PEMEX (Mexico's state-owned petroleum company) were included in a cross-sectional study. All participants answered a modified version of the survey developed by the University of Lovaina's Center for Research and Education in Emergency Care. Participants were analyzed according to their relevant "clinical" or "surgical" residency tracks. Data were analyzed using through Chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients with significance established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of a total of 94 resident participants in this study, 56.7% self-perceived themselves as being poorly prepared to confront the pandemic. Only 25.5% of the participants referred previous experience in medical responses to public health emergencies, and only 35.1% reported ever receiving education on this topic. CONCLUSIONS: Medical residents-who have been involved with caring for victims of the pandemic-are under the general perception that they are not prepared, experienced, or educated enough to respond to such a widespread massive public health emergency.

In vivo brain levels of acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine after oleoylethanolamide or palmitoylethanolamide administrations are mediated by PPARα engagement.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a nuclear receptor that has been linked to the modulation of several physiological functions, including the sleep-wake cycle. The PPARα recognizes as endogenous ligands the lipids oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which in turn, if systemically injected, they exert wake-promoting effects. Moreover, the activation of PPARα by the administration of OEA or PEA increases the extracellular contents of neurotransmitters linked to the control of wakefulness; however, the role of PPARα activated by OEA or PEA on additional biochemicals related to waking regulation, such as acetylcholine (ACh) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), has not been fully studied. Here, we have investigated the effects of treatments of OEA or PEA on the contents of ACh and 5-HT by using in vivo microdialysis techniques coupled to HPLC means. For this purpose, OEA or PEA were systemically injected (5, 10 or 30 mg/kg; i.p.), and the levels of ACh and 5-HT were collected from the basal forebrain, a wake-related brain area. These pharmacological treatments significantly increased the contents of ACh and 5-HT as determined by HPLC procedures. Interestingly, PPARα antagonist MK-886 (30 mg/kg; i.p.) injected before the treatments of OEA or PEA blocked these outcomes. Our data suggest that the activation of PPARα by OEA or PEA produces significant changes on ACh and 5-HT levels measured from the basal forebrain and support the conclusion that PPARα is a suitable molecular element involved in the regulation of wake-related neurotransmitters.

The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor in Addiction: A Novel Drug Target.

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are a superfamily of well-recognized ligand-binding nuclear receptors comprising three isoforms: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARß/δ. In response to endogenous lipid messengers, PPARs trigger the transcription of genes related to a wider spectrum of physiological phenomena, including fatty acid oxidation, inflammation, adipogenesis, among many others. Thus, the importance of PPARs as putative protective therapy in health issues has increased the interest of studying these nuclear receptors, including the management of neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, and likely addiction. In recent years, several pieces of evidence from animal models have demonstrated the promising role of PPARs as a critical element for interventions in addictive behaviors by reducing the reinforcing properties of addictive substances such as alcohol. However, there is a lack of data in the scope and has so far been unexplored the function of PPARs in additional drugs such as cannabis, opioids, methamphetamine, or cocaine. A similar scenario has been found for the management of binge-type eating disorders. Thus, here we review recent advances in understanding the relevance of the PPAR controlling addiction.

Phytochemical profile and rosmarinic acid purification from two Peruvian Lepechinia Willd. species (Salviinae, Mentheae, Lamiaceae).

The phytochemical profile of Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling and Lepechina floribunda (Benth.) Epling obtained by liquid chromatography associated with high-resolution mass spectrometry is presented. Forty eight compounds were detected exhibiting a variety of salvianolic acids and abietane phenolic diterpenoids. A simple procedure by cold evaporative crystallization to purify rosmarinic acid from these botanical species was also shown.

The synthetic CB1 cannabinoid receptor selective agonists: Putative medical uses and their legalization.

More than 500 molecules have been identified as components of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa), of which the most studied is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Several studies have suggested that Δ9-THC exerts diverse biological effects, ranging from fragmentation of DNA to behavioral disruptions. Currently, it is accepted that most of the pharmacological properties of Δ9-THC engage the activation of the cannabinoid receptors, named CB1 and CB2. Interestingly, multiple pieces of evidence have suggested that the cannabinoid receptors play an active role in the modulation of several diseases leading to the design of synthetic cannabinoid-like compounds. Advances in the development of synthetic CB1 cannabinoid receptor selective agonists as therapeutical approaches are, however, limited. This review focuses on available evidence searched in PubMed regarding the synthetic CB1 cannabinoid receptor selective agonists such as AM-1235, arachidonyl-2' chloroethylamide (ACEA), CP 50,556-1 (Levonantradol), CP-55,940, HU-210, JWH-007, JWH-018, JWH-200 (WIN 55,225), methanandamide, nabilone, O-1812, UR-144, WIN 55,212-2, nabiximols, and dronabinol. Indeed, it would be ambitious to describe all available evidence related to the synthetic CB1 cannabinoid receptor selective agonists. However, and despite the positive evidence on the positive results of using these compounds in experimental models of health disturbances and preclinical trials, we discuss evidence in regards some concerns due to side effects.

Sleep-wake cycle disturbances and NeuN-altered expression in adult rats after cannabidiol treatments during adolescence.

RATIONALE: The medical uses of cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent of the Cannabis sativa, have accelerated the legal and social acceptance for CBD-based medications but has also given the momentum for questioning whether the long-term use of CBD during the early years of life may induce adverse neurobiological effects in adulthood, including sleep disturbances. Given the critical window for neuroplasticity and neuro-functional changes that occur during stages of adolescence, we hypothesized that CBD might influence the sleep-wake cycle in adult rats after their exposure to CBD during the adolescence. OBJECTIVES: Here, we investigated the effects upon behavior and neural activity in adulthood after long-term administrations of CBD in juvenile rats. METHODS: We pre-treated juvenile rats with CBD (5 or 30 mg/Kg, daily) from post-natal day (PND) 30 and during 2 weeks. Following the treatments, the sleep-wake cycle and NeuN expression was analyzed at PND 80. RESULTS: We found that systemic injections of CBD (5 or 30 mg/Kg, i.p.) given to adolescent rats (post-natal day 30) for 14 days increased in adulthood the wakefulness and decreased rapid eye movement sleep during the lights-on period whereas across the lights-off period, wakefulness was diminished and slow wave sleep was enhanced. In addition, we found that adult animals that received CBD during the adolescence displayed disruptions in sleep rebound period after total sleep deprivation. Finally, we determined how the chronic administrations of CBD during the adolescence affected in the adulthood the NeuN expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a sleep-related brain region. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are relevant for interpreting results of adult rats that were chronically exposed to CBD during the adolescence and provide new insights into how CBD may impact the sleep-wake cycle and neuronal activity during developmental stages.

Effects of Cannabis Consumption on Sleep.

Despite the fact that medical properties of Cannabis have been recognized for more than 5000 years, the use of Cannabis for medical purposes have recently reemerged and became more accessible. Cannabis is usually employed as a self-medication for the treatment of insomnia disorder. However, the effects of Cannabis on sleep depend on multiple factors such as metabolomic composition of the plant, dosage and route of administration. In the present chapter, we reviewed the main effect Cannabis on sleep. We focused on the effect of "crude or whole plant" Cannabis consumption (i.e., smoked, oral or vaporized) both in humans and experimental animal models.The data reviewed establish that Cannabis modifies sleep. Furthermore, a recent experimental study in animals suggests that vaporization (which is a recommended route for medical purposes) of Cannabis with high THC and negligible CBD, promotes NREM sleep. However, it is imperative to perform new clinical studies in order to confirm if the administration of Cannabis could be a beneficial therapy for the treatment of sleep disorders.

Effects on the Post-translational Modification of H3K4Me3, H3K9ac, H3K9Me2, H3K27Me3, and H3K36Me2 Levels in Cerebral Cortex, Hypothalamus and Pons of Rats after a Systemic Administration of Cannabidiol: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic constituent of Cannabis sativa, has shown therapeutic promises by modulating several pathological conditions, including pain, epilepsy autism, among others. However, the molecular mechanism of action of CBD remains unknown and recent data suggest the engagement on CBD´s effects of nuclear elements, such as histone activity. AIM: This study assessed the changes in the post-translational modification (PTM) on the histones H3K4Me3, H3K9ac, H3K9Me2, H3K27Me3, and H3K36Me2 in several brain regions of rats after the administration of CBD (20 mg/Kg/i.p.). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects on the PTM of histones H3K4Me3, H3K9ac, H3K9Me2, H3K27Me3, and H3K36Me2 levels in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and pons of CBD-treated rats. METHODS: Ten adult rats were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Control or CBD (20 mg/Kg/i.p). Animals were sacrificed after treatments and brains were collected for dissections of the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and pons. Samples were analyzed for PTM on the histones H3K4Me3, H3K9ac, H3K9Me2, H3K27Me3, and H3K36Me2 levels by Western blot procedure. RESULTS: CBD increased the PTM levels on the histones H3K4Me3, H3K9ac, and H3K27Me3 in the cerebral cortex whereas no significant differences were found in H3K9Me2 and H3K36Me2. In addition, in the hypothalamus, CBD decreased the contents of H3K9ac while no significant effects were observed in H3K4Me3, H3K9Me2, H3K27Me3, and H3K36Me2. Lastly, in the pons, CBD- treated rats showed a significant decline on the PTM levels of H3K4Me3 whereas no statistical differences were found in H3K9ac, H3K9Me2, H3K27Me3, and H3K36Me2. CONCLUSION: The study showed that CBD induced differential effects in levels of PTM on the histones H3K4Me3, H3K9ac, H3K9Me2, H3K27Me3, and H3K36Me2 in several brain regions.

Physical Exercise and Immune System in the Elderly: Implications and Importance in COVID-19 Pandemic Period.

Physical exercise is seen as the main ally for health promotion, preventing and protecting the organism from several diseases. According to WHO, there is a tendency of constant growth in the elderly population in the coming years. The regular practice of exercises by the elderly becomes relevant to minimize the deleterious effects of the aging process and to increase the fitness index. Recently, the world population started a confrontation against Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), which is the most significant public health challenge globally. Although social isolation is a reasonable measure in an attempt to stop contamination by COVID-19, this measure has limited the ability of individuals to exercise outdoors or in gyms and health clubs, which increased the risk of developing chronic illnesses related to a sedentary lifestyle. The critical point is that the recent recommendations on exercise prescription to combat the potentially harmful effects of COVID-19 failure to adequately address resistance exercise interventions as home-based exercise strategy. Thus, in this paper, we discussed the physical exercise as medicine if the training status is enough to protect the elderly against COVID-19 infection, about the role of physical activity on immunosuppression. Possible risks for COVID-19 infection, and the old training methods, such as no-load resistance training as possible resistance exercise strategies and high-intensity interval training, as new proposals of home-based exercise interventions, could perform during the current COVID-19 pandemic.