Directed brain interactions over time: A resting-state EEG comparison between schizophrenia and healthy individuals.

Understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms of schizophrenia (SZ) is one of the challenges of neuroscience. Many anatomical and functional studies have pointed to problems in brain connectivity in SZ individuals. However, little is known about the relationships between specific brain regions and impairments in brain connectivity in SZ individuals. Herein we propose a new approach using time-varying graphs and the motif synchronization method to build dynamic brain functional networks (BFNs). Dynamic BFNs were constructed from resting-state electroencephalography (rs-EEG) of 14 schizophrenia (SZ) individuals and 14 healthy controls (HCs). BFNs were evaluated based on the percentage of synchronization importance between a pair of regions (considering external and internal interactions) over time. We found differences in the directed interaction between brain regions in SZ individuals compared to the control group. Our method revealed low bilaterally directed interactions between the temporal lobes in SZ individuals compared to HCs, indicating a potential link between altered brain connectivity and the characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia. From a clinical perspective, these results shed light on developing new therapeutic approaches targeting these specific neural interactions that are altered in individuals with SZ. This knowledge allows the application of better interventions focused on restoring or compensating for interrupted connectivity patterns.

New consumption trends in the use of social networks and video games, problematic consumption, and the phenomenon of online gambling. / Nuevas tendencias en el consumo y utilización de redes sociales y videojuegos. Consumos problemáticos. El fenómeno de las apuestas en línea.

The inappropriate use of electronic devices can affect the psychological and physical health of children and adolescents. Therefore, it is essential to accompany them and promote media literacy to ensure a healthy and responsible use of technology. On occasions that depend on a multifactorial complex, the inappropriate use of networks can trigger problematic consumption and seriously affect the lives of young people. In 2022, the World Health Organization recognized, through ICD-11, the addiction to video games and used the term "problematic use" for the Internet and social networks. This article attempts to update professionals on new trends in the consumption of social networks, video games, and online gambling platforms and their consequences on the psychophysical well-being of children and adolescents.

El uso inapropiado de dispositivos electrónicos puede afectar la salud psicofísica de niños y adolescentes. Por ello, es fundamental acompañarlos y fomentar la alfabetización mediática para garantizar un uso saludable y responsable de la tecnología. En ocasiones que dependen de un complejo multifactorial, el uso inadecuado de las redes puede desencadenar consumos problemáticos y afectar gravemente la vida de los jóvenes. En 2022, la Organización Mundial de la Salud reconoció, a través del CIE 11, la adicción a los videojuegos y utilizó el término "uso problemático" para internet y redes sociales. Este artículo intenta actualizar a los profesionales sobre las nuevas tendencias en el consumo de las redes sociales, los videojuegos, las plataformas de apuestas en línea y sus consecuencias en el bienestar psicofísico de los niños y adolescentes.

Host specialization and spatial divergence of bacteria associated with Peltigera lichens promote landscape gamma diversity.

BACKGROUND: Lichens are micro-ecosystems relying on diverse microorganisms for nutrient cycling, environmental adaptation, and structural support. We investigated the spatial-scale dependency of factors shaping the ecological processes that govern lichen-associated bacteria. We hypothesize that lichens function as island-like habitats hosting divergent microbiomes and promoting landscape gamma-diversity. Three microenvironments -thalli, substrates, and neighboring soils- were sampled from four geographically overlapping species of Peltigera cyanolichens, spanning three bioclimatic zones in the Chilean Patagonia, to determine how bacterial diversity, assembly processes, ecological drivers, interaction patterns, and niche breadth vary among Peltigera microenvironments on a broad geographical scale. RESULTS: The hosts' phylogeny, especially that of the cyanobiont, alongside climate as a secondary factor, impose a strong ecological filtering of bacterial communities within Peltigera thalli. This results in deterministically assembled, low diverse, and phylogenetically convergent yet structurally divergent bacterial communities. Host evolutionary and geographic distances accentuate the divergence in bacterial community composition of Peltigera thalli. Compared to soil and substrate, Peltigera thalli harbor specialized and locally adapted bacterial taxa, conforming sparse and weak ecological networks. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that Petigera thalli create fragmented habitats that foster landscape bacterial gamma-diversity. This underscores the importance of preserving lichens for maintaining a potential reservoir of specialized bacteria.

"Pray Observe How Time Slips By:" Collaborators, Assistants, and the Background Dynamics in the Publication of Darwin's Cirripedia Project.

This study investigates nineteenth century natural history practices through the lens of the Actor-Network Theory, which posits that scientific practice is shaped by an intricate network of interactions between human and non-human actors. At the core of this research is the analysis of correspondence between Charles Darwin and his collaborators during the Cirripedia Project, which unveils a complex landscape of negotiations with illustrators, funders, specimen owners, and translators, among other stakeholders and interested parties. The study goes beyond the final outcomes of scientific research, delving into behind-the-scenes interactions, and hidden constructions, shedding light on the complex dynamics and actors that conventional scientific narratives often overlook. In general, this approach provides a detailed and insightful view of the underlying processes of nineteenth-century scientific practice, underscoring the importance of epistolary correspondence as a central element in producing scientific knowledge at the time, and in particular it reveals to us how much Darwin was himself involved in the production of his famous work on barnacles. By emphasizing the intricacies of research, this study enriches our understanding of Darwin's work as well as natural history practices in the 19th century, highlighting the complexity and diversity of actors and agents involved in shaping scientific knowledge.

Ejecución de gasto público por fuente de financiamiento en la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo / Execution of public expenditure by financing source in the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate / Execução de despesas públicas por fonte de financiamento na Diretoria da Rede de Saúde de Yunguyo

El estudio tuvo por finalidad explicar de qué manera se correlaciona la ejecución de gasto público y la fuente de financiamiento de la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo del periodo 2013 al 2023, Perú. Se optó por un diseño metodológico no experimental, longitudinal, cuantitativo y contraste Rho de Spearman. Los resultados identificaron que la ejecución de gasto público se correlaciona significativa y positivamente con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos ordinarios [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos directamente recaudados [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001] y, con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos determinados [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. Se concluye que, ejecutar eficazmente las intervenciones priorizadas por la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo están ligadas a los lineamientos del Presupuesto Público y normatividad del sector con transparencia.

The purpose of the study was to explain how the execution of public spending and the source of financing of the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are correlated from the period 2013 to 2023, Peru. A non-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative methodological design and Spearman's Rho contrast was chosen. The results identified that the execution of public spending is significantly and positively correlated with the source of financing through ordinary resources [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], with the source of financing being directly raised resources [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001], and with the source of financing for determined resources [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. It is concluded that, effectively executing the interventions prioritized by the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are linked to the guidelines of the Public Budget and regulations of the sector with transparency

O objetivo do estudo foi explicar como a execução dos gastos públicos e a fonte de financiamento da Diretoria da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo estão correlacionadas no período de 2013 a 2023, Peru. Optou-se por um desenho metodológico não experimental, longitudinal, quantitativo e contraste Rho de Spearman. Os resultados identificaram que a execução dos gastos públicos está significativa e positivamente correlacionada com a fonte de financiamento através de recursos ordinários [rho (11) =0,77; p < 0,001], sendo a fonte de financiamento recursos captados diretamente [rho (11) =0,83; p < 0,001], e com a fonte de financiamento de determinados recursos [rho (11) =0,74; p < 0,001]. Conclui-se que a execução eficaz das intervenções priorizadas pela Direção da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo está vinculada às diretrizes do Orçamento Público e à regulamentação do setor com transparência

Adicción a las redes sociales y salud mental en estudiantes de medicina en Perú / Social media addiction and mental health in medical students in Peru / Dependência de mídia social e saúde mental em estudantes de medicina no Peru

Las redes sociales, al influir en las interacciones diarias y en la gestión de la información, emergen como un factor determinante en la estabilidad psíquica y afectiva de los individuos. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de la adicción a las redes sociales en la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina humana en una universidad peruana. Material y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, transversal y analítico en el que colaboraron 172 educandos, 82 féminas y 90 varones. Se aplicó el cuestionario Adición a las Redes Sociales diseñado por Escurra y Salas el cual constó de 24 preguntas evaluadas mediante escala de Likert, el mismo fue validado con un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.94. Además, se utilizó el Cuestionario DASS-21 el cual consta de 21 ítems, subdividido en 3 subescalas: depresión, ansiedad y estrés y ha sido validado con un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.96. Resultados: 46.3% de los educandos presentó adicción en nivel medio y alto a las redes sociales. Se halló una correlación significativa entre la ansiedad, el estrés y la adicción a las redes sociales, aunque no se encontró una conexión relevante entre esta última y la depresión. Conclusión: La adicción a las redes sociales impacta negativamente en la salud mental de los educandos, generando niveles elevados de ansiedad y estrés

Social networks, by influencing daily interactions and information management, emerge as a determining factor in the psychic and affective stability of individuals. Objective: To determine the relationship of social media addiction in the mental health of human medicine students at a Peruvian university. Material and methods: Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional and analytical study in which 172 students, 82 females and 90 males, collaborated. The questionnaire Addition to Social Networks designed by Escurra and Salas was applied which consisted of 24 questions evaluated by Likert scale, it was validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.94. In addition, the DASS-21 Questionnaire was used, which consists of 21 items, subdivided into 3 subscales: depression, anxiety and stress and has been validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.96. Results: 46.3% of the students presented addiction at medium and high level to social networks. A significant correlation was found between anxiety, stress and social media addiction, although no relevant connection was found between the latter and depression. Conclusion: Addiction to social networks negatively impacts on the mental health of students, generating high levels of anxiety and stress

As redes sociais, influenciando as interações diárias e a gestão da informação, emergem como um fator determinante na estabilidade psíquica e afetiva dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Determinar a relação do vício em redes sociais na saúde mental de estudantes de medicina humana em uma Universidade peruana. Material e métodos: estudo quantitativo, correlacional, transversal e analítico no qual colaboraram 172 educandos, 82 mulheres e 90 homens. Aplicou-se o questionário adenda às Redes sociais desenhado por escorra e Salas o qual consistiu de 24 perguntas avaliadas mediante escala de Likert, o mesmo foi validado com um Alfa de Cronbach de 0,94. Além disso, utilizou-se o questionário DASS-21 que consta de 21 itens, subdividido em 3 subescalas: depressão, ansiedade e estresse e foi validado com um Alfa de Cronbach de 0,96. Resultados: 46,3% dos educandos apresentaram dependência em nível médio e alto às redes sociais. Foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre a ansiedade, o estresse e o vício em redes sociais, embora não tenha sido encontrada uma conexão relevante entre esta última e a depressão. Conclusão: o vício em redes sociais impacta negativamente na saúde mental dos educandos, gerando níveis elevados de ansiedade e estresse

Ejecución de gasto público por fuente de financiamiento en la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo

El estudio tuvo por finalidad explicar de qué manera se correlaciona la ejecución de gasto público y la fuente de financiamiento de la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo del periodo 2013 al 2023, Perú. Se optó por un diseño metodológico no experimental, longitudinal, cuantitativo y contraste Rho de Spearman. Los resultados identificaron que la ejecución de gasto público se correlaciona significativa y positivamente con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos ordinarios [rho (11)=0.77; p < 0,001], con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos directamente recaudados [rho (11)=0.83; p < 0,001] y, con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos determinados [rho (11)=0.74; p < 0,001]. Se concluye que, ejecutar eficazmente las intervenciones priorizadas por la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo están ligadas a los lineamientos del Presupuesto Público y normatividad del sector con transparencia.

The purpose of the study was to explain how the execution of public spending and the source of financing of the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are correlated from the period 2013 to 2023, Peru. A non-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative methodological design and Spearman's Rho contrast was chosen. The results identified that the execution of public spending is significantly and positively correlated with the source of financing through ordinary resources [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], with the source of financing being directly raised resources [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001], and with the source of financing for determined resources [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. It is concluded that, effectively executing the interventions prioritized by the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are linked to the guidelines of the Public Budget and regulations of the sector with transparency.

O objetivo do estudo foi explicar como a execução dos gastos públicos e a fonte de financiamento da Diretoria da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo estão correlacionadas no período de 2013 a 2023, Peru. Optou-se por um desenho metodológico não experimental, longitudinal, quantitativo e contraste Rho de Spearman. Os resultados identificaram que a execução dos gastos públicos está significativa e positivamente correlacionada com a fonte de financiamento através de recursos ordinários [rho (11) =0,77; p < 0,001], sendo a fonte de financiamento recursos captados diretamente [rho (11) =0,83; p < 0,001], e com a fonte de financiamento de determinados recursos [rho (11) =0,74; p < 0,001]. Conclui-se que a execução eficaz das intervenções priorizadas pela Direção da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo está vinculada às diretrizes do Orçamento Público e à regulamentação do setor com transparência.

Adicción a las redes sociales y salud mental en estudiantes de medicina en Perú

Las redes sociales, al influir en las interacciones diarias y en la gestión de la información, emergen como un factor determinante en la estabilidad psíquica y afectiva de los individuos. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de la adicción a las redes sociales en la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina humana en una universidad peruana. Material y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, transversal y analítico en el que colaboraron 172 educandos, 82 féminas y 90 varones. Se aplicó el cuestionario Adición a las Redes Sociales diseñado por Escurra y Salas el cual constó de 24 preguntas evaluadas mediante escala de Likert, el mismo fue validado con un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.94. Además, se utilizó el Cuestionario DASS-21 el cual consta de 21 ítems, subdividido en 3 subescalas: depresión, ansiedad y estrés y ha sido validado con un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.96. Resultados: 46.3% de los educandos presentó adicción en nivel medio y alto a las redes sociales. Se halló una correlación significativa entre la ansiedad, el estrés y la adicción a las redes sociales, aunque no se encontró una conexión relevante entre esta última y la depresión. Conclusión: La adicción a las redes sociales impacta negativamente en la salud mental de los educandos, generando niveles elevados de ansiedad y estrés.

Social networks, by influencing daily interactions and information management, emerge as a determining factor in the psychic and affective stability of individuals. Objective: To determine the relationship of social media addiction in the mental health of human medicine students at a Peruvian university. Material and methods: Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional and analytical study in which 172 students, 82 females and 90 males, collaborated. The questionnaire Addition to Social Networks designed by Escurra and Salas was applied which consisted of 24 questions evaluated by Likert scale, it was validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.94. In addition, the DASS-21 Questionnaire was used, which consists of 21 items, subdivided into 3 subscales: depression, anxiety and stress and has been validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.96. Results: 46.3% of the students presented addiction at medium and high level to social networks. A significant correlation was found between anxiety, stress and social media addiction, although no relevant connection was found between the latter and depression. Conclusion: Addiction to social networks negatively impacts on the mental health of students, generating high levels of anxiety and stress.

As redes sociais, influenciando as interações diárias e a gestão da informação, emergem como um fator determinante na estabilidade psíquica e afetiva dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Determinar a relação do vício em redes sociais na saúde mental de estudantes de medicina humana em uma Universidade peruana. Material e métodos: estudo quantitativo, correlacional, transversal e analítico no qual colaboraram 172 educandos, 82 mulheres e 90 homens. Aplicou-se o questionário adenda às Redes sociais desenhado por escorra e Salas o qual consistiu de 24 perguntas avaliadas mediante escala de Likert, o mesmo foi validado com um Alfa de Cronbach de 0,94. Além disso, utilizou-se o questionário DASS-21 que consta de 21 itens, subdividido em 3 subescalas: depressão, ansiedade e estresse e foi validado com um Alfa de Cronbach de 0,96. Resultados: 46,3% dos educandos apresentaram dependência em nível médio e alto às redes sociais. Foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre a ansiedade, o estresse e o vício em redes sociais, embora não tenha sido encontrada uma conexão relevante entre esta última e a depressão. Conclusão: o vício em redes sociais impacta negativamente na saúde mental dos educandos, gerando níveis elevados de ansiedade e estresse.

An update on the novel methods for the discovery of antiseizure and antiepileptogenic medications: where are we in 2024?

INTRODUCTION: Despite the availability of around 30 antiseizure medications, 1/3 of patients with epilepsy fail to become seizure-free upon pharmacological treatment. Available medications provide adequate symptomatic control in two-thirds of patients, but disease-modifying drugs are still scarce. Recently, though, new paradigms have been explored. AREAS COVERED: Three areas are reviewed in which a high degree of innovation in the search for novel antiseizure and antiepileptogenic medications has been implemented: development of novel screening approaches, search for novel therapeutic targets, and adoption of new drug discovery paradigms aligned with a systems pharmacology perspective. EXPERT OPINION: In the past, worldwide leaders in epilepsy have reiteratively stated that the lack of progress in the field may be explained by the recurrent use of the same molecular targets and screening procedures to identify novel medications. This landscape has changed recently, as reflected by the new Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program and the introduction of many in vitro and in vivo models that could possibly improve our chances of identifying first-in-class medications that may control drug-resistant epilepsy or modify the course of disease. Other milestones include the study of new molecular targets for disease-modifying drugs and exploration of a systems pharmacology perspective to design new drugs.

Optimal hybrid resonant current controller for microgrids connected to an unbalanced IEEE test distribution network.

Microgrids (MGs) based on renewable energies have emerged as a proficient strategy for tackling power quality issues in conventional distribution networks. Nonetheless, MG systems require a suitable control scheme to supply energy optimally towards the electrical grid. This paper presents an innovative framework for designing hybrid Proportional-Resonant (PR) controllers with Linear Quadratic Regulators (LQR), PR+LQR, which merge relevant properties of PR and LQR controllers. This method simultaneously determines the MG control parameters and the current unbalanced factor generated at the distribution network. We select the traditional IEEE 13-bus test feeder network and place two MGs at strategic locations to validate our approach. Moreover, we use the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) to find control parameters through a reliable fitness function that leads to high-performance microgrids. Finally, we conceive several tests to assess the efficacy of GWO for tuning the hybrid controller and compare the resulting data across distinct realistic operation conditions representing power quality events. So, we choose four case studies considering different renewable energy penetration indexes and power factors and evaluate the effects of the MGs over the distribution grid. We also compare the proposed hybrid PR+LQR controller against closely-related alternatives from the literature and validate its robustness and stability through the disk margin approach and the Nyquist criterion. Our numerical simulations prove that hybrid controllers driven by GWO are highly reliable strategies, yielding an average unbalanced current reduction of 30.03%.

Social relationships and their association with the functional capacity of older Chilean adults: longitudinal evidence.

BACKGROUND: Functional capacity is recognized as a central factor for health in old age and not all studies that seek to clarify the role of social relationships in functional capacity are conclusive. The subject has only been studied in a limited way in Latin America, a region that is aging prematurely, with evidence primarily from developed countries, which have experienced a more gradual aging of their population. This longitudinal study aimed to determine how aspects of social relationships impact the functionality of older Chileans. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cohort study of 2,265 people aged 60 years or older who lived in the community and resided in Greater Santiago, Chile. Five aspects of social relationships were considered at baseline (participation in groups, clubs, or organizations; number of people in the household; participation in recreational activities; perception of material support, help or advice, and marital status), from which a cluster analysis by conglomerate was performed and used as the exposure of interest. Functional limitation (FL) was the dependent variable, classified as a limitation in at least 1 basic activity of daily living or 1 instrumental activity or 2 advanced activities. The control variables considered were: sex, age, educational level, multimorbidity, depression and years of follow-up. Survival analyses using a Cox proportional hazard regression and multilevel logistic regressions (person level and follow-up wave level) were performed. RESULTS: The identified clusters were four: "without social participation and does not live alone"; "without a partner and without social participation"; "no perception of support and no social participation"; "with participation, partner and perception of support". Social relationship clusters predicted FL incidence and FL reporting during follow-up. Being in the clusters "without social participation and does not live alone" and "without partner and without social participation" were risk factors for incident FL and report of FL during follow-up, compared to being in the reference cluster "with participation, partner and perception of support. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study showed that participating in social organizations, not living alone and having a partner are protective factors for presenting and developing functional limitation in old age for community-living Chileans in an urban area.

Coordinated inflammation and immune response transcriptional regulation in breast cancer molecular subtypes.

Breast cancer, characterized by its complexity and diversity, presents significant challenges in understanding its underlying biology. In this study, we employed gene co-expression network analysis to investigate the gene composition and functional patterns in breast cancer subtypes and normal breast tissue. Our objective was to elucidate the detailed immunological features distinguishing these tumors at the transcriptional level and to explore their implications for diagnosis and treatment. The analysis identified nine distinct gene module clusters, each representing unique transcriptional signatures within breast cancer subtypes and normal tissue. Interestingly, while some clusters exhibited high similarity in gene composition between normal tissue and certain subtypes, others showed lower similarity and shared traits. These clusters provided insights into the immune responses within breast cancer subtypes, revealing diverse immunological functions, including innate and adaptive immune responses. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer subtypes and highlight their unique characteristics. The immunological signatures identified in this study hold potential implications for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, the network-based approach introduced herein presents a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of other diseases and elucidating their underlying biology.

Do Adolescents Adopt the Prosocial Behaviors of the Classmates They Like? A Social Network Analysis on Prosocial Contagion.

While the influence of high-status peers on maladaptive behaviors is well-documented, socialization processes of prosocial behavior through high-status peers remain understudied. This study examined whether adolescents' prosocial behavior was influenced by the prosocial behavior of the peers they liked and whether this effect was stronger when the peers they liked were also well-liked by their classmates. Three waves of data, six months apart, were collected among Chilean early adolescents who completed peer nominations and ratings at Time 1 (n = 294, Mage = 13.29, SD = 0.62; 55.1% male), Time 2 (n = 282), and Time 3 (n = 275). Longitudinal social network analyses showed that adolescents adopted the prosocial behavior of the classmates they liked - especially if these classmates were well-liked by peers in general. In addition, adolescents low in likeability were more susceptible to this influence than adolescents high in likeability. The influence resulted both in increases and - especially - decreases in prosocial behavior, depending on the level of prosociality of the liked peer. Findings suggest that likeability represents an important aspect of peer status that may be crucial for understanding the significance of peer influence with respect to prosocial behaviors during adolescence. Pre-Registration: https://osf.io/u4pxm .

Bayesian Networks for Prescreening in Depression: Algorithm Development and Validation.

BACKGROUND: Identifying individuals with depressive symptomatology (DS) promptly and effectively is of paramount importance for providing timely treatment. Machine learning models have shown promise in this area; however, studies often fall short in demonstrating the practical benefits of using these models and fail to provide tangible real-world applications. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to establish a novel methodology for identifying individuals likely to exhibit DS, identify the most influential features in a more explainable way via probabilistic measures, and propose tools that can be used in real-world applications. METHODS: The study used 3 data sets: PROACTIVE, the Brazilian National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde [PNS]) 2013, and PNS 2019, comprising sociodemographic and health-related features. A Bayesian network was used for feature selection. Selected features were then used to train machine learning models to predict DS, operationalized as a score of ≥10 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. The study also analyzed the impact of varying sensitivity rates on the reduction of screening interviews compared to a random approach. RESULTS: The methodology allows the users to make an informed trade-off among sensitivity, specificity, and a reduction in the number of interviews. At the thresholds of 0.444, 0.412, and 0.472, determined by maximizing the Youden index, the models achieved sensitivities of 0.717, 0.741, and 0.718, and specificities of 0.644, 0.737, and 0.766 for PROACTIVE, PNS 2013, and PNS 2019, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.736, 0.801, and 0.809 for these 3 data sets, respectively. For the PROACTIVE data set, the most influential features identified were postural balance, shortness of breath, and how old people feel they are. In the PNS 2013 data set, the features were the ability to do usual activities, chest pain, sleep problems, and chronic back problems. The PNS 2019 data set shared 3 of the most influential features with the PNS 2013 data set. However, the difference was the replacement of chronic back problems with verbal abuse. It is important to note that the features contained in the PNS data sets differ from those found in the PROACTIVE data set. An empirical analysis demonstrated that using the proposed model led to a potential reduction in screening interviews of up to 52% while maintaining a sensitivity of 0.80. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed a novel methodology for identifying individuals with DS, demonstrating the utility of using Bayesian networks to identify the most significant features. Moreover, this approach has the potential to substantially reduce the number of screening interviews while maintaining high sensitivity, thereby facilitating improved early identification and intervention strategies for individuals experiencing DS.

Clinical validation of the ineffective social support network nursing diagnosis in violence-victimized women.

PURPOSE: To verify clinical validity evidence for the ineffective social support network nursing diagnosis. METHOD: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed with 98 violence-victimized women treated in two reference centers for violence in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The women were interviewed from August 2021 to June 2022. FINDINGS: The clinical indicators that best predicted the nursing diagnosis were as follows: Frustration with unmet support expectations, negative social interaction, perceived neglect of support demands, feeling of abandonment, low reciprocity, and encouragement of negative behaviors. Etiological factors that showed greater association were excessive demand for support, limited social network, social isolation, the fragility of institutional service networked organizations, and inadequate appreciation of available social support. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical validity evidence for the ineffective social support network nursing diagnosis has been verified. Thus, the validated clinical indicators and etiological factors can accurately diagnose and predict the emergence of this phenomenon in violence-victimized women. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The results contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in nursing teaching, research, and practice and support the nursing process in violence-victimized women.

OBJETIVO: Verificar evidências de validade clínica para o diagnóstico de enfermagem Rede de Apoio Social Ineficaz. MÉTODO: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal realizado com 98 mulheres vítimas de violência atendidas em dois centros de referência em violência na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. As mulheres foram entrevistadas no período de agosto de 2021 a junho de 2022. RESULTADOS: Os indicadores clínicos que melhor predisseram o diagnóstico de enfermagem foram: Frustração com Expectativas de Apoio Não Atendidas, Interação Social Negativa, Negligência Percebida nas Demandas de Apoio, Sentimento de Abandono, Baixa Reciprocidade e Incentivo a Comportamentos Negativos. Os fatores etiológicos que apresentaram maior associação foram Demanda Excessiva de Apoio, Rede Social Limitada, Isolamento Social, Fragilidade das Organizações em Rede de Serviços Institucionais e Valorização Inadequada do Apoio Social Disponível. CONCLUSÕES: Foram verificadas evidências de validade clínica para o diagnóstico de enfermagem Rede de Apoio Social Ineficaz. Assim, os indicadores clínicos e fatores etiológicos validados têm a capacidade de diagnosticar e prever com precisão o surgimento deste fenômeno em mulheres vítimas de violência. IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA DE ENFERMAGEM: A validação clínica do diagnóstico fundamenta as intervenções de enfermagem direcionadas às mulheres vítimas de violência e à sua rede de apoio social. PALAVRAS­CHAVE: Apoio social; Educação saudável; diagnóstico de enfermagem; rede social; violência contra as mulheres.

Assessing RNA-Seq Workflow Methodologies Using Shannon Entropy.

RNA-seq faces persistent challenges due to the ongoing, expanding array of data processing workflows, none of which have yet achieved standardization to date. It is imperative to determine which method most effectively preserves biological facts. Here, we used Shannon entropy as a tool for depicting the biological status of a system. Thus, we assessed the measurement of Shannon entropy by several RNA-seq workflow approaches, such as DESeq2 and edgeR, but also by combining nine normalization methods with log2 fold change on paired samples of TCGA RNA-seq representing datasets of 515 patients and spanning 12 different cancer types with 5-year overall survival rates ranging from 20% to 98%. Our analysis revealed that TPM, RLE, and TMM normalization, coupled with a threshold of log2 fold change ≥1, for identifying differentially expressed genes, yielded the best results. We propose that Shannon entropy can serve as an objective metric for refining the optimization of RNA-seq workflows and mRNA sequencing technologies.

Dual-Slope Path Loss Model for Integrating Vehicular Sensing Applications in Urban and Suburban Environments.

The development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), and autonomous driving (AD) has progressed rapidly in recent years, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and their integration with dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) systems and fifth-generation (5G) networks. This has led to improved mobility conditions in different road propagation environments: urban, suburban, rural, and highway. The use of these communication technologies has enabled drivers and pedestrians to be more aware of the need to improve their behavior and decision making in adverse traffic conditions by sharing information from cameras, radars, and sensors widely deployed in vehicles and road infrastructure. However, wireless data transmission in VANETs is affected by the specific conditions of the propagation environment, weather, terrain, traffic density, and frequency bands used. In this paper, we characterize the path loss based on the extensive measurement campaign carrier out in vehicular environments at 700 MHz and 5.9 GHz under realistic road traffic conditions. From a linear dual-slope path loss propagation model, the results of the path loss exponents and the standard deviations of the shadowing are reported. This study focused on three different environments, i.e., urban with high traffic density (U-HD), urban with moderate/low traffic density (U-LD), and suburban (SU). The results presented here can be easily incorporated into VANET simulators to develop, evaluate, and validate new protocols and system architecture configurations under more realistic propagation conditions.

Leveraging Social Networks to Integrate Depression Treatment into Primary Health and Tuberculosis Care in Brazil.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and depression are highly comorbid and linked to higher rates of death and disability. Several evidence-based treatments for depression have been successfully implemented in low- and middle-income countries, but more knowledge is needed on how to bring these innovations to scale within complex 'real world' public health systems. Objective: To explore whether the principles of social network analysis could be used to enhance receptivity to integrating depression treatment into primary care for individuals with and without TB in Brazil. Methods: We used existing scales to identify settings and providers with high receptivity and connectivity within the primary care network. We trained and supervised existing staff in three primary care sites to deliver a brief evidence-based intervention over one year, coupled with active dissemination activities. Afterwards, we reassessed receptivity among individuals involved, and not involved, in the pilot. Results: Highly significant changes were observed in mental health literacy, attitudes towards evidence-based practices, work self-efficacy, and implementation leadership supporting our hypothesis. Limited social connections between primary care clinics precluded the examination of the hypothesis that targeting settings with high connectivity could capitalize on the information flow between and transcend the decentralized structure of the network, but leveraging the centralized nature of the TB program to integrate mental health services emerged as a promising alternative. Conclusions: The findings of this study strongly suggest that social networks may be leveraged to change individual providers' attitudes, thereby contributing to the enhanced dissemination of evidence-based interventions.

CyberEduPlatform: an educational tool to improve cybersecurity through anomaly detection with Artificial Intelligence.

Cybersecurity has become a central concern in the contemporary digital era due to the exponential increase in cyber threats. These threats, ranging from simple malware to advanced persistent attacks, put individuals and organizations at risk. This study explores the potential of artificial intelligence to detect anomalies in network traffic in a university environment. The effectiveness of automatic detection of unconventional activities was evaluated through extensive simulations and advanced artificial intelligence models. In addition, the importance of cybersecurity awareness and education is highlighted, introducing CyberEduPlatform, a tool designed to improve users' cyber awareness. The results indicate that, while AI models show high precision in detecting anomalies, complementary education and awareness play a crucial role in fortifying the first lines of defense against cyber threats. This research highlights the need for an integrated approach to cybersecurity, combining advanced technological solutions with robust educational strategies.