Design and fabrication of Mach-Zehnder interferometers in soda-lime glass for temperature sensing applications.

High sensitivity represents one of the main goals that sensing devices need to satisfy for their applications. This work presents to the best of our knowledge the first integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) embedded in soda-lime glass with comparable sensitivity to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices. We manufactured the MZIs by the femtosecond direct laser writing (FDLW) technique and characterized them with temperature. Four buried MZIs were manufactured by slightly increasing the optical path due to separation between the arms of the interferometer (Δ s). We achieved a fringe shift of ∼8n m for an increase of 0.18 µm. We have characterized one of these devices with temperature from 30°C to 70°C obtaining a sensitivity of ∼28p m/ ∘ C. We improved the sensitivity of the device to ∼54p m/ ∘ C due to the advantage of the unique three-dimensional (3D) capabilities that FDLW provides, overcoming the characteristically low thermo-optic coefficient of soda-lime glass just by rotating the MZI structure 11°.

Gender differences in workplace violence against physicians and nurses in Latin America: a survey from the Interamerican Society of Cardiology.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate gender differences in workplace violence (WPV) against physicians and nurses in Latin America. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted between January 11 and February 28, 2022. A prespecified gender analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among the 3056 responses to the electronic survey, 57% were women, 81.6% were physicians, and 18.4% were nurses. At least one act of violence was experienced by 59.2% of respondents, with verbal violence being the most common (97.5%). Women experienced more WPV than men (65.8% vs 50.4%; P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR]: 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-2.19). Women were more likely to report at least one episode of WPV per week (19.2% vs 11.9%, P < 0.001), to request for psychological help (14.5% vs 9%, P = 0.001) and to experience more psychosomatic symptoms. In addition, women were more likely to report having considered changing their job after an aggression (57.6% vs 51.3%, P = 0.011) and even leaving their job (33% vs 25.7%, P = 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, being a woman (OR: 1.76), working in emergency departments (OR: 1.99), and with COVID-19 patients (OR: 3.3) were independently associated with more aggressive interactions, while older age (OR: 0.95) and working in a private setting (OR: 0.62) implied lower risk. CONCLUSIONS: Women are more likely to experience WPV and to report more psychosomatic symptoms after the event. Preventive measures are urgently needed, with a special focus on high-risk groups such as women.

Identifying drivers of forest resilience in long-term records from the Neotropics.

Here, we use 30 long-term, high-resolution palaeoecological records from Mexico, Central and South America to address two hypotheses regarding possible drivers of resilience in tropical forests as measured in terms of recovery rates from previous disturbances. First, we hypothesize that faster recovery rates are associated with regions of higher biodiversity, as suggested by the insurance hypothesis. And second, that resilience is due to intrinsic abiotic factors that are location specific, thus regions presently displaying resilience in terms of persistence to current climatic disturbances should also show higher recovery rates in the past. To test these hypotheses, we applied a threshold approach to identify past disturbances to forests within each sequence. We then compared the recovery rates to these events with pollen richness before the event. We also compared recovery rates of each site with a measure of present resilience in the region as demonstrated by measuring global vegetation persistence to climatic perturbations using satellite imagery. Preliminary results indeed show a positive relationship between pre-disturbance taxonomic richness and faster recovery rates. However, there is less evidence to support the concept that resilience is intrinsic to a region; patterns of resilience apparent in ecosystems presently are not necessarily conservative through time.

Rheological effects of high substitution levels of fats by inulin in whole cassava dough: chemical and physical characterization of produced biscuits.

Inulin has been used as a fat substitute in baked goods due to its gelling properties and functionality. However, it usually has been done in low substitution levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect in rheological parameters in cassava dough caused by high substitution levels of fats by inulin. Physical and chemical characterization of biscuits were done for evaluation of dough's potential usage in bakery products. Substitution of mozzarella cheese by inulin showed that up to 12.5 g inulin per 100 g cassava flour led to a lower storage modulus, suggesting bakery potential for bread like products. Higher substitutions (25 g, 37.5 g, and 50 g per 100 g cassava flour) led to a higher storage modulus and suggest a potential for cookies and similar products. Hardness results obtained support rheological ones, suggesting higher substitution levels are suitable for cookies and similar products. This is inferred by observing an increase in hardness ranging from 5.80 N up to 17.47 N. Cassava dough with fat substituted by inulin in high levels, has potential in the development of different baked goods.

ECT beyond unipolar major depression: systematic review and meta-analysis of electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar depression.

OBJECTIVE: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the response, remission, and speed of response in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder in depressive episode (BDD) receiving an acute course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were quantitatively analyzed. METHODS: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, 1660 citations were identified through five electronic databases. Nineteen articles met final inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. RESULTS: The pooled response and remission rates with ECT in MDD were 74.2% (n = 1246/1680) and 52.3% (n = 850/1626), respectively. In BDD, they were 77.1% (n = 437/567) and 52.3% (n = 275/377), respectively. Although response rates to ECT were statistically higher in BDD (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.95, P = 0.02), remission rates were similar (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.65-1.26, P = 0.56). Individuals with BDD vs. MDD required fewer number of ECT sessions to achieve response (SMD = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.023, P = 0.03). There were no significant moderator effects identified. CONCLUSION: Response rates and speed of response are higher in individuals with BDD; however, remission rates are equivalent. These findings support increased utilization of ECT in individuals with treatment-refractory BDD.

Characteristics of depressive and bipolar disorder patients with mixed features.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences between subjects with vs. without mixed features in major affective disorders. METHODS: In 3099 out-patient subjects with DSM-5 major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 1921) or bipolar disorders (BD, n = 1178), we compared those with (Mx) vs. without (Non-Mx) mixed features (agitated-irritable depression or dysphoric [hypo]mania) in an index episode. RESULTS: Prevalence of Mx averaged 21.9% [CI: 20.5-23.4] overall, ranking: BD-II > BD-I > MDD, and in BD depression ≥ [hypo]mania > MDD. Mx subjects were significantly more likely than Non-Mx cases to (i) have other mixed episodes, (ii) have higher irritable and agitated ratings, (iii) have more substance abuse, (iv) switch into mixed episodes, (v) have more suicide attempts and higher suicidal ratings, (vi) change diagnosis from depression to BD, (vii) have higher hypomania scores when depressed or depression scores when [hypo]manic, (viii) be unmarried or separated with fewer children and siblings, (ix) be diagnosed more with BD than MDD, (x) be unemployed, (xi) have BD, suicide and divorce among first-degree relatives, (xii) be female, (xiii) be younger at illness-onset. Both BD and MDD Mx subjects also received antidepressants less, but antipsychotics and mood-stabilizers more, alone and in combination with antidepressants. CONCLUSIONS: Mood disorder subjects with agitated-irritable depression or dysphoric [hypo]mania differed from those without such mixed features, including having a less favorable clinical course and repeated mixed episodes. They may represent a distinct and prevalent, syndromal clinical subtype with prognostic and therapeutic significance.

Coupled-channel study of the Rydberg-valence interaction in HBr.

We report an ab initio study of the low-lying valence and Rydberg states of HBr. The calculations are carried out employing the multireference single- and double-excitation configuration interaction method including the spin-orbit interaction. The first excited adiabatic potential of 1Σ+ symmetry presents two minima which correspond to the Rydberg E1Σ+ and valence V1Σ+ observed states. We calculate the vibrational levels of these two states using a coupled-channel treatment based on the two diabatic potentials deduced from the ab initio adiabatic potentials and the Rydberg-valence interaction. The chaotic energy separations between the observed levels are well reproduced in the calculations. We have also obtained for the first time theoretical data for numerous Rydberg states of HBr lying in the (66-79) × 103 cm-1 excitation energy interval. The calculated spectroscopic parameters are found to be in good agreement with experiment and provide a basis for future studies of radiative and non-radiative processes in the HBr molecule.

Reflections on the role of senescence during development and aging.

New and stimulating results have challenged the concept that cellular senescence might not be synonymous with aging. It is indisputable that during aging, senescent cell accumulation has an impact on organismal health. Nevertheless, senescent cells are now known to display physiological roles during embryonic development, during wound healing repair and as a cellular response to stress. The fact that senescence has been found in cells that did not attain their maximal round of replications, nor have metabolic alterations or DNA damage, also challenges the paradigm that senescence is cellular aging, and it is in favor of the idea that cellular senescence is a phenomenon that has a function by itself. Therefore, in order to understand this phenomenon it is important to analyze the relationship between senescence and other cellular responses that have many features in common, such as apoptosis, cancer and autophagy, particularly highlighting their role during development and adulthood.

Comparison of psychotic bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia: an international, multisite study.

OBJECTIVE: Nosological distinctions among schizoaffective disorder (SA), bipolar I disorder with psychotic features (BDp), and schizophrenia (SZ) remain unresolved. METHOD: We compared 2269 subjects with psychotic features in DSM-IV-TR diagnoses (1435 BDp, 463 SZ, 371 SA) from 8 collaborating international sites, by 12 sociodemographic and clinical measures, all between diagnostic pairs. RESULTS: In bivariate comparisons, SA was consistently intermediate between BDp and SZ for 11/12 features (except onset stressors), and SZ vs. BDp differed in all 12 factors. SA differed from both BDp and SZ in 9/12 factors: SA and BDp were similar in education and suicidal ideation or acts; SA and SZ were similar in education, onset stressors, and substance abuse. Meta-analytic comparisons of diagnostic pairs for 10 categorical factors indicated similar differences of SA from both SZ and BDp. Multivariate modeling indicated significantly independent differences between BDp and SZ (8 factors), SA vs. SZ (5), and BDp vs. SA (3). Measurement variance was similar for all diagnoses. CONCLUSION: SA was consistently intermediate between BDp and SZ. The three diagnostic groups ranked: BDp > SA > SZ related to lesser morbidity or disability. The findings are not consistent with a dyadic Kraepelinian categorization, although the considerable overlap among the three DSM-IV diagnostic groups indicates uncertain boundaries if they represent distinct disorders.

Rydberg, valence, and ion-pair quintet states of O2.

We report an ab initio study of the quintet states of molecular oxygen. The calculations are carried out employing the multireference single and double excitation configuration interaction package. Potential energy curves of the six quintet valence states dissociating into ground state atoms and of the four quintet states dissociating to ion-pair atoms were computed. A number of bound quintet Rydberg series converging to the a(4)Πu and b(4)Σg(-) states of the O2(+) cation have been identified.

Low-repetition rate femtosecond laser writing of optical waveguides in water-white glass slides.

Energy dose ranges for fabrication of subsurface and ablated ridge waveguides were defined using a low repetition rate femtosecond laser. The waveguides were written along the width of water-white glass slides. The buried waveguides written between 0.23 and 0.62 µJ/µm3 energy dose show strong guidance at 633 nm, reaching in the best cases propagation losses of 0.7 dB/cm. Meanwhile, the ridge waveguides were fabricated between 2.04 and 31.9 µJ/µm3, with a best case of 3.1 dB/cm. Outcomes of this study are promising for use in the manufacturing of sensing devices.

Recovery of the Reproductive Capability Following Exposure to 4-tert-Octylphenol in the Neotropical Cichlid Fish Cichlasoma dimerus.

Here, we analyzed the recovery of the reproductive capability in male Cichlasoma dimerus after exposure to sublethal concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), a demonstrated estrogenic chemical. Adult fish were exposed to 0, 30, 150 and 300 µg/L OP during 60 days and subsequently transferred to OP-free water for another 60 days. At 150 and 300 µg/L, absence of fertilized spawnings were recorded during the first 4 weeks following OP exposure, which could be explained by the impairment of testis architecture recorded at the highest OP concentrations. The restoration of the testicular organization began by day 14 in OP-free water, when the germinal epithelium re-started to proliferate. Testicular functionality was recovered by day 28, yielding fertilized eggs and viable F1 embryos. These results show that pathological features induced in the testes of C. dimerus by OP exposure are not permanent since fish recover their fertilization capacity after an adequate depuration period.

ASIC2 is present in human mechanosensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia and in mechanoreceptors of the glabrous skin.

Mechanosensory neurons lead to the central nervous system touch, vibration and pressure sensation. They project to the periphery and form different kinds of mechanoreceptors. The manner in which they sense mechanical signals is still not fully understood, but electrophysiological experiments have suggested that this may occur through the activation of ion channels that gate in response to mechanical stimuli. The acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), especially ASIC2, may function as mechanosensors or are required for mechanosensation, and they are expressed in both mechanosensory neurons and mechanoreceptors. Here, we have used double immunohistochemistry for ASIC2 together with neuronal and glial markers associated with laser confocal microscopy and image analysis, to investigate the distribution of ASIC2 in human lumbar dorsal root ganglia, as well as in mechanoreceptors of the hand and foot glabrous skin. In lumbar dorsal root ganglia, ASIC2 immunoreactive neurons were almost all intermediate or large sized (mean diameter ≥20-70 µm), and no ASIC2 was detected in the satellite glial. ASIC2-positive axons were observed in Merkel cell-neurite complexes, Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, all of them regarded as low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Moreover, a variable percent of Meissner (8 %) and Pacinian corpuscles (27 %) also displayed ASIC2 immunoreactivity in the Schwann-related cells. These results demonstrate the distribution of ASIC2 in the human cutaneous mechanosensory system and suggest the involvement of ASIC2 in mechanosensation.

Antecedents of manic versus other first psychotic episodes in 263 bipolar I disorder patients.

OBJECTIVE: As initial episode type can predict later morbidity in bipolar disorder, we tested the hypothesis that clinical antecedents might predict initial episode types. METHOD: We studied 263 first-episode, adult, DSM-IV-TR type I bipolar disorder (BD-I) subjects within the McLean-Harvard-International First-Episode Project. Based on blinded assessments of antecedents from SCID examinations and clinical records, we compared first lifetime manic vs. other (mixed, depressive, or non-affective) major psychotic episodes. RESULTS: We identified 32 antecedents arising at early, intermediate or later times, starting 12.3±10.7 years prior to first lifetime major psychotic episodes. Based on multivariate modeling, antecedents associated significantly and independently with other (n=113) more than manic (n=150) first lifetime major psychotic episodes ranked by odds ratio: more early attentional disturbances, more late depression, more early perplexity, more detoxification, more early unstable mixed affects, more antidepressants, more early dysphoria, more intermediate depression, more early impulsivity, more late anhedonia, longer early-to-intermediate intervals, more intermediate substance abuse, more family history of major depression, and younger at earliest antecedents. Antecedents selectively preceding manic more than other first psychotic episodes included more late behavioral problems and more risk of familial BD-I. CONCLUSION: Clinical antecedents in adult, BD-I patients, beginning a decade before first major episodes and progressing through sequential stages were dissimilar in manic vs. other first psychotic episodes.

Staging systems in bipolar disorder: an International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force Report.

OBJECTIVE: We discuss the rationale behind staging systems described specifically for bipolar disorders. Current applications, future directions and research gaps in clinical staging models for bipolar disorders are outlined. METHOD: We reviewed the literature pertaining to bipolar disorders, focusing on the first episode onwards. We systematically searched data on staging models for bipolar disorders and allied studies that could inform the concept of staging. RESULTS: We report on several dimensions that are relevant to staging concepts in bipolar disorder. We consider whether staging offers a refinement to current diagnoses by reviewing clinical studies of treatment and functioning and the potential utility of neurocognitive, neuroimaging and peripheral biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Most studies to date indicate that globally defined late-stage patients have a worse overall prognosis and poorer response to standard treatment, consistent with patterns for end-stage medical disorders. We believe it is possible at this juncture to speak broadly of 'early'- and 'late'-stage bipolar disorder. Next steps require further collaborative efforts to consider the details of preillness onset and intermediary stages, and how many additional stages are optimal.

Treatments for acute bipolar depression: meta-analyses of placebo-controlled, monotherapy trials of anticonvulsants, lithium and antipsychotics.

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatments for bipolar depression, and the relative value of specific drugs for that purpose, remain uncertain, including agents other than antidepressants. METHODS: We searched for reports of placebo-controlled, monotherapy trials of mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants, second-generation antipsychotics, or lithium for acute major depressive episodes in patients diagnosed with type I or II bipolar disorder and applied random-effects meta-analysis to evaluate their efficacy, comparing outcomes based on standardized mean drug-placebo differences (SMD) in improvement, relative response rates (RR), and number-needed-to-treat (NNT). RESULTS: We identified 24 trials of 10 treatments (lasting 7.5 weeks, with ≥ 50 collaborating sites/trial) that met eligibility criteria: lamotrigine (5 trials), quetiapine (5), valproate (4), 2 each for aripiprazole, olanzapine, ziprasidone, and 1 each for carbamazepine, lithium, lurasidone, and olanzapine-fluoxetine. Overall, pooled drug-over-placebo responder-rate superiority (RR) was moderate (29% [CI: 19-40%]), and NNT was 8.2 (CI: 6.4-11). By SMD, apparent efficacy ranked: olanzapine + fluoxetine ≥ valproate > quetiapine > lurasidone > olanzapine, aripiprazole, and carbamazepine; ziprasidone was ineffective, and lithium remains inadequately studied. Notably, drugs were superior to placebo in only 11/24 trials (5/5 with quetiapine, 2/4 with valproate), and only lamotrigine, quetiapine and valproate had > 2 trials. Treatment-associated mania-like reactions were uncommon (drugs: 3.7%; placebo: 4.7%). DISCUSSION: Controlled trials of non-antidepressant treatments for bipolar depression remain scarce, but findings with olanzapine-fluoxetine, lurasidone, quetiapine, and perhaps carbamazepine and valproate were encouraging; lithium requires adequate testing.

Interpretation of the accidental predissociation of the E(1) Π state of CO.

A special case of predissociation, known as indirect or accidental predissociation observed in the Rydberg E(1)Π bound state of CO is discussed. We resort to ab initio potentials in order to determine the plausible mechanism for this predissociation. Values of the predissociation width for the valence k(3)Π state of CO, as obtained from Fermi's golden rule, are also reported. The predissociation width obtained for the mixed E(1)Π (v = 1, J = 7) state is 0.033 cm(-1) compared to the experimental value of 0.034 cm(-1). The mixed E - E(') state with J = 28, v = 0 is found to be in near resonance condition with the k(3)Π (v = 4, J = 28) state, thus providing the means to indirect predissociation.

Changes in hematological parameters of Cichlasoma dimerus (Teleostei, Perciformes) exposed to sublethal concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol.

Stress response involves various physiological changes, including alteration in hematological parameters closely related to the response of fish to the environment. 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) is one of the worldwide-used surfactants and can pollute the aquatic environment, both marine and freshwater. Previous studies have already shown estrogenic effects of this compound in various wildlife species, e.g., it can disrupt the reproductive system of males organisms including fish. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects caused by sublethal concentrations of OP on hematological parameters as biomarkers to assess environmental stress. Adult males and females of Cichlasoma dimerus were exposed to waterborne OP during 60 days under semistatic conditions. Experimental groups consisted of control (ethanol 0.005 %), OP 150, and OP 300 µg/L. OP caused hemodynamic stress in C. dimerus, which lead to normochromic and normocytic anemia, as well as erythrocytic pathologies such as a significant increase in erythroblasts and amitotic erythrocytes. All of the studied parameters can be used as biomarkers for the presence of xenobiotics in water.