Related Conditions Research Articles

Evaluate a comprehensive geriatric assessment service framework targeting frail older people who had high risk of requiring long-term care services in Japan: a community-based pilot study

BackgroundFrailty has become a key concern in an aging population. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) service framework was developed and evaluated aiming to target and connect frail older adults who are at high risk of requiring long-term care services.MethodsA community-based pilot study was conducted in fiscal year 2016 and 2017 in Kure city, Hiroshima, Japan. Participants aged 65 and over living in Kure city, and 393 persons were extracted from the Kihon Check List (KCL) responses. Among the eligible individuals, 101 consented to participate and received CGA and referred to services based on individual health needs. The efficacy was evaluated by referral rate of services, continuity of the service usage, evaluation of participant’s health condition and the quality of life (QoL) after the 6-month follow-up.ResultsNinety-nine (98.0%) participants needed support for the instrumental activity of daily living, 97 (96.0%) were categorized as locomotive syndrome, and 64 (63.4%) had a depressive tendency. Afterward, 60 participants (59.4%) subsequently accepted the referral services, however, 34 (33.7%) used the services and the remaining 26 (25.7%) did not use the services. The health condition improvements in the service-uses group were statistically significant (p < 0.001), however, QoL score did not change between the baseline and 6th -month.ConclusionKCL extracted high-risks older people, and CGA revealed related diseases and health conditions. However, the high refusal rate of referral services indicates a necessity to modify the service framework such as by collaborating with community general support centers, which could increase the efficacy of service framework.

Xanthelasma Palpebrarum is Not Associated with Dyslipidemia or Cardiovascular Disease: A Case Control Study

ObjectiveTo determine whether Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is associated with dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other systemic conditions in a large population. DesignCase-control study conducted at a single tertiary care center. ParticipantsIndividuals who were examined at a medical screening institute from 2001 to 2020. MethodsMedical records were reviewed to extract data on ophthalmic evaluations, blood tests, and systemic diagnoses. Patients identified with XP in at least one eye comprised the study group. A control group without XP was established matched by age and sex at a 10:1 ratio to allow robust statistical analysis. Main Outcome MeasuresAssociations between XP and dyslipidemia and CVD. Lipid profiles, diagnosis of dyslipidemia and CVD were compared between the case and control groups. ResultsThe database included 35,452 individuals, 24,287 males (69%), mean age 52.2±12.2 years. The study population included 203 XP patients (0.6%) and 2030 matched controls. The prevalence of dyslipidemia diagnosis and the usage rates of statins, fibrates, or other cholesterol-lowering medications was similar between the two groups. Lipid profiles were similar between the groups, including median total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels (187 controls vs. 192 XP, 48 controls vs. 47 XP, 120 controls vs. 125 XP, 111 controls vs. 105 XP, respectively, P>0.05 for all). The rate of CVD was similar as well (10% controls vs. 8.9%, XP P=0.56). The prevalences of related conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and history of cerebrovascular accident, were similar between groups (24% controls vs. 23% XP, 14% controls vs. 10% XP, 1.3% controls vs. 1% XP, respectively P>0.05). ConclusionsXP was not associated with increased rates of dyslipidemia or CVD. This questions the extent to which XP serves as an indicative marker for heightened systemic risk.Introduction

A network analysis of body image concern, interoceptive sensibility, self-consciousness, and self-objectification.

Disrupted interoception has been found in individuals with body image concerns and related psychiatric conditions (i.e., eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder). However, few studies have explored the role of interoception in the relationship between body image concern and self-objectification (SO). As components of the bodily self, interoception and body image may also contribute to the fostering of self-consciousness. The current study estimated the network model of body image concern, adaptive and maladaptive interoceptive sensibility (IS), self-consciousness, and SO, with data from 743 neurotypical adults. The centrality of nodes and the robustness of the network were verified. Our network showed that interoception correlated with certain characteristics of body image concern (BIC) with varying strength and different directions. The most central node described beliefs of BIC, namely, negative evaluation toward appearance. Self-objectification and maladaptive IS presented the highest bridge centrality. Interoception also linked BICs with SO and self-consciousness. Findings suggested that SO, adaptive and maladaptive interoception might be the targets of intervention for individuals with BIC, specifically for those with high levels of appearance-related negative self-evaluations.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Therapy in Mood Disorders and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique increasingly investigated for its therapeutic potential in mood disorders and related brain conditions. This paper using content analysis reviewed literatures and summarized current research on the efficacy and safety of rTMS in treating mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD). Studies suggest that rTMS may offer significant improvements in depressive symptoms and mood regulation, particularly in individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments. Mechanisms of action involve modulation of cortical excitability and neural circuitry implicated in mood regulation. While rTMS demonstrates promise as a well-tolerated intervention with minimal side effects, further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols, identify patient-specific predictors of response, and elucidate long-term outcomes. Understanding the role of rTMS in mood disorder management holds potential for advancing personalized treatment approaches and improving overall patient outcomes. The paper concludes that rTMS is a promising intervention for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Finally, it was recommended that further studies should be conducted on the efficacy or rTMS on mood disorders generally.

IVF pregnancy in a case of Asherman’s syndrome

Asherman’s syndrome (AS), an increasingly diagnosed cause of infertility owing to improvement in diagnostic modalities, poses a challenge in achieving pregnancy. Intrauterine adhesions due to breach in the basalis layer of the endometrium interfere with implantation or obstruct tubal ostia. AS occurs subsequent to curettage performed for pregnancy related conditions more commonly than gynaecological conditions. Patients may present with infertility with or without menstrual complaints. Here we present a case of 29-year-old woman, P0L0A1 who presented to our clinic with secondary infertility for one year. The patient had undergone hystero-laparoscopic myomectomy with uterine artery ligation in view of multiple fibroids. A relook hysteroscopy on follow-up revealed a normal uterine cavity with synechiae formation at right cornua for which synechiolysis was done. Upon failure to conceive for the next six months, another hysteroscopy was performed which showed that the cavity was small with pale endometrium and right ostia could not be visualized. Subsequently a hysteroscopic reconstruction of the uterine cavity was done with bilateral lateral wall and fundal metroplasty followed by estrogen and progesterone therapy to avoid post-operative adhesion formation. The couple underwent an IVF cycle in the following month. Controlled ovarian stimulation was done and ovum pick up was performed on day 12 with intra-uterine PRP instillation. A fresh transfer was performed on day 5 after pick up. Luteal phase support was given with vaginal and subcutaneous progesterone support. A UPT 14 days later was positive and the patient is under follow-up for her antenatal care at present.

Managing Gout in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

Gout is characterized by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition secondary to hyperuricemia. Gout is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its related comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Major advances have been made in the comprehension of the link between MetS and gout. Despite observational studies suggesting an association between MetS-related conditions and hyperuricemia, there is no proof of causality. Most studies using Mendelian randomization did not find hyperuricemia as a causal factor for MetS-related conditions. In contrast, these conditions were found associated with hyperuricemia, which suggests a reverse causality. Among patients with gout, this high CVD risk profile implies the need for systematic screening for MetS-related conditions. Most international guidelines recommend systematic screening for and care of CVD and related risk factors in patients with gout. Some anti-hypertensive agents, such as losartan and calcium channel blockers, are able to decrease serum urate (SU) levels. However, there are potential interactions between gout management therapies and the treatment of metabolic diseases. Some data suggest that anti-inflammatory drugs used for gout flare treatment, such as colchicine or canakinumab, might have benefits for CVD. Regarding the impact of urate-lowering therapies on CVD risk, recent studies found a similar CVD safety profile for allopurinol and febuxostat. Finally, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are promising for gout because of their ability to decrease SU levels and risk of recurrent flares. In this review, we focus on the clinical challenge of managing MetS in patients with gout, particularly older patients with co-medications.

Carbohydrate Intake Levels and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Populations: A Prospective Study

In Korea and other Asian countries, traditional high-carbohydrate diets are increasingly associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its complications. As dietary patterns shift, there is a growing need to assess the effect of these changes on health outcomes related to MetS. This study aimed to investigate the prospective relationship between carbohydrate consumption and the risk of MetS and its components. We analyzed data from 7902 participants from the Korean Association Resource, part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Dietary intakes, including carbohydrates and fiber, were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, allowing for the calculation of the proportion of total energy from carbohydrates (P_CARB) and the carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio to assess carbohydrate quality. Blood samples were collected after at least eight hours of fasting for laboratory analysis. We employed Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, focusing on the relationship between the P_CARB and the risk of developing MetS and its individual components, while adjusting for carbohydrate quality. In the fully adjusted model, which accounted for carbohydrate quality as a covariate, individuals in the highest percentile of the P_CARB showed a significantly increased risk of MetS, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-high density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure, compared to those in the lowest P_CARB group. Spline curve analyses indicated that the risks for MetS and its components consistently escalated with increasing P_CARB, with all p-values for nonlinearity exceeding 0.05. The findings suggest that higher levels of P_CARB are associated with an increased risk of MetS and related conditions, except for high fasting glucose. These results highlight the importance of dietary awareness and potential adjustments for populations consuming high-carbohydrate diets.

A cross-sectional study on gender differences in body dysmorphic concerns in patients with skin conditions in relation to sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables.

Dysmorphic concern is an overconcern with an imagined or slight defect in physical appearance that can be a symptom of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Appearance-related concerns are frequently reported by people with dermatological conditions. However, relatively little remains known about the relationship between dysmorphic concern and other variables within persons with different skin conditions. The aim of this multicentre, cross-sectional study was to investigate gender differences regarding dysmorphic concern and the prevalence of BDD in a large sample of patients with skin conditions, in relation to sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables. Participants aged ≥18 years with skin conditions were consecutively enrolled in dermatological clinics of 22 European centres. Dysmorphic concern and the possible presence of BDD were measured using the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) and compared between men and women in relation to sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables, and separately for each skin condition. The DCQ questionnaire was completed by 5290 dermatological patients. In all categories, mean scores were significantly higher in women than in men. Mean DCQ scores were also higher in women for most skin conditions, with the highest effect size in vitiligo. The percentage of patients who screened positive for BDD on the DCQ was 10.5%, 7.7% of men and 12.7% of women. The prevalence of BDD positive was 6.9% in patients with mild clinical severity, 11.1% for moderate and 19.1% for severe condition. In the multivariate model in patients with mild skin condition, the presence of BDD was positively associated with stress and stigma both in men and in women. Dysmorphic concern and BDD were more frequent in women than in men with skin conditions. Both received and actual stigmatization might have an impact on body-related concerns, in particular in women, who may be more at risk for sociocultural reasons.

Fertility and quality of arable soils in Poland: spatial–temporal analysis of long-term monitoring

Soil quality is a globally important issue from the point of view of food production, maintenance of appropriate environmental quality and ecological balance. Assessing its quality and fertility using indices is one of the methods that make it possible to formulate recommendations for good soil management. The aim of the study was, therefore, to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of soil properties in the context of soil quality assessment (SQI) and soil fertility assessment (SFI, SEF, NIV, and SSFI) using the example of a Central European country (Poland). The inverse distance-weighted spatial interpolation technique was used to estimate the spatial distribution of soil quality and fertility indicators. So far, no research has been carried out that would include a comprehensive analysis of soil fertility and quality indicators in such a large research area over many years. The results of 216 points of monitoring the chemistry of arable soils in Poland from the period 1995–2020 for 28 physicochemical soil parameters were considered. The analyses carried out showed significant variability in the properties of the described soils in Poland, as evidenced by the principal component analysis (PCA) and the coefficient of variation (exceptions: bulk density, pH). It was found that heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cu) were responsible for the deterioration of soil properties. The results obtained for different indices were different (SFI – most soils with good fertility, SEF – high fertility, NIV – soils highly enriched with nutrients, SQI – average soil quality). It was found that the SSFI is the most appropriate indicator among the analyzed indicators for Polish conditions in relation to arable soils, as it is adapted and calibrated to the specifics of this area. The Spearman correlation matrix showed that the largest group of statistically highly significant parameter pairs belonged to heavy metals (Ni/Zn, Zn/Pb, Zn/Cu, Ni/Cu). In contrast, the strongest correlations were recorded for Ni (with effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), Mn, Mgav, Zn, Cu). The assessment revealed limiting factors and temporal trends in the overall evaluation of the quality of the country’s agricultural soils, which are important from the point of view of both sustainable development and agricultural production.

Rheumatoid arthritis, cardiometabolic comorbidities, and related conditions: need to take action.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, however, traditional cardiovascular risk factors do not fully explain this relationship. This high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in RA has been increasingly acknowledged in past decades, with accumulating evidence that RA is an independent cardiovascular risk factor; RA is also associated with metabolic syndrome, which correlates with disease activity, contributing to the increased prevalence of coronary heart disease in RA patients. Moreover, multimorbidity, including the presence of long-term conditions, impacts adverse clinical outcomes in RA patients, emphasizing the need for holistic management that requires an understanding of shared pathophysiological mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. For all these reasons, the management of RA patients with cardiometabolic comorbidities is a complex endeavor that requires a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach. In this sense, there is a need to re-evaluate the approach toward a proactive model of care, moving away from a reactive medical paradigm to a multidimensional integrated management model, including aggressive screening, preventive strategies, and tailored therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review was to thoroughly review the literature on cardiometabolic comorbidities and related conditions linked to RA to enable us to identify the necessary actions required to effectively tackle the increasing burden of illness from a fully comprehensive perspective.

Vehicle adaptive cruise control strategy based on improved safe distance model for off-roads with changeable pavement and slope

Compared with the structured environment, off-road environment has complex and ever-changing road conditions. This paper is focused on the vehicle adaptive cruise task for vehicles driving on complex off-road terrain. Traditional ACC strategies do not take the complex road conditions into consideration, thus easily make the relative distance between vehicles unreasonable. To solve this problem, an off-road adaptive cruise control (OACC) strategy is proposed for off-roads with changeable pavement and slope. Firstly, the influence of road conditions and vehicle relative motion states on safe distance between vehicles have analyzed with the aim of developing a more reasonable space strategy for off-road conditions. Then, based on the analysis results, an improved safe distance model (ISDM) is proposed which take the influence factors into account comprehensively. The concept of road impact factor is proposed to prevent model degradation and effectively balance the influence of single road conditions and comprehensive factors on safe distance. Besides, target to improve the adaptability of ACC, a novel state space model has developed which can handle not only the change of vehicle motion states but also road conditions. In addition, the MPC-based OACC for off-road environment is proposed, which can enable the vehicle to better adapt to relative motion states and road conditions based on the novel state space model. Finally, the performance of OACC is verified by co-simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and Carsim, and a hardware-in-the-loop simulation system. Furthermore, the analysis of ISDM has conducted to illustrate the differences and similarities compared with the traditional safe distance models and to verify the effectiveness of ISDM. Simulation results show that the OACC and ISDM proposed in this paper have great performance in different off-road working conditions.

Association Between Low Kidney Function and Excess Weight Concerning Unfavourable Periodontal Health among Community-dwelling Older Japanese Women.

To investigate the association of low renal function and overweight with poor periodontal condition in community-dwelling older Japanese women. In total, 359 older women (age range: 55-74 years) participated in this study. Two periodontal parameters - the number of teeth with a probing pocket depth (PPD) or clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥ 4 mm - were used as the dependent variables. The principal independent variables were low renal function as defined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and overweight as defined by the body mass index. Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the ratio of means (RM). The RMs of the number of teeth with a PPD or CAL ≥ 4 mm in an adjusted model without an interaction term were 1.21- or 1.27-fold higher among those with an eGFR < 60, while those among the participants with an eGFR < 60 in the adjusted model with interaction terms for the number of teeth with a PPD or CAL ≥ 4 mm were 1.43- or 1.36-fold higher. In addition, increments of periodontal risk with low renal function and overweight showed a slightly smaller to negative trend. The present findings suggest a connection between unfavourable periodontal health and both renal function and being overweight among older Japanese women. A weak negative interaction was also found between poor renal condition and overweight in relation to periodontal condition.

Remote sensing for rangeland conservation monitoring: Impacts of livestock removal after 15 years

Abstract Degradation from overgrazing of global arid rangelands is of significant concern for this widespread terrestrial ecosystem, and the people who rely on its sustainable use. Addressing this degradation requires a better understanding of how livestock removal and conservation management actions affect the rehabilitation of land condition. However, the dominant effect of climate and meteorological variability on arid vegetation makes isolating management‐induced change a difficult task. We present an analytically simple method for measuring relative land condition by assessing differences in remote‐sensing‐derived persistent fractional vegetation between adjacent stocked and destocked regions over time. The 22‐year observation period focusses on vegetation recovery at a long‐established sheep station after the removal of livestock and the introduction of conservation‐focussed management. The study region, in the southern Australian arid rangelands, comprises sparsely vegetated chenopod shrublands and acacia woodlands across low‐lying plains. Comparison is made to immediately surrounding stocked properties in a spatial design where climate and biogeographic variables remain consistent across the study area. We found an unequivocal relative increase in vegetation cover, and reduction of bare ground cover at the destocked property that became evident approximately 8 years after a reduction in grazing pressure. Distinctly higher persistent vegetation cover was maintained, even during periods of drought. Non‐photosynthetic vegetation cover was most indicative of long‐term change and increased by 1.1% relative to surrounding areas. Photosynthetic vegetation cover increased by 0.5%, while bare ground cover decreased by 2.1%. These cover changes, particularly in the non‐photosynthetic vegetation and bare ground components spatially coincide with the fenced boundary of the destocked property. Synthesis and applications: The ability to quantify management‐related impacts in land condition using freely available remote sensing data could support improved management by all stakeholders in these regions. The method leverages readily available satellite remote sensing data in a study design that is not dependent on large geospatial and climatic datasets that are not necessarily available in remote regions.

Optimization of an Ischemic Retinopathy Mouse Model and the Consequences of Hypoxia in a Time-Dependent Manner

The retina is one of the highest metabolically active tissues with a high oxygen consumption, so insufficient blood supply leads to visual impairment. The incidence of related conditions is increasing; however, no effective treatment without side effects is available. Furthermore, the pathomechanism of these diseases is not fully understood. Our aim was to develop an optimal ischemic retinopathy mouse model to investigate the retinal damage in a time-dependent manner. Retinal ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 10, 13, 15 or 20 min, or by right permanent unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAO). Optical coherence tomography was used to follow the changes in retinal thickness 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after surgery. The number of ganglion cells was evaluated in the central and peripheral regions on whole-mount retina preparations. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was analyzed with immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Retinal degeneration and ganglion cell loss was observed in multiple groups. Our results suggest that the 20 min BCCAO is a good model to investigate the consequences of ischemia and reperfusion in the retina in a time-dependent manner, while the UCCAO causes more severe damage in a short time, so it can be used for testing new drugs.

Boosting Electrochemical Sensing Performances Using Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles of molecularly imprinted polymers (nanoMIPs) combine the excellent recognition ability of imprinted polymers with specific properties related to the nanosize, such as a high surface-to-volume ratio, resulting in highly performing recognition elements with surface-exposed binding sites that promote the interaction with the target and, in turn, binding kinetics. Different synthetic strategies are currently available to produce nanoMIPs, with the possibility to select specific conditions in relation to the nature of monomers/templates and, importantly, to tune the nanoparticle size. The excellent sensing properties, combined with the size, tunability, and flexibility of synthetic protocols applicable to different targets, have enabled the widespread use of nanoMIPs in several applications, including sensors, imaging, and drug delivery. The present review summarizes nanoMIPs applications in sensors, specifically focusing on electrochemical detection, for which nanoMIPs have been mostly applied. After a general survey of the most widely adopted nanoMIP synthetic approaches, the integration of imprinted nanoparticles with electrochemical transducers will be discussed, representing a key step for enabling a reliable and stable sensor response. The mechanisms for electrochemical signal generation will also be compared, followed by an illustration of nanoMIP-based electrochemical sensor employment in several application fields. The high potentialities of nanoMIP-based electrochemical sensors are presented, and possible reasons that still limit their commercialization and issues to be resolved for coupling electrochemical sensing and nanoMIPs in an increasingly widespread daily-use technology are discussed.

More on the interplay between gut microbiota, autophagy, and inflammatory bowel disease is needed.

The concept of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which encompasses Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, represents a complex and growing global health concern resulting from a multifactorial etiology. Both dysfunctional autophagy and dysbiosis contribute to IBD, with their combined effects exacerbating the related inflammatory condition. As a result, the existing interconnection between gut microbiota, autophagy, and the host's immune system is a decisive factor in the occurrence of IBD. The factors that influence the gut microbiota and their impact are another important point in this regard. Based on this initial perspective, this manuscript briefly highlighted the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota, autophagy, and IBD pathogenesis. In addition, it also addressed the potential targeting of the microbiota and modulating autophagic pathways for IBD therapy and proposed suggestions for future research within a more specific and expanded context. Further studies are warranted to explore restoring microbial balance and regulating autophagy mechanisms, which may offer new therapeutic avenues for IBD management and to delve into personalized treatment to alleviate the related burden.

Evaluation of Breast Cancer Screening Program in Al-Warith Hospital

Introduction: Breast cancer is a significant threat to Iraqi women's health. Early diagnosis of breast cancer increases the chance of recovery and life expectancy. Screening is the primary tool for early diagnosis and timely treatment of breast cancer in the early stages. Objectives: To evaluate the screening program in detecting breast cancer in the Al-Warith screening center, Karbalaa, Iraq, from 1/8/2023 to 1/5/2024. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 510 Iraqi women who came to the outpatient breast clinic. Their demographic information related to the current research was selected randomly; it was taken from the medical records in the statistics unit in the hospital. The collected data were coded and entered into SPSS 16.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 by IBM) (SPSS for Windows, Rel. 22.0., 2016, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The categorical data were analyzed by frequency and percentage. Results: 167 were screened, representing 32.75% of the total mean age (54.3±13.20) years old. Clinical screening identified normal findings in 87.50% of participants, while 4.17% had benign findings, and 8.33% were clinically screened and advised to review breast clinical recurrently. Ultrasound screening showed normal findings in 32.00% of patients and benign results in 60.00%, with 8.00% having BIRAD [4, 5] results. Mammography screening revealed normal findings in 40.43% of patients and benign results in 53.19%, with 6.38% having BIRAD [4, 5] results. Biopsies were performed on eight patients, resulting in 75.00% undergoing FNA and 25.00% undergoing True Cut Biopsy. Ultimately, breast cancer was detected in 1.20% of the asymptomatic patients screened. Conclusion: The data highlights the crucial role of regular screening for both asymptomatic and symptomatic women in the early detection of breast conditions. Raising public awareness is a vital strategy for healthcare providers. These efforts can greatly enhance the early detection and treatment of breast cancer and other related conditions. By following these recommendations, we can achieve better patient outcomes and improve overall public health.

Fast evaluation and root finding for polynomials with floating-point coefficients

Evaluating or finding the roots of a polynomial f(z)=f0+⋯+fdzd with floating-point number coefficients is a ubiquitous problem. By using a piecewise approximation of f obtained with a careful use of the Newton polygon of f, we improve state-of-the-art upper bounds on the number of operations to evaluate and find the roots of a polynomial. In particular, if the coefficients of f are given with m significant bits, we provide for the first time an algorithm that finds all the roots of f with a relative condition number lower than 2m, using a number of bit operations quasi-linear in the bit-size of the floating-point representation of f. Notably, our new approach handles efficiently polynomials with coefficients ranging from 2−d to 2d, both in theory and in practice.

Including Dynamic Viewing Behavior in Determining Vertical Eye-Level Light: Does it Matter for Office Design?

ABSTRACT When considering non-image-forming (NIF) light effects on people, knowing the light vertically at eye-level is necessary. However, people are dynamic in their behavior and constantly change their posture and viewing direction. This means that light measured vertically toward a constant direction might differ from the actual light that reaches people’s eyes. If the difference is large, occupant behavior might need to be included in lighting design measurements and simulations predicting the potential of NIF light effects. This paper presents an experiment on the difference between the actual dynamic eye-level light of office workers while seated at a desk (dynamic condition) and light measured statically toward a computer screen (static condition). Eye-level light conditions in relation to NIF effects were quantified using the melanopic Equivalent Daylight Illuminance (mEDI) and the relative alerting response (r D ). Measured dynamic mEDI was 4% to 10% larger than the static one. Analysis of r D was not possible due to saturation of the response. The dominant face orientation was toward the computer screen, with a deviation in the horizontal and vertical direction within 15 degrees from the center. The results show that measuring and simulating personal light conditions of office workers statically toward a computer screen might be a small underestimation of actual eye-level light, but the relevance of this underestimation in lighting design practice is not evident.

THE ROLE OF FGF19 IN METABOLIC REGULATION: INSIGHTS FROM PRECLINICAL MODELS TO CLINICAL TRIALS.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) is a hormone synthesized in enterocytes in response to bile acids. The present review explores the pivotal role of FGF19 in metabolism, addressing the urgent global health concern of obesity and its associated pathologies, notably type 2 diabetes. The intriguing inverse correlation between FGF19 and body mass or visceral adiposity, as well as its rapid increase following bariatric surgery, emphasizes its potential as a therapeutic target. This article meticulously examines the impact of FGF19 on metabolism by gathering evidence primarily derived from studies conducted in animal models or cell lines, employing both FGF19 treatment and genetic modifications. Overall, these studies demonstrate that FGF19 has antidiabetic and anti-obesogenic effects. A thorough examination across metabolic tissues, including the liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the central nervous system, is conducted, unraveling the intricate interplay of FGF19 across diverse organs. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive overview of clinical trials involving a FGF19 analog called aldafermin, emphasizing promising results in diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and diabetes. Therefore, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of FGF19 role and encourage further exploration of its clinical applications, thereby advancing the field and offering innovative approaches to address the escalating global health challenge of obesity and related metabolic conditions.