the role of the modal assurance criterion in the interpretation and validation of models for seismic analysis of architectural complexes

Abstract The seismic vulnerability assessment of historical buildings is usually a very complex task because of the large number of uncertainties in the characterization of their structural behaviour. The unique structural configurations, the adoption of old construction techniques and the presence of stratified structural modifications occurred over the centuries make the definition of an appropriate and reliable numerical model very challenging. The available analysis approaches distinguish the local response of selected macro elements from the global response of the structure. The problem of discriminating if the investigated structure shows a global behaviour or a local response has been often reported in the literature. However, the definition of a quantitative measure to discriminate the global modes from the local ones and, in the latter case, the associated macro elements, is currently missing. The Modal Assurance Criterion is a vector correlation index frequently used in experimental dynamics to quantify the similarity of mode shapes. In the present paper, it is used to define an original and quantitative approach to the discrimination between local and global modes. Results of application of the proposed procedure to an explanatory case study are reported, pointing out how the proposed method can guide towards the selection of the most appropriate analysis method

Two hormones for one receptor: evolution, biochemistry, actions and pathophysiology of LH and hCG

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropin (CG) are glycoproteins fundamental for sexual development and reproduction. Since they act on the same receptor (LHCGR), there is a general consensus that LH and hCG are equivalent. However, separate evolution of LHβ and hCGβ subunits occurred in primates, resulting in two molecules sharing ∼85% identity and regulating different physiological events. Pituitary, pulsatile LH production results in a ∼90 min half-life molecule targeting the gonads, to regulate gametogenesis and androgen synthesis. Trophoblast hCG, the "pregnancy hormone", exists in several isoforms and glycosylation variants with long half-lives (hours), angiogenic potential, and acts on luteinized ovarian cells as a progestational. The different molecular features of LH and hCG lead to hormone-specific LHCGR binding and intracellular signaling cascades. In ovarian cells, LH action is preferentially exerted through kinases, pERK1/2 and pAKT, resulting in irreplaceable proliferative/anti-apoptotic signals and partial agonism on progesterone production in vitro. In contrast, hCG displays notable cAMP/PKA-mediated steroidogenic and pro-apoptotic potential, which is masked by estrogen action in vivo. In vitro data are confirmed by large dataset from assisted reproduction, since the steroidogenic potential of hCG positively impacts on the number of retrieved oocytes, while LH impacts pregnancy rate (per oocyte number). Interestingly, Leydig cell in vitro exposure to hCG results in qualitatively similar cAMP/PKA and pERK1/2 activation as compared to LH, as well as testosterone. The supposed equivalence of LH and hCG is debunked by such data highlighting their sex-specific functions, thus deeming it an oversight caused by incomplete understanding of clinical data

Effect of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Autonomic Function in Subjects with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: In addition to the metabolic effects in diabetes, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists lead to a small but substantial increase in heart rate (HR). However, the GLP-1R actions on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in diabetes remain debated. Therefore, this meta-analysis evaluates the effect of GLP-1R agonist on measures of ANS function in diabetes. Methods: According to the Cochrane Collaboration and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we conducted a meta-analysis considering clinical trials in which the autonomic function was evaluated in diabetic subjects chronically treated with GLP-1R agonists. The outcomes were the change of ANS function measured by heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac autonomic reflex tests (CARTs). Results: In the studies enrolled, HR significantly increased after treatment (P<0.001), whereas low frequency/high frequency ratio did not differ (P=0.410); no changes in other measures of HRV were detected. Considering CARTs, only the 30:15 value derived from lying-to-standing test was significantly lower after treatment (P=0.002), but only two studies reported this measurement. No differences in other CARTs outcome were observed. Conclusion: The meta-analysis confirms the HR increase but seems to exclude an alteration of the sympatho-vagal balance due to chronic treatment with GLP-1R agonists in diabetes, considering the available measures of ANS function

Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach as a promising surgical option in the treatment of craniopharyngioma

10.1530/endoabs.32.P85

Prevalence and characterization of hypogonadism among men with human immunodeficiency virus infection: preliminary results

Preliminary results on the prevalence of male hypogonadism in HIV-infected me

Thyroid ultrasound alterations occurrence in patients with previous negative examination: A 6-years observational follow-up trial

10.1530/endoabs.56.P105

Effects of treatment for acromegaly on Bone Mineral Density (BMD): is Pegvisomant protective on lumbar BMD?

The abstract deals with the different effects of treatments for acromegaly on bon

Dynamic characterization of progressively damaged segmental masonry arches with one settled support: experimental and numerical analyses

This paper aims to explore the dynamic behavior of a segmental masonry arch subjected to increasing horizontal displacements of one support. To this end, output-only dynamic identification techniques are first used to track the evolution of the dynamic features of the system under progressive damage scenarios and evaluate their sensitivity to settlement-induced cracks. Considerations on the structural response of the segmental arch up to failure are also included. Then, a numerical procedure coupling linear perturbation and modal analysis is applied to simulate the dynamic behavior of the arch over consecutive scenarios, taking into account the influence of the damage on the structure's dynamic properties in an automatic way. The combination of experimental and numerical analyses allows to fully investigate the dynamics of the cracked masonry arch and to shed light on relevant aspects about the effects of settlement-induced cracks on the modal blueprints of masonry arches

The Italian midwifery core outcome set (M-COS) for healthy childbearing women and newborns: Development and initial validation study

Objective This study aimed to develop and validate a midwifery core outcome set (M-COS) for Italian settings based on a salutogenic framework of maternity care. Design A multi-phase and multi-method study was performed. In phase one, we conducted a literature review to identify a preliminary set of outcomes sensitive to midwifery care. In phase two, the qualitative and quantitative content validity of the M-COS was tested. Finally, in the third phase, construct validity was explored through a cross-sectional study to assess the psychometric properties of the M-COS through exploratory and confirmative factor analysis. This study was conducted from December 2019 to April 2020 in Italy. Participants Three main groups of experts/midwives were involved. Group One (n = 10) was involved in the content validity phase, while the other two groups (Group Two and Group Three) were involved in the construct validity phase (n = 300). Results The M-COS includes six outcome domains and thirty-one core outcomes perceived as sensitive to midwifery care, namely: mortality and morbidity (n = 6 outcomes), childbirth (n = 3), postnatal period (n = 6), maternal health (n = 11), maternal-infant bonding (n = 3), and maternal self-care (n = 2). All domains showed good evidence of internal consistency. Conclusion The Italian M-COS is a novel tool that will facilitate the consistent measurement of core outcomes sensitive to midwifery care from the antenatal to the postnatal period in Italian settings. This initial work will be followed by further studies, including validation by service users. Implications for practice The use of the M-COS in clinical practice would facilitate evidence-based data collection and thus contribute to promoting high-quality maternity care