In this paper we prove the existence of solution for a class of degenerate hyperbolic equations defined in whole space RN. Using some integral estimates we also prove a stability result for the problem. Finally, we also prove a blow-up result when the initial data satisfies an appropriate assumption. The main operator of the equation involves the so called Grushin operator and main goal of this paper is to introduce a new set of mathematical problems in the context of stability and blow-up results.
Calcium (Ca²⁺) acts as a second messenger in bacterial stress responses. In Caulobacter vibrioides, the cabp gene encodes a previously uncharacterized calcium-binding protein (CaBP). In silico analysis predicted a 133-aa protein with three EF-hand motifs and an N-terminal Sec signal peptide. Consistently, CaBP exhibited a Ca²⁺-dependent mobility shift and was localized to the periplasm in a SecA-dependent manner. Transcriptional analyses revealed a non-canonical organization in which the sigV promoter lies within the cabp coding sequence, although both genes are independently transcribed. Deletion of cabp increased biomass and stationary-phase survival. Expression analyses showed that SigmaV modulates cabp, while CaBP positively affects sigV expression, forming a Ca²⁺ and pH-responsive regulatory loop. Both genes were induced by acid stress and calcium limitation. The mutant displayed altered cell asymmetry and increased extracellular matrix production. These findings identify for the first time that CaBP as a periplasmic EF-hand calcium sensor linking ionic and pH signals to SigmaV-dependent stress regulation.
To evaluate longitudinal changes in oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL), pain, and mandibular function over 12 months after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc repositioning with mini-anchor fixation in women with refractory bilateral disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). In this prospective cohort study, 34 women with bilateral DDwoR confirmed by Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), refractory to at least 6 months of conservative therapy, were assessed at baseline (T0), 1 month (T1), and 12 months (T2). Outcomes included the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), visual analog scale for pain (VAS-P), Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index (DI), and mandibular mobility measurements. Longitudinal changes were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and linear mixed-effects models. Pain (VAS-P) decreased from 7.6 to 0.7, OHIP-14 from 29.4 to 7.0, and DI from 4.1 to 1.4 by 12 months (all p < 0.001). Reductions in OHIP-14 and VAS-P exceeded the predefined MCIDs (OHIP-14, ≥ 4.0 points; VAS-P, ≥ 2.0 points on the 0–10 scale). Mandibular mobility also improved significantly over time. Age-group analyses were exploratory; although an overall time × age interaction was observed for OHIP-14, no significant between-group differences were found at postoperative time points. TMJ disc repositioning with mini-anchor fixation was associated with significant improvements in OHRQoL, pain, and function in women with refractory bilateral DDwoR over 12 months. Not applicable.
Introduction: Social distancing and wearing a face mask are highly recommended to mitigate the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the success of these strategies relies on individuals’ adherence and public compliance. This study was conducted to assess the level of belief in social distancing and face mask practices in communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to identify their possible determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten LMICs countries in Asia, Africa, and South America from February to May 2021. A questionnaire was used to assess the belief, practice, and their plausible determinants. Identification of the associated determinants was performed using a logistic regression model. Results: Our data revealed that only 62.6% and 66.9% of the participants had good beliefs in social distancing and good face mask practices, respectively. Residing in the Americas, having a healthcare-related job, knowing people in immediate social environment who are or have been infected and exposure to information of COVID-19 cases on social media or TV were factors significantly associated with good belief in social distancing. Residing country, gender, monthly household income, type of job and exposure to information of COVID-19 cases were significantly associated with face mask wearing practice. Conclusion: The proportion of participants having good beliefs in social distancing and good face mask practices is relatively low (<75%). Hence, sustained health campaigns regarding social distancing benefits and face mask-wearing practices during COVID-19 are critical in LMICs.
Agroforestry systems (AFSs) are often considered a means to reconcile agricultural production with biodiversity conservation, yet the alignment between scientific research and practice remains poorly understood. In Brazil, a country with widespread AFS adoption, we conducted a systematic review of 631 publications (1982–2019) and integrated them with national Agricultural Census data to map the landscape of AFS research and implementation. Our analysis shows that while scientific output has accelerated, research efforts are geographically concentrated in the Atlantic Forest and Amazon biomes, leaving other major ecosystems like the Cerrado and Caatinga under-represented. A marked discrepancy was observed in the Northeast region, which hosts two-thirds of Brazil's AFS establishments but receives disproportionately low research attention. While simple, production-oriented AFSs were more frequently studied, biodiverse systems, particularly those with very high species richness, showed a clear association with family farming and traditional knowledge. Furthermore, regression models indicated that AFS prevalence is negatively associated with market-oriented production (commercialization), a finding consistent with their role in food sovereignty. These results point to persistent regional imbalances in the research agenda and suggest the need to strengthen knowledge production in underrepresented areas to better reflect the range of AFS practices in the country.
