Une espèce nouvelle du genre Scarabaeus d’Afrique du Nord (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeini)

Abstract: In the context of a dedicated entomological survey mission of mobile sandy formations (dunes, nebkhas ...) and fixed by various perennial grasses in eastern Morocco, a newly identified specimen of the genus Scarabaeus of male sex has particularly caught our attention. Indeed, the great family of Scarabaeoidea whose species are mostly attracted to dung feces dominates the dune ecosystems in terms of number of species and individuals. The great taxonomic richness is denoted in Bouârfa region. It is the same for the abundance of which the high values are noted in this desertic station (Bouârfa). The low numbers of beetles in Saïdia region is related to the isolation of this type of dune in the region it is due primarily to the influence of the Mediterranean climate.

Revue Marocaine des Sciences Agronomiques et Vétérinaires

Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II


Le risque tsunamique au Maroc : modélisation et évaluation au moyen d'un premier jeu d'indicateurs d'exposition du littoral atlantique

Abstract: This paper seeks to estimate the exposure of the Atlantic coast of Morocco to tsunami risk. A methodological approach and a first set of tsunami risk indicators are presented. The proposed approach is based upon a coupling of tsunami numerical modeling with coastal land use geo-referenced databases. Tsunami numerical modeling is performed for a 1755-like earthquake scenario allowing the prediction of travel times, wave heights and flooding areas on 67 communes (local administrative units). While, the obtained main geo-indicators allow to compare the tsunami risk for population, and industrial/urban areas at a regional scale along Moroccan Atlantic coast. These results are aggregated over several territorial units and are expressed in absolute or relative values to provide the widest range of maps to decision makers. The exposure to tsunami risk is high along the Rabat-El Jadida mid-Atlantic urban corridor. These results give an insight on the estimation of tsunami risk in Morocco, which needs to be improved and updated in a prevention and awareness approach.

Samira Mellas
Frédéric Leone
Rachid Omira
Monique Gherardi
Maria-Ana Baptista
Bendahhou Zourarah
Mathieu Péroche
Émilie Lagahé


Avant-propos. Démocratiser les sciences humaines


Les nationalismes « régionaux » en Europe, facteur de fragmentation spatiale ?

Abstract: Within the European Union identity or separatist trends are observed in the frame of Nation-states members, for instance in Catalonia, Flanders, Scotland, Northern Italy, Corsica or the Basque country. By claiming national aspirations that often go beyond the only recognition of a cultural, economical or regional personality within their origin state, these trends are to be distinguished from “regionalism” and can thus be qualified as regional nationalisms. Not only their claim for autonomy can sometimes question the legitimacy of the state on which they depend, as today’s incapacity of Belgian institutions to address the autonomy willingness of the Flemings shows it, but also because their claim reference is that of the Nation-State. Regional nationalisms question in fact the potential splitting up of the European political space and the risks of dilution and breaking up of old European states into small state entities with limited economical viability seen as a factor of instability.

Political science
Political science (General)


Les géomembranes

Abstract: Depuis les premières applications dans les années soixante, l'utilisation des géomembranes s'est progressivement étendue à la protection de l'environnement. Ces produits d'apparence simple sont encore assez mal connus par certains utilisateurs et prescripteurs. Cet article s'attache donc à faire connaître les géomembranes. Ainsi, dans un premier temps, les différents types de géomembranes et leurs caractéristiques sont présentés. Dans un second temps, des exemples d'applications sont évoqués, et un cas particulier d'utilisation pour le stockage d'effluents d'élevage est abordé plus en détail. Enfin, sont présentés les travaux de recherche, de normalisation et de certification actuellement menés, nécessaire à la connaissance et à la reconnaissance des géomembranes, et auxquels le Cemagref participe activement .

Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement (INRAE)

Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering


Le dispositif de pédagogie de projet intervention/insertion transposé à l’école élémentaire de l’Unité 26 des Parcelles Assainies de Dakar

Abstract: Cet article rend compte d’une expérience vécue avec des élèves d’une école primaire au Sénégal dans le cadre d’une recherche-action sur les stratégies pédagogiques adaptés aux grands groupes. Pour ce faire, nous avons transposé le dispositif de pédagogie de projet intervention/insertion, dispositif interculturel de transformation sociale initié par Annie Couëdel à l’Université de Paris 8-Vincennes dans les années 1970. Il s’inscrit dans le sillage des pédagogies sociales et particulièrement de celle de la conscientisation de Paulo Freire. Au coeur du dispositif se situe le projet dont les auteurs-acteurs sont les élèves. Les activités se déroulent selon une architecture spatiotemporelle qui associe les groupes-projet et le grand groupe. Mis en oeuvre pendant six mois autour de la conception et la réalisation de projets par les élèves et leurs enseignants, ce dispositif a impulsé une transformation réelle dans les attitudes des élèves, des enseignants et sur leur environnement.

Revue Internationale Animation, Territoires et Pratiques Socioculturelles

Département de communication sociale et publique, Université du Québec à Montréal


Les émeutes urbaines à l’épreuve des situations locales

Abstract: This article relies on a ground investigation lead in the town and many working class districts of Saint-Denis in France. Recalling the possible different sociological interpretations of the urban riots of November 2005, it proposes first to point out how this investigation had been possible, to which obstacles it has been confronted and how we did our best to circumvent them. It recalls the main results of this investigation. Then it comes back on the classification and designation problems that are at issue among sociologists underlining the various dimensions of rioter dynamics.

Michel Kokoreff
Odile Steinauer
Pierre Barron

Association Internationale des Sociologues de Langue Française


Recio Mir, Álvaro, Fátima Halcón y Francisco Javier Herrera García. 2023. Arquitectura, ingeniería y administración virreinal. Nueva España en el siglo XVIII. Sevilla: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas / Editorial Universidad de Sevilla / Diputación de Sevilla. 356 pp.


STEVENS, John Paul, Six Amendments, How and Why We Should Change the Constitution, New York, Boston, London, Little, Brown and Company, 2014, 177 pp.

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)


Analyse des stratégies territoriales multi-niveaux au sein du « Collectif 5C », un réseau wallon de coopératives alimentaires

Abstract: Our empirical study is based on the qualitative analysis of a Collective of cooperatives engaged in proximity-based food systems in Belgium. By comparing the territorial strategies of three member-cooperatives, we underline the diversity of spatial and organizational forms coexisting within the Collective “5C”. We also show that this diversity is not simply needed in order to answer the variety of context faced by coops within-territory; but it also represents opportunities for strategies between-territories. Which in turn could benefit the relocalization and reconnexion project hold in each cooperative. Indeed, by collaborating between organizations situated in cities and countryside areas, they could overcome some of their internal obstacles that often leads to trade-offs between the alternative dimension of the project and its economic viability. We then point to the crucial role played by meta-organizations as the “Collective 5C” for the coordination and regulation of inter-territorial relations.

Florence Lanzi
Julien Noel
Kevin Maréchal

Société Royale Belge de Géographie and the Belgian National Committee of Geography


Crystal structure of tris(tri-tert-butoxysilanethiolate)arsenic(III), As{SSi(OC4H9)3}3

Peters K.
Peters E.-M.
Schnering H. G. von
Wojnowski W.
Tamulewicz S.
Radacki K.

Zeitschrift für Kristallographie - New Crystal Structures


European Current Research on Fluid Inclusions — ECROFI XXI Leoben (Austria)


International Conference on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Engineering International (Barcelona, Spain, July 29–31, 2014)


Mobile learning for less-commonly taught languages: design and application

Abstract: The increasing development of emerging technologies contributes to ubiquitous and personalized language learning. Hence this study reported a project of designing and applying mobile learning for a less-commonly taught language, Fijian language, at a university in China. Guided by the natural approach and the immersion method of foreign language learning, and principles of multimedia learning, a Fijian language learning application was designed and applied, involving creating a Fijian language environment via situational simulation and offering sufficient language practice and immediate feedback based on speech evaluation and adaptive learning. The rationale, course design, technology support, along with students’ Fijian learning experiences gauged from a questionnaire and an online group interview are documented and discussed. Learners reported increased interest, improvements in spoken communication and learner autonomy. The study will yield implications to future mobile language learning resources design and the pedagogy of integrating the application into teaching and learning of foreign languages.

Tang Jinlan
Zhai Yuming
Li Lingxiao
Liu Peixin
Deng Hongxun

Journal of China Computer-Assisted Language Learning

Computational linguistics. Natural language processing


Mass variation observing system by high low inter-satellite links (MOBILE) – a new concept for sustained observation of mass transport from space

Abstract: As changes in gravity are directly related to mass variability, satellite missions observing the Earth’s time varying gravity field are a unique tool for observing mass transport processes in the Earth system, such as the water cycle, rapid changes in the cryosphere, oceans, and solid Earth processes, on a global scale. The observation of Earth’s gravity field was successfully performed by the GRACE and GOCE satellite missions, and will be continued by the GRACE Follow-On mission. A comprehensive team of European scientists proposed the next-generation gravity field mission MOBILE in response to the European Space Agency (ESA) call for a Core Mission in the frame of Earth Explorer 10 (EE10). MOBILE is based on the innovative observational concept of a high-low tracking formation with micrometer ranging accuracy, complemented by new instrument concepts. Since a high-low tracking mission primarily observes the radial component of gravity-induced orbit perturbations, the error structure is close to isotropic. This geometry significantly reduces artefacts of previous along-track ranging low-low formations (GRACE, GRACE-Follow-On) such as the typical striping patterns. The minimum configuration consists of at least two medium-Earth orbiters (MEOs) at 10000 km altitude or higher, and one low-Earth orbiter (LEO) at 350-400 km. The main instrument is a laser-based distance or distance change measurement system, which is placed at the LEO. The MEOs are equipped either with passive reflectors or transponders. In a numerical closed-loop simulation, it was demonstrated that this minimum configuration is in agreement with the threshold science requirements of 5 mm equivalent water height (EWH) accuracy at 400 km wavelength, and 10 cm EWH at 200 km. MOBILE provides promising potential future perspectives by linking the concept to existing space infrastructure such as Galileo next-generation, as future element of the Copernicus/Sentinel programme, and holds the potential of miniaturization even up to swarm configurations. As such MOBILE can be considered as a precursor and role model for a sustained mass transport observing system from space.

Pail R.
Bamber J.
Biancale R.
Bingham R.
Braitenberg C.
Eicker A.
Flechtner F.
Gruber T.
Güntner A.
Heinzel G.
Horwath M.
Longuevergne L.
Müller J.
Panet I.
Savenije H.
Seneviratne S.
Sneeuw N.
van Dam T.
Wouters B.


Morphological Changes of the Lower Ping and Chao Phraya Rivers, North and Central Thailand: Flood and Coastal Equilibrium Analyses

Abstract: The Chao Phraya River flows in the largest river basin of Thailand and represents one of the important agricultural and industrial areas in Southeast Asia. The Ping River is one major upstream branch flowing down slope southwardly, joining the Chao Phraya River in the low-lying central plain and ending its course at the Gulf of Thailand. Surprisingly, the overflow occurs frequently and rapidly at the Lower Ping River where channel slope is high, and in particular area, sand-choked is extensively observed, even in normal rainfall condition. In contrary, at the downstream part, the erosion of river bank and shoreline around the mouth of Chao Phraya River has been spatially increasing in place where there should be a massive sediment supply to form a delta. Here we use Landsat imageries taken in 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017 to analyze geomorphological changes of rivers. Results show that both rivers have undergone the rapid decreasing of water storage capacity and increasing of sand bar areas in river embayment. The total emerged sand bar area in the Lower Ping River increases from 1987 to 2017 up to 28.8 km2. The excessive trapped bed sediments deposition along the upper reaches is responsible for the shallower of river embankment leading to rapid overflow during flooding. At the Chao Phraya River mouth, a total of 18.8 km2 of the coastal area has been eroded from 1987 to 2017.This is caused by the reducing of sediment supply leading to non-equilibrium in the deltaic zone of the upper Gulf of Thailand. There are several possibility implications from this study involving construction of weir, in-channel sand mining, reservoir sedimentation and coastal erosion management.

Chaiwongsaen Nikhom
Nimnate Parisa
Choowong Montri


Influence of priming on germination, development, and yield of soybean varieties

Abstract: A two-factorial field experiment with soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merill) was conducted in a randomized block design, with four replications. The tested factors were seed priming method and genotype responses. There had been seven soybean varieties (Aldana, Aligator, Annushka, Augusta, Lissabon, Mavka, and Merlin) and each of them had control (unprimed) and seed primed groups. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hydropriming on germination ability and emergence under field conditions, on the growth and development of selected soybean varieties. Shortly before harvest, 10 randomly selected plants were collected from each plot, and their morphological and yield-related traits were measured. In addition, the seed yield was assessed. On the basis of statistical analysis, significant differences were found between the applied hydropriming method and the control group in regard to morphological traits. Seed treatment resulted in a slight increase in harvested seed yield, which is within error margin. The seed yield of Aligator increased significantly by 0.5 t ha−1, indicating a genotype-specific different reaction to seed priming in terms of yield.

Lewandowska Sylwia
Łoziński Michał
Marczewski Krzysztof
Kozak Marcin
Schmidtke Knut


Hungary in the European Union – Cooperation, Peacock Dance and Autocracy

Abstract: Hungary had been one of the frontrunners in the political and economic transition process in Central and Eastern Europe in the 1990s, and in 2004 it joined the European Union. Since 2010, Hungary has gradually become an autocratic regime, a process that has been facilitated by the political benefits of EU integration and money transfers. While the support of the Hungarian people for EU membership has remained high, tensions have increased between the Hungarian government and EU institutions. This article evaluates how the external shock of Russia’s war against Ukraine has shaken Hungary’s so far developed authoritarian equilibrium within the EU. The authors show how embedded the Hungarian autocracy has become and argue that although there have been some effects to the pillars of the authoritarian equilibrium, it has remained stable, and most probably will continue to do so, as long as the illiberal regime stays in power.

History (General) and history of Europe
Political science


TABLE OF CONTENTS

High Temperature Materials and Processes

Technology
Chemical technology
Chemicals: Manufacture, use, etc.


Crystal structure of (2,5-dihydro-2,5-dimethyl-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo[3,4-c]- pyrrole-l,4-diylidene)biscyanamide, C22H16N6


Exact solution for bending analysis of functionally graded micro-plates based on strain gradient theory

Abstract: In the present article, static analysis of thin functionally graded micro-plates, based on Kirchhoff plate theory, is investigated. Utilizing the strain gradient theory and principle of minimum total potential energy, governing equations of rectangular micro-plates, subjected to distributed load, are explored. In accordance with functionally graded distribution of material properties through the thickness, higher-order governing equations are coupled in terms of displacement fields. Introducing a novel methodology, governing equations are decoupled, with special privilege of solving analytically. These new equations are solved for micro-plates with Levy boundary conditions. It is shown that neutral plane in functionally graded micro-plate is moved from midplane to a new coordinate in thickness direction. It is shown that considering micro-structures effects affects the governing equations and boundary conditions. Finally, the effects of material properties, micro-structures, boundary conditions and dimensions are expounded on the static response of micro-plate. Results show that increasing the length scale parameter and FGM index increases the rigidity of micro-plate. In addition, it is concluded that using classical theories for study of micro-structures leads to inaccurate results.

Mohammadi Meisam
Iranmanesh Afshin
Naseralavi Seyed Sadegh
Farahmand Hamed

Science and Engineering of Composite Materials

Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials


Assessing the vibration response of foundation embedment in gypseous soil

Abstract: One of the most critical engineering problems that occur in the foundations of machines resting on soil is the problem of the transmission of vibration from the machine to the foundation and then to the soil. This leads to increased stresses on the soil layers and increased settlement as well. In this article, an experimental model of the foundation of a rotary machine foundation located on gypseous sandy soil (36% gypsum content) has been studied. The weight of the machine model with the foundation was 26 kPa subjected to 10 Hz frequency. The study comprises investigating the effect of embedment depth on the behavior of the rotary machine foundation. The results indicated that resting the foundation on the surface of the soil leads to an increase in the amplitude displacement and the pressure in the region under the foundation. The increased embedment of the foundation to half the thickness of the foundation (0.5H) leads to a reduction in the displacement of the foundation. The amplitude displacement values remained within the permissible limits, while the settlement decreased about 37%. The increased embedment of the foundation to 1.0H gives more stability to the foundation, and increases the pressure in the soil layers, while the settlement decreases about 50%.

Hussein Mazin Ali
Zedan Adnan Jayed
Al-Obaydi Moataz A.

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Materials


Influence of Technology Process on Responsiveness of Footwear Nonwovens

Abstract: Nonwovens represent a part of technical textiles that are used for clothing (“cloth tech”). Nonwovens are also used in the footwear industry mainly for functional purposes, where the aesthetic properties are not of great importance. They are mainly used for support and reinforcement of footwear. All three groups of textiles are used for footwear, i.e. woven fabrics, knitted fabrics and nonwovens that are produced directly from fibres, yarns or threads mainly from chemical fibres and in a small proportion from natural fibres.

Gorjanc Dunja Šajn
Bras Ana
Novak Boštjan

Textile bleaching, dyeing, printing, etc.


A nth-order shear deformation theory for
composite laminates in cylindrical bending

Abstract:
The present study investigates whether an nthorder
shear deformation theory is applicable for the composite
laminates in cylindrical bending. The theory satisfies
the traction free conditions at top and bottom surfaces
of the plate and does not require problem dependent
shear correction factor which is normally associated with
the first order shear deformation theory. The well-known
classical plate theory at (n = 1) and higher order shear
deformation theory of Reddy at (n = 3) are the perticular
cases of the present theory. The governing equations
of equilibrium and boundary conditions are obtained using
the principle of virtual work. A simply supported laminated
composite plate infinitely long in y-direction is considered
for the detail numerical study. A closed form solution
for simply supported boundary conditions is obtained
using Navier’s technique. The displacements and stresses
are obtained for different aspect ratios and modular ratios.

Mechanics of engineering. Applied mechanics


Synthesis of lead-based 1212 and 3212 superconductors by an aqueous sol-gel method

Nenartaviciene Giedre
Skaudzius Ramunas
Raudonis Rimantas
Kareiva Aivaras


Reviewer Acknowledgment

Pharmaceutical Technology in Hospital Pharmacy

Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Pharmaceutical industry


Agronomic and economic benefits of rice–sweetpotato rotation in lowland rice cropping systems in Uganda

Abstract: A crop rotation study was conducted in the Agoro Rice scheme from mid-2015 to 2017 to determine the effect of sweetpotato–rice rotation in the lowlands on financial returns and sweetpotato root, sweetpotato vine, and rice yields compared to monocropping. Treatments included crop rotations of sweetpotato–rice–sweetpotato, rice–sweetpotato–rice, rice–rice–rice (control), and sweetpotato–sweetpotato–sweetpotato (control). The study used the sweetpotato varieties NASPOT 11 (cream-fleshed), NASPOT 10 O, and Ejumula (both orange-fleshed) and the rice varieties Wita 9, Agoro, and Komboka. The results showed that mean sweetpotato root yields in the rotation treatment were significantly higher (28 t ha−1) than the control (19.8 t ha−1), representing a 47% gain in yield. Generally, the percentage gain in yield across years due to rotation ranged from 3 to 132%, depending on the variety. The total number of vine cuttings was significantly different between treatments and seasons (P < 0.001). Mean rice paddy yields in rotation were 8–35% higher than the control. The higher yields of sweetpotato in the rotation can be attributed to the rotation crop benefitting from residual fertilizers applied in rice in the previous season, while rice in the rotation crop could have benefited from the land preparation and establishment of the sweetpotato fields. The benefit of rotation for both crops varied by variety while the revenue-to-cost ratio varied by season and crop variety. Revenue-to-cost ratios for rotation and control treatments were greater than 1, indicating net profits were positive for both. The rotation generated 0.43 times more revenue than rice monocropping. Both rotation and monocropping systems generated profits, but rotation was 43% more profitable. In other words, if monocropping generates 1 dollar, rotation generates 1.43 dollars. The study concludes that rotation of sweetpotato with rice led to (1) increased yields of both rice and sweetpotatoes, (2) more profitable utilization of land, (3) enhanced availability of sweetpotato planting material at the beginning of the upland growing season, and (4) reduced the cost of land preparation for the main rice crop. Findings from this study show that there is great potential for diversification of rice-based cropping systems in Uganda, which will contribute to building sustainable food systems.

Kyalo Gerald
Rajendran Srinivasulu
Alibu Simon
Zziwa Simon
McEwan Margaret
Ekobu Moses
Okello Stella E. A.
Namanda Sam
Otim Michael H.
Lamo Jimmy
Mwanga Robert O. M.
Low Jan W.


Defect Structure and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Ceramic High Temperature Superconductors

Smirnov,  B.I.
Orlova,  T.S.
Shpeizman,  V.V.


The Effect of Process Annealing on the Recrystallization of Lamp Grade Tungsten


Alexander Plitsch. 2014. Parlament und Medien. Eine linguistische Analyse der Berichterstattung über die Bundestagsdebatten zum Afghanistan-Einsatz der Bundeswehr

Zeitschrift für Rezensionen zur Germanistischen Sprachwissenschaft

Germanic languages. Scandinavian languages


Frontmatter


Folate Measurement in Mammalian Tissues by Fluorescence Polarization

Abstract: Measurement of folate in animal tissues is expensive and time-consuming. A fluorescence polarization assay has been developed that allows the rapid and inexpensive quantification of folate in various animal tissues. The concentration of tissue folate is determined by its ability to compete with the binding of Alexa-660-folate to bovine milk folate binding protein. The technique uses a few milligrams of material and is amenable to automated screening in 384-well microplates. Using this approach, the folate concentration in mouse liver, kidney & brain was found to be 21.4, 4.22 and 0.73 nanomoles/g fresh tissue, respectively. Packed human erythrocytes were found to contain 1.31 mM folate. These estimates are similar to published folate values for these tissues. Ascorbate was not included in the assay buffer because of its pro-oxidant effects in iron rich tissues such as erythrocytes and liver. The assay is homogeneous, completed within a few hours of the availability of the samples, and will enable the high throughput analyses of folate in human and animal samples.


Crystal structure of bis(η3-2-tert-butyl-3-N,N-dimethyl- 1-o-tolyl-1-trimethylsilyl-1-azaallyl)cobalt(II), Co[CH(C6H4-o-CH2NMe2)(CCMe3)N(SiMe3)]2


Synthetic biology open language (SBOL) version 3.1.0

Abstract: Synthetic biology builds upon genetics, molecular biology, and metabolic engineering by applying engineering principles to the design of biological systems. When designing a synthetic system, synthetic biologists need to exchange information about multiple types of molecules, the intended behavior of the system, and actual experimental measurements. The Synthetic Biology Open Language (SBOL) has been developed as a standard to support the specification and exchange of biological design information in synthetic biology, following an open community process involving both bench scientists and scientific modelers and software developers, across academia, industry, and other institutions. This document describes SBOL 3.1.0, which improves on version 3.0.0 by including a number of corrections and clarifications as well as several other updates and enhancements. First, this version includes a complete set of validation rules for checking whether documents are valid SBOL 3. Second, the best practices section has been moved to an online repository that allows for more rapid and interactive of sharing these conventions. Third, it includes updates based upon six community approved enhancement proposals. Two enhancement proposals are related to the representation of an object’s namespace. In particular, the Namespace class has been removed and replaced with a namespace property on each class. Another enhancement is the generalization of the CombinatorialDeriviation class to allow direct use of Features and Measures. Next, the Participation class now allow Interactions to be participants to describe higher-order interactions. Another change is the use of Sequence Ontology terms for Feature orientation. Finally, this version of SBOL has generalized from using Unique Reference Identifiers (URIs) to Internationalized Resource Identifiers (IRIs) to support international character sets.

Buecherl Lukas
Mitchell Thomas
Scott-Brown James
Vaidyanathan Prashant
Vidal Gonzalo
Baig Hasan
Bartley Bryan
Beal Jacob
Crowther Matthew
Fontanarrosa Pedro
Gorochowski Thomas
Grünberg Raik
Kulkarni Vishwesh
McLaughlin James
Mısırlı Göksel
Oberortner Ernst
Wipat Anil
Myers Chris


Selected Papers: 9th International Conference on Pteridines and Related Biogenic Amines Port Douglas, Australia, 19th-24th May, 1996 (Editors: J. Christodoulou and N. Blau)


Surgical leadership: the British concept

Abstract: In the UK all surgeons need to have leadership skills as, despite the increasing importance of team management, the consultant surgeon still has overall responsibility for the patient under their care. Poor care is evident when clinical leadership fails. The UK hospital system is non-hierarchical within the consultant body. The clinical surgical manager in a hospital may not be the most senior clinician and the role will often rotate. The manager may or may not have the characteristics of a leader, and very often surgical leaders in a hospital may have no formal role. They are, however, essential to the functioning of the service. Nationally the roles in which professional leadership may reside are numerous. The country has multiple Surgical Royal Colleges and innumerable specialty associations and sub specialty associations all of which have councils and presidents and the multiple specialty and sub-specialty associations normally will have an annual meeting. In the long term this is probably unsustainable and although consolidation is desirable it is hard to achieve. In summary, good surgical leadership is found in many settings in the UK, some in formal roles within hospitals, some in the colleges and specialty associations and sometimes in individuals with no formal role but the capacity to make things happen.


Effect of Thermal Shock on Grindability of Zircon for Preparation of Zircon Flour

Abstract: This paper deals with the effect of thermal shock treatment on grindability and grinding characteristics of zircon minerals and the overall energy saving achieved. This attempt is made due to a fine dry grinding of zircon minerals to produce zircon flour is an energy intensive operation. The effect of grinding time on grinding of zircon minerals in a continuously agitated rod mill indicate that the time required is 170 minutes for obtaining 75% of particles passing 45 µm size for natural zircon mineral whereas for thermally treated zircon it is only 100 minutes to achieve the same. Hence, 70 minutes of grinding time is saved. The work index test results show that 13.3% of the total energy can be saved when a sample is preheated to 850 °C and subjected to thermal shock treatment. The effect is due to the development of numerous micro-cracks and fractures in samples subjected to thermal shock.


Real-Time Pose Estimation of Preterm Infants Using Depth Images

Abstract: Early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants relies on accurate analysis of spontaneous movements. Achieving this requires fast and precise pose estimation methods tailored to infant-specific anatomy and motion. This study evaluates several pretrained YOLOv11-pose models for pose estimation in depth video recordings of preterm neonates and infants using the open source babyPose data set database. The fastest model (YOLOv11n-pose) has a inference time of 0.007 seconds. Considering a previously proposed data split without subject-wise separation between training and testing data, the most accurate model (YOLOv11m-pose) has a median root mean squared distance (RMSD) of 2.15. The median Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and Recall (R) of the joints are 0.85 and 0.86, while the median DSC and R of the joint connections are 0.90 and 0.91. Considering a subject-wise separation of training and testing data, the results noticeably degrade, e.g. to a median DSC and R of the joints of 0.79 and 0.81, while the median DSC and R of the joint connections are 0.75 and 0.79. The present work demonstrates a fast and, copared to the literature, accurate approach to depth-based pose estimation in preterm neonates and infants paving the way for automated movement analysis as a clinical tool for early detection of developmental impairments. Particularly in semiautomated settings where subject-specific annotations can be provided, the results are convining. Regarding the abilities to generalize, more work is required to improve the results.

Vogelsang Tobias
Fahlbusch Fabian B.
Behr Anna-Lena
Zaunseder Sebastian

Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering


Examining the escalation of hostility in social media: a comparative analysis of online incivility in China and the United States regarding the Russia–Ukraine war

Abstract: This study examines and compares online incivility on China’s Weibo and the U.S.’s X (Twitter) amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, aiming to unravel how different cultural and geopolitical contexts influence online incivility and identify factors that may influence the occurrence of online incivility in different national contexts.


Anesthetic management of fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty: A case report

Abstract: Anesthesia management of fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty (FPV) is difficult, requiring careful consideration of both the mother and the fetus. Few reports have been published on specific anesthesia implementation and intraoperative management. We report the case of a pregnant woman who was treated with FPV under combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA) with dexmedetomidine in the second trimester of pregnancy. Meanwhile, the application of fetal anesthesia through the umbilical vein was optimal. During the operation, the vital signs of the pregnant woman were stable with no complications and the fetal bradycardia was corrected by intracardiac injection of epinephrine. Four months postoperatively, a boy was born alive by full-term transvaginal delivery. CSEA may be a suitable anesthesia method for FPV surgery. Nevertheless, maternal hemodynamic stability maintenance, effective fetal anesthesia, and timely fetal resuscitation were necessary.


Toward understanding non-coding RNA roles in intracranial aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common and frequently life-threatening cerebrovascular disease, which is mostly related with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Its complications include rebleeding, early brain injury, cerebral vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, chronic hydrocephalus, and also non neurological problems. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), comprising of microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play an important role in intracranial aneurysms and SAH. Here, we review the non-coding RNAs expression profile and their related mechanisms in intracranial aneurysms and SAH. Moreover, we suggest that these non-coding RNAs function as novel molecular biomarkers to predict intracranial aneurysms and SAH, and may yield new therapies after SAH in the future.

Huang Fengzhen
Yi Jiping
Zhou Tieqiao
Gong Xiaoxiang
Jiang Hong
Yao Xiaoxi

Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry


Characterization and modeling of nanotips fabricated in the field ion microscope

Abstract: Nanotips are considered significant elements in some of nanotechnology instruments. They are used in scanning probe microscopes and electron microscopes to characterize materials at the nano and atomic scales. Therefore, the size and profile of the nanotip determines the performance of these microscopes. The advancement of nanotip fabrication techniques has enabled the fabrication of ultra-sharp tips and even single-atom tips. However, the characterization of nanotips with an apex of a few nanometers is still premature, while the conventional characterization methods of the tip size, such as the ring counting method, have shown some limitation at this nano scale. In this paper, we review the various nanotip fabrication methods with a focus on the most recent one, which is called the local electron bombardment method. We demonstrate an approach for estimating the nanotip radius with good approximation using ball crystal models. We also model the overall nanotip profile using finite element simulation tools based on the hyperboloidal geometry. The modeling and radius estimation approach is applied on tips fabricated by the local electron bombardment method, which will be explained in detail as well.

Technology
Chemical technology
Physical and theoretical chemistry


Radiation dose and cancer risk estimates in helical CT for pulmonary tuberculosis infections

Abstract: The preference for computed tomography (CT) for the clinical assessment of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infections has increased the concern about the potential risk of cancer in exposed patients. In this study, we investigated the correlation between cancer risk and radiation doses from different CT scanners, assuming an equivalent scan protocol. Radiation doses from three 16-slice units were estimated using the CT-Expo dosimetry software version 2.4 and standard CT scan protocol for patients with suspected PTB infections. The lifetime risk of cancer for each scanner was determined using the methodology outlined in the BEIR VII report. Organ doses were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the scanners. The calculated effective dose for scanner H2 is 34% and 37% higher than scanners H3 and H1 respectively. A high and statistically significant correlation was observed between estimated lifetime cancer risk for both male (r2 = 0.943, P < 0.05) and female patients (r2 = 0.989, P < 0.05). The risk variation between the scanners was slightly higher than 2% for all ages but was much smaller for specific ages for male and female patients (0.2% and 0.7%, respectively). These variations provide an indication that the use of a scanner optimizing protocol is imperative.


Electrospun polyacrylonitrile/regenerated cellulose/citral nanofibers as active food packagings

Abstract: The production of food packaging membranes with antibacterial activity is of great significance because it can inactivate bacteria in food and protect the human body from food-borne diseases. Herein, a novel polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/cellulose acetate (CA) composite nanofibers membrane with citral as an antibacterial agent was fabricated by utilizing electrospinning technology. Subsequently, the PAN/regenerated cellulose (RC)/citral composite nanofibers membrane was obtained through an alkaline hydrolysis process and citral grafting modification strategy. At the same time, the preservation efficacy of this membrane in refrigerated chicken breast was investigated. Results indicate that the PAN/RC/citral composite nanofibers membrane, modified by grafting citral, exhibits uniform fiber diameter, favorable morphology, and excellent mechanical properties. Moreover, citral crosslinks with RC components in fiber membranes significantly reduce the total bacterial count and total volatile basic nitrogen value in chicken breast during the packaging and storage process, thereby extending the shelf life of refrigerated chicken breast. This research provides a new approach to the production of antibacterial food packaging films and demonstrates their broad potential application value in the field of food packaging.

Wenjin Cheng
Wangkai Cheng
Lulu Zhang
Nannan Li


SYNTHESIS OF Sn[OCH(t-Bu)2]2 AND Sn[OSi(t-Bu)3]2: VARIABLE TEMPERATURE 1H AND 119Sn NMR STUDIES

Kras,  Lucy H.
Euvrard,  Annica
Grassl,  Yvonne N.
Ronda,  Suzanne M.
Stewart,  Joanne L.


Phyto-fabrication of selenium nanorods using extract of pomegranate rind wastes and their potentialities for inhibiting fish-borne pathogens

Abstract: The invasion of fish/seafoods by zoonotic pathogens causes health threats to humans. Plant derivatives and phytosynthesized nanometals could promisingly overcome bacterial infections/contaminations. The extract of pomegranate rinds (PRE) was innovatively employed for biosynthesizing selenium nanorods (Se-NRs). These agents were assessed as antibacterial candidates against diverse fish-borne pathogenic species (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Sphingomonas paucimobilis). The PRE-synthesized Se-NRs, within 60 min of contact, were negatively charged (‒32 mV) and had mean diameter of 62.31 nm and length range of 443.5–1236.9 nm. The designated infrared spectra for PRE and PRE/Se-NRs composite validated the biosynthesis, bonding, and interactions of the nanocomposite. The antibacterial potentialities of PRE, phytosynthesized Se-NRs, and PRE/Se-NRs composite was confirmed toward the entire challenged pathogens; S. aureus had the highest resistance (with inhibitory concentrations of 72.5, 60.0, and 55.0 mg/L, respectively) and S. paucimobilis was the most sensitive (with inhibitory concentrations of 55.0, 45.0, and 42.5 mg/L, respectively). The ultrastructure of the treated S. paucimobilis with PRE/Se-NRs emphasized the composite potentiality for deforming/distorting cells within 4 h and causing full cells’ destruction and deformation within 8 h of exposure. The PRE-phytosynthesized Se-NRs are advocated as potent antibacterial products against fish-borne pathogens for decontaminating fisheries farms and products.

Gad Hend A.
Tayel Ahmed A.
Al-Saggaf Mohammed S.
Moussa Shaaban H.
Diab Amany M.


Bending properties and numerical analysis of nonorthogonal woven composites

Abstract: The helmet shell material featuring a gradient in bending is urgently required for the next-generation integrated helmet system. However, achieving a bending gradient design for orthogonal woven composites on a 3D shell surface is a significant challenge. Here, nonorthogonal woven composites at 30°, 45°, and 60° were fabricated, and their bending properties are discussed. Furthermore, their bending properties are compared to those of plain off-axis woven composites, which indicates that the bending linearity trend of nonorthogonal woven composites is evident. Notably, the bending strength of the 30° and 60° nonorthogonal woven composites is 66.9 and 67.4% higher, respectively, than that of the plain off-axis woven composites, and the bending modulus is 169.8 and 196.9% higher, respectively. Finally, a finite element analysis of the bending properties of nonorthogonal woven composites was conducted, and a stress analysis of the inner layers was also conducted. This work paves the way for designing gradient materials for helmet shells.

Zheng Yong
Qi Yexiong
Qi Xiaoling
Sun Ning
Shao Runze
Li Miao
Shiwang Gao


Heterogeneous radiolysis of urea. Implications
in astrobiology and prebiotic chemistry

Abigail E. Cruz-Hernández, Abigail E.
Colin-Garcia Maria
Heredia-Barbero Alejandro
Negron-Mendoza Alicia
Ramos-Bernal Sergio


Chirality and self-assembly of structures derived from optically active 1,2-diaminocyclohexane and catecholamines

Abdalla Hawdang Othman
Warzańska Martyna
Grajewski Jakub
Mrówczyński Radosław


Synthesis of Lawsonia inermis-encased silver–copper bimetallic nanoparticles with antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activity

Ragavendran Chinnasamy
Kamaraj Chinnaperumal
Natarajan Devarajan
Al-Ghanim Khalid A.
Magesh Mohan
Nicoletti Marcello
Govindarajan Marimuthu


The critical size of brittle solid materials and the measurement of their surface tension

Abstract: The relationship of the energy required to break a particle or a particulate material vs. particle size has been studied by many researchers. On the one hand, mineral processing engineers, who are interested in the specific energy (in joules per cubic meter or joules per kilogram) required for grinding, almost agree that it is inversely proportional to the particle size, although they might disagree on the type of the relationship. On the other hand, building and structural engineers, who are mainly interested in the strength of materials (in newtons per square meter or pascals), they almost agree that at the size range of the elements used, their strength depends on the quality of the material rather than its size. The present article shows that both groups of engineers are right about the size range of the bodies used by each one. However, there is a critical size that determines the fracture behavior of a brittle material. The definition of the critical size can be used to understand the practical results obtained as well as to measure the surface tension of the tested materials.


Crystal structure of dichlorido[tris(pyrazolyl)borate]triphenylphosphinerhenium(III), C27H25BCl2N6PRe

Abstract: C27H25BCl2N6PRe, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 10.404(2) Å, b = 20.006(4) Å, c = 13.391(3) Å, β = 92.74(3)°, V = 2784.2 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0205, wRref(F2) = 0.0449, T = 123 K.


A non-ideal hybridization issue for vertical TFET-based dielectric-modulated biosensor

Abstract: This article evaluates SiGe/Si heterojunction vertical tunnel field-effect transistor (VTFET-hetero) biosensors, using SiGe in the source region to enhance sensitivity. It detects smaller analyte concentrations for biomedical applications. Non-ideal sensor behavior is explained by steric hindrance and irregular probe/receptor positions. Based on the simulation results, sensitivity is determined for four different cases in which partially filled nanogaps have decreasing, increasing, concave, and convex profiles. Simulation shows concave step profiles having the highest sensitivity. The VTFET-hetero structure exhibits higher sensitivity than horizontal biosensors, achieving a sensitivity of 8.64 × 107 for immobilized charged biomolecules.

Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)


Crystal structure of desvenlafaxinium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid monohydrate, C30H35N5O15

Kaur Manpreet
Yathirajan Hemmige S.
Byrappa K.
Hosten Eric
Betz Richard


New roles of research data infrastructure in research paradigm evolution

Abstract: Research data infrastructures form the cornerstone in both cyber and physical spaces, driving the progression of the data-intensive scientific research paradigm. This opinion paper presents an overview of global research data infrastructure, drawing insights from national roadmaps and strategic documents related to research data infrastructure. It emphasizes the pivotal role of research data infrastructures by delineating four new missions aimed at positioning them at the core of the current scientific research and communication ecosystem. The four new missions of research data infrastructures are: (1) as a pioneer, to transcend the disciplinary border and address complex, cutting-edge scientific and social challenges with problem- and data-oriented insights; (2) as an architect, to establish a digital, intelligent, flexible research and knowledge services environment; (3) as a platform, to foster the high-end academic communication; (4) as a coordinator, to balance scientific openness with ethics needs.

Li Yizhan
Dong Lu
Fan Xiaoxiao
Wei Ren
Guo Shijie
Ma Wenzhen
Li Zexia

Information technology
Electronic computers. Computer science


Social Networks and Macroeconomic Stability

Shu-Heng  Chen
Chia-Ling  Chang
Ming-Chang  Wen


Christoph Driessen, Griff nach den Sternen. Die Geschichte der Europäischen Union. Regensburg, Pustet 2024


Job Placement Agencies in an Agent-based Model of the Local Labor Market with the Long-term Unemployed and on-the-job Flows


The Anti-Inflation Act: A Golden Opportunity for Labour

Law in general. Comparative and uniform law. Jurisprudence


The Research of SPAC System Model Based on Water Flow in Zoige Wetland

Abstract: Abstract:This paper studied the water flow of SPAC system in Zoige wetland, so as to evaluate accurately and utilize suitably water resource of wetland. Based on the distinctive studies on the sub systems of soil plant atmosphere systems and their interfaces, a new approach of simulation is carried out using coupled model by inputting data needed. The model is tested by using the measured parameters, and the model is run under the conditions of changing the values of the main parameters within certain range to analyze the sensitivity of the parameters. This model can describe the eco hydrology process of Zoige wetland. The result shows that for Zoige wetland plant, the “ideal” ground water level is 60~100 cm, and the “feasible” ground water level is 0~60 cm and 100~250 cm.

Editorial Department of Journal of Sichuan University (Engineering Science Edition)


Exploring innovation landscapes: a national cross-sectional study of Swedish primary care from the viewpoint of primary care managers

Abstract: Abstract Background Innovation is increasingly necessary in primary care policy, and healthcare managers play a pivotal role in translating policy ambitions into practice and shaping organisational conditions that foster innovation. The aim of this study was to explore innovation activities and their contextual conditions in Swedish primary care, as perceived by primary care managers. Methods A national cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted across Swedish primary care centres. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed using systematic text condensation. Results In total, 392 of the 1,028 invited primary care managers responded to the questionnaire. Approximately 80% of primary care managers reported product, process or organisational innovations, reflecting relatively high innovation activity at primary care centres. Innovation ideas predominantly emerged from within the primary care centre, and managers viewed themselves as playing a central role in generating these ideas. Most innovation activities involved internal collaboration between staff groups (86%) and units (62%), with limited external collaboration (6%–12%). Leadership was central in engaging staff with innovation and cultivating an innovation-supportive culture. Managers provided time, space and organisational support for continuous competence development. However, organisational and resource constraints limited staff involvement in innovation, as primary care remains tightly bound to economic and production-related demands. Conclusion This study offers an overview of the innovation landscape in Swedish primary care from the perspective of primary care managers and contributes empirical knowledge on how innovation is understood and managed across different primary care contexts in Sweden. While Swedish primary care demonstrates strong engagement in innovation, the involvement of and collaboration with external stakeholders remain limited, underscoring the need for system-level strategies and processes to facilitate cross-sector innovation partnerships. Further research is needed on how system-level frameworks for collaboration and innovation can be established across the Swedish healthcare system, including primary care.

Sarah Samuelson
Eva-Lisa Petersson
Cecilia Björkelund
Marcus Praetorius Björk
Dominique Hange
Malin Östman
Sven Persson Kylén
Irene Svenningsson


Hydrostatic Pressure Affects In Vitro Maturation of Oocytes and Follicles and Increases Granulosa Cell Death

Abstract: Objective: This study examines the effects of hydrostatic pressure on in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes derived from in vitro grown follicles.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, preantral follicles were isolated from 12-day-old female NMRI mice. Each follicle was cultured individually in Alpha Minimal Essential Medium (α-MEM) under mineral oil for 12 days. Then, follicles were induced for IVM and divided into two groups, control and experiment. In the experiment group follicles were subjected to 20 mmHg pressure for 30 minutes and cultured for 24-48 hours. We assessed for viability and IVM of the oocytes. The percentage of apoptosis in cumulus cells was determined by the TUNEL assay. A comparison between groups was made using the student’s t test.Results: The percentage of metaphase II oocytes (MII) increased in hydrostatic pressure-treated follicles compared to controls (p<0.05). Cumulus cell viability reduced in hydrostatic pressure-treated follicles compared to controls (p<0.05). Exposure of follicles to pressure increased apoptosis in cumulus cells compared to controls (p<0.05).Conclusion: Hydrostatic pressure, by inducing apoptosis in cumulus cells, participates in the cumulus oocyte coupled relationship with oocyte maturation.

Isac Karimi
Ali Amini
Mehri Azadbakht
Zahra Rashidi


The influence of catch trials on the consolidation of motor memory in force field adaptation tasks

Abstract: In computational neuroscience it is generally accepted that human motor memory contains neural representations of the physics of the musculoskeletal system and the objects in the environment. These representations are called internal models. Force field studies, in which subjects have to adapt to dynamic perturbations induced by a robotic manipulandum, are an established tool to analyze the characteristics of such internal models. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether catch trials during force field learning could influence the consolidation of motor memory in more complex tasks. Thereby, the force field was more than double the force field of previous studies (35 Ns/m). Moreover, the arm of the subjects was not supported. A total of forty-six subjects participated in this study and performed center-out movements at a robotic manipulandum in two different force fields. Two control groups learned force field A on day 1 and were retested in the same force field on day 3 (AA). Two test groups additionally learned an interfering force field B (=-A) on day 2 (ABA). The difference between the two test and control groups, respectively, was the absence (0%) or presence (19%) of catch trials, in which the force field was turned off suddenly. The results showed consolidation of force field A on day 3 for both control groups. Test groups showed no consolidation of force field A (19% catch trials) and even poorer performance on day 3 (0% catch trials). In conclusion, it can be stated that catch trials seem to have a positive effect on the performance on day 3 but do not trigger a consolidation process as shown in previous studies that used a lower force field viscosity with supported arm. These findings indicate that the results of previous studies in which less complex tasks were analyzed, cannot be fully transferred to more complex tasks. Moreover, the effects of catch trials in these situations are insufficiently understood and further research is needed.

Anne eFocke
Christian eStockinger
Christina eDiepold
Marco eTaubert
Thorsten eStein


„Sok irásokbúl, s’hasznos experientiákból ki tanúlt”

University of Debrecen, Faculty of Economics and Business


Board Diversity and the Appointment of Women CEOs: The Moderating Effects of Separation and Disparity

Abstract: Extant research finds a ‘trickle down effect’ in CEO selection, whereby gender diversity in the boardroom begets gender diversity at the position of CEO. We build upon such work by incorporating other aspects of diversity, following Harrison and Klein’s (2007) classification of diversity as variety, separation, or disparity. In a boardroom setting, whereas variety largely reflects the effect of directors’ demographics, separation captures differences in directors’ roles, while disparity relates to variation in directors’ power or influence. Using these distinct constructs, we explore how differing dimensions of diversity interact to affect the likelihood of hiring a woman CEO. We find that diversity as separation (disparity) on a board of directors significantly amplifies (attenuates) the relationship between diversity as variety and CEO gender. These results provide important nuance on how board characteristics impact the diversity of new CEO hires. JEL CLASSIFICATION: M10, M12, M14


Disparities in the quality of care in patients with empty sella based on etiology: A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Background Empty sella (ES) is characterized by the replacement of pituitary tissue with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the sella turcica. Despite its frequency in clinical settings, ES is often underrecognized and incompletely evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine patterns of care and potential disparities across different ES etiologies. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate differences in hormonal assessment and referral patterns among patients with various etiologies of empty sella. All patients aged ≥14 years diagnosed with ES between February 2021 and December 2022 at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were included. Relevant data were extracted from electronic medical records, and comparisons of hormonal assessment were made based on etiology and reason for endocrine referral. Results Among 287 patients (75.3% female, mean age 49.7 years), 84.6% had primary ES. Only 29.9% were referred to endocrinology (52.4% for ES-specific evaluation). Secondary ES patients received more comprehensive hormonal assessments than primary ES ( P <0.001). Primary ES referrals for ES-specific evaluation correlated with thorough testing ( P <0.001). Conclusions Significant disparities exist in ES management, driven by etiology and referral intent. Standardized referral pathway and universal screening are essential to improve care.

Abrar Alfaifi MBBS
Amal Alturkistani MBBS
Fatimah Altaleb MBBS
Nouf Aboalsamh MBBS
Mussa H. Almalki MBBS, MSc


An Operations Measurement System

Control engineering systems. Automatic machinery (General)


The overlapping relationship among depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom disorder and its impact on the quality of life of people with epilepsy

Abstract: Background: Emotional disorder is an important indicator for assessing the quality of life (QOL) of people with epilepsy (PWE). Depression, somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and anxiety are among the most frequently occurring mental disorders and overlap with each other. Objectives: This study examines the overlap of these three emotional disorders and their effects separately and in combination on the QOL of PWE. Design: Cross-sectional study. Data Sources and Methods: Adults attending our epilepsy clinic between 1 July 2020 and 1 May 2022 were consecutively enrolled. They were screened for depression, SSD, and anxiety by structured interviews, and demographic, epilepsy-related and QOL indicators were collected. Multivariate analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) and stratified analysis were used to explore the effects of their respective and combined effects on QOL. Results: Among the 749 patients, 189 patients (25%) were diagnosed with depression, 183 patients (24%) were diagnosed with SSD, and 157 patients (21%) were diagnosed with anxiety. The frequency of occurrence of each emotional disorder together with other emotional disorders was higher than the frequency of occurrence of an emotional disorder alone. Depression, SSD, and anxiety all had an independent effect on QOL of PWE ( p  < 0.001). Depression had the greatest effect, followed by SSD, and then anxiety ( β : multivariate analysis, −11.0 versus –7.8 versus –6.5; PSM, −14.7 versus –9.4 versus –6.8). The QOL of PWE decreased more significantly with the increasing number of comorbid emotional disorders ( β : –12.1 versus –20.7 versus –23.0). Conclusion: It is necessary to screen for three emotional disorders, that is, depression, SSD, and anxiety, in PWE. Attention should be paid to people with multiple comorbid emotional disorders.

Sisi Shen
Zaiquan Dong
Qi Zhang
Jing Xiao
Dong Zhou
Jinmei Li

Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders

Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system


Network Analysis of Medical Claims Data Suggests Network-Based, Regional Targeting and Intervention Delivery Strategies to Increase Access to Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Abstract: Opioid overdose and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) statistics underscore an urgent need to significantly expand access to evidence-based OUD treatment. Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) has proven effective for treating OUD. However, limited access to these treatments persists. Recognizing the need for significant investment in clinical, behavioral, and translational research, the Indiana State Department of Health and Indiana University embarked on a research initiative supported by the “Responding to the Addictions Crisis” Grand Challenge Program. This brief presents recommendations based on existing research and our own analyses of medical claims data in Indiana, where opioid misuse is high and treatment access is limited. The recommendations cover target providers, intervention focus, priority regions, and delivery methods.

Harold D. Green PhD
Patrick C. Kaminski MA

Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing


The Effect of Health Literacy on a Brief Intervention to Improve Advance Directive Completion: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract: Objective Completion of an advance directive (AD) document is one component of advanced care planning. We evaluated a brief intervention to enhance AD completion and assess whether the intervention effect varied according to health literacy. Methods A randomized controlled study was conducted in 2 internal medicine clinics. Participants were over 50, without documented AD, no diagnosis of dementia, and spoke English. Participants were screened for health literacy utilizing REALM-SF. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention, a 15-minute scripted introduction (grade 7 reading level) to our institution’s AD forms (grade 11 reading level) or to the control, in which subjects were handed blank AD forms without explanation. Both groups received reminder calls at 1, 3, and 5 months. The primary outcome was AD completion at 6 months. Results Five hundred twenty-nine subjects were enrolled; half were of limited and half were of adequate health literacy. The AD completion rate was 21.7% and was similar in the intervention vs. the control group (22.4% vs 22.2%, P  = .94).More participants with adequate health literacy completed an AD than those with limited health literacy (28.4% vs 16.2%, P  = .0008), although the effect of the intervention was no different within adequate or limited literacy groups. Conclusion A brief intervention had no impact on AD completion for subjects of adequate or limited health literacy. Practice Implications Our intervention was designed for easy implementation and to be accessible to patients of adequate or limited health literacy. This intervention was not more likely than the control (handing patients an AD form) to improve AD completion for patients of either limited or adequate health literacy. Future efforts and research to improve AD completion rates should focus on interventions that include: multiple inperson contacts with patients, contact with a trusted physician, documents at 5th grade reading level, and graphic/video decision aids. Trial Registration Number NCT02702284, Protocol ID IRB201500776

Paige C. Barker
Neal P. Holland
Oliver Shore
Robert L. Cook
Yang Zhang
Carrie D. Warring
Melanie G. Hagen

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health

Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics


Sociodemographic Factors and Depression in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Multicenter, Cross-sectional Study in Georgia

Abstract: Background: Depression commonly occurs in patients with breast cancer (BC), affecting their quality of life. Objectives: The relationships between depression and different sociodemographic characteristics in patients with BC are under-researched. We conducted a multicenter study to determine the magnitude of depression and its association with different sociodemographic characteristics. Design: In this multi-institutional study, clinical data were collected, prospectively between October 2019 and January 2023 from 207 patients who were on active treatment for BC diagnosis in tertiary oncology hospitals in Georgia. Methods: Patients’ sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed and their association with depression was assessed, using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for the identification of depressive symptoms. Patients were stratified using basic information. Results: The median age of participants was 53 years (ranging from 31 to 77). Of the participants, 63.2% were married, 44.5% were employed, and only 16.4% reported having adequate financial status. Based on pro-rated PHQ-9 scores, 42% of patients reported some level of depressive symptoms, and 14.5% met the criteria for probable depressive disorder. Women with very inadequate financial status (10/21, 47.6%) reported significantly more depressive symptoms than those with adequate financial support (3/34, 8.8%) ( P  = .001). Unemployed women (12/42, 28.6%) were nearly 3 times more likely to experience moderate or severe depressive symptoms compared with employed patients (8/92, 8.7%) ( P  = .002). A significant difference in depressive symptoms was also observed based on education level, with individuals with higher education (12/119, 10%) reporting fewer depressive symptoms compared with those with middle education (18/88, 20.4%) ( P  = .036). No statistically significant difference in depressive symptoms was found based on marital status or social support. Conclusions: Our study found a significant relationship between depression and factors such as financial status, education level, and employment. Lower household income and education level were identified as predictors of clinical depression among patients with BC. These findings can help oncologists in Georgia recognize the importance of providing psychological support to cancer patients. Early detection and prompt referral to mental health specialists can play a key role in effectively managing depression.

Tamar Kakhniashvili
Nino Okribelashvili
Ivane Kiladze

Breast Cancer: Basic and Clinical Research

Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens


Severe neuropathic attack in a woman with acute intermittent porphyria: a case report

Abstract: Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare autosomal dominant metabolic disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, and can be easily confused with other diseases. Many patients with porphyria may have symptoms of peripheral nerve damage during an AIP attack, but most such patients are usually only mildly affected. Herein, we describe the case of an undiagnosed woman who developed overall weakness and respiratory failure within 48 hours, leading to her referral to the intensive care unit. Her neuropathy rapidly deteriorated, leading to quadriplegia and bulbar palsy within 14 days. Finally, the reddish color of her urine and further genetic analysis led to a diagnosis of AIP. The patient was treated with intravenous glucose infusion and her condition gradually improved; however, severe neurological sequelae remained. To the best of our knowledge, the AIP reported in this case, involving rapid and severe neuropathy, is extremely rare worldwide. A diagnosis of AIP should therefore be considered when patients present with severe progressive neuropathy. Moreover, early diagnosis may considerably improve patient prognosis.

Journal of International Medical Research


Patient-Partners as Educators: Vulnerability Related to Sharing of Lived Experience

Abstract: Patient-partners are invaluable in health professions’ education. Sharing their lived experiences with prospective and current healthcare providers can provide an opportunity for these participants to hone their patient-centric skills. However, sharing stories publicly is a vulnerable role and may feel emotionally risky for patient-partners. Using reflective dialogue, this manuscript outlines recommendations through the Sender-Receiver Model of Communication for Patient-Partners encounters when working with patient-partners in health professions’ education. These recommendations include recognizing that: Patient-partners need to consider if they are ready to share their story. Some stories are wounds requiring further healing; other stories are scars fully processed by patient-partners and ready to be shared publicly. The audience should differentiate between questions that can promote critical thinking versus feel like a “personal attack.” Audiences should recognize vulnerability patient-partners may experience in sharing their stories and engage accordingly. Pre-session and post-session debriefs are important. Shared stories may elicit intense emotions from patient-partners and audiences. Both groups should be given an opportunity to process and work through emotions.

Kateryna Metersky PhD, RN
Rezwana Rahman MN(c), BScN, RN
Jennifer Boyle PhD


Ten-day vonoprazan–amoxicillin dual therapy versus 14-day esomeprazole–amoxicillin dual therapy for first-line  eradication: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract: Background: The efficacy of the 14-day esomeprazole–amoxicillin (EA) dual therapy in eradicating Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) has been widely discussed previously. Vonoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, presents rapid, potent, and long-lasting acid inhibitory effects compared to esomeprazole. However, there is currently a scarcity of direct comparisons between the 10-day vonoprazan–amoxicillin (VA) and the 14-day EA dual therapy for H. pylori eradication. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the 10-day VA and the 14-day EA dual therapy for H. pylori first-line eradication. Design: This study was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Methods: The study was conducted at 10 hospitals in China. In total, 570 newly diagnosed H. pylori -infected patients were recruited from April 2023 to February 2024. These patients were randomly assigned to either the 10-day VA group (vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily + amoxicillin 1000 mg three times daily) or the 14-day EA group (esomeprazole 20 mg four times daily + amoxicillin 750 mg four times daily). The primary outcome was the eradication rate, with secondary outcomes including adverse events and compliance. Results: The 10-day VA regimen outperformed the 14-day EA regimen in terms of eradication rates in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (85.4% vs 76.7%, p  = 0.008), modified ITT analysis (90.7% vs 84.8%, p  = 0.036), and per-protocol (PP) analysis (91.1% versus 85.5%, p  = 0.047). The non-inferiority p -values in all three analyses were less than 0.001. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (9.1% vs 11.7%, p  = 0.308). The 10-day VA regimen demonstrated higher compliance compared to the 14-day EA regimen ( p  = 0.006). Conclusion: The 10-day VA dual therapy showed a satisfactory eradication rate of 91.1% (PP analysis), demonstrating good safety and better compliance compared to the 14-day EA dual therapy as the first-line eradication. Trial registration: This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2300070475) on April 12, 2023.

Ben-Gang Zhou
Ming-Wen Guo
Li-Juan Zhang
Zhi-Dong Liu
Chun-Hua Liu
Xue-Feng Li
Shun-Song Li
Peng Xiao
Bing Bao
Yao-Wei Ai
Yan-Bing Ding

Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology

Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology


A single-item Expectancy Measure’s Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness to Detect Changes in Clinical Efficacy Studies of Integrative Cancer Therapies: A Methodology Study

Abstract: Background: Expectations may modify outcomes. However, studies often fail to measure expectations. This raises the need for a brief valid and reliable expectancy measure. Objectives: To study treatment expectations in individuals entering acupuncture or rest, validity and test re-test reliability of a single-item expectancy measure graded on a category scale, a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and to identify psychometric differences between the scales. Method: In this methodology study, treatment expectations were measured in 363 participants before they received acupuncture (genuine traditional penetrating or non-penetrating telescopic sham acupuncture, n = 239, 98%, responded) or a control treatment involving just rest (n = 120, 100%, responded), aimed to improve level of relaxation. A treatment expectancy measure, graded on a five-grade category scale, an eight-grade NRS and a 100 mm VAS, was tested for test re-test reliability. Level of expectation and relaxation was measured at baseline, pre- and post-therapy (n = 729 expectancy measurements). Results: The participants scheduled for acupuncture or rest believed moderately (Inter Quartile Range, IQR, moderately-much) and much (IQR moderately-much) the treatment to be effective. The Intra-Class Correlation coefficient versus Kappa coefficient between test and re-test was .868/.868 for the category scale, .820/.820 for the NRS, and .856/.854 for the VAS. The middle step “Believe moderately the treatment to be effective” was equivalent with median 4 (IQR, 3-4) on NRS and median 52 mm (IQR 42-52) on VAS. The response rates were 708 (97%) on the category scale, 707 (97%) on the NRS, and 703 (96%) on the VAS. All three scales discriminated that pre-therapy expectations were more positive in the individuals who reported an improvement in relaxation level ( P < .001-.003). The VAS presented higher responsiveness to detect expectancy changes over time (71% increased expectation), compared to the NRS (52% increased) and the category scale (12% increased), P < .001. Conclusions: Individuals entering acupuncture, or a control intervention, presented positive treatment expectations, and the expectancy measure presented satisfactory reliability, validity, high response rates, sensitiveness, and responsiveness. Integrative cancer therapy researchers who want to control for expectancy-related bias in clinical trials should consider measuring expectation using the single-item expectancy measure.


Primary Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Among Medicare Beneficiaries Versus Alternative Payers: Is It Time to Consider Nationwide Coverage?

Abstract: Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objectives As of 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does not provide nationwide coverage for cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). The aim was to determine whether Medicare beneficiaries have differences in: (1) lengths of stay (LOS); (2) complications; (3) readmissions; and (4) costs of care. Methods Using the 2010 to 2020 PearlDiver database, we queried patients undergoing primary CDA for degenerative disc pathology. Study groups patients were those undergoing CDA with Medicare coverage (n = 1467); patients without Medicare coverage were the comparison cohort (n = 15,389). Endpoints were to compare demographics and comorbidities within the Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI), LOS, 90-day complications, 90-day readmissions, and 90-day reimbursements. A multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds (OR) of medical complications and readmissions within 90-days. A P -value less than .003 was significant. Results Patients with Medicare coverage undergoing CDA had higher mean ECI compared to alternative payers (5.24 vs 3.26; P < .0001). Mean LOS was significantly higher for Medicare beneficiaries (2.20 vs 1.76 days; P < .010). There was no significant differences in odds of all medical complications (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: .98-1.44; P = .069) or readmission rates (1.77% vs 1.33%, OR:0.82, 95% CI: .50-1.29; P = .417) within 90-days following the index procedure among Medicare beneficiaries vs alternative payers. Non-Medicare beneficiaries had higher 90-day reimbursements compared to Medicare beneficiaries ($6,700 vs $7,086, P < .001). Conclusions Medicare beneficiaries despite having slightly longer lengths of stay did not have higher rates of medical complications or readmissions. Surgeons and policy makers may use this data to consider alternative treatments in Medicare patients.

Adam M Gordon MD
Ivan J Golub MD
Aaron W Lam MD
Mitchell K Ng MD
Ahmed Saleh MD

Surgery
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system


Characterization of Primate Antibody Responses to Administered Murine Monoclonal Immunoglobulin

Abstract: Murine monoclonal antibodies (MAb) are currently being assessed for their utility as tools in cancer management. Anti-murine immunoglobulin responses have been observed in many patients receiving monoclonal antibody treatment. In this study, we evaluated the response of primates to the administration of a monoclonal antibody. MAb B6.2, an antibody generated against a human breast tumor metastasis, was used as a prototype MAb. Baboons were inoculated with MAb B6.2 whole IgG, Fab', or F(ab') 2 fragments. Blood samples were drawn at periodic intervals post-inoculation and the sera collected. Anti-murine immunoglobulin responses were detected using a solid-phase radioimmunoassay. The specificity of the antibody response was analyzed to determine if the response was directed against the species of origin of the MAb (species specificity), against the class of the MAb (isotype specificity), or against the hypervariable region of the MAb (idiotype specificity). We found that primates develop a humoral immune response against all three forms of the monoclonal antibody [IgG, Fab', and F(ab') 2 ]. Furthermore, this antibody response demonstrated a high degree of specificity for the antigen binding site suggesting an idiotypic specificity. Using a competitive radioimmunoassay, the antibody response was found to interfere with antigen binding of MAb B6.2. These studies suggest that monoclonal antibody treatment can generate an anti-idiotypic response which may alter the efficacy of this mode of treatment.

D.E. Milenic
B. Detrick
J.C. Reynolds
D. Colcher

The International Journal of Biological Markers


Experimental and numerical investigation of the flexural behavior of CFRP box girders

Abstract: The advantages of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) box girders include good bending resistance, lightweight and high strength. Therefore, they are widely used in aerospace, rail transit, and other fields. When the CFRP box girder is subjected to bending load, the strength of the initial damage is usually used as the ultimate load. However, after the initial damage of the CFRP box girder, the load will be redistributed and structure still have a higher ultimate load. As the damage accumulates, it eventually leads to complete failure of the structure, which is a progressive damage. It turns out that the composite structure still has bending capacity after the initial damage, but the mechanical response at this stage has not been fully studied. To make full use of the ultimate bearing capacity of the CFRP box girder, this article adopts the theory of progressive damage of a composite material and programs the ABAQUS/Explicit user material subroutine (VUMAT) to analyze CFRP box girder progressive damage. This article also produces CFRP box girder specimens with five typical ply schemes and implements three-point bending tests to verify the bending strength of the CFRP box girder. In addition, this article designs strain measurement and ultrasonic scanning experiments to verify the difference between experiment and simulation. The final result shows that the progressive damage model established in this article is reliable, among the five typical ply schemes, when the 0° ply ratio is 60% and the ±45° ply ratio is 40%, the CFRP box girder has the greatest ultimate load carrying capacity.


The Perceptual Basis of Some Rules of Thumb in Photography

Abstract: We communicate increasingly with visual imagery such as realistic pictures (e.g., photographs, computer graphic images, perspective drawings and paintings). People are readily able to interpret pictures, but the means by which they do so is poorly understood. Photographers utilize many guidelines for creating natural-looking pictures. One guideline concerns the lens focal length required to produce pictures that are not spatially distorted. Photography texts recommend choosing a focal length of 50mm. There are two phenomena related to this guideline. One is perceived spatial distortions in wide-angle (short focal length) pictures. I will argue that the perceived distortions are caused by the perceptual mechanisms people employ to take into account oblique viewing positions. The second phenomenon is perceived depth in pictures taken with different focal lengths. The textbooks argue that pictures taken with short focal lengths expand perceived depth and those taken with long focal lengths compress it. I will argue that these effects are due to a combination of the viewing geometry and peoples' viewing. Another guideline concerns the camera aperture and depth-of-field blur. Photography textbooks do not describe a quantitative rule and treat the magnitude of depth-of-field blur as arbitrary. I examine apertures, lenses, and image formation. From that examination, I argue that there is a natural relationship between depth-of-field blur and the 3D layout of the photographed scene. Human viewers are sensitive to this relationship. In particular, depicted scenes are perceived differently depending on the relationship between blur and 3D layout. Understanding the perceptual basis of these guidelines provides insight into how to construct photographs, perspective paintings, and computer graphic images for more effective visual communication.


Levorphanol: Revisiting an Underutilized Analgesic


Patient-Specific Finite-Element Analysis of Three Intramedullary Nails for Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion

Abstract: Category: Ankle, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is a salvage procedure for patients with severe osteoarthritis and other degenerative ankle conditions. Oftentimes, an intramedullary (IM) nail is implanted across the joints and then fixed with tibial and calcaneal screws. Maintaining compression and load sharing are both largely desired to promote fusion via primary bone healing; however, compression can be lost due to small amounts of bone resorption and IM nails are now being made from carbon-fiber epoxy to minimize stress shielding. To date, no one has been able to directly characterize or compare the specific amount of these parameters across nails in a single model. The purpose of this study is to compare influence of nail design and materials for compressive and load-sharing properties using a patient-specific finite-element model. Methods: A titanium nail, a pseudoelastic nickel-titanium nail, and carbon fiber-epoxy nail were investigated for (1) load sharing between the nail body and tibia under gait loading and (2) compression loss as a function of resorption in the talus. A patient- specific model of the ankle, both in geometry and material properties, was generated from a quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scan of a healthy leg. The models were segmented and meshed using SCANIP and exported into ABAQUS for finite- element analysis. Compression in the nickel-titanium nail was simulated by pre-stretching the pseudoelastic compressive element. Conversely, compression in the titanium and carbon-fiber nails were generated by giving the nail jacket an orthotropic contraction coefficient in the model. After compression was set, each nail was subjected to an applied gait load that peaked at 1121 N. Resorption was simulated using a thin compressible layer of bone in the talus and decreasing the modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Results: Surprisingly, the carbon-fiber nail showed similar stress shielding to the titanium nail, with 72% and 77% of the stress being transferred through the devices instead of the ankle, respectively. Even though carbon fiber-epoxy has a significantly lower modulus than titanium (75 GPa vs 110 GPa), the overall stiffness of the nails was still much greater than that of bone (~30,000 N/mm vs. ~44,000 N/mm vs. ~3,000 N/mm, respectively). The pseudoelastic nail only shielded 32% of the stress values by comparison. For the titanium and carbon-fiber nails, over 85% of the initial compression provided by the nail drops with 0.10 mm of resorption. The pseudoelastic nail maintained 90% of its initial compression after 0.10 mm of resorption. Conclusion: IM nail design and materials played a significant role in maintaining compression and load sharing. The pseudoelastic nail had the lowest degree of stress-shielding (32%) and maintained compression for over 0.10 mm of simulated resorption. Constant compression and the avoidance of “resorption gapping” is paramount to drive primary bone healing in joint fusions due to lack of periosteal/endosteal anatomy crossing the fusion site, thus impairing the ability for secondary bone healing (callus healing). This model allows for direct comparison between devices and can be used pre-operatively to predict patient-specific performance and help aid in device selection for TTC fusion.

Christopher Yakacki PhD
Patrick Terrill BS
Robert Carpenter PhD
Douglas Pacaccio DPM


Review: Holger Stoecker: Afrikawissenschaften in Berlin von 1919 bis 1945. Zur Geschichte und Topographie eines wissenschaftlichen Netzwerkes (2008) Buchbesprechung: Holger Stoecker: Afrikawissenschaften in Berlin von 1919 bis 1945. Zur Geschichte und Topographie eines wissenschaftlichen Netzwerkes

Abstract: Review of the monograph: Holger Stoecker: Afrikawissenschaften in Berlin von 1919 bis 1945. Zur Geschichte und Topographie eines wissenschaftlichen Netzwerkes, Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag 2008, ISBN 978-3-515-09161-9, 359 pages. Besprechung der Monographie: Holger Stoecker: Afrikawissenschaften in Berlin von 1919 bis 1945. Zur Geschichte und Topographie eines wissenschaftlichen Netzwerkes, Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag 2008, ISBN 978-3-515-09161-9, 359 Seiten.

History of Africa
International relations
Social Sciences


Material, structure, and design of textile-based compression devices for managing chronic edema

Abstract: Background : Compression bandages, stockings, and pneumatic compression devices are common classifications of compression products, used alone or in combination. The structure of these compression products is complex: they are typically multi-layered, overlapped, stretched and applied to a three-dimensional curved surface part of the body. This research aims to review the materials, designs, and fabrication processes/technologies of a variety of compression devices used in management of chronic edema by considering contributions of materials/textiles, as well as prototyping technologies. Method : Relevant papers/patents for review were identified using keywords associated with materials, designs, and fabrication processes of textile-based compression devices/products for treatments of the edematous lower limb. Results : Modern Compression therapies employ textile materials with a variety of fiber types, yarns and fabric structures, and wide range of elasticity and extensibility (i.e. inelastic to elastic, short stretch to long stretch) to provide the required pressure to the lower leg. Compression fabrics are fabricated using a variety of production technologies and machineries, and they have a wide range of physical and performance attributes. Conclusions : Appropriate selection of materials and fabrication technologies for use in compression therapy is essential to enhance the success in the management of chronic edema. This review might aid in the development and implementation of textiles/materials, and improvement in design of the textile-based compression devices to increase the efficacy of compression therapies in the management of chronic edema, allowing patients to improve their long-term health.

Technology
Special industries and trades


Poster 397: Orthopaedic Injury Analysis Among Male and Female High School and Collegiate Aged Soccer Players Presenting to United States Emergency Departments

Abstract: Objectives: Soccer is the second most played sport in America by participation, with upwards of 12 million players nationally in 2018. A majority of those athletes are adolescents and young adults, with 71% of players falling between the ages of 6 and 24. This study aimed to determine if any injury profile differences exist in the intra- and post-COVID eras between male and female soccer players in both high school and college. Methods: Deidentified Emergency Department data for the years 2020-2022 were queried using the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (CPSC NEISS). The raw data was further stratified for a high school age range of 13-17 and a college age range of 18-24. Each of these age ranges were filtered for diagnosis codes 52, 55, 57, and 64 correlating with concussions, dislocations, fractures, and sprains/strains, respectively. The location filter was set to code 9 for a location of sports and recreation. Using the narrative filter, the resultant cases were limited to those that mentioned “soccer”. The identified patient data for each year was collated for total case counts. A Test of Equal Proportions with a Yates Continuity Correction was performed to compare the rate of individual and categorized injuries by sex within each age range and within the same sex between age groups. Results: There were 693, 1371, and 1524 injuries in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively, for a total of 3588 injuries. Using statistical weights, this translated to a national estimate of 88,576 soccer-related injuries over that timeframe. Categorically, in each of the three years, males had a higher proportion of fractures when compared to females in the 13-17 age range (p<0.001), while the high school aged females sustained a significantly higher proportion of concussions and sprains/strains (p<0.001). Per specific injury, males experienced a greater rate of clavicular, isolated radial, wrist, nonspecific forearm, finger, and nonspecific lower leg fractures than females aged 13-17 (p<0.001, p<0.027, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.025, p<0.029). Conversely, high school aged females were diagnosed with knee and ankle sprains/strains at a higher rate than their male counterparts (p<0.012, p<0.001). There were no significant injury profile differences between college aged male and female soccer athletes. When comparing high school versus college aged males, those in the 13-17 group experienced a larger rate of fractures and concussions, while those in the 18-24 group experienced a greater proportion of dislocations and sprains/strains (p<0.001, p<0.037, p<0.004, p<0.001). College aged males were diagnosed with higher rates of shoulder dislocations, skull fractures, finger fractures, knee sprains/strains, and ankle sprains/strains when compared to their younger counterparts (p<0.001, p<0.007, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.05). On the other hand, high school aged male soccer players proportionally sustained more isolated radial, nonspecific forearm, wrist, and pelvic fractures (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.002, p<0.002). The only significant difference between high school and college aged females were higher rates of concussions in the 13-17 age group, whereas 18-24 year olds experienced a larger proportion of skull fractures (p<0.01, p<0.01). Conclusions: Since 2020, high school aged males experienced a significantly higher rate of fractures, whereas their female counterparts sustained a larger proportion of concussions and sprains/strains. Within males across all age ranges, higher rates of concussions and fractures were found in adolescents, whereas college males were more often diagnosed with dislocations and sprains/strains. Within females across all ages, high school soccer players experienced a larger proportion of concussions, while college players were diagnosed with a higher rate of skull fractures. Injury profiles between males and females soccer players in college showed no significant differences. Current literature surrounding age and skill-level based soccer injury profiling is limited, with most data reflective of the previous two decades. Our findings allow for insight on the intra- and post-COVID athlete, highlighting potential areas for injury prevention based on sex and age, while underscoring injuries of high clinical suspicion commonly seen in soccer players presenting to US emergency departments.

Christopher Rennie
Delaney Tyl
Anastasia Laurenzo-Wrigley BS
Leighann Krasney


Manifestations of hypertensive encephalopathy in cats

Abstract: Objectives Hypertensive encephalopathy in cats is an important entity but is underestimated in clinical practice. This could be explained, in part, by non-specific clinical signs. The objective of this study was to characterise the clinical manifestations of hypertensive encephalopathy in cats. Methods Cats with systemic hypertension (SHT) recognised by routine screening, associated with underlying predisposing disease or a clinical presentation suggestive of SHT (neurological or non-neurological), were prospectively enrolled over a 2-year period. Confirmation of SHT was based on at least two sets of measurements of systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg by Doppler sphygmomanometry. Results Fifty-six hypertensive cats with a median age of 16.5 years were identified; 31 had neurological signs. In 16/31 cats, neurological abnormalities were the primary complaint. The other 15 cats were first presented to the medicine or ophthalmology service, and neurological disease was recognised based on the cat’s history. The most common neurological signs were ataxia, various manifestations of seizures and altered behaviour. Individual cats also showed paresis, pleurothotonus, cervical ventroflexion, stupor and facial nerve paralysis. In 28/30 cats, retinal lesions were detected. Of these 28 cats, six presented with a primary complaint of visual deficits, and neurological signs were not the primary complaint; nine presented with non-specific medical issues, without suspicion of SHT-induced organ damage; in 13 cats, neurological issues were the primary complaint and fundic abnormalities were detected subsequently. Conclusions and relevance SHT is common in older cats and the brain is an important target organ; however, neurological deficits are commonly ignored in cats with SHT. Gait abnormalities, (partial) seizures and even mild behavioural changes should prompt clinicians to consider the presence of SHT. A fundic examination in cats with suspected hypertensive encephalopathy is a sensitive test to support the diagnosis.

Laura Moretto
Katrin Beckmann
Christian Günther
Robert Herzig
Antonella Rampazzo
Anja Suter
Frank Steffen
Tony Glaus


Challenges in community-based recruitment of Alzheimer's disease cases: Experience of the monitoring drug efficacy through multi-omics research initiative in Alzheimer's disease (MEMORI-AD) study

Abstract: Background The Monitoring drug Efficacy through Multi-Omics Research Initiative in Alzheimer's Disease (MEMORI-AD) study aims to characterize drug response to donepezil and memantine in a Filipino cohort with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). To enhance enrollment, community-based dementia screening and recruitment were conducted across barangays in Manila. Objective This study describes the experiences and challenges in community-based recruitment for multi-omics research in vulnerable populations. Methods After coordinating with local officials for approval, recruitment targeted residents aged 65 years and above. A public health lecture on dementia was held, followed by rapid screening using the “10 Warning Signs of Dementia” questionnaire by the Alzheimer's Disease Association of the Philippines and the AD-8 Dementia Screening Interview. Eligible participants were invited for clinical screening, including laboratory work, neuropsychological tests, and neuroimaging. Reasons for non-consent and withdrawal were recorded. Results Of 301 eligible participants, 42 (14.0%) were suspected of dementia and eligible for work-up. Among them, 14 (33.3%) did not consent, 15 (53.6%) initially consented but withdrew, and 13 (46.4%) completed the assessment. Only 2 patients were enrolled. The main cause for non-consent was disinterest (n = 8, 57.1%), followed by unavailability of a legally authorized representative (LAR) (n = 3, 21.4%), which was also the primary reason for withdrawal (n = 9, 60%). Conclusions Recruitment of vulnerable Filipinos in multi-omics research within a lower-middle income country faced significant barriers, encompassing economic, psychosocial, and health constraints, largely due to disinterest and unavailability of LAR. Further studies on family dynamics, socioeconomic, and cultural factors could offer insights to overcome these recruitment barriers. Trial Registration Number Philippine Health Research Registry ID PHRR230220-0054116; ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05801380.

Fresthel Monica M Climacosa
Eric David B Ornos
Erwin Rommel S Diwa
Mary Gale R Guantia
Almeera P Qureshi
Nicole Clarence Louise L Gapaz
Aira B Dacasin
Joannes Luke B Asis
Ajina C Carampel
Angelica M Dela Cruz
Francis James A Gordovez
John Carlo B Reyes
Ian Kim B Tabios
Rafael Vincent M Manalo
Joana Marie C Cruz
Veeda Michelle M Anlacan