The aim of this study was to evaluate the retreatment abilities of the ProTaper Next (PTN) and F6 SkyTaper (F6) systems by using micro-computed tomography (microct), radiographic and microscopic imaging techniques.

The root canals of twenty-six extracted mandibular premolar teeth were prepared and obturated. For the retreatment procedure, the teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups according to endodontic instruments PTN (X4) and F6 (#40/.06). Pre- and post-operative filling material volumes were measured with micro-ct, and areas were measured with radiographic and microscopic imaging techniques. The percentages of residual material were calculated, and then statistically compared. The significance level was set at p<0.05.

There was no statistically significant difference between F6 and PTN for retreatment efficacy in the micro-ct and radiographic imaging techniques (p>0.05). PTN demonstrated better cleaning ability when evaluated by microscopic imaging. (p<0.05). The correlation was moderate between micro-ct and radiographic, and micro-ct and microscopic imaging groups; however, it was strong between radiographic and microscopic imaging methods.

The PTN and F6 files had similar effects in the removal of filling material with microct evaluation. The radiographic imaging method gave similar results with micro-ct imaging.

The PTN and F6 files had similar effects in the removal of filling material with microct evaluation. The radiographic imaging method gave similar results with micro-ct imaging.

The validated translations of the OHIP-EDENT exist in different languages; however, there is no reliable and validated Turkish translation. The present study was conducted to evaluate the reliability and to validate the Oral Health Impact Profile in edentulous subjects translated to Turkish (OHIP-EDENT-T).

The study sample included 104 conventional complete denture wearers (58 women and 46 men, mean age 61.13 ± 9.43 years). The original English version of OHIPEDENT was translated into Turkish using a forward-backward method and applied to the subjects. The reliability of the OHIP-EDENT-T was evaluated using internal consistency and the test-retest method. Validity was determined as construct and convergent validity. The construct validity of OHIP-EDENT-T was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

The Cronbach’s alpha value for OHIP-EDENT-T was 0.890. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.749 for the OHIP-EDENT-T total score, and ICCs for the subscales ranged from 0.630 (95% CI = 0.501-0.823) to 0.859 (95% CI = 0.531-0.897), indicating good to excellent agreement. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value for sampling adequacy was 0.820 and results of Bartlett’s sphericity test indicated statistical significance (χ2=1139.767; df=171, p=0.001). This showed that factorial analysis could be applied to the data set. The three-factor structure of the scale explained 81.1% of the observed variance. The agreement of the three-factor solution was further tested with confirmatory factor analysis, and the fit index was found to be acceptable (chi-square fit test=1.449, RMSEA=0.040, GFI=0.94, CFI=0.93).

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that OHIP-EDENT-T is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the quality of life of edentulous patients.

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that OHIP-EDENT-T is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the quality of life of edentulous patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesive bond strength of fiberglass posts treated with experimental silanes based on thio-urethane and submitted to thermo and mechanical cycles.

Bovine roots were divided into six groups RX-RU2 (RelyX CP + RelyX U200); PETMP-HDDI-RU2 (PETMP-HDDI + RelyX U200); PETMP-BDI-RU2 (PETMP-BDI + RelyX U200); RX-RU (RelyX CP + RelyX Ultimate); PETMP-HDDI-RU (PETMP-HDDI + RelyX Ultimate); PETMP-BDI-RU (PETMP-BDI + RelyX Ultimate). One slice from each root third (n=10) was submitted to the push-out test and the values evaluated with R Program statistical analysis, while the failure pattern assessed in percentage.

Among root thirds, RX-RU2 promoted greater strength at the cervical and apical thirds; PETMP-HDDI-RU2 showed highest values at the three thirds; and PETMP-BDI-RU2 was strongest at the apical third. RX-RU presented higher strength at the apical third, and PETMP-HDDI-RU and PETMP-BDI-RU had similar values at the three thirds. In each root third, PETMP-HDDI-RU2 showed similar strength at all thirds, and similar strength at the apical third was observed for other associations. Mixed and adhesive failures predominated.

Experimental silanes promoted different bond strength values in the adhesion of fiberglass posts to the root thirds, with better results for PETMP-HDDI silane. The root region did not influence the failure pattern and most slices showed mixed (MCDP) or adhesive (ADP) failure.

Experimental silanes promoted different bond strength values in the adhesion of fiberglass posts to the root thirds, with better results for PETMP-HDDI silane. The root region did not influence the failure pattern and most slices showed mixed (MCDP) or adhesive (ADP) failure.

The present study compared the dimensional accuracy of vinyl polyether silicone (VPES) and polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression materials used for non-splinted (NS) and splinted (S) direct open-tray impression techniques for multiple implants inserted in simulated edentulous mandibles.

A mandibular stainless steel model with eight internal connections for implant analogs was fabricated to simulate a clinical scenario. The acrylic resin splinted and non-splinted direct impressions were obtained for both VPES and PVS materials. Seventy-two cast samples were divided into four groups based on the impression techniques and materials used. The dimensional accuracies of the casts were measured in three different axes using a computerized coordinate measuring machine (CMM), and were statistically compared.

The differences in the distortion values between the VPES and PVS impression materials were not statistically significant. Similarly, the differences between the splinted and non-splinted groups among the VPES and PVS materials were not statistically significant.

The casts fabricated from VPS or PVS impression materials provide similar dimensional accuracy regardless of the implant splinting method.

The casts fabricated from VPS or PVS impression materials provide similar dimensional accuracy regardless of the implant splinting method.Recent research in exercise prescription and periodization has emphasized the importance of subjective experience, both in medium- and long-term monitoring, but also in the acute experience. Emerging evidence also highlights an important role of subjective readiness (pre-exercise mental and physical states) in determining how exercise is experienced, and in acutely modifying the prescribed exercise intensity. The concept of „readiness-to-exercise” shows promise in enabling and informing this acute decision-making to optimize the experiences and outcomes of exercise. While subjective experiences can be effectively assessed using psychometric scales and instruments, these are often developed and deployed using cross-sectional samples, with resulting structures that reflect a normative pattern (nomothetic). These patterns may fail to reflect individual differences in sensitivity, experience and saliency (idiographic). We conducted this research with the primary aim of comparing the nomothetical and idiographic aual development and measurement) and applied practice (prescribing, monitoring)-as well as in more applied research (implementation, effectiveness).Background Distance running is one of the most popular sports around the world. The epidemiology of running-related injury (RRI) has been investigated in adults, but few studies have focused on adolescent distance runners. Objectives (1) To provide descriptive epidemiology of RRI (risks, rates, body regions/areas, and severity) and examine the training practices (frequency, volume, and intensity) of competitive adolescent distance runners (13-18 years) in England, and (2) to describe potential risk factors of RRI. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used. Adolescent distance runners (n = 113) were recruited from England Athletics affiliated clubs. Participants voluntarily completed an online questionnaire between April and December 2018. At the time of completion, responses were based on the participant’s previous 12-months of distance running participation. Incidence proportions (IP) and incidence rates (IR) were calculated. Results The IP for „all RRI” was 68% (95% CI 60-77), while the IR was 6.3/1,000 participation hours (95% CI 5.3-7.4). The most commonly injured body areas were the knee, foot/toes, and lower leg; primarily caused by overuse. The number of training sessions per week (i.e., frequency) significantly increased with chronological age, while a large proportion of participants (58%) self-reported a high level of specialisation. Conclusions RRI is common in competitive adolescent distance runners. These descriptive data provide guidance for the development of RRI prevention measures. However, analytical epidemiology is required to provide better insight into potential RRI risk factors in this specific population.The High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments, such as those at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), traditionally consume large amounts of CPU cycles for detector simulations and data analysis, but rarely use compute accelerators such as GPUs. As the LHC is upgraded to allow for higher luminosity, resulting in much higher data rates, purely relying on CPUs may not provide enough computing power to support the simulation and data analysis needs. As a proof of concept, we investigate the feasibility of porting a HEP parameterized calorimeter simulation code to GPUs. We have chosen to use FastCaloSim, the ATLAS fast parametrized calorimeter simulation. While FastCaloSim is sufficiently fast such that it does not impose a bottleneck in detector simulations overall, significant speed-ups in the processing of large samples can be achieved from GPU parallelization at both the particle (intra-event) and event levels; this is especially beneficial in conditions expected at the high-luminosity LHC, where extremely high per-event particle multiplicities will result from the many simultaneous proton-proton collisions. We report our experience with porting FastCaloSim to NVIDIA GPUs using CUDA. A preliminary Kokkos implementation of FastCaloSim for portability to other parallel architectures is also described.In this article, we propose expanding the use of scientific repositories such as Zenodo and HEP data, in particular, to better study multiparametric solutions of physical models. The implementation of interactive web-based visualizations enables quick and convenient reanalysis and comparisons of phenomenological data. To illustrate our point of view, we present some examples and demos for dark matter models, supersymmetry exclusions, and LHC simulations.Background Early prediction of symptoms and mortality risks for COVID-19 patients would improve healthcare outcomes, allow for the appropriate distribution of healthcare resources, reduce healthcare costs, aid in vaccine prioritization and self-isolation strategies, and thus reduce the prevalence of the disease. Such publicly accessible prediction models are lacking, however. Methods Based on a comprehensive evaluation of existing machine learning (ML) methods, we created two models based solely on the age, gender, and medical histories of 23,749 hospital-confirmed COVID-19 patients from February to September 2020 a symptom prediction model (SPM) and a mortality prediction model (MPM). The SPM predicts 12 symptom groups for each patient respiratory distress, consciousness disorders, chest pain, paresis or paralysis, cough, fever or chill, gastrointestinal symptoms, sore throat, headache, vertigo, loss of smell or taste, and muscular pain or fatigue. The MPM predicts the death of COVID-19-positive individuals. Results The SPM yielded ROC-AUCs of 0.53-0.78 for symptoms. The most accurate prediction was for consciousness disorders at a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 70%. 2,440 deaths were observed in the study population. MPM had a ROC-AUC of 0.79 and could predict mortality with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 70%. About 90% of deaths occurred in the top 21 percentile of risk groups. To allow patients and clinicians to use these models easily, we created a freely accessible online interface at http://www.aicovid.net. Conclusion The ML models predict COVID-19-related symptoms and mortality using information that is readily available to patients as well as clinicians. Thus, both can rapidly estimate the severity of the disease, allowing shared and better healthcare decisions with regard to hospitalization, self-isolation strategy, and COVID-19 vaccine prioritization in the coming months.Digitisation, automation, and datafication permeate policing and justice more and more each year-from predictive policing methods through recidivism prediction to automated biometric identification at the border. The sociotechnical issues surrounding the use of such systems raise questions and reveal problems, both old and new. Our article reviews contemporary issues surrounding automation in policing and the legal system, finds common issues and themes in various different examples, introduces the distinction between human „retail bias” and algorithmic „wholesale bias”, and argues for shifting the viewpoint on the debate to focus on both workers’ rights and organisational responsibility as well as fundamental rights and the right to an effective remedy.Introduction Suicidal ideation (SI) is prevalent in the general population, and is a risk factor for suicide. Predicting which patients are likely to have SI remains challenging. Deep Learning (DL) may be a useful tool in this context, as it can be used to find patterns in complex, heterogeneous, and incomplete datasets. An automated screening system for SI could help prompt clinicians to be more attentive to patients at risk for suicide. Methods Using the Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health Component, we trained a DL model based on 23,859 survey responses to classify patients with and without SI. Models were created to classify both lifetime SI and SI over the last 12 months. From 582 possible parameters we produced 96- and 21-feature versions of the models. Models were trained using an undersampling procedure that balanced the training set between SI and non-SI; validation was done on held-out data. Results For lifetime SI, the 96 feature model had an Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.79 and the 21 feature model had an AUC of 0.77. For SI in the last 12 months the 96 feature model had an AUC of 0.71 and the 21 feature model had an AUC of 0.68. In addition, sensitivity analyses demonstrated feature relationships in line with existing literature. Discussion Although further study is required to ensure clinical relevance and sample generalizability, this study is an initial proof of concept for the use of DL to improve identification of SI. Sensitivity analyses can help improve the interpretability of DL models. This kind of model would help start conversations with patients which could lead to improved care and a reduction in suicidal behavior.Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh along with most of the developing countries is facing unexpected impediments towards functioning their regular activities. Most importantly, schools at all levels and Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) have been completely shut down since March 26, 2020 that directly obliged stakeholders (Ministry of Education, institutes authorities, parents and other relevant bodies) to adopt online education. Due to having very less experience, in many cases no experience at all, of conducting teaching and learning wholly online by HEIs of Bangladesh, myriad challenges have been encountered by teachers and students. In order to find out a viable technique for dealing with these challenges, this paper addresses two research questions What are the available open Source technologies that could be used as an alternative of paid LMS system for any developing countries during this COVID-19 pandemic? and Is exiting flipped classroom technique suitable for continuing teaching and learning during COVID-19 pandemic? In an effort to solve the above mentioned questions, a case study method was adopted. The findings of this study propose a pathway (framework) through which the HEIs of developing countries will be able to continue teaching and learning without investing money and organizing training during this COVID-19 pandemic and similar other emergency situations. This strategy provides a simple but reliable emergency means which is based on flipped classroom theory. The HEIs of Bangladesh particularly, and other developing countries generally will be benefited from this proposed framework while they do not have established means to carry their teaching and learning. This paper lastly addresses a few limitations of this framework and provides guidelines to the policymakers on how to incorporate it into the HEIs during this emergency context.The emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic in Ghana has resulted in various degrees of stigmatization. Previous studies have stressed the need for developing policies to curb the stigma towards COVID-19 survivors and healthcare workers. Some have investigated the knowledge and willingness of people to accept COVID-19 survivors. Others have also explored the experiences of health workers who have been victims of stigma from COVID-19. There is a need for further studies to understand COVID-19 related stigma and related psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cases of COVID-19 related stigma and discrimination against healthcare workers, COVID-19 recovered patients, suspected persons of COVID-19, Asians, and persons with travel history from COVID-19 hotspot countries. The study was undertaken using the phenomenology approach to qualitative research. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used in recruiting the twenty-eight study participants. Data were garnered using interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings revealed that COVID-19 victims have faced various forms of stigma such as stereotyping, social exclusion, mockery, finger-pointing, and insults. The study recommends that the COVID-19 National Response Team in Ghana must put in place a robust psychosocial intervention plan for stigmatized persons to help them cope with the stigma and help in its prevention.Hemiparesis has been reported in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), however electrophysiological findings associated with this syndrome have not been well-characterized, and alternating hemiparesis presentations have not been reported. We present detailed electrophysiological and clinical findings in a case of alternating hemiparesis corresponding to alternating focal contralateral delta slowing on prolonged EEG monitoring in a case of HUS with COVID-19 positivity. A 24-year-old woman was admitted with bloody diarrhea, acute kidney injury, and focal seizures initially presumed due to Escherichia coli 0157H7 Shiga-like toxin-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (ST-HUS). After admission, the patient tested positive for COVID-19. Continuous EEG monitoring revealed diffuse polymorphic delta slowing. Around 24 hours into the admission, the delta slowing became focal in the right hemisphere and was associated with a left hemiparesis. Around three days later, the clinical and EEG pattern reversed, showing left hemisphere slowing and an associated right hemiparesis. Additionally, 14 Hz positive spikes were observed throughout the recording period. Neuroimaging, including CT and MRI, was negative for acute ischemia throughout. The patient subsequently recovered over several days with no residual neurologic abnormalities.25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is an important immunomodulator, whose deficiency may aggravate the incidence and outcome of infectious complications in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. The most recognized extra-skeletal action of vitamin D is the regulation of immune function. Host defense against intracellular pathogens depends upon both innate and adaptive immunity. It has been suggested that vitamin D regulates the pro-inflammatory endothelial response to lipopolysaccharide, rendering it a role in the sepsis cascade. Recent studies have indicated that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with worse outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), such as more severe disease and higher mortality rates. To this end, clinical trials with vitamin D supplementation are being carried out in an effort to improve COVID-19 outcomes. In this review, we will discuss the role of vitamin D in the immune response, and more specifically its effect on immune cells. Subsequently, we will provide an overview of the studies that have investigated the predictive value of vitamin D in critical illness outcomes, and its therapeutic value as a supplement in critically ill patients. Finally, the emerging role of vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 infection risk, and worse outcomes will be discussed.Background The current study aimed to investigate the impact of asymptomatic or mild severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on female fertility and laboratory and clinical outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. Methods Patients undergoing ART treatments in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, from May 2020 to February 2021 were enrolled. Seventy of them were positive for serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and/or IgM), and 3973 patients had negative results. Propensity score matching with a ratio of 13 was performed, and there were 65 females in the case group and 195 females in the control group. Findings The ovarian reserves and ovarian responses between groups after matching were similar. The proportions of mature oocytes, damaged oocytes, fertilized oocytes, cleavage embryos, high-quality embryos, and available blastocysts were also similar, despite a slight decrease in the blastocyst formation rate in the case group. In addition, there were no significant differences in terms of the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, or implantation rate. Interpretation There is no evidence that a history of asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in females may negatively affect female fertility, embryo laboratory outcomes, or clinical outcomes in ART treatments.

We aimed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated vaccine against COVID-19 in Chinese adults aged ≥18 years.

This is an ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 clinical trial among healthy adults aged ≥18 years in Henan Province, China. Participants (

=336 in 18-59 age group and

=336 in ≥60 age group) were enrolled between April 12 and May 17 2020, and were equally randomized to receive vaccine or placebo (aluminum hydroxide adjuvant) in a three-dose schedule of 2·5, 5, or 10µg on days 0, 28, and 56. Another 448 adults aged 18-59 years were equally allocated to four groups (a one-dose schedule of 10µg, and two-dose schedules of 5µg on days 0 and 14/21/28) and received vaccine or placebo (ratio 31 within each group). The primary outcomes were 7-day post-injection adverse reactions and neutralizing antibody titres on days 28 and 90 after the whole-course vaccination. Trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn #ChiCTR2000031809.

The 7-day adverse reactions occurred in 5 µg on days 0 and 21/28 and three-dose schedules on days 0, 28, and 56 could be further evaluated for long-term safety and efficacy in the phase 3 trials.

Intracerebral hemorhaghe/bleeding (ICH) after an infection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) treated with the Janus-kinase inhibitor baricitinib has not been reported.Case presentation a 86yo Caucasian female suddenly developed aphasia with a systolic blood pressure of 220 mmHg. Cerebral imaging revealed an ICH in the left temporal lobe without mass effect and no need for neurosurgical intervention. Her previous history was positive for arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, renal insufficiency, hyperuricemia, macula degeneration, lumbalgia, and glaucoma bilaterally. Additionally, she had experienced an infection with SARS-CoV-2 with onset 44 days earlier having been treated with ceftriaxone (2g/d for 7d), dexamethasone (6mg for 6d), and bariticinib (2mg for 6d).

Though ICH was time-linked to COVID-19, a causal relation could not be unequivocally established. Whether baricitinib increased the bleeding risk remains speculative. As long as causalities between ICH and baricitinib remain unproven, it should be given with caution and only under close blood pressure monitoring.

Though ICH was time-linked to COVID-19, a causal relation could not be unequivocally established. Whether baricitinib increased the bleeding risk remains speculative. As long as causalities between ICH and baricitinib remain unproven, it should be given with caution and only under close blood pressure monitoring.Polymeric biomaterials have been used in a variety of applications, like cargo delivery and tissue scaffolding, because they are easily synthesized and can be adapted to many systems. However, there is still a need to further enhance and improve their functions to progress their use in the biomedical field. A promising solution is to modify the polymer surfaces with peptides that can increase biocompatibility, cellular interactions, and receptor targeting. In recent years, peptide modifications have been used to overcome many challenges to polymer biomaterial development. This review discusses recent progress in developing peptide-modified polymers for therapeutic applications including cell-specific targeting and tissue engineering. Furthermore, we will explore some of the most frequently studied base components of these biomaterials.Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common venous disorder of the lower extremities. CVD can be manifested as varicose veins (VVs), with dilated and tortuous veins, dysfunctional valves and venous reflux. If not adequately treated, VVs could progress to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and lead to venous leg ulcer (VLU). Predisposing familial and genetic factors have been implicated in CVD. Additional environmental, behavioral and dietary factors including sedentary lifestyle and obesity may also contribute to CVD. Alterations in the mRNA expression, protein levels and proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been detected in VVs and VLU. MMP expression/activity can be modulated by venous hydrostatic pressure, hypoxia, tissue metabolites, and inflammation. MMPs in turn increase proteolysis of different protein substrates in the extracellular matrix particularly collagen and elastin, leading to weakening of the vein wall. MMPs could also promote venous dilation by increasing the release of endothelium-derived vasodilators and activating potassium channels, leading to smooth muscle hyperpolarization and relaxation. Depending on VVs severity, management usually includes compression stockings, sclerotherapy and surgical removal. Venotonics have also been promoted to decrease the progression of VVs. Sulodexide has also shown benefits in VLU and CVI, and recent data suggest that it could improve venous smooth muscle contraction. Other lines of treatment including induction of endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and administration of exogenous synthetic inhibitors of MMPs are being explored, and could provide alternative strategies in the treatment of CVD.Tantalum diselenide (TaSe2) is a metallic transition metal dichalcogenide whose structure and vibrational behavior strongly depend on temperature and thickness, and this behavior includes the emergence of charge density wave (CDW) states at very low temperatures. In this work, observed Raman modes for mono- and bilayer are described across several spectral regions and compared to those seen in the bulk case. These modes, which include an experimentally observed forbidden Raman mode and low-frequency CDWs, are then matched to corresponding vibrations predicted by density functional theory (DFT). The reported match between experimental and computational results supports the presented vibrational visualizations of these modes. Support is also provided by experimental phonons observed in additional Raman spectra as a function of temperature and thickness. These results highlight the importance of understanding CDWs since they are likely to play a fundamental role in the future realization of solid-state quantum information platforms based on nonequilibrium phenomena.This study evaluated whether administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at each trimester of gestation would alter the acute phase (APR) and metabolic responses to a postnatal LPS challenge in weaned heifers. Pregnant crossbred multiparous cows (n = 50) were randomized into prenatal immune stimulation (PIS; n = 24; administered 0.1 µg/kg BW LPS subcutaneously at 71 ± 2, 170 ± 2 and 234 ± 2 d of gestation) and saline (CON; n = 26) groups. From these treatment groups, heifer calves (n = 12 PIS and 11 CON) were identified at weaning (244 ± 3 d of age) to receive an LPS challenge. On d 0, heifers were fitted with vaginal temperature (VT) devices, jugular catheters, and moved into individual stalls. On d 1, heifers were challenged i.v. with LPS (0.5 µg/kg BW) at 0 h. Blood samples were collected and sickness behavior scores (SBS) recorded at 0.5 h intervals from -2 to 8 h and at 24 h relative to LPS challenge. Serum was analyzed for cortisol, cytokines, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and serum urea nipared to CON (treatment × time P less then 0.01). Serum NEFA concentrations were greater (P = 0.04) in PIS than CON heifers. There was a treatment × time interaction (P less then 0.01) for SUN with PIS heifers having greater SUN concentrations at -2, -1.5, 2, 3, 6.5 and 24 h than CON. These data demonstrate that in utero exposure to multiple low doses of endotoxin has lasting physiological and immunological effects when the offspring encounter a similar postnatal immunological insult.Mature Simmental × Angus cows [n = 147; body weight (BW) = 590 ± 72 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of early weaning on subsequent parity calf growth performance and carcass characteristics. Cows were assigned to one of two treatments based on their previous calf’s weaning age early wean (EW) or conventional wean (CW). Dams assigned to the EW treatment had calves previously weaned at 88 ± 6 d of age, whereas dams assigned to the CW treatment had calves previously weaned at 185 ± 6 d of age. Cow BW and body condition scores (BCS) were monitored during the experiment. All cows were managed as a common group from the onset of the experiment at breeding until final pregnancy check of their next production cycle 462 d later. All calves in the experiment were managed as one group and weaned at a single time point, then feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Initial cow BW was different (P less then 0.05), so it was included as a covariate for cow BW analysis. There was a treatment × gain, dry matter intake, and gain to feed. Final carcass characteristics were not different (P ≥ 0.33) between treatments, including dressing percentage, hot carcass weight, LM area, 12th rib fat thickness, kidney, pelvic, heart fat percentage, USDA yield grade, and marbling score. Thus, early weaning resulted in improved BW and BCS of cows as well as increased birth BW of subsequent calf, although that did not transpire into differences in postnatal growth performance or carcass traits.The period of heifer development is a relatively small fraction of a cow’s life; however, her pattern of growth may have permanent effects on her productivity as a cow. We hypothesized that altering the growth pattern during the peri-pubertal period would increase life-time productivity across genetic types of Bos taurus cows. The objective was to determine the stayability, calf production, and weight of calf weaned across six calf crops. Heifers (n = 685) were placed on one of two developmental programs at 256 ± 1 d of age. Control heifers received a diet that provided 228 kcal ME·(body weight [BW], kg) -0.75 daily, and stair-step heifers were allocated 157 kcal ME·(BW, kg)-0.75 daily for 84 or 85 d, and then the daily allocation was increased to 277 kcal ME·(BW, kg)-0.75. Stair-step heifers (0.33 ± 0.02 kg/d) had a lower average daily gain (ADG) than control heifers (0.78 ± 0.02 kg/d; P less then 0.001) during Period 1, and stair-step heifers (0.93 ± 0.03 kg/d) had a greater ADG than controls (0.70 ± 0.03 kg/d; P less then 0.001) during Period 2. There were no treatment (P = 0.28) or breed type differences (P = 0.42) for the proportion of cows weaning a calf; however, the proportion of cows weaning a calf decreased with cow age (P less then 0.001). Calves from stair-step dams had heavier weaning weights (193 ± 1 kg) compared to control calves (191 ± 1 kg; P = 0.007). There was not a treatment (P = 0.25) or breed type differences in cumulative BW weaned (P = 0.59). A diverse genetic population of cattle within B. taurus was tested and responses in calf production did not differ between stair-step growth pattern and a more constant nonobese growth pattern.Government partnerships are essential for many health solutions to sustain impact at scale, particularly in low-resource settings where strengthening health systems is critical for Universal Health Coverage. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and funders ultimately want solutions to be integrated into public health systems by transitioning solution ownership, management and/or operation to government. However, NGOs and their government partners have limited guidance on how to effectively determine when a solution is ready to transition in a way that will maintain impact long term. To address this need, VillageReach developed the Transition Readiness Assessment (TRA) based on our transition to government theoretical framework. The framework was developed to define both factors related to a solution, as well as external influences that affect a solution’s success. The framework identifies seven dimensions of solution readiness the political, economic, and social context; solution design; resource availability; financial management; government strategy; government policy and regulations; and organizational management. The TRA measures those dimensions and assigns each one a readiness score. We developed the framework and TRA for VillageReach solutions, as well as to share with government partners and stakeholders. This Open Letter outlines the TRA development, details empirical examples from applying the tool on two VillageReach solutions, and presents recommendations based on our lessons learned. Stakeholders working to transition solutions to government can utilize both the TRA and our lessons.The understanding of public debates over mineral exploration and mining largely originates from exceptional situations such as mining accidents of conflicts. Less is known about how mining is portrayed and understood under more conventional settings. What storylines dominate the local day-to-day public debate? This article presents results from a comparative case study focusing on newspaper coverage of mineral exploration and mining in three European countries representing different geological and socio-economic contexts. Newspaper articles from the Geyer-Erzgebirge region in Germany, the Andalusia region in Spain, and Northern Finland are studied. The sample looks into the period between September 2018 and February 2020 and shows that regional newspapers report about mining issues relatively intensively even in the absence of major accidents or other media events causing peaks of attention. The tone of the articles is generally neutral to positive towards mining activities, reflecting the specific local settings, historical experiences, and future expectations. Despite the different contexts of the three countries, there were considerable similarities to the topics highlighted, including common themes of mining revival, mining events and social interaction, history of mining, and damages related to mining. Past, present, and future employment opportunities related directly or indirectly to the mining sector are key storylines. Another recurrent underlying theme is the need to balance environment and safety risks and socio-economic prosperity, typically covered through ordinary disputes among the mining sector, public authorities, regional non-governmental organizations, and local initiatives.Marine business and resources play a major role in the economics and way of life in coastal West African countries. Such countries see great profitability from their marine resources while also facing challenges that come with a bordering sea. Despite this fact, there has been limited research into the optimal way for West African Coastal States to coexist with, and sustainably use their marine resources, a research deficit that is mainly due to a lack of infrastructure for in-situ work, lack of capacity development, and comprehensive datasets to undertake oceanographic research. The Coastal Ocean Environment Summer School in Ghana (COESSING; http://www.coessing.org) was developed to help meet some of these challenges. Each summer since 2015, ocean scientists (e.g., biologists, chemists, physicists, hydrologists) from the USA and Europe have collaborated with West African colleagues to lead a week-long intensive summer school in Accra, Ghana, alternating in location between the Regional Maritime University and the Uh as COESSING are critical not only for science in the region but for the global ocean community as such training develops eager, bright minds while leading to improved regional observing and modeling strategies in severely under-sampled seas. Here, we describe a unique case in which satellite oceanography has led to such outcomes for countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa.

To compare the severity and duration of ocular discomfort after three different epithelial debridement techniques for corneal collagen cross-linking in the treatment of keratoconus.

Fifty-five patients (65 eyes) known to have keratoconus were enrolled in this retrospective study. The eyes were divided into three groups based on the technique used for epithelial debridement for corneal collagen cross-linking procedure; excimer laser transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy was used in group 1 (18 eyes), alcohol-assisted epithelial removal was used in group 2 (27 eyes), and mechanical epithelial debridement was used in group 3 (20 eyes). Preoperative and postoperative (third month) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using Snellen chart, objective refraction, and keratometry results were recorded. The results of the questionnaire obtained from the patient’s medical records were reviewed regarding their subjective evaluation of postoperative symptoms including foreign body sensation, tearing, photophobia).

The severity and duration of adverse subjective symptoms during the first postoperative week after corneal collagen cross-linking appear to be milder with epithelial debridement using excimer laser transepithelial technique compared with -assisted debridement and mechanical debridement.

The severity and duration of adverse subjective symptoms during the first postoperative week after corneal collagen cross-linking appear to be milder with epithelial debridement using excimer laser transepithelial technique compared with -assisted debridement and mechanical debridement.

For adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15-39 years) with cancer, metastatic disease at diagnosis is the strongest predictor of mortality, but its associations with age and sociodemographic factors are largely unexplored.

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data from 2000 to 2016, we collected incident cases of poor-prognosis metastatic cancer (5-year survival < 50%) and compared the proportion, incidence, time trends, and incidence rate ratios for race and ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status among AYAs, middle-aged adults (aged 40-64 years) and older adults (aged 65-79 years).

From 2000 to 2016, a total of 17 210 incident cases of poor-prognosis metastatic cancer were diagnosed in AYAs, 121 274 in middle-aged adults, and 364 228 in older adults. Compared with older patients, the proportion of AYAs having metastatic disease was equivalent or substantially lower in nearly every site except stomach and breast cancers, which were statistically significantly higher for AYAnd middle-aged adults remains an additional concern.

For most cancers, AYAs are not more likely to present with metastases than middle-aged and older adults. Further investigation is warranted for the disproportionate rise in incidence of metastatic breast, stomach, and kidney cancer among AYAs and their excess burden among AYA racial and ethnic minorities. The rising incidence of colorectal cancer among AYAs and middle-aged adults remains an additional concern.

Benign meningiomas are the most frequently reported central nervous system tumors in the United States, with increasing incidence in past decades. However, the future trajectory of this neoplasm remains unclear.

We analyzed benign meningioma incidence of cases identified by any means (eg, radiographically with or without microscopic confirmation) in US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries among groups aged 35 to 84 years during 2004-2017 by sex and race and ethnicity using age-period-cohort models. We employed age-period-cohort forecasting models to glean insights regarding the etiology, distribution, and anticipated future (2018-2027) public health impact of this neoplasm.

In all groups, meningioma incidence overall increased through 2010, then stabilized. Temporal declines were statistically significant overall and in most groups. JoinPoint analysis of cohort rate-ratios identified substantial acceleration in White men born after 1963 (from 1.1% to 3.2% per birth year); cohortilar to current levels because the population is aging.

To analyze computed tomography (CT) characteristics predictive for diagnostic accuracy and pneumothorax in CT fluoroscopy-guided transthoracic biopsy (CTF-TTB) of lung lesions using non-coaxial biopsy needle technique.

Retrospectively 274 lung lesion biopsies with confirmed histology were included in our study. CTF-TTB was done using an 18-gauge non-coaxial cutting needle. Diagnostic accuracy rates were calculated per lesion size and CT and procedural characteristics were evaluated for their predictive value regarding diagnostic accuracy and development of pneumothorax (maximal nodule diameter, distance to pleura, location per lung segment, nodule composition, benign versus malignant histology, and number of specimens).

Overall diagnostic accuracy of CTF-TTB was high (93%). Diagnostic accuracy for lesions ≤10 mm was 81%. Maximal nodule diameter was the only predictive CT characteristic for diagnostic success (p = 0.03). Pneumothorax occurred in 27%. Distance of lesion to pleura was the only risk factor for pneumothorax (p < 0.00001). Pneumothorax rates were significantly lower in subpleural lesions (14%) compared to those located 1-10 mm (47%), 10-20 mm (33%), and >20 mm from pleura (29%).

High diagnostic accuracy rates were achieved with CTF-TTB using non-coaxial biopsy technique, even for lesions ≤10 mm. Pneumothorax rates were comparable with other studies. Lesion size was the only predictive CT characteristic for diagnostic accuracy. Distance to pleura was the only risk factor for pneumothorax.

High diagnostic accuracy rates were achieved with CTF-TTB using non-coaxial biopsy technique, even for lesions ≤10 mm. Pneumothorax rates were comparable with other studies. Lesion size was the only predictive CT characteristic for diagnostic accuracy. Distance to pleura was the only risk factor for pneumothorax.In this paper, we describe how we applied LBD techniques to discover lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) as a druggable target for cardiac arrest. We fully describe our process which includes the use of high-throughput metabolomic analysis to identify metabolites significantly related to cardiac arrest, and how we used LBD to gain insights into how these metabolites relate to cardiac arrest. These insights lead to our proposal (for the first time) of LCAT as a druggable target; the effects of which are supported by in vivo studies which were brought forth by this work. Metabolites are the end product of many biochemical pathways within the human body. Observed changes in metabolite levels are indicative of changes in these pathways, and provide valuable insights toward the cause, progression, and treatment of diseases. Following cardiac arrest, we observed changes in metabolite levels pre- and post-resuscitation. We used LBD to help discover diseases implicitly linked via these metabolites of interest. Results of LBD indicated a strong link between Fish Eye disease and cardiac arrest. Since fish eye disease is characterized by an LCAT deficiency, it began an investigation into the effects of LCAT and cardiac arrest survival. In the investigation, we found that decreased LCAT activity may increase cardiac arrest survival rates by increasing ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid availability in circulation. We verified the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on increasing survival rate following cardiac arrest via in vivo with rat models.Magneto-thermoelectric transport provides an understanding of coupled electron-hole-phonon current in topological materials and has applications in energy conversion and cooling. In this work, we study the Nernst coefficient, the magneto-Seebeck coefficient, and the magnetoresistance of single-crystalline Bi2Te3 under external magnetic field in the range of -3 T to 3 T and in the temperature range of 55 K to 380 K. Moreau’s relation is employed to justify both the overall trend of the Nernst coefficient and the temperature at which the Nernst coefficient changes sign. We observe a non-linear relationship between the Nernst coefficient and the applied magnetic field in the temperature range of 55 K to 255 K. An increase in both the Nernst coefficient and the magneto-Seebeck coefficient is observed as the temperature is reduced which can be attributed to the increased mobility of the carriers at lower temperatures. First-principles density functional theory calculations were carried out to physically model the experimental data including electronic and transport properties. Simulation findings agreed with the experiments and provide a theoretical insight to justify the measurements.Vascular senescence is one of the hotspots in current research. With global average life expectancy increasing, delaying or reducing aging and age-related diseases has become a pressing issue for improving quality of life. Vascular senescence is an independent risk factor for age-related cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and results in the deterioration of CVD. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of the vascular senescence have not been expressly illustrated. In this review, we attempt to summarize the recent literature in the field and discuss the major mechanisms involved in vascular senescence. We also underline key molecular aspects of aging-associated vascular dysfunction in the attempt to highlight potential innovative therapeutic targets to delay the onset of age-related diseases.

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Elderly People (HoNOS65+) in Iran’s elderly population.

The scale English version translated to Persian using a forward and backward translation method. The scale was filled for two elderly population groups (inpatient and outpatients) (N=300). Simultaneously with HoNOS+65, the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) was completed. Two separate therapists were filled HoNOS+65 for thirty-one patients (inter-rater reliability test). In general, content validity, consistency, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), convergent validity, and criterion validity were examined.

Using exploratory factor analysis, three factors were extracted. Inter-rater reliability in some items has a slight agreement. Content validity ratio (0.75) and index (0.90) were calculated for each item. Cronbach’s alpha total score was 0.82. According to the largest modification indices, CFA showed satisfactory fit indices. The convergent validity between HoNOS +65 and CGI was (

=0/71, sig=0.000). Finally, the optimal cut-off point was achieved 13. Sensitivity and specificity for the HoNOS +65 were 88.89% and 81.16%, respectively, with the Youden index of 0.7005.

The Persian version of HoNOS65+ has high reliability, validity, specificity, and sensitivity in multidimensional assessment of Iranian geriatric mental health.

The Persian version of HoNOS65+ has high reliability, validity, specificity, and sensitivity in multidimensional assessment of Iranian geriatric mental health.

Anemia in the older age (e.g., >60years) is a major health problem in India and many parts of the world since it signifies an underlying disease and is associated with poor clinical outcome like increased morbidity and affects health-related quality of life. Since symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath related to anemia could also be attributed to the aging process, anemia is often easily overlooked in the elderly.

Clinico-hematological patterns and morphological types of anemia in older age (e.g. >60 years) are manifold, hence this study was undertaken to determine them and to know more about associated disorders.

The present study was conducted on a sample size of 1257 patients who were 60years and above and clinically diagnosed as anemic. Routine haematological investigations including peripheral blood smear examination and complete hemogram were done. Special investigations like bone-marrow examination and iron studies were done whenever required.

Males (aged >60years) were more affected than females (aged >60years) and patients in the age group of 60-69years were affected the most. The most common presenting symptom was generalized weakness. The most common morphological type was normocytic normochromic anemia, and chronic diseases were the commonest etiological factors.

In spite of modern diagnostic advances, geriatric anemias still remain under-reported and inadequately investigated, necessitating evaluation of even mild anemias. Prompt diagnosis and definite categorization helps in appropriate management of anemias.

In spite of modern diagnostic advances, geriatric anemias still remain under-reported and inadequately investigated, necessitating evaluation of even mild anemias. Prompt diagnosis and definite categorization helps in appropriate management of anemias.