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Abstract Background Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established therapy for treating a variety of chronic diseases, such as epilepsy, depression, obesity, and for stroke rehabilitation. However, lack of precision and side-effects have hindered its efficacy and extension to new conditions. Achieving a better understanding of the relationship between VNS parameters and neural and physiological responses is therefore necessary to enable the design of personalized dosing procedures and improve precision and efficacy of VNS therapies. Methods We used biomarkers from recorded evoked fiber activity and short-term physiological responses (throat muscle, cardiac and respiratory activity) to understand the response to a wide range of VNS parameters in anaesthetised pigs. Using signal processing, Gaussian processes (GP) and parametric regression models we analyse the relationship between VNS parameters and neural and physiological responses. Results Firstly, we illustrate how considering multiple stimulation parameters in VNS dosing can improve the efficacy and precision of VNS therapies. Secondly, we describe the relationship between different VNS parameters and the evoked fiber activity and show how spatially selective electrodes can be used to improve fiber recruitment. Thirdly, we provide a detailed exploration of the relationship between the activations of neural fiber types and different physiological effects. Finally, based on these results, we discuss how recordings of evoked fiber activity can help design VNS dosing procedures that optimize short-term physiological effects safely and efficiently. Conclusion Understanding of evoked fiber activity during VNS provide powerful biomarkers that could improve the precision, safety and efficacy of VNS therapies.

Purpose The calliper function is used for manual measurements of full thickness macular holes (FTMHs). We aimed to investigate whether a reproducible difference could be detected beyond interobserver variability between two commonly used manufacturers in their manual calliper facility in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) for metrics related to FTMH.Methods This is a non-interventional, retrospective, observational study. Two independent observers examined 8 eyes (16 OCT) scans and 128 measurements (minimal linear diameter (MLD), basal diameter and hole height on both sides) of FTMHs, taken on Heidelberg Spectralis and Topcon Triton (OCT machines). The interobserver agreement and OCT machine agreement of measurements were analysed by Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Spectralis and Triton had 125 µm and 50 µm horizontal b-scan spacing, respectively.Results Overall, we report high absolute agreement in interobserver (ICC 0.991 (95% CI 0.985 to 0.995, p

Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe and validate an optical-coherence-tomography (OCT)-based method to easily calculate specific volumes, addressing the limitations of current OCT software in automating volumetric analysis for specific entities in retinal pathologies. Methods: After manually drawing the specific entity on linear OCT scans using the calliper function and automated measurement of its area, the following formula was used for volumetric calculation: Volume [mm3] = ∑area [mm2] × OCT-scan distance [mm]. Retinal volume (RV) was measured by two independent observers in eyes with a normal foveal profile (NFP) and was compared with the automated measurements performed by the OCT software (Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany); the same process was repeated for the volume of the foveal cavity (FC) or foveoschisis (FS) in eyes with lamellar macular holes (LMHs). Power calculations were conducted to ensure adequate sample size. The measurements were re-acquired after six weeks. Intra- and inter-observer variability as well as comparison to automated RV calculations were analysed. Results: This study included a total of 62 eyes divided into two groups: the NFP (30 eyes) and LMH (32 eyes) groups. The Bland–Altman plots showed a high degree of agreement in both groups for inter-observer and intra-observer agreement. In addition, in the NFP group, a high degree of agreement was demonstrated between human observers and the OCT software (Spectralis). Conclusions: An easy, reliable, and widely applicable method to calculate volumes is described and validated in this paper, showing excellent inter- and intra-observer agreement, which can be applied to any entity requiring a specific study in the context of retinal pathologies.

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) has a very wide host range including most stone fruit trees. Among them, apricot is one of the most important host crops in the Mediterranean basin. In this study non-isotopic molecular hybridisation revealed, for the first time, the presence of HSVd on apricot in four Mediterranean countries (Cyprus, Greece, Morocco and Turkey). The results obtained by this technique were confirmed by northern-blot and RT-PCR analyses. The data presented in this work indicate a wider geographical distribution of this viroid than hitherto known and emphasise the need for this kind of study as part of the control effort.

Field observations and laboratory tests were carried out in Harrow to evaluate the sanitary status of the Clonal Genebank collection of stone fruit. The presence of viruses and viroids was determined by ELISA, tissueprinting hybridization and GF305 woody indexing. A total of 645 trees (197 peach and nectarine, 183 sweet and sour cherries, 106 plum, 106 apricot, and 53 other cherries) were tested by ELISA for the presence of Plum pox virus (PPV), Prunus necrotic ring spot virus (PNRSV) and Prune dwarf virus (PDV). No evidence of PPV infection was found in the collection. PNRSV and PDV were frequently detected in single and mixed infections. The overall average of virus infection rate was 20.3%. A total of 336 trees (116 peach and nectarine, 84 sweet and sour cherries, 54 plum, 44 apricot, and 38 other cherries) were tested by tissue printing hybridization for the presence of Peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd) and Hop stunt viroid (HSVd). Thirty samples were infected, 28 peaches and nectarines with PLMVd and 2 apricots with HSVd. This is the first report to date, of HSVd presence in Canada. Finally, 114 (38.4%) out of 297 tested accessions were found infected with at least one virus and/or viroid.

Tissue-imprint hybridization (TIH) assays were used to determine the occurrence and incidence of Peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd) and Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) in stone fruit trees in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our collections included trees of plum, peach, cherries, apricot, myrobalan and blackthorn from 33 commercial orchards and 2 nurseries, in the areas of Banja Luka, Gradacac, Sarajevo and Mostar. Of the 410 trees assayed, 44 (11%) tested positive by TIH assays. PLMVd was detected in 39 peach trees, including two old (seed grown) vineyard peach trees (Prunus persica subsp. vulgaris). Tests for HSVd were positive in 3 apricot and 2 plum trees. PLMVd was widely distributed throughout the country. In contrast, HSVd was found only in the northern part of the country. Both native and imported cultivars of Prunus were infected. This is the first record of PLMVd and HSVd in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a separate experiment, peach trees with PLMVd were monitored in the autumn, winter and spring seasons, with tissue imprints of leaf petioles, dormant cuttings and forced sprouts from dormant cuttings. Irrespective of the tissues assayed, nearly all samples tested positive for PLMVd.

Im Zuge der Einführung des schweizerischen Fallpauschalen-Systems (SwissDRG) am 1. Januar 2012 zur Kosteneindämmung im Gesundheitswesen wurde ein Paradigmenwechsel in der Abrechnung von Gesundheitsdienstleistungen, weg von der Kostendeckung hin zur Leistungsfinanzierung, vollzogen. Um diesbezügliche negative Auswirkungen durch die Einführung abzufedern, wurden vom Gesetzgeber verschiedene Maßnahmen ins Bundesgesetz über die Krankenversicherung (KVG) aufgenommen – eine dieser Schutzmaßnahmen war die Akut- und Übergangspflege (Padrutt, 2019). Die Akut- und Übergangspflege (AÜP) wurde im Rahmen der Neuordnung der Pflegefinanzierung in Art. 25a Abs. 2 KVG verankert. Durch diese 14-tägige, spitalärztliche Verordnung einer Anschluss-lösung nach einem Spitalaufenthalt sollten sog. „blutige Entlassungen“ verhindert werden – d. h., Personen sollten nicht aufgrund der verkürzten Behandlungs- und Aufenthaltsdauer behandlungs- und betreuungsbedürftig nach Hause entlassen werden (Padrutt, 2019; Zou et al., 2020). Dennoch wird AÜP in der Schweiz im stationären Bereich sehr selten verordnet oder von den Betroffenen in Anspruch genommen.

Background: We investigate novel OCT parameters, based on the volumetric analysis of lamellar macular holes (LMHs), as prognostic indicators for visual outcomes after surgery. Methods: LMHs were divided into degenerative LMHs (D-LMHs) and ERM-foveoschisis (ERM-FS). Pre-operative clinical, OCT linear and volumetric parameters were collected. Volumes were obtained using the OCT automatic segmentation, such as central retinal volume (CRV) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) volume, or using a novel method to calculate volumes of specific LMH entities like epiretinal proliferation (ERP), foveal cavity (FC) in D-LMH and schitic volume (SV) in ERM-FS. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis evaluated the factors predictive for post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: We included 31 eyes of 31 patients (14 D-LMH,17 ERM-FS). A pre-operative BCVA ≤ 0.48 logMAR was a predictor for achieving ≤0.30 logMAR at final follow-up. A lower pre-operative BCVA (p = 0.008) and the presence of ERP (p = 0.002) were associated with worse visual outcomes post-surgery. Moreover, novel pre-operative OCT parameters significantly associated with worse post-operative BCVA, such as increased FC volume (p = 0.032) and lower CRV (p = 0.034) in the D-LMH subtype and lower CRV (p < 0.001) and ERP volume (p < 0.001), higher SV (p < 0.001) and foveal ONL volume (p < 0.001) in the ERM-FS subtype. Conclusions: Novel volumetric OCT parameters can be prognostic indicators of visual outcome following surgery in LMHs.

Abstract Aim To synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness and content components of nurse‐led counselling interventions on the self‐and symptom management of patients in oncology rehabilitation. Design A systematic review Methods The electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Grey Literature were searched for randomized controlled trials or quasi‐experimental trials. Following data extraction, a quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. The findings were synthesized in narrative and tabular formats. Results Seven studies were included in the analysis. Two RCTs measured a statistically significant increase in self‐efficacy compared to the control group, and one quasi‐experimental study showed a statistically significant increase compared to the pre‐intervention period. Symptom anxiety was statistically significantly reduced in two RCTs and one quasi‐experimental trial. Self‐management similarities in the components of the interventions were seen as identifying patients' concerns, setting goals, developing action plans and evaluating the goals and giving patient‐tailored information.

Abstract Aims To test the effectiveness of a 28‐week group‐walking intervention for person with dementia. Participants were accompanied by trained volunteers. The effectiveness was assessed according to the quality of life, ability to perform activities of daily living, independence, mobility, cognition, challenging behaviours and the burden on their caregiving relatives. Design Quasi‐experimental, one‐group, pretest–posttest trial. Methods Thirty‐two persons with dementia and their caregiving relatives were recruited. The nursing intervention consists on easy walking tours lasting three and a half hours. The walks were performed biweekly and each person with dementia had support from one or two trained volunteer helpers. Results The quality of life was stable through all seasons. The secondary outcomes were uneven. While the impairment (WHODAS) and the dependence (IADL) increased, the challenging behaviours and the burden on the caregivers were stable through all seasons.

Available from: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl/0000-0000-0000-1290

Wireworm, the larval stages of click beetles, are a serious pest of tubers, brassicas and other important commercial crops throughout the northern hemisphere. No effective control agent has been developed specifically for them, and many of the pesticides marketed as having secondary application against them have been withdrawn from EU and Asian markets. Metarhizium brunneum, an effective entomopathogenic fungus, and its derived volatile metabolites are known to be effective plant biostimulants and plant protectants, although field efficacy has yet to be validated. Field validation of a combined M. brunneum and derived VOC treatments was conducted in Wales, UK, to assess the effects of each as a wireworm control agent and biostimulant. Plots were treated with Tri-Soil (Trichoderma atroviridae), M. brunneum, 1-octen-3-ol or 3-octanone, or combinations thereof. Treatments were applied subsurface during potato seeding (n = 52), and potatoes were harvested at the end of the growing season. Each potato was weighed individually and scored for levels of wireworm damage. Applications of both the VOCs and the M. brunneum individually were found to significantly decrease wireworm burden (p < 0.001). Combinations of M. brunneum and 3-octanone were also found to significantly decrease wireworm damage (p < 0.001), while no effect on yield was reported, resulting in an increased saleable mass over controls (p < 0.001). Herein, we present a novel ‘stimulate and deter’ wireworm control strategy that can be used to significantly enhance saleable potato yields and control wireworm populations, even under high pest pressure densities.

Plant parasitic nematodes are a serious threat to crop production worldwide and their control is extremely challenging. Fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) provide an ecofriendly alternative to synthetic nematicides, many of which have been withdrawn due to the risks they pose to humans and the environment. This study investigated the biocidal properties of two fungal VOCs, 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone, against the widespread root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Both VOCs proved to be highly toxic to the infective second-stage juveniles (J2) and inhibited hatching. Toxicity was dependent on the dose and period of exposure. The LD50 of 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone was 3.2 and 4.6 µL, respectively. The LT50 of 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone was 71.2 and 147.1 min, respectively. Both VOCs were highly toxic but 1-Octen-3-ol was more effective than 3-Octanone. Exposure of M. incognita egg-masses for 48 h at two doses (0.8 and 3.2 µL) of these VOCs showed that 1-Octen-3-ol had significantly greater nematicidal activity (100%) than 3-Octanone (14.7%) and the nematicide metham sodium (6.1%). High levels of reactive oxygen species detected in J2 exposed to 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone suggest oxidative stress was one factor contributing to mortality and needs to be investigated further.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) without macular intervention on uveitis eyes with persistent vitreous inflammation/opacities in terms of visual acuity (VA), intraocular inflammation and macular profile. Methods: We carried out a single-center retrospective study of patients with uveitic eyes that underwent PPV without intervention on the macula due to persistent vitreous inflammation/opacities. The primary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular inflammation and macular profile at 3, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Results: Twenty-seven eyes of twenty-six patients were analyzed. Overall, 77.8% had an improvement of VA (55% by 0.3 LogMAR or more); 62.5% of patients had no intraocular inflammation, and the number of patients on systemic steroids and second-line immunosuppressives was reduced by 26% at 12 months; 87.5% of patients had resolution of macular oedema at 12 months. Conclusion: PPV for persistent vitreous inflammation/opacities is safe and effective, showing beneficial outcomes in terms of improvement of BCVA and the reduction in inflammation.

Predictions for the upcoming decades suggest an increase in the number of elderly people in Europe; due to low fertility and the rise in average life expectancy, societies age considerably faster. The nature of these changes signifies that a complex demographic process is taking place. In consequence, one can notice an increase in the demand for personal and nursing care activities provided in the natural human environment, or in various institutions, by adequately prepared, specialized medical staff. Creating the best possible procedures for assisting elderly people is a multifaceted and dynamic problem. The constantly changing expectations regarding healthcare providers, and the higher social and health awareness are challenging medical sciences and social services to provide the oldest generation with the best quality of life. The life satisfaction measure for elderly people is their activity which determines an independent, self-reliant, satisfactory, and long life. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(3):339–50

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are one of the most used medications worldwide. Every day they are used by more than 30 million Americans. Here, we report a rare and interesting case of a 63-year-old woman with a history of NSAID use who presented to our emergency room with lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen with intravenous contrast revealed focal mucosal thickening in the cecum which was highly suspicious for colonic malignancy. She had a colonoscopy which showed two masses and ulcers in the right colon, pathology was negative for malignancy and showed inflammation consistent with NSAID colopathy.

Convergence with respect to the size of the k-points sampling grid of the Brillouin zone is the main bottleneck in the calculation of optical spectra of periodic crystals via the Bethe-Salpeter equation (BSE). We tackle this challenge by proposing a double grid approach to k-sampling compatible with the effective Lanczos-based Haydock iterative solution. Our method relies on a coarse k-grid that drives the computational cost, while a dense k-grid is responsible for capturing excitonic effects, albeit in an approximated way. Importantly, the fine k-grid requires minimal extra computation due to the simplicity of our approach, which also makes the latter straightforward to implement. We performed tests on bulk Si, bulk GaAs and monolayer MoS2, all of which produced spectra in good agreement with data reported elsewhere. This framework has the potential of enabling the calculation of optical spectra in semiconducting systems where the efficiency of the Haydock scheme alone is not enough to achieve a computationally tractable solution of the BSE, e.g., large-scale systems with very stringent k-sampling requirements for achieving convergence.

Issues such as the design or reauditing of dams due to the occurrence of extreme events caused by climatic change are mandatory to address to ensure the safety of territories. These topics may be tackled numerically with Computational Fluid Dynamics and experimentally with physical models. This paper describes the 1:60 Froude-scaled numerical model of the Liscione (Guardialfiera, Molise, Italy) dam spillway and the downstream stilling basin. The k-ω SST turbulence model was chosen to close the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS) implemented in the commercial software Ansys Fluent ®. The computation domain was discretized using a grid with hexagonal meshes. Experimental data for model validation were gathered from the 1:60 scale physical model of the Liscione dam spillways and the downstream riverbed of the Biferno river built at the Laboratory of Hydraulic and Maritime Constructions of the Sapienza University of Rome. The model was scaled according to the Froude number and fully developed turbulent flow conditions were reproduced at the model scale (Re > 10,000). From the analysis of the results of both the physical and the numerical models, it is clear that the stilling basin is undersized and therefore insufficient to manage the energy content of the fluid output to the river, with a significant impact on the erodible downstream river bottom in terms of scour depths. Furthermore, the numerical model showed that a less vigorous jet-like flow is obtained by removing one of the sills the dam is supplied with.

Metarhizium brunneum is a highly effective entomopathogenic fungus that also functions as a plant biostimulant. It can act as both an endophyte and rhizosphere colonizer; however, the mechanisms driving biostimulation are multifactorial. In this work, oilseed rape (Brassica napus) seeds were grown in composts treated with different concentrations of M. brunneum strains ARSEF 4556 or V275, or the M. brunneum-derived volatile organic compounds 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanone. Biostimulation efficacy was found to be strongly dose dependent. Concentrations of 1 × 106 conidia g−1 compost were found to be most effective for the M. brunneum, whereas dosages of 1 µL 100 g−1 compost were found to be efficacious for the volatiles. These optimized doses were assessed individually and in combined formulations with a hydrogel against oilseed rape (Brassica napus), sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), maize (Zea mays) and strawberry (Fragaria annanassa). Both volatile compounds were highly effective biostimulants and were found to increase in biostimulatory efficiency when combined with M. brunneum conidia. Hydrogels were not found to interact with the growth process and may offer avenues for novel formulation technologies. This study demonstrates that Metarhizium-derived volatile organic compounds are actively involved in plant growth promotion and have potential for use in novel formulations to increase the growth of a wide range of commercially relevant crops.

The first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Basel, Switzerland was detected on February 26th 2020. We present a phylogenetic study to explore viral introduction and evolution during the exponential early phase of the local COVID-19 outbreak from February 26th until March 23rd. We sequenced SARS-CoV-2 naso-oropharyngeal swabs from 746 positive tests that were performed at the University Hospital Basel during the study period. We successfully generated 468 high quality genomes from unique patients and called variants with our COVID-19 Pipeline (COVGAP), and analysed viral genetic diversity using PANGOLIN taxonomic lineages. To identify introduction and dissemination events we incorporated global SARS-CoV-2 genomes and inferred a time-calibrated phylogeny. Epidemiological data from patient questionnaires was used to facilitate the interpretation of phylogenetic observations. The early outbreak in Basel was dominated by lineage B.1 (83·6%), detected first on March 2nd, although the first sample identified belonged to B.1.1. Within B.1, 68·2% of our samples fall within a clade defined by the SNP C15324T ('Basel cluster'), including 157 identical sequences at the root of the 'Basel cluster', some of which we can specifically trace to regional spreading events. We infer the origin of B.1-C15324T to mid-February in our tri-national region. The other genomes map broadly over the global phylogenetic tree, showing several introduction events from and/or dissemination to other regions of the world via travellers. Family transmissions can also be traced in our data. A single lineage variant dominated the outbreak in the Basel area while other lineages, such as the first (B.1.1), did not propagate. A mass gathering event was the predominant initial source of cases, with travel returners and family transmissions to a lesser extent. We highlight the importance of adding specific questions to epidemiological questionnaires, to obtain data on attendance of large gatherings and their locations, as well as travel history, to effectively identify routes of transmissions in up-coming outbreaks. This phylogenetic analysis in concert with epidemiological and contact tracing data, allows connection and interpretation of events, and can inform public health interventions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04351503.

Infecting large portions of the global population, seasonal influenza is a major burden on societies around the globe. While the global source sink dynamics of the different seasonal influenza viruses have been studied intensively, its local spread remains less clear. In order to improve our understanding of how influenza is transmitted on a city scale, we collected an extremely densely sampled set of influenza sequences alongside patient metadata. To do so, we sequenced influenza viruses isolated from patients of two different hospitals, as well as private practitioners in Basel, Switzerland during the 2016/2017 influenza season. The genetic sequences reveal that repeated introductions into the city drove the influenza season. We then reconstruct how the effective reproduction number changed over the course of the season. While we did not find that transmission dynamics in Basel correlate with humidity or school closures, we did find some evidence that it may positively correlated with temperature. Alongside the genetic sequence data that allows us to see how individual cases are connected, we gathered patient information, such as the age or household status. Zooming into the local transmission outbreaks suggests that the elderly were to a large extent infected within their own transmission network. In the remaining transmission network, our analyses suggest that school-aged children likely play a more central role than pre-school aged children. These patterns will be valuable to plan interventions combating the spread of respiratory diseases within cities given that similar patterns are observed for other influenza seasons and cities.

The ipRGCs in the human eye mediate several effects on people, such as alertness and circadian rhythms. The spectral, temporal and spatial characteristics of light influence the magnitude of these effects. To facilitate the anticipation of the ipRGC-influenced light (IIL) responses in building design, new simulation tools are needed. This paper presents an extension to the open-access simulation tool Lark, available as a plugin to Grasshopper for Rhino. The proposed extension includes a set of additional options, components, and templates that incorporate currently available knowledge on the IIL responses. The applicability of the extension is demonstrated in a simulation workflow.

The known theories discussing the essence of consciousness have been recently updated. This prompts an attempt to integrate these explanations concerning several distinct components of the consciousness phenomenon such as the ego, and qualia perceptions. Therefore, it is useful to consider the latest publications on the ‘Orch OR’ and ‘cemi’ theories, which assume that quantum processing occurs in microtubules and that the brain’s endogenous electromagnetic field is important. The authors combine these explanations with their own theory describing the neural circuits realizing imagery. They try to present such an interdisciplinary, integrated theoretical model in a manner intuitively understandable to people with a typical medical education. In order to do this, they even refer to intuitively understandable metaphors. The authors maintain that an effective comprehension of consciousness is important for health care professionals because its disorders are frequent medical symptoms in emergencies, during general anesthesia and in the course of cognitive disorders in elderly people. The authors emphasize the current possibilities to verify these theses regarding the essence of consciousness thanks to the development of functional brain imaging methods—magnetoencephalography, transcranial magnetic stimulation—as well as clinical studies on the modification of perceptions and feelings by such techniques as mindfulness and the use of certain psychoactive substances, especially among people with self-awareness and identity disorders.

In order to evaluate the long-term effect of the new fumigant DMDS and its potential to be a part of IPM of root-knot nematodes, a two-year experiment was conducted on cucumber in a greenhouse in Bulgaria. In the first year, DMDS was applied in comparison with farmer nematicide strategy and untreated control in the first cucumber crop. After two consequent catch crops—lettuce in the winter period—a second cucumber crop followed in spring–summer. In this crop, the DMDS effect was studied with no treatment and was integrated into the post-planting strategy with Trichoderma spp. and garlic extract at plots previously treated with DMDS. The effect of DMDS was followed until 450 days after fumigation. Nematocidal efficacy of DMDS was 96% and the yield increased 65.5% in the first cucumber crop, and 80% and 100% in the second cucumber crop, respectively, when nothing was done or a combined strategy with Trichoderma spp. and garlic extract was followed. The DMDS effect on 44 non-target soil nematode genera was also followed. The negative impact of the fumigation was limited in time as non-target nematode communities regained previous crop levels in five months during our study. Therefore, DMDS can be properly included in soil IPM programmes and appears very promising for the protected crop industry in Europe.

BackgroundColonoscopy is a commonly used modality for screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, it is essential to have adequate bowel preparation (prep) for the procedure which depends on type of bowel regimens, diet before colonoscopy and timing of the procedure.AimsThe purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of multiple factors on adenoma detection rate (ADR) and prep quality of colonoscopy. This is the also the first study determining outcomes based on various combinations of diet, timing of the procedure and bowel prep regimens.MethodsThis is a retrospective single-centre observational study. Data about diet before procedure, bowel prepprep regimen and timing of the procedure was collected for patients coming for screening colonoscopy.ResultsPatients with split prep had higher good prep rates (73.8% vs 56.2%) and higher ADRs (34.2 % vs 29.9%) as compared with non-split prep. The good prep quality (65.8% vs 62.1%) and ADRs (31.9% vs 31.5%) were comparable in patients who received clear liquid diet as compared with low residue diet. The good results of bowel prep were obtained with split prep with either clear liquids or low residue diet irrespective of the timing of procedure. The poor prep was noticed in patients who underwent procedure in afternoon, with a low restrictive diet and non-split bowel regimen.ConclusionsThe current study adds to our knowledge about the combined effect of multiple variables affecting the bowel prep quality and ADR. It is imperative to opt for the best combination required for colonoscopy, as this will influence the effectiveness of colonoscopies regarding timely cancer detection and prevention.

Floods can transport debris of a very wide range of dimensions, from cohesive sediments to large floating debris, such as trees and cars. The latter increases the risk associated with floods by, for example, obstructing the flow or damaging structures due to impact. The transport of this type of debris and their interaction with structures are often studied experimentally in the context of tsunamis and flash floods. Numerical studies on this problem are rare, therefore the present study focuses on the numerical modelling of the flow-debris interaction. This is achieved by simulating multiple laboratory experiments, available in the literature, of a single buoyant container transported by a dam-break flow in order to validate the chosen numerical approach. The numerical simulations are carried using the open source DualSPHysics model based on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method coupled with the multi-physics engine CHRONO, which handles the container–bottom interactions. The trajectory, as well as the velocity of the centroid of the container, were tracked throughout the simulation and compared with the same quantities measured in the laboratory. The agreement between the model and the experiment results is quantitatively assessed using the normalised root mean squared error and it is shown that the model is accurate in reproducing the floating container trajectory and velocity.

The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 lineages B.1.1.7 (N501Y.V1) throughout the UK, B.1.351 (N501Y.V2) in South Africa, and P.1 (B.1.1.28.1; N501Y.V3) in Brazil has led to the definition of variants of concern (VoCs) and recommendations for lineage specific surveillance. In Switzerland, during the last weeks of December 2020, we established a nationwide screening protocol across multiple laboratories, focusing first on epidemiological and microbiological definitions. In January 2021, we validated and implemented an N501Y-specific PCR to rapidly screen for VoCs, which are then confirmed using amplicon sequencing or whole genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 13,387 VoCs have been identified since the detection of the first Swiss case in October 2020, with 4194 being B.1.1.7, 172 B.1.351, and 7 P.1. The remaining 9014 cases of VoCs have been described without further lineage specification. Overall, all diagnostic centers reported a rapid increase of the percentage of detected VOCs, with a range of 6 to 46% between 25 to 31 of January 2021 increasing towards 41 to 82% between 22 to 28 of February. A total of 739 N501Y positive genomes were analysed and show a broad range of introduction events to Switzerland. In this paper, we describe the nationwide coordination and implementation process across laboratories, public health institutions, and researchers, the first results of our N501Y-specific variant screening, and the phylogenetic analysis of all available WGS data in Switzerland, that together identified the early introduction events and subsequent community spreading of the VoCs.

Erosion at either dam or spillway foundations, destabilization in riverbanks, and damage in the natural environment located downstream of either dams or spillways represent crucial elements to be taken into account in the risk assessment of hydraulic structures. One of the main problems is related to the scouring that water flow may induce at the downstream boundary of spillways. This issue is exacerbated in the case of undersized stilling basins, i.e., when a significant level of energy migrates downstream by acting on unprotected natural riverbed. If the scour depths are large enough, the structural stability of the infrastructure will be threatened. This paper aims to illustrate an innovative technical solution suitable to protect the riverbed located just downstream of stilling basins by means of artificial Antifer blocks. These kinds of artificial blocks are widely used in the field of maritime construction, but in the literature, there are no theoretical formulations for their design within the frame of river engineering. In order to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed technical solution, it is applied to a real case investigated by means of physical modeling. The riverbed located just downstream of the stilling basin of Liscione Dam (Campobasso, Italy) experienced scour due to high discharges during and after extreme rain events. Different protection strategies have been tested to assess the influence of different placement methods and packing densities on the stability of Antifer block armor layers. Experimental findings reveal that regular placements behave more stable than irregular placements with a similar packing density.

Several failures of recurved concrete crownwalls have been observed in recent years. This work aims to get a better insight within the processes underlying the loading phase of these structures due to non-breaking wave impulsive loading conditions and to identify the dominant failure modes. The investigation is carried out through an offline one-way coupling of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) generated wave pressure time series and a time-varying structural Finite Element Analysis. The recent failure of the Civitavecchia (Italy) recurved parapet is adopted as an explanatory case study. Modal analysis aimed to identify the main modal parameters such as natural frequencies, modal masses and modal shapes is firstly performed to comprehensively describe the dynamic response of the investigated structure. Following, the CFD generated pressure field time-series is applied to linear and non-linear finite element model, the developed maximum stresses and the development of cracks are properly captured in both models. Three non-linear analyses are performed in order to investigate the performance of the crownwall concrete class. Starting with higher quality concrete class, it is decreased until the formation of cracks is reached under the action of the same regular wave condition. It is indeed shown that the concrete quality plays a dominant role for the survivability of the structure, even allowing the design of a recurved concrete parapet without reinforcing steel bars.

We calculate the electronic structure of the narrow gap semiconductors PbTe, SnTe, and GeTe in the cubic phase using density functional theory (DFT) and the G_{0}W_{0} method. Within DFT, we show that the band ordering obtained with a conventional semilocal exchange-correlation approximation is correct for SnTe and GeTe but wrong for PbTe. The correct band ordering at the high-symmetry point L is recovered adding G_{0}W_{0} quasiparticle corrections. However, one-shot G_{0}W_{0} produces artifacts in the band structure due to the wrong orbital character of the DFT single-particle states at the band edges close to L. We show that in order to correct these artifacts it is enough to consider the off-diagonal elements of the G_{0}W_{0} self-energy corresponding to these states. We also investigate the pressure dependence of the band gap for these materials and the possibility of a transition from a trivial to a nontrivial topology of the band structure. For PbTe, we predict the band crossover and topological transition to occur at around 4.8 GPa. For GeTe, we estimate the topological transition to occur at 1.9 GPa in the constrained cubic phase, a pressure lower than that of the structural phase transition from rombohedral to cubic. SnTe is a crystalline topological insulator at ambient pressure, and the transition into a trivial topology would take place under a volume expansion of approximately 10%.

Vanadium dioxide is a model material system which exhibits a metal-to-insulator transition at 67^{∘}C. This holds potential for future ultrafast switching in memory devices but typically requires a purely electronic process to avoid the slow lattice response. The role of lattice vibrations is thus important, but it is not fully understood and it has been a long-standing source of controversy. We use ultrafast spectroscopy and ab initio quantum calculations to study the mechanism responsible for the transition. We identify an atypical Peierls vibrational mode associated with the transition and study its associated properties. Our findings led to theoretical prediction of a new electron-phonon pathway for a purely reversible electronic transition in a true bistable fashion under specific conditions. This transition is very atypical, as it involves purely chargelike excitations and requires only small nuclear displacement and might prompt future experimental investigations.

Gastrocolic fistulae have been described for benign conditions including penetrating peptic ulcer and complicated pancreatitis. Malignant etiology can arise from gastric or colon cancer and is a rare and late complication with an incidence of 0.3-0.4%. Usual presentation is the classic triad of weight loss, diarrhea, and feculent vomiting. Barium enema has been shown to have the highest diagnostic accuracy but endoscopy offers additional advantage of biopsy to aid in diagnosis of malignant etiology; the role of computed tomography (CT) scan is controversial. Treatment by one-stage en bloc surgical approach is the current acceptable standard of care with variable recurrence and survival rates. Adjuvant chemotherapy would be based on lymph node involvement and patient discussion.

Canaloplasty is a nonpenetrating blebless surgical technique for open-angle glaucoma, in which a flexible microcatheter is inserted within Schlemm’s canal for the entire 360 degrees. When the microcatheter exits the opposite end, a 10-0 prolene suture is tied and it is then withdrawn, by pulling microcatheter back through the canal in the opposite direction. Ligation of prolene suture provides tension on the canal and facilitates aqueous outflow. The main advantage of canaloplasty is that this technique avoids the major complications of fistulating surgery related to blebs and hypotony. Currently, canaloplasty is performed in glaucoma patients with early to moderate disease and combination with cataract surgery is a suitable option in patients with clinically significant lens opacities.

Abstract Background Nurses play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary team in the rehabilitation of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, little is known about patients' and health care professionals’ (HCP) experiences (physicians, therapists) with nurses in rehabilitation. The aim of this qualitative study is (i) to describe the rehabilitation nursing care from the perspective of MS patients and HCPs and their view of a nursing consultations (ii) to elaborate similarities and differences of patients’ and HCP’s views. Methods We used a qualitative approach and selected the participants purposively. We conducted semi-structured individual MS patient (n = 15) and two focus groups interviews with HCPs (n = 8) in an inpatient rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland. We analysed the data using a structuring content analysis approach. First, we analysed patients’ and HCPs’ perspectives separately. Afterwards we elaborated similarities and differences descriptively. Results Main categories of patients’ perspectives were “need for nursing care” and “relationship between nurses and MS patient”. MS patients have mentioned the following points according to a nursing consultation: (i) nurses as advocates, (ii) involvement of relatives (iii) peer groups (iv) contact person. “Nurses in their scope of practice”, “nurses as a part of the multidisciplinary team” and “the specifications in the treatment of MS patients” were main categories of HCPs’ perspective. MS patients and HCPs demonstrated similarly the importance to have a nurse as a contact person in the multidisciplinary team and the need to integrate a nurse-led peer group in a nursing consultation. While HCPs prefer that relative always be included in nursing consultations, patients provided reasons when inclusion was not desirable. Conclusion The results indicate that continuity in the nursing care for MS patients could contribute to a trusting nurse-patient relationship. This facilitates nurses to create a deeper understanding of MS patients and their needs in daily rehabilitation. The need for MS patients to share their concerns and receive scientifically proven knowledge from peers could addressed with a nurse-led peer group.

Abstract Aim The study aimed to implement and measure effectiveness of a systematic continence management intervention in people suffering a stroke in undertaking rehabilitation. Design An intervention study was conducted. Methods In the first part of the study, patients were included in the control group and observed. After the training of the nursing staff, participants were assigned to the intervention group. The intervention consisted of screening, assessment, treatment, communication and evaluation. Results Forty‐six patients took part in the study, of which 35 were in the control and 11 in the intervention groups. Within the two groups, significant improvements in outcomes were mostly seen during the study. For the Incontinence Quality of Life Social Embarrassment scale, a significantly higher increase was observed for the intervention group. The improvement between admission and discharge in the intervention group was notably larger for the outcome's incontinence and quality of life.

Abstract Background Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by germline mutations in the APC gene. Patients with FAP have multiple extraintestinal manifestations that follow a genotype-phenotype pattern; however, few data exist characterizing their cognitive abilities. Given the role of the APC protein in development of the central nervous system, we hypothesized that patients with FAP would show differences in cognitive functioning compared to controls. Methods Matched case-control study designed to evaluate cognitive function using the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-4, the Bateria III Woodcock-Munoz, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions-Adult. Twenty-six individuals with FAP (mean age = 34.2 ± 15.0 years) and 25 age-gender and educational level matched controls (mean age = 32.7 ± 13.8 years) were evaluated. Results FAP-cases had significantly lower IQ (p = 0.005). Across all tasks of the Batería III Woodcock-Muñoz, FAP-cases performed significantly lower than controls, with all of the summary scores falling in the bottom quartile compared to controls (p

Kelly M Wawrzyniak,1,2 Matthew Finkelman,3 Michael E Schatman,1,4 Ronald J Kulich,1,2 Valerie F Weed,5 Eura Myrta,1 David J DiBenedetto1,21Boston PainCare Center, Waltham, MA 02451, USA; 2Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA; 3Division of Biostatistics and Experimental Design, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA; 4Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA; 5Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC, Northbrook, IL 60062, USAPurpose: To examine the validity of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) for the assessment of function in a community-based sample of patients with chronic pain conditions undergoing evaluation for chronic opioid therapy. Patients and methods: One hundred nine of 124 patients were evaluated for a chronic opioid therapy program between December 1, 2014 and April 10, 2015, inclusive, at one community-based interdisciplinary pain management practice. Measures included: demographic data; the WHODAS 2.0; a modified version of the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-m); the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item (PHQ-9); the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised (SOAPP-R); the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM), the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT); opioid dose. These data were collected as part of routine care, and this retrospective chart review study examined the data from this convenience sample, comparing the results of each assessment tool to the results of the WHODAS 2.0. Results: Median score on the WHODAS 2.0 was 25.69 (IQR=16.01 to 35.28). WHODAS 2.0 score was significantly correlated with the RMDQ-m (rs=0.69, p

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the first cause of cancer deaths among Puerto Ricans. The incidence and mortality of CRC in Puerto Rico continue to be on the rise. The burden of CRC in Puerto Rico is higher than among US Hispanics and is second only to African Americans, thus supporting the importance of studying this CRC health disparity. The genetic background of the Puerto Rican population is a mix of European, African, and Amerindian races, which may account, in part, for the differences observed in the CRC mortality rates among Puerto Ricans. The objective of the study was to assess the role of genetic ancestry in CRC risk and its association with clinicopathological features of CRC tumors in Puerto Ricans. Results We used a validated panel of 105 ancestry informative markers (AIMs) to estimate genetic ancestry in 406 Puerto Rican CRC cases and 425 Puerto Rican controls. We examined the association of genetic ancestry with CRC risk and tumor clinicopathological characteristics. Conclusions The mean ancestry proportions in the study population were 61% European, 21% African, and 18% Amerindian. No association was observed between genetic ancestry and risk of CRC. However, African ancestry was associated with an increased risk of developing rectal tumors (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.04–2.31). Additional studies are needed to fully elucidate the role of African ancestry in CRC carcinogenesis.

Abstract Background The authors postulate that the recent intensification of the nationalist and xenophobic attitude in Poland and other Eastern European countries is detrimental to public mental health. The xenophobic attitude is accompanied by a higher incidence of anxiety and depression, disputes due to the polarization of opinions, a sense of embarrassment and a sense of contradictions with so-called Christian values, unfavorable demographic predictions and reduced life satisfaction. Discussion The authors attempt to describe the sequence of adverse events that led to the intensification of xenophobia and characterize the current state of public mental health in European countries. They formulate and propose possible actions which could counteract the consequences of that transformation. Short conclusion The actions which may be undertaken to counteract the deterioration of public mental health can be based on the recommendations of so-called ‘positive psychology’ and ‘positive psychiatry’ as well as the principles of strengthening local social capital.

Refeeding syndrome is defined as electrolyte and fluid abnormalities that occur in significantly malnourished patients when they are refed orally, enterally, or parenterally. The principal manifestations include hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, vitamin deficiencies, volume overload and edema. This can affect multiple organ systems, such as the cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological systems, secondary to the above-mentioned abnormalities. Rarely, patients may develop gastrointestinal symptoms and show abnormal liver function test results. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa who developed refeeding syndrome and simultaneous elevations of liver function test results, which normalized upon the resolution of the refeeding syndrome.

The game of volleyball with its dynamic character is present in the world of the sport with permanent development and growing popularity and fans. Volleyball is part of a pollystructural complex sports activities. It is performed on a ground of a relatively small size (18 x 9 meters) and is a kind of game that requires of players a high level of advanced motoric abilities (speed, strength, endurance, a fast rate of visual reaction, explosivity), as well as specific motoric skills (precision etc.). Scientific conclusion as well as the growing number of conducted researches in the very game, have a real contribution to its modern development and level of popularity. Situation-motoric skills make a significant dimension in the structure of volleyball game. The subject of the research is specific-motoric abilities and situation-motoric skills of 52 volleyball players aged from 16 to 17. The basic goal of the research is to establish the effect of specific-motoric abilities on situation-motoric skills of volleyball players in latent space. In order to assess the specific-motoric abilities 9 tests are used, and to assess the situation-motoric skills 3 precision tests are used. The results obtained from the 12 applied tests are worked out through the basic statistic parameters. Through component factor analysis 3 latent specific-motoric dimensions are isolated as well as one situation-motoric dimension. By regressive analysis there is established a low but statistically significant relation between the criterion and predictor latent dimensions. That confirms the dependence and relation between the specific-motoric abilities and situation-motoric skills. Researches in the fi eld of similar questions have been conducted by the following authors: Jurko et al., 2013 and Nešić, et al., 2011.

This paper illustrates a methodology to get a reliable estimation of the local wave properties, based on the reconstruction of the motion of a moving sailboat by means of GNSS receivers installed on board and an original kinematic positioning approach. The wave parameters reconstruction may be used for many useful practical purposes, e.g., to improve of autopilots, for real-time control systems of ships, to analyze and improve the performance of race sailboats, and to estimate the local properties of the waves. A Class 40 oceanic vessel (ECO40) left from the port of “Riva di Traiano” located close to Rome (Italy) on 19 October 2014 to perform a non-stop sailing alone around the world in energy and food self-sufficiency. The proposed system was installed on ECO40 and the proposed method was applied to estimate the wave properties during a storm in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The results compared against two sets of hindcast data and wave buoy records demonstrated the reliability of the method.

A prática educativa acontece quando é permeada por uma ação dialógica, por um processo de interação educador-educando, por metodologias participativas. O processo de ensino-aprendizagem deve ser visto, assim, pelo viés da horizontalidade, pela via de mão dupla, onde ora se ensina e ora se aprende. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a categoria “diálogo”, buscando uma correlação com a prática pedagógica, tanto na Educação Básica como no Ensino Superior. Os construtos teóricos respaldam-se nos autores: Paulo Freire (1983, 1987, 1996), Melo Neto (2004, 2006) e Scocuglia (2001 2006). A partir da revisão bibliográfica apresentada, resgatamos o conceito “diálogo”, na visão desses autores. Na primeira parte do trabalho, definimos a etimologia do conceito “diálogo”. Na segunda parte, ressaltamos o conceito no olhar dos autores analisados. Na terceira parte, apresentamos nossas considerações, enfatizando a importância do diálogo na afirmação do sujeito comunicativo, e o meio de formação perfeito para a inclusão do homem no meio social. Finalizando, destacamos que toda prática educativa, quando baseada na ação transformadora do diálogo, constitui-se como a verdadeira forma de respeitar o educando. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de que, juntos, discentes e docentes construam novos conhecimentos e promovam a inclusão social.

As práticas disciplinares, na visão Foucaultiana (1994), têm por finalidade à construção de sujeitos rápidos, ordeiros, eficientes, produtivos, úteis, disciplinados e dóceis. Dentro dessa perspectiva de pensamento teórico, elas têm se tornado mecanismos e dispositivos de vigilância, docilizando corpos e mentes nos mais diversos espaços sociais. Objetivando retratar esses mecanismos de disciplinamento, nos detemos, aqui, aos dispositivos de controle presentes no espaço social da instituição escolar. É, sobretudo na escola, que essas práticas disciplinares podem ser observadas nas mais variadas formas, desde a sujeição dos alunos em relação às normatizações ou às regras estabelecidas e ditadas pela escola até as práticas avaliativas mais diversas. O trabalho de pesquisa aqui apresentado é de caráter descritivo e se fundamenta, teoricamente, no conceito de prática disciplinar estabelecido por Foucault (1994). Os resultados demonstram que os efeitos de controle e de disciplinamento, presentes na instituição escolar, se revelam como uma forma de domesticação de sujeitos.

Field surveys and laboratory tests were carried out to assess the sanitary status of pome fruit trees in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Field surveys were carried out in 10 orchards, two nurseries and one varietal collectione during 2005-2006. A total of 65 apple and 51 pear cultivars were tested for the presence of the four most important pome fruit viruses: Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) and Apple mosaic virus (ApMV). The most frequent viruses of apple were ACLSV (72%) and ASPV (69%), whereas for pear those were ASGV (69%) and ACLSV (64%). Biological indexing was more reliable than ELISA for virus detection. Multiplex RT-PCR results of 20 randomly selected apple cultivars were in line with biological indexing.This is the first report of the presence of ACLSV, ASPV, ASGV and ApMV in Bosnia and Herzegovina in pome fruits.

This thesis examines the participatory lobbying of Puerto Rican Statute #232 of August of 2004, which was a joint endeavor by members of low-income communities, headed by members of the Los Filtros community, and the community development section of the University of Puerto Rico's School of Law Legal Aid Clinic. The case study seeks to bring to the forefront the voices of the members of the Los Filtros community who participated in the lobbying of the bill regarding their perceptions about the process and its relationship to law, politics and democracy. It highlights the unexplored potential of participatory lobbying as a strategy to open spaces of participatory democracy.Participatory lobbying can be a valuable strategy for lawyers working with marginalized communities. This type of lobbying can claim an important place as a strategy within what have been called "law and organizing" approaches to lawyering, which focus on promoting empowerment of marginalized groups. It differs from more traditional public interest lobbying since, in this alternative type of lobbying, members of marginalized communities are the driving force in the process and lawyers serve a supporting role. DOWNLOAD THIS PAPER FROM SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1997412