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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.

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.

The primary function of composite vertical breakwaters is to shield harbor basins from incoming waves and currents. To ensure high hydraulic efficiency, recurved parapets are commonly employed to mitigate the wave overtopping phenomenon. However, these breakwaters are typically used in locations characterized by high water depth. In such settings, nonbreaking waves form on the seaward side of the structure, leading to a phenomenon known as "Confined-Crest Impact" (referred to as "C-CI" hereafter). This phenomenon arises from the interaction between nonbreaking waves and overhanging structures. As presented in previous research works, the same author showed a method for considering the pressure increment induced by the "C-CI" using empirical relationships. However, these tools were unable to predict pressure increments in the presence of submerged berms. Nevertheless, vertical breakwaters commonly feature a berm designed primarily for seabed leveling. Particularly in areas with deep seabeds, the berm serves the purpose of diminishing the caisson height. The presence of the berm amplifies shoaling effects, leading to an increase in free surface velocity and, consequently, a rise in excess pressure induced by the "C-CI" in the presence of a recurved parapet. For this reason, this research specifically focuses on investigating the influence of the toe berm on "C-CI." A series of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations have been conducted to analyze how changing the height of the toe berm affects the loading conditions on the recurved parapet. The geometrical configuration of the toe berm has been selected based on the "Parameter Map" outlined in the PROVERBS manual. As a main result, the intensity of "C-CI" tends to increase as the height of the toe berm increases. This is mainly due to the shoaling effect induced by the berm, as the steepness of the waves increases. A new empirical formula has been developed, with the purpose of determining the coefficient required to apply in Goda's formulas, enabling the estimation of pressure distribution along the structure in presence of berms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

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 FROM AUTHOR]

The recession of Alpine glaciers causes an increase in the extent of proglacial areas and leads to changes in the water discharge and sediment balance (morphodynamics and sediment transport). Although the processes occurring in proglacial areas are relevant not only from a scientific point of view but also for the purpose of climate change adaptation, there is a lack of work on the continuous monitoring and multitemporal characterization of these areas. This study offers a multidisciplinary approach that merges the contributions of different scientific disciplines, such as hydrology, geophysics, geomatics, and water engineering, to characterize the Rutor Glacier and its proglacial area. Since 2020, we have surveyed the glacier and its proglacial area using both uncrewed and crewed aerial surveys (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8089499 , ; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10100968 , ; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10074530 , ; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10101236 , ; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7713146 ,). We have determined the bathymetry of the most downstream proglacial lake and the thickness of the sediments deposited on its bottom (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7682072 ,). The water depth at four different locations within the hydrographic network of the proglacial area (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7697100 ,) and the bedload at the glacier snout (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7708800 ,) have also been continuously monitored. The synergy of our approach enables the characterization, monitoring, and understanding of a set of complex and interconnected processes occurring in a proglacial area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]