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In this work, we present numerical simulation results of powder injection in W7-X using the EMC3-EIRENE and DIS codes. First, we model powder injection experiments performed in W7-X with the Probe Mounted Powder Injector. The simulation results qualitatively agree with visible imaging measurements. Secondly, we perform predictive simulations to guide the installation of an Impurity Powder Dropper in W7-X, allowing to choose in between several available non-vertical ports to maximize the amount of powder penetrating into the plasma, as well as the verticality of the port, to minimize sticking of the powders in the in-vessel stainless steel guiding tube. Port AEM41 is selected as the best candidate for IPD installation. The robustness of the simulation results has been verified for different plasma densities, powder materials and sizes, powder friction coefficient and changes in the plasma flow.

Introduction: Understanding sex differences in the clinical presentation of patients with suspected stroke is important to reduce sex-related disparities and improve care. We aimed to characterize presenting symptoms in women and men with suspected stroke evaluated at our comprehensive stroke center., Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with suspected stroke treated at the University Hospital Essen between January 2017 and December 2021. Patient characteristics, signs and symptoms as well as final diagnoses in women and men were compared. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of individual symptoms with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease., Results: We included 6069 patients in our analysis. Cerebrovascular disease was diagnosed in 85.2% (2576/3022) of women and 88.0% (2681/3047) of men (p = 0.002). Aphasia (31.4% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.002), neglect (15.5% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.003), gaze deviation (21.0% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.034), as well as nonfocal symptoms including impairments in consciousness (17.0% vs 14.6%, p = 0.012), orientation (42.5 vs. 36.4%, p < 0.001) and completion of tasks (31.2% vs. 26.0%, p < 0.001) were more common among women. Limb ataxia (8.1% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001) and dysarthria (44.0% vs. 46.8%, p = 0.030) were less frequent in women. Neglect and gaze deviation were independent positive predictors of cerebrovascular disease in women but not in men., Conclusion: Although clinical presentation was similar in both sexes, cortical and nonfocal symptoms were more common among women with suspected stroke. Awareness of sex differences and acknowledgement of the full clinical picture are important to ensure optimal management for women and men with suspected stroke. Our findings might serve as a target for educational programs in order to improve preclinical stroke detection in patients with predominantly nonfocal or subtle symptoms., (The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Acute respiratory infections are a significant challenge in primary care and hospital settings. Viruses are the most common etiology and the overlapping symptomatology among major respiratory viruses, such as influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and respiratory syncytial virus, requires the use of diagnostic tests that deliver early and accurate results. With the increasing availability of rapid antigen tests (RATS), it is tempting to prefer them over polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. However, compelling arguments support the existing recommendations in some European countries to maintain PCR testing for patient management throughout the year. RATs show sensitivities below 30% with lower viral loads, which are common and can have significant clinical implications. RATs perform well at lower cycle threshold (Ct) values, with sensitivity reaching 97.9% for Ct values below 20, which drops significantly for values above 25. Factors affecting viral load include disease stage, vaccination status, and viral variants, all of which can compromise the accuracy of antigen tests. Multi-target PCR tests effectively overcome these issues, ensuring reliable diagnosis. Additionally, the early detection of paucisymptomatic cases is essential in primary care and hospital settings to facilitate isolation and prevent secondary infections. Economic analyses support the use of comprehensive PCR tests, such as triplex-type tests, detecting SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and RSV, as a first-line approach, as they can reduce case numbers and healthcare resource utilization. Maintaining PCR testing year-round is therefore crucial for the effective management of respiratory infections.