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In the paper there are presented and discussed problems of applying the analytical techniques to extract required information from discrete biometric signal. In particular, there are presented results of research on a method to analyze the human body physical activity recording. The research is aimed to determine factors of body movement in three-dimensional space that can be used to detect selected situations, especially the dangerous ones, such as falls. In particular, there is analyzed whether the Poincaré plot-based statistical filtration can be effectively used as the analytical apparatus to detect potentially hazardous situations. Such research results are not publicly available and obtaining and publishing it will allow for designing and constructing the high-efficiency and low-cost microprocessor systems to detect and help to avoid the dangerous situations. Changes in age structure of contemporary societies are briefly discussed as the background and motivation for research. A review of human body activity monitoring techniques in terms of fall detection is presented, and analysis of such a signal is formalized. Auxiliary signal transform and data measures are proposed, analytic technique is presented and example of results are given. Research results overview is presented and conclusion is drawn, future work directions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed indocyanine green fluorescence imaging is under investigation in various clinical disease processes. Understanding the mechanisms of indocyanine green accumulation and retention is essential to correctly interpreting and analyzing imaging data. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize what is known about the mechanism of indocyanine green retention at the cellular level to better understand the clinical nuances of delayed indocyanine green imaging and identify critical gaps in our knowledge to guide future studies. We performed a scoping review of 7,087 citations after performing database searches of PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science Core Collection electronic databases. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were peer-reviewed original research discussing the mechanism of indocyanine green retention in the results section in disease processes involving inflammation and/or necrosis, including cancer, and were available in English. Data were extracted using Covidence software. Eighty-nine studies were included in the final analysis. Several features of indocyanine green retention were identified. We identified several mechanistic features involved in indocyanine green accumulation in diseased tissue that overall had distinct mechanisms of indocyanine green retention in tumors, nontumor inflammation, and necrosis. Our study also reveals new insights on how inflammatory infiltrate influences indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. These findings are noteworthy because they add to our understanding of how fluorescence-guided surgery may be optimized based on the pathology of interest via specific indocyanine green dosing and timing of image acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that rigid adherence to masculine norms is associated with negative mental health outcomes in men. However, contributing pathways between masculine norms and men's mental health are not yet well understood. It has been proposed that psychological inflexibility may function as a mediator in the relationship between masculine norms and depression in men. This study investigated whether psychological inflexibility mediated the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depression. A community-based sample of 326 men (M age = 62.33, SD age = 15.33 years) completed an online questionnaire using a range of validated scales, including the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-22), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Male Depression Risk Scale (MDRS-22). Mediation analyses and two-way ANOVAs were used to explore relationships between variables. Results indicated that psychological inflexibility significantly mediated the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depression (both prototypic and externalising symptomology). Findings also revealed that psychological inflexibility is more strongly linked with poor mental health than conformity to masculine norms. The results suggest that psychological inflexibility may be a possible pathway through which conformity to masculine norms is associated with depressive symptoms in men, providing important insights into possible therapeutic targets for psychological intervention. • Psychological inflexibility mediated the relationship between masculine norms and depression in men. • Psychological inflexibility is more strongly linked to depression in men than adherence to masculine norms. • Increasing psychological flexibility in men may be an important therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare cases of unusual thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after administration of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) have been reported. The unusual symptoms are called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). In the present study, a brief background about cases of unusual thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after administration of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 was provided. In addition, a description of a case of a 66-year-old woman who had received this vaccine and developed VITT was done. She presented to the hospital complaining of hematomas in the right upper limb 14 days after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, without a history of trauma (Glasgow coma scale of 14) and thrombocytopenia even though signs of thrombosis were absent. Cranium computed tomography scan indicated intraparenchymal hematoma and cerebral thrombosis, besides anastomotic Labbé vein thrombosis. The woman received platelets transfusion, dexamethasone, and neuroprotection measures, but even so, on the twelfth postoperative day, she died of cerebral rebleeding. In conclusion, it is crucial to point out the immuno-hypersensitivity mechanisms associated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine reactions, helping to reduce their occurrences and reinforcing confidence in vaccine administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock industry is an essential part of Pakistan's economy, and a variety of ruminants (including sheep and goats) are reared for the increasing demand of milk, meat and hide products. Haemoparasitic illnesses such as theileriosis, anaplasmosis , and babesiosis are a significant health risk for small ruminants in our country. Information regarding distribution patterns, the tick species involved and effective strategies to control tick-borne diseases (TBD) in goats and sheep of Pakistan is limited. To this end, it is required to assess the present rank of TBDs in small ruminants of Pakistan with a note on their vector ticks in order to control and identify the gaps in the knowledge of TBDs. This will recommend areas for future research and will add to the understanding of these diseases and will draw attention to the need for better-quality tools for the diagnosis and control of TBDs in small ruminants of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, total shoulder arthroplasty is performed using a deltopectoral approach through which the glenohumeral joint is accessed by mobilization of the subscapularis. Despite several variations on the subscapularis management techniques, postoperative complications, including subscapularis deficiency and lower functional outcomes, remain an area for improvement. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe in detail our technique for management of the subscapularis in the setting of a stemless humeral implant through which the repair is planned and almost entirely performed at the beginning of the case, prior to the subscapularis peel. This technique aims to improve outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty by 1) avoiding the anatomic implant with anchor drilling, 2) improving procedure efficiency, and 3) anatomically "repairing" the subscapularis prior to takedown by placing anchors exactly at the repair-tension site. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advancement in modern medicines, plant derived medicines have still wide range utilities as they have less side effects and are cheap and biocompitable. Sassurea lappa is an extensively used plant in traditional medicinal formulations. Plant roots are used to cure various diseases including cancer, rheumatic pain, abdominal and nervous disorders. The present study was aimed for the evalution of biological potentials of methanolic and chloroform extracts of Saussurea lappa root, leaf, seed and flower. The methanolic and chloroform extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses. Identification of functional groups was performed using Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant potential was determined via diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total reducing power (TRP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) method, anti-hemolytic potential was conducted on human RBCs, antibacterial activity was evaluated against six American type culture collection (ATCC) and three multi drug resistance (MDR) strains, cytotoxic and phytotoxic potentials were evaluated through brine shrimp lethality assay and raddish seed assay respectively. Experiments were performed in triplicates and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied using statistics version-8.1. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sixteen secondary metabolites. Fourteen functional groups were identified through FTIR. S. lappa root methanolic (SLRM) showed maximum antioxidant activity index (AAI-79.42%) whereas chloroform extract of leaves (SLLC) gave highest antibacterial activity with maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.4 mm). Maximum cytotoxicity was observed for SLRM with lethal dose concentration (LC 50) of 58.8 µg/mL. However, root extracts showed significant phytotoxicity (15% germination). The current study investigated that bioactive compounds present in S. lappa leaves, seed, flower and roots were responsible for enhanced biological potentials. Further studies on isolation and characterization of these bioactive compounds may help in drug development. In future, we recommend different in-vitro and in-vivo studies to further confirm it biopharmacological potencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and implementation of an embedded system is often a complex and complicated process. Usually it takes significant amount of time. This process is even more complex in the case of a distributed embedded system. Thus, it is necessary to search for new design methods that will improve software implementation time and simplify the verification process. One of the approaches is to use the behaviour models. Specific model transformations allow carrying hardware synthesis and obtaining either generated code fragments or the entire implementation. Furthermore, currently there is lack of models supporting the description of distributed embedded systems that allow for automatic synthesis, starting from the model, through its decomposition, to implementation. In this paper, we propose a new model: Interpreted Petri Nets for Embedded Systems (IPNES) for describing the behaviour of an embedded system. The model allows describing both a single-module system and an entire distributed system that requires processes synchronization and data exchange. This model contains a number of different elements that are necessary for operating of any embedded system. It can be used in the subsequent stages of distributed embedded system synthesis process, i.e. decomposition and automatic code generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metformin XR is feasible and safe for people admitted with stroke and pre-diabetes. • Metformin XR is well tolerated with no related side effects. • Strategies are needed to improve adherence in future trials. Pre-diabetes is a common condition that affects about 16.4% of Australian adults. Hyperglycaemia is a strong risk factor for the development of stroke. Metformin XR is an approved medication to treat type 2 diabetes in Australia but not pre-diabetes. Additionally, whether it is tolerated following a stroke is unclear. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of Metformin XR in people with stroke and pre-diabetes. In this PROBE design trial, people who had recent stroke (within 3 months) with pre-diabetes were randomized to either the active arm (n = 13) receiving usual care plus Metformin XR (500 mg daily increased to a total daily dose of 1500 mg) or the control group receiving only usual care (n = 13). At baseline & after four months of intervention, clinical and biomedical characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and medication data were recorded. At one month and 2.5 months into the study, compliance rate and side effects were determined. This trial showed that it is feasible to recruit, retain and monitor participants. However, the compliance rate was low. Adherence to metformin XR was 52% (IQR:42% to 61%) based on the remaining tablets in the container after 4 months of intervention. None of the reported side effects were deemed to be related to the study treatment and no significant differences were observed between the metformin XR and the control group. Treatment with Metformin XR in participants admitted with stroke and with pre-diabetes is feasible and safe. Strategies are needed to improve adherence in future trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemonchus contortus is a critical parasite of goats and sheep. Infection by this blood-feeding gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasite has significant health consequences, especially in lambs and kids. The parasite has developed resistance to virtually all known classes of small molecule anthelmintics used to treat it, giving rise in some areas to multidrug resistant parasites that are very difficult to control. Thus, new anthelmintics are urgently needed. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal protein 5B (Cry5B), a naturally occurring protein made by a bacterium widely and safely used around the world as a bioinsecticide, represents a new non-small molecule modality for treating GINs. Cry5B has demonstrated anthelmintic activities against parasites of monogastric animals, including some related to those that infect humans, but has not yet been studied in a ruminant. Here we show that H. contortus adults are susceptible to Cry5B protein in vitro. Cry5B produced in its natural form as a spore-crystal lysate against H. contortus infections in goats had no significant efficacy. However, a new Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) paraprobiotic form of Cry5B called IBaCC (Inactivated Bacterium with Cytosolic Crystals), in which Cry5B crystals are encapsulated in dead Bt cell wall ghosts, showed excellent efficacy in vitro against larval stages of H. contortus and relative protein stability in bovine rumen fluid. When given to sheep experimentally infected with H. contortus as three 60 mg/kg doses, Cry5B IBaCC resulted in significant reductions in fecal egg counts (90%) and parasite burdens (72%), with a very high impact on female parasites (96% reduction). These data indicate that Cry5B IBaCC is a potent new treatment tool for small ruminants in the battle against H. contortus. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American College of Surgeons/Association of Program Directors in Surgery operative skills curriculum standardizes training. However, simulation resources are variable with curriculum implementation institution dependent. Our aim was to use Kern's six steps of curricular development to demonstrate how to tailor the American College of Surgeons/Association of Program Directors in Surgery Phase 2 curriculum to program specific needs. Problem identification and general needs assessment was performed. Targeted needs assessment of general surgery residents and attendings was conducted to determine perceived importance of operative skills and residents' confidence with these skills and attendings perceptions of deficiencies in technical skills using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills criteria. Educational strategies were developed dependent on program resources. The program was piloted between 2018 to 2019 and implemented in the 2019 to 2020 academic year. Assessment of resident technical skills and resident or faculty teaching skills was performed for each session. Resident confidence with procedures was assessed using the Zwisch scale before and after modules. Curricular evaluations were completed by residents after each module. The previous curriculum did not comprehensively cover Phase 2 modules and was not tailored to the needs of residents. Targeted needs assessment revealed differences in prioritization of learning for techniques by seniority (most important operation for faculty: laparoscopic cholecystectomy, postgraduate year 4 and 5: laparoscopic partial colectomy, interns: open inguinal/femoral hernia repair). Faculty identified technical skills on which to focus (ie, interns' knowledge of a specific procedure, postgraduate year 4 and 5 flow of the operation and forward planning). Educational strategies employed included wet and dry lab simulations and online materials. Residents reported increased procedural confidence after curriculum completion. This comprehensive implementation of the American College of Surgeons/Association of Program Directors in Surgery Phase 2 skills curriculum effectively used resources and expertise of an institution and focused on the knowledge and technical deficiencies of the target learners. Improvement in learner confidence was demonstrated by this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Paper focuses on the carbonation mechanisms of the Portland cement clinker. • For the first time, the correlation between the solution composition and the phase assemblage evolution was established. • Carbonation reaction is fast, provided enough CO 2 is present in the system. • Carbonation reaction can be divided into three stages when the reaction is limited by the different levers. • Main carbonation products are calcium carbonate and amorphous alumina silica gel containing calcium. Reductions of CO 2 emissions associated with Portland cement production represent currently the main challenge for the cement industry. A promising approach is to substitute the traditional hydration of cement by carbonation of cement clinker for the hardening of the material in concrete production. This work is a tailor-made experimental approach to explore the mechanisms of Portland clinker carbonation under wet conditions. The carbonation is found to be fast at the beginning of the reaction, provided enough CO 2 is present in the system. Particularly, the calcium silicate phases react rapidly, where the kinetics is explained by the high undersaturation of these phases. Furthermore, the carbonation reaction can be divided into three stages when the reaction is limited by the different mechanisms: precipitation of products or dissolution of clinker or CO 2. The main carbonation products are calcium carbonate and amorphous alumina silica gel. These phases precipitate in a different locations forming a special microstructural pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing antibiotic resistance of microorganisms is an increasingly important challenge for modern medicine. In the next few decades, the so-called post antibiotic era is likely to begin. For this reason, the search for new solutions using PACT seems particularly promising. Four new chlorin compounds were tested and photochemically characterized for singlet oxygen generation efficiency and photostability. They have been evaluated for bactericidal properties against MRSA, E. coli (ESBL+) and C. albicans. Their synergism with antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins and carbapenems was evaluated. A reduction of approximately 3 logs or more was achieved for each of the bacterial strains. A decrease in MIC values was observed for all bacteria, the greatest for ceftriaxone. Combining traditional antibiotic therapy with PACT may be a promising route in the case of antibiotic-resistant infections, but requires further in-depth research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the relationships among family carepartner factors and stroke survivor gait and social participation after chronic stroke. Descriptive analysis of baseline data from ongoing stroke carepartner-integrated therapy trial. Outpatient clinic. Carepartner and stroke survivor dyads (n=16). Carepartners were 62.5% female; 87.5% spouses; age 60.1 +12.1 years; stroke survivors were > 9 months post-stroke (43.8% female, age 63.9+11.5 years). N/A. Bakas Caregiver Outcome Scale (BCOS), Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), Family Caregiver Conflict around Stroke Recovery Scale, Family Care Climate Questionnaire, Timed up and Go (TUG), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), gait speed, and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlations, significance set at p-values <.05. Carepartners reported high levels of strain (56.2%), and a majority experienced some family conflict around recovery. Higher family conflict was related to higher carepartner strain (r = 0.59) and worse carepartner life changes since stroke (BCOS; r = -0.53). Average gait measures were TUG scores 30.63(+7.58) seconds, gait speed 0.66(+0.09) m/s and social participation 48.63(+6.16). Slower stroke survivor TUG scores were related to higher family conflict (r = 0.73), worse carepartner life changes (r = -0.52), and worse stroke survivor balance self-efficacy (ABC; r = 0.61). Lower stroke survivor social participation was related to lower balance self-efficacy (r = 0.71), slower walking speed (r = 0.61) and TUG scores (r = -0.52), as well as higher strain (r = -0.54) and worse life changes (r = 0.49) in the carepartner. In addition to stroke survivor physical capacity and balance self-efficacy, evaluating carepartner strain and family conflict may improve our understanding of stroke survivor social participation. These findings underscore the significance of addressing both the needs of stroke survivors and their carepartners in rehabilitation to optimize outcomes. Funding Acknowledgements – 2021 Paris Patla Physical Therapy Research Grant, Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085 Registration Number: NCT 05257928. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic instability of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a challenging clinical problem, particularly in a patient population for which nonoperative forms of treatment prove ineffective. Patients present after experiencing recurrent subluxation events and subsequent pain, which commonly result in increasing functional limitation. Recurrent SC joint instability of this nature can lead to damage of the SC joint cartilage and bone, and in cases of posterior subluxation or dislocation, damage to mediastinal structures. While the precise treatment algorithm requires tailoring to individual patients and their respective pathologies, we have demonstrated successful outcomes in correcting chronic SC joint instability by means of SC joint reconstruction with semitendinosus allograft, SC joint capsular reconstruction, and, in cases of arthritic damage, resection of a small portion of the degenerative component of the medial clavicle. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe a technique that uses a semitendinosus allograft to stabilize the SC joint combined with a capsular reconstruction in patients who have previously failed nonoperative treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI) is a challenging clinical problem, particularly in the setting of connective tissue diseases, and there is a distinct lack of literature discussing strategies for operative management of this unique patient group. These patients frequently present with significant glenoid bone loss, patulous and abnormal capsulolabral structures, and a history of multiple failed arthroscopic or open instability procedures. Although the precise treatment algorithm requires tailoring to the individual patient, we have shown successful outcomes in correcting recurrent MDI in the setting of underlying connective tissue disorders by means of a modified T-plasty capsular shift and rotator interval closure in conjunction with distal tibial allograft bony augmentation. The purpose of this Technical Note was to describe a technique that combines a fresh distal tibial allograft for glenoid bony augmentation with a modified T-plasty capsular shift and rotator interval closure for the management of recurrent shoulder MDI in patients presenting with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or other connective tissue disorders after failed Latarjet stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the last decade more companies have been offering multiplex PCR kits for forensic STR typing. As a consequence, it has been demonstrated, that an observed genotype may unexpectedly vary at a single locus when different STR kits have been used. Analysing STR profiles which have to be entered in a national database, unknown or undetected primer binding site mutations, insertions or deletions within the flanking region of STR loci may hinder matches and therefore have far-reaching consequences. The current study is a further example indicating that sequence variations in flanking regions are a common problem within STR typing which should not be underestimated. A deletion of 16 nucleotides close to the primer binding site downstream of the repeat sequence resulted in deviant genotypes at the D16S539 locus according to different STR kits used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabricated, with load-bearing walls, apartment buildings represent a significant group of objects, especially occurring in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. They were built in 50’s, 60’s and 70’s of 20th century. Nowadays, the new European Union environmental regulations forced such buildings’ modernization, mainly regarding energy efficiency. Usually, in order to improve their energy properties and, as the result, to reduce the energy losses, the external walls thermal insulation is performed. This is one of the fastest and cheapest method increasing the thermal resistance of walls of buildings constructed using relatively old technology. Extra thermo-modernization layers of the prefabricated walls (consisting of materials such as styrofoam, reinforced mortar, glass fibre textile mesh) bring additional mass to the building and could change its stiffness. The dynamic properties of the structure could be changed as the result. Changes in the natural frequencies of vibrations are the most important among them–calculations of these values are necessary especially in the case of buildings located in paraseismic or seismic areas. In the paper the influence of the additional multilayer thermal insulation of the external walls on the natural vibration frequencies of high (12 storey) actual apartment buildings subjected to mining tremors is investigated. Numerical calculations were carried out using finite element method software. Various approaches to the modelling of prefabricated load bearing walls before and after thermo-modernization were analyzed and discussed. A simple one layer model of walls with equivalent stiffness as well as multi-layer one were taken into consideration. Finally, the simple model reducing multi-layer panel to one layer panel with equivalent (substitute) Young modulus and equivalent (substitute) Poisson’s ratio was recommended for the practical calculations of the dynamic properties of buildings. Numerically evaluated natural vibration frequencies of the buildings before and after thermo-modernization were verified by the experimental data obtained for actual structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The primary aims of this work were to (1) describe normal range of motion (ROM) profiles for elite pitchers, (2) describe the characteristics of shoulder and elbow injuries in professional pitchers over a 6-year period in one Major League Baseball organization, and (3) identify ROM measures that were independently associated with a future shoulder or elbow injury.Methods: Over 6 seasons (2010-2015), a preseason assessment was performed on all pitchers invited to Major League Baseball Spring Training for a single organization. ROM measures included shoulder flexion, horizontal adduction, external rotation (ER), internal rotation, as well as elbow flexion and extension, were measured for both the dominant and nondominant arm, and total range of motion and deficits were calculated. All noncontact shoulder and elbow injuries were identified. Using multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis to control for age, height, weight, and all other ROM measures, the factors associated with an increased risk of subsequent shoulder or elbow injury were identified.Results: A total of 53 shoulder (n = 25) and elbow (n = 28) injuries occurred during 132 pitcher seasons (n = 81 pitchers). The most significant categorical risk factor associated with increased elbow injury rates was the presence of a shoulder flexion deficit >5° (odds ratio [OR] 2.83; P = .042). For continuous variables, the risk of elbow injury increased by 7% for each degree of increased shoulder ER deficit (OR 1.07; P = .030) and 9% for each degree of decreased shoulder flexion (OR 1.09; P = .017). None of the measures significantly correlated with shoulder injuries.Conclusions: Preseason shoulder ER and flexion deficits are independent risk factors for the development of elbow injuries during the upcoming season. Although prior work has supported the importance of reducing glenohumeral internal rotation deficits in pitchers, this study demonstrates that deficits in shoulder ER and flexion are more significant predictors of subsequent elbow injury.Level Of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible intermodal transport is the most advanced method of material transportation Its special feature is flexibility, reflected in transportation and storing of load units. Intermodal transport is also connected to high expectations of customers, especially within the scope of completion of deliveries in the “just in time” mode, price flexibility and fulfilment of time requirements. One of the specific requirements resulting from those high expectations is implementation of modern forms of business activity. ROSCO entities have become a key part of the intermodal market functioning. Their influence on the intermodal rolling stock market is increasing and their flexibility has a direct impact on the functioning of intermodal service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is becoming increasingly apparent that contextual information can exert a considerable influence on decisions about forensic evidence. Here, we explored accuracy and contextual influence in bloodstain pattern classification, and how these variables might relate to analyst characteristics. Thirty-nine bloodstain pattern analysts with varying degrees of experience each completed measures of compliance, decision-making style, and need for closure. Analysts then examined a bloodstain pattern without any additional contextual information, and allocated votes to listed pattern types according to favoured and less favoured classifications. Next, if they believed it would assist with their classification, analysts could request items of contextual information – from commonly encountered sources of information in bloodstain pattern analysis – and update their vote allocation. We calculated a shift score for each item of contextual information based on vote reallocation. Almost all forms of contextual information influenced decision-making, with medical findings leading to the highest shift scores. Although there was a small positive association between shift scores and the degree to which analysts displayed an intuitive decision-making style, shift scores did not vary meaningfully as a function of experience or the other characteristics measured. Almost all of the erroneous classifications were made by novice analysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Muscle glucose storage and muscle glycogen synthase ( gys1 ) defects have been associated with insulin resistance. As there are multiple mechanisms for insulin resistance, the specific role of glucose storage defects is not clear. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of muscle-specific gys1 deletion on glucose metabolism and exercise capacity. Methods Tamoxifen inducible and muscle specific gys-1 KO mice were generated using the Cre/loxP system. Mice were subjected to glucose tolerance tests, euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamps and exercise tests. Results gys1 -KO mice showed ≥85% reduction in muscle gys1 mRNA and protein concentrations, 70% reduction in muscle glycogen levels, postprandial hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Under insulin-stimulated conditions, gys1 -KO mice displayed reduced glucose turnover and muscle glucose uptake, indicative of peripheral insulin resistance, as well as increased plasma and muscle lactate levels and reductions in muscle hexokinase II levels. gys1 -KO mice also exhibited markedly reduced exercise and endurance capacity. Conclusions Thus, muscle-specific gys1 deletion in adult mice results in glucose intolerance due to insulin resistance and reduced muscle glucose uptake as well as impaired exercise and endurance capacity. In brief This study demonstrates why the body prioritises muscle glycogen storage over liver glycogen storage despite the critical role of the liver in supplying glucose to the brain in the fasting state and shows that glycogen deficiency results in impaired glucose metabolism and reduced exercise capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fluorescent reporters of Ca2+. • Ca2+ in organelles. • Ca2+ mapping in organelles. • GECIs. • Ca2+ probes, sensors. Intracellular Ca2+ fluxes are dynamically controlled by the co-involvement of multiple organellar pools of stored Ca2+. Endolysosomes are emerging as physiologically critical, yet underexplored, sources and sinks of intracellular Ca2+. Delineating the role of organelles in Ca2+ signaling has relied on chemical fluorescent probes and electrophysiological strategies. However, the acidic endolysosomal environment presents unique issues, which preclude the use of traditional chemical reporter strategies to map lumenal Ca2+. Here, we broadly address the current state of knowledge about organellar Ca2+ pools. We then outline the application of traditional probes, and their sensing paradigms. We then discuss how a new generation of probes overcomes the limitations of traditional Ca2+probes, emphasizing their ability to offer critical insights into endolysosomal Ca2+, and its feedback with other organellar pools. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present contribution, the interaction between limestone and slag is investigated by a multi-method approach using chemical shrinkage, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques and compressive strength measurements. The impact of limestone was investigated in blends containing synthetic slags of different alumina content. The results are correlated with the thermodynamic modelling in order to gain further insights into the physical and chemical processes governing the interaction between limestone, slag and Portland cement. Beyond 28 days of hydration, slag composites exhibit higher compressive strength values than their equivalent with quartz. Increasing the Al2O3 content from 8 to 12% in slag influenced compressive strengths positively at all hydration times. Further increase of alumina in slag to 16% has no positive effect on strength. Addition of limestone, results positively only on early compressive strengths. After 28 days and longer effect of limestone is either slightly negative or neutral. Only in the case of the slag containing 16% of alumina, limestone has positive impact on the late compressive strength. The effect of limestone has two main components: physical, so called filler effect and chemical that depends on the slag composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diarrhea is one of the dose limiting toxicity of irinotecan. SN-38 is main irinotecan metabolite responsible for diarrhea development, which is excreted in glucuronidated form into the intestine. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the probiotics in the prevention of irinotecan induced diarrhea due to reduction of intestinal beta-d-glucuronidase activity.Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2013, 46 patients with colorectal cancer starting a new line of irinotecan based therapy were included. Patients were randomized 1:1 to probiotics (PRO) or placebo (PLA). Probiotic formula Colon Dophilus™, was administered at a dose of 10×10(9)CFU of bacteria tid, orally for 12 weeks of chemotherapy. The study was prematurely terminated due to slow accrual, when 46 of 220 planned patients were accrued.Results: Twenty-three patients were randomized to PRO and 23 patients to PLA. Administration of probiotics compared to placebo led to a reduction in the incidence of severe diarrhea of grade 3 or 4 (0% for PRO vs. 17.4% for PLA, p=0.11), as well as reduction of the overall incidence of diarrhea (39.1% for PRO vs. 60.9% for PLA, p=0.24) and incidence of enterocolitis (0% for PRO vs. 8.7% for PLA). Patients on PRO used less antidiarrheal drugs compared to PLA. There was no infection caused by probiotic strains recorded.Conclusions: Administration of probiotics in patients with colorectal cancer treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy is safe and could lead to a reduction in the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present contribution, the interaction between limestone and slag is investigated by a multi-method approach using chemical shrinkage, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques and compressive strength measurements. The impact of limestone was investigated in blends containing synthetic slags of different alumina content. The results are correlated with the thermodynamic modelling in order to gain further insights into the physical and chemical processes governing the interaction between limestone, slag and Portland cement. Beyond 28 days of hydration, slag composites exhibit higher compressive strength values than their equivalent with quartz. Increasing the Al2O3 content from 8 to 12% in slag influenced compressive strengths positively at all hydration times. Further increase of alumina in slag to 16% has no positive effect on strength. Addition of limestone, results positively only on early compressive strengths. After 28 days and longer effect of limestone is either slightly negative or neutral. Only in the case of the slag containing 16% of alumina, limestone has positive impact on the late compressive strength. The effect of limestone has two main components: physical, so called filler effect and chemical that depends on the slag composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining a post-mortem interval using the weight or length of blow fly larvae to calculate the insect's age is well established. However, to date, there are only a handful studies dealing with age estimation of blow fly pupae, in which weight or length cannot be used as a relevant parameter. The analysis of genetic markers, which indicate a certain developmental stage, can extend the period for a successful post-mortem interval determination. In order to break new ground in the field of age determination of forensic relevant blow flies, we performed a de novo transcriptome analysis of Calliphora vicina pupae at 15 different developmental stages. Obtained data serve as base to establish molecular age determination techniques. We used a new, deeper, and more cost-effective digital gene expression profiling method called MACE (Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends). We generated 15 libraries out of 15 developmental stages, with 3–8 million reads per library. In total, 53,539 distinct transcripts were detected, and 7548 were annotated to known insect genes. The analysis provides high-resolution gene expression profiles of all covered transcripts, which were used to identify differentially expressed genetic markers as candidates for a molecular age estimation of C. vicina pupae. Moreover, the analysis allows insights into gene activity of pupal development and the relationship between different genes interesting for insect development in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia both innate and adaptive immune responses are necessary to confer protection against clinical disease. In particular, the adaptive immune response involves the production of neutralizing antibodies as well as the presentation of parasite antigens to CD4+ T lymphocytes by professional antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, the development of alternative vaccines that replace the use of live attenuated strains should include relevant epitopes targeting both B and T cell responses. The aim of this study was to design new Babesia bigemina immunogens and evaluate the humoral and cellular responses in mice. To achieve this, three B. bigemina recombinant antigens called Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA-1), Rhoptry Associated Protein 1 (RAP-1) and the Thrombospondin Related Anonymous Protein 1 (TRAP-1) were obtained. Besides, two recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara vectors coding for chimeric constructs containing bioinformatically predicted B and T cell epitopes from the same three antigens were generated. These immunogens were evaluated in prime-boost heterologous schemes. Among the combinations tested, priming with a cocktail of the three proteins followed by a booster immunization with a mix of both viruses induced the highest activation of IFN-γ+ CD4+ and CD8+ antigen-specific T cell responses. Remarkably, all vaccine schemes containing antigen cocktails also induced antibodies that were capable of neutralizing merozoite invasion of bovine erythrocytes in vitro at a level comparable to an anti B. bigemina hyperimmune bovine serum. Our results offer a new perspective for vaccines against B. bigemina combining bioinformatics predictions and prime-boost immunization regimes for future control measures against bovine babesiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demolished concrete is a large carbon sink which has not been utilized yet. Carbonation of hydrated cement paste from old concrete can effectively store CO 2 , and in addition, the resulting carbonated cement paste can be used as a pozzolanic material in new composite cements. This concept reduces the CO 2 footprint of cement and promotes circularity and recycling. This work investigates a semi-dry gas-solid process for the carbonation of recycled cement paste. Decreasing gas humidity and hence the content of water adsorbed on the solid cement grains limits the transport of reactants from the dissolving hydrates and the overall reaction kinetics. It also leads to co-precipitation of the carbonation products, i.e., calcium carbonate and the alumina-silica gel, into a single dense matrix within the original grains. A decreasing water availability increases also the complexity and heterogeneity of the microstructure formed, since calcium carbonate precipitates as different polymorphs, including an amorphous form, and because the final phase assemblage comprises intermediate phases such as decalcified C-(A)-S-H, remains of the original hydrates in addition to the final carbonation products. • Carbonation of hydrated cement paste from old concrete can effectively store CO 2. • This work investigates a semi-dry gas-solid process for the carbonation of recycled cement paste. • Decreasing gas humidity and hence the content of water adsorbed on the cement paste grains limits the reaction kinetics. • Carbonation in water results in a separation of calcium carbonate and the alumina-silica gel. • The carbonation at semi-dry conditions results in co-precipitation of the carbonation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every new technology node allows higher transistor density and more complex processors to be manufactured. Unfortunately, it also means that, for the same operating conditions, power density in the chip has to increase. However, it is not obvious how this increased power density translates into temperatures in the processor, therefore in this paper we analyze the influence of technology scaling on temperature of integrated circuit manufactured in FinFET technologies. The problem is discussed based on the results of both steady-state and transient thermal simulations obtained for two modern multi-core processors manufactured in 32 nm and 22 nm technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of research suggests that the interpretation of fingerprint evidence is open to contextual bias. While there has been suggestion in the literature that the same might apply to bitemarks - a form of identification evidence in which a degree of contextual information during the comparison phase is generally unavoidable - there have so far been no empirical studies to test this assertion. We explored dental and non-dental students' ability to state whether two bitemarks matched, while manipulating task ambiguity and the presence and emotional intensity of additional contextual information. Provision of the contextual information influenced participants' decisions on the ambiguous bitemarks. Interestingly, when participants were presented with highly emotional images and subliminally primed with the words 'same' and 'guilty', they made fewer matches relative to our control condition. Dental experience also played a role in decision-making, with dental students making more matches as the experiment progressed, regardless of context or task ambiguity. We discuss ways that this exploratory research can be extended in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment plays a significant role in the global burden of disease for children. Climate-related disasters such as the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season are increasingly contributing to this burden. United Nations designated Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are particularly at risk due to environmental health hazards caused by natural disasters, and health care structure vulnerabilities. United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), specifically UN SDG 3, 13 and 17, focus on climate impacts via promotion of health preparedness and building partnerships between different sectors of society, respectively. The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit's (PEHSU) work is consistent with these most notably via the delivery of environmental health services along with training nurses, doctors, and other health professionals, formation of partnerships and linking resources. Therefore, training a diverse array of health professionals and linking these groups to relevant community resources is of utmost importance and has the potential to enhance the effective management and early prevention of top environmental health (EH) risks. Nursing is identified as a key health sector to engage for this initiative. This article describes the work of the Federal Region 2 PEHSU in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that supports health professionals' knowledge building, development of environmental health services, and promotion of wide scale access to such services for children and families. The PEHSU's work is consistent with these most notably with regards to the delivery of environmental health services in pediatrics. • The R2 PEHSU work in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands has strengthened communities and created partnerships to build sustainability and resilience post-disasters. • PEHSU projects in these territories have identified key health sectors within nursing that have embraced a preventive health care approach to pediatrics at a grassroots level. • These collaborations with local health sectors have improved the promotion and strength of local capacities in children's environmental health • Using an evidence based strategy in health professional education has increased knowledge on pediatric environmental health per surveys provided to trainers and trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]