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Background: The use of downstream saturation slabs in two-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (2D TOF MRA) of the arterial system eliminates signal from regions with countercurrent flow, as seen in veins, but possibly also beyond arterial stenoses because of flow turbulence. Purpose: To investigate the contribution of a downstream saturation slab to signal intensity (SI) loss beyond stenoses at 2D TOF MRA. Material and Methods: 2D TOF MRA was performed on a bifurcation phantom with a tight stenosis at 1.5T during pulsatile flow. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of stenosis delineation were performed with different echo times (TE) (3.7 or 7.0 ms), spatial resolution (1x1x1 or 1x1x5 mm3), and with or without a downstream saturation slab. For reference, a high-resolution contrast-enhanced sequence without flow was obtained. Results: The downstream saturation slab caused severe signal loss immediately distal to the stenosis, causing overestimation of stenosis length. This region corresponded with a region of poststenotic flow jet, where turbulence is expected. With increase in TE, there was some increased SI loss at the level of maximum stenosis. A lower spatial resolution resulted in overall poorer delineation of the stenosis. Conclusion: Using clinically relevant sequence parameters, the use of a downstream saturation slab at 2D TOF MRA was found to be a major contributor to signal loss in stenotic regions, which can result in an overestimation of stenosis length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of inclusion behaviour at the metal/slag interface is of great importance for the steel industry in order to achieve better control of both the size and amount of the inclusions, as well as improving the steel quality and the casting process. In this work agglomeration of liquid Al2O3–CaO particles at both steel/argon gas and steel/slag interfaces was studied with a confocal scanning laser microscope. In addition, agglomeration of liquid Al2O3–CaO–SiO2 inclusions present in the slag was investigated. The results showed that liquid inclusions more easily agglomerated to semiliquid inclusions than to liquid inclusions. Moreover, the agglomeration of liquid particles was found to be improved remarkably when the particles were present in the slag compared to when they were in the steel/slag interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) is less prone to flow-related signal intensity loss than three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) MRA and may therefore be more sensitive for detection of residual patency in platinum coil-treated intracranial aneurysms. Purpose: To compare MRA and CE-MRA in the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with platinum coils. Material and Methods: CE-MRA and 3D TOF MRA (pre- and postcontrast injection) of the intracranial vasculature was performed at 1.5T in 38 patients (47 aneurysms) referred for DSA in the follow-up of coiled intracranial aneurysms. Results: DSA showed aneurysm patency in 22/47 investigations. Patent aneurysm components were observed with CE-MRA in 18/22 cases, and with 3D TOF MRA in 21/22 cases. There was no significant difference in patent aneurysm component size between CE-MRA and 3D TOF MRA. In addition, CE-MRA showed six, 3D TOF MRA before contrast injection showed seven, and 3D TOF MRA after contrast injection showed eight cases with patent aneurysm components not observed on DSA. Conclusion: 3D TOF MRA was highly sensitive for detection of patent aneurysm components, and at least as sensitive as CE-MRA. Residual aneurysm patency seems to be better visualized with MRA than with DSA in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whole-body magnetic resonance angiography (WBMRA) permits noninvasive vascular assessment, which can be utilized in epidemiological studies. Purpose: To assess the relation between a low ankle brachial index (ABI) and high-grade stenoses in the pelvic and leg arteries in the elderly. Material and Methods: WBMRA was performed in a population sample of 306 subjects aged 70 years. The arteries below the aortic bifurcation were graded after the most severe stenosis according to one of three grades: 0-49% stenosis, 50-99% stenosis, or occlusion. ABI was calculated for each side. Results: There were assessable WBMRA and ABI examinations in 268 (right side), 265 (left side), and 258 cases (both sides). At least one ≥50% stenosis was found in 19% (right side), 23% (left side), and 28% (on at least one side) of the cases. The corresponding prevalences for ABI <0.9 were 4.5%, 4.2%, and 6.6%. An ABI cut-off value of 0.9 resulted in a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of 20%, 99%, 83%, and 84% on the right side, and 15%, 99%, 82%, and 80% on the left side, respectively, for the presence of a ≥50% stenosis in the pelvic or leg arteries. Conclusion: An ABI <0.9 underestimates the prevalence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease in the general elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Magnetic resonance (MR) permits quantitative flow velocity measurements that could be used to detect changes in the curve profile downstream of a high-grade stenosis. Purpose: To assess whether MR flow measurements can be used to detect iliac artery stenoses. Material and Methods: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and quantitative flow measurements in the lower aorta and proximal femoral arteries were performed in 29 patients with suspected iliac artery stenoses. Stenoses were graded into five degrees: 0%, 1-49%, 50-74%, 75-99%, and 100% diameter reduction. The femoral artery waveforms were evaluated qualitatively by two independent reviewers regarding peak systolic velocity (PSV), aortofemoral difference in time-to-peak (ΔTTP), systolic acceleration (SA), curve-shape index (CSI), and the presence of an early diastolic flow reversal. The correlation between these parameters and the degree of stenosis was assessed. Results: A significant correlation with degree of stenosis was observed for the qualitative flow waveform evaluations, with a high degree of interobserver agreement (κ = 0.84). A significant correlation was also found between degree of stenosis and PSV, ΔTTP, SA, CSI, and presence of diastolic flow reversal. The flow velocity pattern, however, remained unchanged, both qualitatively and quantitatively, up to a stenosis degree of at least 75%. Conclusion: Iliac artery stenoses cause femoral artery flow waveform changes that can be detected with MRI, but only at high-grade levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid arteries. Differentiation between high-grade stenoses and occlusions; Causes of cerebrovascular thromboembolic; Catherization of carotid arteries.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the ability of fusion images of non-echo planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (non-EPI-DWI MRI) and computed tomography (CT) to accurately locate cholesteatoma and plan the surgical approach. Methods: In the first part, 41 patients were included. Their CT images and non-EPI DWMRI images were fused. The scope of cholesteatoma in the fusion image was compared with that in the surgical video to evaluate the capability to locate cholesteatoma. A total of 229 patients were included in the second part, and they were divided into 2 groups. We chose the surgical approach for the CT group and the fusion group, and compared the accuracy of surgical approaches in the CT group and the fusion group using the surgical records. Results: The location of cholesteatoma shown in the fusion images was almost identical to that observed during the operation (kappa =.862). The overall specificity and sensitivity of the fusion images in locating cholesteatoma were 94.12% and 93.06%, respectively. The accuracy of surgical approach selection based on the fusion images (99.02%) was higher than that of surgical approach selection based on the CT images (85.83%). Conclusion: It is recommended that the fusion images be used to locate the range of the cholesteatoma before operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is imperative to reduce the pollution and energy consumption in the blast furnace ironmaking process. High pellets operation is a developing direction in the future. The function of blast furnace slag system cannot be ignored. In order to balance the MgO content in blast furnace slag and improve the metallurgical properties of pellets in the high pellets ratio operation, the research on MgO-bearing pellets is necessary. In this paper, the metallurgical properties of MgO-bearing pellets and the properties of blast furnace slag effect by MgO in different raw material conditions, especially for Vanadium Titanomagnetite, were analysed and summarized. This review provided a reference for the development of MgO-bearing pellets and the performance of blast furnace slag effect by MgO. It is hoped to reduce pollution and promote the technical progress of blast furnace ironmaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article was to study the impact of duration of vacuum degassing process on the type and morphology of non-metallic inclusions which are undesired & unavoidable by product of steelmaking process. During the vacuum degassing stage five top slag and steel samples were taken. All sample occasions measured chemical composition of the molten steel and top slag, and SEM analysis of the non-metallic inclusions. It was seen that during vacuum degassing process the chemistry, dispersions as well as the morphology of the non-metallic inclusions is constantly changing. The Alumina content of the top slag is increased while CaO content is reduced. The percentage share of calcium aluminate type of inclusions verses spinel is increased. In the beginning of the vacuum degassing wt-% of Al in non-metallic inclusions is the highest however as the time passes this wt-% is reduced at the same time inclusions with larger ECDs appear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reconstruction of defects of the lateral malleolus involving the exposed fibular bone or tendon is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application of the peroneal artery perforator flap with or without split-thickness skin grafting for soft tissue reconstruction of the bony defect of the lateral malleolus of the ankle joints. Reconstruction using a peroneal artery perforator flap with or without split-thickness skin grafting was performed for 15 patients (10 men, 5 women) between January 2007 and December 2018. The mean age was 53.7 years, and the mean size of the flaps was 40 cm2. The flaps were elevated in the form of a perforator flap, and split-thickness skin grafting was performed over the flaps and adjoining raw areas. The flaps survived in all cases; however, partial necrosis was observed in 3 cases. In cases of small-sized defects of the lateral malleolus of the ankle joints where a flap is required for the exposed bone or tendon, reconstruction using the peroneal artery perforator flap is advantageous, since the morbidity rate of the donor site is low and soft tissue is reconstructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wage theft claims against Australian universities have raised awareness of the substantial proportion of academics who are precariously employed and underpaid. The COVID-19 global pandemic has further highlighted the extent of precarity for many working in higher education. It is in this context that we situate this paper, reflecting on how time is experienced for academics in a period of growing uncertainty, and what this means for individuals who work on casual or fixed-term contracts. While previous research has examined how academics experience time, limited attention has been paid to the ways in which time is experienced by those in precarious employment. Drawing on interviews with 24 academics employed on casual or fixed-term contracts, this paper investigates differences between the experiences of time for those in the 'precariat' and those in ongoing employment. We describe social acceleration and uncertainty as inherent features of the neoliberal context of academia. This paper builds on Ylijioki and Mäntylä's categories of academic time to illustrate how the paid work of precariously employed academics consists primarily of 'scheduled time'. We argue, however, that academics in short-term or casual employment also engage in substantial unpaid work or 'concealed time' in order to compete for future employment. While acknowledging the struggles associated with the acceleration of work for all academics, this paper raises significant concerns about the overwork and risk of burnout for those in precarious employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Mental disorders are among the key public health challenges and cause a significant share of sickness absence. The aim of this study was to examine gender and age-specific trends in sickness absence in Finland among non-retired persons aged 16–67 years during 2005–2019 by main diagnostic groups. Special focus was put on the development of sickness absence due to mental and behavioural disorders. Methods: Data on compensated sickness allowance days were retrieved from the database of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, and data on the non-retired population aged 16–67 years from the database of Statistics Finland for years 2005–2019. Yearly age-standardised sickness absence rates (yearly sickness absence days per each person in the population at risk) according to diagnostic group were calculated for women and men in age groups 16–34, 35–49 and 50–67 years. Results: A steep increase in sickness absence due to mental disorders was observed between 2016 and 2019 in all age groups among both genders, but the increase was more prominent among women. The age group 16–34 years also showed a longer-term gradual increase. In all examined gender and age groups, the increase was mainly a consequence of an increase in sickness absence due to depression and anxiety disorders. Conclusions: Increase in sickness absence due to mental disorders is an early sign of threats to work ability and productivity of the working-age population. Several factors may simultaneously drive the development. The specific reasons for the recent trend need to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an increasing number of qualitative studies exploring the experiences and perceptions of adult hearing aid owners throughout their hearing aid journey. As these studies and reported experiences vary greatly, a systematic review was conducted to identify and synthesize the key concepts in adult hearing aid owners’ experiences during and after fitting. A systematic search of three electronic databases was conducted, yielding 443 results. Articles were evaluated for inclusion based on pre-determined eligibility criteria, including conventional, smartphone-connected, and direct-to-consumer hearing devices. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the Rating of Qualitative Research scale. Guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) were followed. A narrative synthesis was conducted, and studies were grouped into three main domains, namely experiences of owners related to a) hearing aid adoption and fitting (n = 3), b) hearing aid use (n = 20), and c) hearing aid sub-optimal use (n = 25). Hearing aid owners mainly reported on how their attitude towards hearing aids affected experiences during the fitting stage. Improved psychosocial functioning was the most prevalent perceived benefit of hearing aid use. Owners described sub-optimal use in terms of hearing device-related and non-device-related concepts. The COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation-behavior) model is used to discuss specific service-delivery, hearing-device, and hearing-aid-owner related concepts and clinical implications, including behavior change techniques to enhance understanding of the concepts that hearing aid owners perceive as essential to improve hearing aid experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advancements in tissue engineering, challenges remain for fabricating functional tissues that incorporate essential features including vasculature and complex cellular organisation. Monitoring of engineered tissues also raises difficulties, particularly when cell population maturity is inherent to function. Microfluidic, or lab-on-a-chip, platforms address the complexity issues of conventional 3D models regarding cell numbers and functional connectivity. Regulation of biochemical/biomechanical conditions can create dynamic structures, providing microenvironments that permit tissue formation while quantifying biological processes at a single cell level. Retinal organoids provide relevant cell numbers to mimic in vivo spatiotemporal development, where conventional culture approaches fail. Modern bio-fabrication techniques allow for retinal organoids to be combined with microfluidic devices to create anato-physiologically accurate structures or ' retina-on-a-chip' devices that could revolution ocular sciences. Here we present a focussed review of retinal tissue engineering, examining the challenges and how some of these have been overcome using organoids, microfluidics, and bioprinting technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual problems in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Lilius, H. G., Valtonen, E. J. and Wikström, J. (Departments of Physical Medicine and Neurology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland).A questionnaire which allowed anonymous answering and which also included many other questions besides those dealing with sexual life was sent to 302 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). Sexual life had changed for 91% of males and 72% of females. About half of the patients replied that their sexual life was unsatisfactory or had ceased altogether. These patients were as a rule in a relative poor physical condition. In males, disturbances in erection (62%) were the most common problem, erection was normal in only 20%. In females the essential figures were: loss of orgasm in 33%, loss of libido in 27% and spasticity in 12%. There was no correlation between the incidence of sexual disturbances and the duration of the MS. It seems that the neurological disturbances in sexual life depend simply on the location of the plaques in the central nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: This study estimated (i) the risk function between different indicators of alcohol use and long-term sickness absence, adjusting for possible confounding factors, (ii) whether the risk function between average volume of consumption and sickness absence is modified by heavy episodic drinking (HED), and (iii) to what extent the risk for sickness absence among abstainers is due to health selection bias. Data and methods: The study was based on data from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort 2006, with an analytical sample of 16,477 respondents aged 18–64 years. The outcome included register-based long-term (> 14 days) sickness absence. Negative binominal regression was used to estimate the association between sickness absence and average weekly volume of consumption, frequency of HED, and both in interaction. Results: Abstainers, chronic heavy drinkers and respondents with the highest frequency of HED had approximately two-fold higher rates of sickness absence relative to the reference groups, i.e., moderate drinkers and those with HED one to 6 times per year. Adjustment for confounding factors did not materially affect the shape of the risk function. After exclusion of abstainers with alcohol-related problems, or poor health, the estimates for abstainers became non-significant. Moderate drinkers with HED did not have significantly higher rates of sickness absence than moderate drinkers without HED. Conclusions: Our results suggest a significant association between alcohol use and sickness absence. There were indications that the U-shaped risk function may largely be due to health selection bias among abstainers. We found no indication of effect modification of HED on moderate drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The role of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) during apparently normal pregnancy is still unclear. IgA aPL are prevalent in populations of African origin. Our aim was to measure all isotypes of anticardiolipin (anti-CL) and anti–β2 glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) in healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women of different ethnicities. Methods: Healthy Sudanese pregnant women (n = 165; 53 sampled shortly after delivery), 96 age-matched Sudanese female controls and 42 healthy pregnant and 249 non-pregnant Swedish women were included. IgA/G/M anti-CL and anti-β2GPI were tested at one time point only with two independent assays in Sudanese and serially in pregnant Swedes. IgA anti-β2GPI domain 1 and as controls IgA/G/M rheumatoid factor (RF), IgG anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti-CCP2) and anti–thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) were investigated in Sudanese females. Results: Pregnant Sudanese women had significantly higher median levels of IgA anti-CL, IgA anti-β2GPI (p < 0.0001 for both antibodies using two assays) and IgM anti-β2GPI (both assays; p < 0.0001 and 0.008) compared with non-pregnant Sudanese. IgA anti-CL and anti-β2GPI occurrence was increased among Sudanese pregnant women compared with national controls. No corresponding increase during pregnancy was found for IgA anti-β2GPI domain 1 antibodies. Both IgG anti-CL and IgG control autoantibodies decreased during and directly after pregnancy among Sudanese. Serially followed Swedish women showed no changes in IgA aPL, whereas IgG/M anti-CL decreased. Conclusions: IgA aPL are increased in Sudanese but not in Swedish women, without corresponding increase in IgA domain 1. Whether due to ethnicity and/or environmental influences the occurrence of IgA aPL during Sudanese pregnancies, and its clinical significance, is yet to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Frequent attendance in healthcare services is associated with ill-health and chronic illnesses. More information is needed about the phenomenon's connection with disability pensions (DPs). Methods : The study group comprised 59,676 patients divided into occasional- (1yFAs) and persistent frequent attenders (pFAs) and non-frequent attenders (non-FAs). Odds ratios for DP were analysed for these groups taking into account preceding sickness absence days. The awarded DPs were obtained from the Finnish Centre for Pensions and data on primary care visits were obtained from Pihlajalinna, a nationwide occupational healthcare provider. Results : 1yFAs and pFAs have more DPs than non-FAs. During follow-up, 14.9% of pFAs, 9.6% of 1yFAs and 1.6% of non-FAs had a DP decision of any kind. pFAs receive more partial and fixed-term decisions than the other groups and most permanent DPs are granted to 1yFAs. Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common reason for illness-based retirement in all groups but 1yFAs and pFAs have proportionally more mental disorders leading to DP. The group of non-FAs, on the other hand, has more DPs granted based on neoplasms. Both 1yFAs and pFAs have an increased risk of DP but the effect is diluted after taking into account preceding sick-leave. Conclusions : Frequent attendance of healthcare services, both occasional and persistent, is associated with increased risk of future DP. The association is linked to increased sickness absences. Frequent attenders should be identified and their rehabilitative needs evaluated. Frequency of consultation could be used in selecting candidates for early rehabilitation before sickness absences develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether sick leave due to different mental disorders increased the risk of reoccurring sick-leave, disability pension and unemployment, taking genetics and shared environment into account. Methods: This register-based cohort study contains 2202 discordant twin pairs 18–64 years old, where one twin had sick leave due to a mental disorder 2005–2006. The end of the sick-leave spell was the start of follow-up for both twins. The twins were followed up for reoccurring sick-leave, disability pension and unemployment (> 180 days in a year), until December 2012. Analyses were censored for disability pension, death, emigration and old-age pension. Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates were used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Those with sick leave due to mental disorders had a 3.64 (CI: 3.24–4.08) times higher risk of reoccurring sick-leave within the first two years; after that, hazard ratios were attenuated and explained by genetic factors. The first year, they had 12.24 (CI: 8.11–18.46) times the risk of disability pension. The risk was attenuated but remained at 2.75 (CI: 2.07–3.65) after one year. The risk of unemployment was 1.99 (CI: 1.72–2.31) during the whole follow-up period. The risk of unemployment and disability pension was lower for those with stress-related than other mental disorders, this was less clear for recurrent reoccuring sick-leave. Conclusions: Sick leave due to mental disorders increased the risk of reoccurring sick-leave within two years, disability pension and unemployment, independent of genetics and shared environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most advanced form of peripheral artery disease. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and high management costs. It carries a high risk of amputation and local infection. Moreover, cardiovascular complications remain a major concern. Although it is a well-known entity and new technological and therapeutic advances have been made, this condition remains poorly addressed, with significantly heterogeneous management, especially in nonexperienced centers. This review, from a third-level dedicated inpatient and outpatient cardioangiology structure, aims to provide an updated summary on the topic of CLI of its complexity, encompassing epidemiological, social, economical and, in particular, diagnostic/imaging issues, together with potential therapeutic strategies (medical, endovascular, and surgical), including the evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, the diagnosis, and treatment together with prognostic stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The goal of the study was to review current literature regarding the diagnosis of equivocal (50-70%) iliofemoral artery stenosis and compare these findings with the daily practice of an international panel of endovascular experts. Methods The Medline Database was searched for relevant publications, and an electronic survey was sent to experts in the field covering the following topics: definition of an equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis, angiographic visualization and investigation protocols of an equivocal stenosis, intra-arterial pressure measurements, and definition of hemodynamic significance of an equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis using a physiologic measure. Results Of the 37 invited endovascular experts, 21 (53.8%) agreed to participate in the survey. Analysis of existing literature shows that the level of evidence for diagnosing equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis is mediocre and is not being implemented by experts in the field. Conclusion Studies have shown that a stenosis of between 50% and 70% iliofemoral lumen diameter reduction shows a wide range of trans-stenotic pressure gradients. Equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis can best be identified using three-dimensional quantitative vascular analysis software. Although evidence for a clear hemodynamic cutoff point is weak, performing trans-lesion intra-arterial pressure measurements at rest and during maximal hyperemia is preferred. Diagnosing iliofemoral artery stenosis solely on lumen diameter reduction is inadequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed firstly to investigate the feasibility of the study protocol and outcome measures, secondly to obtain data in order to inform the power calculations for a larger randomised controlled trial, and finally to investigate if whole-body vibration (WBV) is more effective than the same duration and intensity of standard exercises (EXE) in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Design: Randomised controlled feasibility study. Setting: Outpatient MS centre. Subjects: Twenty seven PwMS (age mean (SD) 48.1 (11.2)) with minimal gait impairments. Interventions: Twelve weeks of WBV or standard EXE, three times weekly. Main measures: Participants were measured with isokinetic muscle strength, vibration threshold, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Mini-BESTest (MBT), 6 Minute Walk test (6MWT), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (MSIS 29), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Verbal Analogue scale for sensation (VAS) pre and post 12 week intervention. Results: WBV intervention was found feasible with low drop-out rate (11.1%) and high compliance (90%). Data suggest that a sample of 52 in each group would be sufficient to detect a moderate effect size, with 80% power and 5% significance for 6 minute walk test. Large effect sizes in favour of standard exercise were found for vibration threshold at 5th metatarsophalangeal joint and heel (P=0.014, r= 0.5 and P=0.005, r=0.56 respectively). No between group differences were found for muscle strength, balance or gait (P>0.05). Conclusions: Data suggest that the protocol is feasible, there were no adverse effects. A trial including 120 people would be needed to detect an effect on walking endurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work is to adapt tests that are typically used for blast furnace cokes, such as coke reactivity index (CRI) and coke strength after reaction, to ferroalloy production in electric furnaces by developing easier equipment that meets with ISO 18894 standards. Moreover, a new technique has also been developed using thermal gravimetric analysis in order to quickly, inexpensively and reliably find the CRI parameter. As result of this work, a polynomial relationship between coke's reactivity and mass loss slopes of the record line obtained in the gravimetric thermal analysis tests was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron ore pellets are a prepared burden material for ironmaking that are commonly sintered in a grate kiln furnace system. Deposited material can adhere in chunks to localised regions of the lining of such furnaces, causing lining depletion. Such deposits consist mainly of iron oxides, but alkali, alkaline earth and other oxides formed from disintegrated pellets and fly ash may also be present. In order to investigate methods of preventing such formations, tests have been performed using several different castables and coatings. Samples of liner castables with and without coatings, installed in an industrial furnace, were collected after 6 and 24 months in production use, and characterised using scanning electron microscopy to identify the materials, characterise morphological changes at the deposit-coating-lining interface, and to determine the active chemical reactions. An Al2O3 based coating applied to one of the fields was found to be in good condition after 6 months in use, but no traces of the coating were observed after 24 months in use. A carbon phosphate based coating was not intact after 6 months in use; it was probably burned-up as a result of the oxidising atmosphere. Hematite grains from the deposit material remained at the original deposit-lining interface, while calcium migrated further into the lining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a systematic review to estimate the incidence and prevalence of comorbidity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It conducted a research using various publications including PubMed, Web of Knowledge databases, and reference lists of retrieved articles. The review highlighted substantial gaps in the epidemiological knowledge of comorbidity in the MS population worldwide.

The article presents a study of the impact of sexual dysfunction on the health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19). The study used multivariate hierarchial regression analyses to examine the impact of sexual dysfunction. Results showed that sexual dysfunction has larger detrimental impact on the mental health aspects of HrQoL than physical disability.

The objective of this research was to study non-metallic inclusions during vacuum degassing in an ASEA-SKF ladle furnace. Five steel and top slag samples were taken before, during and after vacuum degassing for chemical analysis and scanning electron microscopy. It was concluded that the average CaO/Al2O3 ratios in the top slags became close to the phase C3A. The average CaO/Al2O3 ratios in the inclusions of this study were close to the phase CA6, but at the end of degassing, the average CaO/Al2O3 ratios in the calcium aluminates by subtracting the Al amounts of the inclusions that were assumed to form spinel phases with the available Mg amounts in the inclusions were situated between the phases C12A7 and C3A. By decreasing the S and Al contents of molten steel and at [S]3.[Al]2 less than around 10-7 , the ratio of calcium aluminates to spinels increased continously. It was finally concluded that by increasing the Ca amount in inclusions, their equivalent circle diameters grew, and their aspect ratios went toward unity, and when the amount of Ca measured in the inclusions was more than ∼25 wt-%, inclusions with bigger equivalent circle diameters appeared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron losses during calcium carbide based hot metal desulphurisation have been studied via large scale investigations of slag from the slag pit as well as slag sampling during desulphurisation at SSAB EMEA in Luleå. The desulphurisation slag, after injection of calcium carbide, is normally solid and contains large amounts of iron. An alkali containing mineral, nepheline syenite, was mixed together with the calcium carbide to form a more fluid slag as the iron losses originate from enclosed metal droplets in the slag as well as drawn off hot metal during slag skimming. The slag amount after slag skimming decreased from 28·1 to 25·1 kg t-1 hot metal with addition of 5 wt-% nepheline syenite to the calcium carbide, and the magnetic fraction of the slag from the slag pit decreased from 2·5 to 1·9%. Finally, no negative effect on the reagent efficiency was observed during the trials with addition of nepheline syenite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article sets out to study the development of oxide inclusions during the vacuum degassing process at the ASEA-SKF ladle furnace. During the degassing process, five steel and top slag samples were taken, and their chemical compositions were analysed. All steel samples were further analysed by scanning electron microscopy. It was concluded that the vacuum degassing process was a dynamic process during which spinel and calcium aluminate inclusions were dominant. In addition, it was seen that during this process, the percentage share of calcium aluminates compared with spinels, the Ca weight per cent content of the oxides, the average equivalent circle diameter (ECD) of the oxides and the percentage share of the oxides with bigger ECD were increasing, and the oxides tended to form more round shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preservation of locomotor activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is of utmost importance. Robotic-assisted body weight-supported treadmill training is a promising method to improve gait functions in neurologically impaired patients, although its effectiveness in MS patients is still unknown.Objective: To compare the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with that of conventional walking treatment (CWT) on gait and generalized functions in a group of stable MS patients.Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial of 12 sessions of RAGT or CWT in MS patients of EDSS score 5–7. Primary outcome measures were gait parameters and the secondary outcomes were functional and quality of life parameters. All tests were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-treatment by a blinded rater.Results: Fifteen and 17 patients were randomly allocated to RAGT and CWT, respectively. Both groups were comparable at baseline in all parameters. As compared with baseline, although some gait parameters improved significantly following the treatment at each time point there was no difference between the groups. Both FIM and EDSS scores improved significantly post-treatment with no difference between the groups. At 6 months, most gait and functional parameters had returned to baseline.Conclusions: Robot-assisted gait training is feasible and safe and may be an effective additional therapeutic option in MS patients with severe walking disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spring birth has been found to be associated with increase in the risk of MS. However, this effect is reportedly found particularly in HLA-DR15 positive patients.Objective: Examine the month of birth (MOB) effect in Finnish MS patients and its association with HLA-DR15.Methods: Using the national register on hospitalizations during 1979–2004 we identified 8359 MS patients. We used a χ2-analysis to compare the distribution of MOB in MS patients versus age-adjusted controls. Patients were subdivided into 10-year birth cohorts to analyse temporal variations in MOB. A subgroup of HLA-typed MS patients (n = 657) and a population sample of healthy donors from the Finnish Bone Marrow Donor Registry (n = 19,805) were included to analyse connections between HLA-DR15 and MOB.Results: An April birth was associated with a 9.4% increased risk of MS (p = 0.008), whereas November birth was associated with an 11.1% decreased risk (p = 0.004) compared with the expected birth distribution. No temporal clustering in the MOB effect was found during 1900–1988. Both HLA-DR15 positive (34% increase, p = 0.043) and DR15 negative (48% increase, p = 0.0095) MS patients exhibited an increase in spring births (in May). HLA-DR15 in healthy subjects was not associated with MOB.Conclusions: We confirm that spring birth increases MS risk. This phenomenon was not associated with HLA-DR15 and there was no evidence of temporal clustering. The MOB effect suggests that early developmental processes may modulate MS risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To study a cohort of benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) patients beyond physical disability, including the evaluation of cognitive and social function, as well as fatigue, pain and MRI studies.Methods: A cohort of 342 patients was prospectively followed for 10.9 ± 0.71 years. Forty-three patients (12.5%) met the BMS diagnosis criteria [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) < 3 after at least 10 years’ disease duration], undergoing full neurological examination every 6 months. Neuropsychological status, pain, fatigue, social functioning and work-related disability, as well as brain MRIs, were assessed yearly.Results: By the end of follow-up, 20 of 43 BMS patients (47%) had suffered cognitive impairment and 23 (53.3%) referred depression. Furthermore, 21 (48.8%) reported significant changes in pain intensity, with fatigue and environmental severity scores significantly increasing over time in 33–35% of patients. Finally, 32 BMS patients (74%) showed significant increase in the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions, gadolinium-enhanced lesions, and persistent black holes, without changes in EDSS. Thirty-five of 43 patients (81%) fulfilling the BMS diagnostic criteria showed significant worsening of cognitive function, fatigue, pain or depression during the 10-year follow-up.Conclusions: Currently accepted criteria for BMS diagnosis may cause overestimation of true prevalence, underscoring the need for routine monitoring of non-motor symptoms and imaging studies, to help physicians improve diagnostic accuracy as well as therapeutic decision-making in this subgroup of MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effects of exposure to subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN) beta-1a on efficacy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) enrolled in the PRISMS (Prevention of Relapses and disability by Interferon beta-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis) study.Methods: Patients with RRMS received IFN beta-1a, 44 or 22 µg sc three times weekly (tiw), or placebo, for 2 years, at which point placebo recipients were re-randomized to IFN beta-1a, 44 or 22 µg sc tiw, for a further 2-4 years. Long-term follow-up visits occurred 7-8 years after enrolment and allowed participation of patients who had previously discontinued treatment. Post hoc descriptive analyses were conducted within the lower (MIN) and upper (MAX) quartiles of patients divided according to cumulative dose of IFN beta-1a and cumulative time on treatment. Outcomes were explored in patients initially randomized to IFN beta-1a, 44 µg sc tiw, who had received continuous or noncontinuous therapy during the study.Results: For both cumulative dose and time analyses, the MIN and MAX groups comprised 96 and 95 patients, respectively. The continuous and noncontinuous groups included 45 and 91 patients, respectively. The MAX DOSE and MAX TIME groups had lower annualized relapse rates, lower rates of conversion to secondary progressive MS, lower percentages of patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale progression, higher percentages of relapse-free patients, and less T2 burden of disease than the MIN groups. The continuous therapy group had a lower annualized relapse rate and lower percentages of patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale progression or conversion to secondary progressive MS than the noncontinuous therapy group.Conclusions: The findings of these post hoc analyses suggest that high exposure to sc IFN beta-1a may be associated with better clinical outcomes than low exposure, and also highlight the importance of maximizing adherence. Additional prospective investigation is warranted to evaluate further the effects of treatment exposure on outcomes and to determine the benefits of interventions to improve adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The author discusses the prevalence of benign multiple sclerosis (MS). He argues that the estimate of 10% probability of benign development after 20-20 years of illness seems realistic. He mentions that neurologists and MS patients are already empowered and the use of the term "benign" is rarely used to due to the changes in therapies. He adds that clinical vigilance is important in dealing with MS decease activities.