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Background: Over the years, poor medical documentation is a well known phenomenon in medical practice but the magnitude of the problem in our setting has not been defined. Objective: To assess the overall frequency of missed detection of anomalies of external genitalia following the routine newborn physical examination and to describe the general pattern of its documentation. Methods: In this hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study, 915 full-term newborn infants in an open population survey were systematically screened for anomalies of the external genitalia, using a checklist derived by modifying parameters in the Prader scoring system and the External masculinization score charts. The pattern of documentation was assessed in 915 case files. The findings of the researchers were then compared to those previously documented by the attending physician/midwife. The study was conducted in two Nigerian hospitals (University of Benin Teaching Hospital and St Philomena Catholic Hospital) in Benin City. All members of staff of the two hospitals were blinded to the fact that the previous examination findings documented in the case files were being assessed during this study. Results: Of the 915 infants, 19 (2.1%; 95% CI= 1.2-3.0) had anomaly of the external genitalia at birth. The overall frequency of missed diagnosis of external genital anomalies was 68.4% with undescended testes (UDT) being the most frequently missed. The level of documentation of the findings of the external genital examination was poor in both hospitals. Combining the two hospitals, the external genital examination findings were not documented in 76.1% of case files. Conclusions: The routine newborn examination as currently practiced in the two hospitals was weak in detecting external genital anomalies. Poor documentation of the external genital findings is a common occurrence in the setting where we practice, irrespective of whether the health institution is tertiary or secondary.

The neurophysiological mechanisms in the human amygdala that underlie post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain poorly understood. In a first-of-its-kind pilot study, we recorded intracranial electroencephalographic data longitudinally (over one year) in two male individuals with amygdala electrodes implanted for the management of treatment-resistant PTSD (TR-PTSD) under clinical trial NCT04152993. To determine electrophysiological signatures related to emotionally aversive and clinically relevant states (trial primary endpoint), we characterized neural activity during unpleasant portions of three separate paradigms (negative emotional image viewing, listening to recordings of participant-specific trauma-related memories, and at-home-periods of symptom exacerbation). We found selective increases in amygdala theta (5-9 Hz) bandpower across all three negative experiences. Subsequent use of elevations in low-frequency amygdala bandpower as a trigger for closed-loop neuromodulation led to significant reductions in TR-PTSD symptoms (trial secondary endpoint) following one year of treatment as well as reductions in aversive-related amygdala theta activity. Altogether, our findings provide early evidence that elevated amygdala theta activity across a range of negative-related behavioral states may be a promising target for future closed-loop neuromodulation therapies in PTSD.

A sobressemeadura de forrageiras hibernais sobre espécies perenes estivais é uma prática comum nos ambientes pastoris de clima subtropical. Entretanto, a competição entre as espécies pode limitar o pleno estabelecimento das culturas de inverno. Uma maneira para contornar este problema pode ser o uso estratégico de herbicidas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar uma dose do herbicida glifosato que limite o desenvolvimento do Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) durante o outono/inverno, sem comprometer a retomada do seu desenvolvimento na primavera seguinte. Os tratamentos compreenderam cinco dosagens de glifosato, sendo a dose 2,77Kg ha-1 considerada com dose integral (100%) e os quatro demais tratamentos corresponderam a 75, 50, 25 e 0% da dose completa. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três repetições por tratamento. A utilização de até 25% da dose completa (0,69Kg ha-1 de glifosato) não aumenta a incidência de plantas daninhas em relação ao tratamento com ausência de aplicação de herbicida. Doses de até 1,39Kg ha-1 de glifosato não comprometem a retomada do perfilhamento do Tifton 85 na primavera quando comparadas ao tratamento controle.

Em regiões de clima subtropical, como o Sul do Brasil, é bastante comum em sistemas de produção animal à base de pastagens a adoção de cultivares perenes de verão. Dentre as características desejáveis para estes cultivares, é fundamental que apresentem tolerância ao frio, o que garante a perenidade da espécie na área. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar quais cultivares ou espécies forrageiras perenes de verão toleram melhor as condições de inverno em uma região de clima subtropical. Dez cultivares forrageiras foram avaliadas quanto ao dano da geada nas folhas e o percentual de retorno dos perfilhos em 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias após a última geada. As espécies dos gêneros Megathyrsus (Syn. Panicum) e Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) apresentaram os maiores percentuais de danos pela ação da geada, enquanto a espécie de missioneira-gigante e os cultivares Prima e Tifton 85 apresentaram o menor percentual de dano. Os cultivares Braúna e Mavuno não apresentaram retorno do perfilhamento após o período frio. Apesar de algumas espécies serem consideradas como “tolerantes ao frio”, a ausência de experimentos em locais específicos, pode incorrer no estabelecimento de cultivares em regiões nas quais a presença de geada pode comprometer a perenidade.

This paper significantly extends investigations into internal damping ratios in both undamaged and damaged conditions for normal-strength concretes (NSCs) and high-strength concretes (HSCs). This study examines concretes with compressive strengths ranging from 42 to 83 MPa. Cyclic loads were applied using a servo-controlled hydraulic testing machine, and for each cyclic step, the dynamic elastic modulus (Ed) and internal damping ratio (ξ) were determined through acoustic tests. The results show that the normal-strength concretes (fc=42 MPa) exhibited an undamaged internal damping ratio of ξ=0.5%, reaching a maximum of ξ=2.5% at a damage index of 0.8. Conversely, the high-strength concrete mixtures (fc=83 MPa) showed an undamaged internal damping ratio of ξ=0.29%, with a peak value of ξ=0.93% at a damage index of 0.32. The initial internal damping values are influenced by porosity and transition zones, which affect the material behavior under cyclic loads. Progressive damage leads to increased Coulomb damping due the cracking process. Few studies have quantified and comprehended the internal damping ratio under cyclic loading-induced damage, and this research advances our understanding of NSC and HSC behavior under dynamic excitation and damage evolution, especially in impact scenarios.

ABSTRACT This study presents a new orchid species of the genus Catasetum belonging to the group of species with symmetrical and parallel antennae. It was found in terra-firme and floodplain forests in the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará. We provide a formal description of the new species, images, and notes on distribution, habitat, phenology, flower visitors and preliminary conservation status. We compare it with C. cristatum and C. barbatum, both sympatric and morphologically most similar to the new species. It was preliminarily classified in the Endangered (EN) category according to IUCN criteria based on the extent of occurrence, area of occupation, number of occurrence locations and the risks that the known populations are exposed to (deforestation and predatory collection).

Die komplexe Akutschmerztherapie ist eine therapeutische Maßnahme zur speziellen Schmerztherapie und Symptomkontrolle bei Patient:innen mit schweren akuten Schmerzzuständen. Diese schweren akuten Schmerzen können bspw. nach Operationen, Unfällen oder auch bei schweren, exazerbierten Tumoren auftreten. Kodiert wird die komplexe Akutschmerztherapie mithilfe des Operationen- und Prozedurschlüssels (OPS) 8-919 (DIMDI, 2023). Im Jahr 2021 gab es in Deutschland insgesamt über 16,6 Millionen Krankenhausfälle, und bei mehr als 200.000 Patient:innen dieser Fälle wurde eine komplexe Akutschmerzbehandlung verordnet (InEK, 2023). Basierend auf Krankenhausdiagnosen ist unter anderem für osteoporotische Frakturen sowie Krankenhaussterbefälle nach femoraler Fraktur und die Herzinsuffizienz bekannt, dass es regionale Unterschiede in Deutschland gibt (Möckel, 2022; Möckel et al., 2020, 2023; Wachter et al., 2015). Eine Studie von Hoffmann et al. (2020) konnte zusätzlich zeigen, dass bei der Verschreibung des Schmerzmittels Metamizol regionale Unterschiede in Deutschland bestehen. So war in dieser Analyse die Nutzungsprävalenz in Sachsen mit 7,0% am geringsten und in Schleswig-Holstein mit 11,1% am höchsten (Hoffmann et al., 2020). Anzumerken ist hier auch, dass zwischen 1998 und 2008–2011 die Nutzung von Schmerzmitteln in Deutschland von 19% auf 21% anstieg. Dieser Anstieg ist in erster Linie durch die freiverkäuflichen Schmerzmittel (10.0% auf 12.2%) begründet, wohingegen die Verwendung von verschreibungspflichtigen Schmerzmitteln konstant blieb (Sarganas et al., 2015). In der Studie von Sarganas et al. (2015) zeigten weibliche Personen, ansteigendes Lebensalter, adipöse Personen sowie Rauchende die höhere Chance zur Einnahme von verschreibungspflichtigen Schmerzmitteln. Im Gegensatz dazu waren ein höherer sozioökonomischer Status sowie mehr sportliche Aktivität pro Woche mit einer geringeren Chance assoziiert (Sarganas et al., 2015).

Steel structures are prone to corrosion, a chemical reaction between steel and the atmosphere that gradually weakens the material. Over time, this reaction can significantly reduce the structural integrity and lifespan of steel elements. Without intervention, corrosion can cause structures to fail, leading to financial, environmental, and potential human losses. Enhancing steel’s corrosion resistance is crucial, and one method involves adding niobium (Nb). Niobium microalloyed steels are known for their increased strength, and some research indicates that Nb may also improve corrosion resistance by making the grain structure of the steel finer. However, the complete potential of Nb in corrosion prevention remains underexplored, with significant research gaps across various scales, from microstructural impacts on durability to macroscopic effects on mechanical properties. The research community has utilized numerous experimental approaches to test corrosion resistance under different conditions, but there is a lack of comprehensive studies that aggregate and analyze these findings. This paper seeks to fill that void by reviewing the impact of Nb on the strength and corrosion resistance of structural steels, examining how steel beams’ ultimate capacity degrades over time and identifying key areas where further research is needed to understand Nb’s role in mitigating corrosion.

Abstract The neurophysiological mechanisms in the human amygdala that underlie post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain poorly understood. In a first-of-its-kind pilot study, we recorded intracranial electroencephalographic data longitudinally (over one year) in two male individuals with amygdala electrodes implanted for the management of treatment-resistant PTSD (TR-PTSD) under clinical trial NCT04152993. To determine electrophysiological signatures related to emotionally aversive and clinically relevant states (trial primary endpoint), we characterized neural activity during unpleasant portions of three separate paradigms (negative emotional image viewing, listening to recordings of participant-specific trauma-related memories, and at-home-periods of symptom exacerbation). We found selective increases in amygdala theta (5–9 Hz) bandpower across all three negative experiences. Subsequent use of elevations in low-frequency amygdala bandpower as a trigger for closed-loop neuromodulation led to significant reductions in TR-PTSD symptoms (trial secondary endpoint) following one year of treatment as well as reductions in aversive-related amygdala theta activity. Altogether, our findings provide early evidence that elevated amygdala theta activity across a range of negative-related behavioral states may be a promising target for future closed-loop neuromodulation therapies in PTSD.

Abstract In the present study we propose a new Catasetum taxon belonging to the group of species with symmetrical and converging antennae. It was found in a vegetation of “terra firme” and “campinarana” in the central Brazilian Amazon. A detailed description of the taxon is given as well as a photograph plate and comments relating to distribution, habitat, phenology and conservation status. It is compared to C. rivularium and C. barbatum which are sympatric species and somewhat similar to the new taxon. Furthermore, we present a key to Catasetum species with symmetrical and convergent antennae occurring in the Brazilian Amazon.

Accurate localization of complex human experiences such as emotions, dreaming, creativity, and consciousness to specific cerebral structures or neural networks has remained elusive despite technological advances. We report the use of acute deep brain stimulation (DBS) to evoke behavioral and emotional effects by applying electrical stimulation (ES) at various voltage strengths to the basolateral and central subnuclei of the amygdala in addition to the head of hippocampus (HC) for two subjects with medically refractory post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our results suggest that the amygdala could be a node in a neural network responsible for the generation of complex vivid mental imagery and integrated sensory experiences similar to John Hughlings Jacksons dreamy state and double consciousness, which have been classically associated with temporal lobe epilepsy during uncinate seizures. That we were able to elicit similar vivid, dynamic, complex, bizarre, and original mental imagery with ES in non-epileptic subjects suggests that Jacksons seizure related dreamy state and double consciousness may arise from heightened innate brain mechanisms with the amygdala acting as a node in the neural network responsible for physiologic dreaming and creative functions. Furthermore, our subjects experienced different emotions with different stimulation strengths at various electrode contacts. Our results suggest that higher voltage stimulation of the amygdala and HC at 4-5 V leads to predominantly negative responses and 2-4 V stimulation showed inversely coupled positive and negative responses of the amygdala in either hemisphere which may imply hemispheric dominance of emotional valences without relation to handedness. Due to the unique and complex responses dependent on location and strength of stimulation, we advise that all patients receiving DBS of the amygdala undergo acute stimulation mapping in a monitored setting before selecting therapeutic parameters for chronic stimulation.

Introduction: This work aimed to develop a novel multipurpose device for guided knee flexion-extension, both passively using a motorized pneumatic system and actively (muscle-driven) with the joint unloaded or loaded during dynamic MRI. Secondary objectives were to characterize the participant experience during device use, and present preliminary dynamic MRI data to demonstrate the different device capabilities. Material and methods: Self-reported outcomes were used to characterize the pain, physical exertion and discomfort levels experienced by 10 healthy male participants during four different active knee motion and loading protocols using the novel device. Knee angular data were recorded during the protocols to determine the maximum knee range of motion achievable. Dynamic MRI was acquired for three healthy volunteers during passive, unloaded knee motion using 2D Cartesian TSE, 2D radial GRE and 3D UTE sequences; and during active, unloaded and loaded knee motion using 2D radial GRE imaging. Because of the different MRI sequences used, spatial resolution was inherently lower for active knee motion than for passive motion acquisitions. Results: Depending on the protocol, some participants reported slight pain, mild discomfort and varying levels of physical exertion. On average, participants achieved ∼40° of knee flexion; loaded conditions can create knee moments up to 27 Nm. High quality imaging data were obtained during different motion and loading conditions. Dynamic 3D data allowed to retrospectively extract arbitrarily oriented slices. Conclusion: A novel multipurpose device for guided, physiologically relevant knee motion and loading during dynamic MRI was developed. Device use was well tolerated and suitable for acquiring high quality images during different motion and loading conditions. Different bone positions between loaded and unloaded conditions were likely due to out-of-plane motion, particularly because image registration was not performed. Ultimately, this device could be used to advance our understanding of physiological and pathological joint mechanics.

Therapsids covered the entire spectrum of terrestrial locomotion from sprawling to parasagittal. Switching between sprawling and more erect locomotion may have been possible in earlier taxa. First, the axial skeleton shows little regionalization and allows lateral undulation, evolving then increasingly towards regionalization enabling dorsoventral swinging. During terrestrial locomotion, every step invokes a ground reaction force and functional loadings which the musculoskeletal system needs to accomodate. First insights into the functional loading regime of the fore- and hindlimb skeleton and the body stem of therapsids presented herein are based on the assessment and preliminary measurements of the historical collection of therapsids exhibited in the Paleontological Collection of Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany. The specimens included are the archosaur Hyperodapedon sanjuanensis, the early synapsid Dimetrodon limbatus for comparison, and the therapsids Keratocephalus moloch, Sauroctonus parringtoni, Tetragonias njalilus, and Belesodon magnificus. The vertebral columns and ribs of the mounts were carefully assessed for original fossil material and, when preserved, ribs, sacral, and anterior caudal vertebrae were measured. The body of a tetrapod is exposed to forces as well as bending and torsional moments. To resist these functional stresses, certain musculoskeletal specializations evolved. These include: 1) compression resistant plate-like pectoral and pelvic girdle bones, 2) a vertebral column combined with tendinous and muscular structures to withstand compressive and tensile forces and moments, and 3) ribs and intercostal muscles to resist the transverse forces and torsional moments. The legs are compressive stress-resistant, carry the body weight, and support the body against gravity. Tail reduction leads to restructuring of the musculoskeletal system of the pelvic girdle.

Abstract This work aims to investigate the ultimate capacity of reinforced concrete elements in terms of cracking and stiffness loss. Nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was performed in the ATENA software and compared with a proposed numerical simulation of nonlinear static analysis (NLSA), where material cracking is evaluated based on the loss of tangent stiffness of the elements. The analysis was applied to a low-rise reinforced concrete frame with constant axial loads in the columns, and monotonic lateral load applied at the top beam level. Both methodologies showed good agreement regarding the capacity curve and crack patterns, and the numerical simulation NLSA allowed the identification of the sequence of elements' stiffness loss. The results indicated a substantial similarity between the numerical simulation NLFEA and NLSA and the experimental test, indicating a high potential in predicting the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete.

Skokowa et al. reconstruct the fold of a granulopoietic cytokine, resulting in de novo, hyperstable, highly active proteins with therapeutic potential for treating several neutropenia disorders.

This paper significantly extends investigations into internal damping ratios in both undamaged and damaged conditions for normal-strength concretes (NSCs) and high-strength concretes (HSCs). This study examines concretes with compressive strengths ranging from 42 to 83 MPa. Cyclic loads were applied using a servo-controlled hydraulic testing machine, and for each cyclic step, the dynamic elastic modulus ( E d ) and internal damping ratio (ξ) were determined through acoustic tests. The results show that the normal-strength concretes ( f c = 42 MPa) exhibited an undamaged internal damping ratio of ξ = 0.5 % , reaching a maximum of ξ = 2.5 % at a damage index of 0.8. Conversely, the high-strength concrete mixtures ( f c = 83 MPa) showed an undamaged internal damping ratio of ξ = 0.29 % , with a peak value of ξ = 0.93 % at a damage index of 0.32. The initial internal damping values are influenced by porosity and transition zones, which affect the material behavior under cyclic loads. Progressive damage leads to increased Coulomb damping due the cracking process. Few studies have quantified and comprehended the internal damping ratio under cyclic loading-induced damage, and this research advances our understanding of NSC and HSC behavior under dynamic excitation and damage evolution, especially in impact scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivo: identificar as ações de cuidado no preparo da criança submetida a procedimento cirúrgico no período pré-operatório. Método: trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, de abordagem qualitativa. A busca foi realizada na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde em 2021, incluindo as bases de dados: MEDLINE, LILACS e BDENF- Enfermagem. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, selecionaram-se 23 artigos. Resultados e discussão: os artigos incluídos foram publicados entre 2011 e 2021 e apresentaram diversas ações de cuidado, como o brinquedo terapêutico, materiais visuais informativos, reconhecimento de local e equipe antecipadamente, entre outros. O medo do desconhecido e a ameaça à integridade física, podem ser um evento traumático na vida da criança. Considerações finais: ações de cuidado à criança submetida a procedimento cirúrgico assim citadas, são de extrema importância para a redução da ansiedade e medo das mesmas.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutrient availability for corn (Zea mays) grown successively in pure and ground biotite schist and biotite syenite rock samples. The rock powders were subjected to chemical, physical, and mineralogical characterization, and the availability of the elements released to the plants was determined. Plant and rock materials were evaluated at the end of seven successive growth cycles. Biotite schist and biotite syenite provided nutrients – as K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn – to the corn plants. The nutrients accumulated in plant tissues came mostly from minerals containing oxidizable Fe and Mn in their structure, such as biotite, chlorite, and clinopyroxene. The congruent dissolution of some of the fine particles of these minerals, solubilize elements, which may, then, be available to the plants.

The weathering of some silicate minerals in crushed rocks may occur in a few days of cropping and generate different physicochemical properties, with potential benefits to tropical soils. This study aimed to investigate the influence of maize (Zea mays L.) rhizosphere on the weathering products and on the cation exchange capacity of Mg-biotite from biotite schist and Fe-biotite from biotite syenite. An experiment was carried out in pots, so that plants and crushed rock materials could be evaluated during seven successive growth cycles. The nutrients iron and potassium were taken up from biotite schist and biotite syenite during cropping. The weathering of both biotites promoted by the rhizosphere caused mineralogical changes. The most expressive change in the X-ray diffraction patterns occurred in the < 53 μm particle size fraction; however, the 53-300 μm fractions also changed. The alteration in the Mg-biotite, which has a lower Fe/Mg relation in octahedral sites than the Fe-biotite, was responsible for the most expressive cation exchange capacity increase in the fractions < 300 μm. However, the Fe-biotite weathering process, which presents a higher Fe/Mg relation in octahedral sites, did not increase the cation exchange capacity.

Formulating energy policies at national, European, and global levels is extremely challenging. The move away from fossil fuels is associated with a variety of technological, economic, and social implications, each of which is subject to dynamic changes and societal scrutiny and can hardly be predicted with certainty. Therefore, a fact-based assessment for the path to a sustainable green energy future is sought out in this paper, using the road-based mobility sector of the Federal Republic of Germany as an example. The analysis performed in this paper is built on publicly accessible, reputable sources like DESTATIS and EUROSTAT. In addition, some very simple calculations were made, e.g., on the potential for wind and photovoltaic energy within Germany. Such an analysis needs to start with the overall energy consumption of any one country. A basic assumption of the paper is that the energy system of the future will be based to a large extent on electricity and its storage in chemical energy. It is assumed that, in addition to hydrogen, liquid energy sources will play a significant role due to the simplicity of their logistics and the subsequent implications on cost. Examples of green, electricity-based fuels with great potential are methanol, methane, and ammonia. Additionally, biomass plays an important role, either for direct use as a fuel or as a source of non-fossil carbon. Today, biofuels, i.e., biodiesel and bioethanol, deliver the largest contribution to climate protection in the EU transport sector. The main goal—the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions—often collides with geopolitical circumstances or national political necessities. This includes, for example, the current world market situation and its national impacts caused by the Russian attack on Ukraine. The prospect for a green, sustainable, and defossilized energy supply are discussed in this context. The paper concludes that a defossilized world energy supply and trade based on renewable electricity and its derivatives, eHydrogen and refuels, and on biomass, is feasible.

Deep brain stimulation has been successful in treating Parkinson disease and essential tremor and is now reducing PTSD symptoms in the first patient enrolled in an early-phase safety trial.

Deep brain stimulation has been successful in treating Parkinson disease and essential tremor and is now reducing PTSD symptoms in the first patient enrolled in an early-phase safety trial.

The flocculation behavior of clay minerals in aquatic environments is an important process in estuarine and riverine dynamics, where strong gradients in salinity can locally occur. Various contradicting observations have been reported in the literature on the impact of salt concentration on the settling process of cohesive sediments. To address this issue in a systematic manner, we investigate the settling behavior of clay minerals as a function of the salt concentration of the ambient water. Specifically, we focus on montmorillonite as a prototype clay mineral with a high cation exchange capacity (CEC). To this end, we study suspensions of Wyoming bentonite (Volclay SPV) as a very important constituent for many constructional and industrial purposes. We perform an experimental campaign to study the settling behavior of moderately turbid montmorillonite concentrations in monovalent salt solutions with different salinities (sodium chloride) to represent different environments ranging from deionized to ocean water, respectively. The subsequent settling process was monitored by taking pictures by a camera in regular time intervals over a total observation time up to 48 h. In addition, a modified hydrometer analysis is conducted to determine the grain size distribution (in terms of an equivalent diameter) of the flocculated clay suspension in salt water. Despite the rather high cation exchange capacity of the investigated clay (CEC=88.1), our results show that the settling speed drastically increases within a range of 0.6–1.0 PSU and stays approximately constant for higher salinities. This critical salt concentration is defined here as the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) and lies well below the salinity of natural open water bodies. The hydrometer analysis revealed that 60% of the agglomerates exceed the equivalent grain size of 20 μm. Finally, the findings of this study are supplemented with experiments studying the effect of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) on the flocculation behavior of bentonite in salt water. Our results demonstrate that salinity is the original trigger for flocculation, whereas EPS allows for even larger floc size but it does not play a significant role for the settling processes of bentonite in estuarine environments.

Background The Plesiosauria (Sauropterygia) are secondary marine diapsids. They are the only tetrapods to have evolved hydrofoil fore- and hindflippers. Once this specialization of locomotion had evolved, it remained essentially unchanged for 135 Ma. It is still controversial whether plesiosaurs flew underwater, rowed, or used a mixture of the two modes of locomotion. The long bones of Tetrapoda are functionally loaded by torsion, bending, compression, and tension during locomotion. Superposition of load cases shows that the bones are loaded mainly by compressive stresses. Therefore, it is possible to use finite element structure analysis (FESA) as a test environment for loading hypotheses. These include muscle reconstructions and muscle lines of action (LOA) when the goal is to obtain a homogeneous compressive stress distribution and to minimize bending in the model. Myological reconstruction revealed a muscle-powered flipper twisting mechanism. The flippers of plesiosaurs were twisted along the flipper length axis by extensors and flexors that originated from the humerus and femur as well as further distal locations. Methods To investigate locomotion in plesiosaurs, the humerus and femur of a mounted skeleton of Cryptoclidus eurymerus (Middle Jurassic Oxford Clay Formation from Britain) were analyzed using FE methods based on the concept of optimization of loading by compression. After limb muscle reconstructions including the flipper twisting muscles, LOA were derived for all humerus and femur muscles of Cryptoclidus by stretching cords along casts of the fore- and hindflippers of the mounted skeleton. LOA and muscle attachments were added to meshed volumetric models of the humerus and femur derived from micro-CT scans. Muscle forces were approximated by stochastic iteration and the compressive stress distribution for the two load cases, “downstroke” and “upstroke”, for each bone were calculated by aiming at a homogeneous compressive stress distribution. Results Humeral and femoral depressors and retractors, which drive underwater flight rather than rowing, were found to exert higher muscle forces than the elevators and protractors. Furthermore, extensors and flexors exert high muscle forces compared to Cheloniidae. This confirms a convergently evolved myological mechanism of flipper twisting in plesiosaurs and complements hydrodynamic studies that showed flipper twisting is critical for efficient plesiosaur underwater flight.

IntroductionPediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are classified into Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and unclassifiable (IBD-U). However, data provide evidence that ileal CD (L1) is distinct from colonic CD (L2). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of isolated Crohn's colitis in a pediatric population.Material and MethodsChildren who were prospectively included in the CEDATA–GPGE registry on diagnosis were compared according to the diagnosis of CD with L2 vs. L1 and ileocolonic (L3) involvement pattern as well as IBD-U and UC. The clinical significance of L2 was investigated with regard to extraintestinal manifestations, treatment, surgery, and disease activity.ResultsFifty-two patients with L2 CD at a median age of 13.4 years (±3.8 SD) were compared with 182 L1 (13.8 ± 2.9 SD), 782 with L3 (12.8 ± 3.3 SD), 653 with UC (12.7 ± 3.8 SD), and 111 patients with IBD-U (11.9 ± 4.7 SD). Bloody stools at diagnosis were more common in L2 (44%) than in L1 (19.7%) and L3 (28.8%), but not as common as in UC (66.5%) and IBD-U (61.3%). Fewer CD patients with L2 (10.2%) received exclusive enteral nutrition therapy (EEN) as induction than patients with L1 (34.3%) and L3 (33.3%). After induction therapy, 42.3% of patients with L2 received immunosuppressants and 21% biologicals during follow-up (L1 56.5/10.5%; L3 59/21%; CU 43.5/11.9%; IBD-U 26.1/12.6%). Extraintestinal manifestations were more frequent in L2 (23.1%) vs. L1 (18.7%), L3 (20.2%), CU (15.8%), and IBD-U (11.7%). The number of patients requiring surgery did not differ within the CD subgroups and was significantly lower in UC and IBD-U. Perianal fistula surgery was significantly more common in L2 (44%) than in L1 (4.8%) or L3 (21.7%). In addition, the frequency of surgery for perianal abscesses was also more frequent in L2 (55.6%) than in L1 (12.7%) or L3 (38.4%).ConclusionsThe consideration of pediatric Crohn's colitis as a distinct disease seems necessary as it is characterized by extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) with mainly joint involvement and perianal fistulas or abscesses requiring surgery and biologic therapy. Thus, colonic Crohn's disease may have an influence on the therapeutic stratification and should be addressed in further studies.

Background: The kind of attitude expressed by the nurses may have significant effect on the recovery process of the patient and on their decision to avail treatment. It is anticipated that by exploring the attitudes of the nurses towards AUD patients and understanding the factors which influences these attitudes, more effective interventions can be developed to provide help and support to this group of patient and also to the nurses in being effective and appropriate in responding to the needs of this group of patient. Purpose: The study was conducted to explore the prevailing attitudes of nurses towards AUD patients, and to further explore the factors influencing these attitudes. Methods: A total of fifteen nurses from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hosiptal were recruited based on convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Qualitative approach was employed by means of conducting face to face in-depth interviews using open ended questions. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis method. Results: The findings from the study suggest that possessing adequate knowledge on alcohol and addiction, being regularly engaged with AUD patients or having few years of experience working with AUD patients were some of the factors which resulted in more positive attitudes among the nurses. On the contrary, insufficient skills and knowledge related to alcohol addiction and exhibition of aggressive behaviour by the patients could cause negative feelings and ultimately lead to negative attitudes. Conclusion: Therefore, it is of paramount importance that a curriculum on alcohol addiction is introduced in diploma and degree nursing courses offered in Bhutan.

The Aptian–Albian interval is characterized by significant paleoclimatic, paleoceanographic, and paleogeographic changes, which in turn affected the distribution and evolution of marine ecosystems. Despite the importance of such studies, there have been few correlations between Aptian–Albian sections of the Tethys Sea and those of the South Atlantic Ocean. This interval, including the Aptian–Albian transition, is preserved in the deposits of the Riachuelo Formation (Sergipe–Alagoas Basin, Brazil) located in the South Atlantic Ocean; therefore, this location was chosen for drilling four new cores. The goals of this paper are as follows: (1) to explain the drilling operation carried out in the deposits of the Riachuelo Formation and the methods used; (2) to present a brief lithostratigraphic characterization of the holes and the paleomagnetic data of core SER-03; and (3) to describe the high potential of the cores recovered for additional investigation in the future. The lithostratigraphic units of the SER-01 core consist mainly of coarse- to fine-grained sandstone, shales, marls, and mudstones; the SER-02 core was excluded due to low recovery; the SER-03 core is mainly composed of fine-grained sediments (shale, marls, and packstone) and bears some ammonite shells; the lithology of core SER-04 is mainly sandstones. Magnetic susceptibility values (χlf and χhf) and frequency-dependent susceptibility (χfd) data suggest that the section is located within the Cretaceous Normal Superchron. Future studies on these cores integrating micropaleontological, paleoichnological, geochemical, stratigraphic, and paleomagnetic (e.g., relative intensity) data will allow for a better understanding of paleoceanographic and paleogeographic events related to the early evolution of the South Atlantic Ocean and how these events correlate to similar events in Tethyan sections.

Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites (SHCCs) exhibit high toughness and durability, allowing the design of resilient structures. Despite the exceptional properties of SHCC and the current modeling techniques, the widespread use of the composite is limited. One limiting factor is developing and validating analytical models that could be used for optimizing mixes and designing structural elements. Furthermore, the composite mechanical response is complex and depends on several phenomena, such as fiber pullout, fiber orientation and distribution, size effect, fiber content, group effect, embedding length, fiber dimensions, and matrix strength. In this context, this research presents the state-of-the-art on the micro- and mesomechanisms occurring in SHCC during cracking and robust techniques to predict its tensile behavior accounting for such phenomena already proved experimentally. The study is relevant for designers and the scientific community because it presents the gaps for the research groups to develop new investigations for consolidating SHCC, which is a material to produce resilient structures.

The complexity of biodiesel aging has shown that the mechanism needs further research. The rate of aging product formation and associated interactions can help improve fuel quality. Since biodiesel is a multicomponent system and constant changes occur in the chemical environment, which interactions yield which products must be shown in more detail. Particularly under observation was the correlation between peroxides and epoxides. In addition, it is critical that the influence and interactions of new drop-in fuel candidates be investigated. In this work, the kinetics of the formation of aging products of methyl oleate (C18:1) are studied. The aim was to reduce the complexity in order to be able to make more precise and detailed statements about the mechanism. Ketones, acids, peroxide, and epoxide values were recorded. A distinction is made between pure methyl oleate and mixtures with 3 wt% isopropylidene glycerine (solketal). After solketal decomposed in the blends, the aging process showed changes. The influence of solketal resulted in a higher number of acids and epoxides over time. It implied that peroxides are not necessarily the precursor of epoxides. In summary, correlation and solketal’s influence showed that a sequence of aging products could be detected.

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an appropriate material to repair and rehabilitate aged structures due to its excellent properties, such as high compressive strength and durability. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of applying UHPC in old buildings as a rehabilitation or repair material, but the bond between concretes needs more investigation. In this sense, the bond between normal-strength concrete (NSC) and UHPC is currently being studied. Three main parameters are responsible for ensuring a good bond: the surface treatment of the substrate (roughness), the wetting conditions, and the mechanical strength of the substrate. Thus, the present study investigated the bond between concretes experimentally. The concrete of the substrate was carried out in three grades: C25, C45, and C60. The repair concretes were C25, C45, C60, and UHPC. The following parameters were evaluated: wetting conditions, air surface dry (ASD), saturated surface dry (SSD), substrate strength, and repair concrete strength. All models received surface treatment by wire brushing. Slant shear and splitting tensile tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior and the failure modes of the bond between concretes. The bond strength was classified and compared to existing predicting models. The results showed that most expressive strength gains occurred in SSD models with lower strength substrates and UHPC. Furthermore, the influence of surface wetting conditions becomes smaller as the strength of the substrate is reduced.

Steel structures are prone to corrosion, a chemical reaction between steel and the atmosphere that gradually weakens the material. Over time, this reaction can significantly reduce the structural integrity and lifespan of steel elements. Without intervention, corrosion can cause structures to fail, leading to financial, environmental, and potential human losses. Enhancing steel's corrosion resistance is crucial, and one method involves adding niobium (Nb). Niobium microalloyed steels are known for their increased strength, and some research indicates that Nb may also improve corrosion resistance by making the grain structure of the steel finer. However, the complete potential of Nb in corrosion prevention remains underexplored, with significant research gaps across various scales, from microstructural impacts on durability to macroscopic effects on mechanical properties. The research community has utilized numerous experimental approaches to test corrosion resistance under different conditions, but there is a lack of comprehensive studies that aggregate and analyze these findings. This paper seeks to fill that void by reviewing the impact of Nb on the strength and corrosion resistance of structural steels, examining how steel beams' ultimate capacity degrades over time and identifying key areas where further research is needed to understand Nb's role in mitigating corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is increasingly used as a form of noninvasive brain stimulation to treat psychiatric disorders; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Prolonged visual stimulation (PVS) can enhance evoked EEG potentials (visually evoked potentials, VEPs) and has been proposed as a tool to examine long-term potentiation (LTP) in humans. The objective of the current study was to induce and analyze VEP plasticity and examine whether tDCS could either modulate or mimic plasticity changes induced by PVS. Thirty-eight healthy participants received tDCS, PVS, either treatment combined or neither treatment, with stimulation sessions being separated by one week. One session consisted of a baseline VEP measurement, one stimulation block, and six test VEP measurements. For PVS, a checkerboard reversal pattern was presented, and for tDCS, a constant current of 1 mA was applied via each bioccipital anodal target electrode for 10 min (Fig. S1). Both stimulation types decreased amplitudes of C1 compared to no stimulation (F = 10.1; p = 0.002) and led to a significantly smaller increase (PVS) or even decrease (tDCS) in N1 compared to no stimulation (F = 4.7; p = 0.034). While all stimulation types increased P1 amplitudes, the linear mixed effects model did not detect a significant difference between active stimulation and no stimulation. Combined stimulation induced sustained plastic modulation of C1 and N1 but with a smaller effect size than what would be expected for an additive effect. The results demonstrate that tDCS can directly induce LTP-like plasticity in the human cortex and suggest a mechanism of action of tDCS relying on the restoration of dysregulated synaptic plasticity in psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.