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Objective: To assess the clinical feasibility and the accuracy of two pragmatic methods in comparison with a conventional computer based method of measurement of masses from CT.Methods: Nineteen CT scans of 11 patients with severe head injury, showing 34 traumatic lesions, were examined. The volume of every lesion was digitally measured, then a panel of three examiners independently repeated the measurement using the ellipsoid and the Cavalieri method in random order.Results: All the lesions were identified by all the readers and the mean volume measured by each examiner differed by less than 1.5 ml. The average reading time for each scan was 4 minutes for the ellipsoid and 7 minutes for the Cavalieri method. The average volume of the lesions was 34.2 (SD 35) ml with the digital system, and 38.4 (SD 41) ml and 34.8 (SD 36) ml for the ellipsoid and the Cavalieri readings respectively. The average difference between the applied technique and the digital system was 0.57 (SD 9.99) ml for the Cavalieri direct estimator and 0.20 (SD 15.48) ml for the ellipsoid method. The 95% confidence interval for this difference fell between -2.75 and 3.89 ml for the Cavalieri, and between -4.94 and 5.35 ml for the ellipsoid method. There were 19 lesions >25 ml; the ellipsoid method identified 16 of them, whereas 17 were classified with the Cavalieri method. When considering individual lesions rather than the average volume, discrepancies were detected with both methods. The ellipsoid method was less precise, especially when extracerebral lesions were measured.Conclusions: Both pragmatic methods are inferior to computer based reading, which is the choice when accurate volume estimation is necessary. However, if a digital volumetric determination of the lesions using a CT computer is not possible, the two pragmatic methods offer an alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and fourteen patients operated on for an intracranial aneurysm were followed up in order to investigate their neuropsychological outcome and to detect if there were any clinical features assessed around the time of operation that had prognostic significance. The neuropsychological examination evaluated language, apraxia, memory, intelligence and spatial ability. In the statistical analysis the overall severity of neuropsychological disorder was studied. "Late surgery timing" had a negative influence upon the neuropsychological outcome. There was not a difference between different aneurysm sites. Several patients with an apparently good clinical outcome showed neuropsychological deficits. Neuropsychological assessment is important in the evaluation of outcome after subarachnoid haemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative diseases have markedly poor prognoses and can result in permanent dysfunction due to the general inability of CNS neurons to regenerate. Differentiation of transplanted stem cells has emerged as a therapeutic avenue to regenerate tissue architecture in damaged areas. Electrical stimulation is a promising approach for directing the differentiation outcomes and pattern of outgrowth of transplanted stem cells, however traditional inorganic bio-electrodes can induce adverse effects such as inflammation. This study demonstrates the implementation of two organic thin films, a polymer/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (P(rGO)) and PEDOT:PSS, that have favorable properties for implementation as conductive materials for electrical stimulation, as well as an inorganic indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive film. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that electrical stimulation improves neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells on all three films, with the greatest effect for P(rGO). Unique material- and electrical stimuli-mediated effects are observed, associated with differentiation, cell-substrate adhesion, and translation. The work demonstrates that P(rGO) and PEDOT:PSS are highly promising organic materials for the development of biocompatible, conductive scaffolds that will enhance electrically-aided stem cell therapeutics for CNS injuries and neurodegenerative diseases., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Aim: People with severe mental illnesses (SMI) face different occupational challenges than those diagnosed with personality disorders (PD). Supported employment (SE) has been validated for SMI patients but its effectiveness for individuals with PD remains unclear, and the reasons for this potential difference have not been explored. This study aimed to identify differences in SE practice for clients with SMI and those with PD., Methods: Six SE job coaches were interviewed about their experiences. A thematic analysis was run., Results: More difficulties and facilitators were mentioned regarding clients with PD than regarding clients with other SMI. For both, patients' symptoms were reported to negatively affect their (re)integration into the job market. However, in contrast to that of clients with SMI, the relation between symptoms and SE success for clients with PD involved difficult behaviors and their negative impact on the therapeutic relationship., Conclusion: In summary, SE practice seems to be undermined by PD and could benefit from adaptations, such as specific training for SE teams to help them in managing clients with this disorder., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Cement hydration is crucial for the strength development of cement-based materials; however, the mechanism that underlies this complex reaction remains poorly understood at the molecular level. An in-depth understanding of cement hydration is required for the development of environmentally friendly cement and consequently the reduction of carbon emissions in the cement industry. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations with a reactive force field to investigate the initial hydration processes of tricalcium silicate (C 3 S) and dicalcium silicate (C 2 S) up to 40 ns. Our simulations provide theoretical support for the rapid initial hydration of C 3 S compared to C 2 S at the molecular level. The dissolution pathways of calcium ions in C 3 S and C 2 S are revealed, showing that, two dissolution processes are required for the complete dissolution of calcium ions in C 3 S. Our findings promote the understanding of the calcium dissolution stage and serve as a valuable reference for the investigation of the initial cement hydration., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Noncovalent bonding between atmospheric molecules is central to the formation of aerosol particles and cloud condensation nuclei and, consequently, radiative forcing. While our understanding of O-H⋯B interactions is well developed, S-H⋯B hydrogen bonding has received far less attention. Sulfur- and nitrogen-containing molecules, particularly amines, play a significant role in atmospheric chemistry, yet S-H⋯N interactions are not well understood at a fundamental level. To help characterize these systems, H2S and methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethylamine (MA, EA, n-PA, DMA, and TMA) have been investigated using matrix isolation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high-level theoretical methods. Experiments showed that H2S forms hydrogen bonded complexes with each of the amines, with bond strengths following the trend MA ≈ EA ≈ n-PA < TMA ≤ DMA, in line with past experimental work on H2SO4·amine complexes. However, the calculated results indicated that the trend should be MA < DMA < TMA, in line with past theoretical work on H2SO4·amine complexes. Evidence of strong Fermi resonances indicated that anharmonicity may play a critical role in the stabilization of each complex. The theoretical results were able to replicate experiment only after binding energies were recalculated to include the anharmonic effects. In the case of H2SO4·amine complexes, our results suggest that the discrepancy between theory and experiment could be reconciled, given an appropriate treatment of anharmonicity., (© 2024 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).)

Introduction: People with borderline personality disorder have difficulties with work. The Individual Placement and Support model has shown its worldwide effectiveness in terms of vocational rehabilitation for individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, only a few recent studies have explored its results for people with personality disorders, and the findings were mitigated. Additionally, Individual Placement and Support job coaches reported difficulties in supporting this population. An evidence-based psychotherapeutic method, also applicable in a case management context, called Good Psychiatric Management for borderline personality disorder, could potentially overcome these obstacles. This study aimed to evaluate the initial integration of Good Psychiatric Management in Individual Placement and Support practice., Methods: Individual Placement and Support practitioners of Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland, were trained in Good Psychiatric Management in January 2022. Five of them participated in a focus group to collect their impressions about the training, and six were interviewed 9 months later to assess the initial adoption of Good Psychiatric Management into their practice. Thematic analyses were conducted., Results: Job coaches were positive about this new tool. All of them found it useful and beneficial both for them and their patients. They were able to follow the main Good Psychiatric Management principles in their practice However, the findings also suggested some additional improvements in the implementation process., Conclusions: Integrating Good Psychiatric Management in Individual Placement and Support seems feasible, and the team who appreciated it adopted it. The method offers new perspectives in community support for people living with borderline personality disorder., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Dunand et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Abstract: Venezia, AC, Barney, P, Spagnoli, D, Greco-Hiranaka, C, Piepmeier, AT, Smith, JC, and Weiss, LR. The effects of acute resistance exercise on memory, processing speed, and mood state after a cognitive challenge. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1738-1745, 2023-Acute moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise has been shown to improve learning and memory, but the effectiveness of acute high-intensity resistance exercise for improving memory is not fully understood. Like acute aerobic exercise, acute resistance exercise increases arousal and circulating catecholamines, mechanisms suggested to mediate the memory-enhancing effects of acute exercise. Furthermore, although acute exercise has been shown to benefit mood state, it is unknown if high-intensity resistance exercise positively influences mood state after a cognitive challenge. In this within-subjects design, subjects (18- to 25-year-old men) completed an approximately 40-minute session of resistance exercise or seated rest. Immediately after, the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) Code Substitution (CS)-Learning, CS-Immediate Recognition, and CS-Delayed Recognition tasks were completed, followed by the ANAM Mood Scale. There were no significant effects of exercise on recognition memory; however, CS-Learning (attention and processing speed) was better after resistance exercise ( p = 0.03). After the cognitive challenge, restlessness ( p < 0.001), vigor ( p = 0.03), and depression ( p = 0.047) scores were higher after resistance exercise compared with rest; however, after false discovery rate correction, only restlessness remained significantly different between sessions ( q = 0.002), whereas vigor ( q = 0.09) and depression ( q = 0.09) did not. These results suggest that an acute bout of resistance exercise improves attention and processing speed, although it does not improve recognition memory and has mixed effects on mood state in college-aged men., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Background: The aim of this study was to achieve a consensus on the minimum set of outcome measures and predictors to be used in the neurosurgical practice and on the timing of outcome assessment., Methods: A consensus building approach was employed. All neurosurgical departments in Lombardy (Italy) were invited to participate by the Carlo Besta Neurologic Institute IRCCS Foundation. Three workshops were organized during which a multidisciplinary group called Neurosurgical Outcome Network (NEON) was created and the methodology to select outcome measures, predictors, and timing of outcome assessment was established. Eight working groups were created for the different neurosurgical diseases (neuro-oncological, skull base, vascular, traumatic, spinal, peripheral nervous system, malformation, functional) and 8 workshops were organized to identify the outcome measures and predictors specific for each of the neurosurgical diseases based on the experts' clinical practice and the existing literature., Results: A total of 20 neurosurgical departments participated in this study. Specific outcome measures, predictors and the timing of outcome assessment were identified for each of the 8 neurosurgical diseases. Moreover, a list of variables common to all pathologies were identified by the NEON group as further data to be collected., Conclusions: A consensus on the minimum set of outcome measures and predictors and the timing of outcome assessments for 8 neurosurgical diseases was achieved by a group of neurosurgeons of the Lombardy region, called NEON. These sets could be used in future studies for a more homogeneous data collection and as a starting point to reach further agreement also at national and international level.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy cases are increasingly being reported in patients affected by COVID-19, but the largest series so far only includes 4 patients. We present a series of 6 patients diagnosed with PRES during COVID-19 hospitalized in 5 Centers in Lombardia, Italy. 5 out of the 6 patients required intensive care assistence and seizures developed at weaning from assisted ventilation. 3 out of 6 patients underwent cerebrospinal fluid analysis which was normal in all cases, with negative PCR for Sars-CoV-2 genome search. PRES occurrence may be less rare than supposed in COVID-19 patients and a high suspicion index is warranted for prompt diagnosis and treatment., (© 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The relatively weak London dispersion forces are the only interactions that could cause aggregation between simple aromatic molecules. The use of molecular dynamics and high-level ab initio computer simulations has been used to describe the aggregation and interactions between molecular systems containing benzene, naphthalene and anthracene. Mixtures containing one type of molecule (homogenous) and more than one type of molecule (heterogenous) were considered. Our results indicate that as molecular weight increases so does the temperature at which aggregation will occur. In all simulations, the mechanism of aggregation is through small clusters coalescing into larger clusters. The structural analysis of the molecules within the clusters reveals that benzene will orient itself in T-shaped and parallel displaced configurations. Molecules of anthracene prefer to orient themselves in a similar manner to a bulk crystal with no T-shaped configuration observed. The aggregation of these aromatic molecules is discussed in the context of astrochemistry with particular reference to the dust formation region around stars.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of repeated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap procedures in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients ineligible for surgical treatment., Design: Prospective, monocentric, pilot study., Setting: University hospital., Participants: Thirty-nine patients aged 75 years and older, ineligible for shunting surgical intervention., Intervention: Repeated CSF taps., Measurements: All patients underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment before and after each CSF tap. Adverse events were recorded., Results: No major side effect was reported. Eleven patients showed no response to the first CSF tap test and were excluded. In the remaining 28 patients, all physical and cognitive functions improved after the drainage procedures, except for continence (which seemed poorly influenced). According to clinical judgment, the mean time frame of benefit between CSF taps was 7 months. Patients withdrawing from the protocol during the clinical follow-up showed a worsening of functional and cognitive performances after the interruption., Conclusions/implications: Periodic CSF therapeutic taps are safe, allow a better control of iNPH symptoms, and prevent functional decline in geriatric patients., (Copyright © 2018 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: We investigated the possible role of intercostal surgical neurolysis in relieving chronic neuropathic pain refractory to other nonsurgical treatments in patients with postsurgical thoracic pain., Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data on patients referred to the Neurosurgery Unit of Policlinic Hospital of Milan. Ten patients (age range, 20-68 years) suffering from neuropathic pain for at least 2 months after thoracic surgery underwent intercostal neurolysis., Results: Compared with preneurolysis, pain intensity decreased 1 month postneurolysis and remained stable 2 months postneurolysis (median score [interquartile range]: 8 [6-9] preneurolysis, 4 [3-5] 1 month after, and 3 [2-5] 2 months after, P < 0.001). Antiepileptic drugs for pain control decreased after neurolysis., Discussion: Surgical intercostal neurolysis may be a promising therapeutic option in patients with chronic neuropathic pain associated with neurological deficits. Muscle Nerve 58: 671-675, 2018., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)