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Despite increases in female representation within the cardiothoracic surgical workforce and societal memberships, our previous work has demonstrated that at the national level, women's roles have remained stagnant among conference presentations and leadership opportunities. In this study, we sought to identify whether similar findings exist at the regional level, specifically within the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA). STSA Annual Meeting Program Books from 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 were reviewed for women's representation among oral abstract authors, invited speakers, moderators, STSA leadership, and award recipients. Differences between the sexes and time points were assessed with χ2 analyses and t tests, respectively. In 2003, women accounted for 4 of 102 authors (3.9%), including 2 of 51 (3.9%) presenting and 2 of 51 (3.9%) senior roles. From 2003 to 2018, increases in female authorship were observed, with 18 of 85 (21.2%) presenting and 13 of 85 (15.3%) senior author positions filled by women (P =.017 and P =.072, respectively). Compared with men, women consistently accounted for fewer invited speakers (P <.050 for all years). Although women represented fewer session moderators (P <.050 for all years), a significant increase was observed over time, from 0 of 2 (0.0%) in 2003 to 18 of 105 (17.1%) in 2018 (P =.009). Compared with 2003, women also increased significantly among STSA committee members in 2018 (0 of 7 [0.0%] vs 6 of 40 [15.0%], P <.001). Over the last 15 years, women have been increasingly represented among STSA Annual Meeting presenting authors, session moderators, and committee members. However, opportunity for greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion exists, particularly among invited speakers and STSA leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between caffeine intake and cognitive function. In this cross sectional study, we used data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES). Our research subjects were 1440 adults aged ≥60 years. The individual's cognitive functions were evaluated using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD) Word List Learning Test, CERAD Word List Recall Test, Animal Fluency test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Participants were categorized based on the quartiles of caffeine intake. In each dimension of cognitive, we calculated and used median value as cut-off point and assessed the association between each dimension (binary) and caffeine intake using multiple logistic regression analysis in different models. In all of the dimensions, only the highest quartile of caffeine intakes was positively associated with the cognitive function in the crude model and also trend existed (P trend <0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, family income, education, marital status, history of disease, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, physical activity, social support, smoking, and some nutrients), the association was marginally significant in CERAD Word List Recall Test (P trend = 0.09), but was not significant in other dimensions of cognitive function. A statistically significant interaction was noted between caffeine intake and gender in relation to the CERAD Word List Recall Test (P = 0.02). Generally, there was a weak positive association between caffeine intake and cognitive performance in older adults that modified by sex. So that, the relation was stronger among male than female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been available in Australia since March 2016. Individuals with HIV-HCV co-infection are at a greater risk of liver fibrosis progression. This study estimated DAA treatment uptake among individuals with HIV-HCV co-infection, during the first year of DAA treatment access in Australia.Methods: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data on dispensed DAA and antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescriptions from March 2016 to March 2017 were used for analysis.Results: During March 2016 to March 2017, a total of 935 individuals with HIV-HCV co-infection were receiving ART and initiated DAA treatment, with 93% to 97% completing their prescribed course. Estimated DAA treatment uptake in the HIV-HCV-infected population was 41% (935/2290). Most were men (94%). Median age was 50 years. DAA treatment was initiated by specialists in 64% of cases (n = 602), and by general practitioners (GPs) in 25% of cases (n = 238). The proportion of individuals initiated on DAA by GPs increased from 20% in March-April 2016 to 26% in January-March 2017. Most specialists (77%) and GPs (72%) initiated DAA treatment for one to three patients. Among individuals initiated on DAA by GPs, 68% received their ART prescription from the same GP.Conclusions: A high level of DAA treatment uptake and completion was observed among individuals with HIV-HCV co-infection during the first year of DAA treatment access. The proportion of individuals prescribed DAA by GPs increased over time; this is important for broadened access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microseismic monitoring represents a key surveillance technology to verify the integrity of subsurface CO 2 storage sites. The precise location of microseismic events is first and foremost a direct and immediate indication of caprock and seal behavior but could also provide insight into CO 2 plume migration. Tiny precursor movements provide diagnostic information about injection-related reservoir and caprock dynamics long before potential seal failure occurs. We present a case study from the Quest CCS facility in Canada, where a variety of different monitoring technologies are employed. We present the different microseismic sensor technologies and array configurations currently installed at the site and compare them against each other with respect to their reliability and effectiveness in providing the required verification information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is a major chronic condition that also common in older people, and associated with an increased risk of falling. This study aimed to determine the risk factor of fall in elderly with DMT2. In this cross-sectional study, 220 elderly diabetic patients who had referred to diabetes center in Kerman were chosen via convenience sampling method. To collect data, Semi-structured Fall Risk questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. The mean age was estimated to be 69.82 (SD: 9.9) years. Among the participants, 38.5% suffered falls in the past one year. Good sleep quality (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.1–0.85) and appropriate environment (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.1–0.77) were significantly associated with a lesser odd of having recurrent falls. Gait problem (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1–4.9), balance difficulties (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.24–7.12), hypotension (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–5.6), and medication above three medicine (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.12–6.34) were significantly associated with a greater odd of having recurrent falls. It would therefore appear that older diabetic patients would be a suitable target group for a strategy aimed at preventing falls. Early recognition of the multiple causes of falls in the older diabetic patient and prompt referral of this group of patients to a specialist falls clinic is recommend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Due to increased number of peri-implantitis cases, it is imperative to find new treatment strategies with higher success rate and low adverse effects. • Recent attention has been placed on non-invasive modalities such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) with different nanoparticles. • PDT with positively charged chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs) has shown optimally high efficacy for elimination of Gram-negative microorganisms present in peri-implantitis biofilms. • The efficacy of PDT with CHNPs was comparable to that of chlorhexidine (CHX) as the gold-standard against aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , without the known drawbacks of CHX such as cytotoxicity. This study aimed to assess the effect of antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with chitosan nanoparticles on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) in the culture medium. In this in vitro, experimental study, chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs) containing indocyanine green (ICG) were first synthesized and characterized. A. actinomycetemcomitans was cultured on trypticase soy agar. The culture media containing A. actinomycetemcomitans were randomly subjected to the following six decontamination protocols: negative control subjected to sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 5 min, positive control exposed to 0.2 % chlorhexidine (CHX) for 5 min, exposure to 0.25 mg/mL ICG in the dark at 37 °C for 5 min, aPDT with 0.25 mg/mL ICG and diode laser (808 nm, 250 mW, 14.94 J/cm2, 30 s, 1 mm distance, 8 mm tip diameter), exposure to CHNPs containing 0.25 mg/mL ICG in the dark at 37 °C for 5 min, and aPDT with CHNPs containing 0.25 mg/mL ICG and diode laser. The number of colonies was counted, and analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tamhane test (alpha=0.050). Antimicrobial PDT with CHNPs, and CHX groups comparably showed the highest decontamination efficacy (P = 0.000). The results showed optimal efficacy of aPDT with CHNPs containing 0.25 mg/mL ICG and 808 nm diode laser for reduction of A. actinomycetemcomitans colony count. Thus, aPDT appears to be as effective as CHX, but with fewer adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Metabolic syndrome is an important metabolic disorder which impose noticeable burden on health system. We aimed to review and imply the prevalence of it in Middle-East countries. Methods present study was a systematic review to present overview about metabolic disorder in Middle East. Electronic literature search of Medline database and Google scholar were done for English-language articles without time filtering, as well as for population-based or national studies of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The fallowing search terms were used simultaneously: prevalence of “ metabolic syndrome” and “national study”, “prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Middle East”, “prevalence of metabolic syndrome” and “name of country”, “metabolic syndrome &name of country”. Additionally, relevant articles in bibliography were searched. Analysis of data was carried out in STATA version 11.0. Results out of 456 studies in first-step searching (selecting by title) 59 studies were recruited and reviewed. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome fluctuated by country and time of study. This amount was 2.2–44% in Turkish, 16–41% in Saudi-Arabia, 14–63 in Pakistan, 26–33 in Qatar, 9–36 in Kuwait, 22–50 in Emirate, 6–42 in Iran, and up to 23 in Yemen. Pooled estimate was 25%. Attributable risk for cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke was 15.87, 11.7, and 16.23, respectively. Conclusion The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome is high and it is noticeable cause for stroke, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocatalytic degradation of reactive black 5 (RB5) from aqueous solutions was studied in a three dimensional electro-Fenton process (3DEF) using the Ti/TiO 2 -RuO 2 -IrO 2 anode electrode in the presence of magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 ). The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the effect of various parameters on the RB5 and COD removal efficiency, the production of H 2 O 2 , and the energy consumption. The results showed that the 3DEF system with MWCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 worked at a wide range of pH from 4 to 6 without significant reduction in efficiency. Electrochemical production of H 2 O 2 increased with increasing the concentrations of MWCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 and decreasing the initial pH. The results also indicated an increase in the RB5 and COD removal efficiency in 3DEF system than various electrocatalytic processes. The efficiency enhancement is related to more production H 2 O 2 and OH on MWCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 surface. The MWCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites indicated a high degree of stability and reusability. The reactive oxygen species (ROSs) like OH, HO 2 and O 2 − were generated in the reaction and OH was the main oxidizer for the removal of RB5. To achieve maximum removal of RB5 and COD, optimized condition was found at solution pH of 5.13, MWCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 concentration of 55.27 mg/L, current density of 15.86 mA/cm 2 , and electrolysis time of 57.91 min. A mechanism for production of ROSs and its catalytic decomposition using MWCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites is proposed. The results of the GC–MS analysis showed that various types of acids such as oxalic and butyric acid can be produced in the 3DEF process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue and chikungunya are mosquito-borne viral diseases that are of public health importance throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Seasonal variations in transmission of these viruses have been suggested owing to the ecology of their mosquito vectors. However, little is known about the epidemiology of the diseases Tanzania. To address this gap, seasonal community-based cross-sectional surveys were undertaken to identify potential clusters of transmission in Hai district in northern Tanzania. Methods: Epidemiological and entomological data from two cross-sectional surveys were used to examine the spatial pattern of dengue and chikungunya transmission. Six villages namely, Boma Ng'ombe, Magadini, Rundugai, Nshara and Kware were involved in the study. Serological measures of dengue and chikungunya virus infections were derived using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and all participants were geo-referenced to the household level using a global positioning system. Potential clusters of individual exposed to dengue and chikungunya virus, as well as clusters of Aedes mosquitoes in the wet and dry seasons were detected using SaTScan. All significant clusters (with p≤0.05) were mapped using ArcGIS. Results: A large, widely dispersed cluster of chikungunya exposed individuals was detected spanning Rundugai and parts of Magadini villages (RR = 2.58, p= 0.01), while no significant clustering was observed in the dry season. Spatial clusters of Aedes aegypti were detected in Rundugai in both the wet and dry seasons (RR = 2.56, p< 0.001 and RR = 2.24, p=0.05, respectively). In the dry season a small cluster was also detected in Kware (RR = 2.25, p=0.05). No significant clusters of dengue were detected in both seasons. Conclusion: Clusters of chikungunya-exposed individuals and Aedes mosquitoes indicate on-going transmission of chikungunya virus in Hai district of northern Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among the elderly and is also a very serious health problem. Adopting theory-based self-care behaviors is an effective means in managing such diseases. This study aimed to determine the predictors of diabetes self-care in the elderly in Kerman based on a social cognitive theory. Material and methods In this cross-sectional study, 384 elderly diabetic patients who had referred to health screening centers in Kerman were chosen via cluster sampling. To collect information about self-care and its predictors, Toobert Glasgow's diabetes self-efficacy scale as well as a questionnaire was used which was based on social cognitive theory constructs. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis in SPSS software 17. Findings Among the subjects, 67.37% (252) had poor self-care ability; 29.14% (109) had average ability, and 3.40% (13) enjoyed a proper level of self- care ability. There was a significant relationship between the constructs of the social cognitive theory (knowledge, self- efficacy, social support, outcome expectations, outcome expectancy and self-regulation) and the self-care score. Furthermore, the mentioned constructs could predict 0.47% of the variance of the self-care behaviors. Conclusion self-care behaviors in this study were poor. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an educational intervention based on cognitive theory constructs with the goal of properly managing diabetes in the elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is the controversy between the results of studies that have investigated the relationship between antibiotic use and multiple sclerosis. • Five individual studies with 47,491 participants included in this meta-analysis. • There was no significant association between antibiotic use and the risk of MS. • There was no significant association between penicillin use and the risk of MS. : Epidemiological studies have shown conflicting results between antibiotic use and multiple sclerosis (MS) risks. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the association between antibiotic use and the risk of MS. : PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar as well as reference lists of retrieved studies were searched systematically to identify studies were assessed the relationship between antibiotic use and MS up to September 24, 2022. Random-effects model was used for the calculation of pooled Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). : Five independent studies containing 47,491 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The overall results of included studies showed a non-significant positive association between antibiotic use (OR overall=1.01, 95%CI: 0.75–1.37) and a non-significant negative association between penicillin use (OR overall= 0.83; 95%CI: 0.62–1.13) and MS risk. Heterogeneity was (I2=90.1, P heterogeneity < 0.001) and (I2=90.7, P heterogeneity < 0.001) in antibiotics and penicillin use groups respectively. : Our meta-analysis did not show a significant association between antibiotic or penicillin use with the risk of MS. However, due to the limitations of this study, further well-designed studies are required to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quantitative cartilage morphometry is a valuable tool to assess osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Current methodologies generally evaluate cartilage morphometry in a full or partial sub-region of the cartilage plates. This report describes the evaluation of a semi-automated cartilage segmentation software tool capable of quantifying cartilage loss in a local indexed region.Methods: We examined the baseline and 24-month follow-up MRI image sets of twenty-four subjects from the progression cohort of Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score of 3 at baseline as the inclusion criteria. A radiologist independently marked a single region of local thinning for each subject, and three additional readers, blinded to time point, segmented the cartilage using a semi-automated software method. Each baseline-24-month segmentation pair was then registered in 3D and the change in cartilage volume was measured.Results: After 3D registration, the change in cartilage volume was calculated in specified regions centered at the marked point, and for the entire medial compartment of femur. The responsiveness was quantified using the standardized response mean (SRM) values and the percentage of subjects that showed a loss in cartilage volume. The most responsive measure of change was SRM=-1.21, and was found for a region of 10mm from the indexed point.Discussion: The results suggest that measurement of cartilage loss in a local region is superior to larger areas and to the total plate. There also may be an optimal region size (10mm from an indexed point) in which to measure change. In principle, the method is substantially faster than segmenting entire plates or sub-regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Apnea intervals frequently occur in premature infants. Periods of apnea occur more often with decreases in gestational age. Periods of apnea can cause damage to the infant's developing brain and other organs. This study was designed to investigate the preventive effects of caffeine on apnea incidence in higher-risk neonates. Methods In this single-center randomized control trial study, premature infants with a birth weight of ≤1200 g were eligible for enrollment. Twenty-six infants were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg/kg caffeine, as the loading dose, which was followed by 5 mg/kg daily as the maintenance dose until the 10 th day of life; these infants were compared with 26 infants in the control group. Primary outcomes were incidence of apnea, bradycardia, and cyanosis. Results Fifty-two infants were enrolled (26 in the caffeine group and 26 in the control group). The preventive effect of caffeine on apnea was significant in these infants. The relative risk for incidence of apnea in preterm neonates with a birth weight of <1200 g was 0.250 (95% confidence interval, 0.097–0.647). Only four infants (15.4%) in the caffeine group developed apnea, compared with 16 (61.5%) in the control group ( p = 0.001). Conclusion It seems that preventative effects of caffeine on apnea become apparent by using the drug in very premature infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays Electromagnetic interface is a great concern in many fields which electronic devises are used like military, aerospace and communication. This problem can interpret the devise functionality and in some cases can cause data loosing. Electromagnetic absorbers were used widely in different wavelength regions, especially microwave, to reduce this unwanted and mortal effect. Polymeric nanocomposites are one of the most important materials that used in this context due to their low weight. Aim of this research is to make a polymeric nanocomposite containing magnetic nanoparticles, with high shielding effectiveness that can be used in electronic devices for reducing electromagnetic interface between different parts. At first, iron/wüstite nanostructures with 28 nm in size, were synthesized by arc discharge method in deionized water. After that nanoparticles powder with 20, 40 and 60 weight percentages were dispersed well in resin epoxy as polymeric matrix. Scattering parameters were measured for samples by VNA analysis and shielding effectiveness was calculated for them that the maximum value was for sample with 60 weight percentage of nanostructures with 55 dB in 12.3 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective To develop and validate a new and improved software method to rapidly determine femur–tibia angle (FTA). Methods Three readers, two skilled and one unskilled, without any formal medical training, measured FTA in 142 subjects from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). The reader reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), root mean square standard deviation (RMSSD), and Bland–Altman plots, comparing the existing and new FTA methods. Gender-specific linear regression assessed the relationship of FTA with the hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA). Results The ICC (RMSSD) for intra- and inter-reader reproducibility of the existing FTA method was 0.96 (0.77°) and 0.92 (1.38°), respectively, and for the new technique was 0.98 (0.25°) and 0.98 (0.37°), with similar results for all three readers. Bland–Altman 95% limits of agreement were greater than ±2° for the existing, and ±1° for the new method. The r -value for the relation of FTA to HKA was 0.68 and 0.72 for the existing and new methods, respectively. Varus (HKA ≤ −2°)/neutral (−2° < HKA < 2°)/valgus (HKA ≥ 2°) alignment based on predicted HKA agreed moderately with measured HKA (weighted kappa = 0.53), and had moderate sensitivity (73%) and specificity (84%) for varus malalignment. The new FTA was related to HKA using a linear equation with a slope of 0.98 and an offset of 4.0°. Conclusions Since it is largely automated and uses unambiguous anatomical landmarks, the new method is highly reproducible and can be made on a standard posteroanterior (PA) knee radiograph by a relatively unskilled reader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A reduced rate of neurogenesis occurs in the adult brain of patients with neurological diseases, with the rate of new neuron proliferation not sufficient to replace neuron loss. Neurogenesis can be induced by several factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Neurogenesis determination is a valuable parameter for determining disease progression and monitoring various treatments. Currently, neurogenesis detection is possible by invasive methods, such as bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) cell labeling and immunohistological analysis of immature neuron markers. However, these are not compatible with alive model examination. Neurogenesis detection by noninvasive methods, such as radiolabeling of specific antibodies and scintigraphy imaging, could shed light on immature neuronal markers. We propose that brain scintigraphy after radiolabeling of a specific antibody of an immature neuronal marker is a useful new modality for neurogenesis detection and that it would aid the management of neurological diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Purpose: To assess reliability and validity of a semi-automated quantitative method for osteoarthritis (OA)-related bone marrow lesion (BML) assessment in the femur and tibia. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of subjects with knee OA, we examined concurrent criterion and clinical validation of a novel method of semi-automated quantitative BML measurement. The primary outcome was total segmented BML volume in femoral and tibial medial and lateral knee compartments. Criterion validation was examined through comparison of BML volumes with Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) scoring. Clinical validation was examined via associations of tibial and femoral BML volume with the Western Ontario and McMaster University OA Index weight-bearing pain questions. Results: Among the 115 subjects, mean age was 62 years, mean BMI 30.4 (kg/m2), 84% were white and 52% male. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for intra-reader reliability was 0.96 and 0.97 for inter-reader reliability. Significant Spearman's correlations were found between segmented BML volume and WORMS BML scoring for tibial medial (0.75) and lateral (0.73) compartments, and for femoral medial (0.72) and lateral (0.88) compartments. Significant positive associations were found between weight-bearing pain and total femoral BML volume (P < 0.003), but not total tibial BML (P < 0.101). Conclusion: We have documented a moderately strong correlation between a novel measurement method of femoral and tibial BML volume and semi-quantitative WORMS scores, providing evidence of criterion validity. The hypothesis that weight-bearing pain was associated with BML volume was confirmed for total femoral BML volume but not total tibial BML volume. The lack of association between tibial BML volume and pain requires further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fatigue life assessment of pipelines and risers is a complex process, involving various uncertainties. The selection of an appropriate fatigue model is important for establishing the inspection intervals and maintenance criteria. In offshore structures, the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) could cause severe fatigue damage in risers and pipelines, resulting in leakage or even catastrophic failure. The industry has customarily used simple fatigue models for fatigue life assessment of pipelines and risers (such as the Paris or Walker models); however, these models were developed based on constant amplitude loading scenarios. In contrast, VIV-induced stress-time history has a variable amplitude nature. The use of the simplified approach (which is inherently non conservative), has necessitated the implementation of large safety factors for fatigue design of pipelines and risers. Moreover, most of the experimental investigations conducted to date with the aim of characterizing the fatigue response of pipelines and risers have been done based on incorporation of constant amplitude loading (CAL) scenarios (which is unrealistic), or converting the variable amplitude loading (VAL) scenarios to an equivalent CAL. This study demonstrates that the use of such approaches would not be lead to accurate assessment of the fatigue response of risers subject to VIV-induced VAL. The experimental investigation performed in this study will also clarify the underlying reasons for the use of large safety factors by the industry when assessing the fatigue life of pipelines and risers. In addition, an experimental investigation was also conducted to highlight the influence of the compressive portion of VIV stress-time history on the fatigue life of such components. It is shown that the compressive stress cycles significantly influence the fatigue crack growth response of risers, and their presence should not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

99mTc-sestamibi has been investigated as a potential viability marker; initial studies have shown good concordance between 201TI and 99mTc-sestamibi activities in both viable and nonviable myocardium. However, assessment of myocardial viability by 99mTc-sestamibi remains controversial for tissue recovery after revascularization. Here, we present a patient with several regions of severely diminished and irreversible (defect persisting in both early and delay images of each set scanning) defects on initial scan which were dissolved completely on the follow up scan after an intervention. In a 75 year-old Asian woman with acute myocardial infarction who received thrombolytic therapy and subjected to percutaneous coronary angiography (PCI) on day 28 after acute myocardial infarction(MI), resting 99mTcsestamibi SPECT was applied on day 4 (initial scan) and 138 (follow up scan) after acute MI at 30 and 180 min after injection of tracer (740 MBq); Two-dimentional echocardiography was carried out at the same time. On the initial image set, there was irreversible defects in the apex, anteroapical, inferoapical, anteroseptal, septal and also anterior walls, while the follow up image was normal in all regions.The angiography intervention showed just significant stenosis on left anterior descending (LAD) vessel (95%). This may highlight the failure of 99mTc-sestamibi as a marker of myocardial viability and also mandate further validating of the procedure with follow up scan or other modalities for myocardial viability investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left ventricular (LV) diverticulum is a relatively rare condition, and it is important to differentiate it from pseudoaneurysm. The increasing use of noninvasive imaging modalities can help to demonstrate different types of ventricular outpouching structures. We report a case of congenital LV diverticulum that is much larger than the usual size and is diagnosed with tissue Doppler echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Although a ventricular diverticulum is mostly asymptomatic, in the case of this particular patient, it has become complicated with infective endocarditis. < Learning objective: Congenital ventricular diverticulum is a rare finding and can be diagnosed with noninvasive imaging modalities such as tissue Doppler echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging rather than surgery. Although congenital ventricular diverticulum is asymptomatic in most cases, infective endocarditis is a known complication.> [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Micro-seismic monitoring of CO 2 storage in the North Sea. • Geomechanics material models relevant for CO 2 storage in the North Sea. • Acoustic emission test upscaled to field micro-seismic data. • Advanced coupled THM numerical simulation of CO 2 injection procedure considering temperature and fluid types. • New insights on micro-seismic acquisition system. The aim of the current study, IGCCS (2017–2020), is to evaluate the feasibility of micro-seismic (MS) monitoring of CO 2 injection into representative storage candidates in the North Sea, based on broad and quantitative characterization of relevant subsurface behavior with respect to geology, geomechanics and seismicity. For this purpose, we first group potential CO 2 storage sites in the North Sea into three different depths. Then, advanced triaxial rock mechanical tests are performed together with acoustic emission (AE) acquisition under representative loading for CO 2 storage sites in the North Sea and for formations of each depth group, covering shale, mudstone and sandstone cores. Our work focuses particularly on quantifying the effects of injected fluid type and temperature on mechanical behavior and associated MS response of subsurface sediments. The experiment results show that each depth group may behave differently in responses to CO 2 injection. Particularly, the occurrence of detectable MS events is expected to increase with depth, as the combined effects of rock stiffness and temperature contrast between the host rock and injected CO 2 are increasing. In addition, lithology plays an important role in terms of the MS response, i.e. high AE event rate is observed in sandstones, while aseismicity in shale and mudstone. The test results are then scaled up and applied to advanced coupled flow-geomechanics simulations and a synthetic field-scale MS data study to understand micro-seismicity at fracture, reservoir and regional scales. The numerical simulation of scCO 2 injection scenario shows quite different stress-strain changes compared to brine injection, resulting mainly from the thermally-induced behavior. Furthermore, the numerical simulation study via so-called Cohesion Zone Modeling (CZM) approach shows strong potential to improve our understanding of the multiphase-flow-driven fracture propagation. Our synthetic MS data study, focused on slow-earthquake scenario, also suggests that sensors with high sensitivity at low frequency might be necessary for better signal detection and characterization during CO 2 injection. This manuscript covers the main findings and insights obtained during the whole study of IGCCS, and refers to relevant publications for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and unhealthy lifestyles in 3723 participants aged >/= 25 years in the northern Persian Gulf region; 96.0% had >/= 1 cardiovascular risk factor. Over 60% had unhealthy body weight, only 8.3% ate the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, 70.6% were physically inactive and 19.0% were current smokers. Prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) with evidence of IHD was 12.7%. Present or past smoking and truncal obesity were independently associated with IHD ECGs in men, and past or present smoking and obesity in women. Hypertension and diabetes were independently associated with increased risk of IHD ECG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]