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Correct classification of fractures according to their patterns is critical for developing a treatment plan in orthopaedic surgery. Unfortunately, for proximal humeral fractures (PHF), methods for proper classification have remained a jigsaw puzzle that has not yet been fully solved despite numerous proposed classifications and diagnostic methods. Recently, many studies have suggested that three-dimensional printed models (3DPM) can improve the interobserver agreement on PHF classifications. Moreover, Virtual Reality (VR) has not been properly studied for classification of shoulder injuries. The current study investigates the PHF classification accuracy relative to an expert committee when using either 3DPM or equivalent models displayed in VR among 36 orthopaedic surgery residents from different hospitals. We designed a multicentric randomised controlled trial in which we created two groups: a group exposed to a total of 34 3DPM and another exposed to VR equivalents. Association between classification accuracy and group assignment (VR/3DPM) was assessed using mixed effects logistic regression models. The results showed VR can be considered a non-inferior technology for classifying PHF when compared to 3DPM. Moreover, VR may be preferable when considering possible time and resource savings along with potential uses of VR for presurgical planning in orthopaedics. CC BY 4.0© 2023, The Author(s)Published: 04 February 2023Funding for open access publishing: Universidad Málaga/CBUA.

Humans are ubiquitously exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), substances that interfere with endogenous hormonal signaling. Exposure during early development is of particular concern due to the pro-gramming role of hormones during this period. A previous epidemiological study has shown association between prenatal co-exposure to 8 EDCs (Mixture N1) and language delay in children, suggesting an effect of this mixture on neurodevelopment. Furthermore, in utero exposure to Mixture N1 altered gene expression and behavior in adult mice. In this study, we investigated whether epigenetic mechanisms could underlie the long term effects of Mixture N1 on gene expression and behavior. To this end, we analyzed DNA methylation at regulatory regions of genes whose expression was affected by Mixture N1 in the hippocampus of in utero exposed mice using bisulfite-pyrosequencing. We show that Mixture N1 decreases DNA methylation in males at three genes that are part of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis: Nr3c1, Nr3c2, and Crhr1, coding for the glucocorticoid receptor, the mineralocorticoid receptor, and the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1, respectively. Furthermore, we show that the decrease in Nr3c1 methylation correlates with increased gene expression, and that Nr3c1, Nr3c2, and Crhr1 methylation correlates with hyperactivity and reduction in social behavior. These findings indicate that an EDC mixture corresponding to a human exposure scenario induces epigenetic changes, and thus pro-gramming effects, on the HPA axis that are reflected in the behavioral phenotypes of the adult male offspring.

It is well established that renewable energy resources for electricity generation are free. In hot areas, solar energy has become one of the major interests of researchers and specialists. This paper aims to experimentally investigate the maximum voltage generation of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) panel. This panel was built from many TEG modules that are connected in series and in parallel. The panel was exposed to high heat due to solar radiation during summer, either directly or through a Fresnel lens. The other side of the TEG panel was cooled using tap water that was passed through aluminum heat exchangers in an active cooling method. It was found that the maximum open-circuit voltage of this TEG panel using a Fresnel lens was 9.35 V. With no lens, it was 11.75 V at 14:00 h local time. The experiments were done during a sunny July period in Iraq. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The environmental microbiota is increasingly exposed to chemical pollution. While the emergence of multi-resistant pathogens is recognized as a global challenge, our understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development from native microbiomes and the risks associated with chemical exposure is limited. By implementing a lichen as a bioindicator organism and model for a native microbiome, we systematically examined responses towards antimicrobials (colistin, tetracycline, glyphosate, and alkylpyrazine). Despite an unexpectedly high resilience, we identified potential evolutionary consequences of chemical exposure in terms of composition and functioning of native bacterial communities. Major shifts in bacterial composition were observed due to replacement of naturally abundant taxa; e.g. Chthoniobacterales by Pseudomonadales. A general response, which comprised activation of intrinsic resistance and parallel reduction of metabolic activity at RNA and protein levels was deciphered by a multi-omics approach. Targeted analyses of key taxa based on metagenome-assembled genomes reflected these responses but also revealed diversified strategies of their players. Chemical-specific responses were also observed, e.g., glyphosate enriched bacterial r-strategists and activated distinct ARGs. Our work demonstrates that the high resilience of the native microbiota toward antimicrobial exposure is not only explained by the presence of antibiotic resistance genes but also adapted metabolic activity as a trade-off for survival. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of native microbiomes as important but so far neglected AMR reservoirs. We expect that this phenomenon is representative for a wide range of environmental microbiota exposed to chemicals that potentially contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from natural environments.

Chemicals are part of our daily lives, and we are exposed to numerous chemicals through multiple pathways. Relevant scientific evidence contributing to the regulation of hazardous chemicals require a holistic approach to assess simultaneous exposure to multiple compounds. Biomonitoring provides an accurate estimation of exposure to chemicals through very complex and costly sampling campaigns. Finding efficient proxies to predict the risk of chemical exposure in humans is an urgent need to cover large areas and populations at a reasonable cost. We conducted an exploratory study to characterize the human chemical exposome in maternal blood and placenta samples of a population-based birth cohort in Barcelona (2018-2021). Ultimate HRMS-based approaches were applied including wide-scope target, suspect, and nontarget screening. Forty-two chemicals were identified including pesticides, personal care products, or industrial compounds, among others, in the range of ng/mL and ng/g. In parallel, sewage sludge from the wastewater treatment plants serving the residence areas of the studied population were also screened, showing correlations with the type and concentrations of chemicals found in humans. Our findings were suggestive for the potential use of sewage sludge as a proxy of the human exposure and its application in early warning systems to prevent bioaccumulation of hazardous chemicals., This work received support from the “La Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434), fellowship code LCF/BQ/PR20/11770013, and Barcelona Council (Expo-Bar). The BiSC cohort study is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under Grant Agreement No. 785994 (AIR-NB), and the Health Effects Institute (HEI) with Grant Agreement No. 4959-RFPA15-1/ 18-1 (FRONTIER). IDAEA-CSIC and ISGlobal are Centres of Excellence Severo Ochoa (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation).

A novel method for polishing conical shaped optical fiber deflectors by modulated CO2 laser exposure is reported. The conical shaped fiber deflector geometry was first formed with rough mechanical polishing, then it was exposed to modulated CO2 laser operating with wavelength at 10.6 µm to achieve fine polish surfaces. The motivation of this work is to demonstrate that the modulated CO2 laser exposure approach allows a fiber surface roughness at a nanometer scale without modifying the conical shape of the fiber deflector. The average surface roughness of mechanically polished fiber deflectors with 30 and 9 µm lapping films was smoothed down to 20.4 and 4.07 nm, respectively, after CO2 laser polishing process. By combining mechanical and laser polishing techniques, fabrication of conical shaped optical fiber deflectors takes less time and it becomes laborer independent and easy to apply. © 2017, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

An experiment designed to measure the thickness of an electrochemically active layer on the surface of a thin-film Co3O4 electrode shows that the entire thickness of the film, 40 nm in all, undergoes chemical changes. This was the case when the film was first exposed to pure water and later subjected to +1 VSCE in 0.01M KOH solution. Upon removal of the applied potential, the film reverted to a state that was nearly identical to the one it had before polarization.

Head and neck postures may cause morphology changes to the geometry of the carotid bifurcation (CB) that alter the low and oscillating wall shear stress (WSS) regions previously reported as important in the development of atherosclerosis. Here the right and left CB were imaged by MRI in two healthy subjects in the neutral head posture with the subject in the supine position and in two other head postures with the subject in the prone position: (1) rightward rotation up to 80, and (2) leftward rotation up to 80. Image-based computational models were constructed to investigate the effect of posture on arterial geometry and local hemodynamics. The area exposure to unfavorable hemodynamics, based on thresholds set for oscillatory shear index (OSI), WSS and relative residence time, was used to quantify the hemodynamic impact on the wall. Torsion of the head was found to: (1) cause notable changes in the bifurcation and internal carotid artery angles and, in most cases, on cross-sectional area ratios for common, internal and external carotid artery, (2) change the spatial distribution of wall regions exposed to unfavorable hemodynamics, and (3) cause a marked change in the hemodynamic burden on the wall when the OSI was considered. These findings suggest that head posture may be associated with the genesis and development of atherosclerotic disease as well as complications in stenotic and stented vessels. © 2012 International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering. 51 1-2 207 218 Cited By :7

In this study, solid lignin produced from lignin liquor which is a waste of paper industry, and Sb 2 O 3 , MnSO 4 ·H 2 O, K 2 (SbO) 2 C 8 H 4 O 10 ·3H 2 O and FeSO 4 ·H 2 O were investigated in terms of their reducing effect on Cr(VI) and other effects on cement properties. Test results revealed that Sb 2 O 3 and MnSO 4 ·H 2 O are able to reduce Cr(VI) effectively when they were used at levels of 0,02% and 0,25% by weight of cement respectively and these amounts in cement did not cause any negative effect on concrete properties of cement. Also, they performed stable reducing effects when exposed to high temperature tests and shelf life tests and it is concluded that they can be used conveniently to reduce Cr(VI) in cement industry.

cited By 0; International audience; The novel features, based on the exposure of a higher number of atoms on the surfaces, allow nanomaterials to exhibit new or improved features to consumer products, that should be carefully assessed. Here is presented a new method based on the use of biosensors (algal cells) to assess the release of dissolved silver from nanoparticles. Algae were exposed to a) differently coated nanoparticles, b) from nanoparticles differing in their silver content, and c) from nanostructured surfaces differing in the depth at which silver nanoparticles have been embedded. Results shown the importance of chemical coatings, the ratio protein-silver on the AgNP composition and the depth at which are implanted in surfaces, as factors modulating the release of dissolved Ag (i.e. the responsible of the biocide properties of such nanomaterials).

This study proposes and verifies a numerical framework that can efficiently quantify non-uniform corrosion penetration depth along the perimeter of the rebar in concrete exposed to chloride environment. Moreover, this framework considers the effects of rebar size and location on the process of chloride ingress into concrete and evaluates the non-uniform corrosion states that correspond to two scenarios of corrosion penetration depth: corrosion of segment of the rebar and uneven corrosion along the rebar perimeter. Qualitative comparisons of the evaluated non-uniform corrosion states with the variety of available laboratory and field data show good agreement. � 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

We investigate theoretically high-harmonic generation (HHG) in bulk crystals exposed to intense midinfrared lasers with photon energies smaller than the band gap. The two main mechanisms, interband and intraband HHG, are explored. Our analysis indicates that the interband current neglected so far is the dominant mechanism for HHG. Saddle point analysis in the Keldysh limit yields an intuitive picture of interband HHG in solids similar to atomic HHG. Interband and intraband HHG exhibit a fundamentally different wavelength dependence. This signature can be used to experimentally distinguish between the two mechanisms in order to verify their importance. © 2014 American Physical Society.

Conference of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XIV ; Conference Date: 30 April 2013 Through 3 May 2013; Conference Code:98144; International audience; Sarin, a well-known chemical warfare agent, is toxic for concentrations as low as 0.03 ppm in the air (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health value). A technology providing "on the field" detection could be fluorescence spectroscopy. This presentation shows a sensitive method for the detection of Diethyl Chlorophosphate (DCP), a Sarin surrogate, which provides in a few seconds a turn-off fluorescence response of the sensor for ppb levels of DCP. For instance, a I/I0 = 0.68 (fluorescence quenching) was obtained when the sensor was exposed to 16 ppb of DCP.

Silver and copper nanoparticles, respectively, were produced on glass slides via magnetron sputtering. The experiments show that with magnetron sputtering the size and concentration of the nanoparticles can be easily controlled via sputter time and plasma power. Silver nanoparticles grow much faster than copper nanoparticles, which also require higher plasma power for their synthesis. Exposed to albumin solution, the glass slides with silver nanoparticles clearly show a delay in albumin attachment compared to pure glass slides. Glass slides with copper nanoparticles show a slight attachment of albumin even after 3 h of exposure. However, the albumin concentration on the surface of the glass slides was much smaller compared to pure glass slides and did not increase within 24 h Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The dosimetric consequences of 14C dissemination resulting from the radioactive fall-out of atmospheric nuclear-weapons testing conducted in the 50s have been estimated. Owing to the lack of 14C measurements in food consumed in France over the past 60 years, this evaluation is based on the standard modelling of the isotopic equilibrium: it is assumed that the specific activity (14C/C) of living plants is in equilibrium with that of CO2 in the air. It is also considered that this isotopic ratio remains constant in animals and their production. The specific activities of 14C in the biosphere were drawn from reference publications. Since the 1950s, the effective dose for adults has risen from 12.1 μSv y -1 to a maximum of about 22.3 μSv y-1 in 1964, before falling to 12.9 μSv y-1, which is slightly higher than the initial value. The excess dose due to atmospheric testing reached about 10 μSv y-1 in the sixties. The generation of 1940 was exposed to the highest dose: 190 μSv in 60 years due to nuclear-weapons testing, which remains low in relation to natural exposure. © 2007 EDP Sciences.

Adequacy of individual monitoring of external exposure at the workplace Individual monitoring of workers exposed to external radiations must fulfil technical, regulatory and organizational requirements. The external dosimetry should be adapted to the workplace. The relevant dosimetric techniques have to be chosen upon the workplace study that conditions both the categorization of exposed workers and classification of areas. Solutions exist which are satisfactory for the most situations. However, rational solutions still have to be found for a few specific situations. © 2006 EDP Sciences.; La surveillance dosimétrique des travailleurs exposés au risque d’exposition externe répond à des exigences à la fois techniques, réglementaires et organisationnelles. Maillon essentiel du dispositif de radioprotection, cette surveillance individuelle doit être adaptée au poste de travail. Le choix des techniques à mettre en œuvre repose sur l’étude du poste de travail dont les résultats conditionnent à la fois le classement des travailleurs et le zonage radiologique des locaux. Des solutions satisfaisantes existent dans la grande majorité des cas. Des solutions rationnelles restent en revanche à trouver dans quelques situations spécifiques.

In this paper, the effects of interference on three-dimensional bluff bodies with square cross-section placed in side-by-side arrangement for a low-rise body and a high-rise body have been investigated experimentally. The extent of interference effects are brought out by varying the spacing between the bodies. The pressure distributions on the surfaces of the bodies are measured to bring out the severity of interference due to another body adjacent to it. The bodies are exposed to an air stream with a velocity profile satisfying the 1/7th power law. It is seen that the pressure distribution on rear side and interference side is greatly affected for low-rise body when interfered by a high-rise body in close proximity.

Sn-doped In2O3 nanowires have been grown on Si via the vapor-liquid-solid mechanism at 800 °C and then exposed to H2S between 300 to 600 °C. We observe the existence of cubic bixbyite In2O3 and hexagonal SnS2 after processing the Sn:In2O3 nanowires to H2S at 300 °C but also cubic bixbyite In2O3, which remains dominant, and the emergence of rhombohedral In2(SO4)3 at 400 °C. The resultant nanowires maintain their metallic-like conductivity, and exhibit photoluminescence at 3.4 eV corresponding to band edge emission from In2O3. In contrast, Sn:In2O3 nanowires grown on glass at 500 °C can be treated under H2S only below 200 °C which is important for the fabrication of Cu2S/Sn:In2O3 core-shell p-n junctions on low-cost transparent substrates such as glass suitable for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. © 2015, Zervos et al. 10 1 Cited By :3