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Early detection of joint bleeds is challenging yet critical for preserving joint health among individuals with haemophilia. This work explored early indicators of joint bleeds and young people with haemophilia B (YPwHB) self-monitoring practices to develop a joint health patient-reported outcome (PRO) tool for YPwHB aged between 8-25 years.

In this study, we focused on the computational analysis of a selected single-point mutation identified by a NGS screening panel in the TET2 enzyme classified as “variant of uncertain clinical significance.” The mutation, namely Q1084P, occurs at the interface between TET2, an important epigenetic regulator, and NANOG, a transcription factor fundamental for hematopoietic cells differentiation. Notably, the mutation occurs in a protein region distant from the active site; moreover, the experimental structures of the interacting region of both proteins are unknown, making it difficult to validate the impact of TET2 mutation on its binding with NANOG. To address these challenges, we employed an integrated computational approach combining molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and protein-protein interaction prediction. Our findings indicate that the single-point mutation might effectively reduce the TET2-NANOG interaction, which would consequently impair cells differentiation and hematopoiesis process, consistent with the clinical presentation of pure red cell aplastic anemia. These results, along with the proposed computational method, provide insights for establishing clinical correlations between variants of uncertain significance and anemias in general, comprising common hematological problems widespread in the world population and for which dedicated NGS panels are still not available.

The hip prosthesis, used to repair or recreate the diseased or damaged hip joint's articulation functionality, greatly influences the outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Currently, the limited lifespan (10–15 years) of hip prostheses presents a serious challenge stemming from poor materials selection, design, as well as manufacturing techniques and this has been amplified further by the rising human life expectancy. Today's hip prostheses are predominantly made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, which frequently fail owing to wear, modulus mismatch, corrosion, and poor osseointegration. To prolong hip implants’ useful life within the body system, it is crucial to comprehend human hip anatomy and biomechanics, investigate the modes and mechanisms of prosthesis failure, and identify mitigation measures pertaining to materials selection, prosthesis design, and production processes. From this point of view, this article firstly explores the intricate hip joint's structural anatomy in the context of biomechanics principles that influence joint movement and weight bearing. Then, hip implant failure modes and mechanisms are discussed and lastly, the failure mitigation measures are proposed. From this review, Ti-6Al-7Nb known for its excellent corrosion resistance and superior biocompatibility is considered a promising substitute for the mostly used cytotoxic Ti-6Al-4V, functionally graded porosity design mimicking the human bone to enhance mechanical and biomedical properties, more precisely osseointegration and stress shielding, and utilization of the selective laser melting technique capable of fabricating Ti-6Al-7Nb components with intricate shapes and high geometrical accuracy can play a significant role in preventing current hip implant failures.

This protocol lays the groundwork for a community-centered investigation into the intersection between climate change and violence against women and girls. Providing a standardized framework, this paper will enable researchers to collect and analyze data on severe weather patterns and their potential impact on violence within communities. The interlinkage between violence and climate is an emerging field of research. There is a need for a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of these two issues focusing on the manifestations of violence, specific vulnerabilities, and coping strategies. This protocol outlines a qualitative research approach employed in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study will include key informant interviews with community leaders and policymakers, along with focus group discussions with women, adolescent girls, and men. Community engagement is a crucial component of this work as it will ensure that the research is conducted ethically and respectfully and ensure that the findings are relevant and applicable to the community being studied. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between violence against women and girls and climate change, informing policies, interventions, and advocacy efforts and elevating the voices of women and girls to promote gender equity in the face of climate change challenges.

Bedding materials are aimed at providing a safe and comfortable resting environment for cows. Control of pathogen proliferation in these substrates is crucial to prevent intramammary infections in dairy cows, as these can significantly impact milk quality, cow health, and farm productivity. This is particularly relevant in the case of organic bedding substrates, including manure-derived materials. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of a lime-based conditioner (LBC), composed of CaCO3MgCO3 and Ca(OH)2*Mg(OH)2, at increasing concentrations on the physical-chemical characteristics and bacterial counts of untreated anaerobically digested manure solids (ADMS) and separated raw manure solids (SRMS). Unused ADMS and SRMS were evaluated at four LBC weight-based concentrations: 0 (as untreated control), 10, 15, and 20% of LBC inclusion. The bedding materials were assessed immediately after LBC addition (0 h) and after 24, 72, and 168 h of storage at 28°C. The dry matter content (DM), and pH were measured for all the time points. Standard microbiological methods were used to assess total bacterial counts (TBC), other Gram-negative bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and streptococci and streptococci-like organism (SSLO). It was observed a linear increase in both DM and pH with increasing concentrations of LBC. Specifically, for each percentage unit increase of LBC, the DM of ADMS and SRMS increased by 0.73 and 0.71%, respectively. Similarly, for each percentage unit of LBC, the pH of ADMS and SRMS increased by 0.15 and 0.19, respectively. Conversely, a linear decrease in TBC, Gram-negative bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, and SSLO was observed with increasing concentrations of the LBC. Manure-derived materials without the inclusion of the LBC had bacterial counts that tended to remain high or increase over time. Otherwise, bedding materials with LBC application had reduced bacterial counts. Based on the results of the present study, it was observed that the higher the concentration of LBC, the more significant the reduction of bacterial counts. Specifically, bacterial recovery was lower when higher concentrations of LBC were applied. Our findings underscore the potential of LBC in effectively controlling environmental bacteria and improving the physical-chemical characteristics of manure-derived bedding materials to improve cow health and welfare.

Age-disparate transactional sex relationships are often coerced and exploitative. The gender and economic disparities between affluent men and economically disadvantaged girls often perpetuate these relationships, resulting in their exploitation. This qualitative study assessed men’s understanding of factors influencing schoolgirls’ engagement in age-disparate transactional sex relationships in two rural districts in Kenya. Four focus group sessions were conducted with men from two primary professions: motorcycle taxi operators (Boda Boda) and teachers from primary and secondary schools from two districts in Kitui South, Sub County, Kenya. Focus group data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Several influential factors associated with schoolgirls’ engagement in these transactional relationships are discussed in three broad themes: access and coercion, parental influence, and peer-related factors. Study results indicate that schoolgirls in rural areas are more susceptible to predation by men willing to trade sexual favors with underage girls. These findings make it imperative to address the predation of adolescent girls by men involved in these transactional relationships by implementing comprehensive sex education programs that empower schoolgirls to recognize and resist coercion. Additionally, implementing measures involving community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders in a collective effort to combat the exploitation of underage girls is paramount. These measures should be accompanied by the stricter enforcement of laws and regulations to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

ABSTRACT: Allowing dairy cattle to access pasture or outdoor areas is known to be beneficial for cows' welfare and is considered important by the general public. However, in confinement-based operations with high-yielding cows, pasture access may be difficult to implement, especially for lactating animals. Providing pasture access to heifers and dry cows seems a more feasible option for most farms. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of providing high-yielding dairy cows with free-choice pasture access during the dry period on their health, behavior, and milk production. Over the study period, a total of 78 Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments during the dry period (51 ± 8 d): housing with free-choice access to the pasture (PAST) or housing continuously without any access to the outdoors (CTRL). After calving, all cows from both treatments were mixed and housed continuously. To assess the effects of the treatment on cows' performance, all animals enrolled were monitored both before calving and during the first 100 d in milk of the following lactation. The behavior of all cows involved was monitored continuously during the whole observation period using collar-based sensors. All cows were inspected monthly to assess lameness, hock lesions, cleanliness, and body condition score. During the period after calving (0–100 d in milk), milk production and composition were also monitored. Results showed that free-choice pasture access affected cows' feeding behavior. Before calving, the animals in PAST spent more time feeding than in CTRL and, interestingly, this difference tended to persist for several weeks after calving. During the dry period, cows in PAST were cleaner than in CTRL but no differences in locomotion and body condition score were found between the 2 groups. Free-choice pasture access during the dry period also affected milk production during the following lactation. The cows that spent the dry period in PAST produced more milk than CTRL counterparts, particularly for the animals that calved during summer. In the current study we have found that providing free-choice pasture access during the dry period can positively affect the performance of dairy cattle and represents a desirable practice in confinement-based dairy production systems.

This paper analyses the component of the Integrated Interlocking System which forms the central logical and functional unit implementing all logical and computational functions necessary for railway traffic control in the Railway 4.0 concept. The main principle is that this approach centralizes the technology of station interlocking system, track line interlocking systems, level crossing interlocking systems and the functions of train interlocking system – the line part of ETCS L2/3 radio block control panel (RBC). The operation control is centralised to the controlling dispatcher centres. The paper discusses the concept of integrated interlocking system including safety issues addressed from the perspective of the requirements of CENELEC standards EN 50126, EN 50128 and EN 50129. These requirements are addressed from the perspective of the authors of the paper, who also work as independent assessors of the safety of railway control and command systems.

Structural steel components tend to wear when exposed to corrosive and cyclic loading environments. These components can be repaired by welding on failure. This study studied the weld parameters and weld quality (porosity, depth of penetration, and coating thickness), hardness, corrosion, and wear resistance during repair welding. Mild steel samples were weld coated by varying alternating (AC) and direct (DC) currents: 40 A, 50 A, 55 A, 60 A, 65 A, and 70 A. The base material used was AISI 1045 steel, and Castolin 6825 was used as the welding electrode. The results showed that three wear mechanisms were dominant: abrasion, adhesion, and delamination. The porosity in the coated samples increased with increasing currents for both AC and DC. The welding current and current type influenced the coating thickness and penetration depth. When dipped in warm NaCl solution, the corrosion mechanism experienced by both sets of coated samples was pitting corrosion. In both cases (alternating and direct currents), the hardness values increased towards the coating surface from the substrate.

This article explores the European Union's (EU's) assistance to Ukraine through the lens of critical geopolitics with a view to ascertaining whether the EU has become more geopolitical in its thinking and actions towards Eastern Europe. Our findings point to a mixed picture. Whilst the EU 'mindscape' appears to have shifted in relation to Eastern Europe, Ukraine and itself as an actor in the region, it is less apparent that the EU's foreign and security policy action has become geopoliticised. The 2022 Russian invasion has certainly seen a step change from the hesitant and self‐conscious approach that characterised the EU's engagement with Eastern Europe prior to 2022. However, declarations such as that by the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission (HRVP) around the 'birth of geopolitical Europe' appear to be somewhat premature, as there is limited evidence at this stage that the EU is willing to provide leadership on the geospatial (re)ordering of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic plants obtain nutrients from their hosts. Here the authors show that nitrogen sufficiency suppresses parasitism in the root parasite Phtheirospermum japonicum by increasing levels of the phytohormone ABA suggesting that the degree of parasitism is regulated by nutrient availability.

Review of the book. Esther Barbé (dir.). Las normas internacionales ante la crisis del orden liberal. Tecnos, 2021. 176 págs.

Background. Burn injuries are a common cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. In all societies, burns continue to constitute a medical, psychological and economic problem. Burn wounds are one of the most common surgical emergencies leading to hospitalisation. Objectives. To understand the profile of patients with burn injuries presenting to Mankweng Hospital in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods. This was a retrospective study using a descriptive quantitative design to analyse the profile of all patients admitted consecutively to the Mankweng Hospital burns unit from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. Results. During the study period, a majority of males (n=412; 56.7%) were admitted, indicating a significant sex difference. Conclusion. Children aged

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis, can affect the quality of life and work functionality of patients. A multidisciplinary IBD management, based on clinical strategies and an adequate management of patients' occupational health, is necessary to improve disease outcomes, and support patients' personal, social and professional lives. Background: This study aimed to assess the employment status, quality of life, and work functionality in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Methods: Patients (N = 216) were enrolled between June 2020 and October 2021. Personal, clinical, and occupational features were investigated. The Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire were administered. Results: Among the enrolled patients, 114 (53%) were employed. The mean absenteeism and presenteeism percentages of 10% and 37% were determined, with 44% and 39% of daily and work activity impairment, respectively. A poor Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was retrieved (47 ± 12). Extraintestinal manifestations, disease activity, and HRQoL were associated with occupational outcomes. Conclusions: IBD can impact patients' work functionality. The association between clinical, psychological, and occupational issues suggests the relevance for a multidisciplinary management of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AISI 301LN metastable austenitic stainless steels (MASSs) are known to exhibit high work‐hardening rates attributed to martensite evolution during straining which results in the second‐phase strengthening mechanism. This enhances surface hardness and potentially reduces wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF). The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the work hardening, wear, and RCF performance of AISI 301LN metastable austenitic stainless steel as a possible alternative material for rolling and sliding applications by varying the contact conditions such as slip ratio against the standard R350HT rail steel using a twin‐disc simulator. The results show that 301LN MASS has high surface work hardening and increased hardness because of martensitic transformation, while R350HT rail steel has only slightly changed. The formation of a hard martensitic phase is also confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis as well as by two other techniques, indicating a secondary hardening effect. Although it shows potential for work hardening, its susceptibility to wear‐related problems may make it less suitable for rolling and sliding applications due to a cracking and spalling mechanism induced by martensite formation. The surface strains required for the observed martensite formation are calculated and found to be very high, approaching 0.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]