Search

Abstract Background Limited current information exists regarding discospondylitis within breeds commonly affected by congenital vertebral body malformations. Hypothesis/Objectives Report the prevalence of discospondylitis in English and French bulldogs and investigate for possible associations of discospondylitis with congenital vertebral body malformations. Animals 108 client‐owned dogs. Methods Retrospective multi‐institutional study between June 2010 and 2020. Cases with a diagnosis of discospondylitis on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and complete medical records included. Signalment, discospondylitis location, presence of congenital vertebral body malformations, and the site of maximal kyphosis were recorded. Results The prevalence of discospondylitis was 3.4 (1.6‐6.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]) times higher in French bulldogs (P

Since West’s seminal 1898 article, it has been assumed that there were (only) four instances in epic Greek (Homer, Hesiod and the Homeric Hymns) in which the injunctive (often called an unaugmented indicative in the commentaries) could be interpreted as having a timeless (or omnitemporal) meaning. In the second part of the article, I will argue and show that there could be more of these injunctive forms than West originally argued for. I will also analyze several other instances in which an injunctive has been transmitted, instances in which it refers to a background action or an event in a remote past, and argue that some injunctive forms indeed describe the timeless habits of the gods, while others are not timeless, but refer to actions in a remote or even mythical past, or describe background actions; moreover, even some indicative present forms could conceal older timeless injunctive forms (without arguing that the indicative forms should be altered, however). In all these instances I will also investigate and describe the aspectual stems, as well as show that their use can be explained by the distinction perfective – imperfective, which agrees with what we would find in Attic Greek and is not controlled by the metre.

Abstract BackgroundData quality is fundamental to maintaining the trust and reliability of health data for both primary and secondary purposes. However, before the secondary use of health data, it is essential to assess the quality at the source and to develop systematic methods for the assessment of important data quality dimensions. ObjectiveThis case study aims to offer a dual aim—to assess the data quality of height and weight measurements across 7 Belgian hospitals, focusing on the dimensions of completeness and consistency, and to outline the obstacles these hospitals face in sharing and improving data quality standards. MethodsFocusing on data quality dimensions completeness and consistency, this study examined height and weight data collected from 2021 to 2022 within 3 distinct departments—surgical, geriatrics, and pediatrics—in each of the 7 hospitals. ResultsVariability was observed in the completeness scores for height across hospitals and departments, especially within surgical and geriatric wards. In contrast, weight data uniformly achieved high completeness scores. Notably, the consistency of height and weight data recording was uniformly high across all departments. ConclusionsA collective collaboration among Belgian hospitals, transcending network affiliations, was formed to conduct this data quality assessment. This study demonstrates the potential for improving data quality across health care organizations by sharing knowledge and good practices, establishing a foundation for future, similar research.

In this article I discuss the use of tense and aspect in Herodotos Historiai 1,186 and, related to that, the instances where both a form from the present-stem and the aorist-stem are attested. I first provide a brief overview and discussion of tense and aspect in Greek and Herodotos, briefly summarising scholarship before Hettrich 1976 and discussing in somewhat more detail Hettrich 1976, the reactions to that work (Ruijgh 1979 (and 1971), Rijksbaron 1979) and Stork 1982. As the literature on aspect (in Greek and on aspect in general) is very large, my discussion will inevitably have to leave out many studies and issues, and I canonly treat the issue of the fortwirkende Handlung and the observer’s perspective, and even those only very superficially. The issue of tense, aspect, Aktionsart and their overlap cannot be discussed here. In a second step I proceed to the actual passage and discuss all the forms of the present and aorist stem (finite and non-finite forms). As is known, the transmission of Herodotos’ text often poses problems and in several instances, forms from both stems are transmitted (in two cases in 1,186, the manuscripts agree but conjectures were made). In order to decide on which variant to adopt, a detailed analysis of all the forms in the passage is offered using the distinction perfective / completed – imperfective / ongoing as guiding principle (time and space constraints prevented me from quoting the variants printed in all editions and commentaries, limiting myself to 15 in total).

AbstractBurn injuries can result in a significant inflammatory response, often leading to hypertrophic scarring (HTS). Local drug therapies e.g. corticoid injections are advised to treat HTS, although they are invasive, operator-dependent, extremely painful and do not permit extended drug release. Polymer-based microneedle (MN) arrays can offer a viable alternative to standard care, while allowing for direct, painless dermal drug delivery with tailorable drug release profile. In the current study, we synthesized photo-crosslinkable, acrylate-endcapped urethane-based poly(ε-caprolactone) (AUP-PCL) toward the fabrication of MNs. Physico-chemical characterization (1H-NMR, evaluation of swelling, gel fraction) of the developed polymer was performed and confirmed successful acrylation of PCL-diol. Subsequently, AUP-PCL, and commercially available PCL-based microneedle arrays were fabricated for comparative evaluation of the constructs. Hydrocortisone was chosen as model drug. To enhance the drug release efficiency of the MNs, Brij®35, a nonionic surfactant was exploited. The thermal properties of the MNs were evaluated via differential scanning calorimetry. Compression testing of the arrays confirmed that the MNs stay intact upon applying a load of 7 N, which correlates to the standard dermal insertion force of MNs. The drug release profile of the arrays was evaluated, suggesting that the developed PCL arrays can offer efficient drug delivery for up to two days, while the AUP-PCL arrays can provide a release up to three weeks. Finally, the insertion of MN arrays into skin samples was performed, followed by histological analysis demonstrating the AUP-PCL MNs outperforming the PCL arrays upon providing pyramidical-shaped perforations through the epidermal layer of the skin.

Since West’s seminal 1989 article, it has been assumed that there were (only) four instances in epic Greek (Homer, Hesiod and the Homeric Hymns) in which the injunctive (often called an unaugmented indicative in the commentaries) could be interpreter as having a timeless (or omnitemporal) meaning. In an article, divided into two parts, I will argue and show that there could be more of these forms. I will also analyze several other instances in which an injunctive has been transmitted, instances in which it refers to a background action or an event in a remote past. In part 1, I address the interaction and difference in use between the injunctive and the (augmented) indicative in epic Greek, paying special attention to the gnomic aorist, the similia, the instances with τε-épique and the so-called “Hymnic aorist”, explaining why they mostly comprise the augment. Following West 1989 for Greek and Hoffmann 1967 for Vedic, I argue that the injunctives or unaugmented indicatives are not simply metrical variants of the indicative, but have their own distinct meanings and functions, as they are used to “mention” or describe background actions, preserve an old “timeless” meaning or refer to a more remote (and often mythical) past. As some of the instances have an aorist and others a present injunctive, I also take into account the aspectual difference(s) between these forms, discussing scholarship on tense and aspect in general and Homer in particular. In part 2, I proceed to actual instances and will investigate them for both the use of the injunctive or indicative and for that of the aspectual stem.

Abstract Background Intervertebral disc herniation is widely recognized as the most common cause of myelopathy in dogs older than 2 years; however, the prevalence of various causes of myelopathy in younger dogs has not been reported. Hypothesis/Objectives To describe the prevalence, clinical presentation, and etiology of myelopathy in dogs aged 18 months or less. Secondarily, to investigate which clinical features were associated with each of the most common etiologies. Animals Two hundred twenty‐four dogs aged 18 months or less with myelopathy were included in the study. Methods Retrospective review of clinical records from 4 referral institutions. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed which clinical features were associated with each diagnosis. Results French bulldogs (n = 51, 22.8%), pugs (n = 18, 8.0%), crossbreeds (n = 12, 5.4%), and English bulldogs (n = 11, 4.9%) were the most frequently affected breeds. Overall, 31 diagnoses were reached. The 5 most frequent diagnoses were vertebral malformation (VM; n = 42, 18.8%), spinal arachnoid diverticulum (SAD; n = 28, 12.5%), traumatic fracture of the vertebral column (n = 22, 9.8%), atlantoaxial instability (n = 18, 8.0%), and osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (n = 17, 7.6%). Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) accounted for 4.5% of cases (n = 10). A final diagnosis of VM was associated with younger, screw‐tailed, and pug breeds with chronic signs of T3‐L3 myelopathy. SAD was associated with screw‐tailed and pug breeds with nonpainful clinical signs. Intervertebral disc extrusion was associated with older, screw‐tailed, and pug breeds with shorter duration of clinical signs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Prioritization of differential diagnoses for dogs presenting with signs of myelopathy when aged 18 months or less should differ to those for older dogs, with IVDE not the most common cause in the former.

Abstract Background Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) comprises a group of noninfectious inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system of dogs. Previous studies have reported individual risk factors for survival but prognostication for MUO remains challenging. Objectives Identify clinical prognostic variables in dogs with MUO. Animals A retrospective study of 447 dogs presented to 2 UK referral hospitals and diagnosed with MUO. Methods Medical records of dogs diagnosed with MUO were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used for the identification of risk factors for survival and Cox proportional hazards analysis for the identification of risk factors for clinical relapse. Results Eighty‐two percent (366/447) of dogs with presumptive MUO survived to discharge and 63.5% (284/447) were alive at 6 months; 36% of the latter (103/284) had persistent neurological deficits. Breed (pugs; P = .03), epileptic seizures (P

One of the biggest challenges facing medtech manufacturers is adapting to a rapidly evolving future of work. How companies perform R&D, oversee regulatory tasks, and commercialize products will differ vastly [...]

One of the most significant moments for the medtech industry is the recent acceleration of innovation. Digitalization, the rise of smart connectivity, and data harvesting are enabling products to deliver [...]

If you haven't noticed, manufacturing productivity has been middling even though overall U.S. output is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, durable manufacturing fell 0.4% in the [...]

Background: Phthalates are ubiquitous in the environment. Despite short half-lives, chronic exposure can lead to endocrine disruption. The safety of phthalate substitute DINCH is unclear. Objective: To evaluate associations between urinary concentrations of phthalate/DINCH metabolites and body mass index (BMI) z-score among children and adolescents. Method: We used Human Biomonitoring for Europe Aligned Studies data from 2876 children (12 studies, 6–12 years, 2014–2021) and 2499 adolescents (10 studies, 12–18 years, 2014–2021) with up to 14 phthalate/DINCH urinary metabolites. We used multilevel linear regression to assess associations between phthalate/DINCH concentrations and BMI z-scores, testing effect modification by sex. In a subset, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile-based g-computation assessed important predictors and mixture effects. Results: In children, we found few associations in single pollutant models and no interactions by sex (p-interaction > 0.1). BKMR detected no relevant exposures (posterior inclusion probabilities, PIPs

In this article, I will compare two new, posthumously published, Odyssey-editions, that by Martin West (2017) and Helmut Van Thiel (2021). I cannot delve into every issue in detail (discussing every linguistic peculiarity underlying each editorial choice would be tantamount to rewriting the Grammaire homérique or to reediting the text myself), nor is it possible to reference each and every work on the problems discussed here. I therefore only sparingly refer to other works and editions (there are obviously also other useful editions, commentaries, articles and grammars dealing with (epic) Greek, but citing them all would make the article surpass the acceptable limits). I first summarise both editors’ guiding principles, make some general observations on the differences between the editions, and then discuss some differing passages in more detail: the augment and more specifically its absence or presence, 1 instance of a verse that was missing and/or added (depending on the standpoint one takes) in the manuscripts, 3 instances in which 2 different metrically equivalent speech introduction formulae were both attested in the manuscripts, 2 observations on how the oldest alphabet could have influenced or obscured the exact mood or aspect, a passage in which one verb form was twice attested both in the aorist and in the imperfect, 2 instances in which two different moods were transmitted and that could shed some noteworthy new light on the historical syntax of Greek (and in which West and Van Thiel differed), and finally 2 passages in which the modal particle was used in a rather unexpected manner.

Abstract Background Limited information is available regarding intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) and its treatment in cats. Objectives Describe outcomes after surgical or conservative treatment of cats with thoracolumbar and lumbosacral IVDH. Animals Ninety‐two cats from 2 referral populations (2012‐2022) with compressive IVDH between the T3 and S1 vertebrae. Methods Retrospective cohort study evaluating outcomes of surgical (49 cats) and conservative (36 cats) management of IVDH; 7 cats were euthanized at diagnosis. Outcome was assessed using hospital and referring veterinarian records and client questionnaires. Successful outcome was defined as regained or improved ambulation, urinary and fecal continence, and no requirement for analgesic medication. Results Incidence of IVDH during the study period was 0.44% (92/20849). Surgical treatment resulted in 62% (6 weeks) and 74% success (6 months). Conservative treatment resulted in 54% (6 weeks) and 65% success (6 months). Neurological grade at presentation was higher in cats treated surgically (median, 2; range, 1‐5) than in those treated conservatively (median, 2; range, 0‐4; P = .001). Regardless of treatment type, cats suffering trauma were more likely to have a successful outcome 6 weeks after treatment compared with those without history of trauma (odds ratio, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.05‐26.78; P = .04). Neurological deficits remained in the majority of cats for both treatment types (92%, conservative; 86%, surgical at 6 weeks). Acute‐on‐chronic IVDH with characteristics of both extrusion and protrusion were identified in 10% of cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Conservative treatment could be as effective as surgical decompression in cats with thoracolumbar or lumbosacral IVDH.

Abstract Background Although idiopathic episodic head tremor (IEHT) in dogs is well‐known, little is known about structural brain lesions causing structural episodic head tremor (SEHT). Hypothesis/Objectives Describe semiology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and outcome of dogs with IEHT or SEHT. We hypothesized that structural lesions affecting the middle cranial fossa or mesencephalic aqueduct could lead to SEHT. Animals One hundred dogs with IEHT (n = 71) or SEHT (n = 29). Methods Retrospective, multicenter, study of dogs with episodic (nonintentional) head tremor and brain MRI between 2004 and 2022. Results Lesions on MRI in SEHT dogs were localized to the middle cranial fossa (15/29), cerebrocortex (3/29), brainstem (2/29), fourth ventricle (1/29) or multifocal (8/29) with thalamus involvement (6/8). Secondary compression of the mesencephalic aqueduct (19/29), third ventricle or interthalamic adhesion or both (14/29) was common. The most common underlying condition in dogs with SEHT was a pituitary mass. Dogs with SEHT were older, had additional neurological signs and were more likely to be euthanized after diagnosis (P

While the latest jobs numbers show a clear slowdown in employment gains, acquiring specialized skills remains challenging for medtech organizations, That's because the most sought-after talent remains scarce in today's [...]

In 2017, the government of Flanders decided to award yearly grants for synthesising research on archaeological data produced via development-led archaeology in Flanders (Belgium). At present, no less than 34 archaeological projects have been financially supported this way. Three of those projects deal with the archaeology of modern conflicts. The project 'Conflict archaeology of the Second World War in Flanders' will be discussed in more detail. World War II (WWII) archaeology is a very young discipline in Flanders, although the enormous expertise in conflict archaeology of World War I (WWI) caused a turnaround in recent years. Putting all the archaeological information together, it turned out that traces of WWII were already being investigated at 172 sites, far more than expected. Some are targeted excavations on large sites, but mostly they are small traces that came to light by chance. This picture is contrasted with knowledge gained in recent years from historical research and from remote sensing sources. The Centre for Historical and Archaeological Aerial Photography (CHAL) (launched by the Province of West Flanders, In Flanders Fields Museum, and Ghent University) plays an important role here. Over 43,000 historical aerial photographs taken during both World Wars provide a unique overview of the war landscape in Belgium and offer enormous archaeological potential today. A combination of analysis of the digital elevation model of Flanders for the above-ground preservation of war traces and the archaeological information from excavations give us an unseen landscape insight.

IntroductionCanine meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is a debilitating disease associated with high mortality. The prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for predicting survival at 12 months and long-term relapse remains uncertain.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study evaluating the prognostic value of different MRI variables using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis.ResultsIn total, 138 dogs were presumptively diagnosed with MUO. The most common location for lesions identified on MRI were the white matter tracts of the corona radiata and corpus callosum, followed by the frontal, sensorimotor and temporal cortices. Lower T2 lesion load (p = 0.006, OR = 0.942, CI = 0.902–0.983) was associated with longer survival and higher T1 post-contrast lesion load (p = 0.023, OR = 1.162, CI = 1.021–1.322) was associated with relapse.DiscussionThis study has identified prognostic factors that may help identify dogs at higher risk of death and relapse and therefore guide treatment recommendations.

Abstract Background Limited recent data exists regarding discospondylitis in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives (i) Describe the signalment, clinical and imaging findings, etiologic agents, treatment, and outcome of dogs with discospondylitis, (ii) determine diagnostic agreement between radiographs, CT, and MRI with regard to the presence of discospondylitis and its location, and (iii) determine risk factors for relapse and progressive neurological deterioration. Animals Three hundred eighty‐six dogs. Methods Multi‐institutional retrospective study. Data extracted from medical records were: signalment, clinical and examination findings, diagnostic results, treatments, complications, and outcome. Potential risk factors were recorded. Breed distribution was compared to a control group. Agreement between imaging modalities was assessed via Cohen's kappa statistic. Other analyses were performed on categorical data, using cross tabulations with chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests. Results Male dogs were overrepresented (236/386 dogs). L7‐S1 (97/386 dogs) was the most common site. Staphylococcus species (23/38 positive blood cultures) were prevalent. There was a fair agreement (κ = 0.22) between radiographs and CT, but a poor agreement (κ = 0.05) between radiographs and MRI with regard to evidence of discospondylitis. There was good agreement between imaging modalities regarding location of disease. Trauma was associated with an increased risk of relapse (P = .01, OR: 9.0, 95% CI: 2.2‐37.0). Prior steroid therapy was associated with an increased risk of progressive neurological dysfunction (P = .04, OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.2‐18.6). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Radiograph and MRI results could be discrepant in dogs with discospondylitis. Prior trauma and corticosteroids could be associated with relapse and progressive neurological dysfunction, respectively.