Search

Introduction: Patients with primary hip osteoarthritis undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) often face uncertainty about the future need for arthroplasty in the contralateral hip. We aimed to identify parameters that have predictive value with regard to the necessity for contralateral THA or the development of contralateral radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) phenotypes following index surgery. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 220 patients undergoing THA. Of these, 24.1% required contralateral THA at a mean follow-up of 18.3months. Our assessments included preoperative and follow-up pelvis radiographs as well as bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry prior to index THA. Comprehensive radiological measurements such as the Kellgren-Lawrence OA grade, osteophyte evaluation as well as joint shape and alignment (including alpha and CE angles) were performed. Results: We identified three indicators at the initial assessment for predicting the need for contralateral THA: higher BMI (odds ratio (OR) 1.1 [95%-CI 1.0-1.2], p = 0.033), higher alpha angles (> 61.5°) (OR 2.5 [95%-CI 1.0-6.3], p = 0.045) and the presence of multiple osteophytes (OR 2.6 [95%-CI 1.4–4.9], p = 0.004). Moreover, higher alpha angles were linked to more severe radiographic OA, especially osteophytosis. Higher BMD T-scores were also associated with progressive formation of multiple and large osteophytes but not joint space narrowing. Conclusion: Three factors - BMI, alpha angle, and osteophyte number - are key short-term predictors for contralateral THA after index THA. We also identified BMD as a surrogate for osteophyte formation. These findings provide novel and valuable insights for patients and surgeons regarding risks and counseling for contralateral OA and THA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a native plant from South America where its leaves and branches are popularly consumed in warm drinks. Species of Fusarium may attack the plant and cause root rot. Biological control using native fungi may support the yerba mate protection against root rots. This work aimed to identify and characterize Trichoderma isolates able to control Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani and promote growth in I. paraguariensis. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma were isolated from the rhizosphere of I. paraguariensis and identified molecularly using the ITS, TEF-1α and RPB2 regions. The in vitro antagonistic activity of Trichoderma isolates was evaluated by direct confrontation and production of volatile compounds against the Fusarium spp. In planta experiments were conducted in a greenhouse, where Trichoderma isolates were incorporated into substrate at different times in relation to the Fusarium spp. inoculation. Seven isolates were identified as T. asperelloides, T. hamatum and T. koningiopsis. All Trichoderma isolates reduced up to 30.17% the mycelial growth of the pathogens in the confrontation test. Also, the volatile emission reduced significantly the Fusarium spp. mycelial growth. In the greenhouse, isolates T. koningiopsis IMDI, T. asperelloides ACI and T. asperelloides AVRIII reduced rot symptoms and promoted seedling growth. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that Trichoderma isolates increased oxidative enzymes in the plants. Therefore, native isolates of T. asperelloides and T. koningiopsis antagonized and controlled root rot pathogens and promoted I. paraguariensis growth, demonstrating potential to be used in yerba mate protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor bone quality is a critical factor associated with an increased risk of complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, no consistent recommendations have yet been established for assessing indicators of bone quality preoperatively. Thus, it remains unclear which preoperatively available and readily accessible parameters are most closely associated with femoral bone quality. Here, we obtained femoral neck specimens from 50 patients undergoing THA. Preoperative Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, pelvic radiographs, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. In the obtained specimens, bone microstructure was assessed using micro-CT and histomorphometry. Additionally, matrix mineralization and osteocyte lacunar morphology were evaluated using quantitative backscattered electron imaging. Our analysis revealed that DXA-derived T-scores correlated with trabecular microstructure. Furthermore, radiographic indices and body mass index correlated differentially with aspects of bone quality in women and men. Contrary to previous observations, no correlation was found between serum vitamin D levels and osteoid indices, nor between clinical parameters and matrix mineralization. Age was strongly associated with the number of mineralized osteocyte lacunae, a factor that appeared to be independent of sex. Taken together, our study demonstrates that no single preoperatively available parameter exhibits a strong and consistent association with femoral bone quality. However, DXA remains a reliable preoperative measure for determining the trabecular microstructure of the femoral neck. In clinical practice, surgeons should adopt an individualized approach to preoperative assessments by considering age, sex, BMI, and radiographic indices to enhance their insight into femoral bone quality, particularly when DXA is unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) during reimplantation in the two-stage revision of septic hip arthroplasties. (2) Methods: As part of an internal quality control study, blood cultures were taken from the processed ICS blood during reimplantation and examined for possible bacterial load (study group). Due to a high rate of bacterial detection with uncertain clinical significance, consecutive ICS samples were also examined from patients undergoing aseptic revision hip arthroplasty (control group). Microbiological samples, patient and surgical characteristics and the follow-up data were analyzed retrospectively. (3) Results: 9 out of 12 (75%) patients in the study group and 5 out of 8 (63%) patients in the control group had positive ICS blood cultures. There was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.642). The initial pathogens causing the periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) were not detected, but the bacterial spectrum resembled skin flora, with a high proportion of coagulase-negative staphylococci. No complications due to possible bloodstream-associated infections were observed. In summary, the detected pathogens were interpreted as contamination without clinical significance. (4) Conclusions: ICS in the context of reimplantation was considered a safe and recommendable procedure to optimize patient blood management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Pediatric traumatology is a complex field that requires a comprehensive understanding of physeal development, remodeling potential, and the ossification process in order to ensure appropriate patient treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the willingness of practicing physicians to participate in a telemedicine collaboration aimed at enhancing the exchange between the outpatient and inpatient sectors and promoting the digitalization of the pediatric sector. This is in response to the growing significance of digitalization in the medical field. Methods. A survey consisting of 15 items was sent to 800 practicing trauma surgeons, pediatric surgeons, and pediatricians within a 100 km radius of Hamburg, Germany. The survey included questions about the respondents' professional experience and telemedicine experience, as well as inquiries about possible telemedicine collaborations. Results. The response rate was 19.3%. Less than half of the participants already used telemedicine in daily practice. In general, 75% of respondents expressed an interest in collaborating with the inpatient sector. The most common reasons for hospital referral were the need for surgery, inadequate treatment of children in practice and co-assessment. The majority were in favor of flexible communication, either via video telephony, imaging applications like or messaging applications. Conclusions. The study revealed a high level of interest in telemedicine collaboration. Information exchange should be tailored to individual needs, with practitioners requiring a versatile and personalized approach that includes imaging. Strict enforcement of data protection regulations is essential. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine collaboration in the treatment of pediatric trauma in both hospital and outpatient settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunable laser spectroscopy (TLS) with infrared (IR) imaging is a powerful tool for gas leak detection. This study focuses on direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) that utilizes wavelength modulation to extract gas information. A tunable interband cascade laser (ICL) with an optical power of 5 mW is periodically modulated by a sawtooth injection current at 10 Hz across the methane absorption around 3271 nm. A fast and sensitive thermal imaging camera for the mid-infrared range between 3 and 5.7 µm is operated at a frame rate of 470 Hz. Offline processing of image stacks is performed using different algorithms (DAS-F, DAS-f and DAS-2f) based on the Lambert–Beer law and the HITRAN database. These algorithms analyze various features of gas absorption, such as area (F), peak (f) and second derivative (2f) of the absorbance. The methane concentration in ppm*m is determined on a pixel-by-pixel analysis without calibration. Leak localization for methane leak rates as low as 0.25 mL/min is accurately displayed in a single concentration image with pixelwise sensitivities of approximately 1 ppm*m in a laboratory environment. Concentration image sequences represent the spatiotemporal dynamics of a gas plume with high contrast. The DAS-2f concept demonstrates promising characteristics, including accuracy, precision, 1/f noise rejection, simplicity and computational efficiency, expanding the applications of DAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to identify the differences in the employment rate dynamics in economy sections, considering gender, in the European Union countries in 2020, compared to the 2008–2019 period. Two methods were used. The first method compares forecasts from models describing employment changes in the pre-pandemic periods with information concerning the actual employment rate in 2020, using three indices measuring the significance of the observed discrepancies. The second method uses dynamic cluster analysis for the 2008–2020 period, and evaluates the changes in composition of groups that occured in 2020. The proposed methods were applied separately to the data concerning the employment of females and males (employment rates) in the EU countries, always divided into economy sections and section groups (A, B-E, F, G-I, J, K, L, M and N, O-Q, R). The application of the “Triple 2 Rule” helped to identify the changes in the previous employment trends (“Interventions”). The evaluation of changes in the dynamics of the employment rate in total and in section groups and according to gender in the EU countries in 2020 – compared to the forecasts from the 2013–2019 trends – revealed that the EU labour market responded differently to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a high risk of increasing the posterior tibial slope (PTS) during medially opening‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (mowHTO). Most recently, the idea of intentional simultaneous coronal and sagittal correction, using uniplanar cutting techniques has emerged. This study aims to examine the influences of variable hinge positioning and osteotomy gap height on the sagittal and coronal plane. Methods: Twenty uniplanar mowHTOs were performed in standardised (left) solid‐foam proximal tibia models. In the different models, hinge position was rotated stepwise by 10°, between 90° (cutting straight medial to lateral) and 0° (cutting straight anterior to posterior) (n = 10). Additionally, gap heights of 5 and 10 mm were produced and analysed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate a predictive regression formula for the relation between gap height, hinge rotation and the changes of medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA), medial and lateral PTS. Results: Between cutting angles of 90 and 20°, the MPTA was mainly influenced by the gap height (0.95° MPTA per 1 mm gap height), but not by the cutting angle. Between 20 and 0°, the MPTA was decreased by 3.6° per 10° of rotation, but not by the gap height. Between cutting angles of 90 and 10°, the PTS was increased linearly by 0.97° per 10° of rotation and by 0.61° per 1 mm gap height. Conclusion: In mowHTO with lateral hinge positions, the MPTA is mainly influenced by gap height. Changes of PTS can be avoided by a straight lateral hinge position. In posterior hinge locations (0‐20°), changes of MPTA are mainly caused by hinge rotation, but not by gap height. Level of Evidence: Level III, Case–control study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NuA3 complex is a major regulator of gene transcription and the cell cycle in yeast. Five core subunits are required for complex assembly and function, but it remains unclear how these subunits interact to form the complex. Here, we report that the Taf14 subunit of the NuA3 complex binds to two other subunits of the complex, Yng1 and Sas3, and describe the molecular mechanism by which the extra-terminal domain of Taf14 recognizes the conserved motif present in Yng1 and Sas3. Structural, biochemical, and mutational analyses show that two motifs are sandwiched between the two extra-terminal domains of Taf14. The head-to-toe dimeric complex enhances the DNA binding activity of Taf14, and the formation of the hetero-dimer involving the motifs of Yng1 and Sas3 is driven by sequence complementarity. In vivo assays in yeast demonstrate that the interactions of Taf14 with both Sas3 and Yng1 are required for proper function of the NuA3 complex in gene transcription and DNA repair. Our findings suggest a potential basis for the assembly of three core subunits of the NuA3 complex, Taf14, Yng1 and Sas3. The yeast NuA3 complex regulates gene transcription and the cell cycle. Nguyen et al. show that intersubunit interactions involving the Taf14, Yng1 and Sas3 subunits are essential in biological activities of the NuA3 complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most rod-shaped bacteria elongate by inserting new cell wall material into the inner surface of the cell sidewall. This is performed by class A penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) and a highly conserved protein complex, the elongasome, which moves processively around the cell circumference and inserts long glycan strands that act as barrel-hoop-like reinforcing structures, thereby giving rise to a rod-shaped cell. However, it remains unclear how elongasome synthesis dynamics and termination events are regulated to determine the length of these critical cell-reinforcing structures. To address this, we developed a method to track individual elongasome complexes around the entire circumference of Bacillus subtilis cells for minutes-long periods using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. We found that the B. subtilis elongasome is highly processive and that processive synthesis events are frequently terminated by rapid reversal or extended pauses. We found that cellular levels of RodA regulate elongasome processivity, reversal and pausing. Our single-molecule data, together with stochastic simulations, show that elongasome dynamics and processivity are regulated by molecular motor tug-of-war competition between several, likely two, oppositely oriented peptidoglycan synthesis complexes associated with the MreB filament. Altogether these results demonstrate that molecular motor tug-of-war is a key regulator of elongasome dynamics in B. subtilis, which likely also regulates the cell shape via modulation of elongasome processivity. Most rod-shaped bacteria elongate using a protein complex, the elongasome, that inserts new cell wall material into the cell sidewall. Here, Middlemiss et al. track the movement of individual elongasomes around the circumference of Bacillus subtilis cells, providing evidence for a molecular motor tug-of-war competition between oppositely oriented cell-wall synthesis complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NuA3 complex is a major regulator of gene transcription and the cell cycle in yeast. Five core subunits are required for complex assembly and function, but it remains unclear how these subunits interact to form the complex. Here, we report that the Taf14 subunit of the NuA3 complex binds to two other subunits of the complex, Yng1 and Sas3, and describe the molecular mechanism by which the extra-terminal domain of Taf14 recognizes the conserved motif present in Yng1 and Sas3. Structural, biochemical, and mutational analyses show that two motifs are sandwiched between the two extra-terminal domains of Taf14. The head-to-toe dimeric complex enhances the DNA binding activity of Taf14, and the formation of the hetero-dimer involving the motifs of Yng1 and Sas3 is driven by sequence complementarity. In vivo assays in yeast demonstrate that the interactions of Taf14 with both Sas3 and Yng1 are required for proper function of the NuA3 complex in gene transcription and DNA repair. Our findings suggest a potential basis for the assembly of three core subunits of the NuA3 complex, Taf14, Yng1 and Sas3. The yeast NuA3 complex regulates gene transcription and the cell cycle. Nguyen et al. show that intersubunit interactions involving the Taf14, Yng1 and Sas3 subunits are essential in biological activities of the NuA3 complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanisms that drive HIV expression and latency is a key goal for achieving an HIV cure. Here we investigate the role of the SETD2 histone methyltransferase, which deposits H3K36 trimethylation (H3K36me3), in HIV infection. We show that prevention of H3K36me3 by a potent and selective inhibitor of SETD2 (EPZ-719) leads to reduced post-integration viral gene expression and accelerated emergence of latently infected cells. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of SETD2 in primary CD4 T cells confirmed the role of SETD2 in HIV expression. Transcriptomic profiling of EPZ-719-exposed HIV-infected cells identified numerous pathways impacted by EPZ-719. Notably, depletion of H3K36me3 prior to infection did not prevent HIV integration but resulted in a shift of integration sites from highly transcribed genes to quiescent chromatin regions and to polycomb repressed regions. We also observed that SETD2 inhibition did not apparently affect HIV RNA levels, indicating a post-transcriptional mechanism affecting HIV expression. Viral RNA splicing was modestly reduced in the presence of EPZ-719. Intriguingly, EPZ-719 exposure enhanced responsiveness of latent HIV to the HDAC inhibitor vorinostat, suggesting that H3K36me3 can contribute to a repressive chromatin state at the HIV locus. These results identify SETD2 and H3K36me3 as novel regulators of HIV integration, expression and latency. Author summary: HIV persists in people during therapy by entering a state of latency, where viral genes are not expressed. This reservoir of latently infected cells is the key barrier to curing HIV. In this manuscript, we examine the role of the cellular enzyme SETD2 in HIV infection and expression. SETD2 generates H3K36me3 modifications on histone proteins that associate with cellular DNA. We find that H3K36me3 modifications are abundantly present on the integrated HIV genome during infection. We observed that inhibiting SETD2 with the compound EPZ-719 leads to HIV integrating into different regions of the human genome and reduces HIV expression. Interestingly, this also increased the sensitivity of latent HIV to reactivation by histone deacetylase inhibitors. EPZ-719 did not apparently impact the transcription of HIV RNA, but affected splicing of the viral RNA into coding transcripts. Overall, these results show that SETD2 influences HIV integration and expression. SETD2 may be a useful new target for reactivating HIV gene expression in people with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various diseases occurring in the pecan tree crop, anthracnose, caused by species of the genus Colletotrichum, stands out. Biocontrol using Trichoderma presents as a promising measure to be used in disease control because it has a broad spectrum of action on phytopathogens, enables the activation of the defense system, and the promotion of plant growth, contributes to environmental sustainability and food security. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antagonistic action of Trichoderma species on Colletotrichum, the etiological agent of anthracnose in pecan. The dual-culture assay and the inhibition test by volatile metabolites were performed with five species of Trichoderma (T. harzianum, T. koningiopsis, T. asperellum, T. tomentosum, and T. virens). Mycelial growth was evaluated daily until the seventh day. In the dual-culture assay, all species showed antagonist potential, inhibiting the mycelial growth of the pathogens from the third day onward. Trichoderma virens and T. tomentosum showed greater antagonist potential and stood out in the volatile metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Distal radius fracture (DRF) is one of the three most common fractures of the human body with increasing incidences in all groups of age. Known causes of increasing incidence, such as ageing of the population or increased obesity, have been described and discussed. So far, literature reports ambivalent effects of body mass index (BMI) on bone physiology. It is worthwhile to examine the influence of BMI on the outcome of fractures more detailed. This study aims to investigate the influence of an abnormal BMI on fracture severity and treatment, as well as clinical, radiological, and functional outcome to improve clinical decision making. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on data obtained from patients, who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a DRF at a local Level 1 Trauma Center between May 2018 and October 2021. Follow-up examinations were performed approximately 1 year after surgical fracture treatment, during which various questionnaires and functional measurements (CMS, DASH, NRS, ROM) were applied. In addition, postoperative complications were recorded and radiological examinations of the affected hand were performed. After excluding incomplete data sets and applying set exclusion criteria, the complete data of 105 patients were analyzed. Results: 74 patients were female and 31 male with significant difference in mean BMI [p = 0.002; female: 23.8 (SD ± 3.3), men: 26.2 (SD ± 3.9)]. Patients with higher BMI had significantly more severe fractures (p = 0.042). However, there was no significant difference in surgery time for fracture management. At follow-up, patients with lower BMI showed a smaller difference in hand strength between the fractured and the other hand (p = 0.017). The BMI had no significant effect on the clinical and radiological outcome. Conclusion: Despite the ambivalent effects of BMI on the skeletal system, our findings indicate that a higher BMI is associated with more severe DRF. Thereby BMI does not correlate with surgery time for fracture treatment. Furthermore, no evidence of an influence on the clinical and radiological outcome could be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the nucleus, biological processes are driven by proteins that diffuse through and bind to a meshwork of nucleic acid polymers. To better understand this interplay, we present an imaging platform to simultaneously visualize single protein dynamics together with the local chromatin environment in live cells. Together with super-resolution imaging, new fluorescent probes, and biophysical modeling, we demonstrate that nucleosomes display differential diffusion and packing arrangements as chromatin density increases whereas the viscoelastic properties and accessibility of the interchromatin space remain constant. Perturbing nuclear functions impacts nucleosome diffusive properties in a manner that is dependent both on local chromatin density and on relative location within the nucleus. Our results support a model wherein transcription locally stabilizes nucleosomes while simultaneously allowing for the free exchange of nuclear proteins. Additionally, they reveal that nuclear heterogeneity arises from both active and passive processes and highlight the need to account for different organizational principles when modeling different chromatin environments. This study combines lattice light sheet microscopy and single molecule imaging to study protein dynamics and chromatin structure in live cells. The authors describe how nucleosomes and proteins move and are organised in relation to chromatin density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bay barnacle Amphibalanus improvisus (Darwin, 1854) has been found in Northern Germany in brackish marine sediments of the Holsteinian interglacial. Whereas the cause of the contemporary distribution of this species is anthropogenic and there is evidence that it has resulted mainly from shipping, the fossil findings demonstrate that A. improvisus had also already reached Europe naturally during the Pleistocene in Europe, probably via the Gulf Stream system of the Atlantic. Today, A. improvisus is considered one of the most successful aquatic invasive species worldwide and it is characterized by a high environmental tolerance. The ingression of the Holsteinian Sea, during the Pleistocene, took place during the climate optimum from the North Sea into the 'Elbe Estuary' through the Hamburg region and far to the south‐east into Brandenburg. It has been possible to reconstruct the palaeo‐ecological conditions based in particular on molluscs. Accordingly, environmental conditions ranged from normal marine in the north, via brackish in the transitional area to limnic–fluviatile in the Berlin region. The morphological features of the bay barnacles and their ecological parameters are described here in detail. In addition, we provide a general review of the known Pleistocene Balanidae in northern central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Symptomatic spinal lesions often indicate the presence of advanced malignant tumors. Alongside a surgical intervention for spinal treatment, it is imperative to confirm the diagnosis to devise further therapy strategies. Unfortunately, confirming the diagnosis through histopathology (HP) can take up to 14 days. However, cytopathology (CP) can offer an initial assessment within a few days. This study examines the impact of a simultaneous CP analysis alongside HP during spinal surgery on the time to diagnosis (TTD) and the time to the first tumor-specific therapy (TTT) in patients undergoing spinal surgery for suspected spinal malignancies. The findings demonstrate that concurrent CP significantly reduces both the TTD and TTT. Hence, it is recommended to incorporate CP alongside HP as a standard procedure in the surgical management of suspected malignant spinal lesions. Malignant spinal lesions (MSLs) are frequently the first manifestation of malignant disease. Spinal care, diagnostic evaluation, and the initiation of systemic therapy are crucial for outcomes in patients (pts) with advanced cancer. However, histopathology (HP) may be time consuming. The additional evaluation of spinal lesions using cytopathology (CP) has the potential to reduce the time to diagnosis (TTD) and time to therapy (TTT). CP and HP specimens from spinal lesions were evaluated in parallel in 61 pts (CP/HP group). Furthermore, 139 pts in whom only HP was performed were analyzed (HP group). We analyzed the TTD of CP and HP within the CP/HP group. Furthermore, we compared the TTD and TTT between the groups. The mean TTD in CP was 1.7 ± 1.7 days (d) and 8.4 ± 3.6 d in HP (p < 0.001). In 13 pts in the CP/HP group (24.1%), specific therapy was initiated based on the CP findings in combination with imaging and biomarker results before completion of HP. The mean TTT in the CP/HP group was 21.0 ± 15.8 d and was significantly shorter compared to the HP group (28.6 ± 23.3 d) (p = 0.034). Concurrent CP for MSLs significantly reduces the TTD and TTT. As a result, incorporating concurrent CP for analyzing spinal lesions suspected of malignancy might have the potential to enhance pts' quality of life and prognosis in advanced cancer. Therefore, we recommend implementing CP as a standard procedure for the evaluation of MSLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Personal knowledge about the own disease, a key component of health literacy (HL), may have a considerable impact on treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the patients' knowledge about the surgical procedure, risks, and aftercare, as well as the satisfaction with the preoperative level of information, has an influence on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Materials and methods: A total of 176 patients (68.3 ± 10.3 years, 60.8% female) were evaluated. HRQoL was assessed prior to surgery as well as one and twelve months after THA using the 12-item Short Form Questionnaire. Following standardized surgical informed consent, HL was assessed preoperatively using a self-constructed quiz score, while information satisfaction was measured with a single-item rating scale. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including pain (VAS), functionality (WOMAC), and psychological distress (PHQ-4), were also assessed at baseline. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine whether HL, satisfaction with information, age, social class, WOMAC, VAS, and PHQ-4 predict HRQoL at one and twelve months post-surgery. Results: The average HL quiz score was 23 ± 5.1 out of a possible 33 points. Social class index significantly influenced HL (p < 0.001). A weak correlation between HL and age (r = 0.23, p = 0.01) and no correlation between HL and psychological distress (p = 0.868) were observed. One month after THA, physical HRQoL was significantly predicted by the WOMAC index (p = 0.031) and subjective satisfaction with information (p = 0.022), but not by HL. After twelve months, only the WOMAC was a significant predictor (p < 0.001) of physical HRQoL. Conclusion: Although subjective satisfaction with the patient's preoperative level of information had a significant effect on the physical HRQoL at one month after THA, the influence of osteoarthritis severity outweighed this effect after twelve months. HL had no direct influence on HRQoL. These results suggest that patient satisfaction, rather than knowledge, predicts HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Femoral stem subsidence is a known complication after uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of osteoporosis and to investigate the relationship between areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and subsidence in a cohort of patients younger than 70 years. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients (age 60 ± 6 years; 52 female, 48 male) undergoing uncemented THA using a collarless press fit femoral stem were retrospectively reviewed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed preoperatively at the proximal femur and lumbar spine, and if not feasible at these sites, at the distal radius. DXA results were compared to a cohort of 100 patients ≥ 70 years scheduled for cemented THA. Age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), canal flare index (CFI), and canal fill ratio (CFR) were assessed. Analysis of stem subsidence and migration was performed on standardized, calibrated radiographs obtained postoperatively and at follow-up. Results: The frequency of osteoporosis was considerably lower in the study cohort compared to patients ≥ 70 years (7% vs. 19%, p = 0.02). Illustrated by the high CFR (mean 96 ± 4%) in the mid-stem region, a sufficient press fit was achieved. After a mean follow-up of 7.4 months, the mean stem subsidence was 0.9 ± 0.9 mm. Only two patients had subsidence greater than 3 mm, one of whom was morbidly obese and the other diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. There were no correlations between any of the parameters (CFI, CFR, age, sex, BMI) and femoral stem subsidence. In addition, aBMD T-scores showed no correlations with subsidence. Conclusion: aBMD by DXA does not appear to be associated with stem subsidence in patients younger than 70 years and with adequate press fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the cooling effect of alternative ice cubes made of granite, soapstone and ceramic is experimentally examined with the help of a digital temperature sensor and compared with that of a conventional ice cube. Digital sensors can be integrated in an everyday referenced way in the sense of inquiry-based learning during experimentation in chemistry lessons, since the use of ice cubes is a typical everyday situation that many students know and is therefore well suited for everyday referenced chemistry lessons. The advantages of digital sensors include the easy recording of measured values, the automatic creation of tables and graphs, and the direct link between the experiment and the representation. The results of the experiment reveal that the water ice cube has by far the greatest cooling effect compared to the alternative ice cubes. The entire cooling process of the ice cubes is explained and calculated, which essentially consists of three sub-steps: heating the ice cubes to melting temperature, melting the ice cubes, mixing the melted ice cube with the drink. The comparison of calculated and experimentally measured values shows that the cooling effect of all ice cubes could be determined very accurately experimentally using the digital temperature sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The hearing outcomes of cochlear implant users depend on the functional status of the electrode-neuron interface inside the cochlea. This can be assessed by measuring electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAPs). Variations in cochlear neural health and survival are reflected in eCAP-based metrics. The difficulty in translating promising results from animal studies into clinical use has raised questions about to what degree eCAP-based metrics are influenced by non-neural factors. Here, we addressed these questions using a computational model. Methods: A 2-D computational model was designed to simulate how electrical signals from the stimulating electrode reach the auditory nerve fibers distributed along the cochlea, evoking action potentials that can be recorded as compound responses at the recording electrodes. Effects of physiologically relevant variations in neural survival and in electrode-neuron and stimulating-recording electrode distances on eCAP amplitude growth functions (AGFs) were investigated. Results: In line with existing literature, the predicted eCAP AGF slopes and the inter-phase gap (IPG) effects depended on the neural survival, but only when the IPG effect was calculated as the difference between the slopes of the two AGFs expressed in linear input–output scale. As expected, shallower eCAP AGF slopes were obtained for increased stimulating-recording electrode distance and larger eCAP thresholds for greater electrode-neuron distance. These non-neural factors had also minor interference on the predicted IPG effect. Conclusions: The model predictions demonstrate previously found dependencies of eCAP metrics on neural survival and non-neural aspects. The present findings confirm data from animal studies and provide insights into applying described metrics in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proximal femur fractures (PFF) are a common injury in elderly patients that significantly impact mobility and daily living activities. Mortality rates in this population are also high, making effective treatment essential. Recent advances in intensive and geriatric care have enabled complex surgical interventions that were previously not feasible. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on outcome parameters in very elderly patients (≥ 90 years) who receive intensive care treatment following PFFs. In this retrospective study, we analyzed multi-layered data of 148 patients who were 90 years or older and received intensive care after trauma and orthopedic surgical treatment for PFFs or periprosthetic fractures between 2009 and 2019. All patients received a 365-day follow-up. To identify potential predictors of mortality, all deceased and surviving patients were subjected to multiple logistic regression analyses. We found that 22% of patients deceased during in-hospital care, and one-year survival was 44%. Independent predictors of one-year all-cause mortality included higher CCI and SOFA scores at ICU admission. Overall, 53% of patients who resided in private dwellings prior to admission were able to return home. Our study highlights the utility of using CCI and SOFA scores at ICU admission as prognostic indicators in critically ill very elderly patients who undergo surgical treatment for PFFs. These scores can provide valuable insight into the severity of illness and potential outcomes, which can inform resource allocation, prioritize endangered patients, and aid in end-of-life discussions and planning with patients and their families. Our findings can help improve the management of PFFs in very elderly patients and contribute to optimized patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensity consensus forecasts can provide skillful overall guidance for intensity forecasting at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center as they provide among the lowest mean absolute errors; however, these forecasts are far less useful for periods of rapid intensification (RI) as guidance provided is generally low biased. One way to address this issue is to construct a consensus that also includes deterministic RI forecast guidance in order to increase intensification rates during RI. While this approach increases skill and eliminates some bias, consensus forecasts from this approach generally remain low biased during RI events. Another approach is to construct a consensus forecast using an equally weighted average of deterministic RI forecasts. This yields a forecast that is generally among the top performing RI guidance, but suffers from false alarms and a high bias due to those false alarms. Neither approach described here is a prescription for forecast success, but both have qualities that merit consideration for operational centers tasked with the difficult task of RI prediction. Significance Statement: Forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center are required to make intensity forecasts every watch. Skillful guidance is available to make these forecasts, yielding lower mean absolute errors and biases; however, errors are higher for tropical cyclones either undergoing rapid intensification or with the potential to do so. This effort is an attempt to mitigate higher errors associated with rapid intensification forecasts using existing guidance and consensus techniques. Resultant rapid intensification guidance can be used to reduce operational forecast intensity forecast errors and provide advanced warning to customers for these difficult cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-vivo bone microstructure measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is gaining importance in research and clinical practice. Second-generation HR-pQCT (XCT2) shows improved image quality and shorter measurement duration compared to the first generation (XCT1). Predicting and understanding the occurrence of motion artifacts is crucial for clinical practice. We retrospectively analyzed data from HR-pQCT measurements at the distal radius and tibia of 1,000 patients (aged 20 to 89) evenly distributed between both generations of HR-pQCT. Motion artifacts were graded between 1 (no motion) and 5 (severe motion), with grades greater 3 considered unusable. Additionally, baseline characteristics and patients' muscle performance and balance were measured. Various group comparisons between the two generations of HR-pQCT and regression analyses between patient characteristics and motion grading were performed. The study groups of XCT1 and XCT2 did not differ by age (XCT1: 64.9 vs. XCT2: 63.8 years, p = 0.136), sex (both 74.5% females, p > 0.999), or BMI (both 24.2 kg/m2, p = 0.911) after propensity score matching. XCT2 scans exhibited significantly lower motion grading in both extremities compared to XCT1 (Radius: p < 0.001; Tibia: p = 0.002). In XCT2 motion-corrupted scans were more than halved at the radius (XCT1: 35.3% vs. XCT2: 15.5%, p < 0.001), and at the tibia the frequency of best image quality scans was increased (XCT1: 50.2% vs. XCT2: 63.7%, p < 0.001). The strongest independent predictor for motion-corrupted images is the occurrence of high motion grading at the other scanning site during the same consultation. The association between high motion grading in one scan and a corresponding high motion grading in another scan within the same session suggests a non-resting patient. Additionally, aged, female, and patients with smaller stature tend towards higher motion grading, requiring special attention to a correct extremity fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me3) is crucial for the regulation of gene repression and heterochromatin formation, cell-fate determination and organismal development1. H3K9me3 also provides an essential mechanism for silencing transposable elements1–4. However, previous studies have shown that canonical H3K9me3 readers (for example, HP1 (refs. 5–9) and MPP8 (refs. 10–12)) have limited roles in silencing endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), one of the main transposable element classes in the mammalian genome13. Here we report that trinucleotide-repeat-containing 18 (TNRC18), a poorly understood chromatin regulator, recognizes H3K9me3 to mediate the silencing of ERV class I (ERV1) elements such as LTR12 (ref. 14). Biochemical, biophysical and structural studies identified the carboxy-terminal bromo-adjacent homology (BAH) domain of TNRC18 (TNRC18(BAH)) as an H3K9me3-specific reader. Moreover, the amino-terminal segment of TNRC18 is a platform for the direct recruitment of co-repressors such as HDAC–Sin3–NCoR complexes, thus enforcing optimal repression of the H3K9me3-demarcated ERVs. Point mutagenesis that disrupts the TNRC18(BAH)-mediated H3K9me3 engagement caused neonatal death in mice and, in multiple mammalian cell models, led to derepressed expression of ERVs, which affected the landscape of cis-regulatory elements and, therefore, gene-expression programmes. Collectively, we describe a new H3K9me3-sensing and regulatory pathway that operates to epigenetically silence evolutionarily young ERVs and exert substantial effects on host genome integrity, transcriptomic regulation, immunity and development.Trinucleotide-repeat-containing 18 (TNRC18), which has poorly understood functions, is now identified as an H3K9me3-specific reader that silences endogenous retroviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several studies have reported good to excellent outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) using allografts for treating severe acetabular bone defects. However, precise information on the impact of allograft type and reconstruction method is not available. Material and methods: Systematic literature search was performed in Medline and Web of Science including patients with acetabular bone loss classified according to the Paprosky classification who underwent rTHA involving the use of allografts. Studies with a minimum follow-up of 2 years published between 1990 and 2021 were included. Kendall correlation was applied to determine the relationship between Paprosky grade and allograft type use. Proportion meta-analyses with 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed to summarize the success of various reconstruction options, including allograft type, fixation method, and reconstruction system. Results: Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria encompassing 1561 cases from 1491 patients with an average age of 64 years (range 22–95). The average follow-up period was 7.9 years (range 2–22). Structural bulk and morselized grafts were used in equal proportions for all Paprosky acetabular defect types. Their use increased significantly with the type of acetabular defect (r = 0.69, p = 0.049). The overall success rate ranged from 61.3 to 98.3% with a random effect pooled estimate of 90% [95% CI 87–93]. Trabecular metal augments (93% [76–98]) and shells (97% [84–99]) provided the highest success rates. However, no significant differences between reconstruction systems, allograft types and fixation methods were observed (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the use of bulk or morselized allograft for massive bone loss independent of Paprosky classification type and indicate similar good mid- to long-term outcomes of the different acetabular reconstruction options using allografts. Clinical trial registration: PROSPERO: CRD42020223093. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A clear recommendation regarding treatment strategy of fragility fractures of the pelvic ring is missing. The most typical fracture pattern is a lateral compression type injury with non-displaced fractures of the anterior pubic rami and a unilateral os sacrum fracture (FFP II). We hypothesized that operative treatment would be superior to conservative treatment. From October 2017 to April 2020, a randomized prospective non-blinded trial with n = 39 patients was carried out. Two arms with 17 operative versus 22 conservative cases were created. Inclusion criteria were a posterior pelvic ring fracture FFP type II, age over 60 years and acute fracture (< 3 weeks). Barthel index, pain level (VAS), quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), and Tinetti–Gait Test were determined on admission, at discharge, and after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Median follow-up was 12.9 months. The Barthel index (= 0.325), VAS (p = 0.711), quality of life (p = 0.824), and Tinetti–Gait Test (p = 0.913) showed no significant differences between the two groups after 12 months. Two patients switched from the conservative to the operative arm due to persistent immobilization and pain. The one-year mortality rate showed no significant difference (p = 0.175). Our hypothesis that surgical treatment is superior was refuted. No significant benefit was shown in terms of quality of life, mortality and pain levels. The results suggest a more differentiated treatment approach in the future, with initial conservative treatment preferred. A larger multi-center trial is required to confirm these findings. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00013703) on 10/12/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are a large group of small genetic modules found in prokaryotes and their mobile genetic elements. Type II TAs are encoded as bicistronic (two-gene) operons that encode two proteins: a toxin and a neutralizing antitoxin. Using our tool NetFlax (standing for Network-FlaGs for toxins and antitoxins), we have performed a large-scale bioinformatic analysis of proteinaceous TAs, revealing interconnected clusters constituting a core network of TA-like gene pairs. To understand the structural basis of toxin neutralization by antitoxins, we have predicted the structures of 3,419 complexes with AlphaFold2. Together with mutagenesis and functional assays, our structural predictions provide insights into the neutralizing mechanism of the hyperpromiscuous Panacea antitoxin domain. In antitoxins composed of standalone Panacea, the domain mediates direct toxin neutralization, while in multidomain anti-toxins the neutralization is mediated by other domains, such as PAD1, Phd-C, and ZFD. We hypothesize that Panacea acts as a sensor that regulates TA activation. We have experimentally validated 16 NetFlax TA systems and used domain annotations and metabolic labeling assays to predict their potential mechanisms of toxicity (such as membrane disruption, and inhibition of cell division or protein synthesis) as well as biological functions (such as antiphage defense). We have validated the antiphage activity of a RosmerTA system encoded by Gordonia phage Kita, and used fluorescence microscopy to confirm its predicted membrane-depolarizing activity. The interactive version of the NetFlax TA network that includes structural predictions can be accessed at http://netflax.webflags.se/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Apps, in general, are an integral part of our daily lives. To investigate the current usage behaviour of trauma surgeons and radiologists regarding medical apps in clinical practice and to find out if and how the current range of medical apps can be improved, we surveyed trauma surgeons and radiologists in northern Germany. Material and Methods. An online questionnaire was sent to 100 trauma surgeons and 100 radiologists in northern Germany. Participants were asked about the frequency of their use of medical apps in clinical practice, which apps were used most often, how useful participants thought apps were, and in which area they would like to see improvements. The most frequently mentioned apps were finally analyzed. Results. The survey study showed that 87.4% of the trauma surgeons and 67.4% of the radiologists use medical apps on a regular basis at work. It also revealed that trauma surgeons used medical apps much more often than radiologists and that young doctors were more likely to rely on medical apps than chief physicians. 80.0% of the participants would pay at least 5 euros for a medical app. Trauma surgeons see the greatest need for support in their daily work from medical apps in the area of treatment, while radiologists seek more support in the area of classification. Conclusion. The study underscored the broad acceptance of medical apps in everyday clinical practice. As the physicians are willing to spend money and stated a general interest and need for further developments, there is high potential for the future. This trial is registered with DRKS00026766. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance human-robot social interaction, it is essential for robots to process multiple social cues in a complex real-world environment. However, incongruency of input information across modalities is inevitable and could be challenging for robots to process. To tackle this challenge, our study adopted the neurorobotic paradigm of crossmodal conflict resolution to make a robot express human-like social attention. A behavioural experiment was conducted on 37 participants for the human study. We designed a round-table meeting scenario with three animated avatars to improve ecological validity. Each avatar wore a medical mask to obscure the facial cues of the nose, mouth, and jaw. The central avatar shifted its eye gaze while the peripheral avatars generated sound. Gaze direction and sound locations were either spatially congruent or incongruent. We observed that the central avatar's dynamic gaze could trigger crossmodal social attention responses. In particular, human performance was better under the congruent audio-visual condition than the incongruent condition. Our saliency prediction model was trained to detect social cues, predict audio-visual saliency, and attend selectively for the robot study. After mounting the trained model on the iCub, the robot was exposed to laboratory conditions similar to the human experiment. While the human performance was overall superior, our trained model demonstrated that it could replicate attention responses similar to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequential scaffolding during experimentation can support students in acquiring knowledge and experimentation skills. This study aims to explore students' understanding and perception of digital sequential scaffolds in chemistry education, investigate predictors of this understanding and perception, and examine the effects on learning outcomes and processes. A total of 183 secondary school students conducted hands-on experiments on redox reactions using digital sequential scaffolds. This study collects data through questionnaires and analyzes prior knowledge, self-perceived experimentation competence, chemistry-related self-concept, and interest as predictors. This research also examines the influence of students' understanding and perception on cognitive and motivational learning outcomes. The findings show that learners experienced digital sequential scaffolds as helpful and were motivated by them to conduct hands-on experiments. Results also reveal that only students' prior experience with sequential scaffolds and prior self-perceived experimentation competence significantly predict their understanding of the concept and usage of the digital sequential scaffolds. Regarding motivation, outcomes show that perceived benefit and motivation regarding experimentation predict the motivational outcomes. Overall, our findings contribute to understanding sequential scaffolding in chemistry education and inform instructional design practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive bacteria-bacteriophage interactions have resulted in the evolution of a plethora of bacterial defense systems preventing phage propagation. In recent years, computational and bioinformatic approaches have underpinned the discovery of numerous novel bacterial defense systems. Anti-phage systems are frequently encoded together in genomic loci termed defense islands. Here we report the identification and characterisation of a novel anti-phage system, that we have termed Shield, which forms part of the Pseudomonas defensive arsenal. The Shield system comprises the core component ShdA, a membrane-bound protein harboring an RmuC domain. Heterologous production of ShdA alone is sufficient to mediate bacterial immunity against several phages. We demonstrate that Shield and ShdA confer population-level immunity and that they can also decrease transformation efficiency. We further show that ShdA homologues can degrade DNA in vitro and, when expressed in a heterologous host, can alter the organisation of the host chromosomal DNA. Use of comparative genomic approaches identified how Shield can be divided into four subtypes, three of which contain additional components that in some cases can negatively affect the activity of ShdA and/or provide additional lines of phage defense. Collectively, our results identify a new player within the Pseudomonas bacterial immunity arsenal that displays a novel mechanism of protection, and reveals a role for RmuC domains in phage defense. Author summary: The evolutionary pressure exerted by bacteriophages has driven bacteria to acquire numerous defense systems. Recent studies have highlighted the extraordinary diversity of these systems, uncovering exciting links between bacterial and eukaryotic immunity. Here we describe a novel anti-phage system, named Shield, found within Pseudomonas species. We identify several Shield subtypes, all harboring the same core component, and describe its mode of action. The growing instance of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections urgently requires the development of alternative treatments. Phage therapy is a particularly pertinent approach to treat multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains causing severe lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. A detailed understanding of bacterial immunity and phage counter-strategies is an essential step to underpin the rational design of phage therapy to fight disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) devices can provide a valuable contribution to patient blood management. An infection of the surgical site presents a formal contraindication to the use of ICS. To date, there is no recommendation for the use of ICS in the context of reimplantation in two-stage septic exchange arthroplasty. (2) Methods: at two hospitals of maximum endoprosthetic care, a retrospective evaluation of patients who had received ICS blood during reimplantation of hip arthroplasties was performed. Patients' and surgical characteristics, intraoperative cultures, and the occurrence of septic complications in the short- and long-term follow-up were recorded. (3) Results: 144 patients were included. Detection of positive cultures during reimplantation occurred in 13 cases. A total of 127 patients showed no complication, 8 patients showed a non-specific septic complication, 6 patients a local persistence of infection, and 3 patients a possible bloodstream-associated infection. No significant correlation was found between the occurrence of complications and the detection of positive intraoperative cultures. (4) Conclusions: no clustering of septic complications due to the use of ICS during reimplantation was found. In the risk-benefit analysis, we considered the use of ICS during reimplantation to be indicated in terms of patient blood management, while the safety of the procedure during septic first-stage resection arthroplasty or septic one-stage exchange arthroplasty was not investigated. Given the paucity of comparative literature, further studies are needed on ideal patient blood management in the setting of septic revision arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between Eaf3 SP MRG sp and Rco1 SP PHD1 sp raise the possibility that Eaf3 SP MRG sp allosterically reinforces the Rco1-H3 interaction by stabilizing Rco1 SP PHD1 sp . Secondary structures of Rco1 PHD1-SID are labeled. d The electrostatic surface of Eaf3 MRG bound with Rco1 PHD1-SID, which is shown in the same way as in Fig. Rco1 recognizes unmodified H3K4 (H3K4me0) via its PHD1 domain and associates with Eaf3 to enhance the Eaf3-H3K36me3 interaction[7]. Unexpectedly, Rco1 SP PHD1 sp also interacts with 3, 1, 4, and 8 of Eaf3 SP MRG sp via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, albeit fewer than those found between Rco1 SP SID sp and Eaf3 SP MRG sp . [Extracted from the article]

Vision is one of the most important senses for animals, allowing them to interact with their environment and with further implications for evolutionary histories. However, relevant soft tissues, such as the eye and associated structures, are not preserved in fossil vertebrates, limiting our knowledge of their visual capabilities. Here, we quantified absolute and relative orbit size for 400 species of dinosaurs and other extinct archosaurs using linear measurements of the preserved skeletal elements as a proxy for visual capabilities. Our results demonstrate that the orbit makes up on average 20% of skull size with a strong and consistent correlation across all sampled groups. This trend is largely independent of temporal distribution, species richness, and phylogeny. In fact, relative orbit size is narrowly constrained and did not surpass 45% of skull size, suggesting physiological and functional controls. Estimated eye size was found to be absolutely larger in herbivores, whereas carnivores tended to have smaller eyes absolutely and compared with skull size. Relatively large eyes only occurred in small-bodied species and vice versa. However, eye size alone was not sufficient to discriminate between different activity patterns or to characterize visual capabilities in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Calibration of radiographs is a critical step in digital templating for hip arthroplasty. Calibration errors of > 1.5% lead to over- or undersizing of the templated implants and may affect logistics and patient safety. Contemporary calibration methods are known to be imprecise with average errors of 6.5% and wide variance. A novel bi-planar radiograph-based calibration method is proposed, and a phantom study was conducted as proof of concept. Methods: A spherical external calibration marker (ECM) is placed in front of the pubic symphysis of a pelvic bone model at twelve different positions. For each marker position, standard anteroposterior radiographs and four corresponding lateral radiographs with different degrees of rotation (0°–30°) are taken (overall, 60 radiographs). Calibration factors are calculated for an internal calibration marker (ICM) at the centre of the right hip (reference) and the ECM using a novel algorithm. Rotation and marker positions simulate foreseeable use errors and misplacements and aim to test robustness of the method against these errors. Results: ECM calibration factor was 125.9% (range 124.7–127.2), and the mean ICM calibration factor was 126.6% (range 126.2–127.1) ( p < 0.001 ). Four images (8.3%) were beyond the 1% error threshold (all with 30° rotation). The mean difference was 0.79% (SD 0.49). Conclusion: The bi-planar method precisely predicts the true calibration factor of the hip joint plane under various conditions. In lateral radiographs, rotation of up to 20° did not adversely affect the precision and all images had calibration errors below the threshold for clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Agricultural Sciences / Revista Brasileira de Ciências Agrárias is the property of Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco 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.)

Introduction: Chronic pain of various origin is known to be associated with selective cognitive impairment. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is one of the leading causes of chronic pain in the adult population, but its association with cognitive performance has not been evaluated. Here, we investigate the effect of chronic pain due to unilateral OA of one hip and no further source of chronic pain on cognitive performance. Materials and methods: A neuropsychological test battery, consisting of the Mini-Mental State Examination, Rey–Osterrieth complex figure test, Rivermead behavioural memory test, d2 test of attention, and F-A-S test was applied in 148 patients and 82 healthy pain-free control individuals. The influence of potentially confounding factors such as depression and anxiety was examined. Results: Patients with OA of the hip showed decreased performance in specific neuropsychological tests. Performance in verbal and visual short-term and long-term memory and selective attention tests was significantly poorer compared to healthy controls. Whereas the executive functions "updating", "set shifting", "response inhibition" and "reflection" appear intact, "problem solving" and "planning" were impaired. None of the confounders showed any influence on cognitive performance in both study groups. Conclusion: We conclude that chronic pain secondary to end-stage hip OA is associated with selective cognitive impairment. Future studies are required to investigate the effect of total hip arthroplasty on cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite increasing vaccination rates, new viral variants of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) are advancing the COVID 19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and continue to challenge the entire world. Surgical care of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients requires special protective measures. We hypothesized that "COVID-19" personal protective equipment (PPE) during surgery of SARS-CoV-2 positive or potentially positive patients would negatively affect the surgeon and thus the surgical outcome. Materials and methods: Ten experienced trauma surgeons participated in the study. Each surgeon performed two simulated surgeries of a distal tibial fracture on a Sawbone® under standardized conditions either wearing regular PPE or special COVID-19 PPE. Baseline values at rest were acquired for heart rate, blood pressure, saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), respiratory rate and capillary blood gas (CBG) analysis including capillary partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide (pCO2), followed by four different standardized tests of attentional performance (TAP). Subsequently, the surgeon performed the first surgery according to a randomly determined order, with regular or COVID-19 PPE conditions in an operation theatre. After each surgery vital signs were acquired and CBG and TAP were performed again. Results: In our simulated surgical procedure heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not show relevant differences. Percutaneously measured SpO2 decreased with additional layers of PPE, while CBG parameters were not affected. TAP tests showed a significant impairment of attention if PPEs were compared to the baseline, but both PPEs had similar results and no meaningful differences could be measured. Conclusions: According to our results, for surgical procedures additional PPE required during COVID-19 pandemic does not relevant affect the surgeon's mental and physical performance. Surgeries under COVID-19 PPE conditions appear safe and do not increase patient risk. Level of evidence: Level I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prior to revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA), low-grade chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is often difficult to diagnose. We aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of open incisional tissue biopsy for the prediction of PJI prior to THA revision in cases with culture-negative or dry tap joint aspirates. Materials and methods: This retrospective single-center study includes 32 consecutive THA revision cases with high clinical suspicion of low-grade chronic PJI of the hip with culture-negative or dry tap joint aspirates and without systemic signs of infection. Open incisional biopsy (OIB) was performed prior to revision surgery. Periprosthetic tissue samples were analyzed by microbiology and histopathology for PJI. During definitive revision arthroplasty, identical diagnostics were repeated. Results from both procedures were compared and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of OIB for the final diagnosis were calculated. Results: Average age at revision was 69.3 ± 13.5 years. The sensitivity of the OIB procedure was 80% (microbiology), 69% (histology) and 82% for combined analyses (microbiology and histology). Specificity of OIB was 80% (microbiology), 94% (histology) and 60% for combined analyses. Conclusions: Open tissue biopsy performed in cases with culture-negative or inconclusive synovial fluid aspirates prior to revision of THA has limited diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of PJI. The procedure does not reliably close the diagnostic gap in a substantial number of cases. In this difficult patient population, risk of an open procedure may outweigh benefits and alternative less invasive methods should be considered for the preoperative diagnosis of PJI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this exploratory eye tracking study, gaze behavior during an experiment on electrolysis of a zinc iodide solution has been examined. The experiment is designed according to inquiry-based learning and therefore well suited to students' self-directed experimenting in science classrooms. Scaffolding by means of stepwise presented digital hints (sequential scaffolds), here by means of augmented reality (AR), supported learners during the experiment. Two succeeding AR-hints were offered. This research focuses on the set-up of the experiment by learners and the change of gaze between the AR-hints and the real experiment. This was investigated by means of mobile eye tracking. For the analysis of the gaze changes, scanpath analyses are used. Areas of Interest-based visualizations such as radial transition graphs and scarf plots are used to compare and detect similar or different gaze behaviors of participants. Results reveal that students first look at the AR-hints, try to memorize the construction and then switch to setting up the experiment. Recurrent changes of gaze between the AR-hints and the experiment hardly, or do not, occur. Furthermore, students who had already set up the experiment correctly with the first hint only use the second hint for evaluating correctness of their own set-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To tackle global warming, the reduction of greenhouse gas leaks is of great public interest. While state-of-the-art optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras can visualize larger gas leaks with magnitudes of liters per minute in the case of methane, a much more sensitive laser-based approach is introduced here. This is accomplished using an infrared camera in combination with an interband cascade laser (ICL) as active illumination. The laser beam diverges such that it covers roughly half of the camera's field of view. Three-image batches are recorded to perform classic direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) at the image scale. The obtained concentration length in parts per million meter (ppm m) is validated using measurements with varying known methane concentrations, different reflective elements, and varying distances. The real-time camera was able to record and quantify a methane leak as low as 40 mL min -1. Possible incorrect information due to moving objects is taken into account using an adapted frame-difference approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the background of the steady increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, a fast and inexpensive method for detecting methane is required. This applies to the direct measurement of the background concentration of methane in the atmosphere and also to the detection of leaks in natural gas pipelines. Photoacoustic (PA) sensors offer the possibility of highly sensitive gas detection and cost-effective design at the same time. In this work, we investigated a photoacoustic sensor for methane in low concentrations, focusing on a special cell design, the so-called T-cell. Different cylinder geometries of six T-cells and the influence on the sensor performance were examined. An interband cascade laser (ICL) with a central wavelength of 3270 nm was used for excitation and a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone as detector. The detection limits achieved were below the methane background concentration in air of 1.8 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explainable AI has become an important field of research on neural machine learning models. However, most existing methods are designed as tools that provide expert users with additional insights into their models. In contrast, in human-robot interaction scenarios, non-expert users are frequently confronted with complex, embodied AI systems whose inner workings are unknown. Therefore, eXplainable Human-Robot Interaction (XHRI) should leverage the user's intuitive ability to collaborate and to use efficient communication. Using NICO, the Neuro-Inspired COmpanion, as a use-case study, we propose an XHRI framework and show how different types of explanations enhance the interaction experience. These explanations range from (a) non-verbal cues for simple and intuitive feedback of inner states via (b) comprehensive verbal explanations of the robot's intentions, knowledge and reasoning to (c) multimodal explanations using visualizations, speech and text. We revisit past HRI-related studies conducted with NICO and analyze them with the proposed framework. Furthermore, we present two novel XHRI approaches to extract suitable verbal and multimodal explanations from neural network modules in an HRI scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]