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Optimal control of the exhaust aftertreatment components is an important aspect for minimizing pollutants. Nitrogen oxides are therefore monitored using amperometric gas sensors. However, they show marked cross-sensitivities to ammonia, which can be disadvantageous, e.g., if they are applied in NH3 selective catalytic reduction systems. In this study, a model that simulates the operation of a NOx sensor is developed. The three oxygen pumping cells and the upstream diffusion barriers were implemented in a 1D geometry, with the relevant electrode reactions taking place over its length. The diffusion barriers were calculated quasi-stationary. The dynamics of incoming gas components as a function of the exhaust mass flow were integrated with a first order linear time invariant system. The problem was calculated using the convection-diffusion equation. The reaction kinetics were determined based on stationary measurements in laboratory atmosphere, whereby initially only the reaction with respect to NO and NO2 was considered. Then, the cross-sensitivities to oxygen, water and ammonia were examined. The developed data set could then be used for transient boundary conditions. The simulated and the measured sensor signals in the case of engine test bench conditions with real driving cycles agree very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the introduction of stringent emission standards in the US in 2007 (Tier II Bin8, 5) an exhaust aftertreatment for NO x reduction is required for compliance with the emission regulations. A new approach consists in the synergetic combination of existing technologies NSC (NO x Storage Catalyst) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with onboard generation of ammonia as the reducing agent for the SCR. It is shown in this work that the performance of the combined system exceeds those of each one considered separately, especially after ageing. The generation of ammonia is correlated to the ammonia selectivity during the regeneration of the NSC. The selectivity is primarily dependent on the temperature, A/F ratio (Air/Fuel) and the rich time. It is shown that the development of a suitable control strategy leads to a high level of NO x reduction under transient conditions in an FTP driving cycle. Due to the complexity and high development costs of current exhaust aftertreatment systems, modelling and simulation were identified as an important aspect in the development process. A system simulation tool named ExACT ( Exhaust Gas Aftertreatment Components Toolbox) developed at Daimler is presented. By using the simulation already at an early stage, specific development work can be carried out prior to the experimental work on an engine test bench. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Gingivitis has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been associated with APO. We assessed if bacterial counts in BV is associated with gingivitis suggesting a systemic infectious susceptibilty. Methods Vaginal samples were collected from 180 women (mean age 29.4 years, SD ± 6.8, range: 18 to 46), and at least six months after delivery, and assessed by semi-quantitative DNA-DNA checkerboard hybridization assay (74 bacterial species). BV was defined by Gram stain (Nugent criteria). Gingivitis was defined as bleeding on probing at ≥ 20% of tooth sites. Results A Nugent score of 0–3 (normal vaginal microflora) was found in 83 women (46.1%), and a score of > 7 (BV) in 49 women (27.2%). Gingivitis was diagnosed in 114 women (63.3%). Women with a diagnosis of BV were more likely to have gingivitis (p = 0.01). Independent of gingival conditions, vaginal bacterial counts were higher (p < 0.001) for 38/74 species in BV+ in comparison to BV- women. Counts of four lactobacilli species were higher in BV- women (p < 0.001). Independent of BV diagnosis, women with gingivitis had higher counts of Prevotella bivia (p < 0.001), and Prevotella disiens (p < 0.001). P. bivia, P. disiens, M. curtisii and M. mulieris (all at the p < 0.01 level) were found at higher levels in the BV+/G+ group than in the BV+/G- group. The sum of bacterial load (74 species) was higher in the BV+/G+ group than in the BV+/G- group (p < 0.05). The highest odds ratio for the presence of bacteria in vaginal samples (> 1.0 × 104 cells) and a diagnosis of gingivitis was 3.9 for P. bivia (95% CI 1.5–5.7, p < 0.001) and 3.6 for P. disiens (95%CI: 1.8–7.5, p < 0.001), and a diagnosis of BV for P. bivia (odds ratio: 5.3, 95%CI: 2.6 to 10.4, p < 0.001) and P. disiens (odds ratio: 4.4, 95% CI: 2.2 to 8.8, p < 0.001). Conclusion Higher vaginal bacterial counts can be found in women with BV and gingivitis in comparison to women with BV but not gingivitis. P. bivia and P. disiens may be of specific significance in a relationship between vaginal and gingival infections.

Background: Research suggests that systemic inflammation may link loneliness to adverse health outcomes, yet there is a gap in comprehensively reviewing recent evidence on the relationship between loneliness and biological measures of inflammation in adults. This scoping review synthesizes current research to address the question: Is there a definitive link between loneliness and biological markers of inflammation in adults?, Methods: Following the methods outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, we developed a protocol, defined our research question, and systematically searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus for English-language studies conducted from 2018 to 2023 exploring the relationship between loneliness and biomarkers of inflammation in adults., Results: Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria displayed heterogeneity in terms of sample characteristics, loneliness scales, and inflammatory biomarkers. The UCLA Loneliness Scale, in various forms, emerged as the predominant tool for measuring loneliness, while C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were the most frequently evaluated inflammatory biomarkers. Notably, all 12 studies reported an association between loneliness and at least 1 biological marker of inflammation., Conclusion: Research consistently associates loneliness with poor health outcomes in aging adults, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This scoping review suggests that inflammation may serve as a pathway linking loneliness to adverse health outcomes. However, the variability across studies highlights the need for standardized measurement methods and a consideration of both the duration and extent of loneliness. Enhancing our understanding of how loneliness affects systemic inflammation may help clarify why loneliness is associated with negative health outcomes., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Health and education are interrelated and influence social, economic and lifestyle perspectives. Children with chronic illnesses experience barriers in the educational system regarding school attendance and social isolation. Gaining knowledge of compulsory education and how children with chronic illnesses are supported is crucial for the implications of future education policy and legislation in Scandinavia. This study compares Scandinavian legislation frameworks on compulsory education, chronic illness and school absence to form the basis of future research on education for children with chronic illness., Methods: The study uses a comparative approach to explore the support of children with chronic illnesses in compulsory education across Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The documents included are 3 education acts and 15 secondary documents, which are notes and guidelines for the education acts. The data were analysed using a manifest content analysis., Findings: We found four categories and six subcategories: (1) school obligation and rights; (2) chronic illness; (3) school absence: (a) categorisation of absence; (b) registration of absence; and (c) sanction; and (4) education support: (a) Hospital school support; (b) Home instruction support; and (c) technological support., Conclusion: This study's findings demonstrate the similarities and differences in the Scandinavian compulsory education legislation and guidelines regarding chronic illness and school absence. We found similarities across the countries regarding chronic illness and school absence. Still, the findings showed differences in the systematic registration of school absence and requirements for attendance with compulsory education in Norway and Denmark compared with compulsory schooling in Sweden. This knowledge will inform and enlighten future discussions and decisions in education and public health. The results can contribute to awareness of the opportunities for educational support and perspectives about education for children with chronic illnesses. Future research focusing on the experience of children with chronic illness and educational support is needed., (© 2024 The Author(s). Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic College of Caring Science.)

Background: Children with cancer or cancer-like disease risk treatment-related isolation, which can negatively impact their peer relationships and social competencies and exacerbate their loneliness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased online socialization became the new normal imposed by national isolation guidelines. To adhere to the treatment-related isolation guidelines, children with cancer were offered online classmate "ambassador" visits during hospitalization., Objective: This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to online classmate "ambassador" visits during children with cancer's hospitalization through a qualitative descriptive process evaluation using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research., Methods: From January to April 2022, we conducted 39 individual semistructured interviews with hospitalized children (n=16), their classmates (n=16), teachers from their schools (n=3), and study nurses (n=4) from involved hospitals. Most interviews (n=37, 95%) were conducted online using Microsoft Teams or Google Meet, while 2 (5%) interviews were conducted in person at the participants' residences. This approach allowed us to gain a broad understanding of the facilitators and barriers to online ambassador visits., Results: We identified four themes: (1) working together, (2) ensuring participation, (3) staying connected, and (4) together online. The themes are described in terms of facilitators and barriers to online ambassador visits with 3 Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains: innovation, individuals, and the implementation process., Conclusions: Addressing the social needs of hospitalized children through online visits with their classmates may be relevant when one-on-one meetings are problematic. The online visits are highly dependent on collaboration between study nurses and teachers and assessing the needs of the hospitalized children. While a high degree of adult engagement and a stable internet connection are pivotal, these online visits can promote much-needed social interaction between children across physical settings., (©Natasha Nybro Boensvang, Mette Weibel, Claire E Wakefield, Pernille Envold Bidstrup, Marianne Olsen, Karin Bækgaard Nissen, Vibeke Spager, Martin Kaj Fridh, Hanne Bækgaard Larsen. Originally published in JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting (https://pediatrics.jmir.org), 04.09.2024.)

Plant-derived secondary metabolites (polyphenols/terpenes/alkaloids) and microbial exometabolites/membrane components of fermented tropical fruits are known as highly bioavailable biomolecules causing skin and hair improvement effects (wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiacne, skin/hair microbiota balancing, hair growth-promoting, and hair loss-inhibiting). Caffein is considered as a hair growth promoter. A randomized placebo- and caffein-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of fermented papaya (FP) plus fermented mangosteen (FM) towards human hair quality and loss was conducted. Shampoo and lotion hair care products containing FP, FM, and caffein as active agents were developed and applied to 154 subjects of both sexes with clinically confirmed androgenic or diffuse alopecia for 3 months. Their clinical efficacy was assessed subjectively by questionnaires filled in by dermatologists/trichologists, and by the objective trichomicroscopical calculations. Hair and scalp skin quality was determined by microbiota pattern and ATP, SH-groups, protein, and malonyl dialdehyde quantification. Comparative clinical data showed that the experimental hair care cosmetics significantly inhibited hair loss, increased hair density/thickness, and improved hair follicle structure versus placebo and caffein controls. The cosmetics with FP and FM substantially normalized the microbiota pattern and increased ATP content in hair follicle, while inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the scalp skin, and SH-group formation in the hair shaft.

Background: Complex treatment, care and rehabilitation require continuous healthcare professional development and maintenance of competencies in collaboration with other professionals. Interprofessional education in childhood cancer involves several groups of healthcare professionals with both general and specific knowledge and skills., Objective: To establish consensus on content and interprofessional learning objectives for an interprofessional education in childhood cancer., Design: A three-round Delphi survey in Scandinavian childhood cancer departments., Participants: Healthcare professionals appointed by their head of departments and head nurses based on their profession and their involvement in continuing professional development., Main Outcome Measures: A prioritised list of interprofessional learning objectives with a mean score of ≥3 on a five-point scale (1=not relevant, 5=extremely relevant)., Results: 12 childhood cancer departments participated with 30 healthcare professionals: 11 nurses, 10 medical doctors, 5 social workers, 2 physiotherapists and 2 pedagogues. In total, 28 (93%), 25 (83%) and 22 (73%) completed the first, second and third round, respectively. In the first round, we asked open-ended questions and used directed content analysis to analyse 386 statements. We formulated 170 interprofessional learning objectives in six categories: (1) acute life-threatening situations, (2) gastrointestinal toxicities and side effects, (3) pain, (4) palliation, (5) play and activity, and (6) prescription and administration of medicine. The second round resulted in 168 interprofessional learning objectives receiving a mean score of ≥3 on a five-point scale. Final agreement in the third round resulted in a prioritised list of 168 learning objectives., Conclusions: Consensus on content and interprofessional learning objectives for an interprofessional education in childhood cancer was established across five groups of healthcare professionals in three countries. Some learning objectives are generic and can be applied in settings other than childhood cancer, where healthcare professionals collaborate to provide patients and families optimal treatment and care., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Aim: To explore how an AV1 telepresence robot helps school-aged children and adolescents with cancer to remain socially and academically connected with their school classes during cancer treatment., Design: Qualitative pilot study., Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with school-aged children and adolescents ( N  = 3, 12-14 years) diagnosed with cancer, their parents ( N  = 3), teachers ( N  = 2), classmates (12-14 years, N  = 15, focus group interviews) and healthcare professionals ( N  = 4). Participant observation was performed in the child or adolescents' homes and in the classrooms during education participation via an AV1 telepresence robot., Results: Five themes emerged: expectations, sociality, learning, spatiality and technology. Participants experienced the robots as facilitating social interaction processes with classmates and inclusion in learning activities, reducing their sense of loneliness and lacking behind educationally. Nevertheless, multiple factors determine whether the robot is perceived as exclusive, including the technical functionality of the robot, spatiality in the classroom and mutual expectations of the parties involved., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s)., (© 2020 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)