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L. Puig proved the existence and uniqueness of hyperfocal subalgebras of a block [Invent. Math. 141 (2000), pp. 365–397]. In this note, we show that these hyperfocal subalgebras are symmetric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drama Hölgy a barakkban (Lady in the Block) by Mária Földes demonstrates that there is no such thing as total power – the option of resisting power is always possible, and the resilience of the human will in extreme situations can also rely on additional, unsuspected reserves of inner strength, or on the power of solidarity. Based on a story by Romain Gary, Mária Földes inscribes the topic of her own play into the world literary circulation by choosing a form that is a condensed representation of a borderline situation. The situations of conscious resistance to the attempts of dehumanising the subjects of the Holocaust may be the key to his interpretation: the play, which in many respects builds on the forms of (modern) tragedy, highlights the powerful moments that shape the meaning of individual fall in the context of asserting a broader principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between tree species and carbon stock is significantly influenced by changes in forest cover and quality. Forests, as renewable resources, are facing rapid decline, leading to land degradation and biodiversity loss. In this study, field observation, mapping, and sampling were conducted across 63 blocks with dimensions of 10 × 10 m for trees and 5 × 5 m for sapling. Secondary materials and Landsat images, sources from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website, provided valuable spatial data. Data analysis employed ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel, incorporating calculations for the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land use and land cover (LULC), carbon stock, and biodiversity. The study revealed an increase in forest cover from 2001 (703.73 hectares) to 2022 (955.8 hectares), with an intermediate cover of 830.88 hectares in 2013. The highest NDVI value was recorded in 2001 at 0.65, which then decreased to 0.41 in 2013 and rose slightly to 0.47 in 2022. Likewise, high-vegetation land (HVL) cover decreased from 76.3% in 2001 to 11.8% in 2013 but increased again to 41.7% in 2022. This drastic decline followed by significant recovery in HVL reflects the complex interplay of human activity, policy, and natural factors. The recovery to 41.7% by 2022 suggests a positive trajectory, highlighting the effectiveness of recent conservation and restoration efforts. The analysis revealed distinct trends in species prevalence, diversity, and richness. Alnus nepalensis was notably the most prevalent species (18.2%), while Quercus semicarpifolia was the least (2.55%). Diversity patterns varied significantly, with block 16 showing the highest Shannon–Wiener index (4.8), reflecting balanced species composition, while blocks 57 and 58 had no diversity (0.0). Conversely, these same blocks showed the highest Simpson index (1.0), indicating complete dominance by a single species. Exceptional cases include blocks 11, 16, and 23, which exhibited the highest species richness (7.0), contrasting sharply with the lowest richness in blocks 57 and 58. These trends highlight considerable spatial variability in forest structure, with blocks 57 and 58 standing out for their low diversity and richness but high dominance. The total aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock across all 63 blocks were 255.83 tons/ha and 120.24 tons/ha, respectively, with mean and standard error values for AGB and carbon stock at 4.06 ± 0.45 and 1.91 ± 0.21, respectively. The study highlights the long-term ecological value of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, especially due to its proximity to the capital city, where it provides essential natural resources such as clean water and air to the urban population. The park also serves as a vital habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Government efforts to protect these species and maintain a healthy ecosystem are crucial. Further research focusing on GIS and remote sensing could provide valuable insights into the park's conservation efforts on both spatial and temporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficiency of unilateral and bilateral transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) in patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: In this prospective randomized single-blinded study, patients with unilateral LDH were randomly divided into two groups: A unilateral TFESI group; and a bilateral TFESI group. The severity of pain and disability were assessed with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after interventions. Treatment response was defined as ≥50% reduction in the NRS-11 at the 3-month follow-up. Changes in medication consumption at 3 months following the interventions were recorded. This study protocol is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06240793). Results: A total of 104 patients were included in the study (n = 58 in the unilateral TFESI group and n = 46 in the bilateral TFESI group). The NRS-11, ODI scores and medical treatment consumption did not differ statistically between the groups at 3 months (p ˃ 0.05). At 3 months, the rates of patients with a > 50% decrease in NRS-11 scores were 13.8% and 32.6% in the unilateral TFESI group and bilateral TFESI group, respectively. Conclusions: Unilateral and bilateral TFESI both decrease pain severity and disability scores to a similar degree, although bilateral TFESI was more effective in reducing pain severity by over 50% in patients with single-level unilateral LDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove that in a connected graph, the distances between non-cut vertices are odd if and only if it is the line graph of a strong unique independence tree. We then show that any such tree can be inductively constructed from stars using a simple operation. Further, we study the connected graphs in which the distances between non-cut vertices are even (shortly, NCE-graphs). Our main results on NCE-graphs are the following: we give a criterion of NCE-graphs, show that any bipartite graph is an induced subgraph of an NCE-graph, characterize NCE-graphs with exactly two leaves, characterize graphs that can be subdivided to NCE-graphs, and provide a characterization for NCE-graphs which are maximal with respect to the edge addition operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the periplectic q -Brauer category over an integral domain of characteristic not 2. This is a strict monoidal supercategory and can be considered as a q -analogue of the periplectic Brauer category in [18]. We prove that the periplectic q -Brauer category admits a split triangular decomposition in the sense of [6]. When the ground ring is an algebraically closed field, the category of locally finite-dimensional right modules for the periplectic q -Brauer category is an upper finite fully stratified category in the sense of [6]. We prove that periplectic q -Brauer algebras defined in [1] are isomorphic to endomorphism algebras in the periplectic q -Brauer category. Furthermore, a periplectic q -Brauer algebra is a standardly based algebra in the sense of [13]. We construct a Jucys-Murphy basis for any standard module of the periplectic q -Brauer algebra with respect to a family of commutative elements called Jucys-Murphy elements. Via them, we classify blocks for both the periplectic q -Brauer category and periplectic q -Brauer algebras in the generic case. Our result shows that both the periplectic q -Brauer category and periplectic q -Brauer algebras are always not semisimple over any algebraically closed field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dealing with rockfall risk mitigation, a proper assessment of the phenomenon is the key to correctly and precisely managing its possible consequences. In doing so, numerical simulations are an unavoidable step of the assessment process. The proper description of the slope and the falling rock is paramount. Thus, it is highly relevant to accurately assess block size and shape. Block size directly defines the kinetic energy involved in the phenomenon, whilst shape directly influences its trajectory. Tools to properly assess both block size and shape are available, either in analytical form or relying upon Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models. However, at present, no concrete demonstration of the equivalence of these two methods is provided in the literature. Moreover, block size and shape are always treated separately, while it is likely that a relationship of some sort exists between the two as they derive from the same features of the rock mass (i.e., the 3D geometry of its discontinuities). This paper presents a comprehensive study concerning (1) the comparison between DFN and analytical approaches and (2) the existence and quantification of a shape–size correlation. A modeling campaign consisting of 20 different geometrical structures is performed with both methods, with the aim of obtaining In Situ Block Size Distributions and Shape Distributions. Although the DFN and the analytical approach have different advantages and disadvantages, they have proved to be comparable in terms of results. Both methods identify the existence of a correlation between shape and size of the blocks: the shape distribution changes with reference to block size. This result points out the importance of implementing shape distribution in rockfall numerical simulations. Finally, a suitable case study from the literature has been selected to test the applicability and usefulness of the new findings for the design of rockfall barriers. Highlights: In situ block size distribution assessment through different methods. Block shape assessment and shape distribution evaluation. Investigation of relationships between block size and shape. Application to rock fall hazard assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rhomboid intercostal block and the rhomboid intercostal subserratus block are novel blocks. These provide effective postoperative analgesia for a myriad of indications. It surpasses previous blocks by being away from the surgical site which soothes any fear of the surgeon – a possibility of infection at the site and also difficulty of postoperative catheter maintenance. The landmarks of this block are very lucid and understood easily. It is relatively a very safe block with rib acting as a safe barrier as well as a landmark. The catheter of the site does not interfere with patients' routine activity, thus increasing overall patient satisfaction. The authors discuss five cases in which RISS proved immensely effective in relieving pain from rib fractures and postoperative. Furthermore, details of the block including anatomical site, dermatomal coverage, and USG images are discussed. It has proved to be a boon for all patients offering an excellent analgesia. Rhomboid intercostal subserratus plane block is an excellent option for providing adequate postoperative analgesia for thoracoabdominal surgeries as well as patients with multiple rib fractures. More reporting of cases and randomized trials are needed to confirm the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The relationship between tree species and carbon stock is significantly influenced by changes in forest cover and quality. Forests, as renewable resources, are facing rapid decline, leading to land degradation and biodiversity loss. In this study, field observation, mapping, and sampling were conducted across 63 blocks with dimensions of 10 × 10 m for trees and 5 × 5 m for sapling. Secondary materials and Landsat images, sources from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website, provided valuable spatial data. Data analysis employed ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel, incorporating calculations for the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land use and land cover (LULC), carbon stock, and biodiversity. The study revealed an increase in forest cover from 2001 (703.73 hectares) to 2022 (955.8 hectares), with an intermediate cover of 830.88 hectares in 2013. The highest NDVI value was recorded in 2001 at 0.65, which then decreased to 0.41 in 2013 and rose slightly to 0.47 in 2022. Likewise, high-vegetation land (HVL) cover decreased from 76.3% in 2001 to 11.8% in 2013 but increased again to 41.7% in 2022. This drastic decline followed by significant recovery in HVL reflects the complex interplay of human activity, policy, and natural factors. The recovery to 41.7% by 2022 suggests a positive trajectory, highlighting the effectiveness of recent conservation and restoration efforts. The analysis revealed distinct trends in species prevalence, diversity, and richness. Alnus nepalensis was notably the most prevalent species (18.2%), while Quercus semicarpifolia was the least (2.55%). Diversity patterns varied significantly, with block 16 showing the highest Shannon–Wiener index (4.8), reflecting balanced species composition, while blocks 57 and 58 had no diversity (0.0). Conversely, these same blocks showed the highest Simpson index (1.0), indicating complete dominance by a single species. Exceptional cases include blocks 11, 16, and 23, which exhibited the highest species richness (7.0), contrasting sharply with the lowest richness in blocks 57 and 58. These trends highlight considerable spatial variability in forest structure, with blocks 57 and 58 standing out for their low diversity and richness but high dominance. The total aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock across all 63 blocks were 255.83 tons/ha and 120.24 tons/ha, respectively, with mean and standard error values for AGB and carbon stock at 4.06 ± 0.45 and 1.91 ± 0.21, respectively. The study highlights the long-term ecological value of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, especially due to its proximity to the capital city, where it provides essential natural resources such as clean water and air to the urban population. The park also serves as a vital habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Government efforts to protect these species and maintain a healthy ecosystem are crucial. Further research focusing on GIS and remote sensing could provide valuable insights into the park’s conservation efforts on both spatial and temporal scales.

Let p be a prime, G a finite group, b a p-block of G with maximal Brauer pair (P , e P) , l(b) the number of irreducible Brauer characters in the block b, and D the hyperfocal subgroup of b with respect to (P , e P) . Set R = C P (N G (P , e P) p ′) . In this paper, we show that if D is central in P, then l (b) = l (e R) where (R , e R) ≤ (P , e P) . Consequently, we show that if b is a 2-block and D is central in P, then l (b) = l ( (e P) N G (P)) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clavicular brachial plexus blocks are a popular method to provide analgesia in upper limb surgery. Two common approaches include the infraclavicular (IC) and supraclavicular (SC) blocks. These two techniques have been compared previously; however, it is still being determined from the current literature whether one should be favoured. Methods: A search was performed on the following databases: Ovid Medline, EMBASE and the Web of Science from inception until 30.04.2023. All RCTs comparing SC and IC approaches in upper limb orthopaedic surgery were included. The primary outcome was block success rate. Results: Eighteen RCTs comprising 1389 patients were included. The success rate of IC blocks was higher than SC blocks, odds ratio 0.61 (95% CI 0.41–0.91, p = 0.01). A small number of studies reported on secondary outcomes. A reduced rate of Horner's syndrome was observed in the IC group. Otherwise, no difference was noted between the approaches in terms of procedure time, sensory onset time, patient satisfaction, pain and vascular puncture. Conclusion: IC blocks demonstrate a higher success rate over SC blocks. Across all studies a large variance in outcome reporting and definitions was observed. Future studies should conform to an agreed definition set to facilitate comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its inception in 1893, shoulder arthroplasty has become an increasingly common surgical procedure. Between 1998 and 2008, shoulder arthroplasty procedures increased by nearly 28,000 cases per year in the United States alone and is the fastest growing joint replacement surgery among all joint. Despite its advantages, shoulder arthroplasty is often accompanied by significant postoperative pain. Pain control continues to be a major concern in patient management, as it impacts operative costs, postoperative mobility, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and overall surgical outcomes. This review aims to provide an overview of drugs such as opioids and regional anesthetics, as well as methods such as local wound infiltration, nerve block, brachial plexus infiltration, cryotherapy and multimodal approaches employed in postoperative shoulder arthroplasty pain control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the influence of block on the stress and deformation of underground cavern with high sidewall during excavation and unloading, a physical model test of an underground cavern containing block was conducted based on similarity theory. The response pattern of surrounding rock stress and displacement during excavation is analyzed, and the influence and mechanism of block on surrounding rock stress and deformation are revealed. Results show that stress conduction in the model is closely related to the structural plane during loading. The stress barrier and stress concentration phenomena occur when stresses pass through the structural plane. After the model is loaded, stress loss takes place when stresses are transmitted from the boundary to the interior. During the underground cavern excavation, the tangential stress of the surrounding rock decreases within a certain range of the sidewall and increases at both the top and the shoulder of the arch. The change rate of stress before and after excavation is used as an index to determine the surrounding rock stress zone, and the influence range caused by excavation is 2.0–2.5 times the cave span. Compared with the sidewall without block, the sidewall with block has a smaller radial stress unloading zone and a larger tangential unloading zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A difficult airway is a scenario in which an adequately trained anesthesiologist faces challenges with mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, or both. Various anesthetic techniques have been proposed to prepare adequately for awake flexible fiber-optic intubation (AFOI), including nerve blocks for the upper airway, topical anesthesia via a specialized cannula, and lidocaine nebulization (LN). Proper anesthesia of the upper airway is crucial for successful AFOI. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of airway block (AB) by LN compared to traditional upper AB techniques. Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blinded study was conducted on 100 patients with head and neck burns scheduled for reconstructive surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups of 50 patients each. In the AB group, AFOI was performed following an AB, while in the LN group, AFOI was performed 30 minutes after LN. The primary outcome measured was the time to successful awake nasal fiber-optic intubation. Secondary outcomes included the number of failed attempts and the revised nonverbal pain scale score. The time to successful awake nasal fiber-optic intubation showed no significant difference between the two groups. Results: Although the AB group had a higher number of failed attempts compared to the LN group, statistical analysis revealed no significant difference. Additionally, there was no significant difference in hemodynamic parameters between the groups. Conclusions: Both AB and LN are effective for awake nasal fiber-optic intubation, with comparable intubation times. However, LN offers a less invasive alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationship between fuzzy median graphs and blocks, which are important concepts in fuzzy graph theory, particularly in terms of connectivity. The main focus is on the fuzzy median property of a block that has at least four vertices and does not have any fuzzy bridges. The paper also examines the fuzzy median property of isomorphic images of median graphs and explores the median behavior of isometric subgraphs of a fuzzy median graph. Furthermore, the paper investigates the median property of fuzzy median graphs under graph operations. The main concern of the paper is to determine whether the union of two fuzzy median graphs retains fuzzy median behavior. The paper studies the connection between fully strong gated fuzzy graphs and fuzzy median graphs. It also explores whether the gate of an induced subgraph can also be in the median set of any triple of vertices. Additionally, the paper introduces a novel centrality measure called median centrality to identify the influential nodes in a network. The sum of the median centrality of all vertices in a fuzzy median graph will always be one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of partial porous blocks integrated in a phase change material (PCM) in a rectangular cavity on the thermal performance of the system. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were used but validation was done by using experimental set-up and measurement of the results. Different thermal conditions of evolution effects of different configurations such as porous block orientation, number and porosity on the melting behaviour and energy storage capacity of PCM. For the base case, experimental and computational fluid dynamics results are well consistent. The analyses revealed that the horizontal placement of porous blocks significantly increases the melting rate and energy storage efficiency compared to the alone PCM. At ΔT = 15 °C, t = 160 min, the energy stored in the one-part horizontal porous block (1P-HPB) configuration is 11.17% higher than that in the alone PCM case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, recycling materials is one of the solutions to combat pollution. This research reused EPS (expanded polystyrene) and PVC-U (rigid polyvinyl chloride) in mixtures to manufacture structural concrete blocks, analyzing their behavior in compressive strength. Substitution percentages of 10% and 20% were used, where EPS replaced the fine aggregate and PVC-U replaced the coarse aggregate. The results of physical properties (warping, absorption, suction, dimensional variability) complied with RNE E.070 (National Building Regulations - masonry) and NTP 399.602 (Peruvian Technical Standard - masonry units). The compressive strength of the block with EPS decreased by 14% and 21.63%, while that of the block with PVC-U decreased by 12.69% and 21.79%, but both values remained within the requirements of NTP 399.602. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on diffusion kinetics and cell signal transduction kinetics,we studied the cell cycle arrest characteristics of small drug molecules. The theoretical model takes into account the dynamic characteristics of the transport of small drug molecules across the cell membrane and the blocking effect of drug molecules entering the cell on the cell cycle. We found that the drug molecules crossing the inner layer of the cell membrane and entering the cells will largely determine the blocking effect of drug molecules on related targeted genes and proteins.The transport characteristics of cell membrane to drug molecules are the key factors that affect drug molecules to block cell cycle. In addition,the degree of degradation of drug molecules will change the interaction time between drug molecules and targeted genes and proteins,thereby changing the inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of related cells. By the sensitivity analysis of the parameters in the model,we confirmed the inhibitory effect of many factors in the process of drug molecules passing through the cell membrane and entering the cell on the cell cycle. The theoretical results in this paper are consistent with the simulation and experimental observation,which further reveals the physical mechanism of drug small molecules blocking cell cycle,and can provide necessary references and new solutions for designing precise therapeutic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three triangular friction block configurations are commonly employed in high-speed train brake systems, namely, unperforated, perforated configuration with one circular hole, and perforated with three circular holes. In this study, we adopted these friction block types to investigate the effect of perforated friction block configurations on the brake performance of high-speed trains based on a self-developed brake test rig. The results indicate the significant impact of the number of the holes on the wear behavior, temperature distribution, and vibration characteristics of the brake interface. The friction surface of the unperforated block is covered by wear debris, while the perforated blocks produce less wear debris. Furthermore, the one-hole block exhibits a more uniform temperature distribution and better vibration behavior than that with three holes. The friction brake is a dynamic process, during which separation and attachment between the pad and disc alternatively occur, and the perforated structure on the friction block can both trap and expel the wear debris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Occipital nerve blocks are essential in diagnosing and treating headache disorders such as migraine, cervicogenic headache, occipital neuralgia, and cluster headache. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential compression points of the greater occipital nerve (GON), third occipital nerve (TON), and lesser occipital nerve (LON) which are targeted to block in occipital nerve blocks and to develop a method to detect these points easily. Methods To identify potential compression points of the GON, TON, and LON, we dissected 43, 41, and 26 cadavers, respectively. A rigid, transparent tool divided into 1 × 1 cm sections was placed on the external occipital protuberance to measure the determined points. The cadaveric head was viewed from above, vertically, and the coordinates corresponding to each point were noted separately. Results Six, four, and one potential entrapment points were detected for the GON, TON, and LON, respectively. The distances of the point where the GON arose from the lower border of the obliquus capitis inferior muscle and the emerging point of the TON from the C2-C3 vertebrae to the posterior midline were statistically significant in terms of the sides (p = 0.040). Similarly, there was a statistical significance between genders for the distance of the point where the LON arose from the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the posterior midline (p = 0.002). Conclusions We believe that with the method developed, the GON, TON, and LON compression points can be easily localized and blocked in diagnosing and treating patients experiencing headaches such as migraines, cervicogenic headaches, occipital neuralgia, and cluster headache.

Zhengyi Han,1,2 Yangyang Zhang,1,2 Chenxi Xue,3 Shiyun Jin,1,2 Qi Chen,1,2 Ye Zhang1,2 1Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ye Zhang, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-055163869480, Email zhangye_hassan@sina.comPurpose: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a highly invasive procedure causing severe postoperative pain, which hampers early mobility. Effective pain management is crucial for optimal recovery. This study aimed to evaluate how adductor canal block (ACB) and femoral nerve block (FNB) affect opioid use and inflammation factor levels in elderly TKA patients.Methods: This prospective observational study included 120 patients who received TKA, and divided them into three groups, based on the different nerve block technique: ACB, FNB, and no intervention before general anesthesia (CON). Postoperative opioid consumption, pain assessment, inflammation factor, knee function recovery and other clinical indicators were recorded.Results: The CON group had significantly higher cumulative sufentanil consumption compared to the ACB and FNB groups at both 12 h and 48h postoperative (P< 0.001). Compared with the CON group, the ACB and FNB groups persistently had lower pain scores until 12 h at rest and 24 h during motion after surgery. The ACB group showed significantly lower serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) compared to the CON group at 24 h postoperative (P=0.017, P=0.009), and IL-6 levels remained significantly lower at 72 h postoperative (P=0.005). Both ACB and FNB groups achieved earlier ambulation compared to the CON group (P=0.002). On the first day postoperative, both the ACB and FNB groups showed significantly better knee motion (P< 0.001), quadriceps strength (P< 0.001), and daily mobilization (P< 0.001) compared to the CON group. Additionally, the ACB group exhibited superior quadriceps strength (P< 0.001) and daily mobilization (P< 0.001) compared to the FNB group.Conclusion: The ACB and FNB groups exhibited comparable clinical efficacy outcomes in terms of pain scores and opioid consumption. However, the ACB group experienced reduced postoperative inflammation and improved knee recovery, especially in quadriceps strength.Keywords: adductor canal block, femoral nerve block, opioid, analgesia, inflammation, TKA

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The aluminum alloy block is a component of aircraft piston engine, and it is prone to fatigue cracks when working in a thermal mechanical coupling state for a long time. Establish a GT-POWER simulation model for a certain type of engine, verify the accuracy of the model, obtain boundary parameters such as temperature and pressure of the engine block under harsh operating conditions through the model, and divide the cylinder wall into gradients based on the engine operating conditions to obtain the surface heat transfer coefficient of the block, and then obtain the temperature field distribution of the engine body. The coupling analysis of the cylinder burst pressure and temperature field of the engine block under harsh working conditions showed that the maximum stress of the engine block was 292.55 MPa and the maximum deformation was 0.39 mm, with thermal load being the main factor causing deformation. Conduct a complete engine bench test, and under the 1000 h bench durability test, there are no cracks on the engine block, indicating that the design and analysis meet the requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occipital nerve blocks are essential in diagnosing and treating headache disorders such as migraine, cervicogenic headache, occipital neuralgia, and cluster headache. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential compression points of the greater occipital nerve (GON), third occipital nerve (TON), and lesser occipital nerve (LON) which are targeted to block in occipital nerve blocks and to develop a method to detect these points easily. Methods: To identify potential compression points of the GON, TON, and LON, we dissected 43, 41, and 26 cadavers, respectively. A rigid, transparent tool divided into 1 × 1 cm sections was placed on the external occipital protuberance to measure the determined points. The cadaveric head was viewed from above, vertically, and the coordinates corresponding to each point were noted separately. Results: Six, four, and one potential entrapment points were detected for the GON, TON, and LON, respectively. The distances of the point where the GON arose from the lower border of the obliquus capitis inferior muscle and the emerging point of the TON from the C2-C3 vertebrae to the posterior midline were statistically significant in terms of the sides (p = 0.040). Similarly, there was a statistical significance between genders for the distance of the point where the LON arose from the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the posterior midline (p = 0.002). Conclusions: We believe that with the method developed, the GON, TON, and LON compression points can be easily localized and blocked in diagnosing and treating patients experiencing headaches such as migraines, cervicogenic headaches, occipital neuralgia, and cluster headache. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Running deep neural networks on edge devices faces two challenges: model scaling and domain adaptation. Existing model scaling techniques and unsupervised online domain adaptation techniques suffer from coarse scaling granularity, limited scaling space, and long online domain adaptation time. To address these two challenges, this paper proposes a block-grained model scaling and domain adaptation training method called EdgeScaler, which consists of offline and online phases. For the model scaling challenge, in the offline phase, blocks are detected and extracted from various DNN and then are converted into multiple derived blocks. In the online phase, based on the combination of blocks and the connections between them, a large-scale scaling space is provided to solve the model scaling problem. For the domain adaptation challenge, a block-specific residual Adapter is designed, which is inserted into the blocks in the offline phase. In the online phase, when a new target domain arrives, all adapters are trained to solve the domain adaptation problem for all options in the block-grained scaling space. Test results on the real edge device, Jetson TX2, show that EdgeScaler can reduce the domain adaptation training time by an average of 85.14% and reduce the training energy consumption by an average of 84.1%, while providing a large-scale scaling option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is commonly used for pain control in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, significant pain persists, affecting patient recovery and sleep quality on the day of surgery. We compared the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided TAP block with or without rectus sheath (RS) block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Methods The study was registered before patient enrollment at the Clinical Research Information Service (registration number: KCT0006468, 19/08/2021). 88 American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I-III patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into two groups. RS-TAP group received right lateral and right subcostal TAP block, and RS block with 0.2% ropivacaine (30 mL); Bi-TAP group received bilateral and right subcostal TAP block with same amount of ropivacaine. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) for 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the use of rescue analgesics, cumulative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) consumption, patient satisfaction, sleep quality, and incidence of adverse events. Results There was no significant difference in VAS score between two groups for 48 h postoperatively. We found no difference between the groups in any of the secondary outcomes: the use of rescue analgesics, consumption of IV-PCA, patient satisfaction with postoperative pain control, sleep quality, and the incidence of postoperative adverse events. Conclusion Both RS-TAP and Bi-TAP blocks provided clinically acceptable pain control in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, although there was no significant difference between two combination blocks in postoperative analgesia or sleep quality.

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare congenital anomaly defined by double discordance – atrioventricular and ventricular-arterial. ccTGA frequently has associated lesions, which influence long-term survival.

Background Patients with a fractured femur experience intense pain during positioning for neuraxial block for definitive surgery. Femoral nerve block (FNB) is therefore often given prior to positioning for analgesia. In our study, we compare the onset and quality of block of 0.25% bupivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine, and 1.5% lignocaine for FNB in fracture femur patients. Methods Seventy-five adult femur fracture patients were equally and randomly divided into three groups to receive 15 ml of either 0.25% bupivacaine (group B), 0.5% ropivacaine (group R), or 1.5% lignocaine (group L) for FNB prior to positioning for neuraxial blockade. Onset and quality of block were assessed, as well as improvement in visual analog scale (VAS) score, ease of positioning, and patient satisfaction. Results Percentage decrease in VAS was found to be highest in group R (82.8%) followed by groups L and B. Time to achieve a VAS of less than 4 was found to be 26.2±2.4 minutes in group B, 8.5±1.9 minutes in group R, and 4.1±0.7 minutes in group L (P