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Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

In movement improvisation, improvisers often experience vagueness and uncertainty of perception prior to moving. This article examines the sense of indeterminacy before movement is formed. It explores key concepts in Japanese Noh theatre, namely the sequencing concept of jo-ha-kyū (序破急) and the notion of interval, or ma (間), as a framework for mediating the indeterminacy in the act of improvising from the perspective of embodied practice. By configuring improvised movement as discrete jo-ha-kyū modulations, the ma interval occurs when one modulation is fulfilled, and the next one is about to take form. The interval is where potential of upcoming movement emerges from its indeterminacy. This article proposes that the improviser can approximate the fields of attention through the notion of 'superposition' where the felt sense of potential movements and relations are schematized as coexisting. In so doing, the sense of potentiality can be directly attended to, not only for enriching actualized movements but also for accounting for the wholeness of movement events. By drawing attention to the indeterminacy and potentiality in movement improvisation, this article argues that potential movement that becomes actualized, and that which does not, are equally valuable as improvisational material for enhancing the experience of both improviser and audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A temperament holding a lowest diatonic C-major interval beating rate spread on fifths, and major and minor thirds was calculated. It appears that beating rate equality is a primordial quality factor for auditory tuning. But fortunately, tuning pitches based on comma division, ratios or cents, can be maintained, for the thus obtained pitches are almost identical with those obtained based on interval beating rate calculations, and moreover, both approaches suffer from the same degree of inaccuracies, due to sound inharmonicities. It appears that Vallotti and a newly developed well-tempered meantone are by far the temperaments with the lowest impurity spread. In conclusion, it is probably right to assume that the auditory tuning of keyboards was the basis for the development of historical temperaments, although the results were mainly and duly described mathematically on the basis of proportional relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) procedure is considered when a patient is not deemed suitable for simultaneous BTKA due to concerns about the risk of mortality and complications. However, no network meta-analysis has been conducted to compare simultaneous vs staged BTKA procedures with different intervals in terms of postoperative mortality and overall complication rates. Methods: Four databases – Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science – were searched from inception to December 19, 2023, for studies comparing patients who underwent staged BTKA with different intervals and simultaneous BTKA. The primary outcome domains were 1-year mortality and 90-day overall complications. Secondary outcomes included neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, infectious and venous thromboembolic complications within 90 days. Results: Fifteen observational studies were included. Staged BTKA with intervals between 6 weeks and 3 months (odds ratio (OR): 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53–0.91), between 3 and 6 months (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53–0.84) and longer than 6 months (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55–0.83) exhibited a lower mortality risk compared to simultaneous BTKA. Staged BTKA with an interval shorter than 6 weeks and longer than 6 months exhibited a higher risk of pulmonary (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03–1.49; OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.10–2.44) and infectious complications (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15–1.96; OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.14–2.02) compared to simultaneous BTKA. An interval between 3 and 6 months ranked best in outcomes of 1-year mortality (P score = 0.7849) and 90-day complications (P score = 0.7077). Conclusions: Staged BKTA with an interval of more than 6 weeks but less than 6 months is associated with a lower risk of postoperative mortality and complications. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to potential biases inherent in the inclusion of nonrandomized studies. Level of Evidence: II

Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is one of most popularly used conservative treatments for spinal pain. But concern or fear for adverse effects associated with steroid frequently prevents the patients from being treated by injection, consequently leading them to chronic pain condition or unnecessary extensive treatment. Thus, understanding of not only innate characteristics of steroids but also their utilizations in practice is necessary to decide appropriate method of epidural injection. This article is to review properties of steroids and therapeutic strategies of epidural steroid injection such as dose, repetition, or intervals on the basis of literatures that have been published. Non-particulate steroid is preferred to particulate because of their advantage for prevention of systemic and local adverse effects as well as of their non-inferior clinical efficacy to particulate. High dose, short interval between injections, and large number of injections may be regarded to increase steroid accumulation and consequently risk of systemic side effects. Although conclusive evidence or guideline does not exist, no more than 3 injections within 6 months, maximum 6 injections per year, three weeks interval between injections, especially in case of using particulate steroid are recommended. High dose of steroid is not recommended because no evidence is found that high dose has the ability to promote better outcomes in comparison with low dose. When only partial response is obtained by first injection, repeat injections at appropriate intervals are required to fulfill more complete and prolonged clinical effects by accumulating treatment effects without concerns of overtreatment or abuse.

Purpose: Interval to surgery following short course radiotherapy (SCRT) for rectal cancer is not standardized. This study investigated pathologic outcomes and survival with varying intervals to surgery. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database, adults who received SCRT from 2005 to 2020 were grouped by additional neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Outcomes were analyzed for early (within 1 week) and delayed (over 4 weeks) intervals. Results: Of 1154 patients, 671 received neoadjuvant SCRT and chemotherapy (Group 1: median interval 29 days, 50% delayed) and 483 received SCRT only (Group 2: median interval 9 days, 27% delayed). In Group 1, delay was associated with tumor downstaging (OR 1.61; 95% CI, 1.03–2.51; p = 0.036), decreased lymphovascular invasion (OR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.33–0.85; p = 0.009), and complete pathologic response (OR 2.86; 95% CI, 1.06–7.76; p = 0.039). Delay was associated with decreased tumor deposits in Group 1 (OR 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30–0.71; p < 0.001) and Group 2 (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.21–0.65; p = 0.001). Survival was not affected. Conclusion: Delaying surgery following neoadjuvant SCRT results in favorable pathologic outcomes without impacting overall survival, regardless of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Due to the unique characteristics of straddle monorail transit system, evacuation and rescue forms on its elevated lines differ from conventional urban rail transit. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth study of interval passenger evacuation and rescue methods and evacuation efficiency for this system. Method A simulation model for passenger evacuation and rescue in straddle monorail transit intervals is established. The influencing factors of three typical interval passenger evacuation and rescue methods are studied and the rescue measures with higher evacuation efficiency are explored. For both horizontal and vertical evacuation and rescue scenarios, methods to determine the placement and quantity of rescue facilities for optimal evacuation efficiency are proposed. More scientific and reasonable suggestions for passenger evacuation and rescue in straddle monorail transit intervals are provided. Result & Conclusion Research results indicate that: in terms of evacuation influencing factors, the placement and quantity of evacuation and rescue equipment affect horizontal rescue time; the inclination angle of fire ladder affects vertical evacuation and rescue time; the guidance from staff positively impacts passenger evacuation and rescue in straddle monorail transit intervals. In terms of evacuation efficiency, horizontal rescue should be prioritized over longitudinal and vertical evacuation and rescue methods. The placement of horizontal and vertical evacuation and rescue equipment should ensure equal distribution of evacuees on each horizontal rescue board. For vertical evacuation and rescue, evacuation efficiency initially decreases and then increases with fire ladder inclination angle increasing.

Background: The time interval between neoadjuvant immunotherapy and surgery is 6 weeks for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but whether delayed surgery affects prognosis remains unclear. Methods: Clinical data of locally advanced ESCC who underwent neoadjuvant immunotherapy followed by esophagectomy from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected. The surgery outcomes and prognosis were compared between short-interval (time to surgery ≤ 6 weeks) and long-interval groups (time to surgery > 6 weeks). Results: 152 patients were enrolled totally, with a ratio of 91:61 between short-interval and long-interval groups. The rate of pathological complete response in the short-interval and long-interval groups were 34.1% and 24.6% (P = 0.257). Delayed surgery did not have a significantly impact on the number of lymph node dissections (P = 0.133), operative duration (P = 0.689), blood loss (P = 0.837), hospitalization duration (P = 0.293), chest drainage duration (P = 0.886) and postoperative complications (P > 0.050). The 3-year Overall survival (OS) rates were 85.10% in the short-interval group, and 82.07% in the long-interval group (P = 0.435). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 83.41% and 70.86% in the two groups (P = 0.037). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with a favorable response to immunotherapy (tumor regression grade 0) exhibited inferior 3-year OS (long-interval vs. short-interval: 51.85% vs. 91.08%, P = 0.035) and DFS (long-interval vs. short-interval: 47.40% vs. 91.08%, P = 0.014) in the long-interval group. Conclusions: Delayed surgery after neoadjuvant immunotherapy does not further improve pathological response; instead, it resulted in a poorer DFS. Especially for patients with a favorable response to immunotherapy, delayed surgery increases the risk of mortality and recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of linear and change of direction high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance in elite female soccer players. Thirty elite female soccer players (age: 19.6 ± 4.6 years; height: 166.5 ± 4.8 cm; body weight: 60.5 ± 8.3 kg; BMI: 21.9 ± 2.9 kg/m²) were randomly allocated to HIIT linear (HIITLIN) and HIIT change of direction (HIITCOD) training groups. The HIITLIN group performed linear running for 15, 20 or 25 s by keeping constant pace during the entire distance. In contrast, the HIITCOD group performed three changes of direction (COD) with a 180° turn during each interval run at 15, 20 or 25 s. Physical performance was assessed using sprinting, agility, vertical jumps, repeated sprint ability (RSA) and 30--15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30--15 IFT). In both groups, all physical performance measurements improved (p ≤ 0.05), except RSAbest in HIITLIN (p = 0.45). Both interventions significantly improved speed over 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, Pro-agility, Zig-zag, RSAavg, fatigue index, maximal oxygen uptake, and velocity at 30--15 IFT, while moderate improvements were observed in countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with arm swing and squat jump. However, HIITCOD did not achieve superior improvements in any of the aforementioned measurements compared to HIITLIN. Based on the obtained results, we concluded that different types of HIIT training have a positive effect on physical performance in elite female soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a social choice model where voters have single-peaked preferences over a finite and ordered set of alternatives that are aggregated to produce contiguous sets or intervals of a fixed cardinality. This is applicable in situations where the alternatives can be arranged in a line (e.g. plots of land) and a contiguous subset of these is required (e.g. a hospital or a school). We define interval-social choice correspondences (I-SCCs) on profiles of single-peaked preferences which select intervals. We extend single-peaked preferences to intervals using responsiveness. We show that generalized median-interval (GMI) rules are the only strategy-proof, anonymous and interval efficient I-SCCs. These rules are interval versions of generalized median voter rules which consist of the median, min and max rules. We show that responsiveness over intervals is necessary for the strategy-proofness of the GMI rule if preferences over alternatives are single-peaked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is widely used as a bridge to surgery (BTS) procedure for obstructive colorectal cancer. However, evidence regarding the optimal interval between SEMS placement and elective surgery is lacking. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from patients with BTS between January 2013 and October 2021. Inverse probability treatment-weighted propensity score analyses were used to compare short- and long-term outcomes between the short-interval (SI) and long-interval (LI) groups, using a cutoff of 20 days. Results: In total, 138 patients were enrolled in this study (SI group, n = 63; LI group, n = 75). In the matched cohort, the patients' backgrounds were well balanced. The incidence of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ II postoperative complications was not significantly different between the SI and LI groups (19.0% vs. 14.0%, P = 0.47). There were no significant differences between the SI and LI groups in the 3-year recurrence-free survival (68.0% vs. 76.4%, P = 0.73) or 3-year overall survival rates (86.0% vs. 90.6%, P = 0.72). Conclusions: A longer interval did not deteriorate the oncological outcomes. Individual perioperative management with an appropriate interval to improve the patient's condition is required to ensure safe surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Indocyanine green (ICG) is a dye that helps surgeons see the blood supply to tissues. In this study, (MIRRORS ICG) researchers wanted to see if this dye could help find cancer in women with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing robotic surgery after chemotherapy. After injecting ICG, a special camera was used to look at the whole abdomen and pelvic area. In this study, 102 tissue samples were taken to see if ICG helped identify cancerous tissue. The results showed that ICG correctly identified cancer in 91.1% of cases but had a low specificity of 13.0%, meaning it often falsely indicated cancer. This technique did not significantly help in detecting cancer in patients with widespread disease, but it showed some potential in those who had responded well to chemotherapy and had few remaining cancer spots. Molecular imaging with targeted dyes could enhance precision surgery in the future. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye used for sentinel lymph node assessment and the assessment of perfusion in skin flaps and bowel anastomoses. ICG binds serum proteins and behaves as a macromolecule in the circulation. Tumour tissue has increased vascular permeability and reduced drainage, causing macromolecules to accumulate within it. MIRRORS ICG is designed to determine whether indocyanine green (ICG) helped identify metastatic deposits in women undergoing robotic interval cytoreductive surgery for advanced-stage (3c+) ovarian cancer. Peritoneal surfaces of the abdominal and pelvic cavity were inspected under white light and near-infrared light (da Vinci Si and Xi Firefly Fluorescence imaging, Intuitive Surgical Inc.) following intravenous injection of 20 mg ICG in sterile water. Visibly abnormal areas were excised and sent to histopathology, noting IGC positivity. In total, 102 biopsies were assessed using ICG. Intravenous ICG assessment following neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a sensitivity of 91.1% (95% CI [82.6–96.4%]), a specificity of 13.0% (95% CI [2.8–33.6%]), a positive predictive value of 78.3% (95% CI [68.4–86.2%]), and a negative predictive value of 30.0% (95% CI [6.7–65.2%]) False-positive samples were seen in 9/20 patients. Psammoma bodies were noted in the histopathology reports of seven of nine of these patients with false-positive results, indicating that a tumour had been present (chemotherapy-treated disease). This study demonstrates the appearance of metastatic peritoneal deposits during robotic cytoreductive surgery following the intravenous administration of ICG in women who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy for stage 3c+ advanced ovarian cancer. A perfusion assessment using indocyanine green (ICG) peritoneal angiography during robotic interval cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer did not clinically improve metastatic disease identification in patients with high-volume disease. The use of ICG in patients with excellent response to chemotherapy where few tumour deposits remained shows some promise. The potential of molecular imaging to enhance precision surgery and improve disease identification using the robotic platform is a novel avenue for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 2018–2020 Ebola virus disease outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo, a phase 3 trial of the Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo Ebola vaccine (DRC-EB-001) commenced in Goma, with participants being offered the two-dose regimen given 56 days apart. Suspension of trial activities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to some participants receiving a late dose 2 outside the planned interval. Blood samples were collected from adults, adolescents, and children prior to their delayed dose 2 vaccination and 21 days after, and tested for IgG binding antibodies against Ebola virus glycoprotein using the Filovirus Animal Nonclinical Group (FANG) ELISA. Results from 133 participants showed a median two-dose interval of 9.3 months. The pre-dose 2 antibody geometric mean concentration (GMC) was 217 ELISA Units (EU)/mL (95% CI 157; 301) in adults, 378 EU/mL (281; 510) in adolescents, and 558 EU/mL (471; 661) in children. At 21 days post-dose 2, the GMC increased to 22,194 EU/mL (16,726; 29,449) in adults, 37,896 EU/mL (29,985; 47,893) in adolescents, and 34,652 EU/mL (27,906; 43,028) in children. Participants receiving a delayed dose 2 had a higher GMC at 21 days post-dose 2 than those who received a standard 56-day regimen in other African trials, but similar to those who received the regimen with an extended interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Urban Mass Transit is the property of Urban Mass Transit Editorial Office 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.)

Purpose: To examine the differences in training load (TL) metrics when quantifying training sessions differing in intensity and duration. The relationship between the TL metrics and the acute performance decrement measured immediately after the sessions was also assessed. Methods: Eleven male recreational cyclists performed 4 training sessions in a random order, immediately followed by a 3-km time trial (TT). Before this period, participants performed the time TT in order to obtain a baseline performance. The difference in the average power output for the TTs following the training sessions was then expressed relative to the best baseline performance. The training sessions were quantified using 7 different TL metrics, 4 using heart rate as input, 2 using power output, and 1 using the rating of perceived exertion. Results: The load of the sessions was estimated differently depending on the TL metrics used. Also, within the metrics using the same input (heart rate and power), differences were found. TL using the rating of perceived exertion was the only metric showing a response that was consistent with the acute performance decrements found for the different training sessions. The Training Stress Score and the individualized training impulse demonstrated similar patterns but overexpressed the intensity of the training sessions. The total work done resulted in an overrepresentation of the duration of training. Conclusion: TL metrics provide dissimilar results as to which training sessions have higher loads. The load based on TL using the rating of perceived exertion was the only one in line with the acute performance decrements found in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moses Owiny,1 Monica Okwir Acen,1 Joram Okeng,2 Oliver Anyeko Akello3 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 2Department of Surgery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 3Department of Nursing, Lira University, Lira City, UgandaCorrespondence: Moses Owiny, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda, Tel +256 773 579 387, Email moswin90@gmail.comBackground: Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is an effective permanent method of birth control that is surgically performed to block the woman’s fallopian tube and prevent the egg from meeting the sperm. It is preferred by women or couples who have achieved their reproductive potential and do not desire pregnancy. BTL carries a low risk of method failure with a subsequent pregnancy which is likely to be ectopic. We present a case of two consecutive ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancies following an interval BTL.Case Presentation: A 40-year-old female, with 7 living children, who previously underwent an interval BTL, presented with acute abdominal pain for 2 days and amenorrhea for 6 weeks. She was stable but had generalized abdominal tenderness, guarding and rebound tenderness, and cervical motion tenderness. Her urine HCG was positive, and a trans-abdominal ultrasound scan revealed a tender echo-complex right adnexal mass, free fluid in the Cul-de-sac, and an empty uterine cavity, consistent with a ruptured right ectopic pregnancy. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was done with findings of a ruptured right distal tube containing products of conception, hemoperitoneum, and previous tubal ligation and left salpingectomy. A right total salpingectomy was done, and the excised right tube containing the mass was sent for histological examination, which revealed chorionic villi and hemorrhagic vascular decidual tissue in the fallopian tube, features suggestive of tubal ectopic pregnancy.Keywords: ruptured, tubal, ectopic, pregnancy, interval, bilateral tubal ligation

Evidence is steadily mounting that attribute-based models offer a more accurate description of intertemporal choices than traditional alternative-based models. Among the attribute-based models, the tradeoff model offers the broadest coverage of research findings, but at the cost of considerable complexity: There now are various instantiations of the model dealing with partially overlapping universes of choice options and preference patterns. Moreover, there are reports of preference patterns in intertemporal decisions about monetary losses that contradict all attribute-based models proposed so far. Taking stock of these core challenges, and all other evidence, we develop an account of intertemporal choice, the unified tradeoff model, that is simpler, yet more comprehensive, than all currently available versions of the tradeoff model taken together. It borrows extensively from its predecessors, but it introduces a new element, time bias, that enables it to accommodate an extraordinarily broad range of preference patterns, and also generate new predictions that contradict all existing models of intertemporal choice. We report four studies that test and confirm its predictions regarding delay, interval, sign, and magnitude dependence in choices between single-dated outcomes, and a fifth study that tests and confirms its predictions regarding the relation between delay preference in choices that only involve single-dated payments and duration preference in choices that also involve sequences of payments. Having subjected the unified tradeoff model to an elevated risk of disconfirmation, we discuss its parsimony and scope in relation to yet other phenomena, most notably, preference patterns in consumption decisions, the final frontier for attribute-based models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that it is possible to achieve the same accuracy, on average, as the most accurate existing interval methods for time series classification on a standard set of benchmark datasets using a single type of feature (quantiles), fixed intervals, and an 'off the shelf' classifier. This distillation of interval-based approaches represents a fast and accurate method for time series classification, achieving state-of-the-art accuracy on the expanded set of 142 datasets in the UCR archive with a total compute time (training and inference) of less than 15 min using a single CPU core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verification methods compute intervals which contain the solution of a given problem with mathematical rigour. In order to compare the quality of intervals some measure is desirable. We identify some anticipated properties and propose a method avoiding drawbacks of previous definitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We deal with strictly monotone continuous functions h: I →I, where I is an interval of real numbers. The monounary algebra (I,h) contains at most 4 non-isomorphic components. We derive that there are 10 possibilities only how these components can be combined in (I,h). Two more options are cancelled in case that I = ⟨a,b⟩ for some real numbers a,b,a < b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of real symmetric interval matrices is a natural phenomenon that can be found in a variety of real-life scenarios. In this particular feature, we develop the principal axis/spectral theorem for real symmetric interval matrices. This theorem paves the way for exciting developments in interval matrix theory, particularly concerning issues such as approximations, dealing with inexact or vague data, coping with the unavailability of data, and managing errors in measurements. To demonstrate the practical utility of our approach, we delve into a concrete real-world example involving vibration analysis within an uncertain environment. This research opens up new horizons for the effective utilization of interval matrices in addressing challenges arising from uncertainty and imprecision in diverse fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gálvez-Carrillo et al. [Decomposition spaces, incidence algebras and Möbius inversion III: The decomposition space of Möbius intervals, Adv. Math. 334 (2018) 544–584] constructed a decomposition space U of all Möbius intervals, as a recipient of Lawvere's interval construction for Möbius categories, and conjectured that U enjoys a certain universal property: for every Möbius decomposition space X , the space of culf functors from X to U is contractible. In this paper, we work at the level of homotopy 1-types to prove the first case of the conjecture, namely for locally discrete decomposition spaces. This provides also the first substantial evidence for the general conjecture. This case is general enough to cover all locally finite posets, Cartier–Foata monoids, Möbius categories and strict (directed) restriction species. The proof is 2-categorical. First, we construct a local strict model of U , which is then used to show by hand that the Lawvere interval construction, considered as a natural transformation, does not admit other self-modifications than the identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surveillance of pancreatic cysts are necessary due to risk of malignant transformation. However, reported progression rates to advanced neoplasia are variable and the high frequency of surveillance scans may pose a considerable burden on healthcare resources. Purpose: To validate the effectiveness of the Fukuoka Guidelines surveillance regime and determine if a longer surveillance interval can be established. Material and Methods: All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the pancreas performed at our institution between January 2014 and December 2016 with at least one pancreatic cystic lesion and follow-up MRI or computed tomography (CT) over at least two years were reviewed for size, worrisome feature (WF), and high-risk stigmata (HRS) at diagnosis and follow-up imaging (up to year 6). Reference standards for advanced neoplasia were based on endoscopic ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology, or the presence of ≥2 WF or ≥1 HRS on imaging. Comparison of MRI features of progression and outcomes of diagnostic endpoints between lesions <20 mm and ≥20 mm was performed. Results: A total of 270 patients were included (201 cysts <20 mm, 69 cysts ≥20 mm). Compared with cysts <20 mm, cysts ≥20 mm were more likely to be associated with WF or HRS (40.6% vs. 12.4%; P ≤0.00001), demonstrate increase in size of ≥5 mm in two years (20.3% vs. 10.9%; P = 0.049), and develop advanced neoplasia (24.6% vs. 0.5%; P <0.00001). Conclusion: Pancreatic cysts <20 mm have a low risk of developing WF and HRS and surveillance interval may be lengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current guidelines for treating cardiac arrest recommend administering 1 mg of epinephrine every 3−5 min. However, this interval is based solely on expert opinion. We aimed to investigate the impact of the epinephrine administration interval (EAI) on resuscitation outcomes in adults with cardiac arrest. We systematically reviewed the PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. We included studies comparing different EAIs in adult cardiac arrest patients with reported neurological outcomes. Pooled estimates were calculated using the IVhet meta-analysis, and the heterogeneities were assessed using Q and I2 statistics. We evaluated the study risk of bias and overall quality using validated bias assessment tools. Three studies were included. All were classified as “good quality” studies. Only two reported the primary outcome. Compared with a recommended EAI of 3−5 min, a favorable neurological outcome was not significantly different in patients with the other frequencies: for 5 min, OR 1.01 (95% CI: 0.55−1.87). For survival to hospital discharge, administering epinephrine for less than 3 min was not associated with a good outcome (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 0.89−3.10). Moreover, EAI of >5 min did not pose a benefit (OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.68−1.11). Our review showed that EAI during CPR was not associated with better hospital outcomes. Further clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal dosing interval for epinephrine in adults with cardiac arrest.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental tool in cardiology, providing invaluable insights into cardiac physiology and detecting various abnormalities. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of ECG interpretation, focusing on the procedure, application, and methodology. The placement of electrodes, ECG paper speed, and measurements of intervals and blocks are discussed in detail. The article emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to ECG interpretation, highlighting six main sections: determination of heart rhythm, calculation of heart rate, assessment of intervals and blocks, analysis of atrial depolarization patterns, assessment of ventricular depolarization complexes, and delving into the intricate characteristics of ST segments and exploration of the electrocardiographic T-wave manifestations. Specific criteria for identifying abnormalities in each section are provided, along with their associated etiologies and clinical implications. Furthermore, the limitations of ECG as a diagnostic tool are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for clinical correlation and consideration of additional tests. The abstract encapsulates the breadth and depth of the review, conveying the relevance and the profound significance of ECG interpretation in the realm of clinical practice and scientific inquiry.

This work focuses on the effect of the interval between two shocks on the ejecta formation from the grooved aluminum (Al1100) surface by using smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical simulation. Two unsupported shocks are obtained by the plate-impact between sample and two flyers at interval, with a peak pressure of approximately 30 GPa for each shock. When the shock interval varies from 2.11 to 7.67 times the groove depth, the bubble velocity reduces to a constant, and the micro jetting factor RJ from spike to bubble exhibits a non-monotonic change that decreases initially and then increases. At a shock interval of 3.6 times the groove depth, micro jetting factor RJ from spike to bubble reaches its minimum value of approximately 0.6. While, the micro jetting factor RF from spike to free surface decreases linearly at first, and stabilizes around 0.25 once the shock interval surpasses 4.18 times the groove depth. When the shock interval is less than 4.18 times the groove depth, the unloading wave generated by the breakout of the first shock wave is superimpose with the unloading part of the second shock wave to form a large tensile area.

Background: COVID‐19 has caused severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. After the end of the dynamic zero‐COVID policy in China in December, 2022, concerns regarding reinfection were raised while little was known due to the lack of surveillance data in this country. Aims: This study reviews the probability, risk factors, and severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant reinfection, as well as the interval between infections, risk of onward transmission by reinfected cases, and the role of booster vaccination against reinfection. Sources: References for this review were identified through searches of PubMed and Web of Science up to September 24, 2023. Results: The rate of reinfection ranges from 3.1% to 13.0%. Factors associated with a higher risk of reinfection include being female, having comorbidities, and being unvaccinated. Reinfection with the BA.4 or BA.5 variant occurs approximately 180 days after the initial infection. Reinfections are less clinically severe than primary infections, and there is evidence of lower transmissibility. The debate surrounding the effectiveness and feasibility of booster vaccinations in preventing reinfection continues. Conclusions: The reinfection rate during the Omicron epidemic is significantly higher than in previous epidemic periods. However, the symptoms and infectivity of reinfection were weaker than those of the prior infection. Medical staff and individuals at high risk of reinfection should be vigilant. The efficacy of booster vaccinations in reducing reinfection is currently under debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended just intonation confronts us with musical problems arising from the sheer array and variety of pitch relationships that can be written, played, and heard. Through an analysis of Ben Johnston's Seventh String Quartet as a case study, this essay addresses the diversity of these pitch relationships by suggesting a three-way categorization of just intonation ratios: primary intervals (simple integer ratios), ectopic intervals (ratios with no primary interval analogue), and intermediary intervals (ratios with a close primary interval analogue). I suggest a listening strategy based on the categorization resulting in two analytical models. A voltaic analysis recognizes changes in the pitch domain indicated by the differences between primary and intermediary intervals. A pitch pun analysis emphasizes the small magnitude of the differences between primary and intermediary intervals and the slow drift away from a secure sense of pitch place. Finally, I combine these views to compare the two analytical strategies as applied to the last measures of Johnston's Seventh String Quartet and speculate on the implications of these strategies for hearing and conceiving of pitch intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The average attention span of humans is decreasing. To adapt to the change, researchers investigate visual and auditory techniques that alter the perception of time passing. However, the auditory technique is underexplored in comparison to visual techniques, which are becoming increasingly important as voice assistants, speech interfaces or time-aware computational/robotic systems proliferate. This paper investigated the effect of pitch and interval variables on time perception. Three pitch levels (static, falling, rising) and two interval patterns (static, narrowing) for a total of six auditory stimuli were compared. Principal findings indicated that rising/falling pitch and interval narrowing, as well as their combinations, can be used to shorten the perception of time. This research contributes to a better understanding of end-users' subjective temporal estimation of auditory stimuli, which can be used to further develop audio-based interactive devices/agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep forest presents a novel approach that yields competitive performance when compared to deep neural networks. Nevertheless, there are limited studies on the application of deep forest to time series classification (TSC) tasks, and the direct use of deep forest cannot effectively capture the relevant characteristics of time series. For that, this paper proposes time series cascade forest (TSCF), a model specifically designed for TSC tasks. TSCF relies on four base classifiers, i.e., random forest, completely random forest, random shapelet forest, and diverse representation canonical interval forest, allowing for feature learning on the original data from three granularities: point, subsequence, and summary statistics calculated based on intervals. The major contribution of this work, is to define an ensemble and deep classifier that significantly outperforms the individual classifiers and the original deep forest. Experimental results show that TSCF outperforms other forest-based algorithms for solving TSC problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background COVID‐19 has caused severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. After the end of the dynamic zero‐COVID policy in China in December, 2022, concerns regarding reinfection were raised while little was known due to the lack of surveillance data in this country. Aims This study reviews the probability, risk factors, and severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant reinfection, as well as the interval between infections, risk of onward transmission by reinfected cases, and the role of booster vaccination against reinfection. Sources References for this review were identified through searches of PubMed and Web of Science up to September 24, 2023. Results The rate of reinfection ranges from 3.1% to 13.0%. Factors associated with a higher risk of reinfection include being female, having comorbidities, and being unvaccinated. Reinfection with the BA.4 or BA.5 variant occurs approximately 180 days after the initial infection. Reinfections are less clinically severe than primary infections, and there is evidence of lower transmissibility. The debate surrounding the effectiveness and feasibility of booster vaccinations in preventing reinfection continues. Conclusions The reinfection rate during the Omicron epidemic is significantly higher than in previous epidemic periods. However, the symptoms and infectivity of reinfection were weaker than those of the prior infection. Medical staff and individuals at high risk of reinfection should be vigilant. The efficacy of booster vaccinations in reducing reinfection is currently under debate.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) has been widely used for food and drug identification. The classification information of a THz spectrum usually does not exist in the whole spectral band but exists only in one or several small intervals. Therefore, feature selection is indispensable in THz-based substance identification. However, most THz-based identification methods empirically intercept the low-frequency band of the THz absorption coefficients for analysis. In order to adaptively find out important intervals of the THz spectra, an interval-based sparse ensemble multi-class classifier (ISEMCC) for THz spectral data classification is proposed. In ISEMCC, the THz spectra are first divided into several small intervals through window sliding. Then the data of training samples in each interval are extracted to train some base classifiers. Finally, a final robust classifier is obtained through a nonnegative sparse combination of these trained base classifiers. With l1 -norm, two objective functions that based on Mean Square Error (MSE) and Cross Entropy (CE) are established. For these two objective functions, two iterative algorithms based on the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) and Gradient Descent (GD) are built respectively. ISEMCC transforms the problem of interval feature selection and decision-level fusion into a nonnegative sparse optimization problem. The sparse constraint ensures only a few important spectral segments are selected. In order to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, comparative experiments on identifying the origin of Bupleurum and the harvesting year of Tangerine peel are carried out. The base classifiers used by ISEMCC are Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Decision Tree (DT). The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms six typical classifiers, including Random Forest (RF), AdaBoost, RUSBoost, ExtraTree, and the two base classifiers, in terms of classification accuracy.

The inverse Gaussian distribution, known for its flexible shape, is widely used across various applications. Existing confidence intervals for the mean parameter, such as profile likelihood, reparametrized profile likelihood, and Wald-type reparametrized profile likelihood with observed Fisher information intervals, are generally effective. However, our simulation study identifies scenarios where the coverage probability falls below the nominal confidence level. Wald-type intervals are widely used in statistics and have a symmetry property. We mathematically derive the Wald-type profile likelihood (WPL) interval and the Wald-type reparametrized profile likelihood with expected Fisher information (WRPLE) interval and compare their performance to existing methods. Our results indicate that the WRPLE interval outperforms others in terms of coverage probability, while the WPL typically yields the shortest interval. Additionally, we apply these proposed intervals to a real dataset, demonstrating their potential applicability to other datasets that follow the IG distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim of the study: To compare early versus interval LC in the treatment of acute benign gallbladder disease with their subsequent benefits or hazards with focused monitoring of the perioperative outcome and in-hospital economic burden, as the time-setting of surgery remains an area of considerable variation despite laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) being the definitive management. The precise cut-off time beyond which it is not advisable to operate on these patients has yet to be conclusively defined in the literature. Patients and methods: Using data from a prospective multicentric study conducted on nine hundred patients with ACC examining the outcomes of LC (either early or interval) with focusing on the cost-effectiveness and perioperative outcomes. Results: Six hundred patients of group A had early LC While three hundred patients had interval LC. Females represented 73.3% of all studied populations. Patients with WBCs > 11000 were 450. there was a statistically significant decrease of operative time in group B when compared to group A (84.63 ± 9.82 vs 109.30 ± 9.65 minutes respectively). Higher hospital costs were observed in group B than in the other one. There was a statistically significant decrease of LOS in group A when compared to group B (3.76 ± 1.07 vs 9.36 ± 1.47 days, respectively). Earlier return to work was noticed in group A with a significant difference. Conclusion: Early LC in ACC is a feasible solution with a low complication rate, short hospital stays, and less cost. The benefits of this approach will likely be improved health outcomes for patients and cost savings for healthcare providers. Interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an alternative solution especially when equipment or experience are lacking but carry the risk of readmission or more attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental tool in cardiology, providing invaluable insights into cardiac physiology and detecting various abnormalities. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of ECG interpretation, focusing on the procedure, application, and methodology. The placement of electrodes, ECG paper speed, and measurements of intervals and blocks are discussed in detail. The article emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to ECG interpretation, highlighting six main sections: determination of heart rhythm, calculation of heart rate, assessment of intervals and blocks, analysis of atrial depolarization patterns, assessment of ventricular depolarization complexes, and delving into the intricate characteristics of ST segments and exploration of the electrocardiographic T-wave manifestations. Specific criteria for identifying abnormalities in each section are provided, along with their associated etiologies and clinical implications. Furthermore, the limitations of ECG as a diagnostic tool are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for clinical correlation and consideration of additional tests. The abstract encapsulates the breadth and depth of the review, conveying the relevance and the profound significance of ECG interpretation in the realm of clinical practice and scientific inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: In locally advanced rectal cancer, the optimal interval between completion of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RT-ChT) and surgical resection remains unclear due to contradictory data on the benefits of extending this interval. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to determine the impact of this interval on outcomes in patients treated for rectal cancer at our center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 382 consecutive patients treated for stage II/III rectal cancer between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017. We evaluated four different cut-off points (56, 63, 70, and 77 days) to determine which had the greatest impact on treatment outcomes. Results: The median time between completion of RT-ChT and surgery was 67.2 days (range, 28–294). Intervals > 8 weeks (56 days) were associated with worse therapeutic outcomes. Specifically, an interval ≥ 77 days was associated with a significant decrease in overall survival (OS; 84% vs. 70%; p = 0.004), which is why we selected this interval for the comparative analysis. Several outcome variables were significantly better in the short interval (< 77 days) group, including margin involvement (5.2% vs. 13.9%; p = 0.01), sphincter preservation (78% vs. 59.3%; p = 0.003), and distant dissemination (22.6% vs. 32.5%; p = 0.04). No significant between-group differences were found in complete/nearly complete response rates (19.2% vs. 24.4%; p = 0.3). Time to surgery was statistically significant on both the univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that surgery should not be delayed more than 8 weeks (56 days) after neoadjuvant treatment. An interval > 8 weeks should only be considered in patients who demonstrate a good response to neoadjuvant RT-ChT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the ideal interval between repeated extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for renal stones. Patient and Methods: Eligible patients with a single renal stone ≤20 mm who required SWL were randomly assigned to one of three groups based on intervals between first and second sessions. Patients underwent the second session after 3, 7, and 14 days in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Tubular functions were assessed through comparisons of urinary execration of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) with pre-SWL values, whereas glomerular function was assessed by comparisons of protein/creatinine ratio with pre-SWL and changes in ipsilateral renal function on isotope scans. Treatment success was assessed by noncontrast CT after 3 months. Results: All demographics of the 166 patients included in the study were comparable between the three groups. There were significant elevations of tubular biomarkers and protein/creatinine ratio after first and second SWL sessions compared with pre-SWL values (p < 0.0001). All tubular biomarkers returned to pre-SWL values at 7 and 14 days after second session, whereas they remained significantly elevated 3 days after second session (p = 0.027, < 0.001 and <0.001 for KIM-1, NGAL, and IL-18, respectively). SWL success was 73.6% in Group 1, 83.7% in Group 2, and 81% in Group 3. A significant decrease in ipsilateral renal split function was observed in Group 1 at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: An interval of 7 days is required between SWL sessions when treating renal stones to allow for complete recovery of kidney functions. Clinical Trial Registration: ID: NCT04575480. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncovascular surgery (the removal of major blood vessels infiltrated by cancer) is challenging but can be key to achieve complete cytoreduction in patient with advanced ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to review the literature on oncovascular surgery in ovarian cancer and to report the details of all the cases performed at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the database of ovarian cancer patients who underwent debulking surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Verona University between January 2021 and 2023. Patients with at least one major vessel resection during cytoreduction were identified. We then systematically review the literature searching Pubmed and Embase from inception to January 2023 to report all cases of surgery for ovarian cancer with concomitant major vessel resection. Five patients with advanced/recurrent ovarian cancer underwent major vascular resection at our institution. Vascular involvement was preoperatively identified in all cases and no case of vascular resection was performed after accidental injury. The major vessels removed were the inferior vena cava (n = 2), the common iliac veins (n = 2), the external iliac arteries (n = 2), the left common iliac artery (n = 1), and the left external iliac vein (n = 1). All patients underwent other non-gynecological cytoreductive procedures prior to vessel removal and had R0 obtained. Three (60%) patients experienced one or more postoperative complications. The literature search identified a total of seven cases of major vessels resection in ovarian cancer surgery. A single or multiple major vessels were removed in two (28.6%) and five (72.4%) cases, respectively. All the seven patients underwent vascular reconstruction. Four (57.1%) patients reported postoperative complications. Overall, 66.7% of the 12 total identified patients were free from disease at the last follow-up [median 15.5 months (range 5–25)]. Oncovascular surgery is feasible in selected patients with ovarian cancer, provided that a multidisciplinary approach with customized care is available. • Oncovascular surgery is the removal of major blood vessels infiltrated by cancer. • It can be key to achieve complete cytoreduction in advanced ovarian cancer. • It seems to be feasible when performed by a multidisciplinary team of experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute cholecystitis (AC) is one of the most prevalent diseases in clinical practice. Poor surgical candidates may benefit from early percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) drainage followed by interval cholecystectomy (IC), which is the definitive treatment. The optimal timing between the PC drainage and the IC has not been identified. This study aimed to investigate how the duration between PC and IC affects perioperative outcomes and identify the optimal IC timing to minimize complications. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all adult patients diagnosed with AC who underwent PC followed by IC at a single institution center between 2014 and 2022. Patients with a history of hepatobiliary surgery, stones in the common bile duct, cirrhosis, active malignancy, or prolonged immunosuppression were excluded. The analysis did not include cases with major concurrent procedures during cholecystectomy, previously aborted cholecystectomies, or failure of the PC drain to control the inflammation. Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the impact of the interval between PC and IC on intra- and perioperative outcomes. Results: One hundred thirty-two patients (62.1% male) with a mean age of 64.4 ± 15 (mean ± SD) years were diagnosed with AC (25% mild, 47.7% moderate, 27.3% severe). All patients underwent PC followed by IC after a median of 64 [48–91] days. Longer ICU stay was associated with longer time intervals between PC and IC (Coef 105.98, p < 0.001). No significant variations were detected in the intraoperative and perioperative outcomes between patients undergoing IC within versus after 8 weeks from PC placement. However, a higher percentage of patients with delayed IC (after 8 weeks) were discharged home (96.4% vs. 83.7%; p = 0.019). Conclusions: Patients may benefit from undergoing IC after the 8-week cutoff after PC. However, very long periods between PC and IC procedures may increase the risk of longer ICU stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]