Optical Measurement of Ligament Strain: Opportunities and Limitations for Intraoperative Application.

A feasible and precise method to measure ligament strain during surgical interventions could significantly enhance the quality of ligament reconstructions. However, all existing scientific approaches to measure in vivo ligament strain possess at least one significant disadvantage, such as the impairment of the anatomical structure. Seeking a more advantageous method, this paper proposes defining medical and technical requirements for a non-destructive, optical measurement technique.

Lipid profile with eslicarbazepine acetate and carbamazepine monotherapy in adult patients with newly diagnosed focal seizures: analysis of a phase III trial and open-label extension study.

Background: Antiseizure medications can have negative effects on plasma lipid levels.

Objectives: To evaluate plasma lipid changes in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy treated with eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) or controlled-release carbamazepine (CBZ-CR) monotherapy during a phase III, randomized, double-blind (DB) trial and 2 years of ESL treatment in an open-label extension (OLE).

Design: analysis of a phase III trial and OLE study.

Distinct smell and taste disorder phenotype of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae.

Purpose: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) commonly accompanies coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We investigated the kinetics of OD resolution following SARS-CoV-2 infection (wild-type and alpha variant) and its impact on quality of life, physical and mental health.

Methods: OD prevalence was assessed in an ambulatory COVID-19 survey (n = 906, ≥ 90 days follow-up) and an observational cohort of ambulatory and hospitalized individuals (n = 108, 360 days follow-up).

Computer-Assisted Visual Training in Children and Adolescents with Developmental Visual Disorders.

Background: In this systematic review, we address the question whether children and adolescents with developmental visual disorders benefit from computer-assisted visual training.

Methods: Systematic literature searches were carried out in three bibliographic databases (initial search in October 2021) and trial registries. Included were randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of computer-assisted visual training in children and adolescents with developmental visual disorders in comparison to no training, sham training, or conservative treatment.

Disparities in US Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment.

Background: Disparities within clinical trial enrollment are well-documented, reducing the generalizability of results. Although nearly 30 years have passed since Congress passed the NIH Revitalization Act to encourage the participation of minoritized populations in clinical trials, these patients continue to be underrepresented. This study aimed to investigate lung cancer clinical trial enrollment disparities for race/ethnicity, sex, and age.

Long-term effects of combination treatment comprising low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy and tadalafil for patients with erectile dysfunction: a retrospective study.

This study retrospectively examined the effects of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy and tadalafil on erectile dysfunction patients. 116 patients got low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy twice weekly for 3 weeks, 5 mg of tadalafil daily for 3 weeks, and adjuvant therapy for 6 months. Group A (1 year), Group B (2 years), Group C (3 years), and Group D (4+ years) were treated patients' follow-up groups.

Digital Job Demands and Resources: Digitization in the Context of the Job Demands-Resources Model.

This study comprehensively investigates the effects of digitization in the workplace, with a specific focus on white-collar employees, using the job demands-resources (JD-R) model as a theoretical framework. By examining the intricate interplay between digital job demands and digital job resources, the research offers valuable insights to help organizations navigate the complexities caused by technological advancements. Utilizing a qualitative triangulation approach, the research combines a systematic literature review with a thematic analysis of 15 interdisciplinary expert interviews.

A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial of nasturtium () on the lipid regulator prostaglandin E.

Scope: As prostaglandin E2 (PGE) has important roles in physiological and inflammatory functions, a double-blind randomized controlled crossover study to investigate the potential of nasturtium () for modulating PGE was conducted, aiming at clarifying the role of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). As secondary parameters leukotriene 4 (LTB), and cytokine release (tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α; interleukins IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12) were quantified.

Methods And Results: Thirty-four healthy female participants consumed 1.

Temperature dependent magnetorelaxometry of magnetic nanoparticle ensembles.

Magnetorelaxometry imaging (MRXI) is a non-invasive, quantitative imaging technique for magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The image resolution of this technique significantly depends on the relaxation amplitude (Δ). For this work, we measured the room temperature (299 K) relaxation signals of eight commercial MNP sample systems with different magnetic properties, in both fluid and immobilized states, in order to select the most suitable sample for a particular MRXI setting.

Doping in Paralympic sport: perceptions, responsibility and anti-doping education experiences from the perspective of Paralympic athletes and parasport coaches.

Introduction: Limited effort has been invested in understanding doping in Paralympic sport. The limited evidence that exists suggests that factors influencing doping in parasport are similar to Olympic sport. However, based on the design and nature of the previous studies, where methods have been mostly limited to qualitative data and prevalence numbers, further research is warranted to extend previous findings.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using Pedicled Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Yields Similar Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes but Less Donor-Site Morbidity Compared With Gracilis Tendon Autograft.

Purpose: To compare clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using either a gracilis tendon (GT) or quadriceps tendon autograft (QT).

Methods: All MPFL reconstruction performed between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Only patients with isolated MPFL reconstruction, without any major patellofemoral risk factors and a minimum follow-up of 24 months, were included in the study.

The platelet transcriptome and proteome in Alzheimer's disease and aging: an exploratory cross-sectional study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging are associated with platelet hyperactivity. However, the mechanisms underlying abnormal platelet function in AD and aging are yet poorly understood. To explore the molecular profile of AD and aged platelets, we investigated platelet activation (i.

Whole-body low-dose CT can be of value in prostate cancer decision-making: a retrospective study on 601 patients.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic value of whole-body low-dose computed tomography (CT) to detect bone metastasis in prostate cancer (PCa) patients and its possible utility in therapeutic decision-making. Also, to determine the valuable CT features for lesion characterisation.

Methods: This IRB-approved retrospective study reviewed PCa patients who underwent Ga-PSMA PET/CT in our centre from March 2017 to August 2022.

Ulexite/HDPE-BiO/HDPE layered composites for neutron and gamma radiation shielding.

In this study, 5, 10, and 15 wt% ulexite (NaCaBO(ΟH)·5HO, hydrated sodium calcium borate hydroxide) and 15 wt %BiO filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composite materials were fabricated through conventional melt-extrusion processing techniques in the form of a layered structure in order to absorb both neutron radiations and the secondary radiations resulting from neutron induced reactions. In the layered structure, HDPE was used to slow down neutrons, while ulexite and BiO were used to capture thermal neutrons and secondary gamma radiations, respectively. The properties of ulexite/HDPE and BiO/HDPE composites were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Stool DNA testing for early detection of colorectal cancer: systematic review using the HTA Core Model for Rapid Relative Effectiveness Assessment.

Background: Stool DNA testing for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a non-invasive technology with the potential to supplement established CRC screening tests. The aim of this health technology assessment was to evaluate effectiveness and safety of currently CE-marked stool DNA tests, compared to other CRC tests in CRC screening strategies in an asymptomatic screening population.

Methods: The assessment was carried out following the guidelines of the European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA).

Immunohistochemical markers for equine granulosa cell tumors: a pilot study.

Sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs), generally referred to as granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) or granulosa-theca cell tumors (GTCTs) in equids, show complex compositions and variable numbers of hormone-producing cells. These tumors can be difficult to diagnose, especially in early stages. Therefore, we tested a panel of antibodies for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, laminin, Ki-67, E-cadherin, calretinin, moesin, p-ezrin, AMH, and aromatase, markers used for tumor composition and classification, progression, and prognosis in human SCSTs, on an exemplary grapefruit-size equine GCT within the left ovary of a 13-year-old mare with stallion-like behavior and elevated testosterone levels in comparison with normal ovarian tissue.

National Core and Advanced Cardiac Imaging Curricula: A Framework From the Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology Education Committee.

Rationale: Well-defined curriculum with goals and objectives is an inherent part of every radiology residency program.

Materials And Methods: Following a needs assessment, the Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology education committee developed a cardiac imaging curriculum using a mixed method collaborative approach.

Results: The Cardiovascular Imaging Curricula consist each of two separate yet complimentary granular parts: a Core Curriculum, aimed at residents in-training, with the main goal of building a strong foundational knowledge and an Advanced Curriculum, designed to build upon the core knowledge and guide a more in-depth fellowship subspecialty training.

Human-sized quantitative imaging of magnetic nanoparticles with nonlinear magnetorelaxometry.

Magnetorelaxomety imaging (MRXI) is a noninvasive imaging technique for quantitative detection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the MNP distribution inside the body is a prerequisite for a number of arising biomedical applications, such as magnetic drug targeting and magnetic hyperthermia therapy. It was shown throughout numerous studies that MRXI is able to successfully localize and quantify MNP ensembles in volumes up to the size of a human head.

Recent advances in developing degraders & inhibitors of lysine methyltransferases.

Over the last several decades, there has been continued interest in developing novel therapeutic approaches targeting protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs). Along with PKMT inhibitors, targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a promising strategy to attenuate aberrant PKMT activity. Particularly, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) effectively eliminate PKMTs of interest, suppressing all enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions.

Inverse Association between Educational Status and Coronary CT Calcium Scores: Should We Reflect This in Our ASCVD Risk Assumptions?

Education is not a factor included in most cardiovascular risk models, including SCORE2. However, higher education has been associated with lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Using CACS as a proxy for ASCVD, we studied the association between CACS and educational status.

Decision-analytic evaluation of the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of strategies to prevent breast and ovarian cancer in German women with BRCA-1/2 mutations.

Background: Women with inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have increased lifetime risks for developing breast and/or ovarian cancer and may develop these cancers around the age of 30 years. Therefore, prevention of breast and ovarian cancer in these women may need to start relatively early in life. In this study we systematically evaluate the long-term effectiveness and cost effectiveness of different prevention strategies for breast and ovarian cancer in women with BRCA-1/2 mutation in Germany.

How does the vaccine approval procedure affect COVID-19 vaccination intentions?

People's willingness to vaccinate is critical to combating the COVID-19 pandemic. We devise a representative experiment to study how the design of the vaccine approval procedure affects trust in newly developed vaccines and consequently public attitudes towards vaccination. Compared to an , choosing the more thorough approval procedure increases vaccination intentions by 13 percentage points.