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Thoracic Spinal Anesthesia With Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Conscious Sedation for Medical Thoracoscopy: A Comparative Pilot Study
No full textBackground and objective
Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is associated with significant postoperative pain of varying intensity and duration, leading to significant morbidity. Our study compared the efficacy of thoracic spinal anesthesia (TSA) combined with erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with conscious sedation for MT using a patient-centered outcome measure.
Methods
This is a non-randomized prospective comparative pilot study wherein 36 patients undergoing MT were assigned alternately to receive TSA with ESPB or conscious sedation. Conscious sedation was administered with fentanyl and midazolam in graded doses with local instillation of lignocaine 2%. TSA was administered at the T6-T7 level with 25 mcg of fentanyl and 0.5% levobupivacaine (1.5 ml), followed by ESPB with 0.25% levobupivacaine (10 ml). The primary outcome was to compare the efficacy of ESPB with conscious sedation in terms of quality of recovery. The secondary outcome was to compare the time to administration of the first analgesic post procedure, total postoperative opioid consumption (mg) at 24 hours, and duration of the procedure. Intraoperative hemodynamic stability and block-related and post-procedure complications were also assessed.
Results
The total Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score was 112.83 ± 27.16 vs. 65.78 ± 22.13 (p = 0.0001), time to first analgesic was 11.69 ± 6.93 hours vs. 2.39 ± 1.69 hours (p = 0.0001), opioid consumption was 50 ± 10 vs. 75 ± 15 (p = 0.001), and the mean duration of the procedure was 64.72 vs. 93.89 minutes (p = 0.0001) in the ESPB group and the conscious sedation group, respectively. No block/anesthesia-related complications were reported in either group.
Conclusion
The combination of TSA with ESPB can be a novel, effective, and safe anesthetic technique for MT, offering better quality of recovery, improved postoperative analgesia, shorter procedure duration, and reduced perioperative morbidity
Technology Engagement Across the Life Course: Insights from Lived Experiences
No full textThis qualitative study introduces the concept of technology anchors—lasting influences from formative technology experiences—to explain long-term digital engagement among older adults. As digital disparities deepen, understanding why some older adults resist while others adapt to new technologies is increasingly critical. Using a narrative analysis of adults aged 60–70, the study identifies four distinct anchor profiles: Technophobes, Wearisome Adopters, Cautious Pragmatists, and Technologically Competent users. These profiles show how early interactions with technology leave enduring psychological imprints that shape present-day confidence, identity, and vulnerability to technostress. By foregrounding lived history, the findings demonstrate that digital engagement is not a static behavior but a dynamic trajectory shaped by accumulated life experiences. The paper offers initial theoretical and practical insights for fostering more inclusive digital futures
Cosmeceuticals in acne vulgaris: from mechanism of action to clinical application
No full textThe use of cosmeceuticals in acne vulgaris is becoming increasingly prevalent with many over-the-counter formulations becoming part of patients’ routine skincare. Cosmeceuticals are often used successfully as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the side effects of traditional prescriptions and improve compliance. This is a review to support the use of cosmeceuticals in acne, including retinol, retinaldehyde, benzoyl peroxide (BPO), azelaic acid, beta hydroxy acids, alpha hydroxy acids, niacinamide, zinc, tea tree oil and green tea. There is most evidence, in human clinical trials, to support the use of topical retinol, BPO and azelaic acid. Further research with large-scale robust human clinical trials are required to go beyond in vitro studies. Most research has focused on mild-to-moderate acne and few studies have looked at the use of cosmeceuticals in more severe acne. Overall, adjunctive treatment with cosmeceuticals might reduce the side effect profile of standard therapies such as dryness, itching, scaling and erythema, promoting treatment compliance and improving acne outcomes
Keeping it real… Using realist tales to understand Special Educational Needs and Disability in physical education.
No full textRealist tales are one of the most common forms of communicating qualitative research, but they are conspicuous by their absence in research on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) in Physical Education (PE). Characterised by four main tenets, traditional realist tales are written in such a manner to give an authoritative account of social reality that arguably misaligns with approaches to representing the lived PE experiences of young people with SEND. The chapter presents and critiques a realist tale written to shed light on the lived realities of D/deaf pupils in PE and concludes that modified realist tales have value in SEND in PE research
Binder injection additive manufacturing
No full textPurpose
This paper introduces binder injection, a novel hybrid process combining elements of material extrusion and binder jetting. The research paper aims to establish binder injection as a versatile, scalable and cost-effective method for producing geometrically complex parts using a diverse range of powdered materials, including low-cost and recycled options.
Design/methodology/approach
A modified delta 3D printer was adapted for binder injection additive manufacturing (AM). Experimental investigations were conducted to evaluate the effects of binder injection rates, nozzle-powder interactions and self-intersecting toolpaths. A wide range of binder-powder combinations was tested, and post-processing methods were applied to enhance part properties. Theoretical models predicting track geometry were developed and validated against experimental data.
Findings
Binder injection demonstrated high compatibility with varied materials, achieving build rates comparable to or exceeding other AM processes. The developed model accurately predicted track geometry under specific conditions. Post-processing methods significantly improved mechanical properties, with compressive strengths increasing by over 250% for certain materials. The process proved robust, enabling self-intersecting toolpaths without quality degradation.
Research limitations/implications
This study focused on adhesive and reactive binders, leaving scope to explore thermal, dissolving and displacing binders further. Future research should investigate multi-binder systems, smaller nozzle sizes for higher resolution and scalability through parallel printing.
Practical implications
Binder injection’s compatibility with low-cost and recycled powders suggests it potential as a sustainable method for producing large-scale parts, such as architectural elements and furniture. Post-processing methods further expand its applicability to high-strength applications.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel AM process with industrial potential. The versatility and material inclusivity of binder injection suggest it has promise as a novel direction in sustainable manufacturing research
Sinophone Comics: Histories, Identities, Medialities
No full textWhile comics published in twentieth-century China have enjoyed extensive coverage, this volume showcases recent works from other locations in Asia and beyond: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Italy and the US. Thus, its Sinophone framing de-centers the hegemony of China in Chinese studies, and that of Japanese manga in comics studies. Non-mangaesque productions take center stage, and a chapter on comics-related cultural exchange with Japan covers reception of Taiwanese comics.
Chapter contributors explore key themes in Sinophone studies: identity-construction and (national or medium-specific) history-writing through positive or negative connections with China as a cultural and political center, contingent on local colonial legacies, nationalist projects and other cultural factors.
At the same time, this volume underscores transnational connections, central to comics throughout this medium’s history, and recent global trends shaping media and cultural production: state support and soft power, the neoliberal emphasis on creativity and self-branding, the rise of digital platforms. Taiwan constitutes a productive site for studying such issues, hence its centrality to this project
Revised optical classification of a sample of gamma-ray emitting AGN with GTC and VLT
No full textWe report the results of the optical follow-up of a sample of -ray-emitting active galactic nuclei (AGN). New high-quality optical spectra were obtained using Gran Telescopio Canarias with Optical System for Imaging and low- Intermediate-Resolution Integrated Spectroscopy and the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope Unit Telescope 1 with the FOcal Reducer and low dispersion Spectrograph 2. From the analysis of these spectra, we confirmed the previous classification as narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) for four objects and discovered two new NLS1s, bringing the total number of optically confirmed -NLS1s to 26. We also identified two ambiguous cases between NLS1 and intermediate Seyfert (IS), three IS, one broad-line Seyfert 1, one Seyfert 2. Based on the new spectra, we calculated black hole masses ranging from to , and Eddington ratios spanning 0.05 to 2.07. This reclassification reinforces the scenario in which AGN with relatively small black hole masses are capable of launching powerful relativistic jets, contributing to our broader understanding of -ray-emitting AGN
The lower mass limit for circumbinary disc fragmentation
No full textIn recent years, many wide orbit circumbinary giant planets have been discovered; some of these may have formed by gravitational fragmentation of circumbinary discs. The aim of this work is to investigate the lower mass limit for circumbinary disc fragmentation. We use the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics code SEREN, which employs an approximate method for the radiative transfer, to perform 3 sets of simulations of gravitationally unstable discs. The first set of simulations covers circumstellar discs heated by a single 0.7 M⊙ star (circumstellar model), the second set covers binaries with the same total stellar mass as the circumstellar model, attended by circumbinary discs with the same temperature profile (circumbinary fiducial model), and the third set covers circumbinary discs heated by each individual star (circumbinary realistic model). We vary the binary separation, mass ratio and eccentricity to see their effect on disc fragmentation. For the circumstellar disc model, we find a lower disc-to-star mass ratio for fragmentation of ~ 0.31. For the circumbinary fiducial disc model we find the same disc-to-star mass ratio for fragmentation (but slightly lower for more eccentric, equal-mass binaries; 0.26). On the other hand, realistic circumbinary discs fragment at a lower mass limit (disc-to-star mass ratio of 0.17 - 0.26), depending on the binary properties. We conclude that circumbinary discs fragment at a lower disc mass (by ~45%) than circumstellar discs. Therefore, gas giant planet around binaries may be able to form by gravitational instability easier than around single stars
Effects of acute taurine supplementation on maximal strength, muscle power and maximal anaerobic performance: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
No full textPurpose
Taurine, a non-proteinogenic amino sulfonic acid, has been suggested to influence anaerobic performance through multiple mechanisms. This study examined whether an acute oral dose of taurine (50 mg/kg, ingested 60 m before exercise) enhances short-term anaerobic performance in healthy, recreationally active adults. Specifically, we assessed its effects on maximal isometric strength, muscle power, and peak anaerobic power.
Methods
The sample group consisted by 17 participants, both males and females, of whom 16 participants completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Performance outcomes were assessed using handgrip strength test, vertical jump test, and Wingate anaerobic test. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either taurine followed by placebo or placebo followed by taurine, in a crossover design. For the intervention trials, participants consumed 50 mg/kg of taurine diluted in 500 ml of a sugar-free lemonade drink or placebo which was a sugar-free lemonade drink with nothing added 60 min before the exercise protocols.
Results
No statistically significant differences were observed in maximal and average isometric grip strength (p = 0.80, p = 0.85), relative peak and average vertical power (p = 0.62, p = 0.18), peak power (p = 0.18), sustained anaerobic power (p = 0.34) or anaerobic capacity (p = 0.35) between the taurine and placebo conditions.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that acute taurine supplementation does not enhance anaerobic performance in young, physically active individuals. Further research is needed to investigate the potential effects of acute taurine supplementation and its interaction with exercise modalities and intensities
User Experience and Usability Evaluation of an Educational Mobile Application Developed for Fostering Ethics Literacy
No full textThe world is constantly challenged by complex crises – from Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, to economic uncertainty and severe environmental disasters. During
these critical times, individuals need to reflect on ethical values and demonstrate responsible decision making, integrity, and preparedness to mitigate the impact of future crises.
Education can play an instrumental role in these endeavours. This study presents the user experience and usability evaluation of PREPARED App – an educational mobile application developed to raise users’ awareness on the ethical dimensions of global challenges through real-life case studies. The captivating narratives, clear structure, ease-of-use, and multimedia content were reported as key strengths of the mobile app by both users (n=54) and experts (n=4). Suggestions were also captured for enriching the learning experience through enhanced customisation options, personalised feedback mechanisms, and accessibility features. A set of pedagogical guidelines are extracted to enable instructional designers, educators, and mobile application developers to create accessible and engaging mobile learning experiences