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Industrial Composition and Entrepreneurial Heritage in Medium-Sized Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Case of Albuquerque, New Mexico
No full textEvaluating the Usefulness of CT Data for Trauma Analysis and Sex Estimation
No full textAnthropological research constantly attempts to refine methods for the estimation of an individual's biological profile: their age-at-death, sex, stature and ancestry. Traditionally, protocols for the estimation of the biological profile have been developed based on identified osteological collections. However, many of these samples represent non-modern populations, which may curtail the validity of research outcomes, especially when the focus is forensic. A valid alternative to avoid this bias is the use of virtual osteological collections. They are usually based on tomographic data, surface scans or photogrammetric images and allow for easier data sharing, perpetual access and non-invasive analysis. However, the increasing use of imaging techniques in anthropological research raises some questions concerning their usefulness, calling for a test quantifying the errors associated with the use of these types of datasets. Here, we explore this topic starting from the following two research questions: a) Can forensic anthropologists without a radiological background detect skeletal lesions caused by sharp force trauma on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) data from an identified forensic dataset?; b) Are observations made on virtual models interchangeable with those collected on the actual skeletal element for the estimation of sex? To address the first question, two observers analyzed a retrospectively collected sample (n=41) on two-dimensional (2D) slices and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of PMCT data. We used the forensic autopsy and radiology reports containing information about the skeletal sharp force lesions as a baseline for the comparison with our observations. For the second question, we applied seven different metric and morphoscopic sex estimation methods to 200 pelves and 223 skulls of archaeological origin and comparedthe results with those based on the CT based virtual models of the same specimens. For comparative purposes, we included models obtained from surface scans of 39 pelves and 50 skulls selected from the same sample. Of the 71 skeletal sharp force lesions described in the forensic reports of the 41 sharp force
cases, we detected between 30 (42%) and 41 (58%), depending on the viewing modality, of which the 2D slices proved best for the purpose. The intra- and interobserver agreements are high (κ 0.474-1). For the estimation of sex, we found the highest intermodality agreement for the metric method on the pelvis (rTEM <5%). Morphoscopic traits were more prone to errors, especially on the skull (κ 0.479-0.594). Moreover, the two virtual modalities (CT and 3D surface scans) yielded a higher agreement (κ 0.756) than either of them compared to dry bone. The relatively low detection rate of sharp force bone lesion implies that pertinent training is crucial if PMCT data are used on a regular basis. At the same time, we found differences between the two forensic reports in the number of detected skeletal bone lesions similar to our observations. For the sex estimation study, we conclude that CT and 3D surface scans are highly interchangeable because of the visual-only observational approach on both modalities
Prevention and management of dental erosion and decay.
Get PDFThe 2017 Global Disease Study revealed 2.3 billion untreated cavities and 139 million other oral conditions like dental erosion. Modern treatments prioritise controlling etiological factors and preventing related diseases. This Editorial invites researchers to contribute to the collection, 'Prevention and management of dental erosion and decay'
Multimodal In-Vehicle Hypoglycemia Warning for Drivers With Type 1 Diabetes: Design and Evaluation in Simulated and Real-World Driving.
Get PDFBACKGROUND
Hypoglycemia threatens cognitive function and driving safety. Previous research investigated in-vehicle voice assistants as hypoglycemia warnings. However, they could startle drivers. To address this, we combine voice warnings with ambient LEDs.
OBJECTIVE
The study assesses the effect of in-vehicle multimodal warning on emotional reaction and technology acceptance among drivers with type 1 diabetes.
METHODS
Two studies were conducted, one in simulated driving and the other in real-world driving. A quasi-experimental design included 2 independent variables (blood glucose phase and warning modality) and 1 main dependent variable (emotional reaction). Blood glucose was manipulated via intravenous catheters, and warning modality was manipulated by combining a tablet voice warning app and LEDs. Emotional reaction was measured physiologically via skin conductance response and subjectively with the Affective Slider and tested with a mixed-effect linear model. Secondary outcomes included self-reported technology acceptance. Participants were recruited from Bern University Hospital, Switzerland.
RESULTS
The simulated and real-world driving studies involved 9 and 10 participants with type 1 diabetes, respectively. Both studies showed significant results in self-reported emotional reactions (P<.001). In simulated driving, neither warning modality nor blood glucose phase significantly affected self-reported arousal, but in real-world driving, both did (F2,68=4.3; P<.05 and F2,76=4.1; P=.03). Warning modality affected self-reported valence in simulated driving (F2,68=3.9; P<.05), while blood glucose phase affected it in real-world driving (F2,76=9.3; P<.001). Skin conductance response did not yield significant results neither in the simulated driving study (modality: F2,68=2.46; P=.09, blood glucose phase: F2,68=0.3; P=.74), nor in the real-world driving study (modality: F2,76=0.8; P=.47, blood glucose phase: F2,76=0.7; P=.5). In both simulated and real-world driving studies, the voice+LED warning modality was the most effective (simulated: mean 3.38, SD 1.06 and real-world: mean 3.5, SD 0.71) and urgent (simulated: mean 3.12, SD 0.64 and real-world: mean 3.6, SD 0.52). Annoyance varied across settings. The standard warning modality was the least effective (simulated: mean 2.25, SD 1.16 and real-world: mean 3.3, SD 1.06) and urgent (simulated: mean 1.88, SD 1.55 and real-world: mean 2.6, SD 1.26) and the most annoying (simulated: mean 2.25, SD 1.16 and real-world: mean 1.7, SD 0.95). In terms of preference, the voice warning modality outperformed the standard warning modality. In simulated driving, the voice+LED warning modality (mean rank 1.5, SD rank 0.82) was preferred over the voice (mean rank 2.2, SD rank 0.6) and standard (mean rank 2.4, SD rank 0.81) warning modalities, while in real-world driving, the voice+LED and voice warning modalities were equally preferred (mean rank 1.8, SD rank 0.79) to the standard warning modality (mean rank 2.4, SD rank 0.84).
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the mixed results, this paper highlights the potential of implementing voice assistant-based health warnings in cars and advocates for multimodal alerts to enhance hypoglycemia management while driving.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05183191; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05183191, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05308095; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05308095
Single suture-mediated closure system after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A single-center real-world experience.
No full textBACKGROUND
Despite the use of two crossed Perclose ProGlide™ (Abbott Vascular Devices) is the most widespread technique to close the main arterial access in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI), the safest and most effective strategy still remains much debated.
AIMS
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a single Perclose ProGlide suture-mediated closure device to obtain femoral hemostasis after sheathless implantation of self-expanding transcatheter heart valves through their 14 F-equivalent fix delivery systems.
METHODS
This prospective observational study included 439 patients undergoing TF-TAVI at the "Montevergine" Clinic of Mercogliano, Italy. All patients underwent hemostasis of the large-bore access using a single Perclose ProGlide with preclose technique, after sheathless implantation of self-expanding transcatheter heart valves through 14 F-equivalent fix delivery systems. A multidetector computed tomography analysis of size, tortuosity, atherosclerotic, and calcification burdens of the ilio-femoral access route was made by a dedicated corelab. Vascular complications (VCs), percutaneous closure device (PCD) failure, and bleedings were adjudicated by a clinical events committee.
RESULTS
A total of 81 different VCs were observed in 60 patients (13.7%); among these, 41 (5% of patients) were categorized as major. PCD failure occurred in 14 patients (3.2%). At the logistic regression analysis, no predictors of PCD failure have been identified.
CONCLUSION
This registry suggests that the use of a single suture-mediated closure device could be considered a safe and efficient technique to achieve access site hemostasis in patients undergoing TF-TAVI through 14 F-equivalent fix delivery systems
Indagine sul personale penitenziario: analisi dei temi principali
Get PDFDas Wichtigste in Kürze
• Die Befragung 2023 fand in den Monaten Oktober und November statt. Eine grosse Mehrheit der Einrichtungen des Justizvollzugs der Schweiz haben sich daran beteiligt. Im Rahmen der Befragung wurde der Fragebogen an 4799 Angestellte verteilt. Von diesen haben 2306 an der Befragung teil-genommen. Der Rücklauf liegt bei 48.0%.
• Die Einschätzung der Arbeitszufriedenheit und des Gesundheitszustands bewegt sich im nationalen Durchschnitt auf hohem Niveau. Die Werte haben seit der ersten Befragung 2012 aber stetig leicht abgenommen.
• Die Zusammenarbeit mit den Vorgesetzen und die Beziehung zu den Insass*innen wird von den Mit-arbeitenden in allen Befragungswellen als positiv bewertet.L'essentiel en quelques mots
• L'enquête de 2023 a eu lieu pendant les mois d'octobre et de novembre. Une grande majorité des établissements pénitentiaires de Suisse y ont participé. Dans le cadre de l'enquête, le questionnaire a été distribué à 4799 employé·e·s. Sur ce nombre, 2306 ont participé à l'enquête. Le taux de ré-ponse est de 48,0%.
• L’évaluation de la satisfaction au travail et de l'état de santé se situe en moyenne nationale à un ni-veau élevé. Les valeurs ont toutefois légèrement baissé depuis la première enquête en 2012.
• La collaboration avec les supérieur·e·s hiérarchiques et les relations avec les détenu·e·s sont consi-dérées positives par les collaborateur·trice·s dans toutes les vagues d'enquête.I fatti essenziali:
• L'indagine 2023 si è svolta nei mesi di ottobre e novembre. Hanno partecipato la maggior parte degli istituti penitenziari svizzeri. Il questionario è stato distribuito a 4799 dipendenti. Di questi, 2306 hanno partecipato all'indagine. Il tasso di risposta è del 48,0%.
• La valutazione della media nazionale della soddisfazione sul lavoro e dello stato di salute è a un livello alto. Tuttavia, i valori sono in costante e leggero declino rispetto alla prima indagine nel 2012.
• La collaborazione con i superiori e la relazione con i detenuti sono stati valutate positivamente dai dipendenti in tutte le ondate dell’indagine
Successful Removal of 17 Tattoos Self-Administered Using Black Eyeliner Ink with Quality-Switched Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet 1,064-nm Laser: A Case Report.
Get PDFINTRODUCTION
Tattooing has a rich historical presence in various human civilizations, with the earliest physical evidence dating back to around 3258 BC. While acceptance of tattoos is increasing in the Western world, negative associations remain. Short-pulsed lasers, such as Q-Switched (QS) or picosecond lasers, are the gold standard for tattoo removal.
CASE PRESENTATION
This case report discusses the successful removal of 17 amateur tattoos, which were self-administered by a 19-year-old female patient using black eyeliner ink and sewing needles. The tattoos, distributed across her body, including the face and hands, were partially or completely removed over 10 sessions using the QS Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet 1,064-nm laser.
CONCLUSION
The factors that influence the efficacy of tattoo removal are highlighted, including tattoo type, location, and coexisting fibrosis. The psychological and social importance of effective tattoo removal is emphasized, particularly for young people seeking to disassociate from past experiences or affiliations
Ultrasound intima-media thickness cut-off values for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis using a dual clinical and MRI reference standard and cardiovascular risk stratification.
Get PDFOBJECTIVES
To derive segmental cut-off values and measures of diagnostic accuracy for the intima-media thickness of compressed temporal artery segments for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) on the patient level. To examine the influence of cardiovascular risk.
METHODS
Retrospectively, patients evaluated for GCA with an ultrasound of the temporal arteries and an MRI of the head, including a T1-fatsat-black blood (T1-BB) sequence, were identified and classified based on cardiovascular risk and a dual reference standard of T1-BB on the segmental level and the clinical diagnosis on the patient level. Intima-media thickness of the common superficial temporal artery (CSTA), frontal and parietal branches (FB, PB) were measured by compression technique. Statistically and clinically optimal (specificity of approx. 90% for the patient level) cut-offs were derived. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated on the patient level.
RESULTS
The population consisted of 144 patients, 74 (51.4%) with and 70 (48.6%) without GCA. The statistically optimal cut-offs were 0.86 mm, 0.68 mm and 0.67 mm for the CSTA, the FB and PB, respectively. On the patient level sensitivity and specificity were 86.5 and 81.4%. Clinically optimal cut-offs were 1.01 mm, 0.82 mm and 0.69 mm and showed a sensitivity of 79.7% and a specificity of 90.0%. For patients without high cardiovascular risk, statistically optimal cut-offs showed a sensitivity of 89.6% and a specificity of 90.5%.
CONCLUSION
Newly derived ultrasound intima-media thickness cut-offs with a dual reference standard show high diagnostic accuracy on the patient level for the diagnosis of GCA, particularly in patients without high cardiovascular risk
High-Performance, Easy-to-Fabricate, Nanocomposite Heater for Life Sciences and Biomedical Applications.
Get PDFMicroheaters are used in several applications, including medical diagnostics, synthesis, environmental monitoring, and actuation. Conventional microheaters rely on thin-film electrodes microfabricated in a clean-room environment. However, low-cost alternatives based on conductive paste electrodes fabricated using printing techniques have started to emerge over the years. Here, we report a surprising effect that leads to significant electrode performance improvement as confirmed by the thorough characterization of bulk, processed, and conditioned samples. Mixing silver ink and PVA results in the solubilization of performance-hindering organic compounds. These compounds evaporate during heating cycles. The new electrodes, which reach a temperature of 80 °C within 5 min using a current of 7.0 A, display an overall 42% and 35% improvement in the mechanical (hardness) and electrical (resistivity) properties compared to pristine silver ink electrodes. To validate our results, we use the composite heater to amplify and detect parasite DNA from Trypanosoma brucei, associated with African sleeping sickness. Our LAMP test compares well with commercially available systems, confirming the excellent performance of our nanocomposite heaters. Since their fabrication relies on well-established techniques, we anticipate they will find use in a range of applications
Age and Stroke Severity Matter Most for Clinical Outcome in Acute Arteriosclerotic Tandem Lesions.
Get PDFBackground: Tandem lesions (TLs) cause up to 15-30% of all acute ischemic strokes (AISs). Endovascular treatment (EVT) is regarded as the first-line treatment; however, uncertainties remain with respect to the treatment and predictive outcome parameters. Here, we aimed to identify the clinical and demographic factors associated with functional short- and long-term outcomes in AIS patients with arteriosclerotic TLs undergoing EVT. Methods: This was a retrospective, mono-centric cohort study of 116 consecutive AIS patients with arteriosclerotic TLs who were endovascularly treated at a stroke center, with analysis of the relevant demographic, procedural, and imaging data. Results: A total of 116 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 72 years (IQR 63-80), 31% of whom were female (n = 36). The median NIHSS on admission was 14 (IQR 7-19), with a median ASPECT score of 9 (IQR 8-10) and median NASCET score of 99% (IQR 88-100%). A total of 52% of the patients received intravenous thrombolysis. In 77% (n = 89) of the patients, an antegrade EVT approach was used, with a good recanalization (mTICI2b3) achieved in 83% of patients (n = 96). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 12.7% (n = 15) of patients. A favorable outcome (mRS0-2) and mortality at 3 months were obtained for 40% (n = 47) and 28% of patients (n = 32), respectively. Age and NIHSS on admission were strongly associated with outcome parameters. Diabetes mellitus and previous neurological disorders were independently associated with long-term mortality (median 11 months, IQR 0-42). Conclusions: Younger age, lower stroke severity, and good recanalization were found to be independently associated with a favorable outcome. In contrast, older age, higher stroke severity, previous neurological disorders, and diabetes were correlated with mortality. The endovascular treatment of acute arteriosclerotic tandem lesions is feasible and relatively safe
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