63 research outputs found
Virulence spectra and geographical distribution of Mal Secco disease of citrus caused by Phoma tracheiphila in the Mediterranean countries: Tunisia and Italy
No full textThis work aimed to find out patterns of virulence
variability of a Phoma tracheiphila population of
51 isolates, to determine geographic distribution of Mal
Secco disease in citrus orchards of six Mediterranean
countries and also to establish correlation between geographic
distribution and pathotypic distance of P. tr
population structure over our sampling spatial scale.
Based on unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic
averaging clustering and mean disease rating scores,
three distinct virulence groups were identified. The 51
isolates were classified into 20 pathotypes. Extensive
virulence variability was detected in 51 isolates of P. tr
causing MSD of citrus in the Mediterranean basin.
Regression plot between pairwise virulence and geographical
distance showed that virulence is independent
of the geographical origin and that isolates collected
from the same country have different degrees of virulence.
The lack of significant correlation between virulence
and geographic structure confirmed the absence of
isolation-by-distance pattern, suggesting non-regular and non-gradual dispersal of the pathogen over this
spatial scale
Sulodexide for Diabetic-Induced Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textIntroduction Micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes are leading morbidities in the world population. They are responsible not only for increased mortality but also severe disabilities, which jeopardize quality of life (e.g., blindness, walking limitations, and renal failure requiring dialysis). The new antidiabetic agents (e.g., glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors) are increasingly recognized as breakthrough agents in the treatment of diabetes and prevention of diabetic complications. However, drugs effective in preventing and treating diabetic disabilities are still needed and sulodexide could be one of those able to address the unmet clinical needs of the new antidiabetic agents. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal. We also manually searched potentially relevant journals, conference proceedings, and journal supplements. Any study monitoring any effect of sulodexide in subjects with diabetes, in relation to renal, vascular, and ocular complication, was considered. Treatment effects were estimated using standardized mean differences (SMDs), mean differences (MDs), and risk ratios (RRs), as appropriate. We calculated 95% confidence interval (CIs) and heterogeneity (Q, tau, and I-2). Results The search found 45 studies with 2817 participants (mean age 57 years; 63% male). The 26 randomized controlled studies included 2074 participants (mean age 58.8 years; 66% male). Sulodexide reduced the impact of diabetic retinopathy; increased the pain-free and maximal walking distance in peripheral arterial disease; accelerated the healing of diabetes-associated trophic ulcers; and decreased the rate of albumin excretion in subjects with nephropathy. The risk of adverse events (AEs) was not different between sulodexide and controls. Conclusion Sulodexide has a beneficial effect on the ocular, peripheral arterial disease, trophic ulcers, and renal complications of diabetes without increasing the risk of AEs
Current and emerging treatment options for myopic choroidal neovascularization
No full textLeila El Matri, Ahmed Chebil, Fedra Kort Department B of Ophthalmology, Hedi Rais Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia Abstract: Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the main cause of visual impairment in highly myopic patients younger than 50 years of age. There are different treatments for myopic CNV (mCNV), with 5- to 10-year outcomes currently. Chorioretinal atrophy is still the most important determinant factor for visual outcome. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the current treatments for mCNV, including laser, surgical management, verteporfin photodynamic therapy, and mainly anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Emerging treatment options are also discussed. Keywords: myopia, choroidal neovascularization, current treatment, emerging treatmen
Proof of concept of flexible supercapacitors fabricated with carbon gels and MnO2 printed on carbon cloth
No full textUp to now, the scientific community has achieved a significant progress in designing innovative, flexible and conductive materials, paving the way for the advancement of cutting-edge electronic devices dedicated for smart wearable applications. Herein, the introduction of carbon cloth (CC)-based platform for energy storage devices was adopted for nanomaterial coating and improved multilayer adhesion. Using carbon xerogel (CX) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) printed on CC, an asymmetric supercapacitor was developed, achieving a high specific capacitance of 213 F g−1, energy density of 24 Wh·kg−1, at a power density of 180 W kg−1, and low self-discharge rate with a voltage retention of 72 % after 22 h. This work paves the way for the adoption of carbon cloth thanks to its outstanding features as a promising and flexible platform to drive the development of next-generation smart and wearable electronic devices dedicated for healthcare and environmental monitoring applications.This research was funded by ERA.NET Network (www.m-era.net/) through INNENERMAT project, and from grants PID2020-113001RB-I00 and PCI2020-112039 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. The author Achref Chebil thanks the European Union – Next Generation EU from the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security POR H2 AdP MMES/ENEA with involvement of CNR and RSE, PNRR - Mission 2, Component 2, Investment 3.5 "Ricerca e sviluppo sull'idrogeno", CUP: B93C22000630006.Peer reviewe
Att skapa trygga och tillgängliga boendemiljöer : Hur man med relativt små medel och insatser kan förbättra tillgängligheten i befintliga fastigheter
No full textDet befintliga bostadsbeståndet i Sverige står inför stora utmaningar och restaurering är ett faktum då vi inte bygger bostäder i samma takt som vår befolkning ökar. Rapporten syftar till att möjliggöra för äldre och funktionshindrade att bo kvar längre i sina hem men även underlätta och förebygga för personer som idag inte har några rörelsehinder att enkelt förflytta sig i och kring den egna bostaden. Rapporten påvisar vilken förbättringspotential ur ett tillgänglighetsperspektiv som finns för en flerfamiljsfastighet från 1987 som ägs och förvaltas av HSB hyresfastigheter samt hur de skall arbeta för att skapa trygga och tillgängliga boendemiljöer i sitt bostadsbestånd så att de uppfyller kraven för högsta nivå i inventeringsverktyget TIBB. Arbetet är avgränsat till att utreda förbättringspotential och komma med konkreta åtgärdsförslag för en fastighet Mimer 10, Hörnellgatan 18 som HSB i Skellefteå äger, och undersöka entréer, gemensamhetsutrymmen och lägenheternas planlösningar. Rapporten baseras på en mix av kvalitativa och kvantitativa undersökningsmetoder vilka kompletterar varandra väl för aktuell studie. Två stycken fallstudier har utförts varav en replikation och diskussioner med sakkunnig har förekommit vid framtagande av åtgärdsförslag för att säkerställa validiteten. Författaren kom fram till en rad förbättringsåtgärder som kan implementeras i fastigheten vilket resulterade i en åtgärd- och prioriteringslista. Framför allt så handlade det om nivåutjämnande åtgärder samt att införa dörrautomatik till gemensamma utrymmen. I samråd med uppdragsgivaren HSB så framtogs ett förslag på att omvandla befintligt cykelförråd till ett permobil-, rullstol- och rollatorförråd och illustrationer för detta har upprättats i arkitektprogrammet ArchiCAD. I den undersökta fastigheten så är medelåldern för de boende hög och många skulle gynnas av en mer tillgänglig boendemiljö. För att vara en attraktiv hyresvärd så gäller det att lyssna på hyresgästernas behov och att ständigt sträva efter att höja kvalitén på fastigheterna. Utförs åtgärderna enligt framtagna förslag så kommer fastigheten Mimer 10 att uppfylla högsta tillgänglighetsnivå enligt inventeringsverktyget TIBB. The existing housing stock in Sweden is standing in front of a big challenge and restoration is a must when we are not building in the same rate that our population increases. This report is aiming to enable older people and those with disability to live longer in their homes and also to facilitate those that do not have a disability to easier move in and about their own homes. This report highlights improvements from an availability perspective for a multi-family property from 1987 that is owned and administrated by HSB rental property and shows how they shall work to make a safe and available housing environment in their housing stock, so that they can fulfill the claims of highest rank in the inventory tool TIBB. The report is defined to investigate potential improvement and propose measures for a building Mimer 10, Hörnellgatan 18 that is owned by HSB in Skellefteå and also to investigate entry’s, common areas and the apartments floorplan. The report is based on a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods which complements each other well for this study. Two case studies have been implemented and discussion with expert in availability have occurred to establishment a proposal to ensure the validity. The author concluded a line of improvements that can be implemented in the property which resulted in a measure- and priority list. Above all it was about level balancing measures and to introduce automatic doors to common areas. In consolation with the employer HSB there was a proposal develop to convert the existing bicycles storehouse to an electric wheelchair and walker storehouse, illustrations for this have been created in the architect program ArchiCAD. In the investigated property the average age for the tenants is high and many would benefit from a more accessible living environment. To be an attractive landlord it is important to listen to the tenants´ needs and continually strive to raise the quality of the property. If the arrangements are carried out and developed like the proposal suggests, the property Mimer 10 will fulfil the highest level of availability according to the inventory tool TIBB.
Research protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of music on anxiety and physiological outcomes in patients undergoing bronchoscopy
No full textCyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Bladder Cancer and Patient Prognosis: Results from a Large Clinical Cohort and Meta-Analysis
No full text27/02/14 meb. Open access paper, OK to pu
Research protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of music on anxiety and physiological outcomes in patients undergoing bronchoscopy.
No full textIntroductionBronchoscopy is a routine clinical examination that can cause discomfort and anxiety in patients. This paper presents a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to assess the effect of music on anxiety and physiological outcomes in patients undergoing bronchoscopy.MethodsThe protocol adhere to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines and has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024567398). Our documentary research strategy will involve four databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. In addition, manual searches will be conducted through related articles and references. We will include randomized controlled trials that evaluate the effect of music on patients undergoing bronchoscopy. The primary outcome will be the anxiety level and the secondary outcome will include physiological outcomes. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be carried out independently by two reviewers. Any discrepancies will be resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. The quality and the risk of bias in the studies will be evaluated using The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. The results of this systematic review will be synthesized to provide an overview on the effectiveness of music on anxiety and physiological parameters in patients during bronchoscopy. If the results are considered acceptable and sufficiently homogeneous, a meta-analysis will be performed to synthesize the findings.ConclusionThe systematic review produced from this protocol will provide evidence on the effectiveness of music for patients undergoing bronchoscopy and will contribute to strengthening the existing body of knowledge on non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety management during medical procedures
Reliability of electrode materials for supercapacitors and batteries in energy storage applications: a review
No full textSupercapacitors and batteries are among the most promising electrochemical energy storage technologies available today. Indeed, high demands in energy storage devices require cost-effective fabrication and robust electroactive materials. In this review, we summarized recent progress and challenges made in the development of mostly nanostructured materials as well as fabrication routes for energy storage devices. Indeed, we systematically sorted out the design principles of electrode materials such as lithium-ion, lead-acid, lithium-sulfur, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and sodium-ion for rechargeable batteries electrode and supercapacitors (SCs) electrode materials following by systematic discussions on electric double-layer capacitors, pseudocapacitors, and hybrid SCs behavior. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature
Convolutional neural network-based finger vein recognition using near infrared images
No full textConvolutional Neural Network (CNN) is opening
new horizons in biometrics-based authentication field and
finger vein recognition is the prominent one which can provide
the best possible security system depending on this
aforementioned technology. In this paper, we used 5
convolutional layers and 4 fully-connected layers where our
developed network has shown the capability to produce the
result with almost 100% accuracy rate which became possible
due to the fact that deep learning, an end-to-end system is used
which performs better in a lot of aspects in comparison to
conventional techniques.Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is opening
new horizons in biometrics-based authentication field and
finger vein recognition is the prominent one which can provide
the best possible security system depending on this
aforementioned technology. In this paper, we used 5
convolutional layers and 4 fully-connected layers where our
developed network has shown the capability to produce the
result with almost 100% accuracy rate which became possible
due to the fact that deep learning, an end-to-end system is used
which performs better in a lot of aspects in comparison to
conventional techniques
- …
