Duration Of Contact Research Articles

Drugs in dental biofilm and enamel – A pilot study

ObjectiveEnamel and dental biofilm might serve as alternative matrices for determination of illicit and medical drugs. Thus, this study aims at evaluating possible correlations between detected drug concentrations in the matrices and simulated drug use in situ. DesignEleven subjects wore intraoral splints with embedded demineralized bovine enamel samples. Drug use was simulated by mouth rinsing with a 1.0 μg/ml drug solution three times daily for 1 min (study A) or by incubation of the splints in a 10 μg/ml drug solution once a day for 30 min (study B). Amphetamines, opiates, cocaine and benzoylecgonine were used as drugs. After 11 days, biofilm and enamel samples of the intraoral splints were analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry after drying and extraction via ultrasonication with acetonitrile (biofilm) or methanol (enamel). ResultsIn study A, median and mean drug concentration ± standard deviation were 1.3 pg/mg and 6.4 ± 11 pg/mg in biofilm and 0.2 pg/mg and 0.5 ± 0.9 pg/mg in enamel. In study B, median and mean drug concentration ± standard deviation were 350 pg/mg and 1100 ± 1600 pg/mg in biofilm and 5.8 pg/mg and 9.9 ± 10 pg/mg in enamel. ConclusionsOverall, there were considerable interindividual concentration differences. Correlations between concentrations in the two sample materials were shown. The results of this pilot study revealed a dependence of concentrations on intensity and duration of drug contact. Thus, important information on past drug use might be provided in forensic cases by analysis of dental biofilm and enamel.

Influence of Interactive Behaviors Induced by a Therapy Dog and Her Handler on the Physiology of Residents in Nursing Homes: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate interactive behaviors performed between residents at nursing homes and a therapy dog and her handler and explore if they influenced residents’ physiological variables such as fingertip temperature, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The therapy dog–handler team visited 12 older people at three nursing homes for 60 min twice a week during a four-week period. The visits were videotaped, and the duration of interactive behaviors was recorded. The physiological variables were measured before (0 min) and after (60 min) the interaction between the residents and the dog–handler team, and the delta value was calculated. The interactive behaviors during the first two and the last two weeks were as follows: the resident looking at the dog (799 and 697 s/h), the resident in physical contact with the dog (183 and 109 s/h, p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test), the resident playing with the dog (123 and 126 s/h), the resident talking with others (559 and 511 s/h), and the dog handler having physical contact with the resident (822 and 764 s/h). The mean values for fingertip temperature, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not differ significantly between the first and two last weeks (paired t-test). However, the delta values varied largely between the different residents. The more physical contact the residents had with the dog handler, the more the fingertip temperature increased (p < 0.05, mixed linear model). The duration of physical contact between the residents and the dog tended to be associated with an increased fingertip temperature (p < 0.1). Furthermore, the more the residents were in verbal contact with the dog handler, the more their heart rate decreased (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate some associations between specific interactive behaviors and physiological changes in residents in connection with visits by a dog–handler team.

DEVELOPMENT OF A REACTOR FOR LOW-TEMPERATURE CATALYTIC REDUCTION OF NITROGEN OXIDE EMISSIONS AT NITROGEN-FERTILIZER ENTERPRISES

The article presents the development of a more efficient use of the processes of catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides of gas emissions for industrial use. The advantages of plate catalyst blocks with a deposited active substance in comparison with industrial granular aluminum-vanadium catalysts are presented. Chemical and kinetic regularities of this process are shown. It is noted that the use of plate deposited catalysts based on noble metals is a more effective means of reducing nitrogen oxides than granular ones due to the presence of low hydraulic resistance and increased activity. On the basis of experimental data of laboratory and pilot studies of the developed catalyst obtained by impregnating the applied metal carrier based on TiO2 with salts of platinum group metals, physicochemical and kinetic calculations of the process of reduction of nitrogen oxides using ammonia were carried out. Graphical dependencies of the activity of the developed catalysts on the process temperature and volume velocity are given. The optimal values of these indicators have been determined. It is shown that the effect of temperature is explained by the growth of the reaction rate constant in proportion to the temperature according to Arrhenius' law, and the effect of the volumetric velocity is associated with a change in the duration of contact of the reacting components with the active surface of the catalyst. The calculation of the Reynolds criterion was carried out, which showed that this process in the conditions of industrial technologies is characteristic of the laminar regime. It is noted that the use of the developed catalyst in production provides an expansion of the temperature range of the emission purification process, it is more suitable for operation in industry in accordance with the determined optimal conditions of its application.

Indirect DNA Transfer and Forensic Implications: A Literature Review.

Progress in DNA profiling techniques has made it possible to detect even the minimum amount of DNA at a crime scene (i.e., a complete DNA profile can be produced using as little as 100 pg of DNA, equivalent to only 15-20 human cells), leading to new defense strategies. While the evidence of a DNA trace is seldom challenged in court by a defendant's legal team, concerns are often raised about how the DNA was transferred to the location of the crime. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the experimental work carried out focusing on indirect DNA transfer, analyzing each selected paper, the experimental method, the sampling technique, the extraction protocol, and the main results. Scopus and Web of Science databases were used as the search engines, including 49 papers. Based on the results of this review, one of the factors that influence secondary transfer is the amount of DNA shed by different individuals. Another factor is the type and duration of contact between individuals or objects (generally, more intimate or prolonged contact results in more DNA transfer). A third factor is the nature and quality of the DNA source. However, there are exceptions and variations depending on individual characteristics and environmental conditions. Considering that secondary transfer depends on multiple factors that interact with each other in unpredictable ways, it should be considered a complex and dynamic phenomenon that can affect forensic investigation in various ways, for example, placing a subject at a crime scene who has never been there. Correct methods and protocols are required to detect and prevent secondary transfer from compromising forensic evidence, as well as the correct interpretation through Bayesian networks. In this context, the definition of well-designed experimental studies combined with the use of new forensic techniques could improve our knowledge in this challenging field, reinforcing the value of DNA evidence in criminal trials.

Effect of product placement labeling on visual product and brand reception – an empirical eye tracking study

ABSTRACT Product placement is regarded as a strategic advertising tool for promoting commercial content in the broadcasting industry to promote sales or brand recognition via audiovisual media. Considering the opportunistic aspects of unfair competition and adverse implications on consumer behavior, regulations have been stipulated in many countries regarding product placement disclosures. Moreover, as further research is necessary to understand the impact of product placements on consumer behavior, a visual reception experiment and supplementary reception survey was conducted to investigate the effects of product placement labeling on consumer perceptions and memory performance. The findings of this study suggest that the insertion of product placement labeling had a noticeable impact on gaze behavior, indicating a perceptual response to the insertion and a subsequent alteration in brand related visual focus. The inclusion of labeling results in a higher frequency and duration of eye contact with brand logos, which is consistent with theoretical expectations of increased cognitive processing. A follow-up survey on reception showed positive effects on memory performance for the brand products displayed.

Effects of social housing on dairy calf response to novelty shortly after weaning and grouping

Dairy calf social development and responses to novelty are influenced by social contact, but longer-term implications of early life social housing for response to novelty in weaned calves are less clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of preweaning social housing on how dairy calves respond to novel feed and objects a few days following weaning and grouping. At birth, calves were alternately assigned to either individual (IH; n = 22 calves) or pair housing (PH; n = 18 pairs; 1 focal calf enrolled/pair). Following weaning (at 53.4 ± 2.0 d; mean ± standard deviation), calves were mingled between treatments and group-housed with calves born the same week (4 to 6 calves/pen; 12 total groups). Beginning at 56.4 ± 2 d of age, calves were exposed to 2 novel feed tests (sliced carrots and chopped red apples) conducted in the home pen on consecutive days. Following novel feed tests, a subset of calves (n = 11 IH and n = 9 PH calves, from separate paired pens) was exposed to a novel object test, conducted individually in a testing arena. During novel feed tests, the latency to contact the novel feed did not differ between treatments but previously IH calves spent more time at the feed trough (6.9 vs. 4.3 min/h, IH vs. PH, standard error = 0.25). In the novel object test, latency to contact the novel object and duration of contact did not differ between previous housing treatments but previously IH calves moved around the arena more. These results suggest that preweaning social housing had some carryover effects on behavioral responses during novel feed and novel object tests a few days following weaning and grouping, potentially reflecting differences in social feeding behavior and activity in a novel space, but avoidance of the novel object and feed were not affected.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CONTACT (EPICONTACT) INVESTIGATION OF COVID-19 AT ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOLS IN KUNINGAN REGENCY, INDONESIA

Introduction: COVID-19 has spread throughout the world with more than 61, 27 million patients infected, including in education clusters that implement boarding schools. Contact investigations on the cluster are necessary to control the spread of the virus. Aims: To describe the epidemiological contact pattern of investigation results in the Islamic Boarding School cluster in Kuningan Regency. Methods: The design of this study is descriptive with epidemiological approach. The population is all students of Pondok Pesantren X, as many as 164 students, a sample of 157 students who are positive for COVID-19, and research instrument for the COVID-19 outbreak is investigation form, the variables studied included age, gender, symptoms, duration of contact, number of contacts, number of contact groups and place of contact. Result: Univariate data analysis with epi-contact analysis show: sex: 33.3% male, 60.03% female, average age 15.05 years, the average number of contacts 3.25 people, the average number of male contacts 2.62 and female 3.39, number of male contact groups 41, number of female contact groups 91. Age of value p=0.037. Conclusions: Contact pattern conclusions are mostly in female with the number of contacts between 3-4 people and age is related to the number of contacts. Limiting contact when there is suspicion is necessary to prevent transmission.

Double whammy – High voltage optic neuropathy and compressive optic neuropathy

Electric current flows in the body between two contact points. The degree of damage caused by the current is dependent on voltage intensity, tissue resistance, type of current, duration and area of contact and the route the current traveled within the body. Ophthalmic injuries are common with electrical damage to the body. Blepharospasm, keratopathy, uveitis, corneal opacities, cataracts, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal edema, macular hole and vascular occlusions are the frequently encountered ones. Here in this case, we report a very rare coincidence of optic neuropathy triggered by high voltage electrical injury (electrocution) and an occult pituitary macroadenoma which coexisted in the same individual causing compressive optic neuropathy. The patient was treated initially as optic neuropathy with steroids and later the macroadenoma was excised under neuro-surgical guidance. This case necessitates the importance of investigating temporal pallor in young individuals and arrival at a proper diagnosis which otherwise could be vision as well as life threatening.

115 The Ramifications of Tail Docking Ewes on Mating Behavior and Reproductive Performance

Abstract Removing a portion of the tail, also known as tail docking, is a common husbandry practice in sheep because it is believed to reduce fecal and urine soiling of the wool. However, support for this claim is sparse, and there is evidence that females of several ungulate species use their tails to communicate in sexual contexts. The objective of this study was to test whether the tail status of a ewe affected the mating preferences of a ram, the responses of the ewe to mounting attempts, conception rate, and litter size. Within 18 Polypay female twin pairs, one lamb was docked by placing a constrictive rubber ring on the tail between 24 to 48 hours of age and the tail of the other lamb was left intact (n = 18/treatment). Between 7 to 8 months of age, the estrus cycles of the ewes were synchronized and 9 groups of 2 twin pairs were exposed to an unfamiliar virgin ram (7 to 8 months of age) for 48 hours. Video footage of the first 2 hours of behavioral interactions was analyzed to determine which ewe the ram first approached, the duration of contact with each ewe, and the count of headbutts and rejected and accepted mounts. Undocked ewes tended to accept twice as many mounts from the ram when compared with docked ewes (X2 = 3.50, P = 0.06). Additionally, undocked ewes tended to reject fewer mounts (X2 = 0.3.72, P = 0.05). Undocked ewes were the targets of twice as many headbutts from the ram when compared with docked ewes (X2 = 19.50, P &amp;lt; 0.001). The analysis of which ewe the ram first approached and the duration of contact with each ewe is ongoing. Of the 36 ewes, 15 docked and 15 undocked ewes were bred, achieving an 83% conception rate. Based on ultrasounds 40 to 44 days post-breeding, tail status did not significantly influence prospective litter size (mean ± SE; docked: 1.73 ± 0.13; undocked: 1.93 ± 0.15; X2 = 1.04, P = 0.31). Our results show that tail docking did not influence the reproductive performance of ewes. However, the behavior of ewes and rams varied based on the tail status of the ewe, with rams targeting more aggression toward undocked ewes and undocked ewes showing greater sexual receptivity. Further research on the merits and pitfalls of tail docking is necessary to determine how this procedure holistically affects sheep welfare and performance.

Sequential Management of Corrosive Esophageal Perforation in a Low-Resource Setting – Case Illustration

Abstract Corrosive esophageal injury in children usually occurs following accidental ingestion of corrosives. Suicidal or homicidal injury in children is rare. The degree and extent of injury depend on the nature of corrosives, the volume of corrosive ingested, and the duration of contact. Esophageal perforation is a devastating complication following severe corrosive esophageal injury. Delayed esophageal perforation is defined as perforation diagnosed after 24 h. The following case study describes an incident involving the accidental ingestion of “garri” (flour of processed starchy cassava root taken as flakes or cooked) mixed with an organophosphate by a 4-year-old female child with subsequent development of thoracic esophageal perforation. We stress the importance of aggressive emergency surgical intervention against a conservative approach.

Network Structure in Sustainable Urban Farming Development Policies in Makassar City

The development of urban farming and agriculture has been conducted by marginal communities. However, the role of the agricultural sector in the economic structure of Makassar city remains relatively small. This study aims to analyze the network structure of sustainable urban farming development policies in Makassar. Qualitative research methods were used in this study. Data collection methods included observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The data sources consisted of primary and secondary data, while data analysis was performed using an interactive method. The informants in this study were stakeholders directly involved in sustainable urban farming development policies. The results of this study show that the network structure in the development of sustainable urban farming policies in Makassar is not fully effective. This is because of the contact dimension, and the duration of contact between actors is still erratic, uneven, and unclear. In the trust dimension, there is still no written agreement or agreement on the development of sustainable urban farming in Makassar city that binds the actors involved. Meanwhile, the dimensions of information sharing and resource exchange dimensions in sustainable urban farming development policies in Makassar city have been progressing well.&#x0D; Keywords: network structure, policy, development of urban farming

In Ukrainian

Regulation of enterohepatic circulation of bile acids in human body is actual task to overcome cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this work was to create biocompatible sorbents with improved sorption ability in relation to bile acids. Mesoporous organosilicas of MCM‑41 type with chemically grafted 3‑aminopropyl and steroid groups were obtained by sol‑gel condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and functional silanes in the presence of template cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Porous structure of synthesized organosilicas was characterized by low‑temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption and X‑ray diffraction analysis. Formation of typical for MCM‑41 hexagonal arrangement of cylindrical mesopores was confirmed. Structural parameters of synthesized silica materials were calculated. The influence of surface steroid groups on sorption ability of organosilicas was studied on example of bile salts (sodium cholate and taurocholate) in dependence of duration of contact, acidity of medium, and equilibrium concentration. Analysis of kinetic parameters of sorption estimated by Lagergren and Ho-McKey models confirms the proceeding of pseudo-second order process. The most effective sorption of sodium cholate and taurocholate was observed at pH ~ 5 and pH ~ 2, respectively, where the ovterlapping of pH regions of 3‑aminopropyl groups protonation and bile acids dissociation takes place. Analysis of experimentally obtained isotherms by use of Freundlich, Redlich‑Peterson, and BET models was carried out. It has been found that protonated amino groups are the main sorption centers of bile acids protolytic forms by synthesized aminosilica in pH range from 1 to 8. Introduction of steroid groups in surface layer at sol-gel synthesis leads to the increase of bile salts sorption due to the cooperative interactions with formation of supramolecular structures in the surface layer of organosilica. Obtained results prove prospects of usage of organosilica sorbents with surface steroid groups for regulation of bile acids content in human body.

Characteristics of hoof landing in sound horses and the influence of trimming and shoeing examined with hoof-mounted inertial sensors.

The aim of the current in vivo, observational study was to investigate the effects of different hoof manipulations on landing duration (LandD), location (ICloc) and angle of initial contact (ICangle) in the front feet of horses. A novel, hoof-mounted, inertial measurement unit sensor system (IMU) was used. Ten sound, crossbred horses were fitted with an IMU sensor at the dorsal hoof wall and examined barefoot and after trimming. Additionally, the application of 120 g lateral weights and 5° medial side wedges as well as steel, aluminium, egg bar and lateral extension shoes were tested. Horses were guided in a straight line on firm ground. The use of steel shoes increased LandD compared to barefoot and enhanced the individual ICloc in trot. Application of rolled toe shoes caused a longer LandD than use of plain shoes. None of the other modifications significantly influenced the timing or spatial variables of hoof landing. Trimming and shoeing have less impact on the landing pattern of horses than assumed in practice. Still, the use of steel shoes changes sliding properties of the hooves on firm ground and increases weight causing a longer LandD and reinforcement of the individual ICloc.

Insights into the adsorption of lead ions by Mg-Al LDH doped activated carbon composites: Implications for fixed bed column and batch applications

In this study, we developed granular activated carbon-doped Mg-Al LDH composites (MgAl@AC) with an Mg:Al molar ratio of 3:1 using the co-precipitation method. The MgAl@AC was characterized using FE-SEM, BET-SA, TGA, XRD, and FT-IR, before and after lead adsorption. Through fixed-bed column and batch adsorption methods, we evaluated the impact of pH, adsorbent amount, initial Pb(II) concentration, temperature, duration of contact, and presence of competing ions, on the adsorption capacity of MgAl@AC. The MgAl@AC demonstrated a maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of 94.6 mg/g for Pb(II). Through characterizing the Pb(II)-loaded material, the ion exchange, inner-sphere complexation, and electrostatic attraction were identified as the potential mechanisms of Pb(II) adsorption by MgAl@AC. The Yoon-Nelson and Clark models fit the breakthrough curve well, suggesting that adsorption occurs in surface and pore diffusion-controlled manners. Our findings indicated that MgAl@AC had excellent adsorption capacity, good selectivity, and fast kinetics, highlighting its potential for water treatment applications.

In vitro studies on the dependence of drug deposition in dentin on drug concentration, contact time, and the physicochemical properties of the drugs

The chemical analysis of dental hard tissues can provide information on previous drug use due to the deposition of drugs into this tissue. For the interpretation of analytical results in, e.g., postmortem toxicology or regarding archeological samples, the influence of drug dosing, consumption frequency, duration of intake and type of drug on analyte concentrations in teeth has to be characterized. To approximate these correlations, in vitro models were applied to investigate the time dependency of drug deposition via and against pulp pressure (perfusion studies) and the concentration dependency of drug deposition via oral cavity (incubation study) as well as the influence of de- and remineralization (pH cycling) on the incorporation of drugs in bovine dentin pellets. Some of the drugs of abuse most relevant in forensic case work (amphetamines, opiates, cocaine and benzoylecgonine) were applied. Concentrations in dentin samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) after pulverization and extraction via ultrasonication with methanol. The studies showed that drug deposition in dentin likely depends on the physicochemical properties of the drug molecules as well as on the duration of contact with drugs via the blood stream and on drug concentrations present in the oral cavity. Higher drug concentrations in teeth can result from a more frequent or longer drug use. In addition, intake of higher doses or oral/inhalative consumption can also be expected to lead to higher drug concentrations. These findings can be helpful for the interpretation of postmortem cases.

Recommendations for contact tracing for tuberculosis - update 2023

The aim of contact tracing for tuberculosis is in addition to active case finding the detection of chains of infection and the prevention of the further spread of the disease. In this context, a careful selection of contact persons is necessary, depending on the type and duration of contact, to identify persons who are recently infected and therefore to increase the benefit of a preventive therapy and to avoid unnecessary testing of persons who are not at risk of infection. Since the last update of the recommendations on contact tracing, data on the use of interferon-y release assays (IGRAs) in children has been improved markedly. These are the preferred test in contact tracing of adults. For children, both IGRAs and the tuberculin skin test can be used equivalently. Rifampicin for 4 months, rifampicin and isoniazid for 3 months, or isoniazid for 9 months are recommended as preventive therapy in cases of confirmed infection.The implementation of the contact tracing in different age groups as well as legal framework conditions and socio-medical aspects and challenges are dealt with in detail. In addition, special cases, such as environmental screening in day-care centers, schools, or other community facilities, are discussed separately.

Effects of protuberant structure on coalescence-induced jumping of droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces

The coalescence-induced jumping of droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces is useful in engineering-related applications to enhance condensation-based heat transfer, self-cleaning, and anti-icing and, thus, has attracted extensive attention in research. Some researchers have claimed that superhydrophobic surfaces with protuberant structures can yield droplets with a higher jumping velocity. While the structure of the surface influences droplet dynamics, the concomitant energy transition also needs to be considered. The effects of the geometry on the mechanism of jumping and the energy transition need to be investigated. In this paper, an improved volume-of-fluid method is verified based on experiments and then applied to simulate the jumping behaviors of droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces with cuboid protuberant structures. The effects of repulsion caused by the contributions of the surface tension and the superhydrophobicity of the protuberance are crucial to enhancing the jumping of the droplets. The forces due to them provide a thrust oriented in the direction of jumping of the droplets to increase the value of the positive energy term, while reducing the area and duration of contact between the droplet and the substrate to reduce the negative dissipation term and enhance the efficiency of energy conversion. Surprisingly, an excessively tall structure leads to a sustainable increase in the velocity of jumping of the droplets under the effects of repulsion and the Laplace pressure after piercing the liquid bridge. The work here provides guidance to optimally combine a superhydrophobic substrate with special structures to enhance the jumping of droplets.

Comparison of Photocatalytic Biocidal Activity of TiO2, ZnO and Au/ZnO on Escherichia coli and on Aspergillus niger under Light Intensity Close to Real-Life Conditions

Microbial contamination of the surface of building materials and subsequent release of microbial particles into the air can significantly affect indoor air quality. Avoiding the development or, at least, reducing the quantity of microorganisms growing on building materials is a key point to reduce health risks for building occupiers. In that context, the antimicrobial activity of TiO2, ZnO and Au/ZnO was assessed by measuring log reductions of Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger populations both in the dark and under a light intensity close to real-life conditions. The bactericidal activities (≥2.3 log reduction) of tested products were stronger than their fungicidal activities (≤1.4 log reduction) after 2 h of contact. Different parameters including concentration of photocatalyst, intensity of light (dark vs. 5 W/m2 UV-A), and duration of contact between photocatalyst and microbial cells and spores were investigated. Results of this study confirmed bactericidal activities of TiO2, ZnO and AuZnO on E. coli and brought new insight on their fungicidal activity on the spores of A. niger. They also confirmed the greatest antimicrobial efficiency of ZnO compared to TiO2 and its increased photocatalytic activity when decorated with Au, leading to the highest log reductions detected after 2 h of contact for both tested microorganisms (4 and 1.4 for E. coli and A. niger, respectively). The antimicrobial activity was enhanced by the duration of contact between microorganisms and nanoparticles of the different tested photocatalytic products.

Emergency Access and Impact of Injuries Caused by Electrocution and Lightning

Electrical injury is a physiological reaction caused by electric current passing through the body. Electric injuries can be caused by the impact and exposure to electric current or lightning either at home or at work.&#x0D; The injury depends on the density of the current, tissue resistance, and duration of contact. Very small currents may be imperceptible or produce a light tingling sensation. Injuries can range from minor, moderate, to severe, and fatal injuries are just as likely to occur at home as in the workplace, with around 20 Australians dying each year from electric shock.&#x0D; The purpose of this paper is to study how well-trained healthcare professionals in both pre-hospital and hospital settings are in treating patients in the case of electric shock and injuries caused by lightning, including the triage, assessment, monitoring, treatment, and transport with medical care in pre-hospital settings&#x0D; The research was conducted based on data obtained from assessments of health care professionals based on anamnestic data, the status of vital parameters, monitoring, medical procedures, system-level injuries, type of health care delivery, and location. &#x0D; Conclusions; Given the discrepancies found in reporting pathological conditions and injuries pertaining to electrical burn wounds, a standardized system for classifying these pathological conditions is suggested. Although electric shock-related mortality is not the leading cause of death in high-prevalence areas, awareness needs to be raised.&#x0D;

Enduring Bonds: Duration and Contact in Close Relationships in Late Life.

Older adults maintain ties to long-duration social partners, some with whom have regular contact and some with whom have little contact. We asked whether these ties with little contact still offer a sense of connection and security, and buffer the effects of interpersonal stress in daily life. Helping older adults foster these ties may improve their mental health. Participants (n = 313) aged 65+ completed a baseline interview reporting duration and contact frequency of their closest ties. Then, participants completed ecological momentary assessments every 3 hr for 5-6 days, reporting their social encounters and mood. We classified ties according to duration (10+ years = long vs shorter duration) and frequency of contact (at least once a month = active vs dormant). Throughout the day, participants were more likely to have stressful encounters with long-duration active ties. Encounters with active ties were associated with more positive mood (regardless of duration) and encounters with long-duration dormant ties with more negative mood. Having more active ties buffered effects of interpersonal stress on mood, but more long-duration dormant ties exacerbated these effects. Supporting social integration theory, ties with frequent contact were associated with positive mood. Surprisingly, long-duration ties with infrequent contact exacerbated effects of interpersonal stress on mood. Older adults who lack contact with long-duration social partners may be more sensitive to interpersonal stress. Future interventions might focus on phone or electronic media to increase contact with long-duration social partners.