Greater Dependence Research Articles

АДАПТИВНАЯ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ ПРИРОДНЫХ ЦЕНОПОПУЛЯЦИЙ PRUNUS ARMENIACA L. ПО МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИМ ПРИЗНАКАМ ЛИСТА ВДОЛЬ ВЫСОТНОГО ГРАДИЕНТА (ДАГЕСТАН)

The article presents the results of a study of the adaptive variability of morphological traits of leaves of natu- ral cenopopulations of Prunus armeniaca L. (common apricot) along the altitudinal gradient using the example of Intramountain Dagestan. Three model cenopopulations of Intramountain Dagestan along the Avarskoye Koysu River basin, which differ most strongly along the altitudinal gradient (600–1420 m above sea level), were selected as reference points. Analysis of the adaptability of P. armeniaca cenopopulations in the conditions of Dagestan showed a significant role of the altitude above sea level on the variability of leaf morphological traits. It was found that the greatest dependence on the altitude gradient have the traits “width of the leaf blade” and “length to the wide part of the leaf,” as well as index indicators calculated on their basis. Analysis of the variability of quan- titative leaf traits by the variation coefficient (CV, %) showed that the variability of traits decreases along the alti- tude gradient, which may indicate a decrease in the population optimum of the species with altitude above sea level. The results of the comparative analysis were confirmed by the results of ANOVA and regression analyses. The variance components for the ovoidness indices were 62.8%, and roundness – 37.1%, leaf width – 22.5%, length to the wide part of the leaf – 17.4% and SLA – 15.6%. Based on the results of regression analysis, it was revealed that the altitudinal level negatively effects on the leaf size of natural coenopopulations of P. armeniaca by narrowing of the leaf width and shortening of the length to the wide part of the leaf, which ultimately results in the formation of oval-ovate leaves. The determination coefficients (r2 ) showed a noticeable linear relationship be- tween the selected traits and the altitudinal gradient, with the exception of leaf width. The index of vitality of cenopopulations (IVC) showed a deterioration in growing conditions in the direction from low-mountain cenopopulations to mid-mountain ones (from 1.04 to 0.96), while the low value of dimensional plasticity (ISP=1.08) indicates the relative stability of leaf traits along the altitudinal gradient.

The new normal for children’s physical activity and screen viewing: a multi-perspective qualitative analysis of behaviours a year after the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children’s physical activity. Recent evidence indicated children’s accelerometer-measured physical activity levels have, on average, returned to near pre-pandemic levels in 2022, though sedentary behaviour remains higher. However, insufficient physical activity levels among children continues to be a critical public health issue in the UK, with only 41% meeting physical activity guidelines. This study aimed to provide in-depth analysis of how the pandemic has shaped children’s physical activity patterns beyond the short-term periods following lockdowns and identify the new challenges to engaging children in physical activity. Methods One-to-one interviews with parents (n = 22), school staff (n = 9), and six focus groups with children aged 10–11 years (n = 45) were conducted between February and July 2022. Topics explored changes to children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns, including screen-viewing, and factors influencing any changes. The framework method was used for analysis. Results Five themes were generated. Theme 1 described residual lockdown habits, including increased screen-viewing within the home, while activities outside the home continued to feel less spontaneous. Theme 2 highlighted an interrupted development of social, emotional, and physical skills among children compared to what would be expected pre-pandemic. This coincided with Theme 3 which reflected increased mental health challenges among families, creating complex barriers to children’s physical activity. A new normal for child physical activity was evoked and explored in Theme 4, with greater dependence on structured and organised activities. However, Theme 5 highlighted that girls and children with lower socio-economic position may be especially at risk of decreased physical activity. Conclusions There is a new normal for children’s physical activity that is characterised by increased dependence on structured and organised physical activities, such as active clubs, and less on unstructured and spontaneous physical activities, such as physical play. While this may suit many children, girls and children from lower socio-economic households face barriers to participating in the new normal. It is important that affordable and equitable opportunities are provided to all children to prevent physical activity and health inequalities.

Impact of plant diseases on global food and nutritional security: a strategic theme for Brazil

Plant diseases have a significant impact on global food and nutritional security, and their occurrence has the potential to destabilize economies and create political challenges, as well as affect the health and well-being of populations. Diseases impact the key components of food security (availability, access, utilization, stability), particularly in less developed regions and/or vulnerable populations. The occurrence of plant diseases is exacerbated by factors such as increased global trade, the genetic uniformity of hosts, and climate change, leading to reduced food production, higher prices, and greater dependence on agricultural inputs like pesticides. Brazil, as a major producer and exporter of food, plays a crucial role in global food security. Future prospects for mitigating the negative effects of diseases involve the ongoing pursuit of innovative solutions through investment in research and strengthening global collaboration in disease monitoring and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to tackle this complex challenge.

A comparative retrospective longitudinal study of arthritis risk and cognitive decline in older adults

Arthritis often results in unmet healthcare needs for older adults with cognitive decline, who may struggle to communicate pain or recall symptoms. However, the risk factors for arthritis in this group remain underexplored. We addressed this gap by identifying and comparing arthritis risk factors among older adults with varying cognitive statuses. Data from 334 participants with cognitive decline and 808 participants with normal cognition were analysed using the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, tracking arthritis diagnoses over 12 years with Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results showed 47.6% of older adults with cognitive decline developed arthritis, compared with 30.1% with normal cognition. Key risk factors for the cognitive decline group included depressive symptoms (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.87), living alone (HR: 1.66), infrequent social interactions (HR: 1.42), and greater dependency in daily activities (HR: 1.41). In the normal cognition group, additional chronic illnesses (HR: 1.41) and higher body mass index (HR: 1.09) were significant risk factors. Understanding these distinct risk factors is crucial for preventing and managing arthritis among at risk groups. Moreover, these findings can assist in developing comprehensive public health strategies integrating mental health and social support to improve health outcomes for older adults with cognitive decline.

Course of immune thrombocytopenia according to the site of platelet destruction identified by indium-111 platelet scintigraphy.

In primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), predictors of disease evolution and treatment response are needed. Data based on the site of platelet destruction are scarce. We performed a retrospective single-centre study of adult patients with primary ITP undergoing at least one Indium-111 platelet scintigraphy (IPS) between 2009 and 2018. Thirty-three patients had isolated hepatic platelet destruction (H-group), and 97 isolated splenic destruction (S-group). Median age at diagnosis (p < 0.001), proportion of associated cardiovascular (p < 0.001), organ-specific autoimmune diseases (p = 0.02), dependence on steroids (p = 0.003) and failure to rituximab (p = 0.01) were higher and relapse more frequent (p = 0.03) in H-group compared to non-splenectomized patients in S-group. Splenectomy was only performed in patients from S-group (as patients with hepatic sequestration are not splenectomized in our centre): 79% were in relapse-free remission at the end of a median 3.4-year post-IPS follow-up, 16% relapsed. In multivariate analyses, only a history of organ-specific autoimmune or inflammatory disease was significantly associated with hepatic sequestration (OR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.2-15, p = 0.02). Patients with isolated hepatic sequestration were older, had more cardiovascular events and organ-specific autoimmune diseases, greater dependence on steroids, more relapses and a decreased response rate to rituximab suggesting an increased refractoriness to immunomodulatory therapies. Patients with isolated splenic sequestration responded well to splenectomy.

Techno-economic and environmental analysis of hybrid energy system for industrial sector of Pakistan

The industrial sector of Pakistan is currently facing severe load-shedding, which ultimately affects its unit production. The greater dependency on conventional energy resources (Thermal, Nuclear, etc.) results in higher production costs and environmental pollution. A sustainable, cost-effective, and environment-friendly solution can help the industrial growth of Pakistan. This article proposes an optimal hybrid energy system (HES) for the industrial sector of Pakistan to overcome the mentioned challenges. The proposed HES is developed in HOMER Pro. Three different energy cases (Case I: Existing energy system including a utility grid and diesel generator, Case II: On-grid Biogas system, and Case III: On-grid PV system with batteries) are considered for the Gourmet food Industry in the Sundar Industrial estate, Pakistan. The Load profile of the selected site was calculated through on-site visits and data provided by the designated utility grid feeder. The analysis shows that Case III is more effective than other cases, indicating reduced Net Present Cost (NPC), Cost of Energy (COE), and Operating Cost (OC) to $ 19.2 million, $0.034/kWh, and $ 573,371/year respectively. Moreover, the On-grid PV system with batteries (Case III) provides an environmentally friendly solution by reducing 63.82% \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:C{O}_{2}$$\\end{document} by and 62.22% \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{NO}_{x}$$\\end{document}. Comparing the sensitivity analysis for various grid sell-back prices ($0/kWh, $0.043/kWh, $0.061/kWh, and $0.09/kWh), Case III is more cost-effective than Case II. The revenue generation in Case III is $128,499.41/yr, considering the supply of excess electricity into nearby small industrial loads at $0.065/kWh, this indicates that installing optimal HES in industries will not only help in overall cost reduction but also support in mitigating environmental pollution and load shedding.

The influence of blue light sources on somnological disorders among patients with mild to moderate acne

Background. The acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects all age groups of the population and has a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. Various endogenous and exogenous factors are involved in the pathogenesis of dermatosis. The increasing of usage of digital media and the Internet has an impact on people's sleep habits and, with changes in sleep quality, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress may increase, which leads to a more severe course of chronic dermatoses, including acne. Aim. To evaluate the relationship between somnological disorders (SLD) and the frequency of smartphone use before bedtime in patients with mild to moderate acne (MMA). Materials and methods. A single-center observational prospective study was conducted from 2023 to 2024: 130 patients aged 18 to 30 years (average age 23.32±2.75 years) diagnosed with MMA were observed. The data on the severity of acne were assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), the degree of sleep disturbance was determined using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the quality of life of patients was determined according to the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Taking into account indicators on the use of a smartphone with the iOS or Android operating system included calculating average screen time, assessing addiction and the fact of using a smartphone 1 hour before bedtime. The statistical processing was carried out using the Jamovi version 2.3.21 program. Results. The SLD were identified in 85 (65.38%) patients with MMA. The dermatosis had a strong impact on quality of life (DLQI20) in 82.31% (n=107). In group I of patients "poor sleeping" there was a direct correlation between SLD (PSQI) and the severity of dermatosis (ρ=0.533; p0.001) and the duration of screen time (ρ=0.628; p0.001) spent on a smartphone per day. The patients of group I had a greater dependence on a smartphone compared to group II of patients "well sleeping": 15.94±1.89 points versus 7.71±1.96 points (p0.001). Conclusion. It has been established that the level of SLD has a high incidence in the group of patients with MMA. There is a pronounced correlation between dyssomnia and the severity of dermatosis; in patients with disturbed sleep, a high dependence on the phone and a correlation with the duration of screen time spent on a smartphone per day were revealed. This study demonstrates the need to pay attention to the presence of disturbances in the quality of sleep in people suffering from skin diseases, in particular acne.

Post-COVID pandemic: The new normal and aftermath

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unparalleled worldwide transformations, impacting all facets of human existence, including health systems, economies, societal norms, and individual behaviors. Aim: The goal is to comprehend the enduring alterations in public health strategies, economic recuperation processes, changes in work and education paradigms, and the psychological consequences for populations globally. Methods and Materials: This analysis uses a multidisciplinary approach by incorporating data from healthcare studies, economic reports, educational research, and psychological assessments. It aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on the world after the pandemic. Results: The findings suggest that the “New Normal” encompasses a wide range of changes, such as a greater dependence on digital technology, a transition toward remote work and learning, substantial modifications in global supply chains, and a revised outlook on health and wellness. The potential long-term consequences of these changes indicate that some may provide opportunities for innovation and expansion, whereas others present challenges that necessitate strategic planning and policy interventions. Conclusion: The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic presents a critical moment for global leaders, policymakers, and individuals to navigate the complexities of a transformed world, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and a renewed commitment to collective well-being.

Evaluation of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio with Neurological Severity and Short-Term Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Stroke represents a significant global health care challenge, ranking as the second most common cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Inflammatory process plays an important role in pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke. These inflammatory responses increase the brain damage and cause neurological deterioration. Neutrophils and lymphocytes serve as pivotal mediators of inflammatory response. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the association between the Neutrophils to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with the initial severity of stroke and the short-term functional outcome using the NIHSS and BARTHEL index respectively. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study on 80 patients admitted at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, which is a tertiary care centre in Mangalore between May 2023 to April 2024. Diagnosis of stroke was based on clinical evaluation and Radiological imaging. Peripheral blood samples were collected for complete blood count within 24 hours of stroke onset. The NLR was determined by dividing the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) to the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). This was then correlated with the NIHSS and the BARTHEL index. Results: This study included 80 patients, with the mean age of 65.1 years. Majority of the patients were in the age group 51-70years (55%). The mean NLR was found to be 13.39. The mean NIHSS and BARTHEL index was 11.08 and 63.69 respectively. The NLR showed significant correlation with the initial stroke severity and the short-term functional outcomes. For the purpose of correlation NLR was divided into three groups i.e. &gt;3, 3-5 and &gt;5. Patients with higher NLR (&gt;5) were more likely to have a severe stroke and greater dependency. Conversely, those with lower NLR (&lt;3) had a minor stroke and slight dependency. 80% of the patients with severe stroke had a NLR above 5, while 82% of the patients with minor stroke had a NLR below 3 (p value &lt;0.001). This study also found a strong correlation between NIHSS and the BARTHEL index - patients with lower NIHSS and NLR were found to have a better short term function outcome. Conclusion: NLR was found to be significantly associated with the initial severity of stroke and the shortterm functional outcome. Because of its high specificity, low cost, routine use NLR can be used for the prediction of severity of stroke and patients can be prioritised for specialised treatment thus reducing the mortality rates.

The Proteostasis Network is a Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Oncogenic growth places great strain and dependence on the proteostasis network. This has made proteostasis pathways attractive therapeutic targets in cancer, but efforts to drug these pathways have yielded disappointing clinical outcomes. One exception is proteasome inhibitors, which are approved for frontline treatment of multiple myeloma. However, proteasome inhibitors are largely ineffective for treatment of other cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although reasons for these differences are unknown. Here, we determined that proteasome inhibitors are ineffective in AML due to inability to disrupt proteostasis. In response to proteasome inhibition, AML cells activated HSF1 and autophagy, two key stem cell proteostasis pathways, to prevent unfolded protein accumulation. Inactivation of HSF1 sensitized human AML cells to proteasome inhibition, marked by unfolded protein accumulation, activation of the PERK-mediated integrated stress response, severe reductions in protein synthesis, proliferation and cell survival, and significant slowing of disease progression and extension of survival in vivo . Similarly, combined autophagy and proteasome inhibition suppressed proliferation, synergistically killed AML cells, and significantly reduced AML burden and extended survival in vivo . Furthermore, autophagy and proteasome inhibition preferentially suppressed protein synthesis and induced apoptosis in primary patient AML cells, including AML stem/progenitor cells, without severely affecting normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Combined autophagy and proteasome inhibition also activated the integrated stress response, but surprisingly this occurred in a PKR-dependent manner. These studies unravel how proteostasis pathways are co-opted to promote AML growth, progression and drug resistance, and reveal that disabling the proteostasis network is a promising strategy to therapeutically target AML.

The Development of a Quantitative Disability Assessment Tool in Patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop a novel quantitative disability assessment tool for patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). Methods: A total of 47 patients with IPD were recruited from two hospitals. A specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine utilized the modified Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale (mSEADL) as a reference, conducting a comprehensive medical chart review and an in-depth interview. The novel-developed disability measurement was calculated as ((mSEADL during the on-state) × (time of on-state)) + ((mSEADL during the off-state) × (time of off-state))/(waking time). Additionally, the degree of disability was assessed using the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index during the on-state. Results: Twenty-four participants (51.1%) exhibited the off-state during waking hours. In patients exhibiting an off-state, the mSEADL score was significantly lower during the off-state than during the on-state (p < 0.05). The novel-developed disability measurement demonstrated a higher correlation coefficient with the reference mSEADL (0.960) than with the K-MBI (0.808), with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that larger IPD patients exhibited an on-off phenomenon with greater dependency during the off-state. Therefore, the on-off phenomenon should be considered when evaluating disability in patients with IPD, with methods such as the novel-developed disability measurement tool in this study.

Enhancing Capacity to Comply with Sustainability Standards in the Milk Value Chain in East Africa: Challenges, Prospects, and Policy Implications

This paper addresses the need to contextualize sustainability standards and supply chain management in dairy value chains in East Africa, where milk perishability and limited cold storage significantly impact the industry. The study highlights the importance of localizing these standards, given the greater dependence on local supply chains following the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on milk standards literature and various interventions aimed at promoting systemic change, this review analyses the capacity of marginalized stakeholders in East Africa’s dairy value chains to meet sustainability standards, focusing particularly on the social dimensions of these standards. The findings indicate that compliance with sustainability and safety standards is predominantly restricted to formal dairy networks, which process less than 20 percent of milk produced in the region. Most milk sales occur through informal or unorganized markets, which face significant barriers to meeting international sustainability benchmarks. The review advocates for the alignment of international sustainability standards with the unique conditions of the informal markets dominating East Africa’s dairy sector. It suggests enhancing stakeholder capabilities and addressing regulatory barriers as necessary steps for improving compliance with these standards. The co-operative model is highlighted as a promising approach to integrating farmers and marginalized value chain actors into the formal sector, thereby facilitating incremental adoption of sustainability standards. The paper identifies strategic entry points for organizing and upgrading the supply chain, including capacity building, certification, and catalyzing farmer groups to compliance and productivity.

Operational Efficiency and Business Organization: A Case Study on Mumbai Dabbawalas

Operational effectiveness is essential for organizational success in the complicated world of contemporary business. This study explores the complex factors that support operational efficiency, with a focus on the Mumbai Dabbawalas—a distinctive, long-standing service that is a prime example of great dependability and efficiency. By looking at the Mumbai Dabbawalas, we may learn about the values and methods that allow them to continue performing brilliantly even under trying circumstances. Operational efficiency is the capacity of a business to provide clients with goods or services in the most economical way possible while maintaining a high standard of quality. In order to increase production and profitability, it entails simplifying procedures, cutting waste, and maximizing resources. The planned arrangement of resources, procedures, and practices inside a business with the goal of accomplishing particular goals is known as business organization. These ideas work together to directly affect customer happiness, market competitiveness, and overall sustainability, making them the cornerstone of any successful business. Understanding and putting into practice basic management concepts like Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, and total quality management (TQM) are key to operational efficiency. While Six Sigma focuses on lowering variability and errors in processes, lean manufacturing concentrates on removing waste and enhancing workflow. TQM places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and ongoing improvement. When combined, these approaches have the power to completely change an organization's processes, resulting in increased efficacy and efficiency.

Transformation of behavioral attitudes of young people in the labor and employment market: the impact of the pandemic and workers' reassessment of their freedoms

The purpose of the work is to analyze the state and structure of the labor market using the example of the category of young professionals, to identify the main trends that have formed in recent years, after the end of the pandemic and with the beginning of a special military operation, to assess how the labor attitudes of employees have changed. Research methods: secondary analysis of the results of sociological research conducted by various research centers and recruiting agencies on remote employment, changing employee behavioral attitudes and changes in the labor market and employment. The article reveals some characteristic changes in the structure of the labor market and employment due to the transition to remote employment as part of quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, generational change, as well as the reassessment of their rights and freedoms by employees of organizations. The interrelation of the growing interest in remote employment of the younger generation under the age of 25 has been revealed for a number of interrelated reasons: Internet and information technology, remote employment, stability in life and great dependence on parents, a growing standard of living and the associated increase in self-esteem. Demographic problems and, as a result, a shortage of labor, partly related to the withdrawal of a huge proportion of the able-bodied population to the defense sector, the lack of competitive salaries leads to the fact that employers will have to adapt to new realities and rebuild their thinking, including for the younger generation, in order to fill the personnel deficit. The transition to hybrid work formats using remote employment allows us to solve both the problems of personnel shortage and to interest young workers who prefer remote employment and free working to other methods of non-material incentives.

Physical and Cognitive Function Trends in Post-acute Care after Total Joint Arthroplasty in Medicare Beneficiaries: 2013-2018

ObjectivesPhysical and cognitive conditions of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), and home with home health agencies (HHAs) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have not been evaluated. The purpose of this study is to examine the physical and cognitive function trends of Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNFs, HHAs, and IRFs following TJA from 2013 to 2018. DesignObservational study using Medicare enrollment, claims, and assessment data from 2013–2018. Setting and Participants1,278,939 Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNFs, HHAs, or IRFs for post-acute care following TJA from 2013 to 2018. MethodsMedicare data were used to examine the association between the endpoints of interest [discharge destination (SNF, HHA, or IRF) and the physical (measured using activities of daily living) and cognitive (measured using a range of setting-specific metrics) status of patients in each setting] and the year of TJA (2013–2018) by estimating multivariable models that controlled for patient- and hospital-level covariates. ResultsMultivariable analysis of 1,278,939 TJAs revealed that SNF discharge decreased [44.15% (2013)–21.57% (2018), P < .001], HHA increased (46.72%–72.47%, P < .001), and IRF decreased (9.13%–5.69%, P < .001). For SNF, the mean physical function scores [14.61 (2013)–14.23 (2018), P < .001] and cognitive impairment (13.25%–12.33%, P = .01) decreased, indicating less dependence. Physical function scores (3.09–3.94, P < .001) and cognitive impairment (13.95%–16.52%, P < .001) increased for HHA patients, indicating greater dependence. For IRF, motor functional independence measure decreased (38.81–37.78, P < .001) and cognitive dependence increased (39.08%–46.36%, P < .001), indicating greater dependence. Conclusions and ImplicationsFrom 2013 to 2018, patients were increasingly discharged to HHA. Although SNF patients were less dependent over time, HHA and IRF patients were physically and cognitively more dependent. Each setting is likely to benefit from policy and fiscal supports that help them manage changes in the volume and clinical intensity of patients requiring their services.

Patterns of Antipsychotic Use in Belgian Nursing Homes 2017-2022: Admission is a Decision Point

ObjectivesChronic antipsychotic use among nursing home (NH) residents carries risks with uncertain benefits. Despite guidelines recommending restricted use, these agents remain widely prescribed. This study investigates chronic antipsychotic use in Belgian NHs. DesignWe examined the evolution of chronic antipsychotic use, associated NH resident profiles, impact of NH admissions, and variation among Belgian NHs in a retrospective dynamic cohort study between 2017 and 2022. Setting and ParticipantsAntipsychotic dispensation rates were extracted for members of the Independent Health Insurance Funds in NHs. Prescription trends and resident profiles were evaluated for around 15,000 residents yearly (n = 14,733-15,451) from 2017 to 2022 and variation was assessed among 59 NHs. The impact of NH admission was analyzed for 9647 admissions between 2020 and 2022, and variation was evaluated among 22 NHs. MethodsFor 22 antipsychotics identified at the ATC3 level, chronic use was defined as ≥80 defined daily doses (DDD) and/or ≥16 weekly dispensations per year. We analyzed changes in the 4 most frequently used antipsychotics (haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone) on NH admission, with chronic use defined as ≥80 minimal prescribed doses (MPD) annually. ResultsThe prevalence of chronic antipsychotic use among NH residents decreased from 24% in 2017 to 22.5% in 2022 (P = .002). Factors associated with higher antipsychotic use included younger age, greater dependency, and lower socioeconomic status. Upon NH admission, 30% (n = 818 of 2723) of residents discontinued treatment, while in 33% (n = 949 of 2854) treatment was initiated, predominantly with quetiapine or risperidone. This led to a small but significant increase of 1.4% after admission (P < .001). Defining chronic use as ≥80 MPD annually appeared to be more sensitive in measuring chronic antipsychotic use. Conclusions and ImplicationsChronic antipsychotic use remains widespread in Belgian NHs, with care transition as an important decision point. Further research should explore effects of safer (de)prescribing strategies on patient well-being.

Frontal polymerization for UV‐ and thermally initiated EPON 826 resin

AbstractFrontal polymerization has great potential in complementing additive manufacturing processes such as direct ink writing as a continuous cure synchronized to the printing speed can overcome issues such as sagging. To study the incorporation of frontal polymerization into a potential printing process, a frontally polymerizable DGEBA epoxy resin has been developed for both UV and thermal initiation. Through frontal polymerization alone, full conversion is observed with a starting glass transition of 150°C for both initiation methods. Resulting thermal behavior is shown to have little dependence on either initiation irradiance or temperature utilized and much greater dependence on initiator concentration in the resin. Mechanical behavior is maximized by varying initiator concentration and cure conditions achieving tensile stress of 75 MPa and K1C of 1.2 MPa‐m1/2. Shelf stability of the resin proves promising with no viscosity change after 12 weeks of room temperature storage. Future studies will concern adapting the resin for both direct ink writing and continuous fiber additive manufacturing applications.Highlights Frontal polymerization of EPON 826 using RICFP Utilized a tetrakis borate containing diaryliodonium cationic initiator Stable and polymerizable after 12 weeks Resin printed and frontally cured using UV initiation

The study on the magnetic interaction between the duel magnetic layers and the FINEMET ribbon

Due to the sensitive magnetic field response of the GMI effect, the peak field in magneto impedance curves obtained from the composite magnetic ribbons shows great dependence on the magnetic interaction, which has gained intensive attention in the study of the diversity and the mechanism of magnetic interaction. In this work, FINEMET/Fe20Ni80/SiO2/Fe20Ni80 composite ribbons with a fixed thickness of outer Fe20Ni80 layer (200 nm) and variable thickness ratio of the inner Fe20Ni80 and SiO2 layers, ranging from the 1:4 to 4:1 were prepared. Then the GMI response was utilized to investigate the influence of the exchange couple and the dipole interaction to magnetic properties of the base ribbon. The experimental results indicated that additional SiO2 layer can successfully induce slight magnetic differences of the two Fe20Ni80 layers, which results in the emergence of four-peak GMI profiles. Besides, the frequency-dependent nature of the peaks was explored, revealing that both dipole interaction and exchange couple influence the magnetic properties, contributing to the occurrence of four-peak GMI curves. Thus, the insights presented in this work are thought to be valuable for understanding the mechanisms of multilayer composite ribbons in future sensing applications.

Co-Solvent effect and Kinetics of Alkaline Hydrolysis of Butyle Salicylate

The base catalised hydrolysis of buyl salicylate has been carred out in water-DMF binary solvent mixture covering range of 30 to 70% (v/v) of solvent composition at different Temperature (20 to 400 C). The reaction followed second order rate constant which decreases with increase of solvent composition. The salvation and desolvation concept are used to explain the solvent influence on rate and mechanism is the reaction. The relation between changes in dielectric constant due to variation of reaction mixture and change in specific rate constant has been explained on the basis of electrostatic and non-electrostatic contribution of solvent mixture. Calculated value of Iso-composition activation energy is found to be increases with increase of solvent composition. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG*, ΔH* &amp; ΔS*) has been determined with help of Wynne Jone and Eyring equation which show the great dependency on solvent composition.

Confinement promotes nematic alignment of spindle-shaped cells during Drosophila embryogenesis.

Tissue morphogenesis is often controlled by actomyosin networks pulling on adherens junctions (AJs), but junctional myosin levels vary. At an extreme, the Drosophila embryo amnioserosa forms a horseshoe-shaped strip of aligned, spindle-shaped cells lacking junctional myosin. What are the bases of amnioserosal cell interactions and alignment? Compared with surrounding tissue, we find that amnioserosal AJ continuity has lesser dependence on α-catenin, the mediator of AJ-actomyosin association, and greater dependence on Bazooka/Par-3, a junction-associated scaffold protein. Microtubule bundles also run along amnioserosal AJs and support their long-range curvilinearity. Amnioserosal confinement is apparent from partial overlap of its spindle-shaped cells, its outward bulging from surrounding tissue and from compressive stress detected within the amnioserosa. Genetic manipulations that alter amnioserosal confinement by surrounding tissue also result in amnioserosal cells losing alignment and gaining topological defects characteristic of nematically ordered systems. With Bazooka depletion, confinement by surrounding tissue appears to be relatively normal and amnioserosal cells align despite their AJ fragmentation. Overall, the fully elongated amnioserosa appears to form through tissue-autonomous generation of spindle-shaped cells that nematically align in response to confinement by surrounding tissue.