Minimum Interval Research Articles

The Single Leg Bridge Test Does Not Measure Isolated Hamstring Endurance in Healthy Men.

The Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) is commonly described as a measure of 'hamstring endurance'. Nevertheless, the relationship between the SLBT score and isolated hamstring endurance remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between SLBT scores and isolated hamstring endurance in healthy men. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the correlation between the limb symmetry index obtained from the SLBT and hamstring endurance test results. Cross-sectional study. Forty healthy and physically active men were evaluated at the research laboratory on two separate occasions, with a minimum interval of 48 hours between visits. During each visit, participants performed either the single-leg balance test (SLBT) or the hamstring endurance test on an isokinetic dynamometer, which involved 30 concentric knee flexion repetitions performed at maximum intensity, with an angular velocity of 120°/s and a range of motion of 90°. Correlations were analyzed between SLBT scores and hamstring fatigue indexes provided by peak torque and work outcomes. The SLBT score (27±7 reps) demonstrated no significant correlation with isolated hamstring endurance, as measured by isokinetic peak torque (52±9%; p=0.737, r=-0.038) or work (57±9%; p=0.489, r=0.078). Likewise, the limb symmetry index obtained from the SLBT (99±12%) did not significantly correlate with index from the hamstring endurance test: peak torque (107±26%; p=0.540, r=-0.100) and work (102±18%; p=0.849, r=0.031). The SLBT does not appear to be a suitable tool for measuring isolated hamstring endurance in healthy men. 3.

Impact of growth on electrophysiological properties of ventricular pre-excitation in paediatric athletes.

Risk stratification is recommended for patients with ventricular pre-excitation, particularly when sports eligibility is required. Few studies have examined the changes in the electrophysiological properties of the accessory pathway during growth. This study investigates the evolution of electrophysiological properties of the ventricular pre-excitation in young athletes referred for sports eligibility. Between January 2011 and July 2022, 44 paediatric patients (32 males; mean age, 10 ± 2.42) with ventricular pre-excitation underwent an electrophysiological study, both at rest and during adrenergic stress at two different times (T0 and T1) within a minimal interval of 2 years. Transcatheter ablation was not performed between the two electrophysiological studies. Electrophysiological data were collected and compared. Electrophysiological study under basal conditions showed a significant decrease in the anterograde accessory pathway effective refractory period and 1:1 conduction over the accessory pathway from T0 to T1. The shortest pre-excited R-R interval during atrial fibrillation did not significantly change at the basal condition; however, it decreased during the stress test. Furthermore, six patients (13.6%) changed the risk profile of their accessory pathway: two "high-risk" patients at T0 became "low-risk" and four "low-risk" patients became "high-risk" at T1. Atrioventricular re-entry tachycardia inducibility did not differ significantly between the two electrophysiological studies. This study highlights the importance of repeating electrophysiological study (transesophageal or intracardiac) in paediatric athletes with ventricular pre-excitation because significant and clinically relevant changes in the conduction and refractoriness of accessory pathway can occur. This could influence risk stratification for sports eligibility and the correct indication and timing for accessory pathway ablation.

IoT-Enhanced Decision Support System for Real-Time Greenhouse Microclimate Monitoring and Control

Greenhouses have taken on a fundamental role in agriculture. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a key concept used in greenhouse-based precision agriculture (PA) to enhance vegetable quality and quantity while improving resource efficiency. Integrating wireless sensor networks (WSNs) into greenhouses to monitor environmental parameters represents a critical first step in developing a complete IoT solution. For further optimization of the results, including actuator nodes to control the microclimate is necessary. The greenhouse must also be remotely monitored and controlled via an internet-based platform. This paper proposes an IoT-based architecture as a decision support system for farmers. A web platform has been developed to acquire data from custom-developed wireless sensor nodes and send commands to custom-developed wireless actuator nodes in a greenhouse environment. The wireless sensor and actuator nodes (WSANs) utilize LoRaWAN, one of the most prominent Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, known for its long data transmission range. A real-time end-to-end deployment of a remotely managed WSAN was conducted. The power consumption of the wireless sensor nodes and the recharge efficiency of installed solar panels were analyzed under worst-case scenarios with continuously active nodes and minimal intervals between data transmissions. Datasets were acquired from multiple sensor nodes over a month, demonstrating the system’s functionality and feasibility.

Development of mixed linear models to analyze and describe the impact of malathion on the larval growth of Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) under various feeding media and environmental conditions.

Forensic entomology plays a crucial role in estimating the minimum postmortem interval through the study of insect larvae found at crime scenes. The precision of this estimation relies on various biotic and abiotic elements that simultaneously influence insect growth and development, encompassing factors such as temperature, humidity, photoperiod, diet, and the existence of xenobiotics in decomposing tissues. Despite numerous studies on the influence of these factors, including the impact of xenobiotics, there are currently no robust tools available for making corrections to this estimation considering concurrently all variables. In an attempt to propose an exploratory and descriptive statistical model to analyze the simultaneous effect and interaction of different variables on larval growth, this study aimed to compare the effect of malathion on the growth of Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) (Diptera: Phoridae) raised in malathion-spiked porcine muscle, under controlled and uncontrolled temperature and humidity conditions (environmental conditions). Larvae were also reared using various growth media. A split-plot design that combined crossed and nested factors was employed; 2 linear mixed models were developed to assess the relationships between the variables. The model provides valuable insights into the complex interactions among xenobiotics, growth media, and environmental conditions in the size and development of M. scalaris.

Decomposition dynamics and Calliphoridae succession in forest and urban environments of Constantine (Northeast of Algeria): implications for forensic entomology

ABSTRACT Forensic entomology serves a vital role in criminal investigations, contributing to the determination of time of colonization (TOC), minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI), and other forensic evidence related to the decomposition process. This study aimed to identify Calliphoridae species attracted to carcasses in two distinct locations in Algeria and to understand their role in forensic investigations. Two sites in Constantine were selected: a forest in Jebel Ouahch and an urban area in Chaabat Erssas. Two dog carcasses, an adult and a puppy, were monitored for decomposition stages. The puppy carcass reached the dry stage faster than the adult carcass, with decomposition rates varying between sites. A total of 594 Calliphoridae flies were collected, including Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, Calliphora subalpina, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia illustris, Lucilia silvarum, and Chrysomya albiceps. These species were present in both locations, with Ch. albiceps being most prevalent, especially on the puppy carcass. Initial blowfly colonization occurred within four hours, with L. sericata and Ch. albiceps particularly abundant. This study underscores the importance of accurate species identification and environmental reconstruction in improving the precision of forensic estimates. Continued research on species phenology and the impacts of climate change will further enhance the applicability of forensic entomology in Algeria.

Refining MRI Protocols for Endometriosis: A Comparative Study of Abbreviated and Full MRI Sequences.

Endometriosis is a significant cause of chronic abdominal pain and infertility in females, often overlooked due to its resemblance to other abdominopelvic pathologies. This study aims to compare the diagnostic performance and agreement rate between an abbreviated MRI protocol (aMRI) and a full MRI protocol (fMRI) for detecting pelvic endometriosis. We retrospectively analyzed 446 consecutive MRI exams, including both full (fMRI) and abbreviated (aMRI) protocols, performed for suspected pelvic endometriosis. An expert radiologist assessed the presence of endometriosis at 14 distinct anatomical sites. Each MRI protocol was interpreted in random order, with a minimum two-week interval between sessions to minimize recall bias. Agreement between the protocols was evaluated using kappa statistics. The average age of the patients was 34.13 years. The highest incidences of endometriosis were found in the ovaries (88.8%) and the rectouterine pouch (65%). The MRI protocols demonstrated perfect agreement (kappa coefficient = 1) for the ovaries, bladder, uterus, and cesarean section scar. High agreement was also observed in the rectum and uterine ligaments (kappa coefficients of 0.98 and 0.97). Detection of malignant transformation in existing ovarian endometriomas showed substantial concordance with a kappa coefficient of 0.66. An abbreviated non-contrast MRI protocol exhibits diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of a comprehensive protocol in detecting pelvic endometriosis, with similar confidence and reproducibility. This study demonstrates that an abbreviated MRI protocol is as effective as a full protocol in diagnosing pelvic endometriosis, potentially allowing for quicker, cost-effective imaging without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Clinical consequences of computer-aided colorectal polyp detection

Background and aimRandomised trials show improved polyp detection with computer-aided detection (CADe), mostly of small lesions. However, operator and selection bias may affect CADe’s true benefit. Clinical outcomes of increased...

Adaptive connectivity-preserving formation control with a dynamic event-triggering mechanism

Connectivity preservation for real-life multi-agent systems is key to designing an effective and reliable control algorithm to achieve desired objectives. But the coexistence of system nonlinearities and uncertainties makes it difficult for the algorithm design, and especially in the event-triggered setting, such difficulty becomes severer due to the demand for integration of multiple ingredients. This paper focuses on proposing an adaptive connectivity-preserving formation control strategy that incorporates a dynamic event-triggering mechanism, in the scenario of the unknown control directions and intrinsic nonlinearities coupling with parameter uncertainties. First, a cluster of potential functions serving as control barrier functions are given to maintain the prescribed connectivity of communication graph. Second, two types of dynamic gains (one type is based on a Nussbaum function) are introduced for agents to cope with the system nonlinearities, uncertainties and the adverse effect of the execution error. As such, an adaptive event-triggered formation protocol is constructed such that the desired formation with connectivity preservation is achieved while a positive minimum inter-execution interval is ensured for each agent to avoid Zeno behavior. Particularly, the threshold in the developed event-triggering mechanism is dynamically adjusted online, rather than static, which better improves resource efficiency. A simulation example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed strategy.

Development of Piophila megastigmata (Diptera: Piophilida) at seven constant temperatures

In forensic entomology, the time-related growth and development of carrion insects allows for the estimation of the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). Piophila megastigmata (Diptera: Piophilidae) is of great significance in estimating PMImin in the late stage of corpse decay. In this paper, the development of P. megastigmata was investigated under the seven constant temperatures of 16–34 °C. The total development time at each temperature was 970.38, 824.50, 593.13, 498.25, 392.00, 385.63 and 405.87 h, respectively. The isomorphen diagram shows the trend of development during different developmental stages at different temperatures. By using a revised linear regression model, the estimated lower lethal developmental thresholds (TL) and thermal summation constant (K) were found to be 10.57 °C and 6936.78 degree hours, respectively. According to a nonlinear model, the TL, upper lethal developmental thresholds (TH), and intrinsic optimum temperature (TΦ) were determined to be 7.53, 34.68, and20.43 °C, respectively. Also, logistic function and an isomegalen diagram were constructed according to the continuous changes in larval body length, and illustrates the time required to develop to a certain length at different temperatures. The obtained results offer crucial fundamental developmental information regarding P. megastigmata, which can be applied in PMImin estimation.

Wavelength-Switchable 2 μm Single-Longitudinal-Mode Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser Based on Dual-Active Cavity and DLTCTR

A thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) with a dual-active cavity and a directly linked three-coupler triple-ring filter is designed and demonstrated. Its operational principle is analyzed, and a corresponding experimental setup is built. Eleven single-wavelength laser outputs with a single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) output near 2 μm are obtained. The laser output covers a wavelength range from 1933.95 nm to 1971.76 nm, with a continuous switchable output range of 37.81 nm and a minimum center wavelength interval of 0.22 nm. The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of the output laser within the tuning range is >48.53 dB, and its maximum OSNR is 70.24 dB. The minimum wavelength fluctuation is 0.03 nm, and the power fluctuation is between 0.15 and 2.61 dB. A single wavelength with a center wavelength of 1933.95 nm is monitored for 75 min, and the radio-frequency spectrum is scanned 27 times within the frequency range of 0 to 400 MHz. The results demonstrate that the TDFL can operate continuously and stably in an SLM state. The linewidth and linewidth fluctuation of the TDFL are measured, and the minimum linewidth, corresponding to a measurement time of 0.001 s, is 65.14 kHz. The experimental results show that the proposed TDFL has a high OSNR and excellent wavelength-switching ability, and its SLM operation is very stable.

Temporal variability of Lp(a) in clinically stable patients: Implications for cardiovascular risk assessment

ObjectivesLipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet it is often overlooked in routine clinical assessments. As a primarily genetically determined risk factor, the traditional recommendation is to assess its level once in a lifetime, as the variability of Lp(a) over time is considered to be minimal. This study aims to evaluate the potential variability of Lp(a) in clinically stable patients and investigate factors contributing to the lack of stable levels. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on a sample of adult patients attending a lipid clinic. Participants with at least two Lp(a) measurements taken with a minimum interval of four months were included. Lp(a) measurements were performed using the immunoturbidimetric assay. Variability in Lp(a) values was calculated as a percentage change from baseline, with participants exceeding a 25% change classified as having hypervariable Lp(a) levels. Additional clinical and biochemical variables were assessed. Results61 participants with 171 Lp(a) determinations were included. Thirty-four percent exhibited a variability of 25% or higher (hypervariable). Men showed slightly greater variability than women. Changes in Lp(a) categories were observed among hypervariable patients, with some participants experiencing an increase while others showed a decrease. Menopause was present in all the women with hypervariable levels. ConclusionOur study suggests reconsidering the reliance on a single Lp(a) measurement for assessing cardiovascular risk. Repeat measurements, particularly in borderline cases, may be beneficial.

The Effect of Postural Rehabilitation on Pain, Balance, Mandibular Movement, and Posture in Temporomandibular Disorder Patients: A Comparison Between Posterior Edentulous and Dentate Groups.

Objective: Posterior edentulism reduces occlusal support, thus increasing the risk and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. No previous study has explored its effect on the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. This study aimed to examine the relationship between neck posture, balance, and posterior edentulism in patients with temporomandibular disorder and compare the effectiveness of physical therapy. Methods: In a quasi-experimental controlled trial, 26 patients with temporomandibular disorder were divided into 13 in the partly edentulous group and 13 in the dentate group. Both groups received manual therapy, postural exercises, deep neck flexor stabilization, and Kinesio tapping for 6 weeks. Each participant completed 12 physiotherapy sessions, administered twice weekly, with a minimum interval of 48 hours between sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the 6-week program, including pain, mandibular movement, posture, and balance. Results: The physical therapy program significantly improved all measured outcomes (P < .05). Furthermore, the partially edentulous group showed more remarkable improvement in pain and balance compared to the dentate group (P < .05). Conclusions: Postural exercises effectively alleviate symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorder, with more significant improvements observed in the partially edentulous group than in the dentate group.

Exploring unified methods of killing and storing insect samples for forensic entomotoxicology using diazepam in Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae

Forensic entomologists use the maturity of necrophagous larvae to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin), ideally taking account of effects that xenobiotics in the corpse may have on insect maturation. Forensic toxicologists may employ larvae to detect drugs in drug-related deaths when human samples are unavailable. Yet current pre-analytical practices of these two professions differ significantly, impeding the successful use of the same samples. Potential benefits of shared pre-analytical practices and opportunities for enhanced collaboration have yet to be fully explored. We employed Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae, raised in the presence of diazepam, to investigate the effects of two standard investigative practices on larvae for drug detection and for quantifying mass and length as proxies of age. Specimens were killed by either blanching or freezing and stored at −20℃ for either intermediate or long periods. Blanched larvae showed smaller changes in size and body integrity during storage, thereby producing the most reproducible estimates of PMImin. Consequently, data obtained from blanched larvae were used to evaluate the impact of diazepam on larval development. Diazepam exerted no significant effect on larval mass, and a weak effect on length. Diazepam recovery was significantly higher from blanched larvae, suggesting that freeze-killing causes drug loss. This model system demonstrates the value to forensic entomologists of the standard technique of blanching larvae, followed by storage at −20℃ for toxicological analysis. We recommend that forensic toxicologists consider blanching to kill larvae before storage at low temperatures, at least for certain drugs. This approach offers the dual benefit of high-quality specimens for both PMI estimation and drug detection.

Event-triggered bipartite consensus to heterogeneous multiagent systems under DoS attacks: A fully distributed method

This paper studies event-triggered bipartite output consensus problem of heterogeneous multiagent systems under denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. A novel dynamic event-triggered scheme (DETS) is proposed, which, by introducing an extra dynamic function with time-varying coefficients into triggering conditions, can guarantee strictly positive minimum inter-event intervals no matter DoS attacks occur or not. An event-based resilient compensator with adaptive coupling coefficients is then designed to estimate leader's state, and a hybrid model with jump dynamics is constructed that can incorporate the estimation error, DETS, and DoS attacks, and is useful for convergence analysis. Then, a fully distributed observer-based control protocol is designed to regulate the bipartite output consensus. The main advantages of the proposed method include: 1) global information is not needed to implement the event-based control protocol; 2) strictly positive inter-event intervals are guaranteed even under DoS attacks. Finally, a numerical example is presented to testify the main results.

Multi-Wavelength Narrow-Spacing Laser Frequency Stabilization Technology Based on Fabry-Perot Etalon

Classical frequency-stabilized lasers have achieved high-frequency stability and reproducibility; however, their extensive wavelength spacing limits their utility in various scenarios. This study introduces a novel frequency-stabilized laser scheme that integrates a Fabry-Perot etalon (FPE) with digital control technology and wavelength modulation techniques. The FPE, characterized by multiple transmission peaks at minimal frequency intervals, provides stable frequency references for different lasers, thereby enhancing the system’s flexibility and adaptability. An error signal is derived from the first-order differentiation of the FPE’s transmission curve. A 180° phase difference was observed in the feedback output signal when the laser’s central frequency diverged from the reference, determining that the direction of the frequency control was accordingly determined.Employing feedback control, the laser’s output frequency is stabilized at the transmission peak frequency of the FPE. Experimental results demonstrate that this stabilization scheme effectively locks the laser’s output wavelength to different transmission peak frequencies of the FPE, achieving 25 GHz wavelength spacing. The frequency stability is improved by two orders of magnitude on a second-level timescale, maintained within hundreds of kHz, equating to a frequency stability level of 10−10.

Autonomous longitudinal separation control of aircraft in random wind fields based on MPC

Aiming at the problem of autonomous longitudinal separation under random disturbance of flight path, the random factor of high-altitude wind often leads to poor robustness of longitudinal separation between two aircraft. This paper proposes an autonomous longitudinal separation control method for aircraft based on model predictive control. Firstly, the nonlinear kinematic differential equation of the wind field difference between the two aircraft and the longitudinal separation is established, and the linear time-varying prediction model is derived. The longitudinal separation and path deviation distance of the two aircraft are selected as the optimization objectives, the high-altitude wind is the random disturbance, and the true airspeed and yaw angle of the leading aircraft are measurable. Terminal equality constraints are added to the air safety and aircraft performance constraints to maintain the stability of the system. To verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, within the prescribed simulation time of 120 seconds, this paper sets three groups of different expected intervals 12, 13, 14km. Through the designed MPC controller, by controlling the true airspeed and yaw angle of the trailing aircraft within the rolling time domain period, the interval curve between the two aircraft is relatively smooth and is always not less than the minimum safety interval of 10 km. It stabilizes at the expected target interval at the 74th, 90th and 118th seconds respectively, and begins to return to the route at the 58th, 74th and 95th seconds, and finally returns to the center line of the route; two groups of wind field control groups are set up, one group is the forecast wind intensity increased by 2 times, and the other group is the turbulent wind disturbance intensity increased by 8 times. Both can smoothly and stably establish the expected interval of 12 km at the 61st and 72nd seconds respectively.

Challenges of the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation in forensic scenarios: Is dental histology an alternative?

Postmortem interval (PMI) estimates the time since death. Teeth are perennial elements capable of remaining intact in taphonomic environmental circumstances. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility of estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) through histological analyses of dental tissues exposed to burial and drowning conditions, simulating common scenarios in forensic practice. A total of n = 99 teeth were analyzed and divided into four groups: control (T0), one month (T1), three months (T2), and six months (T3). The control sample comprised 10 teeth, while T1, T2 e T3 were divided into three different subgroups: controlled environment, buried, and drowned. For each subgroup, ten samples were used. Following exposure to taphonomic conditions, the specimens were processed, and histological sections were obtained. The two-way ANOVA test and the Tukey’s post-hoc test were employed for the quantitative analysis of dentin collagen fibrils, revealing statistically significant differences (α = 5 %). This allowed for the estimation of the PMImin at three months by observing pixel counts exceeding 13e+05 in drowned teeth and greater than 8e+05 in buried teeth. Qualitative analysis revealed that the PMImin of drowned teeth was estimated at one month due to the absence of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and at six months due to the absence of predentin and partial degradation of the cementum. For buried teeth, the three-month PMImin was indicated by the absence of PDL and partial cementum degradation. The absence of pulp and remnants of predentin characterized the six-month PMImin. Qualitative and quantitative histological characteristics and parameters are potential to estimate PMImin in forensic scenarios spanning up to six months.

Tuina versus physiotherapy or a combination of both for the management of chronic nonspecific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo rigorously evaluate the short-term and long-term effectiveness of Tuina (TN), alone and in combination with physiotherapy (PT), for Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) through a comprehensive, high-quality clinical trial. MethodsThis randomized, single-blind trial was conducted from September 2020 to July 2023, involving 204 CNLBP patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University. Participants underwent a baseline assessment, 6 treatment sessions over 8 weeks, a post-treatment evaluation in the 9th week, and a 20-week follow-up. Participants were randomly assigned to TN, PT, or a combination of TN and PT (TP) groups. Each treatment involved 6 sessions with a minimum 7-day interval, each lasting 30 minutes. Primary outcome was the change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Range of Motion (ROM) of the spine, Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Scale (TCMSS), and adverse events (AE). ResultsAmong the 204 participants, 67.16 % were female, and 88.73 % completed the 20-week follow-up. All groups showed significant reductions in VAS scores post-treatment and at follow-up. Secondary outcomes improved significantly, with notable decreases in ODI and TCMSS scores. Pairwise comparisons within groups indicated statistical significance, particularly in ODI scores, with clinical relevance. No significant differences were found between the groups. ROM and SF-36 showed statistical but not clinical significance. Only one AE (0.49 %) was reported, with no severe incidents. ConclusionAll treatment groups, including TN, TP, and PT, demonstrated significant reductions in VAS scores for CNLBP patients, with effects lasting up to 20 weeks. While TN and TP showed substantial improvements in secondary outcomes, particularly in ODI scores, no significant differences were found between the groups. These findings suggest that all treatments can be effective for managing CNLBP, supporting clinical practitioners in selecting appropriate interventions for patients, especially for those unable to engage in active exercises, utilizing passive movements like TN to enhance health outcomes.

Post-mortem interval determinations using insects collected from illegally hunted and dehorned rhinoceros in the Republic of South Africa from 2014 to 2021.

Wildlife forensic science is a growing research field globally with application in criminal cases of illegal hunting requiring an estimate of time of death based on insect fauna. The techniques and procedures of forensic entomology acquired over the last 40 years, used in legal cases relating to human remains, can be adapted to decomposing wildlife. Research on carrion utilising the rate of development of insect immatures provides a biological clock from which a minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI) can be derived. The following study concerns 19 rhinoceros that were illegally killed and dehorned in the Republic of South Africa between 2014 and 2021. The paper details 74 samples of insect evidence collected from these rhinoceros remains from which an accurate estimate of their PMI was calculated. The specimens comprised 18 species from 12 families belonging to three insect orders. Many Dipteran and Coleopteran species were found on and around each carcass. The species of fly larvae (family Calliphoridae) used in each case to estimate the PMI are as follows: Chrysomya marginalis (Wiedemann) (13 cases), Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedemann) (2 cases), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) (1 case) and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (1 case). Two species of Coleoptera from the family Dermestidae and Silphidae involved Dermestes maculatus (DeGeer) and Thanatophilus micans (Fabricius), respectively, also were involved in one PMI estimation each. The paper highlights opportunities for improving our global understanding of gaps in procedures and training related to wildlife criminal cases.

Comparison of Elisar-Fast and Sita-Fast Strategy for Visual Field Assessment in Glaucoma.

To compare two fast threshold strategies of visual field assessment: SITA-Fast (SF; Humphrey field analyser) and Elisar-Fast (EF; Advanced vision analyser) in patients with glaucoma. In this cross-sectional observational study, of total 192 subjects, 138 subjects [150 eyes, 80 glaucoma subjects (91 eyes) and 58 healthy controls (59 eyes)] were analysed and included. Each subject underwent 24-2 EF and SF in randomized order with a minimum time interval of 1 hour between tests. Mean test-time, pointwise and sectoral sensitivity, significance of values of mean sensitivity (MS) and global indices [mean deviation (MD) & pattern standard deviation (PSD)] and their correlation. The mean test-time was 2.59±0.25 and 3.38±0.28 minutes (P = 0.001) with SF and EF respectively. Correlation coefficient for pointwise threshold values correlated strongly for both the devices (range from 0.70 to 0.92). The Intra class correlation (ICC) value of ≥ 0.8 was observed across all sectors indicating good reliability. Bland-Altman plot denoted 95% of data for MS values within limit of Agreement (LOA). The ICC values for overall MS, MD and PSD were 0.916, 0.913 and 0.872 respectively indicating good reliability. High degree of correlation was observed for MD (r = 0.912, P=0.00) and PSD values (r=0.732, P=0.00). Comparison of values indicated a difference of 1.09dB for MD and 0.06dB for PSD between both strategies. High degree of correlation existed between the global indices and pointwise threshold values. The study documents the ability of EF to successfully assess visual field in patients with glaucoma.