Period T1 Research Articles

Young Adult Cancer Patients (AYA): Preferences for Outpatient Psychosocial Care and Gender-Specific Differences - Results from the AYA-LE study

To investigate the importance of individual topics in outpatient care services and the preferences for their design from the perspective of young adults with cancer (AYA="adolescents and young adults") in Germany. A total of 514 AYAs aged 18-39 years were surveyed twice over a 12-month period (t1=immediately after acute treatment, t2=12 months post-treatment) regarding the importance and satisfaction with topics such as anxiety, the impact of the illness on partnerships/family and social environment, future perspectives, personal coping strategies, sexuality, and desire for children/fertility, as well as the types of care services. The subjective importance and satisfaction with the care topics and services were analyzed using variance and moderator analyses. The most important topics for care services were future career prospects (M=3.22, SD=1.56), social impact (M=3.19, SD=1.54), and personal coping strategies (M=3.52, SD=1.46). The greatest dissatisfaction was noted in the areas of sexuality (M=2.01, SD=1.59) and desire for children/fertility (M=2.08, SD=1.72). At time t2, relaxation techniques (M=3.46, SD=1.36) and psychological counseling (M=3.43, SD=1.46) were the most desired care services. Female AYAs rated psychological counseling (F[1.199)=9.21, p=0.003), social counseling (F[1.221]=6.60, p=0.011), creative therapy options (F[1.219]=21.74, p<0.001), support groups (F[1.215]=4.29, p=0.040), patient education (F[1.210]=6.96, p=0.009), and relaxation techniques (F[1.194]=23.68, p<0.001) significantly more important than male AYAs. The study highlighted several areas of dissatisfaction with the current outpatient care services for AYAs. The results demonstrate the need to incorporate cross-sex and gender-specific care preferences of AYAs to improve outpatient psychosocial care. A specific set of AYA-care services should be designed and implemented to address the aforementioned psychosocial topics, which include sexuality and the desire for children/fertility. It is also crucial for outpatient practice to raise awareness among the involved professional groups. Further research is required to gain a deeper understanding of sex differences.

Elastic-plastic analysis of a novel prefabricated SRC column-steel beam composite frame structure

The objective of this study is to examine the mechanical behavior of a novel PSRCS (Prefabricated SRC Column-Steel Beam) frame structure under static and dynamic loads. To this end, a PSRCS frame structure with PSRCS joints has been constructed using the OpenSees software, and an elastoplastic analysis has been conducted. The principal findings of the study are as follows: Firstly, a comparison of the test results for the PSRCS joints with the FE (finite element) simulation results demonstrated that the FE model based on OpenSees is an effective means of simulating the load-bearing and deformation performance of the PSRCS joints. Subsequently, a PSRCS frame structure was constructed using OpenSees, and static and dynamic elastoplastic analyses were performed. Compared to the more conventional SRC column-steel beam frame structures, the PSRCS frame structure displays superior deformation capacity when subjected to static pushover action. The PSRCS frame structure exhibits a 'beam hinge' failure mode due to the plastic deformation of the flange connection plates, whereas the failure location of the conventional frame tends to be at the column ends, resulting in a 'column hinge' failure mode. In the context of dynamic analysis, an increase in the number of stories results in an augmented hysteresis of the vertex displacement-time history curve at the upper level of the PSRCS framework. The fundamental natural period T1 of the PSRCS frame is approximately 27.6 % to 34.0 % larger than that of the common frame, contributing to the maintenance of structural stability. In conclusion, a series of design objectives and methodologies based on performance were put forth for the PSRCS frame structure.

The Multifaceted Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infections in Young Children on the Family: A European Study.

Since the majority of hospitalisations due to RSV occur in young children, the illness profoundly influences the entire family. However, comprehensive evidence regarding its overall effects remains limited. The ResQ Family study aims to investigate the burden of RSV-induced pediatric hospitalisation on affected families. Spanning the 2022-2023 RSV season, an interdisciplinary, observational study was conducted in Germany, France, Italy and Sweden. Using an online questionnaire, parents and caregivers of children (< 24months of age) with an RSV-induced hospitalisation were recruited. Information was gathered on topics related to RSV and parental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the acute infection phase (t0) and 6weeks later (t1). Descriptive evaluations of the data set were performed during t0 and regarding a potential change over the observation period (t0 vs. t1). Subgroup analysis aimed to further identify differences across the countries. A total set of 138 affected parents/caregivers were included in the study, with 59 participants responding to the follow-up survey (t1). Particularly during the acute infection phase, parental HRQoL was shown to be negatively influenced by the child's RSV infection [total score (p < 0.001, d = 0.54), parent HRQoL summary score (p < 0.001, d = 0.67) and family functioning summary score (p = 0.007, d = 0.33)]. Significant disparities in disease awareness and support structures were observed across Europe, with France and Sweden showing notably higher levels. The ResQ Family study provides convincing evidence that RSV-associated hospitalisations in young children across Europe generate a multifaced burden for the entire family, partly even beyond the acute infection phase. Standardised approaches for disease prevention at societal, educational and policy levels are needed to guarantee every newborn the best possible start into life. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier, NCT05550545.

Remotely prescribed and monitored home-based gait-and-balance therapeutic exergaming using augmented reality (AR) glasses: protocol for a clinical feasibility study in people with Parkinson’s disease

BackgroundClinical guidelines for people with Parkinson’s disease (pwPD) stress that, complementary to pharmacological treatment, exercise and physiotherapy should be given a central role in disease management. Adhering to regular exercise of the right type, and with high repetition, remains a challenge for pwPD. Exergaming has the potential to increase adherence through play and personalised interventions, both in clinic and at home. Reality DTx® is an augmented-reality (AR) home-based gait-and-balance exergaming intervention specifically designed for pwPD as an extension of supervised physiotherapy. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of Reality DTx®.MethodsTwenty-four pwPD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 2–4) with self-reported gait and/or balance impairments will participate in this study. The study comprises a 6-week waitlist-controlled AR home-based therapeutic gait-and-balance exergaming intervention. Reality DTx® will initially be prescribed remotely for a minimum of 5 days a week for 30 min per day. We will remotely set and adjust the frequency, difficulty, type of games, and/or duration weekly, based on objective and subjective data from the AR glasses and participant, respectively. In addition to the home-based gait-and-balance exergaming intervention, the study comprises three laboratory visits: before the 6-week waitlist period (t0; baseline), before the 6-week intervention period (t1; pre-intervention), and after the 6-week intervention period (t2; post-intervention). The primary study parameters are feasibility (in terms of safety, adherence, and user experience) and potential efficacy for improving gait and balance (using standard clinical gait-and-balance tests and a targeted walking-related fall-risk assessment). Recruitment started in December 2022 and the final post-intervention assessment will be according to planning in July 2023.ConclusionsThis clinical feasibility trial is the first remotely prescribed and monitored home-based AR gait-and-balance exergaming intervention for pwPD. The results in terms of clinical feasibility (i.e. safety, adherence, and user experience) and potential efficacy (gait, balance, and fall-risk outcomes) form the basis for future randomised controlled studies on the effectiveness of home-based AR gait-and-balance exergaming interventions for pwPD.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05605249. Registered on 4 November 2022.

Effects of the “ICU Support” team meeting concept on patient-centered and staff-centered outcomes: study protocol for a randomized controlled multicenter study

BackgroundProviding optimal care for critically ill patients is an extremely important but also highly demanding task, both emotionally and physically. The “ICU Support” team meeting concept aims to support intensive care unit (ICU) teams by promoting interprofessional communication, peer support, and patient safety by providing a structure for daily team meetings. This protocol describes a study to explore the effectiveness of “ICU Support” for patient- and staff-centered outcomes.MethodsICU Support will be implemented at nine university hospitals located in Germany, following a two-arm randomized parallel group design with an intervention and a control condition and three data collection periods. In the intervention arm, leading ICU personnel (physicians and nurses) will be trained in ICU Support and implement the ICU Support elements into the daily work routine of their units upon completion of data collection period T0 (baseline). In the control arm, ICU Support will not be implemented until the completion of the data collection period T1 (1 month after study start). Until then, the regular daily schedule of the ICU teams will be maintained. The final data collection period (T2) will take place 4 months after the start of the study. Primary outcomes include the number of intensive care complications per patient during their ICU stay during T1 and the sick-related absence of ICU staff during T1. Secondary outcomes include, among others, the average severity of intensive care complications per patient and employee self-reported data regarding their teamwork and patient safety behaviors.DiscussionThe need for healthy and well-trained ICU staff is omnipresent; thus, structured and evidence-based interventions aimed at supporting ICU teams and facilitating patient safety are required. This multicenter study aims to explore the effectiveness of ICU Support for patient- and staff-centered outcomes. The insights derived from this study have the potential to significantly improve ICU patient safety, staff communication, and connectedness and decrease sickness-related expenses and social costs associated with high work demands among ICU staff.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register DRKS00028642. Registered on 4 April 2022.

Addition of acai fruit extract to Tris extender and its effect on some parameters of ram semen preserved at cooling.

This study was conducted in the animal field and laboratories of the Department of Animal Production / College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad from November 15, 2021 until April 25, 2022. Three local Awassi rams were used in this experiment, their ages were between 2.5 - 3 years, and they weighed between 50-58 kg, and semen was collected from them using an artificial vagina to obtain one ejaculate from each ram weekly. The samples were divided using a Tris extender, as follows: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mg Acai extract / 1 ml Tris in addition to the control group. Measurements of AST, ALT and MDA concentrations were performed in the seminal plasma. The results of the current study showed that it had no significant effect on the concentration of MDA, AST and ALT in seminal plasma for the two periods ( 0 and 72 hours) of preservation for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, although the concentration of ALT enzyme and the concentration of MDA in the seminal plasma of T3 treatment were mathematically lower than the rest of the treatments in the two periods (0 and 72 hours), while there was an arithmetic decrease in the concentration of AST enzyme for treatment T4 over the rest of the treatments in the period (0 hours) and treatment T1 over the rest of the treatments after (72 hours) of preservation. Keywords: Acai fruit extract, semen, ram, preservation, 5 °C.

Inhibition evaluation of modified-fly ash inhibitors in methane/coal dust deflagrations

The inhibitory efficiency of modified-fly ash inhibitors MFAC and PMFAC on methane/coal dust deflagration was experimentally evaluated. Results suggested that PMFAC was superior to MFAC because of the phosphorus-containing substances and abundant reactive radicals. The composite inhibitor first inhibited the gas-phase reactions of the homogeneous combustion in the hybrid explosion field to decrease the maximum rate of explosion pressure rise (dP/dt)max in the period 0–t1, while reducing the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) by inhibiting the chain combustion reactions in the period t1–t2. Additionally, the impacts of MFAC and PMFAC on the microscopic reactions of hybrid methane/coal dust deflagration were numerically investigated. Results indicated that the inhibitors significantly prolonged the explosion process and decreased the peak rate of productivity (ROP) for each key reactive radical. Subsequently, the inhibition mechanism by which the PMFAC molecules interacted with the deflagration reactions of methane/coal dust was elucidated in detail. Results revealed that the elementary reactions concerning the key free radicals O, H, and OH were considerably inhibited in the gas-phase reactions. The competition for key radicals in the explosion reactions by the inhibitors indirectly inhibited the surface-phase reactions, and the synergistic effect of the radicals significantly decreased the sensitivities of the key reactions.

Work-related psychosocial and physical paths to future musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Given the human, industrial and societal costs of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) we evaluated antecedents to MSDs (assessed as pain, doctor diagnosis, and workplace injury) over a six-year period T1 (2014/2015) and T2 (2020/2021). The purpose of the study was to examine the role of the organisational climate (i.e., psychosocial safety climate, PSC) for employees' psychological health and safety as an antecedent to physical demands, and psychosocial risks (e.g., low control, harassment) that in turn might relate to MSDs using a longitudinal design. We used matched data from follow-up telephone interviews of 432 Australian employees. We found evidence for several psychosocial paths; PSC was related to future workplace injuries through decision authority; PSC was related to MSD pain through depressive symptoms. For future doctor diagnosed MSDs, PSC was directly negatively related. Older age, being male and low income was related to work injury; being female associated with MSD pain; and being older was associated with MSD diagnosis. A novel finding was the linkage between psychosocial risks (low skill discretion and harassment) and future physical demands leading to future MSD pain and work injury highlighting a new pathway linking psychosocial and physical aspects. Overall poor PSC was found as a distal antecedent of all MSDs. Decision authority and skill discretion were most critical psychosocial risks in predicting future pain and injuries. Psychosocial factors predicted future demands. Actions should target improving PSC and autonomy and reducing harassment and physical demands, to decrease the incidence of MSDs.

A new surgical technique for left atrial reduction in giant left atrium.

The study objective was to evaluate the safety and clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of a new surgical technique in adult patients diagnosed with a giant left atrium. We analyzed a cohort of patients who underwent left atrium reduction surgery between January 2016 and June 2020 performed by a specialized surgical team in 2 national reference centers in Lima, Peru. We assessed the major adverse valvular-related events and the New York Heart Association functional class as primary clinical outcomes. Also, our primary echocardiographic endings were the diameter, area, and volume of the left atrium. We assessed these variables at 3 time periods: baseline (t0), perioperative period (t1), and extended follow-up (t2: 12±3.4months). We carried out descriptive and bivariate exploratory statistical analysis for dependent measures. We included 17 patients, 70.6% of whom were women. Rheumatic mitral valve disease (76.5%) was the main etiology. We performed 14 (82.4%) mitral valve replacements and 3 repairs. Major adverse valvular-related events occurred in 1 patient (5.9%) (hemorrhagic stroke) at t1. A significant reduction in the size of the left atrium was observed: diameter (77mm vs 48mm, P<.001), area (75cm2 vs 31cm2, P<.001), and volume (332cm3 vs 90cm3, P<.001). Compared with t0 and t1, these echocardiographic findings remained without significant changes during t2. Our surgical left atrium reduction technique was associated with improved clinical functionality and reduced left atrium measures in patients with a giant left atrium undergoing mitral valve surgery.

Comparison of Static Balance Control in Infected Htlv-1 Subjects with Different Tsp/Ham Diagnosis.

(1) Background: Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP/HAM) associated with the T cell lymphotropic virus in type I humans (HTLV-1) is a slow, chronic, and progressive disease that causes balance changes. TSP/HAM diagnosis can be classified as probable, possible, and definite. We compared the static balance control of HTLV-1-infected patients with different TSP/HAM diagnosis. (2) Methods: Our sample consisted of 13 participants infected with HTLV-1 and 16 healthy participants. The center of pressure was recorded using a force platform with open and closed eyes. We divided the recordings into three intervals, period T1 (corresponds to the first 10 s); period T2 (from 10 to 45 s); period T3 (from 45 to 55 s). (3) Results: Eight participants infected with HTLV-1 were classified as probable TSP/HAM and five participants infected with HTLV-1 were classified as definite TSP/HAM. There was a significant increase in postural instability in patients with definite PET/MAH considering the structural and global variables of body sway compared to the control and the probable TSP/HAM. (4) Conclusions: We concluded that the severity of balance is directly related to the degree of signs and symptoms of TSP/HAM.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Mobile Application on Adherence of Patients With Arterial Hypertension.

Background:An assessment of the level of adherence of patients diagnosed with hypertension to therapy has not been conducted in Central Asia yet. It includes the lack the information on the impact of digital technologies on hypertension management.Objective:The study aimed at the evaluation of the effect of using a mobile application on adherence to therapy in patients with diagnosed arterial hypertension.Methods:A multi-centre randomized controlled study was conducted on 517 patients with diagnosed arterial hypertension (in the out-patient clinic, Almaty, Kazakhstan). Patients were randomly assigned to intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups. IG patients used a mobile application, which allowed creating an individual schedule for taking medications, including visual and audio notifications. The assessment of adherence to antihypertensive treatment was carried out using the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale-14 (LMAS-14), consisting of 14 items. Data were collected before therapy (T1), 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3) and 12 months (T4) followed the first dose. Adherence was assessed on 101 patients in the CG group and 165 respondents in the IG group.Results:In the period T1 in both groups CG and IG, a moderate adherence to treatment was recorded with indices equal to 35.9 ± 1.2 and 35.9 ± 1.3, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). A decrease in adherence in the CG group was determined after 3 months (35.9 ± 1.2) (p ≤ 0.05) and six months later (36.5 ± 3.2) in comparison with relatively high adherence among respondents in the IG group in periods T2 (39.5 ± 1.2) and T3 (40.5 ± 1.2) (p ≤ 0.001). After 12 months (T4) on the adherence scale in patients who used the mobile application “MyTherapy” (IG), despite a slight decrease in scores, the results were relatively higher (40.3 ± 1.3) compared with the CG group (33.6 ± 1.9) (p ≤ 0.001).Conclusion:The analysis of adherence of patients with primary health care in Almaty (Kazakhstan) with chronic arterial hypertension showed the effectiveness of using the ‘MyTherapy’ mobile application in increasing patient adherence. The obtained data on the positive effect of the use of digital technologies require further research to assess the possibility of wider implementation in healthcare.

Long-term assessment of conventional and mini-screw-assisted rapid palatal expansion on the nasal cavity.

To evaluate the long-term effects of mini-screw-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), rapid palatal expansion (RPE), and controls on the nasal cavity with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 180 CBCT scans that were part of a previous randomized trial were evaluated retrospectively for 60 patients at pretreatment (T1), postexpansion (T2), and posttreatment (T3). Patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups: MARPE, RPE, and controls (time period T1 to T3; MARPE: 2 years 8 months; RPE: 2 years 9 months; control: 2 years 7 months). Nasal height, nasal length, nasion-ANS height, ANS-PNS length, pyriform height, and nasal septal deviation angle were measured. The changes in alar width, alar base width, anterior nasal cavity width, posterior nasal cavity width, maxillary intermolar width, and maxillary intercanine width were also evaluated. The alar base width, posterior nasal cavity width, anterior nasal cavity width, maxillary intercanine width, and maxillary intermolar width significantly increased (P < .05), and the nasal septal deviation angle significantly decreased (P < .05) in both the MARPE and RPE groups as compared with controls in the short term. In the long term, the nasal septal deviation angle was significantly decreased (P < .05) in the MARPE and RPE groups as compared with controls, and the posterior nasal cavity width was significantly increased (P < .05) in the MARPE group compared with the RPE group and controls. MARPE and RPE led to a significant increase in the nasal cavity and alar base width compared with controls in the short term. In the long term, a significant increase was observed only in the posterior nasal cavity width with MARPE. Both MARPE and RPE led to a minimal decrease in nasal septal deviation angle in comparison with controls.

Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of the use of Xylitol gum in the prevention of caries lesions in children living in Ladakh\u2014the Caries Prevention Xylitol in Children (CaPreXCh) trial

BackgroundXylitol use is reported to be able to reduce dental plaque amount and cariogenic bacteria and, as a consequence, the caries increment. Only few data on the oral health of Ladakh’s population are available. The aim of the present protocol will be to record the caries prevalence of primary and permanent molars of schoolchildren living in Ladakh and to implement a school-based Xylitol programme, named the Caries Prevention Xylitol in Children (CaPreXCh) trial, using chewing gums.MethodsThe protocol is designed as a triple-blind randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial in children aged 5–14 years. The study should have been carried out from August 2021 to August 2024 in Zanskar Valley (Ladakh), but the COVID-19 pandemic does not allow today to make predictions on the exact start. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: subjects who will receive a chewing gum with Xylitol (70% w/v) as only sweetener, and those who will receive a sugared chewing gum containing Maltitol (23% w/v). The subjects will be instructed to chew a total of 6 pellets for 5 min divided into 3 intakes a day (2 in the morning, 2 after the midday meal and 2 in the afternoon) for one school year. Clinical examination will comprise an oral examination in which caries index (ICDAS scores), bleeding on probing and plaque pH evaluation after sucrose challenge will be recorded at baseline (t0); the clinical examination will be repeated after 12 months since the beginning of the chewing gum administration period (t1), after another 12-month period (t2) and finally after further 12 months (t3) (24 months from the end of the chewing gum use). The primary outcome will be the caries increment measured both at enamel and dentinal levels on primary and permanent molars. Data analysis will be conducted through Kaplan-Meyer graphs to evaluate caries increment. A comparison of the methods will be carried out with Cox regression with shared frailty. The net caries increment for initial, moderate and severe caries levels, using ICDAS (Δ-initial, Δ-moderate and Δ-severe), will be calculated.DiscussionThis trial will be the first trial conducted in India assessing the efficacy of a school-based caries preventive programme through the use of chewing gum containing only Xylitol as a sweetener. The findings could help strengthen the evidence for the efficacy of Xylitol use in community-based caries prevention programmes in children.Trial registrationClinical trials.govNCT04420780. Registered on June 9, 2020

ELECTRICAL DRIVE AND CONTROL OF AN ELECTRIC MOTOR STEP BY STEP BY STEP BIPOLAR

"PWM, (Pulse Width Modulation) is the most effective way to control analog circuits using numerical outputs by changing the duration and frequency of the signal. The duration of each state t1 and t2, so the filling factor, where T = t1 + t2 = constant. If only one of the times (t1 or t2) varies, then the Tt period of a cycle varies, so the f = 1 / T frequency varies. The PWM signal is actually a modulated rectangular signal over the duration by modifying the duration of each period t1, t2 of the cycle as well as the change in frequency. The maximum benefit of a stepper motor can only be obtained if it is ordered correctly, this requiring a direct current source, an electronic switch and a controlled pulse generator (numerical information). The frequency of the CLOCK cycle is measured in Hz and the filling factor is measured in percentage (%). The amplitude of the output signal is constant even if the amplitude of signals producing the fill factor varies. "

Bouldering psychotherapy is effective in enhancing perceived self-efficacy in people with depression: results from a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested that therapeutic climbing/bouldering may have positive effects on perceived self-efficacy. Nevertheless, there is still an urgent need for high-quality studies, as many existing studies have suffered from methodological problems. Therefore, the current work was aimed at investigating the effect of a manualized bouldering psychotherapy (BPT) on perceived self-efficacy in people with depression, compared with a home-based physical exercise program (EP) and state-of-the-art cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBT).MethodsIn a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial, 233 people with depression were randomly assigned to one group (BPT, EP, or CBT). Perceived self-efficacy was assessed at baseline (t0) and directly after the 10-week intervention period (t1) with the GSE. In addition, depression was assessed with the PHQ-9 and the MADRS. We computed t tests, analyses of variance (ANOVAs), confounder-adjusted hierarchical regression analyses, mediation analyses, and several sensitivity analyses.ResultsBPT participants showed a significantly larger increase in perceived self-efficacy on the GSE compared with the EP (an increase of 3.04 vs. 1.26 points, p = .016, Cohen’s d = 0.39). In the confounder-adjusted hierarchical multiple regression analysis, group allocation (BPT vs. EP) was found to be the only significant predictor of the postintervention GSE score (β = .16, p = .014) besides the baseline GSE score (β = .69, p < .001). No differences were found between BPT and CBT participants regarding the effect on perceived self-efficacy. Only in the CBT group, the relationship between depression at baseline and postintervention was partially mediated (23%) by perceived self-efficacy.ConclusionsParticipation in the manualized BPT in a group setting leads to a clinically relevant enhancement of perceived self-efficacy in people with depression. This effect is superior to that of physical exercise alone. The results provide also initial indications that BPT is comparable to CBT in enhancing perceived self-efficacy, suggesting a strong case for a broader use of BPT as a supplement to existing health services. Future studies should focus on the modes of action of BPT and its effect on perceived self-efficacy in people with other mental or physical disorders.Trial registration ISRCTN12457760, registered partly retrospectively, 26 July 2017.

Ozonized Water Administration in Peri-Implant Mucositis Sites: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Peri-implant mucositis represents an inflammatory lesion of the mucosa surrounding an endosseous implant, without the loss of the supporting peri-implant bone. Considering its reversible nature, every effort should be made to contrast it, thus avoiding the eventual progression towards peri-implantitis. The aim of the present randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of the ozonized water against peri-implant mucositis. A total of 26 patients diagnosed for this latter clinical condition were randomly divided according to the professional oral hygiene protocol performed on the pathological sites at baseline, at T1 (1 month), and T2 (2 months). Group 1 underwent an ozonized water administration (experimental treatment), whereas Group 2 underwent a pure water one (control treatment). Both administrations were performed with the same professional irrigator (Aquolab® professional water jet, Aquolab s.r.l. EB2C S.r.l., Milano, Italy) with no differences in color or taste between the two substances delivered. At each appointment, the following indexes were assessed: the Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Plaque Index (PI), Bleeding on Probing (BoP), and Bleeding Score (BS). As regards intragroup differences, in Group 1 ozonized water significantly and progressively reduced all the clinical indexes tested, except for PI in the period T1–T2, whereas no significant differences occurred within the control group. Despite this, no significant intergroup differences were generally detected between the two treatments. Accordingly, the role of ozone for the management of peri-implant mucositis deserves to be further investigated.

Expert Perceptual Behavior under the Spatiotemporal Visual Constraints in Table Tennis

OBJECTIVES The perceptual ability to detect movement is essential for expert table tennis players. A spatiotemporal occlusion paradigm was employed to examine the critical information that facilitates athletes’ perception.METHODS Thirty-one expert table tennis players, 29 participants and 2 demonstrators, volunteered to participate in the study. Four types of temporal conditions and five types of spatial occlusions were displayed in experimental videos of two opponents playing a table tennis forehand stroke. Period t1–4 represented the four temporal conditions, with 250, 500, 750, and 1000 ms of action being occluded, respectively. The five types of spatial occlusion involved showing the kinematics of only the ball, paddle, arm, trunk, or head. The participants were instructed to judge the landing direction of the ball on the basis of the information in the footage.RESULTS The footage depicted the longest period of play. Furthermore, in separate trials, the spatial information (for the ball, torso, or head) was missing because of occlusion. The absence of such critical spatiotemporal information impaired the ability of players to make an accurate prediction.CONCLUSION Players obtained crucial spatiotemporal information if the timeframe of the video was relatively complete and spatial information on the opponent’s torso and head was available. For peak performance, expert table tennis players perceive and detect the optical flow of the ball’s flight and consider invariant information concerning their opponent’s torso and head.

Effect of rock phosphate and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on physical and chemical properties change of corn residues during composting

This study aims to study the effect of adding rock phosphate and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), in the physical and chemical properties of the corn residues compost during aerobic decomposition. Four composting heaps were included in this study as it follows, 1) traditional method composting heap (T1), 2) heap was supplied with rock phosphate (T2), 3) heap was supplied with rock phosphate + Bacillus megatherum culture (T3), and 4) heap was supplied with rock phosphate+(Bacillus.megatherum, Azospirillum lipoferum, Azotobacter chroococcum) mixed cultures (T4). All compost treatments showed an increase in temperature right after composting started. The heap treated with three bacterial inoculums (T4) reached the highest peak values of 62.2°C on day 12 compared to other treatments. At the end of the composting period T1 recorded the lowest value of bulk density (533 kg/m3) compared to other treatments. The pH value declined to stabilize with the end result at 100 days being 6.9, 7.4, 7.1 and 7.0 for composting treatment T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The initial C/N ratio was 61:1 for all composting treatments, and the final values of total C/N ratio after the 100 days were 15:1, 14:1, 12:1 and 10:1 for composting treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Compost supplied with rock phosphate and three bacterial inoculums (T4) reached has more N, P and K content compared to other composting treatments T1, T2, T3. These results indicated that adding rock phosphate and (PGPR) to corn residues during composting improve nutritional value of the resulting compost.

Streamflow Variations across Nepal during 1986-2015

This paper presents a picture of the streamflow variation in major hydrologic stations across Nepal during 1986-2015 in two periods; before and after 2000. Our study selected 27 high-quality hydrologic monitoring stations maintained by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal distributed across the country, representing a wide range of basin size, from ~308 to ~54100 km2. We compare the flow duration curves (FDCs) for two periods, T1: 1986-1999 and T2: 2000-2015. The study quantifies the changes of different streamflow indices including minimum, maximum, average daily streamflow, different percentiles and top 10, 20 and 50 maximum daily streamflow. Many studies reported that the climate (such as temperature and precipitation) showed an abrupt variation during the late 90s in the central Himalayas. This study explores whether similar effects are observed in the streamflow of the Himalayan catchments. The results of the study show a mixed pattern of positive and negative changes for different streamflow indices. However, about 60% of analyzed station (i.e. 17 out of 27) showed the positive deviation of the maximum daily streamflow meaning more extremes were observed in the latter period compared to the former period. Seven stations revealed &gt; +20% shift in the maximum daily streamflow from period T1 to T2. In particular, East Rapti at Rajaiya showed more than 80% increase with respect to T1 which deviated from an average of 304 (ranging from 123 to 682) m3/s to an average of 555 (ranging from 171 to 1260) m3/s. Overall, about 10% of increment could be found on time-sliced averaged maximum daily discharge between two periods. Most importantly, the inter- and intra- annual variation of extreme streamflow show a clear tendency of the elevated peak streamflow recurrently over time.

Germinación de semillas de Lotus tenuis: efecto del tratamiento pregerminativo, tiempo de almacenamiento y rol de la cubierta dura a largo plazo

Se evaluó el efecto de la escarificación mecánica en dos momentos luego de la cosecha sobre la germinación de semillas de 23 genotipos de Lotus tenuis Waldst et Kit almacenadas en condiciones de laboratorio sin escarificar y el rol de las cubiertas duras sobre dicha respuesta a largo plazo. Se usó un DCA con tres factores [genotipos, tratamiento pregerminativo (E=escarificado; NE=ausencia de escarificado) y tiempo de almacenamiento (t1=0,25 años; t2=22,5 años)] (n=4). Se calculó el porcentaje de germinación acumulada (Gac%) y de semillas duras (Sd%). Para t2 se calculó el índice de velocidad germinativa (IVG). Se aplicó ANOVA no paramétrico (Kruskal-Wallis) y comparación de medianas. Para t2 se analizaron correlación y regresión simple. La interacción triple resultó significativa (p ≤0,01) para ambos parámetros. Gac% tuvo valores mayores en el tratamiento E en t1 y menores en NE en t2. El factor genotipo resultó significativo (p≤0,01) para el E en t2. Sd% tuvo valores mayores en el tratamiento NE en t1 y menores en E independientemente del tiempo de almacenamiento. El factor genotipo resultó significativo (p≤0,01) para NE en t2. La correlación Sd% vs. Gac% e IVG resultó significativa (p≤0,01) y positiva. Las regresiones simples Sd% vs. Gac% e IVG resultaron significativas (p≤0,01). El estudio demostró que la escarificación y el tiempo de almacenamiento afectan de manera positiva y negativa, respectivamente, al comportamiento germinativo de los genotipos estudiados, que el ablandamiento de la cubierta dura es variable entre genotipos y que dicha cubierta estaría vinculada con la conservación de la capacidad germinativa en el largo plazo.