Specific Protocol Research Articles

End-to-End Framework for Identifying Vulnerabilities of Operational Technology Protocols and Their Implementations in Industrial IoT

The convergence of IT and OT networks has gained significant attention in recent years, facilitated by the increase in distributed computing capabilities, the widespread deployment of Internet of Things devices, and the adoption of Industrial Internet of Things. This convergence has led to a drastic increase in external access capabilities to previously air-gapped industrial systems for process control and monitoring. To meet the need for remote access to system information, protocols designed for the OT space were extended to allow IT networked communications. However, OT protocols often lack the rigor of cybersecurity capabilities that have become a critical characteristic of IT protocols. Furthermore, OT protocol implementations on individual devices can vary in performance, requiring the comprehensive evaluation of a device’s reliability and capabilities before installation into a critical infrastructure production network. In this paper, the authors define a framework for identifying vulnerabilities within these protocols and their on-device implementations, utilizing formal modeling, hardware in the loop-driven network emulation, and fully virtual network scenario simulation. Initially, protocol specifications are modeled to identify any vulnerable states within the protocol, leveraging the Construction and Analysis of Distributed Processes (CADP) software (version 2022-d “Kista”, which was created by Inria, the French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation, in France). Device characteristics are then extracted through automated real-time network emulation tests built on the OMNET++ framework, and all measured device characteristics are then used as a virtual device representation for network simulation tests within the OMNET++ software (version 6.0.1., a public-soucre, open-architecture software, initially developed by OpenSim Limited in Budapest, Hungary), to verify the presence of any potential vulnerabilities identified in the formal modeling stage. With this framework, the authors have thus defined an end-to-end process to identify and verify the presence and impact of potential vulnerabilities within a protocol, as shown by the presented results. Furthermore, this framework can test protocol compliance, performance, and security in a controlled environment before deploying devices in live production networks and addressing cybersecurity concerns.

Image-Based Estimation of Left Ventricular Myocardial Stiffness.

Elevation in left ventricular (LV) myocardial stiffness is a key remodeling-mediated change that underlies the development and progression of heart failure (HF). Despite the potential diagnostic value of quantifying this deterministic change, there is a lack of enabling techniques that can be readily incorporated into current clinical practice. To address this unmet clinical need, we propose a simple protocol for processing routine echocardiographic imaging data to provide an index of left ventricular myocardial stiffness, with protocol specification for patients at risk for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. We demonstrate our protocol in both a preclinical and clinical setting, with representative findings that suggest sensitivity and translational feasibility of obtained estimates.

Prospects for high-throughput estimates of photosynthetic parameters in tropical trees using the Dynamic Assimilation™ Technique.

Amazônia is a species-rich region of immense importance to Earth's water and carbon cycling. Photosynthesis drives the global carbon cycle, so understanding photosynthetic differences across diverse landscapes is a key task of ecophysiology and ecosystem science. Unfortunately, due to physiological and logistical constraints, ground-based photosynthesis data in Amazônia remains scarce, and the 'traditional' steady-state method (SS) of gas exchange is slow and inefficient. The Dynamic Assimilation™ Technique (DAT; Saathoff and Welles 2021) promises a new way to perform A/Ci curves rapidly without requiring steady-state conditions. Thus far, this technique has only been validated in greenhouse or agricultural-field-grown species and has yet to be tested in forest trees of diverse physiology, morphology, and environmental adaptation. To test the utility of the DAT in a complex tropical forest ecosystem, we compared the DAT to the SS method in 13 Amazonian trees in situ. We found strong agreement between Vcmax from DAT curves and SS curves, while Jmax was underestimated in DAT curves. We conclude that the DAT provides a robust and rapid estimation of Vcmax. We also identified diverse and unexpected DAT curve shapes among some trees, including the presence of an 'overshoot' in assimilation beyond model-derived RuBP regeneration limitations. The presence of overshoot may elucidate microclimate and species differences in RuBP regeneration rates and emphasizes the considerable importance of DAT curve protocol specifications, such as the effect of ramp rate and direction on Jmax and TPU. Overall, the DAT saved time relative to the SS method and proved to be an effective and rapid method for quantifying Vcmax in tropical trees.

Analysis of Genitourinary Rhabdomyosarcoma in Phase 3 clinical trials.

Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a morbid and often lethal condition characterized by a paucity of clinical data. Beyond a detailed risk categorization system, it is unclear if genitourinary (GU) sites (bladder/prostate, paratesticular, female organs) have outcomes distinct from non-GU sites. This study pools primary data from phase-3 clinical trials involving pediatric RMS to evaluate this question. We obtained primary data from three Children's Oncology Group pediatric RMS trials (NCT00075582, NCT00354835, NCT00354744) evaluating low- (LR), intermediate- (IMR), and high risk (HR) Pediatric RMS. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, with Event-Free Survival (EFS) defined per protocol specifications. 599 subject records were included in the analysis (111 GU RMS, 488 non-GU RMS). For subjects with GU RMS, overall survival (OS) was superior to non-GU RMS (HRR 0.55 [95% CI, 0.35-0.87], p = 0.009). In this same group, EFS superiority was not statistically significant compared to non-GU RMS (HRR 0.88 [95% CI, 0.63-1.22], p = 0.43). In the LR population, GU primary site was associated with improved OS that was not statistically significant (HRR 0.37 [95% CI 0.07-1.84], p = 0.21) and less favorable EFS (HRR 2.84 [95% CI, 1.13-7.12], p = 0.02). In RMS, a GU primary site is linked to improved OS compared to non-GU sites, although LR GU RMS shows less favorable EFS. Our findings reinforce the association between GU primary sites and better OS outcomes in RMS, warranting further investigation into the surrogacy of EFS for OS in GU RMS. Not applicable.

Traditional Thai Massage Steps Development in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke results in many survivors experiencing limb dysfunction and functional disability. Early rehabilitation has shown promise in improving recovery. Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) is noted for potential benefits in aiding stroke recovery. Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Thailand has integrated TTM in treating various diseases and has developed a specialized TTM protocol for acute stroke patients. We develop 23 unique Traditional Thai Massage Steps based on Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Experience and assess the feasibility and safety of combining TTM steps with physical therapy (PT) in treating acute ischemic stroke compared to PT alone. 33 stroke patients were randomized into two groups: intervention (TTM + PT) and control (PT alone). The outcomes were improvements in daily living, quality of life, and acute stroke severity by using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, Barthel index of activities of daily living (BI), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and the Stroke Specific Quality Of Life scale (SS-QOL). Both groups significantly improved outcomes over the 20-day study. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in these measures. Both groups also reported no adverse effects from the treatments.•The 23 unique Traditional Thai Massage Steps for acute ischemic stroke based on Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Experience are developed.•TTM protocols for acute ischemic stroke are practical and approved by well-trained Traditional Thai Medicine Practitioners.•Although TTM protocols do not show additional benefits to conventional PT at day 20 after treatment, their combinations for patients with acute ischemic stroke appear safe and feasible.

Efficient Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Set Membership in Blockchain-Based Sensor Networks: A Novel OR-Aggregation Approach

Blockchain-based sensor networks offer promising solutions for secure and transparent data management in IoT ecosystems. However, efficient set membership proofs remain a critical challenge, particularly in resource-constrained environments. This paper introduces a novel OR-aggregation approach (where “OR” refers to proving that an element equals at least one member of a set without revealing which one) for zero-knowledge set membership proofs, tailored specifically for blockchain-based sensor networks. We provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation, detailed protocol specification, and rigorous security analysis. Our implementation incorporates optimization techniques for resource-constrained devices and strategies for integration with prominent blockchain platforms. Extensive experimental evaluation demonstrates the superiority of our approach over existing methods, particularly for large-scale deployments. Results show significant improvements in proof size, generation time, and verification efficiency. The proposed OR-aggregation technique offers a scalable and privacy-preserving solution for set membership verification in blockchain-based IoT applications, addressing key limitations of current approaches. Our work contributes to the advancement of efficient and secure data management in large-scale sensor networks, paving the way for wider adoption of blockchain technology in IoT ecosystems.

Severe alcohol withdrawal during pregnancy or early postpartum: maternal and fetal outcomes.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) during pregnancy is under-researched despite growing concerns about increased alcohol use among pregnant women. This study aims to explore the severity of AWS and its impact on maternal and fetal outcomes. This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients admitted to the Mayo Clinic who underwent the CIWA-Ar protocol for AWS from June 2019 through June 2022. Pregnant women identified in this cohort had their pregnancy, labor, and neonatal data analyzed for alcohol-related complications and outcomes. Out of the medical records reviewed, 8 cases involved pregnant women experiencing AWS. These cases showed a high severity of withdrawal symptoms, with a median peak CIWA-Ar score of 17 (IQR = 14). Maternal complications included a high rate of ICU admissions (37.5%; n = 3) and significant rates of miscarriage and stillbirth (37.5%; n = 3). Fetal outcomes were concerning, with 1 out of 5 (20%) neonates requiring NICU admission and experiencing conditions such as respiratory failure and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Developmental problems were noted in 2 out of 5 (40%) newborns. The findings highlight the severe implications of AWS during pregnancy, impacting both maternal and fetal health. The severity of AWS requires attentive clinical management and preventative interventions. Future research should focus on larger, prospective studies to better understand and address the risks associated with AWS in pregnant women and to improve health outcomes for mothers and their children. • Severe AWS during pregnancy leads to high ICU admissions and adverse neonatal outcomes. • 37.5% of pregnant women with AWS experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. • 20% of newborns from mothers with AWS required NICU admission for serious conditions; 40% of newborns had developmental problems. • Findings underscore the need for specialized treatment protocols to improve outcomes for pregnant women and their newborns.

Using Specify 6, 7 and Web Portal Instruments for the North Siberian Biodiversity Data Platform

The digitization and mobilization of biodiversity data are actively ongoing in the northern part of Western Siberia (Tyumen Oblast, Russia), where the history of biodiversity research is relatively short. For small collections and young universities, it is essential to have a ready-made software product, like Specify*1, for managing the collection and publishing data openly. Our use of Specify tools began with a local installation on a single computer in 2015. Now we have a deployed system consisting of two disciplines and ten collections used by five organizations (Table 1), and we utilize Specify 6, Specify 7, the Attachment Server, and Web Portal tools. The checklist of the Western Siberian Specify installation activities includes: Personal collection of fungi since 2015 Using Specify 6 + Specify 7 + Web Portal since 2017 for university collections management Development of a Northwest Siberia bioportal*2 since 2018 Development of a Mycological Portal of West Siberia*3 since 2024 Organization of educational events Helping with localization in Russian language Developing instructions and help videos in Russian language*4 Developing DNA-derived data schema in Specify 6 since 2023 Personal collection of fungi since 2015 Using Specify 6 + Specify 7 + Web Portal since 2017 for university collections management Development of a Northwest Siberia bioportal*2 since 2018 Development of a Mycological Portal of West Siberia*3 since 2024 Organization of educational events Helping with localization in Russian language Developing instructions and help videos in Russian language*4 Developing DNA-derived data schema in Specify 6 since 2023 The main uses of the installation include storing specimen label information, the physical storage location of specimens, and associated digital information (e.g., scans, live images of objects, or microphotographs). We also utilize Specify's reports for generating customized labels and reports on loans or gifts. Taxonomical, geographical, and storage hierarchical trees are used to organize data. Recently, tables associated with molecular data have been more actively utilized to store DNA sequences, their metadata, and trace files. The Specify database is linked via Structured Query Language (SQL) to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility's (GBIF) Integrated Publishing Toolkit (IPT) for publishing collections data through GBIF. The automatic updates are regularly done once a week. Using separate queries, our collection data is regularly exported and published on the local portals, where data on labels, molecular data, distribution maps (Fig. 1) and photographs are presented (Fig. 2). Currently the Specify installation hosts 10 collections from two disciplines and has about 20 users. It contains about 22,000 specimens with 33,000 images attached, and about 1,500 DNA sequences (Table 1). Two platforms for external access to collections were created using the Specify Web Portal tool, and serve as a hub for region- and discipline-oriented collections: Northwestern Siberia Bioportal*2 for all regional collections (currently hosts 10 collections from 5 organizations); Siberian Mycological Portal*3 specifically for mycology collections in Siberia (5 collections from 3 organizations). Northwestern Siberia Bioportal*2 for all regional collections (currently hosts 10 collections from 5 organizations); Siberian Mycological Portal*3 specifically for mycology collections in Siberia (5 collections from 3 organizations). In recent years, we have been actively barcoding the specimens of the Fungarium of Yugra State University (YSU) collection. As a result, two related tables are exported to IPT: one for the collection specimens and another for DNA-derived data (the resulting dataset Filippova et al. 2024). Several ready-made queries were built to export DNA-derived data to other molecular data portals (GenBank, International Barcode of Life (iBOL), and PlutoF). A special protocol on DNA-derived data storage and export using Specify was published on Protocols.io to standardize the procedures and pass on the skills (Filippova and Zvyagina 2024).

The Impact of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Protocols on Vertical Jumps: Systematic Review

Background: The post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocol is frequently utilized to enhance athletic performance through high-intensity stimuli. Despite its popularity, the effectiveness and mechanisms of PAPE remain unclear, particularly in the context of improving jump performance in sports. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCO up to 31 March 2024. Results: Initially, 481 studies were identified, of which 8 were finally included, involving a varied number of participants, each focusing on the impact of PAPE on jump performance. These studies predominantly indicated that PAPE protocols can lead to short-term improvements in jump performance. Two publications demonstrated a positive effect on jump height, and one of them reported a questionable effect on jump height in the initial time period, while the remaining five publications showed a positive impact on jump performance. The average increase in height achieved based on the intervention from the publications was 4.03% (p < 0.05). Variability in effectiveness was noted depending on the type of exercises used in the activation phase, timing of performance post activation, and individual physiological characteristics. Conclusions: PAPE protocols can effectively enhance jump performance in athletic populations, although outcomes vary based on protocol specifics and individual differences. These findings support the need for individualized approaches in the application of PAPE protocols to optimize athletic performance.

The Precision of MRI in the Diagnosis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Among Athletes in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Introduction: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is frequently injured among athletes. ACL injuries occur due to strong contact or indirect knee trauma, causing the enlarging or destroying of non-contractile, and elastic soft-tissue articular structures. Aims: An anterior cruciate ligament injury is the most injured among young athletes. It could be a complete or partial tear. This study aimed to evaluate the role of MRI and physical examination in diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament tears among athletes. Method: The data on anterior cruciate ligament tears were collected retrospectively from Riyadh's main hospitals, KSA. The diagnosis went through physical examinations and MRI knee protocol, and the final diagnosis in most cases was based on the physical examination combined with an MRI image. Results: Our data consists of 32 male athletic patients with anterior cruciate ligament tears. The incidence of athlete injuries was mainly among young males between 20-35 years old. The most commonly reported was a partial tear by 66% and a complete tear by 34%. MRI is the main tool to evaluate ACL injury and differentiate between partial and complete ACL tear Conclusion: The final reported cases were diagnosed by using a special MRI knee protocol. A partial tear is the most common injury among young male Saudi athletes, which is a male injury in Saudi society.

Generating Payloads of Power Monitoring Systems Compliant with Power Network Protocols Using Generative Adversarial Networks

In the network environment of power systems, payload generation is used to construct data packets, which are used to obtain data for the security management of network assets. Payloads generated by existing methods cannot satisfy the specifications of the protocols in power systems, resulting in low efficiency and information errors. In this paper, a payload generation model, LoadGAN, is proposed by using generative adversarial networks (GANs). Firstly, we find segmentation points to cut payloads into different segment sequences using sliding window schema based on Bayesian optimization. Then, we use different payload segments to train several child generators to generate corresponding parts of a whole payload. Segment sequences generated by these generators are assembled to form a whole new payload that is compliant with the specifications of the original network protocol. Experiments on the Mozi botnet dataset show that LoadGAN achieves precise payload segmentation while maintaining a high payload effectiveness of 85.5%, which is a 40% improvement compared to existing methods.

Special Soundness Revisited

We generalize and abstract the problem of extracting a witness from a prover of a special sound protocol into a combinatorial problem induced by a sequence of matroids and a predicate, and present a parametrized algorithm for solving this problem. The parametrization provides a tight tradeoff between the running time and the extraction error of the algorithm, which allows optimizing the parameters to minimize: the soundness error for interactive proofs, or the extraction time for proofs of knowledge. In contrast to previous work we bound the distribution of the running time and not only the expected running time. Tail bounds give a tighter analysis when applied recursively and a concentrated running time.

Special Soundness in the Random Oracle Model

We generalize the optimal knowledge extractor for constant-round special sound protocols presented by Wikström (2018) to a knowledge extractor for the corresponding non-interactive Fiat-Shamir proofs in the random oracle model and give an exact analysis of the extraction error and running time. Relative the interactive case the extraction error and the running time are both asymptotically increased by a multiplicative factor equal to the number of oracle queries made by the prover. Through carefully chosen notation, novel concepts, and a technical lemma, we effectively recast the extraction problem of the notoriously complex non-interactive case to the interactive case. Thus, our approach may be of independent interest.

Sexual Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Psychopathological Characteristics in Women with Functional/Dissociative Seizures.

Functional/dissociative seizures (FDS), also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), are sudden, transient, and involuntary events that include motor, sensory, cognitive or autonomic function alterations. In this work we analyzed the psychopathological characteristics of a subgroup of women who suffer from FDS with the aim to analyze the role of psychological trauma, with special emphasis on trauma due to sexual abuse (SA). Forty-five women diagnosed with FDS were included in the study (age range 18 to 64 years, mean = 34.7, standard deviation (SD) = 13.1). Clinical and psychopathological characteristics were reviewed. All patients have completed the clinical interviews, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID II) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) according to a special protocol for mental health assessment. Also, the history of sexual abuse trauma, the history of other non-sexual traumas and absence of history of trauma were reviewed. Eighty percent of the cases reported a history of trauma, and 40% reported a history of SA. Patients with a history of SA presented a significantly lower average age of seizure onset than patients with a history of other non-sexual traumas (p = 0.021). Significant associations were found between SA and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (p = 0.031), and SA and history of suicide attempts (p = 0.037). SA carries serious implications for the mental health of women suffering from FDS. Mental health professionals must consider the history of this type of trauma to provide the necessary care for this patient population.

Mandibular asymmetry. Hemimandibular hyperplasia vs. hemimandiubular elongation

Introduction. Hemimandibular hyperplasia and elongation create a developmental asymmetry characterized by volumetric changes of the hemimandible. Both entities cause progressive aesthetic and functional problems causing depression with poor quality of life. The treatment of these anomalies is combined, orthodontic and surgical Material and methods. The study was based on the analysis of bibliographic sources as well as the rehabilitation of two patients diagnosed with hemimandibular hyperplasia and hemimandibular elongation. Results. The specialized literature proposes a variety of surgical techniques for osteotomy of the mandible to correct mandibular asymmetries. The surgical planning of the interventions was carried out using the digital protocol, with the manufacture of intermediate and final splints. Conclusions. Contemporary digital medical imaging in combination with virtual surgical planning allows a patient specific treatment protocol, a fact that significantly contributes to optimizing not only the treatment plan but also the surgery itself.

Quelles avancées dans la prise en charge du carcinome anaplasique de la thyroïde en 2024 ?

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN ANAPLASTIC THYROID CARCINOMA MANAGEMENT IN 2024: Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) represent a rare and undifferentiated form of thyroid cancer with a poor prognosis, typically marked by a median overall survival of four to ten months. However, recent advances have shown improvements due to the more systematic application of molecular testing, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, alongside the establishment of rapid specialized care protocols in expert centers. Clinically, ATCs often present as a rapidly enlarging cervical mass originating from the thyroid, causing neck, pain and tenderness, dyspnea and dys-phagia, and associated lymphadenopathy, typically in elderly patients. Diagnostic confirmation requires an urgent biopsy, reviewed by a pathologist within the TUTHYREF-path network, with a mandatory search for BRAFV600E molecular alterations. Following diagnosis, care coordination is expedited within an expert center of the ENDOCAN-TUTHYREF network whenever feasible. Initial surgery is rarely an option due to frequent loco-regional cervical invasion. A multimodal treatment approach is essential: BRAF/MEK inhibitors (dabrafenib/trametinib) in cases of BRAFV600E mutation, or chemotherapy in the absence of a molecular target, combined with radiotherapy and, potentially, surgery if the disease becomes resectable following induction therapy. PD-1/PD-L1 targeted immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with targeted therapies, has shown potential to extend survival in some patients; however, predictive biomarkers and the optimal sequencing of immunotherapy (whether as induction and/or maintenance) require further clarification and may vary depending on the clinical context.

Incidence and risk factors for chronic rejection in pediatric liver transplantation.

Chronic rejection (CR) is a progressive immunological injury that frequently leads to long-term liver allograft dysfunction and loss. Although CR remains an important indication for retransplantation, as transplant immunosuppression has evolved, its prevalence in adults undergoing liver transplantation (LT) has declined. However, the incidence and factors that lead to CR in pediatric LT are poorly defined. Therefore, we sought to systematically measure CR's incidence and assess both the risk factors for developing CR and outcomes in a large cohort of pediatric recipients of LT. In this single-center study, we retrospectively analyzed and compared relevant recipient characteristics, surgical details, immunosuppression, graft, and patient survival in the CR and control groups over a 17-year period. After a median time of 1.9 years after LT, 19/356 recipients of LT (5.3%) developed CR in our cohort. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder ( p = 0.01), infections ( p = 0.02), autoimmune liver diseases (HR = 7.3, p = <0.01), Black race (HR = 11.5, p = 0.01), and 2 or more episodes of T cell mediated rejection (HR = 5.1, p = <0.01) were associated with CR development. The retransplantation rate among CR cases was 15.8% at a median follow-up time of 4.1 years. Overall, patient survival was lower in the CR group (78.9%) versus controls (91.1%). While CR incidence in our pediatric cohort was lower than previously reported rates of >12%, the CR group had a higher graft failure rate that required retransplantation and lower overall patient survival. Thus, identifying risk factors may warrant specialized immunosuppression protocols and closer posttransplantation monitoring to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality from CR.

Impact of different disinfection protocols on the bond strength of NeoMTA 2 bioceramic sealer used as a root canal apical plug (in vitro study)

IntroductionTreatment of an immature permanent tooth required a special disinfection protocol due to the presence of thin radicular walls, which are prone to fracture. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has been proposed as a root repair material for root canal treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the push-out bond strength of conventional White MTA cements and second generation NeoMTA 2 in imitated immature roots treated with different disinfection protocols, which are 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), followed by 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and NaOCl, followed by 20% etidronic acid (HEBP).MethodsThe root canals of freshly extracted single-root teeth were manually prepared until 90 K-file to imitate immature roots. Roots were randomly divided into four groups (G) according to the disinfection protocol (n = 15 per group). where G1 (NaOCl + EDTA + White MTA) and G2 (NaOCl + EDTA + NeoMTA 2) While G3 (NaOCl + HEBP + White MTA) and G4 (NaOCl + HEBP + NeoMTA 2) All groups were activated with manual agitation. All specimens were incubated for 48 h. The apical third of each root was perpendicularly sectioned to attain a slice of 3 mm thickness. Push-out bond strength values were assessed using a two-way ANOVA and a Student’s t test.ResultsG3 and G4 that were treated with HEPB showed higher significant push-out bond strength mean values than G1 and G2 treated with an EDTA chelating agent. Irrespective of the chelating agent used, it was found that both NeoMTA 2 and White MTA had no significant influence on push-out bond strength mean values (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionThe combined use of 5.25% NaOCl and 20% HEBP increased the push-out strength values of both NeoMTA 2 and White MTA, rendering them suitable to be used as an alternative chelating agent to EDTA.

A six-year study in a real-world population reveals an increased incidence of dyslipidemia during COVID-19.

BACKGROUNDRecent studies conducted in individuals who survived COVID-19 suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of dyslipidemia. However, it remains unclear whether this augmented risk is confirmed in the general population and how this phenomenon is affecting the overall burden of cardiometabolic diseases.METHODSTo address these aspects, we conducted a 6-year longitudinal study to examine the broader effects of COVID-19 on dyslipidemia incidence in a real-world population (228,266 individuals) residing in Naples in southern Italy. The pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 groups were balanced for demographic and clinical factors using propensity score matching.RESULTSOur analysis spans a period of 3 years during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), comparing dyslipidemia incidence with pre-pandemic data (2017-2019), with a follow-up of at least 1,095 days corresponding to 21,349,215 person-years. During the COVID-19 period, we detected an increased risk of developing any dyslipidemia when compared with the pre-COVID-19 triennium (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.19-1.39). Importantly, these estimates were adjusted for comorbidities by a multivariate analysis.CONCLUSIONSTaken together, our data reveal a notable rise in dyslipidemia incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the utility of establishing specialized clinical monitoring protocols for patients who survive COVID-19 to mitigate the risk of developing dyslipidemia.

Modelling and Analysing Routing Protocols Diagrammatically with Bigraphs

As more end-user applications depend on Internet of Things (IoT) technology, it is essential the networking protocols underpinning these applications are reliable. Using Formal Methods to reason about protocol specifications is an established technique, but, due to their perceived difficulty and mathematical nature, receive limited use in practice. We propose an approach based on Milner’s bigraphs—a flexible diagrammatic modelling language—that allows developers to “draw” the protocol updates as a way to increase use of formal methods in protocol design. To show bigraphs in action, we model part of the Routing Protocol for low-power and Lossy Networks (RPL), popular in wireless sensor networks, and verify it using model checking. We compare our approach with the more common simulation approach and show that analysing the bigraph model often finds more valid routes than simulation (which usually returns only a single routing tree even with 500 simulations) and that it has comparable performance. The model is open to extension, with less implementation effort than simulation, and we show this through two examples: a security attack and physical link drops. Bigraphs seem a promising approach to protocol design, and this is the first step in promoting their use.