Subsequent Life Research Articles

Oocyte developmental potential and embryo production before puberty in cattle.

With the development of in vitro technologies, embryos can be produced using oocytes retrieved directly from the ovaries, i.e., regardless of ovulation. This has allowed the use of different animal categories as oocyte donors, including prepubertal cattle. The advantages of using this strategy to shorten the generation interval and accelerate genetic gain over time were soon recognized, and the first offspring generated using oocytes collected from calves were born in the early 1990s. Nevertheless, embryo production from calves and prepubertal heifers remains a challenge. The oocytes collected before puberty present low in vitro developmental potential, and the subsequent blastocyst rates are consistently lower than those from pubertal females. The acquisition of developmental competence by the oocytes occurs progressively throughout the prepubertal period, which can be subdivided into an early, intermediate, and late prepubertal (or peripubertal) phases, each characterized by different physiological and endocrine features. Therefore, embryo yield increases with age but will only achieve its maximum after puberty. The most common strategy to improve oocyte developmental potential before puberty is the use of gonadotrophic stimulation prior to oocyte retrieval. The results with superstimulation, however, vary among studies, depending on the source, dose, and length of FSH treatment, as well as the age and breed of the donors. The use of calves and prepubertal heifers as oocyte donors should also consider the possible impacts of the oocyte retrieval technique (LOPU or OPU) and the use of exogenous hormones on their subsequent fertility and productive life.

Associations of orientation to promote good in challenging situations with distress and well‐being: Multi‐study evidence from three non‐Western Longitudinal samples

AbstractWe examine whether an orientation to promote good serves as a potential buffer against distress and facilitator of well‐being outcomes in three non‐Western samples with a recent history of conflict (Indonesia, Colombia, Mexico) and across three different time frames (1, 4 and 12 months). Longitudinal surveys provided data for cross‐lagged panel modelling. A series of sensitivity analyses provided evidence for the robustness of results. Persons with an orientation to promote good reported greater well‐being 1 month and 4 months post‐assessment and reduced distress 1 month and 4 months post‐assessment. The effects, with larger effect sizes, were also found for reverse associations. We did not find evidence of associations assessed at the 12‐month interval with the exception of a negative association between an orientation to promote good and subsequent life satisfaction and happiness. Orientation to promote good may be relevant for population's mental health and well‐being over the short‐ and medium‐term.

Interpretation of the World by Aleksander Bregman, a Far-Sighted Commentator on International Affairs in Exile, in the London-Based "Dziennik Polski i Dziennik Żołnierza"

The article presents the views and journalistic activities of the foreign-educated doctor of political science, émigré Polish journalist, correspondent, anti-communist Aleksander Bregman, a pioneer of Polish-German reconciliation, who preached the unpopular post-World War II views of German reunification, and the creation of an economic community of European states. This international relations expert was one of the few publicists in exile who managed to make a name for himself outside the circle of the Polish diaspora. Gifted with Benedictine diligence, he left behind countless articles scattered in the émigré press, English, French, Swiss and German journals, as well as many books whose contents are still relevant today. He was also a contributor to Radio Free Europe. Throughout all of his wartime and subsequent exile life in the UK, he was particularly associated with the London-based Dziennik Polski i Dziennik Żołnierza, where he served as editor-in-chief from 1959 to 1962. In Poland, the magazine was completely banned from printing until 1989. Methods used in writing the article: qualitative press content analysis, press, heuristic, historical-critical microbiography.

A CONCEPT ANALYSIS OF SHARED DECISION MAKING FOR OLDER PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA IN ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS

Abstract Background Dementia patients often have comorbidities like Diabetes Mellitus, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease that require patient decision-making about care, despite the challenges in judgment that stem from dementia. The study aimed to determine what Shared Decision-making is for older patients with dementia in acute care hospitals. Methods The study used the Hybrid Model of concept analysis method. This comprises a theoretical phase, a fieldwork phase, and an analytical phase. In the initial phase, the concept is selected. The fieldwork phase collects qualitative data to further analyze the selected concept. The third phase analyzes the empirical observations and writes up the findings. We searched Pub-Med, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for the keywords: “shared decision-making” and “patients with dementia.” Results We identified 14 articles that gave rise to over 100 codes. We defined shared decision-making for older patients with dementia in acute care hospitals as “The older person with dementia can be involved in collaborative activities in the care network, including delegation of authority as active decision-making. Open-minded communication based on person-centered care can be the foundation for considering feasible options. Clarify the role of family caregivers and identify decision-making participants in the care network to view the best alternative for the patient’s subsequent life”. Conclusions We developed a working definition of shared decision-making for patients with dementia. We clarified critical elements of the decision-making process, like based as person-centered care, open-minded communication, and collaborative decision-making activities between the person and the care network members, including delegation of authority.

Fitness of Nutrition Regulation in a Caterpillar Pest Mythimna separata (Walker): Insights from the Geometric Framework.

In nature, plants can contain variable nutrients depending upon the species, tissue, and developmental stage. Insect herbivores may regulate their nutrient intake behaviorally and physio- logically when encountering different foods. This study examined the nutritional regulation of the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, for the first time. In one experiment, we allowed the cater-pillars to choose between two nutritionally balanced but complementary diets. The caterpillars did not randomly consume the paired foods, but instead chose between the nutritionally balanced but complementary diets. This intake behavior was found to change with their developmental stages. Furthermore, the nutrient concentrations in food significantly impacted the insect's performance. In the other experiment, caterpillars were given one of eleven diets that reflected the different nutrient conditions in the field. The results showed that proteins were significantly associated with developmental time and fecundity. For example, by consuming protein-biased food, the caterpillars developed faster and produced more eggs. In contrast, carbohydrates were more strongly linked to lipid accumulation, and caterpillars accumulated more lipids when consuming the carbohydrate-biased food. Moreover, the caterpillars were also found to actively regulate their intake of proteins and carbohydrates based on food quality and to physiologically prepare for subsequent life stages. These findings enhance our understanding of how M. separata feeds and responds to different nutritional environments in the field, which could have implications for managing insect herbivores in agricultural settings.

Assessment of microplastics production from waste plastics-modified asphalt pavement

Post-consumer recycled plastics (PCRP) have been increasingly utilized in asphalt pavement applications as the world moves towards a circular economy. However, it is unknown whether microplastics (MPs) could be generated in significant amounts during the subsequent pavement life cycle. This study developed methods to detect and quantify the potential microplastic generation from asphalt pavement materials containing PCRP (specifically, linear low-density polyethylene) using the Hamburg wheel-tracking test and a water permeability test. MPs were quantified by Nile Red staining followed by fluorescence microscope imaging. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were further conducted to characterize the nanoscale morphology of the embedded PCRP. The results showed that the generated MPs could reside at water/air interface, in bulk water, or with asphalt binder and aggregates in the sediment; and their amounts varied depending on the polyethylene dosage and type. The potential environmental impact of MP production from PCRP-modified asphalt pavement needs to be examined under the context of MP particle releases from other emission sources, notably, the tire wear particle generation when rubber tires meet the road. Our assessment indicated that while there was a potential of MPs release from the PCRP-modified asphalt, the up-scaled level of their release from a pavement was estimated to be about three orders of magnitude less than the tire wear rubber particles.

Teacher success in context of modern principles of Russian higher education

The article is devoted to the consideration of strategies for the success of university teachers in the context of the basic principles of modern higher education in Russia — managerialism and academism. Based on an analysis of the socio-cultural and socio-economic aspects of the activities of a higher school teacher, the author of the article comes to the conclusion that the ideology of success imposed by managerialism is incompatible with the high mission of the university. As forms of achieving a goal, success and success are specific results. The university and the teacher, in particular, form the ideology of serving the profession — such is the long-term impact of higher education on the entire subsequent life of a person and on the social space as a whole. And such prolonged exposure has a delayed effect that cannot be assessed in the short term. The article emphasizes that there is an ongoing conflict between managerialism and the professional ethics of university teaching staff, which is based on the principle of academicism. Relations in the university environment between generations are built on mentoring, on the formation and functioning of scientific schools, which fundamentally contradicts the individualism of the ideology of success and success. Rivalry as an integral component of managerialism destroys the educational space of higher education, first of all, due to the implantation of an ideal of success that cannot be realized in this environment. The success of a higher education teacher cannot be assessed in accordance with quantitative criteria. Participation in prestigious international scientific conferences, high-quality scientific publications, effective teaching of academic disciplines, including the use of innovative teaching methods, development of promising scientific topics and involvement of students in research — this is what forms the basis for the success of university teachers. In addition, in the context of the development of modern media, it is necessary to remember the importance of creating a brand of a successful university and an attractive image of science in general, and in this vein, a success strategy can be built as a «populist» one, aimed at achieving fame for a particular teacher or scientific group, department, creative team not only in the student and teaching environment of a particular university, but also in the media, which works to create a positive competitive image of the university in the educational and cultural space at the regional, federal and international levels.

Treatment of 'cripps pink' apples with nitric oxide in a controlled atmosphere ultra-low oxygen: Impacts on overall fruit quality and anaerobic compounds

The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of nitric oxide application (in different doses 0, 1, 2, 5 e 10 μL L−1 of NO) on fruit quality and formation of anaerobic metabolism products of 'Cripps Pink' apples stored in a controlled atmosphere ultra-low oxygen (CA - ULO). Fruit were harvested at two maturity stages (less and more mature) and stored in CA - ULO (0.8 kPa of O2, <0.5 kPa of CO2, at temperature of 1.5 ± 0.2 °C, and 94 ± 2% RH) for four and eight months, followed by seven days of shelf life. Fruit in CA - ULO were treated weekly with 0, 1, 2, 5, or 10 μL L−1 of NO. In general, linear and quadratic models adjusted to quantitative levels of NO showed reduced respiration and ethylene evolution rates with the increase of NO concentrations. Also, the increase of NO concentration consistently reduced the activities of β-GAL and PG, preserved flesh firmness, and reduced the production of anaerobic metabolites (acetaldehyde and ethanol) and the incidence of decay in the fruit. These effects of NO concentrations on each quality attribute were dependent on maturity stage and storage duration (period in CA - ULO and/or subsequent shelf life). However, the results show that weekly application of 5–7 μL L−1 of NO during storage in CA - ULO maintained the quality of 'Cripps Pink' apples.

Comprehensive life cycle cost analysis of ammonia-based hydrogen transportation scenarios for offshore wind energy utilization

As the importance of achieving carbon neutrality continues to grow, green hydrogen energy has emerged as a promising solution as a clean and sustainable energy source. One of the environmentally friendly methods of producing hydrogen is through offshore wind energy, which generates no pollutants during the process. While there have been economic analyses conducted on this production process, the subsequent life cycle study of hydrogen transport scenarios is often overlooked. To bridge this gap, this study focuses on conducting a comprehensive life cycle cost analysis of two hydrogen transport scenarios that utilize ammonia as the carrier. The analysis encompasses various aspects, including life cycle cost analysis, net present value, and the calculation of the levelized cost of hydrogen. Comprehensive sensitivity analysis is performed, considering indicators such as boil-off gas leakage rate and annual transportation mass. Furthermore, this study analyzes the operational risk rate and payback period of the two transportation scenarios. The findings reveal that for transportation distances within 100 km, the life cycle construction cost for the pipeline transport scenario amounts to 761 M$, whereas for ship transportation, it is 201 M$. The annual transport mass for the pipeline is estimated to be 12,000 metric tons, while for the ship, it is 8600 metric tons. The levelized cost of hydrogen is calculated to be 14.62 $/kg for pipeline transportation and 15.54 $/kg for ship transportation. Notably, the annual transport mass emerges as a significant factor impacting the levelized cost of hydrogen in both scenarios. Furthermore, by achieving an annual transport mass of 18,000 metric tons, the levelized cost of hydrogen can be reduced to 10.42 $/kg when the transportation distance extends to 450 km. This highlights the importance of considering the annual transport mass to optimize the cost-efficiency of hydrogen transportation.

Supply Chain Simulation of Manufacturing Shirts Using System Dynamics for Sustainability

In supply chain management (SCM), goods and services flow from the raw materials stage to the end user with complexities and uncertainty at each stage. Computer modeling and simulation is a particularly useful method to examine supply chain operational issues because it can solve operational complexities that are challenging and time consuming to analyze. Manufacturing companies fear losing valuable time and assets during the manufacturing process; the inaccurate estimation of raw materials, human capital, or physical infrastructure not only leads to monetary loss for the manufacturing unit, but also has a detrimental effect on the environment. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that system dynamics modeling (SDM) in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) can be applied to apparel manufacturing to optimize materials, labor, and equipment usage. Utilizing system dynamics (SD), the manufacturing unit can improve sustainability by reducing materials, labor, and equipment usage, which in turn reduces energy use. In our literature review, we did not identify any study addressing supply chain simulation of the manufacturing of shirts using SDM. We chose shirt manufacturing to demonstrate the model because of its relatively simple manufacturing process. In our study, we conclude that SDM simulation is an efficient way to optimize materials, labor, and equipment in apparel manufacturing. This leads to a more sustainable manufacturing process, as the model simulates different manufacturing supply chain scenarios in a risk-free environment, thereby minimizing waste and resources. Further, the outputs from the STELLA® model can be used as inputs into a subsequent life cycle assessment (LCA) model to determine the quantitative environmental impacts.

Influence of single point incremental forming on the low-cycle fatigue performance of AA6061-T6

The current study focuses on the influence of single point incremental forming (SPIF) process on the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) performance of AA6061-T6 sheet. The base material (BM) displays a saturated cyclic response for all strain amplitudes. The SPIF-formed specimens show similar behavior, especially at lower strain amplitudes; however, they exhibit significant cyclic softening at higher strain amplitudes. The LCF life of SPIF specimens (considered in rolling and transverse directions) for all strain amplitudes is slightly reduced due to overlapping/repeated sheet deformation and scallops formed during tool movement. Overlapping affects strain accumulation during SPIF, and scallops affect strain accumulation during cyclic loading and act as a stress concentration site. The texture alteration during the incremental forming also influences the ductility and the subsequent LCF life of the SPIF components.

Insights, Life Changes and Lifestyle Changes Reported by Individuals Consuming Ayahuasca in Naturalistic Settings: Nature, Frequency and Associations with Mental Health and Wellbeing

Background: In the context of increasing scientific interest in the potential therapeutic use of psychedelic agents and their underlying psychotherapeutic mechanisms, we undertake the first detailed assessment of insights and life and lifestyle changes associated with ayahuasca consumption. Methods: An international cross-sectional study of ayahuasca drinkers in a variety of settings was performed (n = 8907). Bivariate analysis and multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to explore associations between a range of covariates and insights, life changes and lifestyle changes. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator variable selection method (LASSO) was used to select the variables most relevant for inclusion in models assessing broader wellbeing and mental health associations. Results: Insights are almost universally reported as part of the ayahuasca experience and are highly valued by drinkers and strongly predictive of subsequent beneficial life and lifestyle changes. A range of personal, vocational, religious/spiritual and health-related life changes (attributed to ayahuasca) are also commonly identified, as are various beneficial lifestyle and health behavior changes. Demographic and ayahuasca drinking variables that are predictive of such phenomena are reported, along with associations between insights, life and lifestyle changes and perceived growth in psychological wellbeing and current mental health status (Kessler 10 and SF-12 MCS). Conclusion: Insights and subsequent life and lifestyle changes appear to have a central role in the transformative effects reported by individuals consuming ayahuasca, with these occurring across contexts of use and demographic groups.

Perspectives and Potentials of Open Data for the Sports Sciences

Abstract: Open Science practices have become well established in recent years. In this position paper, we argue that Open Data in particular holds great potential for empirical research in sports science, and sport and exercise psychology in particular, since it fosters the reintegration of scientific knowledge as primary research data in subsequent research life cycles. On that account, the sports science community has to develop a unified position on research data management, which supports the implementation of Open Science practices and standards. To this end, in this article we first define Open Science and research data management (RDM) and describe them in the context of sports science. We then present examples of existing, relevant RDM solutions, with a particular focus on sport and exercise psychology and neighboring disciplines. Finally, we derive perspectives for the development of a sustainable RDM structure and present current developments within the German sports science community.

Growth performance of Rainbow Trout in reservoir tributaries and implications for steelhead growth potential above Skagit River dams

AbstractObjectiveIn the Pacific Northwest (USA), Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. populations have been declining significantly for decades, prompting stakeholders to respond with a variety of conservation and restoration measures. One such measure being considered in the Skagit River basin (Washington, USA) is the introduction of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) above the impassable Gorge, Diablo, and Ross dams to bolster their populations. Because freshwater growth is key to survival at subsequent life stages, we evaluated current trends in size and growth of Rainbow Trout among key tributaries to Gorge, Diablo, and Ross reservoirs using empirical data collection and bioenergetics modeling.MethodsFor nine candidate streams, a bioenergetics model was used to assess how temperature and prey consumption affected growth performance of Rainbow Trout between annuli 1 and 2, and 2 and 3. Thermal scenarios were created to evaluate how fish growth responded to temperature variability while total annual consumption was constrained within empirical growth estimates. We then compared these results to back‐calculated size thresholds established by size‐at‐age observed in wild steelhead adults that returned to the Skagit River below the dams.ResultOf the streams proposed for introductions, there was one instance (McMillan Creek) in the nominal simulations where growth met or exceeded the size at annulus 2 or 3 of a returning adult steelhead (24.9 g at annulus 2 and 50.3 g at annulus 3). Modeled growth under different thermal scenarios showed that colder temperatures (0.1–10.7°C, Canyon Creek) produced higher growth than under the nominal or warm scenarios (2.0–15.3°C, Canyon Creek), as well as one additional tributary where size at annulus 2 or 3 (±2 SE) was comparable to the threshold established by adult steelhead below the dams (Big Beaver Creek, annulus 3).ConclusionThese results suggest Rainbow Trout growth is most limited by prey availability in the examined upper Skagit tributaries.

The effects of egg incubation temperature and parental cross on the swimming activity of juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta

Personality varies among individuals and is influenced by the environment. Here, we tested the hypothesis that egg incubation temperature had carry-over effects on swimming activity of juvenile brown trout, Salmo trutta. Eggs from different crosses involving anadromous and lacustrine-adfluvial parents were incubated under two temperature regimes, unheated (cold) or heated c. 2.5 °C above ambient temperature (warm), until first exogenous feeding. In the laboratory, we used open-field tests to quantify swimming activity in a new environment, and mirror-image tests to measure time spent swimming and resting motionless near a mirror, measures often used as proxies for aggression. These tests were conducted for two cohorts, with one tested in June 2018 and the other in June and August 2019, enabling us to test for repeatability and if differences persisted over the summer. In June, when adjusting for differences in body size between cold- and warm-incubated trout, we found that juvenile trout incubated as embryos at cold temperatures showed more swimming activity and took less time to initiate swimming for their size than those incubated in warm water. There were also body size and year effects but no effects of parental cross. For August, none of the incubation temperature effects observed in June persisted, but cold-incubated trout spent a larger proportion of their time motionless near the mirror than warm-incubated trout and there was a general body size effect on time to initiate swimming. The lack of any persistent effects of incubation temperature between June and August suggests that the effect is ephemeral. Notwithstanding, these results support the hypothesis that incubation temperature has short-term effects on activity of juvenile of brown trout during their first summer.Significance StatementWe studied the effect of embryonic temperature on juvenile fish behavior, focusing on swimming activity under different conditions. Brown trout eggs were incubated under two temperature regimes, cold and warm. We show that juvenile trout originating from cold conditions as embryos spent a greater proportion of time swimming and less time to initiate swimming than trout originating from warm conditions. These effects were present in June but not August, which suggests that the effect is short-lived, and occurs during the first summer when mortality of juveniles is high. The duration of the effects needs further study as our previous studies have shown persistent embryonic temperature effects on metabolism, body shape, reproductive potential and emigration of subsequent life stages of salmonids. These results also have bearing on ongoing climate change as even small differences in embryonic temperature may have ecological consequences for subsequent life stages.

Visual communication technology on identifying consumers with functional cognitive impairment

BackgroundPatients with cognitive impairment have great inconvenience in their cognitive, recognition, and activity abilities, specifically manifested in memory disorders, attention disorders, perception disorders, and learning disabilities, which greatly hinder their communication, communication, and life activity abilities. The use of actively oriented intervention treatment methods in research has an improved effect on patients.Subjects and MethodsFirstly, 48 patients with cognitive impairment in a certain hospital were selected and randomly divided into a control group of 24 cases and an experimental group of 24 cases. Secondly, medication treatment, nursing, and rehabilitation treatment were taken, and the experimental group was supplemented with music therapy and the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA). The trial lasted for 8 weeks. Finally, SPSS23.0 was used for data analysis and t-test.ResultsThere was no significant difference in basic information and cognitive impairment between the two groups before intervention (P&gt;0.05). After 8 weeks of intervention treatment, the total LOTCA score of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group (P&lt;0.001). The results showed that cognitive impairment improved after rehabilitation treatment, and there was a lack of time observation intervention for subsequent life cognition and motor function.ConclusionsThe use of music therapy as an adjunctive therapy in research has significantly improved the condition of patients with cognitive impairment but has not significantly improved their life skills, motor function, etc. The research sample still has limitations and the intervention time is short. Further research is needed to follow up and explore treatment methods, treatment time, and other aspects.AcknowledgementZhongnan University of Economics and Law Graduate Research Innovation (No.202311106).

An Online Fatigue Damage Evaluation Method for Gas Turbine Hot Components

The failure of gas turbines’ hot components due to fatigue significantly affects their efficient and stable operation. Conducting online damage assessment of components subjected to complex cyclic loads based on the working conditions of gas turbines can provide real-time reflection of component fatigue damage and achieve the purpose of predictive maintenance. In this study, we propose an online cycle counting method that considers temperature fluctuations during the cycle process. Our method is based on the four-point online rainflow counting method by coupling the counting variable with time, introducing the concept of the duration time for full cycles and half cycles, and incorporating a characteristic temperature that better represents the temperature information during the cycle process. With reference to the characteristic temperature, our proposed method comprehensively considers the form and parameters of subsequent life assessment models. This paper provides a detailed explanation of the proposed method and applies it to the fatigue damage assessment of turbine vanes in a micro gas turbine, thereby verifying its accuracy and applicability.

Feasibility of HEMS performed prehospital extracorporeal-cardiopulmonary resuscitation in paediatric cardiac arrests; two case reports

IntroductionA broad range of pathophysiologic conditions can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest in children. Some of these children suffer from refractory cardiac arrest, not responding to basic and advanced life support. Extracorporeal-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (E-CPR) might be a life-saving option for this group. Currently this therapy is only performed in-hospital, often necessitating long transport times, thereby negatively impacting eligibility and chances of survival. We present the first two cases of prehospital E-CPR in children performed by regular Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).Case presentationsThe first patient was a previously healthy 7 year old boy who was feeling unwell for a couple of days due to influenza. His course deteriorated into a witnessed collapse. Direct bystander CPR and subsequent ambulance advanced life support was unsuccessful in establishing a perfusing rhythm. While doing chest compressions, the patient was seen moving both his arms and making spontaneous breathing efforts. Echocardiography however revealed a severe left ventricular impairment (near standstill). The second patient was a 15 year old girl, known with bronchial asthma and poor medication compliance. She suffered yet another asthmatic attack, so severe that she progressed into cardiac arrest in front of the attending ambulance and HEMS crews. Despite maximum bronchodilator therapy, intubation and the exclusion of tension pneumothoraxes and dynamic hyperinflation, no cardiac output was achieved.InterventionAfter consultation with the nearest paediatric E-CPR facilities, both patients were on-scene cannulated by regular HEMS. The femoral artery and vein were cannulated (15-17Fr and 21Fr respectively) under direct ultrasound guidance using an out-of-plane Seldinger approach. Extracorporeal Life Support flow of 2.1 and 3.8 l/min was established in 20 and 16 min respectively (including preparation and cannulation). Both patients were transported uneventfully to the nearest paediatric intensive care with spontaneous breathing efforts and reactive pupils during transport.ConclusionThis case-series shows that a properly trained regular HEMS crew of only two health care professionals (doctor and flight nurse) can establish E-CPR on-scene in (older) children. Ambulance transport with ongoing CPR is challenging, even more so in children since transportation times tend to be longer compared to adults and automatic chest compression devices are often unsuitable and/or unapproved for children. Prehospital cannulation of susceptible E-CPR candidates has the potential to reduce low-flow time and offer E-CPR therapy to a wider group of children suffering refractory cardiac arrest.

Assessment of the ecological impact of metal additive repair and refurbishment using powder bed fusion by laser beam based on a multiple case study

When a product has reached the end of its useful life, different strategies can be used to extend its lifespan. In additive manufacturing, two of these strategies are additive repair and refurbishment, which aim to recover or improve a product's properties and functionality. However, it is important to consider the potential negative ecological impacts of these end-of-life strategies and how they can be implemented in an environmentally sustainable way. To address this, a generic model based on life cycle impact assessments is developed to evaluate different demonstrators. Starting from technical process chains via the integration of process- and product-specific data, different demonstrators are evaluated and compared based on a model. This paper explores previous research on additive repair and remanufacturing processes and their ecological assessment. An assessment framework for MAR/R (metal additive repair/refurbishment) is presented, with a subsequent life cycle assessment (LCA) of four demonstrators. Proceeding from these results, recommendations for action are discussed for users as well as further scientific research. A result of this multi-case study is that environmental hotspots within the process chain are primarily material-dependent so the amount of metallic powder has a significant influence on the overall ecological impact. The paper concludes with recommendations for efficient use of additive repair and refurbishment. (207 words)

Development of a new treatment for preterm birth complications using amniotic fluid stem cell therapy.

This paper describes the current status of studies and clinical trials on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) for complications of preterm birth (PTB), an urgent issue in the perinatal field. PTB is a serious challenge in clinical medicine that is increasing globally, and effective control of its complications is necessary for newborns' subsequent long life. Classical treatments are inadequate, and many patients have PTB complications. A growing body of evidence provided by translational medicine and others indicates that MSCs, and among them, the readily available AFSCs, may be useful in treating PTB complications. AFSCs are the only MSCs available prenatally and are known to be highly anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective and do not form tumors when transplanted. Furthermore, because they are derived from the amniotic fluid, a medical waste product, no ethical issues are involved. AFSCs are an ideal cell resource for MSC therapy in neonates. This paper targets the brain, lungs, and intestines, which are the vital organs most likely to be damaged by PTB complications. The evidence to date and future prospects with MSCs and AFSCs for these organs are described.