Recovery Time Research Articles

Advancements in AI-Driven Disaster Recovery: Predictive Failure Detection and Automated Data Protection

This article explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on disaster recovery systems in information technology. It examines how AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing traditional approaches to data protection and business continuity through advanced predictive analytics, automated backup mechanisms, and intelligent recovery processes. The research highlights the significant improvements achieved in recovery times, with some implementations reporting up to 60% faster recovery compared to conventional methods. Key aspects discussed include AI-powered predictive failure detection, automated data backup mechanisms, and the acceleration of recovery times. The article also delves into the enhancement of data availability through AI-driven replication strategies and intelligent failover mechanisms, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining operational resilience. Additionally, it addresses the challenges and considerations in implementing these advanced systems, including integration with existing infrastructure and the necessary adaptation of IT personnel. The article concludes by exploring future directions in AI algorithms for disaster recovery, potential integrations with cloud-based solutions, and the broader applications of these technologies across various industries. This comprehensive analysis underscores the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of disaster recovery and business continuity strategies in an increasingly digital world.

Time and environmental conditions for heat stress recovery based on human physiological responses: Developing a predictive model

Breaks can protect workers exposed to high temperatures from heat stress and other health risks. However, the most suitable recovery conditions and how the body physiologically responds to them remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to provide scientific evidence of the human physiological response to step changes in environmental parameters of recovery stage through climate chamber experiments and to develop a predictive model. Volunteer subjects experienced 60 min of walking exercise in air temperatures of 32 and 36 °C, RH 60%, and an air velocity of 0.2 m/s to form two heat stress levels, and then moved into a resting space under designated environmental conditions, such as a standard effective temperature (SET) range of 15.6–26.0 °C. The results showed that the recovery time for physiological parameters decreased with decreasing SET, accompanied by a simultaneous increase in thermal discomfort rate. Correlation analysis suggested that recovery time was related to the physiological stress index at the beginning of the recovery phase (PSI0; r = 0.86) and the SET (r = 0.75) of the recovery environment. A predictive model of heat stress recovery time was developed based on PSI0 and SET, with a determination coefficient of 0.9. According to the model, a SET of 18.8–24.9 °C was suitable for people with high heat stress requiring full recovery in 15–30 min. The research findings contribute to the regulation of health and safety in high-temperature working environments and the operation of restroom environmental conditions.

Approaches to Managing Herniated Disc Surgical vs. Conservative Treatment

Introduction Disc herniation is a displacement of an intervertebral disc, most often caused by degeneration of its outer layer, the annulus fibrosus. This condition can cause various symptoms such as numbness, pain, muscle weakness or lose of sensation. While many patients can be successfully treated with non-surgical methods, some of them some require surgical intervention. Aim of study The objective of this study is to evaluate both surgical and non-surgical treatment methods for herniated disc and seeks to introduce doctors and patients to the advantages and disadvantages associated with them. State of Knowledge Disk herniation occurs when disk material prolapses beyond intervertebral disk’s space. The symptoms may arise when displaced material start to compress major structures located nearby, such as spinal nerves. The most common causes include age-related degeneration, repetitive movements, obesity, trauma or genetic predisposition. Summary (Conclusion) Disk herniation can be managed with various non-surgical and surgical methods. Conservative treatment should be considered as first line treatment showing high success rate for mild to moderate cases in long term relief and preventing recurrence of symptoms. Surgical options offer better short-term relief for sever and more advanced cases but carry greater risks of side effects and involve longer recovery time. Best approach should be carefully selected based on the severity of symptoms and patient needs.

Impact of ageing factors on the performance of novel viscoelastic polyurethane foams utilized as seals in respiratory protective devices

This study explores the impact of ageing factors – i.e., perspiration, disinfection procedures and ultraviolet radiation – on the structural and performance characteristics of novel viscoelastic polyurethane foams specifically developed for use in seals for respiratory protective devices (RPDs). The investigation includes an analysis of resilience, compression set and recovery time to ascertain the influence of the chosen factors on the foam’s mechanical properties. Furthermore, an in-depth exploration of the foams’ thermal properties and chemical structure was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The influence of the ageing factors on the foams’ microstructure was scrutinized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), supplemented by assessments of colour change and contact angle alterations. The experimental results were contextualized within the existing literature, with particular attention to the desired attributes of RPD seals composed of these newly engineered materials. Recommendations for use were then formulated.

Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus induced by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have increasingly been associated with the occurrence of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), but the clinical characteristics and outcomes remain under-explored. Literature on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors induced SCLE was retrieved from Chinese and English databases until June 31, 2024, and clinical data of patients were extracted for retrospective analysis. Twenty-nine patients participated, with a median age of 63 years (range 43, 80). The most frequently reported drugs were Nivolumab (51.7%) and pembrolizumab (31.0%). The median time from treatment initiation to SCLE onset was 3 months (range 0.5, 47). Cutaneous manifestations presented primarily as papulosquamous lesions (65.5%) and erythema annulare (31.0%), predominantly occurring on the trunk (51.7%) and arms (51.7%). Serological analysis revealed positive anti-Ro antibodies in 91.7% of patients, positive antinuclear antibodies in 75.0%, and positive anti-La antibodies in 50.0%. Skin biopsies showed interface dermatitis in 65.5% of cases and lymphocyte infiltration in 82.8%. Treatment with topical corticosteroids, systemic corticosteroids, and hydroxychloroquine led to gradual improvement or resolution of the rash, with a median recovery time of 1 month (range 0.5, 11). As the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in oncology increases, SCLE should be recognized as a rare cutaneous adverse effect. Histological and serological evaluations play a critical role in diagnosing SCLE. Typically, SCLE resolves on its own with appropriate local and systemic treatment.

A Comparison of Remimazolam versus Propofol on Blood Pressure Changes During Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Intraoperative hypotension is the most common adverse event in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and is usually attributed to the vasodilatory effect of the anesthetic. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of remimazolam versus propofol on blood pressure changes during the therapeutic ERCP procedure. Adult patients scheduled for elective therapeutic ERCP were randomized to receive either remimazolam or propofol anesthesia (40 patients in each group). The primary outcomes included the change in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during induction and the area under the baseline (AUB), calculated as the blood pressure below baseline multiplied by the duration, throughout the procedure. These measures, respectively, indicated the severity of blood pressure decrease during anesthesia induction and the overall impact of blood pressure changes throughout the procedure. Any incidences of hypotension, defined as MAP <65 mm Hg for at least 1 minute, were recorded. The recovery time and any adverse events were also reported. The change in MAP after induction was smaller in the remimazolam group compared to the propofol group (-7.5 [-14.0 to 0] mm Hg vs -25.0 [-33.8 to -14.3] mm Hg), with a median difference of 17.0 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.0-22.0; P <.001). The AUB in the remimazolam group was less than in the propofol group (-373 [-82 to -854] mm Hg·min vs -705 [-272 to -1100] mm Hg·min), with a median difference of 255 mm Hg·min (95% CI, 29-477; P =.021). The incidence of hypotension was significantly lower for remimazolam than propofol (5% vs 30%; P =.006). There were no serious adverse events in either group. Remimazolam may be considered as an alternative to propofol for general anesthesia during therapeutic ERCP procedures, with the potential advantage of stable hemodynamics.

Concussion Characteristics in Adults With ADHD Seen in a Specialty Concussion Clinic.

Concussions are a prevalent health concern, affecting millions of individuals in the United States yearly. Concussion symptomology overlaps with other conditions making diagnosis and management particularly challenging, particularly among individuals with ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant portion of the adult population. To enhance our understanding of symptom resolution and identify factors that could influence concussion care management, the purpose of the current study was to examine the recovery trajectory of adults diagnosed with both ADHD and concussion compared to the trajectory of adults who have experienced a concussion but do not have an ADHD diagnosis. The study included a retrospective chart review of patients treated for concussion at a concussion specialty clinic. The findings of the study revealed no significant differences in history of concussion or recovery time between patients with and without ADHD. It was observed that patients with ADHD had a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The findings of the current study underscore the need for additional research to guide the care of patients diagnosed with both ADHD and concussion.

Use of esketamine for tracheoscopic drug injection: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSufentanil may induce hypotensive bradycardia and other adverse reactions in elderly patients during anesthesia, while esketamine exhibits sedative and analgesic effects with minimal impact on respiration and circulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of these two anesthetics on vital signs in patients undergoing bronchoscopy and lavage under general anesthesia.MethodThis study was a randomized controlled trial with a parallel design. A total of 100 patients aged ≥60 years with ASAI or II who were undergoing bronchoscopy and lavage were randomly assigned to two groups: group A (esketamine, n = 50) and group B (sufentanil, n = 50). During anesthesia induction, both groups received intravenous infusion of propofol at a dose of 1.5 mL/kg and atracurium. In group A, esketamine at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg was injected; in group B, sufentanil at a dose of 0.2 μg/kg was injected intravenously. Subsequently, a laryngeal mask was inserted and connected to an anesthesia machine for mechanical ventilation. Anesthesia maintenance involved continuous intravenous infusion of propofol at a dose of 3 mL/kg. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded at various time points: before anesthesia injection (T0), after laryngeal mask insertion (T1), 5 min after the operation started (T2), 15 min after the operation started (T3), and before the end of the operation (T4). Additionally, the recovery time was recorded.ResultsThe blood pressure of patients in the esketamine group exhibited higher levels compared to those in the sufentanil group at multiple time points during the operation, while maintaining a more stable intraoperative blood pressure and shorter postoperative recovery time than that observed in the sufentanil group. The blood pressure and heart rate of patients in the esketamine group exhibited significant fluctuations after laryngeal mask implantation compared to pre-anesthesia induction, with a statistically significant increase observed. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the sufentanil group. The heart rate and oxygen saturation showed no significant differences between the two groups, nor did the amount of propofol administered during the procedure.ConclusionThe utilization of esketamine during the induction phase of bronchoscopy and lavage under general anesthesia can enhance hemodynamic stability and reduce the occurrence of hypotension, thereby facilitating postoperative anesthetic recovery.

Evaluation of general anesthesia protocols for a highly controlled cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model in mice.

The aim of our study was to test different anesthetic mixtures in order to identify the most suitable one for a surgical cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model in mice. 1) Sixty four mice were submitted to one of the 6 combinations of ketamine or alfaxalone associated to xylazine, medetomidine or midazolam. Depth and quality of anesthesia were evaluated via 5 reflex scores. 2) Impact of analgesic (buprenorphine or butorphanol), anesthesia reversal (with atipamezole) and surgery (cardiac ischemia-reperfusion surgery) have been tested in the selected protocols. 3) infarction size has been measured with TTC (Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride) method in mice anesthetized with best protocols. Protocol involving medetomidine induced the longest surgical anesthesia: (median = 120, {interquartile range = 100-125}) min with ketamine and 53 {25-100} min with alfaxalone. Butorphanol substitution with buprenorphine did not alter time-related anesthesia parameters. Atipamezole reversal considerably reduced both recovery and immobilization time (respectively 22 {18-30} min and 98 {88-99} min vs. 55 {40-70} min and 143 {131-149} min, in groups with no reversal, p = 0.001) with no impact on infarction size measurement. In this study, the combination alfaxalone/medetomidine/buprenorphine (80/0,3/0,075 mg.kg-1, s.c.) associated with reversal by atipamezole was a reliable anesthetic protocol for murine surgery, particularly for the study of ischemia-reperfusion.

Risk factors affecting cervical spondylotic myelopathy complicated with traumatic central cord syndrome and the efficacy of different treatment options

ObjectiveTo analyze the influencing factors and treatment options of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) complicated with traumatic central cord syndrome (TCCS).MethodsA total of 243 patients with CSM admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and then divided into the control group (n = 152) and the observation group (n = 91) according to the presence or absence of concurrent TCCS. The clinical data and imaging data of the two groups were compared, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of CSM complicated with TCCS. Patients in the observation group were further divided into the zero notch anterior cervical interbody fusion device (Zero-P) group (n = 45) and the cervical spine locking plate (CSLP) group (n = 46) according to the treatment mode, and the perioperative indexes of the two groups were compared. The treatment effects were evaluated by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) before surgery, 1 week after surgery and 6 months after surgery. The height of intervertebral space and the cervical lordosis angle were measured.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the injury mechanism (hyperextension injury), hand muscle weakness, cervical instability, age, degree of cervical spinal stenosis, degree of cervical spinal cord compression, and changes in intramedullary high signal were the risk factors, while the type of compression (soft), ASIA score and JOA score were the protective factor for CSM complicated with TCCS (P < 0.05). Patients in Zero-P group had much shorter operation time and hospitalization time than these in CSLP group (P < 0.05). The cervical lordosis angle and intervertebral space height at 1 week and 6 months after operation in the two groups were both largely higher than these before operation, and the cervical lordosis angle and intervertebral space height in the Zero-P group were significantly higher than these in the CSLP group one week after surgery (P < 0.05). The ASIA score and JOA score were obviously increased in the two groups 1 week and 6 months after surgery, and the ASIA score and JOA score in the Zero-P group were significantly higher than these in the CSLP group at 1 week after surgery (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe mechanism of TCCS in CSM is still controversial, which it is generally believed to be caused by cervical hyperextension injury. The clinical symptoms are diverse, and the treatment methods are also different. This study shows that the mechanism of injury, type of compression, hand muscle weakness, cervical instability, age, cervical stenosis compression, and intramedullary high signal changes are all risk factors for CSM complicated with TCCS. Early identification of risk factors and targeted interventions can effectively reduce the complicated rate of TCCS. Zero-P and CSLP surgical fixation have good efficacy in the treatment of TCCS, and there is little difference in efficacy between the two. However, Zero-P fixation surgery has the advantages of short operation time and fast postoperative recovery.

Comparison of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy (TELF) in patients with degenerative scoliosis and patients with normal alignment

Objectives Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy (TELF) is a well-described method of treating foraminal stenosis. However, there is little literature examining the usage of TELF to treat foraminal stenosis in patients with degenerative scoliosis. TELF is an attractive option for such patients as it results in lesser blood loss, shorter recovery time, and lower infection rates as compared to fusion surgery. However, TELF neither corrects the deformity nor alters the natural history of the disease. Therefore, the outcomes of TELF in patients with degenerative scoliosis may be worse than those without deformities. This study aims to compare the outcomes of TELF in these two groups of patients. Material and Methods This is a retrospective study of 19 patients who underwent TELF from July 2012 to April 2015. Eight patients had degenerative scoliosis, and 11 were without scoliosis. Visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were collected at 3 months postsurgery. Patient outcomes were graded as excellent, good, fair, and poor using a modified MacNab’s criteria. Results Both groups had significant improvements in back pain, leg pain, and ODI scores postoperatively. There were no differences between the two groups when comparing the preoperative and postoperative back pain, leg pain, and ODI scores. The majority of patients rated their outcomes as excellent or good. Conclusion The short-term outcomes of TELF in patients with degenerative scoliosis are comparable to those without scoliosis. Improvements in back and leg pain after surgery are expected. We recommend it as a palliative treatment for patients who are unable to undergo major surgery.

Shape Memory Polymer Foam Based on Nanofibrillar Composites of Polylactide/Polyamide

This paper presents the novel development of a shape memory polymer foam based on polymer–polymer nanocomposites. Herein, polylactide (PLA)/biosourced polyamide (PA) foams are fabricated by in situ fibrillation of polymer blends and a subsequent supercritical CO2 foaming technique. In this system, PLA serves as a shape memory polymer to endow this foam with a shape memory effect (SME), and in situ generated PA nanofibers are employed to reinforce the PLA cell walls and provide an additional permanent phase. A concentration of PA, 5 wt.%, was chosen to form an entangled nanofibrillar network. Foams of PLA/PA nanoblends with the same content of constituents were fabricated to reveal the effect of minor phase morphology on the cell structure and shape memory behavior of polymer foams. Profiting from the reinforcing effect of PA nanofibers, the PLA/PA nanocomposite foam exhibits smaller foam cells, a narrower cell size distribution and a comparable cell concentration than the PLA/PA nanoblend foam. In addition, PA nanofibers, unlike PA nanodroplets, favor the shape fixation ratio and recovery ratio and shorten the shape recovery time.

THE STUDY OF THE TECHNICAL CONDITION OF GONDOLA CARS

The article presents the results of the analysis of the technical condition of gondola cars owned by the transport operator BGS rail. The composition of the model range of the car fleet was analysed. It is shown that 14 % of gondola cars produced by Uralvagonzavod have an average service life of over thirty years and have exhausted their service life. Gondola cars of models 12-757 and 12-753 of Kryukov Carriage Works have also exhausted their service life. A positive factor is the presence of innovative cars model 12-7023 produced by KVSZ and 12-4106 model produced by PJSC Dneprovagonmash in the car fleet. Their average age is 6.5 years.An analysis of the main causes of failures that caused the car to uncouple from the train along the route was carried out. In the first place are damage to body elements. This is followed by failures of automatic brakes and wheel sets.Among the damage to gondola car bodies, the first place is taken by malfunctions of the locks on the unloading hatch covers, followed by cracks and breaks in the upper and vertical sheets of the frame cross beams. Broken weld seams of braces and broken linings also pose a serious danger.Failures of auto brakes are caused by loosening of air duct pipes, brake equipment and welded shoes. The main causes of damage to wheel pairs are unacceptable wear of the flange. Among axle box assemblies, the vast majority of failures are caused by excessive heating of the bearings.Failures of automatic coupling equipment are most often caused by fractures of the centering beam and breaks (cracks) of the pendulum suspension. Cracks and other malfunctions of the automatic coupling body are also observed.The bogies mostly have broken springs and mismatched sliding clearances. Also, a quarter of the uncoupled bogies have expired service life of their elements. The average recovery time for gondola cars was analyzed. Due to malfunctions of axlebox units, cars are under repair for more than 15 days, due to failures of wheel pairs - 11.55 days. The least time is spent on auto brakes – 4.2 days.An analysis of the damage to the bodies of various gondola cars models showed that gondola cars of models 12-9745 and 12-9790 are in the worst technical condition. The least susceptible to damage are the «innovative» gondola cars of models 12-7023 and 12-4106.

Transcatheter closure of the Gerbode type ventricular septal defect after redo mitral valve replacement

Gerbode defect is an uncommon ventricular septal defect (VSD) resulting in a left ventricle to right atrium shunt. Although typically congenital, acquired defects have been reported following infective endocarditis, cardiac surgery, trauma, or acute myocardial infarction. This condition causes left-to-right intracardiac shunt and potential hemodynamic instability. This complex anatomy poses therapeutic challenges, and optimal management is often unclear. We present a case of acquired Gerbode defect following a redo mitral valve replacement surgery in a 71-year-old man who developed severe dyspnea and pulmonary hypertension. Treatment was successfully performed with percutaneous transcatheter VSD closure using an Amplatzer device. This case highlights the importance of considering Gerbode defects in postoperative patients and demonstrates the efficacy of transcatheter closure in reducing symptoms and avoiding high-risk redo cardiac surgery. Transcatheter repair offers shorter recovery times, reduces pain, and avoids repeat sternotomy, making it a valuable and minimally invasive alternative for patients with acquired Gerbode defects. Keywords: Gerbode defect, left ventricle to right atrium shunt, redo mitral valve replacement, transcatheter closure

Preparation of flower-like hierarchical structure SnO2/g-C3N4 and its ethanol gas-sensitive properties

The flower-like hierarchical structured SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites were successfully prepared by one-step hydrothermal method with high-temperature calcination. The structure and morphology of the synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 adsorption-desorption. The gas-sensitive performance of the pure SnO2 and SnO2/g-C3N4 sensors were investigated and compared towards ethanol gas. The results showed that the response of the SnO2/g-C3N4 composites to 100 ppm ethanol gas at 200 °C was 18.88, which was 2.09 times that of pure SnO2, with response and recovery time of 2 s and 13 s. In addition, the gas sensor has excellent selectivity for ethanol gas, good repeatability, and long-term stability. These gas-sensitive properties of the flower-like graded structure SnO2/g-C3N4 to ethanol gas are attributed to the materials which have unique graded structure and n-n heterojunction. KEY WORDS: Hierarchical structure, SnO2/g-C3N4, Gas sensing property Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(1), 141-152. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i1.12

The Role of Biomarkers in Monitoring Chronic Fatigue Among Male Professional Team Athletes: A Systematic Review

This systematic review synthesizes evidence on biomarker responses to physiological loads in professional male team sport athletes, providing insights into induced fatigue states. Structured searches across major databases yielded 28 studies examining various biomarkers in elite team sport players. Studies evaluated muscle damage markers, anabolic/catabolic hormones reflecting metabolic strain, inflammatory markers indicating immune activity and tissue damage, immunological markers tied to infection risk, and oxidative stress markers showing redox imbalances from excessive physiological load. Responses were examined in official matches and training across competitive seasons. The evidence shows that professional team sports induce significant alterations in all studied biomarkers, reflecting measurable physiological strain, muscle damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immunosuppression during intensive exercise. These effects tend to be larger and more prolonged after official matches compared to training. Reported recovery time courses range from 24-h to several days post-exercise. Monitoring biomarkers enables quantifying cumulative fatigue and physiological adaptations to training/competition loads, helping to optimize performance while mitigating injury and overtraining. Key biomarkers include creatine kinase, testosterone, cortisol, testosterone/cortisol ratio, salivary immunoglobulin-A, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Further research should extend biomarker monitoring to cover psychological stress and affective states alongside physiological metrics for deeper insight into athlete wellness and readiness.

Understanding patient experiences to improve care for females groin hernia.

Thousands of females undergo inguinal hernia repair annually, yet females have been excluded from prior clinical trials evaluating inguinal hernia repairs. Research shows females face worse outcomes after hernia repair compared to males, including higher recurrence rates, increased chronic pain, and limited data to guide treatment. Prospective studies focused on optimizing outcomes for females are critically needed. Prior to conducting such trials, it is essential to obtain preliminary data from female participants to ensure that the studies are designed appropriately to address their priorities and improve sex disparities in outcomes. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted between July 7 and December 31, 2023, with 34 females evaluated for groin hernia. Interviews were conducted via Zoom at an academic medical center. The discussions aimed to explore the challenges in diagnosing hernias, the considerations for selecting treatment options, and the priorities for future research. The transcripts were analyzed using descriptive content analysis, facilitated by MAXQDA software. Diagnostic challenges included delayed recognition due to underappreciation of female hernias. Participants desired greater familiarity with hernias and treatment options from providers. For surgical decisions, fear of complications drove some towards surgery, while others prioritized avoiding recovery time for asymptomatic hernias. Participants called for research on female-specific risk factors, pain experiences, recovery impacts, and non-operative approaches. The majority of participants agreed or considered participating and serving as an advisor in a future study. Females with hernia face sex-based disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Improving provider awareness and developing guidelines are needed. This qualitative study identifies key areas for future research to optimize person-centered hernia care for females based directly on personal perspectives and priorities, laying the groundwork for prospective trials aimed at improving outcomes.

Recovery rate and predictors among children aged 6–59 months with severe acute malnutrition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study

IntroductionSevere acute malnutrition (SAM) is a critical public health concern in Ethiopia, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates among children. Despite the improvement in hospital coverage and the development of standardized WHO treatment guidelines, recent reviews indicated a wide range in recovery rates (34%–88%) due to several context-specific factors. Understanding the factors influencing the recovery time can help inform targeted interventions and improve the overall management of SAM cases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the time to recovery and predictors of children aged 6–59 months with severe acute malnutrition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2023.MethodsAn institutional-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among children aged 6–59 months who were admitted to Tirunesh Beijing Hospital (TBH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from July 2019 to June 2023. The Kaplan–Meir estimate and survival curve were used to compare the time to recovery using a log-rank test among different characteristics. A Cox proportional hazard regression analysis model was used to identify significant predictors of time to recovery. Finally, a p-value of &amp;lt;0.05 was used to declare a significant association.ResultsThe median survival time to recovery was 17 (95% CI: 16.39–17.60) days, and the incidence rate of recovery from SAM was 37.8 per 1,000 child days. Moreover, exclusive breastfeeding [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.97, 95% CI: 1.45–2.68], amoxicillin provision (aHR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.11–2.35), and deworming (aHR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.48–3.09) were protective factors. However, complications at admission (aHR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.23–0.73) and diarrhea during admission (aHR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45–0.91) were identified as risk factors of recovery from SAM.ConclusionThe time to recovery among the current study participants was low compared with the sphere standard. Besides, exclusive breastfeeding, complications at admission, diarrhea, amoxicillin provision, and deworming were independent predictors. Therefore, appropriate provision of routine medication and early management of medical comorbidity as per the national SAM management protocol can reduce the mortality of children with severe acute malnutrition significantly.

The Memory Abilities of the Elderly Horse

Studies on short- and long-term memory and their decline with aging in horses are still limited. This research aimed to assess the learning and short- and long-term memory abilities of adult and senior horses. A total of 21 adult horses (5–15 years) and 23 senior horses (16 years and older) were subjected to a behavioral test (Target Touch Test), which was repeated three times each for the initial test (T1) and again after 10 days (T10). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between adult and senior horses in the three tests conducted at T1. However, a significant difference was observed at T10 (χ2 = 42.1; p &lt; 0.001). In fact, senior horses took longer to complete the test than adults. A significant difference between males and females, adults and seniors, at T1 and T10 (χ2 = 56.3; p &lt; 0.001) was found, but no difference between male and female adult and senior horses in completing the three single tests at T1 and T10 was evidenced. In conclusion, even senior horses are capable of associative learning, maintaining the memory of this learning even after 10 days. However, they show slower recovery times for recalling memorized information compared to animals under 16 years of age.

Ultra-Thin Highly Sensitive Electronic Skin for Temperature Monitoring

Electronic skin capable of reliable monitoring of human skin temperature is crucial for the advancement of non-invasive clinical biomonitoring, disease diagnosis, and health surveillance. Ultra-thin temperature sensors, with excellent mechanical flexibility and robustness, can conformably adhere to uneven skin surfaces, making them ideal candidates. However, achieving high sensitivity often demands sacrificing flexibility, rendering the development of temperature sensors combining both qualities a challenging task. In this study, we utilized a low-cost drop-casting technique to print ultra-thin and lightweight (thickness: approximately 3 µm, weight: 0.61 mg) temperature sensors based on a combination of vanadium dioxide and PEDOT:PSS at room temperature and atmospheric conditions. These sensors exhibit high sensitivity (temperature coefficient of resistance: −5.11%/°C), rapid response and recovery times (0.36 s), and high-temperature accuracy (0.031 °C). Furthermore, they showcased remarkable durability in extreme bending conditions (bending radius = 400 µm), along with stable electrical performance over approximately 2400 bending cycles. This work offers a low-cost, simple, and scalable method for manufacturing ultra-thin and lightweight electronic skins for temperature monitoring, which seamlessly integrate exceptional temperature-measuring capabilities with optimal flexibility.