Total Durations Research Articles

Demography and Population Projection of Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae) on Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae) Colonized by Entomopathogenic Fungal Endophytes.

Tetranychus urticae is a highly polyphagous and global pest. Spider mites primarily feed on the underside of leaves, resulting in decreased photosynthesis, nutritional loss, and the development of chlorotic patches. We investigated the life tables of the two-spotted spider mite T. urticae on fungal endophyte Beauveria bassiana colonized and untreated plants of the common Phaseolus vulgaris L., a bean plant. Based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory, data were evaluated. The mites raised on untreated plants had protonymphs, deutonymphs, and total pre-adult stage durations that were considerably shorter (1.76, 2.14, and 9.77 d, respectively) than the mites raised on plants that had been colonized (2.02, 2.45, and 10.49 d, respectively). The fecundity (F) varied from 28.01 eggs per female of colonized plants to 57.67 eggs per female of endophyte-untreated plants. The net reproductive rate (R0) in the plants with and without endophytes was 19.26 and 42.53 brood, respectively. The untreated plants had an intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of 0.245 days as opposed to the colonized plants, which had an r of 0.196 days and a finite rate of increase (λ) (1.27 and 1.21, respectively). Population forecasts based on a two-sex, age-stage life table demonstrated the dynamism and variability of the stage structure. Furthermore, the colonization of B. bassiana had a negative impact on the growth and development of T. urticae. It lowered the adult mite life span, female fecundity, net reproduction rate, and intrinsic growth rate. We propose that future research should better use entomopathogenic fungal endophytes to understand host plant resistance strategies in integrated pest management.

Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis

BackgroundGait initiation is challenging for older individuals with poor physical function, particularly for those with frailty. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with increased risk of illness, falls, and functional decline. This study examines whether spatial and temporal parameters of gait initiation differ between groups of older adults with different levels of frailty, and whether fear of falling, and balance ability are correlated with the height of lifting the food during gait initiation.MethodsSixty-one individuals aged > 65 years, classified by Fried frailty phenotype, performed five self-paced gait initiation trials. Data was collected using a three-dimensional passive optical motion capture system, consisting of 10 cameras with the ability to perceive reflective markers, and two force plates. The total duration of gait initiation and the duration of its four sub-phases, the first step length, and the maximum foot clearance during the first step were derived, and compared statistically between groups. Additionally, an association analysis was conducted between foot clearance and fear of falling, and confidence in balance in older individuals.ResultsFrail individuals had significantly longer unloading durations, and total durations of gait initiation compared to non-frail older adults. Additionally, they had shorter first step lengths compared to non-frail older adults. Pre-frail older adults also showed shorter steps compared to the non-frail group. However, there were no significant differences between groups for the maximum foot clearance during the first step. Nevertheless, the maximum foot clearance of older individuals correlated significantly with their fear of falling and confidence in balance.ConclusionOlder adults with reduced physical function and signs of frailty mainly display longer duration of gait initiation and decreased first step length compared to non-frail older adults. The release phase is decreased as the double support phase is prolonged in frail patients. This information can guide the development of specialized exercise programs to improve mobility in this challenging motion between static and dynamic balance.

Comparison of coercive practices in worldwide mental healthcare: overcoming difficulties resulting from variations in monitoring strategies.

Coercive or restrictive practices such as compulsory admission, involuntary medication, seclusion and restraint impinge on individual autonomy. International consensus mandates reduction or elimination of restrictive practices in mental healthcare. To achieve this requires knowledge of the extent of these practices. We determined rates of coercive practices and compared them across countries. We identified nine country- or region-wide data-sets of rates and durations of restrictive practices in Australia, England, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, The Netherlands, the USA and Wales. We compared the data-sets with each other and with mental healthcare indicators in World Health Organization and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development reports. The types and definitions of reported coercive practices varied considerably. Reported rates were highly variable, poorly reported and tracked using a diverse array of measures. However, we were able to combine duration measures to examine numbers of restrictive practices per year per 100 000 population for each country. The rates and durations of seclusion and restraint differed by factors of more than 100 between countries, with Japan showing a particularly high number of restraints. We recommend a common set of international measures, so that finer comparisons within and between countries can be made, and monitoring of trends to see whether alternatives to restraint are successful. These measurements should include information about the total numbers, durations and rates of coercive measures. We urge the World Health Organization to include these measures in their Mental Health Atlas.

Age determination of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) using lifespan patterns, gene expression, and pteridine concentration under constant and variable temperatures

Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is a blowfly species widely studied in medical, veterinary, and entomological research. Our study examined the impact of constant (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C) and variable (ranging from 21.0 to 25.4 °C, with an average of 23.31 °C) temperatures on the development and larval body length of C. megacephala. Additionally, we analyzed the age of the adult C. megacephala through pteridine content and related metabolic genes analysis. Our findings revealed three distinct growth patterns: isomorphen diagram, isomegalen diagram, and thermal accumulated models. At constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C, egg-hatching times were 44.5 ± 8.9, 26.7 ± 4.6, 12.6 ± 1.1, 11.0 ± 1.0, and 9.9 ± 1.9 h, respectively, while it was 15.3 ± 5.9 h at variable temperatures. The total development times from oviposition to adult eclosion in C. megacephala required 858.1 ± 69.2, 362.3 ± 5.9, 289.6 ± 17.8, 207.3 ± 9.3, and 184.7 ± 12.1 h at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C, respectively. This duration was extended to 282.0 ± 64.1 h under variable temperatures. However, no significant differences were found in hatching times and the total developmental durations between 25 °C and variable temperatures. A developmental threshold temperature (D0) of 9.90 ± 0.77 °C and a thermal summation constant (K) of 4244.0 ± 347.0° hours were ascertained. Pteridine content patterns varied significantly across constant temperatures, but not between 25 °C and variable temperatures. Sex and temperature were identified as the primary factors influencing pteridine levels in the head of C. megacephala. Gene expression associated with pteridine metabolism decreased following adult eclosion, matching with increased pteridine concentration. Further investigations are needed to explore the use of pteridine cofactors for age-grading adult necrophagous flies. These findings provide valuable insights into the lifespan of C. megacephala, thereby offering valuable groundwork for forthcoming investigations and PMImin determination.

Chest imaging classification in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is associated with its clinical features and outcomes

BackgroundThe imaging findings of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) vary; however, few studies have focused on the relationship of imaging classification with clinical manifestations and outcomes. ObjectiveTo prospectively investigate whether chest imaging classification in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is associated with its clinical features and outcomes. MethodsA total of 1,401 hospitalized children with MPP were enrolled from January 2019 to December 2021. Imaging findings were categorized as bronchopneumonia and consolidation/atelectasis according to X-ray, and bronchopneumonia, consolidation/atelectasis, bronchiolitis, and mosaic pattern according to computed tomography (CT). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with different imaging classifications were prospectively analyzed based on electronic medical records. ResultsBronchopneumonia was the most common finding (59.6%), while consolidation/atelectasis was the most severe group. Clinical manifestations and laboratory indicators for the consolidation/atelectasis group included serious abnormalities. Further, outcomes of the patients were worse, including having longer total durations of fever and hospitalization, greater hospitalization expenses, and a higher likelihood of developing refractory MPP, necrotizing pneumonia, and bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) in this group. The incidence of bronchiolitis, a disease characterized by a high prevalence of fever, moist rales, and an atopic constitution, tended to increase after the coronavirus disease pandemic and predisposed patients to BO. A mosaic pattern occurred in allergic and young individuals, with wheezing as the main manifestation, with patients having relatively mild symptoms and good outcomes. ConclusionDifferent imaging classifications have different clinical features and clinical outcomes; thus, formulating an imaging-based classification system is of great clinical value.

Automated lexical analysis of story recall in healthy controls

AbstractBackgroundImpaired episodic memory is one of the earliest and most prominent symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Examining how patients produce words and phrases in story recall tasks is useful for tracking and understanding progression of their disease. Traditional approaches rely on manual assessments of recalled stories which can be limited, time‐consuming, and not applicable in large‐scale studies. Here, we implement an automated, computational approach to measure verbal episodic memory in a digitally recorded story recall task performed by young healthy speakers using natural language processing models.MethodWe analyzed digitized speech samples of pre‐recorded immediate and delayed Craft Story recall tasks performed by healthy speakers (n = 67, mean age = 20.31 years, SD = 2.17, 45 (67%) females). All transcripts were transcribed by trained annotators and automatically scored for number of verbatim and paraphrase recall, total recall score ( = verbatim+paraphrase), and semantic distance from the original story (degree of semantic similarity between the original craft story and the recalled story based on the Word2vec module in python). We also calculated total word count and number of unique words, and rated all recalled words for word familiarity, concreteness, and semantic ambiguity based on published norms. Number of pauses and total durations of speech and silent pauses were also measured.ResultWe found larger semantic distance between successive words in the delayed recall task compared with immediate recall within speaker (p<.001). Delayed recall also elicited lower total recall scores than immediate recall (p = .03). Comparing the effect sizes of semantic distance vs. total recall scores, our model comparison showed a smaller prediction error for semantic distance (AIC = 95.45) than total recall score (AIC = 736.18). In addition, speakers in the delayed recall task performed more paraphrase recall, had higher total word count, number of unique words, more ambiguous words, and produced more speech (all p‐values<.001).ConclusionOur findings suggest that automated speech analysis can provide informative and cost‐effective measures from a recorded story recall task. The study provides an automated and quantitative way to better measure memory abilities by including semantic distance. Future work will test procedures in patients with AD or other neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of camel’s previous experience on behavioural response and milk production during training to machine milking

At the onset of lactation, dairy animals are exposed to novel stimuli within the mechanical milking environment, which can induce stress. This is particularly pronounced in camels due to their sensitive and potentially maternal aggressive nature. To propose strategies to reduce these stress, this study aimed to assess the behavioural and milking responses of dairy camels during their first milking sessions with a focus on the influence of dams’ experience. Eleven dairy camels were included in this study, with 5 undergoing their inaugural milking season (designated as the N_Exp group) and 6 camels having prior exposure to machine milking during previous lactations (designated as the Exp group). Camels were milked with an individual portable milking machine set to 48 kPa Vacuum and 60 pulsations/min. Throughout this trial, behavioural data, rumination occurrence, need of oxytocin injection to induce milk ejection, milk yield, time to milk ejection and milking duration were recorded during the 3 weeks training period of camels. A training index (T.I.) was calculated to quantify milking adaptation from behavioural responses. Stress-related behaviours were classified into fear-related behaviours such as jumping, decubitus, trembling, vocalization and escape attempts) as well as defensive behaviours including kicking, stepping, spitting, and biting. Results showed that N Exp camels expressed fear-related behaviours more frequently (P < 0.05) while displaying a lower training index (P < 0.0001) compared to Exp camels. All stress behaviours decreased significantly throughout the training period for both groups. The need for exogenous oxytocin decreased from 100% at the first day of machine milking to 35% for N_Exp group and from 27.8% to 8.3% for Exp group. The camel’s experience had no effect (p = 0.4200) on the rumination frequency. However, rumination occurred more and more frequently (P < 0.0001) during the camels’ training period. Time to milk ejection, total and effective milking durations were significantly shorter for experienced camels and reduced throughout the camels’ training period (P< 0.0001). Milk production increased gradually for both groups by 71.75% and 61.83% for Exp and N_Exp respectively during camels’ training period. In conclusion, acclimation of camels to machine milking was accompanied by a reduction of acute stress behaviours occurrences, an increase in milk production and a shortening and normalisation of milking sessions. Experienced camels were easier to train to machine milking. These results underscore the importance of improving procedures of milking habituation to mitigate stress of the first milking session and improve the welfare of dairy camels.

A pilot study on surgical implantation and efficacy of acoustic transmitters in fifteen loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), 2021–2022

BackgroundThe ability to detect the location of free-ranging sea turtles over time is desirable for ecological, conservation, and veterinary studies, but existing detection methods have limited sensitivity or longevity. Externally attached acoustic transmitters have variable, and sometimes short retention times for sea turtles. For several vertebrate taxa, surgically implanted acoustic transmitters have proven to be safe and effective for long-term detection; however, implanted transmitters have not yet been used for turtles.ResultsIn this pilot study, INNOVASEA acoustic transmitters were surgically implanted subcutaneously in the pre-femoral region of fifteen hospitalized loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) that had been rehabilitated after stranding due to cold-stunning. Model V16-4H transmitters (estimated battery longevity = 2435 days) were implanted in turtles measuring ≥ 50 cm straight carapace length (SCL), and model V13-1H transmitters (estimated battery longevity = 1113 days) were implanted in turtles measuring 30–49 cm SCL. Incision healing was monitored over several months prior to release. Twelve turtles’ incisions healed without complication, on average, 55 days after surgery (median 47, range 41–100). Three turtles experienced incision complications, two of which healed after a second surgery, while the third required transmitter removal to promote healing. One of the fourteen implanted transmitters was confirmed to be dysfunctional prior to release, although it had been functional prior to implantation. To date, 100% of turtles released with functional acoustic transmitters (n = 13) have been detected a total of 915 times by 40 individual acoustic receivers off the coasts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, and in southern New England offshore waters. Turtles with transmitters generated 5–235 detections (mean 70, median 43) on 1–13 individual acoustic receivers (mean 5, median 5) for periods of 3–400 days post-release (mean 118, median 87). Total detections and detection durations for these individuals are expected to increase over time due to anticipated transmitter battery longevity.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that surgically implanted acoustic transmitters are effective for the detection of free ranging sea turtles, but refinement of surgical methodology is needed in light of the observed complications. Monitoring of healing is critical when evaluating novel surgical techniques in wildlife.

Sublethal concentrations of pymetrozine reduce Sogatella furcifera transmission of Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus.

The transmission of plant viruses is closely associated with the specific probing behaviors of the vectors. Pymetrozine is a pyridine azomethine insecticide that interferes with nervous regulation of feeding behavior of piercing-sucking insects. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of sublethal concentrations of pymetrozine in reducing the transmission of Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) by the planthopper Sogatella furcifera. Laboratory assays showed that both acquisition and inoculation rates of SRBSDV decreased significantly in the planthoppers feeding on plants treated with lethal concentrations 10% and 50% (LC10 and LC50 ) pymetrozine compared with the insects feeding on the control plants, for which significant effects of pymetrozine concentration and time post-treatment were detected. Honeydew excretion of the planthoppers showed significant reduction with increasing concentration of the insecticide but no significant association with time post-treatment. Electrical penetration graph recordings revealed that total durations of each waveform in both acquisition and inoculation were significantly affected by pymetrozine treatment, with total durations of non-probing (NP), penetration initiation (N1), and extracellular activity (N3) elongated whereas those of salivation (N2) and phloem-related activities (N4-a and N4-b) shortened. Additionally, both acquisition and inoculation rates were significantly lower at 168 h than at 6 h post-treatment. The results indicate that sublethal concentrations of pymetrozine reduce SRBSDV transmission, which is associated with reduction in feeding and alteration in probing behaviors characterized by the prolonged non-probing, penetration initiation and extracellular activity and shortened salivation and phloem-related activities. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Heel Warming with a Thermofor at Two Different Temperatures Before Heel Stick Sampling in Healthy Term Neonates on Total Crying and Procedure Durations: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of heel warming with a thermofor at two different temperatures before heel stick sampling in healthy term neonates on total crying and procedure durations. &#x0D; Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample for the research comprised 120 healthy term neonates with heel stick sampling performed by the same nurse. Neonates were randomized into control (n = 40), heel warming with a thermofor containing warm water (n = 40) and heel warming with a thermofor containing hot water (n = 40) three groups. In the study, to determine the efficacy of the heel warming intervention, neonates were recorded for six minutes before heel stick sampling and five minutes after heel puncture with a video camera. &#x0D; Results: In the study, both the total procedure duration and total crying duration were statistically significantly shorter in the group with heel warming with hot water compared to the control group (KW = 6.088, p = 0.016; KW = 7.611, p = 0.006, respectively). However, in the group with heel warming with warm water, there was no significant difference in terms of total crying and procedure durations compared to both the control group and the group with heel warming using hot water (p&gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Before heel stick sampling in healthy term neonates, warming the heel with a thermofor containing hot water is effective in shortening the total crying and procedure durations.

Vancomycin and daptomycin dosing recommendations in patients receiving home hemodialysis using Monte Carlo simulation

BackgroundFew drug dosing recommendations for patients receiving home hemodialysis (HHD) have been published which has hindered the adoption of HHD. HHD regimens vary widely and differ considerably from conventional, thrice weekly, in-center hemodialysis in terms of treatment frequency, duration and blood and dialysate flow rates. Consequently, vancomycin and daptomycin clearances in HHD are also likely to be different, consequently HHD dosing regimens must be developed to ensure efficacy and minimize toxicity when these antibiotics are used. Many HHD regimens are used clinically, this study modeled ten common HHD regimens and determined optimal vancomycin and daptomycin dosing for each HHD regimen.MethodsMonte Carlo simulations using pharmacokinetic data derived from the literature and demographic data from a large HHD program treating patients with end stage kidney disease were incorporated into a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Virtual vancomycin and daptomycin doses were administered post-HHD and drug exposures were determined in 5,000 virtual patients receiving ten different HHD regimens. Serum concentration monitoring with subsequent dose changes was incorporated into the vancomycin models. Pharmacodynamic target attainment rates were determined for each studied dose. The lowest possible doses that met predefined targets in virtual patients were chosen as optimal doses.ResultsHHD frequency, total dialysate volumes and HHD durations influenced drug exposure and led to different dosing regimens to meet targets. Antibiotic dosing regimens were identified that could meet targets for 3- and 7-h HHD regimens occurring every other day or 4–5 days/week. HHD regimens with 3-day interdialytic periods required higher doses prior to the 3-day period. The addition of vancomycin serum concentration monitoring allowed for calculation of necessary dosing changes which increased the number of virtual subjects meeting pharmacodynamic targets.ConclusionsDoses of vancomycin and daptomycin that will meet desired pharmacodynamic targets in HHD are dependent on patient and HHD-specific factors. Doses used in conventional thrice weekly hemodialysis are unlikely to meet treatment goals. The antibiotic regimens paired with the HHD parameters studied in this analysis are likely to meet goals but require clinical validation.

The statistical OPEA models indicate an anomaly in the solar X-ray flare energy levels

We have recognized an anomaly on the solar activity cycle, while we researching on the question that there can be two different flare mechanisms working on the stellar surface. We discuss an anomaly in the solar flare activity levels in the cycle minima and maxima from the 20th to 22nd Solar Activity Cycles, depending on the models and analyses of the X-ray data. In this study, we used the GOES satellite data accumulated from 1976 to 1989 and detected 670 solar flares. We have separately carried out two independent statistical analyses for the examination of the solar flare activity. Firstly, we derived the equivalent durations distribution via the total durations of flares. Contrary to our expectations based on flare stars, it seems that this distribution is modelled by four different fits, instead of just one model fit. We found that the model parameters, such as plateau, half−time, and span, vary via time in the different trends from the Solar Activity Cycle. Secondly, we have derived the cumulative frequency models for solar flares. Contrary to the studies in the literature, we found that these frequency models do not take shape depending on the minimum or maximum of a solar activity cycle. If these results are not an unexpected anomaly, this study indicates that the existence of a different trend can be revealed apart from the solar activity cycle for the flare energy level variation, when the solar flare behaviour is separately determined for each cycle and they are compared with each other.

Designing off-grid renewable energy systems for reliable and resilient operation under stochastic power supply outages

The power supply from solar and wind generators is not only inherently variable but also prone to failure due to rare-weather related events, i.e., hailstorms, icing. Current system sizing strategies often consider system reliability or resilience but rarely consider them simultaneously. Here, we proposed a sizing approach for an off-grid power system to supply a minimum power threshold (Lth) during power disruption events. The Lth concept ensures blackout avoidance and enough dispatchable stored energy during power outages. We developed several scenarios with 4- to 24-hour simulated outage events occurring multiple times per year. After sizing a system, designs are tested by simulating the systems’ operation based on data containing stochastic outage events. The resulting lost load is recorded to assess system reliability and resilience. Results showed that, regardless of outage frequency, total annual stochastic outage durations up to 32 h did not affect the optimal capacities of system components while ensuring the same reliability level. However, system capacities increased by up to 90% when the annual outage duration increased to 144 h. Meanwhile, introducing a minimum power threshold, Lth = 0.97, further increased the renewables generation and storage capacity up to 50% and 7%, respectively. Systems’ resilience tests showed an 80% chance of a system designed with the Lth approach to withstand the prolonged stochastic power disruptions, while this value is only 25% for the systems designed using the conventional approach.

Characterizing Antarctic air-breathing predator dive patterns on a common prey base from stationary echosounders

Diving patterns of air-breathing predators were monitored from three moored subsurface upward-looking echosounders. Complete and partial dive profiles were visible on active acoustic records as echoes that started and/or returned to the surface. Dive metrics: maximum dive depths, durations, and wiggle count were measured and angles, distances, and velocities, were calculated at each site. Dive shapes ‘U’, ‘V’ and ‘W’ were derived using the number of wiggles and the percentage of dive bottom time. Dive profiles were classified into four types with type 1 dives being short in total duration and distance, low velocities, small angles, shallow, and linked to ‘U’ and ‘W’ shapes. Type 2 dives were short in distance, had low velocities, shallow depths, and were linked to ‘V’ dives. Dive types 3 and 4 had higher velocities, larger angles, longer total durations, and were deeper than types 1 and 2. Observed dive types could correspond to travelling, exploring, and foraging predator behaviors. Significant predator-prey overlaps occurred with predator dive profile counts correlated with krill aggregation thickness, density, and depth. This study demonstrates the utility of using stationary active acoustics to identify predator dive profiles with a simultaneous characterization of the potential prey field.

Quantifying patterns of streamflow peaks over the southeastern United States using a long‐term retrospective data set

AbstractUtilizing simulated daily flow values for 61 948 stream nodes from the National Water Model (NWM) v.2.1 retrospective data set, which covers the period 1979–2020, streamflow peaks (SFP) were determined using an objective threshold method based on the Fisher‐Jenks breakpoint algorithm. This approach provides estimates of low probability, high in‐channel water level conditions. Strong spatial relations in temporal streamflow peak distribution were observed, with four main spatial clusters covering: (1) the central parts of Mississippi to South Carolina; (2) the south and north parts of Mississippi to South Carolina; (3) Florida, the Gulf Coast, and parts of North Carolina and Virginia; and (4) the Atlantic Coast and parts of the Gulf Coast. The first area is characterized by high multiannual SFP occurrence with long total durations, high contribution to total discharge, and occurrence throughout the year with peaks in February and March. Increasing annual peak trends are present locally. The second area is characterized by similar parameters with increased flash flooding potential. In the third area, lower occurrence and share in total discharge are observed, with two peaks of occurrence in the September–October and March periods. In the fourth region, the lowest occurrences and shortest durations are present, along with strong seasonality manifested in September–October occurrences that constitute over 80% of all SFP volumes. Decreasing trends in maximal monthly flows for the June–October period are also observed here. The results provide valuable regionalized information about historical high flow characteristics across the southeast United States, which can be used as a basis for improved long‐term flood prediction based on seasonality models and constitute a baseline for defining regional changes in high flow frequency and distribution.

Should I Rest or Should I Go Now? A Randomized Cross-Over Trial Comparing Fixed and Self-Selected Rest Durations in High-Intensity Interval Training Cycling Sessions

BackgroundIn high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the rest durations between intervals are commonly prescribed using a fixed approach (e.g., 30 s between intervals). An alternative is the self-selected (SS) approach, in which trainees select their resting durations. Studies comparing the two approaches report mixed results. However, in these studies, trainees in the SS condition rested for as little or as long as they wished, leading to dissimilar total rest durations between conditions. Here, for the first time, we compare the two approaches while controlling for total rest duration.MethodsTwenty-four amateur adult male cyclists completed a familiarization session, followed by two counterbalanced cycling HIIT sessions. Each session was composed of nine, 30-s intervals, in which the goal was to accumulate as many watts as possible on an SRM ergometer. In the fixed condition, cyclists rested for 90 s between intervals. In the SS condition, cyclists had 720 s (i.e., 8 × 90 s) of rest to allocate in any way they wished. We measured and compared watts, heart rate, electromyography of the knee flexors and extensors, rating of perceived effort and fatigue, perception of autonomy and enjoyment. Additionally, a subsample of ten cyclists completed a retest of the SS condition.ResultsWith the exception of perception of autonomy, which was higher in the SS condition, outcomes were highly similar in both conditions. For example, the average aggregated differences were: 0.57 (95% CI − 8.94, 10.09) for watts; − 0.85 (95% CI − 2.89, 1.18) for heart rate; and 0.01 (95% CI − 0.29, 0.30) for rating of perceived effort (on a 0–10 scale). Additionally, the retest of the SS condition resulted in a similar rest allocation pattern across the intervals and in similar outcomes.ConclusionGiven the similarities in performance, physiological and psychological outcomes between the fixed and SS conditions, both can be equally utilized based on coaches’ and cyclists’ preferences and training goals.

Comparison of Outcomes Relating to REBOA Inflation Zones: Report from the ABO Trauma Registry

Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a temporary management modality for non-compressible torso haemorrhage that can be deployed in the pre- and intrahospital setting. This study aimed to compare outcomes following balloon placement in the three aortic zones.&#x0D; Methods: This is a retrospective study using data from the ABO Trauma Registry. Relevant entries from January 2014 to December 2019 were used and stratified into three groups: those who received Zone 1, 2, or 3 balloon placements.&#x0D; Results: The study sample consisted of 237 patients: 63 (27%) women and 174 (73%) men, median age 35 years. The primary location of the REBOA balloon was in Zone 1 for 180 patients, while it was nine in Zone 2 and 48 in Zone 3. Complication rates and total durations did not differ significantly between inflation zones. Emergency department mortality rates for Zones 1 and 2 patients were significantly higher than for Zone 3 (P = 0.04), but there was no difference between groups in 24-hour and 30-day mortality rates.&#x0D; Conclusions: REBOA is currently used in the emergency setting for temporary stabilisation of the bleeding patient. In this cohort, balloon placement occurred in all zones of the aorta for similar durations, with no difference in complication rates between zones. Inadvertent Zone 2 placement was not found to be associated with increased complication rates.

A vessel sealing system can help reduce the risk of postoperative complications after tumour resection in the medial thigh.

The risk of postoperative complications after resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh is higher than in other locations. This study investigated whether a vessel sealing system (VSS) could help reduce the risk of postoperative complications after wide resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh. Of 285 patients who underwent wide resection for soft-tissue sarcoma between 2014 and 2021 at our institution, 78 patients with tumours in the medial thigh were extracted from our database. Information on clinicopathological characteristics, preoperative treatment, surgical treatment (use of VSS, blood loss volume, operating time), and postoperative course (complications, postoperative haemoglobin changes, total drainage volume, and drainage and hospitalization durations) were obtained from medical records. We statistically compared clinical outcomes between patients whose surgery did or did not use VSS (VSS and non-VSS groups, respectively). There were 24 patients in the VSS group and 54 in the non-VSS group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinicopathological background. The total drainage volume in the VSS group was significantly less than that in the non-VSS group (1,176 ml vs 3,114 ml; p = 0.018). Moreover, the drainage and hospitalization durations were significantly shorter in the VSS group compared to the non-VSS group (p = 0.017 and p = 0.024, respectively). Our results suggest that use of VSS can help reduce the risk of postoperative complications after wide resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the medial thigh.

Comparing travel behaviour characteristics and correlates between large and small Kenyan cities (Nairobi versus Kisumu).

Understanding urban travel behaviour is crucial for planning healthy and sustainable cities. Africa is urbanising at one of the fastest rates in the world and urgently needs this knowledge. However, the data and literature on urban travel behaviour, their correlates, and their variation across African cities are limited. We aimed to describe and compare travel behaviour characteristics and correlates of two Kenyan cities (Nairobi and Kisumu). We analysed data from 16,793 participants (10,000 households) in a 2013 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) household travel survey in Nairobi and 5790 participants (2760 households) in a 2016 Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) household travel survey in Kisumu. We used the Heckman selection model to explore correlations of travel duration by trip mode. The proportion of individuals reporting no trips was far higher in Kisumu (47% vs 5%). For participants with trips, the mean number [lower - upper quartiles] of daily trips was similar (Kisumu (2.2 [2-2] versus 2.4 [2-2] trips), but total daily travel durations were lower in Kisumu (65 [30-80] versus 116 [60-150] minutes). Walking was the most common trip mode in both cities (61% in Kisumu and 42% in Nairobi), followed by motorcycles (17%), matatus (minibuses) (11%), and cars (5%) in Kisumu; and matatus (28%), cars (12%) and buses (12%) in Nairobi. In both cities, females were less likely to make trips, and when they did, they travelled for shorter durations; people living in households with higher incomes were more likely to travel and did so for longer durations. Gender, income, occupation, and household vehicle ownership were associated differently with trip making, use of transport modes and daily travel times in cities. These findings illustrate marked differences in reported travel behaviour characteristics and correlates within the same country, indicating setting-dependent influences on travel behaviour. More sub-national data collection and harmonisation are needed to build a more nuanced understanding of patterns and drivers of travel behaviour in African cities.

Thoracoscopic Radiofrequency Fragmentation of the Left Atrium as a Bridge to Decision Before Heart Transplant.

Atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure can provoke and aggravate each other. Often the boundaries between those diseases are ambiguous, and successful diagnosis is initially elusive. However, the last stage of congestive heart failure can lead the patient to heart transplant. We suggested that restoration and stabilization of sinus rhythm could be used as a differential diagnostic criterion to distinguish dilated cardiomyopathy from atrial fibrillation. We investigated the possibility that thoracoscopic radiofrequency fragmentation of the left atrium could be a valid a bridge to decision before heart transplant in patients with the combination of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The pilot study included 3 men who consecutively received thoracoscopic radiofrequency fragmentation of the left atrium from November 2021 to May 2022. All 3 patients had a combination of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction and left ventricle dilatation (echocardiography, Simpson method: 31%, 33%, and 30%, respectively) despite receiving as highly as possible drug therapy and normalization of heart rate. The patients were 42, 38, and 55 years old, with rates of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide of 3047, 2548, and 2542 pg/mL, respectively. The follow-up examination was performed every month. The total durations of the follow-up were 12, 9, and 7 months, respectively. By month 3 after the surgery, the left ventricular ejection fraction began to increase. By month 6 of follow-up, the left ventricular ejection fraction reached its maximum value and stabilized. All patients reported cessation of congestive heart failure symptoms. Thoracoscopic radiofrequency fragmentation of the left atrium can be considered a bridge to decision before heart transplant in patients with a combination of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.