Shoe last machining using virtual digitising

Shoe lasts are the moulds used in the footwear industries in order to mount the shoe. Most of the machines used in the sector to make lasts are simply mechanical copiers. CAD/CAM systems have just arrived to the shoe last market but its accuracy and efficiency is not better than traditional machines, for this reason new systems have difficulty to implant. Presented in the paper there is a tool path generation algorithm that takes the advantages of traditional copier systems that do not fulfil the CNC standards. The tool path is computed from a “virtually digitised” model of the last surface. The algorithm is then analysed in terms of computing cost and accuracy and refined by applying a series of optimisations. Some computer architectures are proposed in order to reduce the computation time. The proposed algorithm has been successfully implemented in a commercial CAD/CAM system specialised in shoe last making. Finally, some illustrative examples are shown

Forest Structure of Pinus ayacahuite in Southern Mexico: A Non-Parametric Analysis

Spatial structure refers to the horizontal and vertical arrangement of individual trees, and the most accurate way to describe it within a community is to characterize tree strata in terms of their dimensions. The aim of this study was to determine the horizontal and vertical structure of pure stands of Pinus ayacahuite Ehrenb. ex Schltdl., in forests of southern Mexico. Forest measurement data from 24 sample plots were used. For analysis of the horizontal structure, diameters within a range of 0.20 cm to 77 cm were used, while for the vertical structure, heights were from 0.09 m to 40.9 m. Non-parametric histograms and Kernel density methods were used in the analysis, and Fisher and Marron multimodality tests were performed. The homogeneity of the forest stands was determined by the coefficient of homogeneity, and the vertical and horizontal structures were described using the stratification proposed by Pretzsch. The results indicate that the horizontal structure corresponds to a diameter distribution with a reversed "J" shape in 79.2% of the sample plots, while 91.8% of the sites were classified as irregular with coefficients of homogeneity of 1.0 to 3.0. In the vertical structure, it was observed that the lower stratum predominated in 75% of the plots, while 25% had a higher concentration of individuals in the middle stratum. The upper stratum had accumulation percentages ranging from 1.3% to 33.3% but did not predominate in any of the plots. According to the multimodality tests, 50% of the plots present multimodality in the horizontal structure, while in the vertical structure this condition is present in 38% of the plots. Knowledge of the spatial structure of Pinus ayacahuite forest stands is essential to define silvicultural strategies that ensure the sustainable functioning of the ecosystem in terms of yield continuity and conservation

Relationship between handgrip strength and endogenous hormones in postmenopausal women

Objectives :This study aimed to evaluate the endogenous hormonal factors related to dominant handgrip strength (HGS) in postmenopausal women. Methods : A cross-sectional study was performed on 402 postmenopausal women aged 47 to 83 years. The following variables were recorded: age, age at menopause, smoking status, adiposity, HGS, and physical activity. Hormonal parameters (follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, ∆4 androstenedione, insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1], vitamin D, and parathormone levels) were measured and results reported as odds ratios (ORs), β coefficients and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A directed acyclic graph was used to identify potential confounding variables and was adjusted in the regression model to assess associations between endogenous hormones and HGS. Results :The mean dominant HGS was 22.8 ± 3.7 kg, and 25.6% of women had dynapenia. There were significant differences in plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00), cortisol (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.12), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00) between women with normal HGS and those who presented with dynapenia. After adjusting for confounding variables, no significant association was found between endogenous hormones and HGS. Conclusions: Our results showed that studied ovarian steroids, adrenal hormones, IGF-1, parathormone, and vitamin D were not associated with HGS

Association of Endogenous Hormones and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between endogenous hormones and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 798 postmenopausal women aged 47-85 years. Data were collected on age, age at menopause, years since menopause, smoking status, body mass index, adiposity, BMD, physical activity, and Vitamin D supplementation. Measured hormonal parameters were: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 4-androstenedione, cortisol, insulin-like growth factor-1, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and parathormone (PTH) levels. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A directed acyclic graph was used to select potential confounding variables. Results: Multivariable analysis showed significant associations between cortisol and femoral neck BMD (β: -0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.03 - 0.00), and PTH with femoral neck BMD (β: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.02 - 0.01) and total hip BMD (β: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.01 - 0.00). Hormonal factors more likely associated with a higher risk of low BMD (osteopenia or osteoporosis) were FSH (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03) and PTH (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). Conclusions: Higher cortisol and PTH levels were inversely associated with BMD. Postmenopausal women with higher FSH or PTH levels were likely to have low BMD. © 2023 Journal of Mid-life Health

Uso de antibióticos en el tratamiento de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en perros.

Una cantidad creciente de pruebas sugiere que la flora entérica puede tener un papel importante en la patogénesis de las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales (EII), ya que, en todos los casos, los pacientes parecen tener la composición luminal alterada lo cual podría, proporcionar el estímulo necesario para el inicio y el mantenimiento de la inflamación crónica que caracteriza a las EII. El presunto papel de las bacterias en la patogénesis de la enfermedad proporciona la justificación para el uso de agentes, como los antibióticos, que alteran la flora intestinal. Sin embargo, existe mucha incertidumbre acerca de la utilización óptima de los antibióticos en el tratamiento de estas enfermedades, y hay que tener en cuenta que los antibióticos pueden inducir efectos adversos, especialmente durante la terapia a largo plazo. Este estudio pretende evaluar la eficacia de ciertos antibióticos en el tratamiento de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, siendo el objetivo principal de estudio, la eficacia sobre la colitis crónica que no responde a los tratamientos empíricos

Algunos hongos hipogeos de Castilla-León (España): Youngiomyces multiplex y Genea thaxterii, primeras citas para Europa

Some hypogeous fungi frorn Castilla-León (Spain): Youngiomyces múltiplex and Genea thaxterii, first records in Europe. Eighteen species of hypogeous fungi collected by the autors in the community of Castilla-León have been studied. They stand out by their interest: Youngiomyces múltiplex (Thaxt.) Y.J. Yao, Elaphomyces maculatus Vitt., Genea sphaerica Tul. et C. Tul., G. Thaxterii Gilkey, Pachyphloeus cilrinus Berk. et Br., Gaulieria graveolens Vitt., Hymenogasler griseus Vitt., H. niveus Vitt., H. thwailesii Berk. et Br.,H. vulgaris Tul. apud Berk. et Br. and Rhizopogon corsicus Demoulin et Moyersoen. Amoung them, Youngiomyces Mulliplex and Genea thaxlerii are the first records in Europe.Se estudian 18 especies de hongos hipogeos recolectados por los autores en la Comunidad de Castilla-León. Destacan por su interés: Youngiomyces múltiplex (Thaxt.) Y.J. Yao, Elaphomyces maculatus Vitt., Genea sphaerica Tul. et C. Tul., G. Thaxterii Gilkey, Pachyphloeus cilrinus Berk. et Br., Gaulieria graveolens Vitt., Hymenogasler griseus Vitt., H. niveus Vitt., H. thwailesii Berk. et Br.,H. vulgaris Tul. apud Berk. et Br. and Rhizopogon corsicus Demoulin et Moyersoen. De entre ellos, Youngiomyces Mulliplex y Genea thaxlerii son primeras citas para Europa

Algunos hongos hipogeos de Castilla-León (España): Youngiomyces multiplex y Genea thaxterii, primeras citas para Europa

Se estudian 18 especies de hongos hipogeos recolectados por los autores en la Comunidad de Castilla-León. Destacan por su interés: Youngiomyces múltiplex (Thaxt.) Y.J. Yao, Elaphomyces maculatus Vitt., Genea sphaerica Tul. et C. Tul., G. Thaxterii Gilkey, Pachyphloeus cilrinus Berk. et Br., Gaulieria graveolens Vitt., Hymenogasler griseus Vitt., H. niveus Vitt., H. thwailesii Berk. et Br.,H. vulgaris Tul. apud Berk. et Br. and Rhizopogon corsicus Demoulin et Moyersoen. De entre ellos, Youngiomyces Mulliplex y Genea thaxlerii son primeras citas para Europa.Some hypogeous fungi frorn Castilla-León (Spain): Youngiomyces múltiplex and Genea thaxterii, first records in Europe. Eighteen species of hypogeous fungi collected by the autors in the community of Castilla-León have been studied. They stand out by their interest: Youngiomyces múltiplex (Thaxt.) Y.J. Yao, Elaphomyces maculatus Vitt., Genea sphaerica Tul. et C. Tul., G. Thaxterii Gilkey, Pachyphloeus cilrinus Berk. et Br., Gaulieria graveolens Vitt., Hymenogasler griseus Vitt., H. niveus Vitt., H. thwailesii Berk. et Br.,H. vulgaris Tul. apud Berk. et Br. and Rhizopogon corsicus Demoulin et Moyersoen. Amoung them, Youngiomyces Mulliplex and Genea thaxlerii are the first records in Europe

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and human pregnancy: a scoping review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the infection with a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Pregnants present mild or moderate symptoms, with 5% presenting as a severe pneumonia. Prevalence and evolution of COVID-19 in pregnancy is similar to that of the general population, including the risk of maternal death. Radiography, computed tomography or ultrasound imaging are pivotal for the diagnosis and given the clinical suspicion of COVID-19 pneumonia. Lab findings include lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and the elevation of D-dimer and ferritin. To date, there is no specific treatment or vaccination for COVID-19; yet clinical management in pregnants is also similar to that of the general population, with prophylactic antibiotic treatment for bacterial pneumonia and oxygen support. Thromboprophylaxis should be indicated in severe cases, given that pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state that may be exacerbated by COVID-19. Hospital management should focus on treating the mother and protecting the newborn and the health personnel. Regarding COVID-19 and perinatal outcomes, premature deliveries are mainly associated to iatrogenic pregnancy termination through cesarean section aimed conserving maternal well-being. To date, vertical transmission to the fetus has not been demonstrated, neither intrauterine, nor through the birth canal. The virus has not been detected in vaginal fluids, or in breast milk. Breastfeeding may be allowed depending on maternal and neonatal health status. There are still many unknown issues, although there is a continuous update of scientific information related to pregnancy and COVID-19

Serological Findings in a Child with Paroxysmal Cold Haemoglobinuria

PCH is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) but is one of the most common causes of AIAH in children. For the diagnosis, it is important to perform the appropriate methods of serological investigation and show the typical biphasic reaction. This is a case report of a child who presented with features of haemolysis and was diagnosed with PCH of this way

Small static radiosurgery field dosimetry with small volume ionization chambers

Purpose: To evaluate the response of the four smallest active volume thimble type ionization chambers commercially available (IBA-dosimetry RAZOR Nano Chamber, Standard Imaging Exradin A16, IBA-dosimetry CC01 and PTW T31022) when measuring SRS cone collimated Flattening Filter Free (FFF) fields. Methods: We employed Monte Carlo simulation for calculating correction factors as defined in IAEA TRS-483. Monte Carlo simulation beam model and ion chamber geometry definitions were supported by an extensive set of measurements. Type A and B uncertainty components were evaluated.Results: Commissioning of Monte Carlo 6 MV and 10 MV FFF beam models yielded relative differences between measured and simulated dose distributions lower than 1.5%. Monte Carlo simulated output factors for 5 mm SRS field agree with experimental values within 1% local relative difference for all chambers. Smallest active volume ion chamber (IBA-dosimetry RAZOR Nano Chamber) exhibits smallest correction, being compatible with unity. Correction factor combined uncertainties range between 0.7% and 0.9%. Smallest uncertainties were recorded for smallest and largest active volume ion chambers, although the latter exhibited largest correction factor. Highest contribution to combined uncertainty was type B component associated with beam model initial electron spatial Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) uncertainty. Conclusions: Among the investigated chambers, the IBA RAZOR Nano Chamber was found to be an excellent choice for narrow beam output factor measurement since it requires minimum correction (in line with IAEA TRS-483 recommendations). This is caused by its tiny size and tissue equivalence materials which produce minimum volume averaging and fluence perturbationS