Compression syndromes of the popliteal neurovascular bundle due to Baker cyst

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive search of the literature for all studies, case reports, and series describing Baker cyst compression of the neurovascular bundle in the popliteal fossa and index their findings according to the structures compressed.MethodCase reports and series obtained after a thorough MEDLINE search were indexed according to compressed structures. Patient demographics, main findings, method of diagnosis, cyst size, outcomes, and follow-up were recorded for each publication.ResultsSigns and symptoms related to popliteal vein and tibial nerve compression were the most frequent presentation of symptomatic Baker cysts, due to the anatomic vulnerability of these structures within the popliteal fossa and their relative sensitivity to compression. Patients with tibial nerve entrapment demonstrated gastrocnemius muscle atrophy, paresthesias, and pain. Those with popliteal vein compression experienced swelling, pain, and rarely, venous thromboembolism. Isolated arterial compression, presenting with intermittent claudication, is a rare occurrence because it is a relatively stiff-walled vessel, has a higher pressure, and is located deep in the popliteal fossa. Combinations of these compression syndromes are most frequently encountered in the context of cyst rupture and resulting compartment syndrome.ConclusionsBaker cyst is an important pathology for the differential diagnosis of popliteal neurovascular compression phenomena. It has a wide spectrum of presentation, therefore requiring accurate diagnosis for proper patient management. Because Baker cyst is by definition a chronic disorder, long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor patient recovery and prevent recurrence

Collaborative, Distributed Simulations of Agri-Food Supply Chains. Analysis on How Linking Theory and Practice by Using Multi-agent Structures

Simulations help to understand and predict the behaviour of complex phenomena’s, likewise distributed socio-technical systems or how stakeholders interacts in complex domains. Such domains are normally based on networked based interaction, where information, product and decision flows comes in to play, especially under the well-known supply chains structures. Although tools exist to simulate supply chains, they do not adequately support multiple stakeholders to collaboratively create and explore a variety of decision-making scenarios. Hence, in order to provide a preliminary understanding on how these interaction affects stakeholders decision-making, this research presents an study, analysis and proposal development of robust platform to collaboratively build and simulate communication among supply chain. Since realistic supply chain behaviours are complex, a multi-agent approach was selected in order to represent such complexities in a standardised manner. The platform provides agent behaviours for common agent patterns. It provides extension hotspots to implement more specific agent behaviour for expert users (that requires programming). Therefore, as key contribution, technical aspects of the platform are presented, and also the role of multi-level supply chain scenario simulation is discussed and analysed, especially under de context of digital supply chain transformation in the agri-food context. Finally, we discuss lessons learned from early tests with the reference implementation of the platform

Impacto das alterações climáticas no crescimento de árvores de Pseudotsuga menziesii em dois locais em Portugal

Mestrado em Gestão e Conservação de Recursos Naturais - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL / Universidade de ÉvoraNeste trabalho foi realizada uma análise dendrocronológica em amostras de Pseudotsuga menziesii, da Serra da Cabreira e da Serra da Estrela. Esta análise foi feita em 4 níveis de altura das árvores (base, 5 m, 10 m e 15 m), com o objetivo de analisar os efeitos de alterações climáticas no crescimento das árvores em Portugal. O impacto do clima foi examinado através da comparação das cronologias do anel de crescimento total e das suas componentes integrantes, com os dados climáticos das estações mais próximas. Os resultados mostraram que as árvores apresentaram um crescimento radial médio elevado. A estrutura do anel é semelhante entre as árvores dos dois locais, assim como dentro de cada árvore. Verificou-se a existência de anéis maiores nos primeiros anos de idade cambial. O crescimento da Pseudotsuga menziesii está relacionado com o clima no período de transição entre o EW e o LW (agosto-setembro), nomeadamente com a radiação solar de agosto e a temperatura mínima de setembro. Ficaram registados como anos indicadores negativos para a Serra da Cabreira os anos 1981 e 2001, e para a Serra da Estrela os anos 1986, 1990-91, 2009 e 2013, que na sua maioria correspondem a anos de secaN/

Adult awareness of a youth-focused anti-tobacco campaign: does having children matter?

Data from a survey of tobacco use conducted in 2001 was used to examine if Florida’s youth-focused anti-tobacco media campaign, which focused on cigarette smoking, reached adults. The majority of the sample was white (87%), high school or college edu- cated (85%), and over half with children (56%). Differences in awareness and intentions to quit among adult smokers with and without children were examined. About 50% of adults were aware of the campaign and the awareness of the tobacco industry manipula- tion theme was associated with intentions to quit, independent of having children. These findings provide evidence that youth-targeted anti-tobacco media campaigns can reach adults; however, to change the behavior of adults who smoke, it may not be appropriate to have a “one-size-fits-all” program. The study’s limitations are noted.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78088/1/adultawareness.pd

Energy savings measures in compressed air systems

Compressed air is one of the most widely used application energies in the industry, such as good transportability, safety, purity, cleanliness, storage capacity and ease of use. In many countries, compressed air systems account for approximately 10% of the industry’s total electricity consumption. Despite all its advantages, compressed air is expensive, only between 10% and 30% of the energy consumed reaches the point of final use. Energy is lost as heat, leaks, pressure drop, misuse, among others. Energy efficiency measures such as: reducing compressor pressure, lowering air inlet temperature, adequate storage capacity, recovering residual heat from the air compressor and reducing leakage, can produce energy savings between 20% and 60%, with an average return on investment lower than 2 years. This paper analyzes the main energy efficiency measures that can be applied in the CASs, the potential energy savings, implementation costs and return rate of each of them are being calculated giving a necessary tool for companies in their objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption

Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A multicenter, case-control study

AIM To identify risk factors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), describe tumor characteristics and treatments pursed for a cohort of individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. METHODS We conducted a retrospective case-control study of a well-characterized cohort of patients among five liver transplant centers with NASH cirrhosis with (cases) and without HCC (controls). RESULTS Ninety-four cases and 150 controls were included. Cases were significantly more likely to be male than controls (67% vs 45%, P < 0.001) and of older age (61.9 years vs 58 years, P = 0.002). In addition, cases were more likely to have had complications of end stage liver disease (83% vs 71%, P = 0.032). On multivariate analysis, the strongest association with the presence of HCC were male gender (OR 4.3, 95%CI: 1.83-10.3, P = 0.001) and age (OR = 1.082, 95%CI: 1.03-1.13, P = 0.001). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a decreased prevalence of HCC (OR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.09-0.994, P = 0.048). HCC was predominantly in the form of a single lesion with regional lymph node(s) and distant metastasis in only 2.6% and 6.3%, respectively. Fifty-nine point three percent of individuals with HCC underwent locoregional therapy and 61.5% underwent liver transplantation for HCC. CONCLUSION Male gender, increased age and non-Hispanic ethnicity are associated with HCC in NASH cirrhosis. NASH cirrhosis associated HCC in this cohort was characterized by early stage disease at diagnosis and treatment with locoregional therapy and transplant