NPG–TRIS Thermal Storage System. Quantification of the Limiting Processes: Sublimation and Water’s Adsorption

The NPG–TRIS binary system (NPG = (CH3)2C(CH2OH)2 = 2,2-dimetyl-1,3-propanodiol; TRIS = NH2C(CH2OH)3 = 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol) was intensively investigated as a thermal energy storage system, due to the reversibility of its phase transitions and their associated energy. An adapted methodology was applied to precisely quantify its sublimation tendency. Relevant thermochemical data were revisited and evaluated using some specific experimental procedures. We also determined that the widely accepted requirement of working in an inert atmosphere to avoid deviations due to hygroscopicity is not necessary. Nevertheless, to take advantage of the energetic properties of the NPG–TRIS system, closed containers will be required to avoid NPG losses, due to its quantitatively determined high sublimation tendency.This study was financially supported by the Basque Government (IT1301-19, IT1364-19) and through the Elkartek18 R&D program, by the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU (GIU19/019), and by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain (PID2019-106644GB-I00

Bis(2,3,5,6-tetra-2-pyridyl­pyrazine-κ3 N 2,N 1,N 6)nickel(II) dithio­cyanate dihydrate

In the title compound, [Ni(C24H16N6)2](NCS)2·2H2O, the central NiII ion is octahedrally coordinated by six N atoms of two tridentate 2,3,5,6-tetra-2-pyridyl­pyrazine ligands (tppz). Two thio­cyanate anions act as counter-ions and two water mol­ecules act as solvation agents. O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds are observed in the crystral structure

Design of a precision compactor for use in guided bone regeneration in the area of oral surgery

During the processes of guided bone regeneration in the maxillary bones, which aim to recover or preserve support tissue for the placement of implants on which dental prostheses are retained, the use of various particulate graft biomaterials from different sources (animal or synthetic) is standardized. At present, the pressure of compaction of this material in the recipient bone is manual, dependent on the clinician, although there is some scientific evidence on the effects of different compressive forces on angiogenesis and prognosis of the regeneration of the grafted areas. The aim of the present study is to design, calibrate and verify in vitro a compaction instrument for clinical use, which allows a controlled and precise compaction pressure of the particulate graft biomaterial and standardize the procedure. The designed instrument is a precision compactor of adequate size for proper intra and extraoral clinical manageability and manufactured in a sterilizable material by autoclaving. The range of compression that allows (0 -1, 82 Newton), is within the forces that are commonly applied in surgery and that have been determined by a specific test on 8 oral surgeons. Instrument calibration has been performed by an independent accredited company. The testing of the instrument was carried out by an in vitro test where the biomaterial was compacted at different forces (0, 80 and 1, 82 Newton) and was observed by a computerized micro-tomography that when increasing the compression force, decreased the space between particles provided for the migration and proliferation of new blood vessels and cells. Durante los procedimientos de regeneración ósea guiada en los huesos maxilares, que tienen como objetivo recuperar o preservar tejido de soporte para la colocación de implantes sobre los que se retienen las prótesis dentales, está estandarizado el uso de diversos biomateriales de injerto particulado de diferente procedencia (animal o sintético). En la actualidad la presión de compactación de dicho material en el hueso receptor es manual, clínico dependiente, pese a que existe cierta evidencia científica sobre los efectos de las diferentes fuerzas de compresión en la angiogénesis y pronóstico de la regeneración de las zonas injertadas. El objetivo del presente estudio es el de diseñar, calibrar y comprobar in vitro un instrumento de compactación para uso clínico, que permita una presión de compactación controlada y precisa del biomaterial de injerto particulado y estandarizar el procedimiento. El instrumento diseñado es un compactador de precisión de tamaño adecuado para una correcta manejabilidad clínica intra y extraoral y fabricado en un material esterilizable por autoclavado. El rango de compresión que permite (0 – 1, 82 Newton), está dentro de las fuerzas que se aplican comúnmente en cirugía y que se han determinado mediante una prueba específica sobre 8 cirujanos orales. La calibración del instrumento se ha realizado por una empresa acreditada independiente. La comprobación del instrumento se ha realizado mediante un ensayo in vitro donde se compactó el biomaterial a diferentes fuerzas (0, 80 y 1, 82 Newton) y se observó mediante micro-tomografía computerizada que al aumentar la fuerza de compresión disminuía el espacio entre partículas provisto para la migración y proliferación de los nuevos vasos sanguíneos y células

Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks

In this chapter, we present a literature survey of an emerging, cutting-edge, and multi-disciplinary field of research at the intersection of Robotics and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) which we refer to as Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks (RWSN). We define a RWSN as an autonomous networked multi-robot system that aims to achieve certain sensing goals while meeting and maintaining certain communication performance requirements, through cooperative control, learning and adaptation. While both of the component areas, i.e., Robotics and WSN, are very well-known and well-explored, there exist a whole set of new opportunities and research directions at the intersection of these two fields which are relatively or even completely unexplored. One such example would be the use of a set of robotic routers to set up a temporary communication path between a sender and a receiver that uses the controlled mobility to the advantage of packet routing. We find that there exist only a limited number of articles to be directly categorized as RWSN related works whereas there exist a range of articles in the robotics and the WSN literature that are also relevant to this new field of research. To connect the dots, we first identify the core problems and research trends related to RWSN such as connectivity, localization, routing, and robust flow of information. Next, we classify the existing research on RWSN as well as the relevant state-of-the-arts from robotics and WSN community according to the problems and trends identified in the first step. Lastly, we analyze what is missing in the existing literature, and identify topics that require more research attention in the future

Imaging standardisation in metastatic colorectal cancer: A joint EORTC-ESOI-ESGAR expert consensus recommendation

Background: Treatment monitoring in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) relies on imaging to evaluate the tumour burden. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors provide a framework on reporting and interpretation of imaging findings yet offer no guidance on a standardised imaging protocol tailored to patients with mCRC. Imaging protocol hetero-geneity remains a challenge for the reproducibility of conventional imaging end-points and is an obstacle for research on novel imaging end-points.Patients and methods: Acknowledging the recently highlighted potential of radiomics and arti-ficial intelligence tools as decision support for patient care in mCRC, a multidisciplinary, international and expert panel of imaging specialists was formed to find consensus on mCRC imaging protocols using the Delphi method.Results: Under the guidance of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Imaging and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Groups, the European Society of Oncologic Imaging (ESOI) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), the EORTC-ESOI-ESGAR core imaging protocol was identified.Conclusion: This consensus protocol attempts to promote standardisation and to diminish variations in patient preparation, scan acquisition and scan reconstruction. We anticipate that this standardisation will increase reproducibility of radiomics and artificial intelligence studies and serve as a catalyst for future research on imaging end-points. For ongoing and future mCRC trials, we encourage principal investigators to support the dissemination of these im-aging standards across recruiting centres. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Vaccination adjuvated against hepatitis B in Spanish National Healthcare System (SNS) workers typed as non-responders to conventional vaccines

[EN] Trial Design: An interventional, phase 4, single group assignment, without masking (open label), preventive clinical trial was carried out in health workers with biological risk in their tasks, who have been filed as non-responders to conventional vaccination against Hepatitis B. Methods: 67 health workers with biological risk in their tasks, who have been filed as non-responders to conventional vaccination against Hepatitis B, were enrolled in the Clinical Trial. All participants were from 18 years up to 64 years old. Inclusion Criteria: NHS workers -including university students doing their internships in health centres dependent on the National Health System (inclusion of students is regulated and limited by specific instructions on labour prevention in each autonomous community)- classified as non-responders. The criteria defining them as non-responders to the conventional hepatitis B vaccine is anti HBsAb titers < 10 mUI/ml following the application of six doses of conventional vaccine at 20 lg doses (two complete guidelines). The objective of this study was to provide Health workersstaff with an additional protection tool against hepatitis B infection, and to evaluate the efficacy of the adjuvanted vaccine in healthy non-responders to conventional hepatitis B vaccine. The primary outcome was the measurement of antibody antiHBs before the first Fendrix dose and a month after the administration of each dose. Other outcome was collection of adverse effects during administration and all those that could be related to the vaccine and that occur within 30 days after each dose. In this study, only one group was assigned. There was no randomization or masking. Results: The participants were recruited between April 13, 2018 and October 31, 2019. 67 participants were enrolled in the Clinical Trial and included the analyses. The primary immunisation consists of 4 separate 0.5 ml doses of Fendrix , administered at the following schedule: 1 month, 2 months and 6 months from the date of the first dose. Once the positivity was reached in any of the doses, the participant finished the study and was not given the following doses. 68.66% (46 out 67) had a positive response to first dose of Fendrix. 57.14% (12 out 21) had a positive response to second dose of Fendrix . 22.22% (2 out 9) had a positive response to third dose of Fendrix and 42.96% (3 out 7) had a positive response to last dose of Fendrix. Overall, 94.02% (64 out 67) of participants had a positive response to Fendrix . No serious adverse event occurred. Conclusions: The use of Fendrix , is a viable vaccine alternative for NHS workers classified as ‘‘nonresponders”. Revaccination of healthy non-responders with Fendrix, resulted in very high proportions of responders without adverse events. Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Spanish National Trial Register (REEC), ClinicalTrials.gov and inclusion has been stopped (identifier NCT03410953; EudraCT-number 2016-004991-23). Funding: GRS 1360/A/16: Call for aid for the financing of research projects in biomedicine, health management and socio-health care to be developed in the centres of the Regional Health Management of Autonomous Community of Castile-Leon. In addition, this work has been supported by the Spanish Platform for Clinical Research and Clinical Trials, SCReN (Spanish Clinical Research Network), funded by the Subdirectorate General for Research Evaluation and Promotion of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), through the project PT13/0002/0039 and project PT17/0017/0023 integrated in the State Plan for R&D&I 2013–2016 and co-financed by and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Prognostic value of Goseki histological classification in adenocarcinoma of the cardia

Various histologic classification systems have been proposed as prognostic factors for gastric cancer. We assessed the prognostic value of Goseki classification as well as the TNM staging system, histological tumour grading, Lauren, WHO, Goseki and Siewert classifications in 100 patients with cardia carcinoma undergoing curative surgery. Two patients were lost at follow-up. The median time of follow-up in the remaining patients was 32.9 months after surgery (range: 0.1–142.1 months). No differences in survival rates were observed according to tumour grading, Lauren or WHO histologic or Siewert topographical classification. No differences were found according to Goseki classes, when considering either the mucin content of the carcinoma (types I and III vs II and IV) or the differentiation grade (types I and II vs III and IV). Multivariate analysis showed that the only lymph node positivity was a significant predictor of survival: 7.2% of patients with, but 41.5% of those without nodal involvement were alive after five years (P=0.0001). In conclusion, we found no prognostic role for Goseki or the traditional histological indexes, while the TNM staging system and particularly lymph node positivity were the main predictors of survival in patients with cardia adenocarcinoma

Personalizing Cancer Pain Therapy: Insights from the Rational Use of Analgesics (RUA) Group

Introduction: A previous Delphi survey from the Rational Use of Analgesics (RUA) project involving Italian palliative care specialists revealed some discrepancies between current guidelines and clinical practice with a lack of consensus on items regarding the use of strong opioids in treating cancer pain. Those results represented the basis for a new Delphi study addressing a better approach to pain treatment in patients with cancer. Methods: The study consisted of a two-round multidisciplinary Delphi study. Specialists rated their agreement with a set of 17 statements using a 5-point Likert scale (0 = totally disagree and 4 = totally agree). Consensus on a statement was achieved if the median consensus score (MCS) (expressed as value at which at least 50% of participants agreed) was at least 4 and the interquartile range (IQR) was 3–4. Results: This survey included input from 186 palliative care specialists representing all Italian territory. Consensus was reached on seven statements. More than 70% of participants agreed with the use of low dose of strong opioids in moderate pain treatment and valued transdermal route as an effective option when the oral route is not available. There was strong consensus on the importance of knowing opioid pharmacokinetics for therapy personalization and on identifying immediate-release opioids as key for tailoring therapy to patients’ needs. Limited agreement was reached on items regarding breakthrough pain and the management of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction. Conclusion: These findings may assist clinicians in applying clinical evidence to routine care settings and call for a reappraisal of current pain treatment recommendations with the final aim of optimizing the clinical use of strong opioids in patients with cancer

Imaging standardization in metastatic colorectal cancer : a joint EORTC-ESOI-ESGAR expert consensus recommendation

Background: Treatment monitoring in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) relies on imaging to evaluate the tumor burden. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) provide a framework on reporting and interpretation of imaging findings yet offer no guidance on a standardized imaging protocol tailored to mCRC patients. Imaging protocol heterogeneity remains a challenge for the reproducibility of conventional imaging endpoints and is an obstacle for research on novel imaging endpoints. Patients and methods: Acknowledging the recently highlighted potential of radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools as decision support for patient care in mCRC, a multidisciplinary, international, and expert panel of imaging specialists was formed to find consensus on mCRC imaging protocols using the Delphi method. Results: Under the guidance of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Imaging and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Groups, the European Society of Oncologic Imaging (ESOI) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), the EORTC-ESOI-ESGAR core imaging protocol was identified. Conclusion: This consensus protocol attempts to promote standardization and to diminish variations in patient preparation, scan acquisition and scan reconstruction. We anticipate that this standardization will increase reproducibility of radiomics and AI studies and serve as a catalyst for future research on imaging endpoints. For ongoing and future mCRC trials, we encourage principal investigators to support the dissemination of these imaging standards across recruiting centers.peer-reviewe

A systematic review of non-invasive modalities used to identify women with anal incontinence symptoms after childbirth

© 2018, The International Urogynecological Association. Introduction and hypothesis: Anal incontinence following childbirth is prevalent and has a significant impact upon quality of life (QoL). Currently, there is no standard assessment for women after childbirth to identify these symptoms. This systematic review aimed to identify non-invasive modalities used to identify women with anal incontinence following childbirth and assess response and reporting rates of anal incontinence for these modalities. Methods: Ovid Medline, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Collaboration, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for studies using non-invasive modalities published from January 1966 to May 2018 to identify women with anal incontinence following childbirth. Study data including type of modality, response rates and reported prevalence of anal incontinence were extracted and critically appraised. Results: One hundred and nine studies were included from 1602 screened articles. Three types of non-invasive modalities were identified: validated questionnaires/symptom scales (n = 36 studies using 15 different instruments), non-validated questionnaires (n = 50 studies) and patient interviews (n = 23 studies). Mean response rates were 92% up to 6 weeks after childbirth. Non-personalised assessment modalities (validated and non-validated questionnaires) were associated with reporting of higher rates of anal incontinence compared with patient interview at all periods of follow-up after childbirth, which was statistically significant between 6 weeks and 1 year after childbirth (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This systematic review confirms that questionnaires can be used effectively after childbirth to identify women with anal incontinence. Given the methodological limitations associated with non-validated questionnaires, assessing all women following childbirth for pelvic-floor symptomatology, including anal incontinence, using validated questionnaires should be considered