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Objective: Exercise is a first-line intervention for osteoarthritis (OA). However, exercise adherence remains low, and existing studies exploring factors influencing adherence have yielded inconclusive results based on quantitative data. This study aims to synthesise qualitative studies focused on the perceived facilitators and barriers affecting exercise adherence in individuals with OA. Design:
In this work we present a simultaneous shape and topology optimization framework that generates large-scale 3D designs on unstructured grids. We consider a “parameter-free” shape optimization approach, wherein the nodal coordinates in the finite element mesh serve as design variables. To regularize the design changes we use a PDE-based filter, similar to the filtering techniques used in topology o
Introduction: Exposure to environmental chemicals during fetal development may increase the risk of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC), but few studies have tested the hypothesis. We focused on organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), previously investigated in relation to other male reproductive health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study of 33
A continuum approach for anisotropic high-cycle fatigue modelling for metals is described. The approach is based on the idea of an endurance surface moving in the stress space where the movement is described by a back-stress tensor. The movement of the endurance surface is governed by an evolution equation. Thereby, the back stress tensor memorizes the load history so that fatigue damage accumulat
The widespread deposition of marine siliceous rocks marks a fundamental shift in the ancient ocean's biogeochemical dynamics, transitioning from Precambrian systems dominated by direct inorganic silica precipitation as the primary silicon sink to modern environments where microbial processes strongly govern silica dissolution. The massive Liuchapo chert in the Nanhua Basin, South China, formed dur
Tremadocian (Lower Ordovician) carbonate rocks were collected from the Xiangshuidong section in the Hubei Province, South China, and analysed for conodont biostratigraphy. A total of 24 species belonging to 16 genera were recovered from the Nantsinkuan and Fenhsiang formations. Three conodont zones are recognized based on this material: the Rossodus manitouensis Zone, Colaptoconus quadraplicatus–P
Developing a reliable procedure for the growth of III-V nanowires (NW) on silicon (Si) substrates remains a significant challenge, as current methods rely on trial-and-error approaches with varying interpretations of critical process steps such as sample preparation, Au-Si alloy formation in the growth reactor, and NW alignment. Addressing these challenges is essential for enabling high-performanc
During the energy crisis in 2022/2023, households across Europe were encouraged to reduce their energy use to contribute to energy sufficiency, sovereignty, and solidarity. This paper explores energy saving heating practices among Swedish single-family households during the energy crisis in 2022. The Energy Cultures Framework is used to investigate how material culture and norms affect practices f
IMPORTANCE: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia, portends higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and is associated with quantifiable impairment in quality of life. While physical activity is widely recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, recent evidence challenges its role in the development of AF. OBSERVATIONS: Emerging data suggest a U-shaped rel
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CNS embryonal tumor with pleomorphic adenoma gene-like 1 (PLAGL1)/pleomorphic adenoma gene-like 2 (PLAGL2) amplification (ET, PLAGL) is a newly identified, highly malignant pediatric tumor. Systematic MRI descriptions of ET, PLAGL are currently lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI data from 19 treatment-naïve patients with confirmed ET, PLAGL were analyzed. Evaluation focuse
Background: Children and adolescents with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are susceptible to developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to several predisposing factors such as cancer itself, central venous catheter use, mediastinal mass, and glucocorticoid therapy, yet reports on the topic are scarce. Aim: To study incidence, risk factors, and treatment of VTE, and the use of thromboprophylaxis, in a retro
Bee-mediated pollination plays a crucial role in sustaining global food production. However, while the demand for these pollination services is increasing, many bee species are in decline. To address this discrepancy, farmers use managed bee species to improve crop pollination. One key factor affecting pollination efficiency is the affinity for the crop of interest (i.e., the extent to which a bee
Microbial fuel cell constructed wetlands (MFC-CWs) represent a novel, low-carbon wastewater treatment technology for heavy metal removal and bioelectricity generation. This study compared MFC-CW performance in treating single and mixed heavy metal wastewater. Single Cu(II) and Cr(VI) removal was more efficient individually than in combination. For Cu(II), removal efficiency initially increased wit
Objective: Low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets under eucaloric conditions are associated with several health-beneficial metabolic effects in humans, particularly in the liver. We recently observed that apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV), a highly abundant apolipoprotein, was among the most upregulated proteins in circulation after six weeks of consuming a high-fat diet in humans. However, the impact of di
We report on the epitaxial growth of Bi2WO6 thin films by Pulsed Laser Deposition using a high-power infrared Nd:YAG laser source. X-ray diffraction investigation confirms that single (00l)-oriented thin films can be obtained on both LSAT and SrTiO3 substrates by using a LaNiO3 adapting layer. Moreover, reciprocal space maps show that the films coherently grow on such substrates with the in-plane
Hydrogels for biomedical applications have been widely studied once they are able to enhance the wound-healing process, as well as facilitate the controlled release and loading of drugs. In this context, Pluronic F127 (PF127) has a major role as it was shown to have exceptional versatility, once it holds unique gelation properties, as it is thermoreversible and is liquid in lower temperatures, and
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by genetic and clinical heterogeneity. A recurring p.(Glu303del)-deletion in TOR1A is a well-established cause for DYT-TOR1A (DYT1), an autosomal dominant early-onset isolated dystonia. TOR1A encodes TorsinA, an AAA + ATPase located in the nuclear envelope. By whole exome analyses of a family with a novel dystonia-hemichorea-/hemiballism phenotype, we
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the stability and performance of control systems experiencing sensor timing misalignments, a common challenge in practical applications such as autonomous vehicles and aerospace systems. We model multichannel sensor delays as independent random variables, capturing the variability of real-world systems where different sensors exhibit distinct and non-con
