SHERPA-city: A web application to assess the impact of traffic measures on NO2 pollution in cities.

This paper presents SHERPA-City, a web application to assess the potential of traffic measures to abate NO2 air pollution in cities. The application is developed by the Joint Research Centre. It is freely available (https://integrated-assessment.jrc.ec.europa.eu) and allows the user to perform a fast screening of possible NO2 abatement measures addressing traffic in European cities. SHERPA-City results depend on the quality of the default input data. It is therefore important to stress that the SHERPA-City default traffic flows, emission factors, fleet composition, road network topology, NO2 pollution from other sources and meteorological data are based on EU-wide datasets that may not always represent perfectly a particular local situation. This is why the SHERPA-City allows the default data to be substituted by local data, to better reflect local features. This tool must be considered as a first step in exploring options to abate NO2 air pollution through transport measures. The final decisions should be based, wherever possible, on full-scale modelling studies incorporating local knowledge.

Overview of legislation on sewage sludge management in developed countries worldwide.

The need to apply innovative technologies for maximizing the efficiency and minimizing the carbon footprint of sewage treatment plants has upgraded sewage sludge management to a highly sophisticated research and development sector. Sewage sludge cannot be regarded solely as 'waste'; it is a renewable resource for energy and material recovery. From this perspective, legislation on sewage sludge management tends to incorporate issues related to environmental protection, public health, climate change impacts and socio-economic benefits. This paper reviews the existing legislative frameworks and policies on sewage sludge management in various countries, highlighting the common ground as well as the different priorities in all cases studied. More specifically, the key features of legislation regarding sludge management in developed countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union (EU27) are discussed.

Local and regional air pollution characteristics in Cyprus: A long-term trace gases observations analysis.

Observations of key gaseous trace pollutants, namely NO, NOy, CO, SO2 and O3, performed at several curb, residential, industrial, background and free-troposphere sites were analyzed to assess the temporal and spatial variability of pollution in Cyprus. Notably, the analysis utilized one of the longest datasets of 17 years of measurements (2003-2019) in the East Mediterranean and the Middle East (EMME). This region is considered a regional hotspot of ozone and aerosol pollution. A trend analysis revealed that at several stations, a statistically significant decrease in primary pollutant concentration is recorded, most likely due to pollution control strategies. In contrast, at four stations, a statistically significant increase in ozone levels, ranging between 0.36 ppbv y-1 and 0.82 ppbv y-1, has been observed, attributed to the above strategies targeting the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) but not that of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The NO and NOy, and CO levels at the Agia Marina regional background station were two orders of magnitude and four times lower, respectively, than the ones of the urban centers. The latter denotes that local emissions are not negligible and control a large fraction of the observed interannual and diurnal variability. Speciation analysis showed that traffic and other local emissions are the sources of urban NO and NOy. At the same time, 46 % of SO2 and 40 % of CO, on average, originate from long-range regional transport. Lastly, a one-year analysis of tropospheric NO2 vertical columns from the TROPOMI satellite instrument revealed a west-east low-to-high gradient over the island, with all major hotspots, including cities and powerplants, being visible from space. With the help of an unsupervised machine learning approach, it was found that these specific hotspots contribute overall around 10 % to the total NO2 tropospheric columns.

Scheuermann's disease: focus on weight and height role.

The aim of this cross-sectional case-control study is the comparison of the weight and height between a group of children with Scheuermann's disease (SD) and a comparable group of healthy ones and also the correlation of them with the degree and the morphology of the kyphotic curve. Following a school-screening program of 10,057 school students, aged between 11 and 17 years old, 175 adolescents with Scheuermann's disease were diagnosed. The mean height and weight of 175 adolescents diagnosed to have SD compared with this of a group of normal children taken randomly from the group of 9,882 healthy children screened. The control group was comparable with the study group concerning age (p = 0.605) and sex. The weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were significantly lower in the healthy (control) group (p < 0.001). However, there was no correlation between weight (r = -0.019, p = 0.804), height (r = 0.053, p = 0.484) and BMI (r = -0.177, p = 0.019) with the magnitude of kyphotic curve. There was also no correlation between weight (r = -0.27, p = 0.722), height (r = -0.025, p = 0.744) and BMI (r = -0.038, p = 0.619) with Voutsinas index as well. Scheuermann's disease is probably a multifactorial skeletal deformity. Weight and height do not seem to affect the magnitude and morphology of the main kyphotic curve in SD. It seems probably that this observation is not part of the pathogenetic mechanism of SD but a result of its cascade. The increased weight and height of these patients may be the secondary result of other disturbances (i.e. hormonal), which may play more crucial role in Scheuermann's disease pathogenesis.

Snapping knee syndrome in an athlete caused by the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. A case report.

We report a case of symptomatic subluxation of the semitendinosus and gracilis over the posteromedial corner of the tibia manifesting with snapping. This is the first such case recorded in non-Asian population and in a high-demand athlete. Snapping was reproduced on active extension of the knee and at initiation of flexion and could be readily palpated over the posteromedial aspect of the tibia. Dynamic ultrasound, a key diagnostic tool in such conditions, revealed abrupt anterior subluxation of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons during active terminal extension over the insertion of the semimembranosus as well as areas of tendinopathy corresponding with the site of subluxation. Due to failure of conservative treatment, surgery was undertaken, involving tenotomy and resection of a 10-12 cm segment of the semitendinosus and gracilis. The patient returned to the same level of sporting activities within 4 months and remained symptom-free 18 months post-operatively. The role of eccentric loading of the knee joint, as well as the "protective" role of the accessory tendinous bands and aponeurotic expansions of the semitendinosus and gracilis is discussed.

LifeLab Southampton: a programme to engage adolescents with DOHaD concepts as a tool for increasing health literacy in teenagers -a pilot cluster-randomized control trial.

Adolescence is a critical time point in the lifecourse. LifeLab is an educational intervention engaging adolescents in understanding Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concepts and the impact of the early life environment on future health, benefitting both their long-term health and that of the next generation. We aimed to assess whether engaging adolescents with DOHaD concepts improves scientific literacy and whether engagement alone improves health behaviours.Six schools were randomized, three to intervention and three to control. Outcome measures were changed in knowledge, and intended and actual behaviour in relation to diet and lifestyle. A total of 333 students completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. At 12 months, intervention students showed greater understanding of DOHaD concepts. No sustained changes in behaviours were identified.Adolescents' engagement with DOHaD concepts can be improved and maintained over 12 months. Such engagement does not itself translate into behaviour change. The intervention has consequently been revised to include additional components beyond engagement alone.

Neglected trans-scaphoid trans-styloid volar dislocation of the lunate. Late result following open reduction and K-wire fixation.

A rare case of radiocarpal dislocation is presented. The lunate and proximal pole of the scaphoid were displaced in a volar and proximal direction. The injury was missed initially and the patient was subsequently operated on six weeks later. Open reduction and internal fixation of the scaphoid was performed and this was followed by an uneventful postoperative period, with a satisfactory functional outcome at the eight-year follow-up, despite carpal instability non-dissociative-dorsal intercalated segmental instability configuration of the carpus. We believe that although open reduction in neglected cases carries the potential risks of avascular necrosis and nonunion of the affected carpal bones, an attempt should be made to restore the anatomy of the carpus.

The role of the dorsal vertebral cortex in the stability of transpedicular screws. A biomechanical study in human cadaveric vertebrae.

The aim of this biomechanical study was to investigate the role of the dorsal vertebral cortex in transpedicular screw fixation. Moss transpedicular screws were introduced into both pedicles of each vertebra in 25 human cadaver vertebrae. The dorsal vertebral cortex and subcortical bone corresponding to the entrance site of the screw were removed on one side and preserved on the other. Biomechanical testing showed that the mean peak pull-out strength for the inserted screws, following removal of the dorsal cortex, was 956.16 N. If the dorsal cortex was preserved, the mean peak pullout strength was 1295.64 N. The mean increase was 339.48 N (26.13%; p = 0.033). The bone mineral density correlated positively with peak pull-out strength. Preservation of the dorsal vertebral cortex at the site of insertion of the screw offers a significant increase in peak pull-out strength. This may result from engagement by the final screw threads in the denser bone of the dorsal cortex and the underlying subcortical area. Every effort should be made to preserve the dorsal vertebral cortex during insertion of transpedicular screws.

Does aprotinin reduce blood loss in total hip arthroplasty?

This prospective randomized study examined the effects of aprotinin during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Fifty patients who were enrolled in the study received aprotinin or normal saline. Mean intraoperative blood loss was reduced from 1496 mL in the control group to 1073 mL in the aprotinin group. The mean transfusion unit was 1.56 in the aprotinin group and 3.8 in the control group.

Characterization of activating mutations of NOTCH3 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and anti-leukemic activity of NOTCH3 inhibitory antibodies.

Notch receptors have been implicated as oncogenic drivers in several cancers, the most notable example being NOTCH1 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). To characterize the role of activated NOTCH3 in cancer, we generated an antibody that detects the neo-epitope created upon gamma-secretase cleavage of NOTCH3 to release its intracellular domain (ICD3), and sequenced the negative regulatory region (NRR) and PEST (proline, glutamate, serine, threonine) domain coding regions of NOTCH3 in a panel of cell lines. We also characterize NOTCH3 tumor-associated mutations that result in activation of signaling and report new inhibitory antibodies. We determined the structural basis for receptor inhibition by obtaining the first co-crystal structure of a NOTCH3 antibody with the NRR protein and defined two distinct epitopes for NRR antibodies. The antibodies exhibit potent anti-leukemic activity in cell lines and tumor xenografts harboring NOTCH3 activating mutations. Screening of primary T-ALL samples reveals that 2 of 40 tumors examined show active NOTCH3 signaling. We also identified evidence of NOTCH3 activation in 12 of 24 patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models, 2 of which exhibit activation of NOTCH3 without activation of NOTCH1. Our studies provide additional insights into NOTCH3 activation and offer a path forward for identification of cancers that are likely to respond to therapy with NOTCH3 selective inhibitory antibodies.

[Catheterization of the external jugular vein for hemodialysis].

Permanent central catheter for hemodialysis was inserted via external jugular vein in 95 patients. In all the cases the catheter blood flow was more than 250 ml/min. There were no severe complications. The procedure of insertion of permanent catheter for hemodialysis via the external jugular vein is described. It is concluded that the insertion of permanent catheter for hemodialysis via the external jugular vein is a simple and short-time procedure without any severe complications.

Sizable pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a report of a serious complication.

After the first successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Europe by Phillipe Mouret, the method quickly became established all over the world. In the meantime, its advantages and complications have been identified. In rare cases, major vascular injuries occur as serious and deadly complications of laparoscopic surgery. We present the case of a patient with a sizable pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta that was identified 5 months after the performance of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy at another hospital. Thereafter, we review the literature in search of some methods that can be used to avoid vascular injuries.

Free-electron-laser oscillator with a linear taper.

We present experiments and simulations showing the behavior of a free-electron laser (FEL) with both positive and negative linear tapers along the wiggler. We show the power desynchronism curve widths, efficiency, exhaust electron energy spread, and wavelength dependence as a function of taper for 3- and 6-microm optical wavelengths and for resonators with 10% and 2% loss/pass. Simulations of the experiments, using a multimode analysis, are seen to be in general agreement with the experimental results, carried out at the IR Demo FEL at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. We find that short-pulse effects are more effective than tapers in producing high efficiency with low exhaust energy spread, and the expected performance enhancement of FEL tapering is not achieved.

Adolescent idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. A prospective trial with and without bracing during postoperative care.

Fifty patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by posterior fusion and Harrington instrumentation augmented by a Cotrel bar or by sublaminal Luque wires were studied in a prospective trial to ascertain the need for postoperative bracing. Twenty-five patients wore a plaster brace postoperatively for six months, while 25 were managed without a brace. The mean loss of correction from the first standing postoperative radiograph to one obtained two years later was 7 degrees in the braced group, and 6.3 degrees in the unbraced group, the difference not being statistically significant. We conclude that postoperative bracing is unnecessary after augmented Harrington instrumentation.

Soleus accessorius, an anomalous muscle in a young athlete: case report and analysis of the literature.

The soleus accessory muscle is a rare anatomical variation. It usually appears as a soft tissue mass and may be mistaken for a tumour or an inflammatory lesion. The differential diagnoses include ganglion, lipoma, haemangioma, synovioma, and sarcoma. This is a report of such a muscle mass in the leg of a young athlete with 16 years follow up. A review of the English literature on this subject is also presented.

The appearance of kissing contusion in the acutely injured knee in the athletes.

BACKGROUND: Bone contusions are often identified at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the acutely injured knee. Contusions of both surfaces of the joint are known as kissing contusions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency, type, and distribution of kissing contusions occurring in association with injuries of the knee joint. METHODS: 255 MRI examinations in athletes with acutely injured knees (197 men; 58 women; mean age 24.2 years) were reviewed by two independent examiners; 219 MRIs were done within the first month after the injury and 36 within two to four months. None of the knees had been injured before. No fractures were present on x ray. RESULTS: Bone contusions were diagnosed in 71 cases (27.8%); 55 (22.5%) were identified as single contusions and 16 (6.3%) as kissing contusions. Eight of the kissing contusions were associated with anterior cruciate ligament tears, three with menisceal tears, four were isolated lesions, and one was delayed, following a menisceal tear. The 32 bone contusions (16 kissing contusions) were located as follows: lateral femoral condyle (n = 14; 8 type I, 6 type II); lateral tibial condyle (n = 9; 3 type I, 1 type II, 5 type III); medial tibial condyle (n = 7; 2 type I, 5 type III); medial femoral condyle (n = 2; both type I). The associated injuries were confirmed by arthroscopy in 12/16 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Kissing contusion is a significant injury often associated with ligamentous or menisceal injuries. Type I lesions are most common on the lateral femoral condyle and type III on the lateral tibial condyle.

A combined proximal and distal dislocation of two adjacent metatarsals: double floating metatarsal bones (second-third).

A rare foot injury consisting of an irreducible, closed combined distal and proximal articulation dislocation of two adjacent metatarsals (second and third), called a "double floating metatarsal," was encountered in a 29-year-old man. The anatomy, mechanism of injury, and sequence of the surgical procedure are presented and discussed.

Vitrectomy results for diffuse diabetic macular edema with and without inner limiting membrane removal.

PURPOSE: To determine whether vitrectomy for diffuse diabetic macular edema with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is equally effective in reducing edema. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed the surgical outcomes in 73 eyes of 52 patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema. Eighteen eyes (Group A) underwent three-port pars plana vitrectomy with posterior hyaloid membrane (PHM) removal, while 55 eyes (Group B) had pars plana vitrectomy with additional ILM peeling after PHM removal. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, the posterior hyaloid was found to be attached to the macula in all eyes. In Group A, macular edema resolved completely in 8 eyes (44.4%) with improvement of visual acuity (VA). In Group B, VA improved in 38 eyes (69.1%) with complete resolution of edema. The results of this study indicated that vitrectomy effectively reduced macular edema but eyes with ILM peeling (Group B) presented better results than those without ILM peeling. Another important factor related to the outcome seems to be the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with diffuse diabetic macular edema vitrectomy seems to be effective, but additional ILM peeling presented better results.

Segmental spinal correction of idiopathic scoliosis. Luque rods and Hartshill rectangle in 30 patients followed for 2-6 years.

30 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were treated by posterior spinal arthrodesis using the Luque (8 patients) and Hartshill (22 patients) rodding systems with sublaminar segmental wiring. Patients were followed for 2 to 6 years. In most cases, postoperative correction exceeded safety correction limits (lateral bending film plus 10 degrees). Final correction was 55%, while derotation was not significant (average 3 degrees). No neurological deficit was noted. Postoperative bracing was not applied and there was 1 patient with broken rods (Luque trolley system without fusion) and 1 patient with broken wires in 4 segments. Allogenic blood transfusion was avoided in 19 patients by preoperative donation of autologous blood, in combination with salvage of intraoperative shed blood. We found segmental spinal wiring with either rods or rectangles to be a safe method for correction of scoliosis in experienced hands. It offered satisfactory stability and fusion rate with no need for external support.

Replacement of deficient acetabulum using Burch-Schneider cages. 22 patients followed for 2-10 years.

The absence of good bone stock with massive acetabular deficiency has been a major problem in both revision hip arthroplasty and in primary arthroplasty for congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH). 22 patients (24 hips; 21 revision and 3 primary replacements: mean age 58 years) with substantial bone loss underwent acetabular reinforcement with Burch-Schneider cages. Classification of acetabular deficiency was made according to the AAOS system. The surgical procedure involved preparation of acetabulum, filling the defect with bone autografts, placement of the cage with its flanges, fixation with screws on the lateral wall only and placement of a cement and plastic cup. Radiographic loosening with breakage of the screws was observed in only 1 patient. After a mean follow-up of 8 (2-10) years, good stability was achieved in all patients and no mechanical failure was observed. Satisfactory results were observed in all but one of the cases, indicating that effective support of the acetabulum can be achieved using Burch-Schneider cages.