Effect of Si Contents on the Properties of Ti15Mo7ZrxSi Alloys.

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility of two novel titanium alloys, Ti15Mo7ZrxSi (x = 0, 0.5, 0.75, 1). These samples had already undergone grinding, polishing, cutting, and chipping. Electrochemical, metallographic, three-point bending, and microhardness studies were conducted on the studied materials to determine their corrosion behavior, microstructure, Young's modulus, and hardness. The first investigations revealed that both samples had biphasic and dendritic structures, elastic moduli that were between the highest and minimum values achieved by around 20 GPa, and favorable behavior when in contact with physiological fluids at ambient temperature. Ti15Mo7Zr0.5Si and Ti15Mo7Zr0.75Si, the research samples, had greater corrosion potentials, reduced corrosion rates, and therefore higher corrosion resistance, as well as modulus of elasticity values that were comparable to and closer to those of human bone. The results of this investigation indicate that both alloys exhibit favorable corrosion behavior, great biocompatibility, Young's modulus results lower than those of conventional alloys used in biomedical implants, and hardness values higher than commercially pure titanium.

Dimensionality assessment in bifactor structures with multiple general factors: A network psychometrics approach.

The accuracy of factor retention methods for structures with one or more general factors, like the ones typically encountered in fields like intelligence, personality, and psychopathology, has often been overlooked in dimensionality research. To address this issue, we compared the performance of several factor retention methods in this context, including a network psychometrics approach developed in this study. For estimating the number of group factors, these methods were the Kaiser criterion, empirical Kaiser criterion, parallel analysis with principal components (PAPCA) or principal axis, and exploratory graph analysis with Louvain clustering (EGALV). We then estimated the number of general factors using the factor scores of the first-order solution suggested by the best two methods, yielding a "second-order" version of PAPCA (PAPCA-FS) and EGALV (EGALV-FS). Additionally, we examined the direct multilevel solution provided by EGALV. All the methods were evaluated in an extensive simulation manipulating nine variables of interest, including population error. The results indicated that EGALV and PAPCA displayed the best overall performance in retrieving the true number of group factors, the former being more sensitive to high cross-loadings, and the latter to weak group factors and small samples. Regarding the estimation of the number of general factors, both PAPCA-FS and EGALV-FS showed a close to perfect accuracy across all the conditions, while EGALV was inaccurate. The methods based on EGA were robust to the conditions most likely to be encountered in practice. Therefore, we highlight the particular usefulness of EGALV (group factors) and EGALV-FS (general factors) for assessing bifactor structures with multiple general factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Influence of physical fitness and weight status on autonomic cardiac modulation in children.

BACKGROUND: This study provides reference values for cardiovascular modulation at rest, during maximal exercise test and recovery after exercise in Caucasian children according to weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level. Additionally, the current study analyzed several correlations between autonomic cardiovascular modulation, cardiorespiratory performance and cardiometabolic risk. The principal goal of this study was to analyze cardiac function at rest, during maximum exercise, and during the recovery phase in children grouped according to weight status and CRF level. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two healthy children (78 girls) 10-16 years of age were divided into three groups: soccer and basketball players (SBG), endurance group (EG), and sedentary people with overweight and obesity (OOG). A cardiac RR interval monitor recorded the cardiac data and specific software analyzed the cardiac autonomic response through heart rate (HR) and HR variability. The study analyzed resting HR (RHR), HRpeak, and HR recovery (HRR). RESULTS: OOG showed significant poorer performance in the Léger test lower V̇O2 max and higher values of blood pressure at rest and post-exercise than sport groups. The EG presented the best results in CRF and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in relation to SBG and OOG. The OOG showed higher percentage of HR values, compatible with an unhealthy cardiovascular autonomic modulation than the sport groups, with significant differences in bradycardia, HR reserve, and HRR 5 min. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic performance, vagal activity, blood pressure, chronotropic competence, and HRR have significant associations with CMR parameters. IMPACT: The current study presents reference values of autonomic cardiac function in Caucasian children according to weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness level. Aerobic performance, vagal activity, blood pressure, chronotropic competence, and heart rate during the recovery period after exercise have significant associations with cardiometabolic risk parameters. Children with overweight and obesity show signs of autonomic dysfunction reflected as low cardiac vagal activity and poor chronotropic competence.

Exploratory Bi-factor Analysis with Multiple General Factors.

Exploratory bi-factor analysis (EBFA) is a very popular approach to estimate models where specific factors are concomitant to a single, general dimension. However, the models typically encountered in fields like personality, intelligence, and psychopathology involve more than one general factor. To address this circumstance, we developed an algorithm (GSLiD) based on partially specified targets to perform exploratory bi-factor analysis with multiple general factors (EBFA-MGF). In EBFA-MGF, researchers do not need to conduct independent bi-factor analyses anymore because several bi-factor models are estimated simultaneously in an exploratory manner, guarding against biased estimates and model misspecification errors due to unexpected cross-loadings and factor correlations. The results from an exhaustive Monte Carlo simulation manipulating nine variables of interest suggested that GSLiD outperforms the Schmid-Leiman approximation and is robust to challenging conditions involving cross-loadings and pure items of the general factors. Thereby, we supply an R package (bifactor) to make EBFA-MGF readily available for substantive research. Finally, we use GSLiD to assess the hierarchical structure of a reduced version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Short Form (PID-5-SF).

Neuroanatomical study of the podocnemidid turtle Neochelys arenarum (Pleurodira), from the early Eocene of France.

Neochelys is an exclusively European Eocene podocnemidid genus belonging to a linage that reached this continent at the early Eocene. The so far available anatomical information about it is relatively abundant, especially considering that of its shell, at least partially preserved for the eight valid species currently considered. By contrast, the skull of very few representatives of the taxon has been identified. Neochelys arenarum is one of the species for which the cranial anatomy is known. It corresponds to the oldest species of this genus, coming from the MP7 zone of the Ypresian (early Eocene) of Southern France. The 3D virtual cranial reconstruction and the detailed neuroanatomical study of a representative of Neochelys are carried out here for the first time based on that species, this being also the first study of this nature performed for a European podocnemidid. In addition, the comparison of the neuroanatomical structures (i.e., the endocranial and labyrinthic cavities, and the nervous and circulatory canals) of N. arenarum with those of other representatives of Podocnemidoidae has been achieved.

What do I want to feel? Emotion goals in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Beliefs about emotion utility can influence context-sensitive emotion goals (i.e., desired emotional responses). Although key for emotion regulation, emotion goals have been overlooked in children and adolescents. In 2018-2019 results of Studies 1 and 2 showed that children (N = 192, Mage  = 8.65, 47% girls, 96% White) were less motivated by and found anger less useful in confrontation than adolescents (N = 192, Mage  = 12.96, 50% girls, 93% White) and adults (N = 195, Mage  = 29.82, 51% women, 96% White). The link between emotion goals and beliefs about emotion utility was weaker in children. In 2021, Study 3 (N = 60, 8-year-olds, 47% girls, 90% White) ruled out expectations as a possible explanation for the previous findings. Context-sensitive utility of emotions may be acquired during development.

The neuroanatomy of the bothremydid pleurodiran turtle Galianemys, from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) of Morocco.

Galianemys is one of the three genera of Cearachelyini (Pleurodira, Bothremydidae) so far defined, being the only one identified in Africa (in the Cenomanian of Morocco). It is represented by two species, Galianemys whitei and Galianemys emringeri, both being identified by several skulls. The other two representatives of Cearachelyini are both South-American forms, and only the species Cearachelys placidoi (from the Albian of Brazil) preserves cranial remains, including a partial skull corresponding to its holotype. However, despite the relatively great number of skulls identified for both Galianemys spp. and Cearachelys placidoi, information about the neuroanatomy of this lineage is very limited. The three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the skulls of two specimens belonging to the genus Galianemys, each of them representing a different species, is performed here for the first time. All of the cranial bones of one of them are also virtually reconstructed to accurately characterize them. In addition, the 3D models of the main neuroanatomical structures (i.e., cranial, nasal, and labyrinthic cavities, and nervous and carotid canals) of both specimens were generated, most of them being described in detail for first time in Cearachelyini. Neuroanatomical differences are recognized when the skulls of both species of Galianemys analyzed here are compared. In addition, the comparison between the neuroanatomy of Galianemys spp. and that of other non-Cearachelyini bothremydids allow us to identify some differences between those lineages, but also recognize other shared characters for the entire lineage of Bothremydidae, to providing a more precise characterization within Pleurodira.

Experimental Research on New Developed Titanium Alloys for Biomedical Applications.

The mechanical properties and electrochemical behavior of two new titanium alloys, Ti20Mo7Zr and Ti20Mo7Zr0.5Si, are investigated in this paper. The alloys have been manufactured by vacuum arc remelting (VAR) technique and studied to determine their microstructure, corrosion behavior, and mechanical properties. Metallographic observations and quantitative microanalysis by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy SEM, and energy dispersive X-rays spectroscopy EDX were performed. Data about the three-point bending test and microhardness are presented. For electrochemical properties, three different environments were used: Ringer solution at 25 °C, Ringer solution at 40 °C simulating fever condition, and 3.5% NaCl solution. Metallographic investigation revealed the biphasic and dendritic structure of both samples when the procedures were performed. Electrochemical testing in body simulation fluid, fever conditions, and saline medium showed that the lower the proportion of silicon in the samples, the higher the corrosion resistance. The formation of a titanium oxide layer on the surface of both samples was noticed using quantitative EDX analysis. The three-point bending test for the two samples revealed that the presence of silicon decreases the modulus of elasticity; the surface of the samples displayed soft and hard phases in the microhardness test. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were carried out at different potentials, and the obtained spectra exhibit a two-time constant system, attesting double-layer passive film on the samples.

Reference Values of Spatial and Temporal Gait Parameters in a Contemporary Sample of Spanish Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of age and sex on kinematic gait parameters in preschool children, and derive reference values for this population. A total of 383 preschool children (age 3-5 years; 207 girls, 176 boys) participated in this study. We used the OptoGait system to assess the kinematics of gait at a comfortable and self-determined speed. No significant differences between the sexes were found for the main gait parameters. Among the participants, there was a significant increase in double support, reductions in absolute cadence and the coefficient of variation (CV) of cadence, an increase in absolute step length (SL), and an increase in the walk ratio (WR) from 3 to 5 years of age. However, the normalized SL and normalized WR displayed a significant reduction in both sexes. Partial correlation indicated a significant association of age with SL and normalized SL, and WR. Additionally, WR showed a significant correlation with the CV of cadence. To summarize, no relevant differences in gait performance were found according to sex; however, age was found to influence gait maturation. The normative values established for Spanish preschool children can be used to monitor healthy gait development.

Effectiveness of the MULTIPAP Plus intervention in youngest-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy aimed at improving prescribing practices in primary care: study protocol of a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The progressive ageing of the population is leading to an increase in multimorbidity and polypharmacy, which in turn may increase the risk of hospitalization and mortality. The enhancement of care with information and communications technology (ICT) can facilitate the use of prescription evaluation tools and support system for decision-making (DSS) with the potential of optimizing the healthcare delivery process. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the complex intervention MULTIPAP Plus, compared to usual care, in improving prescriptions for young-old patients (65-74 years old) with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in primary care. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial with a follow-up of 18 months in health centres of the Spanish National Health System. Unit of randomization: family physician. Unit of analysis: patient. POPULATION: Patients aged 65-74 years with multimorbidity (≥ 3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs) during the previous 3 months were included. SAMPLE SIZE: n = 1148 patients (574 per study arm). INTERVENTION: Complex intervention based on the ARIADNE principles with three components: (1) family physician (FP) training, (2) FP-patient interview, and (3) decision-making support system. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of hospital admission or death during the observation period measured as a binary outcome, and the secondary outcomes are number of hospital admission, all-cause mortality, use of health services, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), functionality (WHODAS), falls, hip fractures, prescriptions and adherence to treatment. Clinical and sociodemographic factors will be explanatory variables. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The main result is the difference in percentages in the final composite endpoint variable at 18 months, with its corresponding 95% CI. Adjustments by the main confounding and prognostic factors will be performed through a multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance to the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: It is important to prevent the cascade of negative health and health care impacts attributable to the multimorbidity-polypharmacy binomial. ICT-enhanced routine clinical practice could improve the prescription process in patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04147130 . Registered on 22 October 2019.

A New Approach for Evaluation of Cardiovascular Fitness and Cardiac Responses to Maximal Exercise Test in Master Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the cardiac autonomic function at rest, at maximum exercise, and in recovery after exercise and to determine sex-specific and age-specific values for resting heart rate (RHR), hear rate (HR)-peak, HR recovery (HRR), and HR variability at rest in master runners. Fifty endurance runners (21 women) participated in this study (43.28 ± 5.25 years). The subjects came from different athletic clubs in Andalusia (Spain), and the testing protocol was performed in-season. A 3-km running test was performed and the cardiovascular response was monitored. Regarding sex, no significant differences were found regarding cardiovascular autonomic function at rest, during exercise, and following maximal exercise, only at rest, the standard deviation of all R-R intervals and low frequency values displayed significantly (p < 0.05) lower scores in women. 46% of athletes showed an RHR < 60 bpm. Additionally, HR-peak showed a significant correlation with age (r = −0.369; p = 0.009) and HRR5min (r = 0.476, p = 0.001). Also, endurance performance was inversely associated with obesity traits and cardiometabolic risk factors. In summary, age, sex, fitness, or anthropometrics characteristics did not show a relevant influence on cardiovascular autonomic modulation in master runners. However, the 3-km performance displayed a significant negative association with several factors of cardiometabolic risk.

Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 an Accuracy Tool for Measuring Health-Related Parameters in Adults and Older People? An Original Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the validity and accuracy of the low-cost Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (MB4) fitness tracker in relation to step count and heart rate in free-living conditions. METHODS: 46 participants join in this study (38.65 ± 14.36 years old). The MB4 was compared with a video recording in laboratory conditions, also with the Sense Wear and Firstbeat monitors in free-living conditions. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the number of steps in the laboratory protocol between devices, in both, at low and high walking speed. For the free-living conditions, the MB4 showed high values of convergent validity in relation to the Firstbeat monitor during recording in both rest and walking situations. Moreover, the MB4 showed adequate values of convergent validity with the Sense Wear monitor during the 24 h recording, at medium speeds, and climbing stairs. CONCLUSION: The accuracy and precision of the MB4 is reasonable and can be used to monitor the average of step count and heart rate in free-living conditions.

The perception and management of emotions in nursing students under clinical training / La percepción y la gestión de las emociones en los estudiantes de enfermería en formación clínica

BACKGROUND: Patient care must be understood holistically and to achieve this goal, nurses must be aware and familiar with the world of emotions. Poor handling of emotions by nursing professionals can affect their health, also leading to lower-quality care. Therefore, it is important to explore the management of their emotions before becoming a nurse. PURPOSE: To evaluate Perceived Emotional Intelligence in 3rd- year nursing students in an academic context and in clinical practicum. METHODOLOGY: Longitudinal and prospective design. The Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 was used at three different moments, the first two corresponding to the academic context and the third to the clinical practice context, the age variable was also analyzed. RESULTS: 40 students of an average age (24.81±1.164 years old). Perception and Emotional Regulation were found to be different according to the learning context. Students over the age of 25 years old were also found to perceive their emotions better, but to understand them worse. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students' perception of their own emotions may vary in function of their learning context, with age being a factor that has an influence on the management of emotions. Implications: In the design of the nursing program it's important to include managing emotions and to choose when to do so.

The paradox of haematopoietic cell transplant in Latin America.

Hematopoietic cells transplants are technically complex and expensive imposing a huge burden on health care systems, especially those in developing countries and regions. In 2017 > 4500 transplants were done in 13 Latin American countries with established transplant programmes. We interrogated data on transplant rate, cost, funding source, hospital type, Gini coefficient and the United Nations Development Programme Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index to determine co-variates associated with transplant development. Transplant rates varied almost 30-fold between the 13 countries from 345 in Uruguay to 12 in Venezuela with a regional transplant rate 7-8-fold lower compared with the US and EU. We found significant correlations between higher transplant cost, public funding, transplants in private hospitals with transplant rate. Low cost per transplant regardless of payor and transplants done in public hospitals were associated with low transplant rates. In contrast, high cost per transplant funded by the government and transplants done in private hospitals were associated with high transplant rates. Surprisingly, we found transplant rates were higher when transplants cost more, when they were done in private for-profit hospitals and payed for with public funds. These data give insights how to increase transplant rates in Latin America and other developing regions.

Complex Gait Is Related to Cognitive Functioning in Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study Providing an Innovative Test.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between gait performance and cognitive impairment. The main purposes of this study were: (1) to design and validate a complex gait test (CGT) in older people, (2) to analyze the effects of age and sex on CGT, and (3) to analyze the association between CGT performance and physical functioning and cognitive measures. METHODS: A total of 279 older people (60-97 years) were analyzed in 2019. Fitness tests, gait performance, and several cognitive measures such asthe Trail-Walking Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were used. RESULTS: The CGT reported adequate reliability and validity parameters. In the test-retest analysis, the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.868 (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the CGT and Trail-Walking Test (r = 0.592; p < 0.001). The linear regression analysis showed that the CGT was associated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (R2 = 0.357; p =0.001). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that a high CGT score was a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio 1.201, 95% CI 1.081-1.334; p = 0.001). The ROC curve of the mild cognitive impairment was predicted by the CGT performance (area under the curve = 0.768, 95% CI 0.647-0.889; p < 0.001), reaching the cut-off point at 20.25 s. CONCLUSIONS: The CGT showed good reliability and validity and may serve as a potential biomarker in mild cognitive impairment prediction in older adults aged 60-97 years.