Consumers' coping strategies when they feel negative emotions in the face of forced deconsumption during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

Introduction: This paper explores consumers' coping strategies when they feel negative emotions due to forced deconsumption during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. Methods: The tool used for data collection is the questionnaire. It was made using the LimeSurvey software. A total of 621 complete observations were analyzed. Results: The findings demonstrate that anger positively influences the activation of seeking social support, mental disengagement, and confrontive coping strategies. Besides, disappointment activates mental disengagement but only marginally confrontive coping and not behavioral disengagement. Furthermore, regret is positively related to confrontive coping, behavioral disengagement, acceptance, and positive reinterpretation. Finally, worry positively impacts behavioral disengagement, self-control, seeking social support, mental disengagement, and planful problem-solving. Discussion: The study's originality lies in its investigation of consumers' coping strategies when experiencing negative emotions due to forced deconsumption in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Investigation of ultrasonic absorption in the MHz frequency range by silicon substrates with a built-in porous silicon layer.

The present study is focused on the development and characterization of an innovative substrate to optimize the axial resolution of ultrasonic transducers on a silicon substrate that is dedicated to ultrasound imaging. The substrate must efficiently dampen wave propagation to avoid degradation of the axial resolution of ultrasound images. In this study, the proposed approach implements a silicon substrate with a built-in acoustic damping layer composed of porous silicon. Porous silicon layers with thicknesses of less than 100 µm and porosities varying from 27% to 62% were fabricated, and their substrate resonances were characterized. The experimental results obtained in the frequency range from 6 MHz to 10 MHz show that the substrate acoustic damping is controlled by adjusting the characteristics of the porous silicon layer; a significant damping of 70% is demonstrated with only 70 µm of porous silicon.

Plasma of Argon Affects the Earliest Biological Response of Different Implant Surfaces: An In Vitro Comparative Study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the early cell response and protein adsorption elicited by the argon plasma treatment of different commercially available titanium surfaces via a chair-side device. Sterile disks made of grade 4 titanium (n= 450, 4-mm diameter) with 3 surface topographies (machined, plasma sprayed, and zirconia blasted and acid etched) were allocated to receive 4 testing treatments (2% and 10% protein adsorption and cell adhesion with MC3T3-E1 and MG-63). Furthermore, the specimens were divided to undergo 1) argon plasma treatment (10 W, 1 bar for 12 min) in a plasma reactor, 2) ultraviolet (UV) light treatment for 2 h (positive control group), or 3) no treatment (control group). Pretreatment surface analyses based on a scanning electron microscope and profilometer images were also performed. Profilometric analysis demonstrated that the evaluated specimens perfectly suit the standard parameters. The use of argon plasma was capable of affecting the quantity of proteins adsorbed on the different surfaces, notwithstanding their roughness or topographic features at a low fetal bovine serum concentration (2%). UV light treatment for 2 h attained similar results. Moreover, both the plasma of argon and the UV light demonstrated a significant increase in the number of osteoblasts adherent at 10 min in all tested surfaces. Within its limitations, this in vitro study highlights the potential biological benefits of treating implant surfaces with plasma of argon or UV, irrespective of the roughness of the titanium surface. However, in vivo experiments are needed to confirm these preliminary data and settle the rationale of a treatment that might be clinically relevant in case of bone-reparative deficiencies.

Propagation of acoustic waves in a one-dimensional macroscopically inhomogeneous poroelastic material.

Wave propagation in macroscopically inhomogeneous porous materials has received much attention in recent years. The wave equation, derived from the alternative formulation of Biot's theory of 1962, was reduced and solved recently in the case of rigid frame inhomogeneous porous materials. This paper focuses on the solution of the full wave equation in which the acoustic and the elastic properties of the poroelastic material vary in one-dimension. The reflection coefficient of a one-dimensional macroscopically inhomogeneous porous material on a rigid backing is obtained numerically using the state vector (or the so-called Stroh) formalism and Peano series. This coefficient can then be used to straightforwardly calculate the scattered field. To validate the method of resolution, results obtained by the present method are compared to those calculated by the classical transfer matrix method at both normal and oblique incidence and to experimental measurements at normal incidence for a known two-layers porous material, considered as a single inhomogeneous layer. Finally, discussion about the absorption coefficient for various inhomogeneity profiles gives further perspectives.

Prediction of sound reflection by corrugated porous surfaces.

The coupled mode (CM) and finite-element methods (FEMs) are developed and used to predict the acoustic reflection coefficient of a semi-infinite porous medium with closely spaced two-dimensional (2D) periodical corrugations. These methods are also applied to predict the reflection coefficient of a periodic array of porous corrugations installed on an acoustically rigid surface. It is shown that the predictions by the both methods agree closely. The reflection coefficient and Brewster angle of total refraction for the corrugated semi-infinite medium predicted with these methods are compared against that predicted by the Biot/Tolstoy/Howe/Twersky and extended Twersky models. A similar analysis is carried out for porous corrugations set on a rigid backing. The behavior of the reflection coefficient and the pole in the expression for the reflection coefficient located close to grazing incidence is studied.

Hereditary-hemorrhagic telangiectasia: one-step magnetic resonance examination in evaluation of liver involvement.

PURPOSE: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of hepatic involvement in hereditary-hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and to determine the interobserver agreement for all of them. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients (including 17 women, mean age: 55 years) with HHT, according to the Curaçao criteria, underwent prospective MRI of the liver, including parenchymal, angiographic and biliary sequences, in one step. The scans were analyzed to determine the presence of vascular, biliary and parenchymal abnormalities (Mann-Whitney U test, kappa). The diameters of the hepatic vessels in the 23 patients were compared with those of 23 subjects with no signs of HHT or vascular or liver disease. RESULTS: MRI of the liver was abnormal in 21 patients with suspected HHT (91%). Vascular abnormalities were found in 21 patients (91%), consisting of marked dilatation of the hepatic artery (N=14), intrahepatic telangiectases (N=21), arteriosystemic venous shunting (N=19), arterioportal shunting (N=11) and aneurysms of the hepatic artery (N=3). Regenerative nodular hyperplasia was identified in 17 patients (74%) and ischemic cholangitis in nine (39%). No such lesions were found in the controls. The diameter of the hepatic artery proper was greater in patients with HHT than in the controls: 8.69+/-1.63 mm versus 5.17+/-0.44 mm, respectively (P<0.05). Good interobserver agreement was found with parenchymal and vascular abnormalities (0.62) and moderate interobserver agreement (0.42) with biliary abnormalities. CONCLUSION: One-step MRI of the liver appears to be an excellent tool for the evaluation of liver involvement in HHT, revealing vascular abnormalities, telangiectases, arteriovenous shunting, focal-liver lesions and ischemic cholangitis.

[Degenerating neurocysticercosis cysts: differential diagnosis with cerebral metastasis]. / Neurocysticercose cérébrale au stade de dégénérescence : diagnostic différentiel des métastases cérébrales.

INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system. It has a worldwide distribution. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 70-year-old woman from Guadeloupe presenting gait abnormalities, impaired ideation, right hemiparesis in a context of weight loss, and fatigue. Blood analyses were normal with neither inflammatory syndrome nor blood hypereosinophilia. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed hydrocephaly in relation with Sylvius' aqueduc stenosis, and diffuse contrast-enhancing lesions suggesting metastases. Because of clinical symptoms, the patient underwent ventriculostomy; the cerebral spinal fluid examination was normal. Then a frontal biopsy was performed. Histological examination was compatible with neurocysticercosis and confirmed by serology. The patient was successfully treated with albendazole and steroids. CONCLUSION: Neurocysticercosis must be considered as a differential diagnosis of cerebral metastasis, especially in patients from endemic countries.

Postural organisation during cascade juggling: influence of expertise.

The present study investigated how posture is organised during three-ball cascade juggling according to expertise. We hypothesized that the juggling task would place constraints on the postural organisation mode and that the posture-juggling coupling would be increased with expertise. Two groups, intermediates and experts, were asked to perform a postural-cascade juggling task. A three-dimensional motion recording system recorded the position of five light-reflecting markers for 30s to analyse the ball movements, the lateral oscillations of the sacrum and the flexion/extension of the right elbow. The spatial pattern of the cascade juggling showed no significant difference between groups. Moreover, both groups presented lateral oscillations of the sacrum during the task. The latencies between the maximal flexion/extension of the right elbow and the maximal lateral oscillations of the sacrum and their standard deviations were significantly lower for the experts than for the intermediates. We conclude that postural adaptations occur to facilitate the postural-suprapostural task and that experience modifies the posture-juggling coupling.

Measurement system for gesture characterization during chest physiotherapy act on newborn babies suffering from bronchiolitis.

Despite the lack of studies, chest physiotherapy (CPT) is widely used for newborn babies suffering from bronchiolitis. The limited data regarding this technique is mainly due to the difficulties making in situ measurements during the act. In the presented study, original instrumented gloves were designed and realized to perform measurements on babies during the CPT act. Custom-designed associated electronics and software were specially developed to monitor and record the forces applied by the physiotherapist's hands on the infant's chest and their trajectories. A prospective study, with babies in real situation, validates the principle measurement. Measurements with the system was led on babies in a referent physiotherapist consulting room between January and March 2007. The results are being analyzed and typical phases of the CPT act are highlighted.

Visual and postural control of an arbitrary posture: the handstand.

The aim of this study was to increase our understanding of postural regulation by analysing an arbitrary posture - the handstand. We assessed the relative influence of peripheral vision and central visual anchoring on the postural balance of gymnasts in the inverted-stand posture. Displacements of the centre of pressure, the angles between the body segments, and the gymnast's height in the handstand were analysed. Postural regulation in the handstand appeared to be organized according to a system similar to that in erect posture, with three articular levels suggesting the existence of a typical organization of human posture. Moreover, both intra-modal (central and peripheral vision) and inter-modal sensory systems (vision and other balance systems) contributed to the postural regulation. The results are interpreted in terms of an ecological approach to posture in which postural regulation can be considered as an emergent phenomenon.

[Enterocele: clinical risk factors and association with others pelvic floor disorders (about 544 defecographies)]. / Entérocèle: facteurs de risque clinique et associations à d'autres troubles de la statique pelvienne (à partir de 544 défécographies).

OBJECTIVE: To study, by means of defecography, clinical risk factors of enterocele and association with others pelvic floor disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred and forty-four consecutive female patients were investigated by colpocystodefecography with contrast medium in the small bowel. One hundred and thirty-six women with enterocele were compared to 408 women without enterocele. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, obstetrical history (parity, foetal macrosomia, instrumental extractions or perineal tear to delivery) between the two groups. More women with enteroceles had histories of hysterectomies (60% versus 24%) or cystopexies (29% versus 13%). Others pelvic floor disorders were associated in 91% of enterocele: rectocele (25%), cystocele (42%), uterine prolapse (28%), rectal intussusception (52%), rectal prolapse (4%) and abnormal perineal descent (30%). Stress urinary incontinence was significantly more frequent in women without enterocele. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The study has demonstrated that previous hysterectomy and cystopexy increased the risk of enterocele formation and that enterocele and others pelvic floor disorders are often concomitant. Enterocele may have a pessary effect on urinary disorders. Results of colpocystodefecography reinforce the notion of pelvic floor local disease.

[Aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysms: CT assessment]. / Anévrismes de l'artère sous clavière droite aberrante: bilan tomodensitométrique.

We report two cases of aneurysm of an aberrant right subclavian artery. Imaging findings, diagnostic criteria and evolution patterns of this rare condition are reviewed. CT seems to be the best imaging modality to assess these aneurysms. To avoid rupture, growing aneurysms should be surgically removed whenever it is technically feasible.

Mouthrinses: a comparative microbiological study.

This study was performed in order to evaluate the efficacy of different mouthrinses whose use is extended in Spain. Six different antiseptic mouthrinses were studied by means of determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mutans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Also in vivo experiments were carried out in volunteers by the use of mouthrinses and evaluation of bacterial populations before and after the treatment. Finally, the kinetics of bacterial death was determined. Results suggested that the determination of MIC values is not a reliable method to evaluate the antibacterial effect of such products. On the other hand those rinsing solutions based on the effect of oxygen, such as those containing carbamide peroxide have a greater efficacy against anaerobic bacteria compared with rinses whose active molecule is a disinfectant. Finally, the kinetics of bacterial death demonstrates that the essential oil rinse kills bacteria much faster. All tested mouthrinses were active as antibacterial although those based on oxygen production or essential oils were more active than solutions based on chlorhexidine and Triclosan.

[Bilateral breast tuberculosis: a case report. Review of the literature]. / Tuberculose mammaire bilatérale: un cas. Revue de la littérature.

We report a case of bilateral tuberculosis of the breast that presented as masses and where the diagnosis could only be made from the histology. The outcome was good following antibiotics and antituberculous treatment. Tuberculosis of the breast is a very rare infection. The incidence of the disease is 0.025% of all disease of the breast treated surgically. The basis of treatment at the present time is antituberculous antibiotic treatment and surgery for any residual masses.

Reduction of the volume of stored platelet concentrates for use in neonatal patients.

Premature infants and neonatal patients who require platelet transfusions may develop circulatory overload when administered a 50-ml unit of platelet concentrate. We evaluated the influence of centrifugation and resuspension steps used to reduce the volume of stored platelet concentrates on platelet properties by in vitro methods and by determining post-transfusion increments in neonatal patients. In vitro studies were conducted with platelet concentrates stored at 20 to 24 degrees C for 1 and 5 days in CLX (Cutter) and PL732 (Fenwal) containers and for 1 and 2 days in PL146 containers (Fenwal). With platelets stored in any of the three containers, platelet morphology, mean platelet volume, hypotonic stress response, synergistic aggregation, and platelet factor 3 activity were not affected by the processing steps. The centrifugation and resuspension steps did not cause an enhanced discharge of lactate dehydrogenase from platelets. Similar results were obtained when the platelet concentrates were stored on either a flatbed or an end-over-end tumbler agitator. The in vitro platelet recovery following volume reduction was at least 85 percent. In vivo studies were conducted with platelets stored in the PL732 and PL146 containers. Infusion of platelet concentrates after volume reduction produced a mean corrected increment of 18,947 +/- 14,824 when platelets were stored in the PL146 container and 16,178 +/- 15,699 when platelets were stored in the PL732 container. These results indicate that the volume of stored platelet concentrates can be reduced in a manner which maintains platelet properties.