Consensus methods in patellofemoral pain: how rigorous are they? A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Clinicians treating patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) rely on consensus statements to make the best practice recommendations in the absence of definitive evidence on how to manage PFP. However, the methods used to generate and assess agreement for these recommendations have not been examined. Our objective was to map the methods used to generate consensus-based recommendations for PFP and apply four novel questions to assess the rigour of consensus development. DESIGN: Scoping review. DATA SOURCES: We searched Medline, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and Embase from inception to May 2022 to identify consensus-derived statements or practice guidelines on PFP. The Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis was followed to map the existing evidence. We measured the consensus methods based on four sets of questions addressing the panel composition, application of the consensus method chosen, agreement process and the use of evidence mapping. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: All consensus statements or clinical guidelines on PFP were considered. RESULTS: Twenty-two PFP consensus statements were identified. Panel composition: 3 of the 22 (14%) consensus groups reported the panellists' experience, 2 (9%) defined a desired level of expertise, 10 (45%) reported panellist sex and only 2 (9%) included a patient. Consensus method: 7 of 22 (32%) reported using an established method of consensus measurement/development. Agreement process: 10 of 22 (45%) reported their consensus threshold and 2 (9%) acknowledged dissenting opinions among the panel. Evidence mapping: 6 of 22 (27%) reported using systematic methods to identify relevant evidence gaps. CONCLUSIONS: PFP consensus panels have lacked diversity and excluded key partners including patients. Consensus statements on PFP frequently fail to use recognised consensus methods, rarely describe how 'agreement' was defined or measured and often neglect to use systematic methods to identify evidence gaps.

Salt-Assisted Low-Temperature Growth of 2D Bi2 O2 Se with Controlled Thickness for Electronics.

Bi2 O2 Se is the most promising 2D material due to its semiconducting feature and high mobility, making it propitious channel material for high-performance electronics that demands highly crystalline Bi2 O2 Se at low-growth temperature. Here, a low-temperature salt-assisted chemical vapor deposition approach for growing single-domain Bi2 O2 Se on a millimeter scale with thicknesses of multilayer to monolayer is presented. Because of the advantage of thickness-dependent growth, systematical scrutiny of layer-dependent Raman spectroscopy of Bi2 O2 Se from monolayer to bulk is investigated, revealing a redshift of the A1g mode at 162.4 cm-1 . Moreover, the long-term environmental stability of ≈2.4 nm thick Bi2 O2 Se is confirmed after exposing the sample for 1.5 years to air. The backgated field effect transistor (FET) based on a few-layered Bi2 O2 Se flake represents decent carrier mobility (≈287 cm2  V-1 s-1 ) and an ON/OFF ratio of up to 107 . This report indicates a technique to grow large-domain thickness controlled Bi2 O2 Se single crystals for electronics.

Recent Progress in Emerging Novel MXenes Based Materials and their Fascinating Sensing Applications.

Early transition metals based 2D carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides nanomaterials are known as MXenes, a novel and extensive new class of 2D materials family. Since the first accidently synthesis based discovery of Ti3 C2 in 2011, more than 50 additional compositions have been experimentally reported, including at least eight distinct synthesis methods and also more than 100 stoichiometries are theoretically studied. Due to its distinctive surface chemistry, graphene like shape, metallic conductivity, high hydrophilicity, outstanding mechanical and thermal properties, redox capacity and affordable with mass-produced nature, this diverse MXenes are of tremendous scientific and technological significance. In this review, first we'll come across the MXene based nanomaterials possible synthesis methods, their advantages, limitations and future suggestions, new chemistry related to their selected properties and potential sensing applications, which will help us to explain why this family is growing very fast as compared to other 2D families. Secondly, problems that help to further improve commercialization of the MXene nanomaterials based sensors are examined, and many advances in the commercializing of the MXene nanomaterials based sensors are proposed. At the end, we'll go through the current challenges, limitations and future suggestions.

The effects of eating frequency on changes in body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Eating frequency may affect body weight and cardiometabolic health. Intervention trials and observational studies have both indicated that high- and low-frequency eating can be associated with better health outcomes. There are currently no guidelines to inform how to advise healthy adults about how frequently to consume food or beverages. AIM: To establish whether restricted- (≤ three meals per day) frequency had a superior effect on markers of cardiometabolic health (primary outcome: weight change) compared to unrestricted-eating (≥ four meals per day) frequency in adults. METHODS: We searched Medline (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CAB Direct and Web of Science Core Collection electronic databases from inception to 7 June 2022 for clinical trials (randomised parallel or cross-over trials) reporting on the effect of high or low-frequency eating on cardiometabolic health (primary outcome: weight change). Trial interventions had to last for at least two weeks, and had to have been conducted in human adults. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all outcomes. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Seventeen reports covering 16 trials were included in the systematic review. Data from five trials were excluded from meta-analysis due to insufficient reporting. 15 of 16 trials were at high risk of bias. There was very low certainty evidence of no difference between high- and low-frequency eating for weight-change (MD: -0.62 kg, CI95: -2.76 to 1.52 kg, p = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: There was no discernible advantage to eating in a high- or low-frequency dietary pattern for cardiometabolic health. We cannot advocate for either restricted- or unrestricted eating frequency to change markers of cardiometabolic health in healthy young to middle-aged adults. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: CRD42019137938.

Are family medicine residents trained to counsel patients on physical activity? The Canadian experience and a call to action.

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and early mortality. Family physicians have an important role in providing physical activity counselling to patients to help prevent and treat NCDs. Lack of training on physical activity counselling is a barrier in undergraduate medical education, yet little is known regarding physical activity teaching in postgraduate family medicine residency. We assessed the provision, content and future direction of physical activity teaching in Canadian postgraduate family medicine residency programs to address this data gap. Fewer than half of Canadian Family Medicine Residency Programme directors reported providing structured physical activity counselling education to residents. Most directors reported no imminent plans to change the content or amount of teaching. These results reflect significant gaps between the recommendations of WHO, which calls on doctors to prescribe physical activity, and the current curricular content and needs of family medicine residents. Almost all directors agreed that online educational resources developed to assist residents in physical activity prescription would be beneficial. By describing the provision, content and future direction of physical activity training in family medicine, physicians and medical educators can develop competencies and resources to meet this need. When we equip our future physicians with the necessary tools, we can improve patient outcomes and do our part to reduce the global epidemic of physical inactivity and chronic disease.

Hamstring injury rates have increased during recent seasons and now constitute 24% of all injuries in men's professional football: the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study from 2001/02 to 2021/22.

OBJECTIVES: To: (1) describe hamstring injury incidence and burden in male professional football players over 21 seasons (2001/02 to 2021/22); (2) analyse the time-trends of hamstring muscle injuries over the most recent eight seasons (2014/15 to 2021/22); and (3) describe hamstring injury location, mechanism and recurrence rate. METHODS: 3909 players from 54 teams (in 20 European countries) from 2001/02 to 2021/22 (21 consecutive seasons) were included. Team medical staff recorded individual player exposure and time-loss injuries. Time-trend analyses were performed with Poisson regression using generalised linear models. RESULTS: 2636 hamstring injuries represented 19% of all reported injuries, with the proportion of all injuries increasing from 12% during the first season to 24% in the most recent season. During that same period, the percentage of all injury absence days caused by hamstring injuries increased from 10% to 20%. Between 2014/15 and 2021/22, training hamstring injury incidence increased (6.7% annually, 95% CI 1.7% to 12.5%) as did burden (9.0% annually, 95% CI 1.2% to 18.3%). During those years, the match hamstring injury incidence also increased (3.9% annually, 95% CI 0.1% to 7.9%) and with the same trend (not statistically significant) for match hamstring injury burden (6.2% annually, 95% CI -0.5% to 15.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Hamstring injury proportions-in number of injuries and total absence days-doubled during the 21-year period of study. During the last eight seasons, hamstring injury rates have increased both in training and match play.

Meaningful thresholds for patient-reported outcomes following interventions for anterior cruciate ligament tear or traumatic meniscus injury: a systematic review for the OPTIKNEE consensus.

OBJECTIVE: We synthesised and assessed credibility (ie, trustworthiness) of thresholds that define meaningful scores for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following interventions for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or traumatic meniscus injury. DESIGN: Systematic review, narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES: We searched five databases, handsearched references of included studies and tracked citations. ELIGIBILITY: Included studies investigated: individuals with ACL tear or meniscus injury; mean age <35 years; and PROM thresholds calculated using any method to define a minimal important change (MIC) or a meaningful post-treatment score (Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) or Treatment Failure). RESULTS: We included 18 studies (15 ACL, 3 meniscus). Three different methods were used to calculate anchor-based MICs across 9 PROMs, PASS thresholds across 4 PROMs and treatment failure for 1 PROM. Credibility was rated 'high' for only one study-an MIC of 18 for the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Quality-of-life (KOOS-QOL) subscale (using the MID Credibility Assessment Tool). Where multiple thresholds were calculated among 'low' credibility thresholds in ACL studies, MICs converged to within a 10-point range for KOOS-Symptoms (-1.2 to 5.4) and function in daily living (activities of daily living, ADL 0.5-8.1) subscales, and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (7.1-16.2). Other PROM thresholds differed up to 30 points. PASS thresholds converged to within a 10-point range in KOOS-ADL for ACL tears (92.3-100), and KOOS-Symptoms (73-78) and KOOS-QOL (53-57) in meniscus injuries. CONCLUSION: Meaningful PROM thresholds were highly susceptible to study heterogeneity. While PROM thresholds can aid interpretability in research and clinical practice, they should be cautiously interpreted.

Oxford consensus on primary cam morphology and femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: part 1-definitions, terminology, taxonomy and imaging outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Primary cam morphology is a mostly benign bony prominence that develops at the femoral head-neck junction of the hip, but it is highly prevalent in many athlete populations. In the small proportion of athletes for whom it is not benign, the resulting hip osteoarthritis can be debilitating. Clinicians, athletes, patients and researchers do not yet agree on important primary cam morphology elements. We aimed to ascertain and improve the level of agreement on primary cam morphology definitions, terminology, taxonomy and imaging outcome measures. METHODS: To collect and aggregate informed opinions, an expert panel-the Young Athlete's Hip Research Collaborative-rated primary cam morphology definition, terminology, taxonomy and imaging outcome statements through an online Delphi exercise followed by an online meeting to explore areas of tension and dissent. Reporting followed Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies. RESULTS: A diverse and inclusive Delphi panel (n=65 for rounds 1 and 2, representing 18 countries; 6 stakeholder groups; 40% women) agreed on 35 of 47 statements in 4 domains, while surfacing areas of tension and dissent. This Delphi panel agreed on four key issues essential to moving research and clinical care forward around primary cam morphology. They agreed on: (1) definition, confirming its conceptual attributes (tissue type, size, location, shape and ownership); (2) terminology-use 'morphology' and not terms with a negative connotation like 'lesion', 'abnormality' or 'deformity'; (3) taxonomy, distinguishing between primary and secondary cam morphology, and (4) imaging outcomes, a continuous bone/cartilage alpha angle on radial femoral head-neck MRI for primary cam morphology aetiology research. CONCLUSION: This consensus provides athletes, patients, clinicians and researchers with a strong foundation to guide more precise communication, better clinical decision-making and higher value research about primary cam morphology and its natural history.

Oxford consensus on primary cam morphology and femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: part 2-research priorities on conditions affecting the young person's hip.

INTRODUCTION: Primary cam morphology is highly prevalent in many athlete populations, causing debilitating hip osteoarthritis in some. Existing research is mired in confusion partly because stakeholders have not agreed on key primary cam morphology elements or a prioritised research agenda. We aimed to inform a more rigorous, inclusive and evidence-based approach to research on primary cam morphology and its natural history by working towards agreement on a set of research priorities for conditions affecting the young person's hip. METHODS: An international expert panel-the Young Athlete's Hip Research (YAHiR) Collaborative-rated research priority statements through an online two-round Delphi exercise and met online to explore areas of tension and dissent. Panellists ranked the prioritised research statements according to the Essential National Health Research (ENHR) ranking strategy. Reporting of results followed REPRISE (REporting guideline for PRIority SEtting of health). RESULTS: A diverse Delphi panel (n=65, Delphi rounds 1 and 2; three ENHR strategy surveys: n=49; n=44; n=42) from 18 countries representing six stakeholder groups, prioritised and ranked 18 of 38 research priority statements. The prioritised statements outlined seven research domains: (1) best practice physiotherapy, (2) rehabilitation progression and return to sport, (3) exercise intervention and load management, (4) primary cam morphology prognosis and aetiology, (5) femoroacetabular impingement syndrome prognosis and aetiology, (6) diagnostic criteria, and (7) screening. The panel recommended areas of tension and dissent for the research community to focus on immediately. CONCLUSION: While informing more rigorous, inclusive and evidence-based research, this consensus is a roadmap for researchers, policy-makers and funders to implement research dedicated to reducing the cost and burden of hip disease related to primary cam morphology.

Implementing the 27 PRISMA 2020 Statement items for systematic reviews in the sport and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports science fields: the PERSiST (implementing Prisma in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport medicine and SporTs science) guidance.

Poor reporting of medical and healthcare systematic reviews is a problem from which the sports and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and sports science fields are not immune. Transparent, accurate and comprehensive systematic review reporting helps researchers replicate methods, readers understand what was done and why, and clinicians and policy-makers implement results in practice. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement and its accompanying Explanation and Elaboration document provide general reporting examples for systematic reviews of healthcare interventions. However, implementation guidance for sport and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and sports science does not exist. The Prisma in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport medicine and SporTs science (PERSiST) guidance attempts to address this problem. Nineteen content experts collaborated with three methods experts to identify examples of exemplary reporting in systematic reviews in sport and exercise medicine (including physical activity), musculoskeletal rehabilitation (including physiotherapy), and sports science, for each of the PRISMA 2020 Statement items. PERSiST aims to help: (1) systematic reviewers improve the transparency and reporting of systematic reviews and (2) journal editors and peer reviewers make informed decisions about systematic review reporting quality.

OPTIKNEE 2022: consensus recommendations to optimise knee health after traumatic knee injury to prevent osteoarthritis.

The goal of the OPTIKNEE consensus is to improve knee and overall health, to prevent osteoarthritis (OA) after a traumatic knee injury. The consensus followed a seven-step hybrid process. Expert groups conducted 7 systematic reviews to synthesise the current evidence and inform recommendations on the burden of knee injuries; risk factors for post-traumatic knee OA; rehabilitation to prevent post-traumatic knee OA; and patient-reported outcomes, muscle function and functional performance tests to monitor people at risk of post-traumatic knee OA. Draft consensus definitions, and clinical and research recommendations were generated, iteratively refined, and discussed at 6, tri-weekly, 2-hour videoconferencing meetings. After each meeting, items were finalised before the expert group (n=36) rated the level of appropriateness for each using a 9-point Likert scale, and recorded dissenting viewpoints through an anonymous online survey. Seven definitions, and 8 clinical recommendations (who to target, what to target and when, rehabilitation approach and interventions, what outcomes to monitor and how) and 6 research recommendations (research priorities, study design considerations, what outcomes to monitor and how) were voted on. All definitions and recommendations were rated appropriate (median appropriateness scores of 7-9) except for two subcomponents of one clinical recommendation, which were rated uncertain (median appropriateness score of 4.5-5.5). Varying levels of evidence supported each recommendation. Clinicians, patients, researchers and other stakeholders may use the definitions and recommendations to advocate for, guide, develop, test and implement person-centred evidence-based rehabilitation programmes following traumatic knee injury, and facilitate data synthesis to reduce the burden of knee post-traumatic knee OA.

Advanced Devices for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy.

At present, tumor diagnosis is performed using common procedures, which are slow, costly, and still presenting difficulties in diagnosing tumors at their early stage. Tumor therapeutic methods also mainly rely on large-scale equipment or non-intelligent treatment approaches. Thus, an early and accurate tumor diagnosis and personalized treatment may represent the best treatment option for a successful result, and the efforts in finding them are still in progress and mainly focusing on non-destructive, integrated, and multiple technologies. These objectives can be achieved with the development of advanced devices and smart technology that represent the topic of the current investigations. Therefore, this review summarizes the progress in tumor diagnosis and therapy and briefly explains the advantages and disadvantages of the described microdevices, finally proposing advanced micro smart devices as the future development trend for tumor diagnosis and therapy.

Broadband Nonlinear Photonics in Few-Layer Borophene.

In this paper, 2D borophene is synthesized through a liquid-phase exfoliation. The morphology and structure of as-prepared borophene are systemically analyzed, and the Z-scan is used to measure the nonlinear optical properties. It is found that the saturable absorber (SA) properties of borophene make it serve as an excellent broadband optical switch, which is strongly used for mode-locking in near- and mid-infrared laser systems. Ultrastable pulses with durations as short as 792 and 693 fs are successfully delivered at the central wavelengths of 1063 and 1560 nm, respectively. Furthermore, stable pulses at a wavelength of 1878 nm are demonstrated from a thulium mode-locked fiber laser based on the same borophene SA. This research reveals a significant potential for borophene used in lasers helping extending the frontiers of photonic technologies.

Cognitive Function and Functional Mobility Predict Exercise Adherence in Older Adults Who Fall.

INTRODUCTION: Strength and balance exercises prevent falls. Yet, exercise adherence is often low. To maximize the benefit of exercise on falls prevention, we aimed to identify baseline cognitive and mobility factors that predict adherence to the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) - a home-based exercise program proven to prevent falls. METHODS: We conducted a secondary longitudinal analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) (OEP compared with usual care) among 172 participants who were assigned to the OEP intervention of the RCT. Adherence to the OEP was calculated as a percent score (i.e., [frequency of strength and balance retraining session per week/3 strength and balance retraining sessions per week] × 100). Executive function (i.e., mental flexibility) was measured using the Trail Making Tests (Part A and B: TMT B - TMT A) and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Short-term memory and encoding was measured using the Verbal Digits Forward test. Executive function (i.e., inhibition and working memory) was measured using the Stroop Color-Word Test and the Verbal Digits Forward minus Verbal Digits Backward test. Mobility was assessed using the Short Performance Physical Battery and the Timed Up and Go test. We used general estimation equations analysis to determine the predictors of adherence to the OEP. RESULTS: Better set shifting (ß = -0.06, z = -2.43, [SE = 0.02] p = 0.018] predicted greater OEP adherence. Greater attention and short-term memory (ß = -6.99, z = -2.37 [SE = 2.95]) predicted poorer OEP adherence. Response inhibition, processing speed, working memory, and mobility assessed by the SPPB were not associated with adherence. Poorer baseline Timed Up and Go (ß = 1.48 z = 1.94, [SE = 0.76]; p < 0.001), predicted better OEP adherence. CONCLUSION: Specific cognitive processes (i.e., executive function of set shifting, attention, and short-term memory) and functional mobility predicted exercise adherence. Further research needs to explore the pathways that explain why better attention and short-term memory predicted lower adherence and why poorer functional mobility led to better OEP adherence.

Primary cam morphology; bump, burden or bog-standard? A concept analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cam morphology, a distinct bony morphology of the hip, is prevalent in many athletes, and a risk factor for hip-related pain and osteoarthritis. Secondary cam morphology, due to existing or previous hip disease (eg, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease), is well-described. Cam morphology not clearly associated with a disease is a challenging concept for clinicians, scientists and patients. We propose this morphology, which likely develops during skeletal maturation as a physiological response to load, should be referred to as primary cam morphology. The aim of this study was to introduce and clarify the concept of primary cam morphology. DESIGN: We conducted a concept analysis of primary cam morphology using articles that reported risk factors associated with primary cam morphology; we excluded articles on secondary cam morphology. The concept analysis method is a rigorous eight-step process designed to clarify complex 'concepts'; the end product is a precise definition that supports the theoretical basis of the chosen concept. RESULTS: We propose five defining attributes of primary cam morphology-tissue type, size, site, shape and ownership-in a new conceptual and operational definition. Primary cam morphology is a cartilage or bony prominence (bump) of varying size at the femoral head-neck junction, which changes the shape of the femoral head from spherical to aspherical. It often occurs in asymptomatic male athletes in both hips. The cartilage or bone alpha angle (calculated from radiographs, CT or MRI) is the most common method to measure cam morphology. We found inconsistent reporting of primary cam morphology taxonomy, terminology, and how the morphology is operationalised. CONCLUSION: We introduce and clarify primary cam morphology, and propose a new conceptual and operational definition. Several elements of the concept of primary cam morphology remain unclear and contested. Experts need to agree on the new taxonomy, terminology and definition that better reflect the primary cam morphology landscape-a bog-standard bump in most athletic hips, and a possible hip disease burden in a selected few.

Guidelines for Reporting Trial Protocols and Completed Trials Modified Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Extenuating Circumstances: The CONSERVE 2021 Statement.

Importance: Extenuating circumstances can trigger unplanned changes to randomized trials and introduce methodological, ethical, feasibility, and analytical challenges that can potentially compromise the validity of findings. Numerous randomized trials have required changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but guidance for reporting such modifications is incomplete. Objective: As a joint extension for the CONSORT and SPIRIT reporting guidelines, CONSERVE (CONSORT and SPIRIT Extension for RCTs Revised in Extenuating Circumstances) aims to improve reporting of trial protocols and completed trials that undergo important modifications in response to extenuating circumstances. Evidence: A panel of 37 international trial investigators, patient representatives, methodologists and statisticians, ethicists, funders, regulators, and journal editors convened to develop the guideline. The panel developed CONSERVE following an accelerated, iterative process between June 2020 and February 2021 involving (1) a rapid literature review of multiple databases (OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, and EBSCO CINAHL) and gray literature sources from 2003 to March 2021; (2) consensus-based panelist meetings using a modified Delphi process and surveys; and (3) a global survey of trial stakeholders. Findings: The rapid review yielded 41 673 citations, of which 38 titles were relevant, including emerging guidance from regulatory and funding agencies for managing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on trials. However, no generalizable guidance for all circumstances in which trials and trial protocols might face unanticipated modifications were identified. The CONSERVE panel used these findings to develop a consensus reporting guidelines following 4 rounds of meetings and surveys. Responses were received from 198 professionals from 34 countries, of whom 90% (n = 178) indicated that they understood the concept definitions and 85.4% (n = 169) indicated that they understood and could use the implementation tool. Feedback from survey respondents was used to finalize the guideline and confirm that the guideline's core concepts were applicable and had utility for the trial community. CONSERVE incorporates an implementation tool and checklists tailored to trial reports and trial protocols for which extenuating circumstances have resulted in important modifications to the intended study procedures. The checklists include 4 sections capturing extenuating circumstances, important modifications, responsible parties, and interim data analyses. Conclusions and Relevance: CONSERVE offers an extension to CONSORT and SPIRIT that could improve the transparency, quality, and completeness of reporting important modifications to trials in extenuating circumstances such as COVID-19.

Unusual magnetotransport properties in graphene fibers.

Graphene, purely sp2-hybridized, has already been extensively studied for magnetoelectronics, however, the magnetotransport properties of graphene fibers (GrFib) have not been explored very well to date. Herein, unique magnetotransport properties of graphene fibers are detected. All the GrFib-samples show the highest positive magnetoresistance (MR ∼ 60%) at room temperature (300 K) that gradually decreases (MR ∼ 37%) at low temperature (5 K), indicating quite different behavior for a graphene derivative. The MR of three different morphologies are compared: single graphene sheet (60-100% at 300 K and 100-110% at 5 K under an applied magnetic field of 5 T), graphene foam (GF-100% at 300 K and 158% at 5 K under an applied magnetic field of 5 T), and graphene fiber (60% at 300 K and 37% at 300 K under an applied magnetic field of 5 T), and found that each morphology has a different magnitude of MR under similar magnitude of magnetic field and temperature. Unlike graphene and GF, GrFib shows a decreasing trend of MR at low temperatures, violating commonly used weak anti-localization phenomena in graphene. Technologically, each morphology of graphene has a unique set of magnetotransport properties that can be considered for particular magnetoelectronic devices depending upon the mechanical, electrical, and magnetotransport properties.

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of early stage cutaneous leishmaniasis: A pilot study.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been investigated for the treatment of various dermatological disorders. Here, we investigate the efficacy of LLLT for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study comprised of 53 patients (total 123 lesions) with a confirmed diagnosis of CL via positive smear of LD-bodies. The CL lesions were classified in Grade I (ie, papule of size ≤1 cm) to Grade V (ie, vesicle formation, ulceration, and superadded infection of size >4 cm). All the patients were divided into group 1 with low grade (ie, Grade I and II) CL lesions and group 2 with high-grade disease (ie, Grade III-V). Red laser light (wavelength = 635 nm) was used for the lesion irradiation, with a light dose of 75 J/cm2 and at a low power of 300 mW. The treatment was divided into four sessions, one session per week. Disease assessment at 10 months follow-up revealed complete response in 91% and partial response in 9% patients of group 1, while no response was observed in patients of group 2. LLLT offers a promising treatment modality for patients presenting with early-stage (ie, Grade I and II) CL lesions.

Comprehensive Geriatric Care to Improve Mobility after Hip Fracture: An RCT.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive geriatric care (CGC) for older adults during hospitalization for hip fracture can improve mobility, but it is unclear whether CGC delivered after a return to community living improves mobility compared with usual post-discharge care. OBJECTIVE: To determine if an outpatient clinic-based CGC regime in the first year after hip fracture improved mobility performance at 12 months. METHODS: A two-arm, 1:1 parallel group, pragmatic, single-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial at 3 hospitals in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Participants were community-dwelling adults, aged ≥65 years, with a hip fracture in the previous 3-12 months, who had no dementia and walked ≥10 m before the fracture occurred. Target enrollment was 130 participants. Clinic-based CGC was delivered by a geriatrician, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. Primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; 0-12) at 12 months. RESULTS: We randomized 53/313 eligible participants with a mean (SD) age of 79.7 (7.9) years to intervention (n = 26) and usual care (UC, n = 27), and 49/53 (92%) completed the study. Mean 12-month (SD) SPPB scores in the intervention and UC groups were 9.08 (3.03) and 8.24 (2.44). The between-group difference was 0.9 (95% CI -0.3 to 2.0, p = 0.13). Adverse events were similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The small sample size of less than half our recruitment target precludes definitive conclusions about the effect of our intervention. However, our results are consistent with similar studies on this population and intervention.