We reconsider the variational problem of finding the shape of a vertically hanging rope such that its elongation, due to the rope’s own weight and that of a load attached at its lower end, is minimum. The known solution is recalled and the missing proof of optimality is supplied.

Kinetics of lysine blockage, as an early step of the Maillard reaction, was investigated in commercial skim milk powder to understand the extent of the reaction, specifically after packages are opened and during the subsequent storage. Samples were stored at six conditions including three temperatures (30, 32.5 and 35 °C) and two relative humidities (43% and 52%) for 30 days, the period in which t

The discovery of the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway was the basis for our understanding of many normal physiological functions and the pathophysiology of several diseases. Since the discovery and introduction of sildenafil, inhibitors of PDE5 have been the first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). The success of sildenafil in the treatment of ED stimulated research in the field of PDE5 inhibiti

Fluvial geomorphology provides the basis for characterizing complex river networks and evaluating biophysical processes within watersheds. Understanding the spatial organization of morphological features, their influencing processes, and resultant geomorphic diversity in stream networks are important for efficient restoration, river health assessment, and improving our knowledge of the resilience

Subacute thyroiditis is a common inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland, possibly of viral etiology, that typically presents with neck pain, fever and tenderness on palpation of the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune thyroid disorder caused by stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb). The development of Graves´ disease and subacute thyroiditis sim

Twenty patients randomized to early sensory relearning (nine patients) or traditional relearning (11 patients) were assessed regarding sensory recovery 4 to 9 years after median or ulnar nerve repair. Outcomes were assessed with the Rosen score, questionnaires, and self-reported single-item questions regarding function and activity. The patients with early sensory relearning had significantly bett

The circular economy (CE) requires companies to rethink their supply chains and business models. Several frameworks found in the academic and practitioner literature propose circular economy business models (CEBMs) to redefine how companies create value while adhering to CE principles. A review of these frameworks shows that some models are frequently discussed, some are framework specific, and so

Water evaporation from complex aqueous solutions leads to the build-up of structure and composition gradients at their interface with air. We recently introduced an experimental setup for quantitatively studying such gradients and discussed how structure formation can lead to a self-regulation mechanism for controlling water evaporation through self-assembly. Here, we provide a detailed theoretica

Coastal areas display natural large environmental variability such as frequent changes in salinity, pH, and carbonate chemistry. Anthropogenic impacts – especially ocean acidification – increase this variability, which may affect the living conditions of coastal species, particularly, calcifiers. We performed culture experiments on living benthic foraminifera to study the combined effects of lower

50 years have passed since the first human to human heart transplantation, performed by Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town December 3rd 1967. Over the years there has been a dramatic improvement in postoperative survival, mainly due to numerous diagnostic and therapeutic advances. Today, heart transplantation constitutes the treatment of choice among suitable patients with severe heart failure who wo

Långvarig smärta är ett vanligt förekommande och tärande tillstånd som är bland de mest kostsamma hälsoproblemen för både individen och samhället som helhet. Kognitiv beteendeterapi (KBT) är den mest spridda psykologiska behandlingen för långvarig smärta. Även om metoden är evidensbaserad och rekommenderad ger den relativt blygsamma förbättringar för smärtrelaterad funktion och medföljande emotionChronic pain is a commonly occurring and debilitating condition, and among the costliest health problems for both the individual and society at large. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely-disseminated psychological treatment for chronic pain. Even though it is recommended and evidence-based, it yields quite modest improvements in pain-related functioning and accompanying symptoms

Lenalidomide (Len) plus dexamethasone (Dex) is approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). It is possible that single-agent Len may be effective as prolonged treatment regimen in RRMM once patients demonstrate an initial response to Len+Dex induction. Patients with RRMM who responded to first-line Len+Dex in an observational study (NCT01430546) received up to 24 c

Safety, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of the IgG-degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes (IdeS [imlifidase]) were assessed in a single-center, open-label ascending-dose study in highly sensitized patients with chronic kidney disease. Eight patients with cytotoxic PRAs (median cytotoxic PRAs of 64%) at enrollment received 1 or 2 intravenous infusions of IdeS on consecutive days

Introduction: Recent haemophilia treatment advances include new recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) products with improved pharmacokinetic (PK) properties that aim to reduce the burden of prophylaxis. These treatments are commonly referred to as extended half-life rFVIII products (EHL rFVIII). There is no uniform definition of what constitutes an EHL rFVIII. Such a definition would help physicians, patient

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate how the use and perceived unmet need of mobility devices (MD) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) evolve over a 3-year period. Methods: The study reports baseline assessments (n = 255) and comparisons for participants with complete data at baseline and the 3-year follow-up (n = 165). Structured questions addressed the use and perceived unmet need of

Purpose: To analyze risk factors for refractive error after cataract surgery and provide a benchmark for refractive outcomes after standard cataract surgery. setting: One hundred cataract surgery clinics from 12 European countries. Design: Multicenter database study. Methods: Data on consecutive cataract extractions reported to the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive

Until the introduction of dolutegravir (DTG), people living with HIV (PLWH) who have developed nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) mutations have had few other treatment options outside of regimens based on ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r). Here we report treatment results among PLWH in Sweden with pre-existing NRTI mutations on antiretroviral treatment (ART) with DTG and

Purpose: To explore and compare cancer patients' perceptions on the quality of nursing care in four European countries. Methods: Data were collected in Cyprus, Finland, Greece and Sweden. The sample comprised 596 hospitalized cancer patients. The quality of nursing care was measured using the “Oncology Patients' Perceptions of the Quality of Nursing Care Scale” (OPPQNCS). Patient characteristics w