4-hour Period Research Articles

Biomechanical validation of the field-expedient pelvic splint

IntroductionMorbidity and mortality from pelvic ring injuries can be mitigated by early and effective external pelvic stabilisation. The field-expedient pelvic splint (FEPS) is a recently described technique to improvise an...

Removal of meropenem and piperacillin during experimental hemoadsorption with the HA380 cartridge.

Hemoadsorption can be used as adjunctive therapy for sepsis. However, there is limited evidence regarding its antibiotic removal. In this in vivo preclinical study, we aimed to evaluate the removal of meropenem and piperacillin with the HA380 hemoadsorption cartridge. Healthy adult sheep (n = 6) received 2 g of meropenem, and 4 g of piperacillin intravenously for 30 minutes followed by hemoadsorption with a HA380 cartridge at a blood flow rate of 120 mL/min for 4 hours. The sorbent-based removal ratio, clearance, and mass removal were calculated at multiple time points. The sorbent-based removal ratio of meropenem decreased from 95.4% (SD 1.8) at 10 minutes to less than 20% at 4-hours of hemoadsorption. Its cumulative sorbent-based mass removal was 386.6 mg (SD 78.8) over 4 hours with 65.6 % (SD 7.1) occurring in the first 60 minutes. In contrast, the sorbent-based removal ratio of piperacillin decreased more gradually from 98.4% (SD 0.6) at 10 minutes to 37.4% (SD 7.2) at 4 hours. Its cumulative sorbent-based mass removal was 647.4 mg (SD 191.3) over 4 hours with 63.4% (SD 4.2) occurring in the first 60 minutes. The overall sorbent-based clearance of piperacillin was significantly greater than meropenem (Pgroup < 0.0001). Hemoadsoprtion with the HA380 cartridge removed meropenem and piperacillin throughout a 4-hour period, with high clearances at the start. Our findings can be used to inform dosing decisions during hemoadsorption in septic patients, there may be the need to consider increasing the doses of these antibiotics by 15-25 % to prevent underdosing.

Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block with 0.5 mL of 0.2% bupivacaine/kg is a valuable perioperative analgesic adjunct for cats undergoing ovariectomy.

To assess the perioperative analgesic effects of bilateral ultrasound (US)-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) using low-volume (LV) or high-volume (HV) bupivacaine, compared to a control group, in cats undergoing ovariectomy. 48 healthy female cats. Cats were sedated with IM dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg), ketamine (1 mg/kg), and methadone (0.2 mg/kg) followed by IV propofol induction and isoflurane maintenance. Cats were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 16 patients each: QLB-LV group (0.3 mL/kg/side), QLB-HV group (0.5 mL/kg/side), and control group (no QLB). Bilateral, in-plane, US-guided QLB was performed with lateral approach at the L2 transverse process with bupivacaine 0.2%. Physiological variables were recorded intraoperatively by a masked investigator. If intraoperative nociception occurred, fentanyl (1 µg/kg) was administered IV. Rescue postoperative analgesia (buprenorphine, 0.2 mg/kg) was administered in case of a Feline Grimace Scale score ≥ 4 after a 4-hour evaluation period. In the control group, heart rate (HR) was higher than the QLB-LV group during the first ovarian manipulation (P < .001) and higher than the QLB-HV group during both ovarian manipulations (P < .001 and P = .006). The need for intraoperative rescue analgesia and postoperative pain scores were significantly higher in the QLB-LV (P = .005 and P = .047) and control (P < .001 and P < .001) groups compared to the QLB-HV group. Buprenorphine was administered once in the control group. No clinical signs of bupivacaine toxicity or QLB complications were observed. Bilateral US-guided QLB-HV may effectively provide perioperative analgesia in feline patients undergoing ovariectomy.

Convolutional neural network augmented soft-sensor for autonomous microfluidic production of uniform bubbles

Microfluidics has emerged as a foundational process for creating highly uniform emulsions and bubbles. To enable integration of microfluidic platforms into industrial processes, achieving precise control over the size uniformity of microfluidic-generated bubbles and emulsions is crucial. Even if the external variables such as flow rates or pressures are kept constant, microfluidic processes can be easily disturbed by unknown factors that would substantially compromise the uniformity of resulting emulsions and bubbles. In this study, we introduce a two-step soft-sensor approach that combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) and an image recognition algorithm for feature extraction to detect both the flow regime and the size and uniformity of resulting bubbles. By using a CNN to detect flow regimes, our controller is able to restore the bubble-producing flow regime in response to disturbances. Beyond self-recovery, our controller actively adjusts to minimize errors, maintain setpoints, mitigate disturbances, and ensure system stability over extended periods. 99.2% of bubbles produced during an 8-hour period remain within 5% of the setpoint with our controller acting. By leveraging the soft sensor and artificial intelligence-assisted feedback control, our work presents a widely applicable approach for precise and automated control of microfluidics in diverse applications.

Artificial intelligence-assisted focused cardiac ultrasound training: A survey among undergraduate medical students

Objectives: Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) is increasingly applied in many specialities, and adequate education and training of physicians is therefore mandatory. This study aimed to assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted interactive focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) teaching session on undergraduate medical students’ confidence level and knowledge in cardiac ultrasound. Methods: The AI-assisted interactive FoCUS teaching session was held during the 9th National Undergraduate Cardiovascular Conference in London in March 2023 and all undergraduate medical students were invited to attend, and 79 students enrolled and attended the training. Two workshops were conducted each over 3-hour period. Each workshop consisted of a theoretical lecture followed by a supervised hands-on session by experts, first workshop trained 39 students and the second workshop trained 40 students. The students’ pre- and post-session knowledge and confidence levels were assessed by Likert-type-scale questionnaires filled in by the students before and immediately after the workshop. Results: A total of 61 pre-session and 52 post-session questionnaires were completed. Confidence level in ultrasound skills increased significantly for all six domains after the workshop, with the greatest improvement seen in obtaining basic cardiac views (p &lt; 0.001 for all six domains). Students strongly agreed about the effectiveness of the teaching session and supported the integration of ultrasound training into their medical curriculum. Conclusions: AI-assisted interactive FoCUS training can be an effective and powerful tool to increase ultrasound skills and confidence levels of undergraduate medical students. Integration of such ultrasound courses into the medical curriculum should therefore be considered.

Construction and evaluation of electrophotocataltic tubular reactor in phenol degradation

Contamination of the environment is one of the main threats to achieving sustainability. Even though there have been significant legal efforts to regulate parameters for effluent disposal, conventional treatment methods often prove to be ineffective, resulting in the incomplete removal of pollutants. This inefficiency leads to serious environmental issues, such as the toxicity of biomes, which is closely related to the bioaccumulation of harmful substances. In response to this challenge, this study aimed to develop and optimize an electrophotocatalytic reactor for the remediation of a synthetic phenol solution using advanced oxidative processes (AOPs). By applying these processes, we observed that the characteristics of the reaction medium allowed for a maximum pollutant removal yield of 54.73% over a 3-hour operation period in a continuous recirculation regime. Despite the promising results, the study revealed the influence of additional factors that were not considered, which are likely important in further optimizing the reactor's efficiency for real-world applications.

Fire performance of CFRP-strengthened piloti-type columns with fire-resistant materials during standard fire exposure

This paper presents a numerical investigation into the fire endurance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)-strengthened columns, shielded with fire-resistant materials, in piloti-type reinforced concrete buildings. The strengthened column, equipped with a fire protection system, underwent exposure to the ASTM E119 standard time-temperature curve for a duration of 4 h. To comprehensively evaluate the thermal and structural performance of the strengthened column at elevated temperatures and substantiate the effectiveness of the fire protection system, a fully coupled thermal-stress analysis was conducted. The numerical modeling approach employed in this study was rigorously validated through previous experimental studies in conjunction with adherence to the ACI design guideline, specifically ACI 440.2R-17. Using the validated structural fire model, the thermal and structural behaviors of the RC column with an insulated CFRP strengthening system were investigated based on four key performance criteria: glass transition temperature, ignition temperature of polymer matrix, critical temperature of reinforcing bars, and the design axial load capacity at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, a comparative assessment of fire endurance was performed using diverse fire-resistant materials, including Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) and Sikacrete®-213 F, with insulation thicknesses ranging from 10 to 30 mm, during the 4-hour fire exposure period.

Study on the adsorption mechanism of ciprofloxacin in wastewater by modified fly ash under the coexistence of copper

The recontamination of farming wastewater with antibiotics and metal ions has emerged as a considerable concern in recent years. In this study, fly ash (FA) served as the adsorbent material, and its modified form (AFA) was developed via response surface optimization. The study involved an analysis of the structure and chemical composition of the fly ash before and after modification, both pre- and post-modification, through the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. These analyses were aimed at exploring the adsorption mechanism of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in the presence of copper ion (Cu2+) in livestock and poultry wastewater. The study indicates that the optimal modification parameters for AFA include an alkali-to-ash ratio of 1.5, a calcination temperature of 400 °C, and a 3-hour calcination period. At pH 6, AFA exhibited a markedly superior adsorption capacity for CIP in comparison to FA, with AFA achieving 19.32 mg/g and FA only 9.61 mg/g. The adsorption process conforms to the quasi-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isothermal model.The adsorption capacity for CIP increases at low concentrations, specifically when Cu2+ levels are below 100 mg/L. Nevertheless, elevated CIP concentrations impede the adsorption process. The adsorption of AFA for CIP is observed to decrease with rising temperature, in contrast to the adsorption of Cu2+, which increases as the temperature rises. The adsorption mechanism of AFA is primarily comprised of pore filling, ion exchange, electrostatic interaction, π bond coordination, complexation, and other similar processes.

Change in Tear Layer Thickness under Scleral Contact Lenses in Keratoconus Patients and Normal Cornea Volunteers

Objective: To quantify rate of post-lens tear thickness change under scleral contact lenses in keratoconus patients and normal cornea volunteers. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study where semi-scleral lenses were fitted to 20 eyes (5 subjects, 10 eyes in each group). After insertion, post-lens tear thickness was measured at 0, 30 minutes and every hour up to 6 hours using Anterior Segment OCT. To analyze post-lens tear thickness and its rate of change at each time point, both within and between groups, a linear mixed model was used. Results: The initial mean post-lens tear thickness (µm) was 742 ± 50 and 440 ± 50 in keratoconus and normal cornea group, respectively. The mean rate of change (µm/hr) was highest in the first 30 minutes in both groups (80.8 ± 8.7, 132.2 ± 8.8 in keratoconus and normal cornea group). Following the first four hours in keratoconus and the first hour in normal cornea group, the reduction rate in post-lens tear thickness exhibited no statistically significant difference from the rate of change observed during the 5-6 hour period. The mean percentage of total change over 6 hours after lens insertion was higher in normal cornea compared to keratoconus group (36.6% vs 22.5%). Conclusion: The reduction in post-lens tear thickness follows a nonlinear pattern. The mean rate of change was highest after insertion and remained stable after four hours in keratoconus and one hour in normal cornea group. The percent change over the 6-hour period was greater in normal cornea group.

Dynamics of nitrergic system activation in the rat brain provoked by experimentally induced seizures

Epilepsy is a pathophysiological condition displaying a highly diverse phenotype. Consequently, comprehending the mechanisms underlying seizures necessitates moving beyond a simplistic model focused on the imbalance between the classical excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems. Nitric oxide (NO), a nonclassical and multifunctional gaseous neurotransmitter, has the potential to exert a profound influence on epileptic reactivity. Unfortunately, numerous studies have not provided clear answers about its involvement in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The objective of our study was to delineate the temporal dynamics of alterations in nitrergic system activation after experimentally induced seizures. Seizures were induced in 2-month-old male Wistar rats by an administration of pilocarpine. Over a 6-hour observation period, seizure behaviour intensity was continuously evaluated using a modified Racine scale. At intervals of 6, 12, 24, 48, or 96 h post-chemoconvulsant administration, NO spin trapping was conducted with ferrous-diethyldithiocarbamate complexes (Fe(DETC)2). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was employed to quantify mononitrosyl iron complexes (NO-Fe(DETC)2) in the brain. The temporal kinetic of NO release after seizures revealed a rise in NO synthesis during the initial 12 h. Subsequently, a sharp decline occurred, returning to baseline 96 h after pilocarpine injection. Notably, our research suggests that the level of NO synthesis does not interfere with the severity of the epileptic seizures that occur. In light of this, we propose that the nitrergic system is quickly activated in the epileptic brain as a compensatory mechanism of the central nervous system. However, under usual conditions, this activation is insufficient to effectively attenuate seizures.

Reliability and Validity of Hindi Version of the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) for Diagnosis of Delirium: A Cohort Study.

The confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) is a bedside tool to diagnose delirium in critically ill patients. This study aims to determine the reliability and validity of the Hindi version of CAM-ICU against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), fourth edition text revision (DSM-IV-TR), and DSM, fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria for diagnosis of delirium. Seventy-five Hindi-speaking consenting patients ≥18-year-old with Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale ≥-3 and an anticipated ICU stay > 48 hours were included. Patients with known severe mental illnesses, visual/hearing loss, neurological injury, burns, drug overdose, and Glasgow Coma Scale <9 at the time of screening were excluded. After 48 hours of ICU stay and ensuring at least 2 hours of sedative interruption, within a 4-hour period, two examiners independently assessed delirium using the Hindi version of the scale and an experienced psychiatrist assessed the patients independently and applied the DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing delirium. Time taken for CAM-ICU assessment, inter-observer reliability, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. The Cohen's κ value was 0.944 (p < 0.001). The Cronbach's α for observer 1 and observer 2 was 0.961 and 0.968, respectively. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of the tool was 100% with both DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5. The specificity was 90.2% and 92% and the positive predictive value was 82.8 and 86.2% with DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5, respectively. The Hindi version of CAM-ICU is a reliable and valid tool for the diagnosis of delirium in an ICU setting. The study was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI) as per the research guidelines laid down by the Indian Council of Medical Research before enrolling the participants. (CTRI number- CTRI/2021/01/030471). The registration date was 14th January 2021. URL of registry is http://ctri.nic.in. Delirium in the ICU is often undiagnosed due to unfamiliarity, lack of understanding of symptoms, non-availability of psychiatric consultation, and validated diagnostic tools in the native language of the patient. This study aims to find the reliability and validity of the Hindi version of CAM-ICU. Salhotra R, Bose A, Srivastava S, Mohta M, Pandarinathan K, Rautela RS. Reliability and Validity of Hindi Version of the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) for Diagnosis of Delirium: A Cohort Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):958-962.

Monosodium glutamate disrupts zebrafish sleep-like state likely through activation of peripheral nervous system glutamate receptors

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used flavor enhancer, has raised concerns about its effects on behavior and sleep. This study investigates how MSG influences zebrafish sleep-like state (SLS) and interacts with other substances affecting neurobehavioral responses. Adult zebrafish were exposed to MSG at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg/L, and their swimming speeds and SLS durations were recorded over a 14-hour night period. The results indicated that higher MSG concentrations increased swimming speeds and decreased SLS duration, suggesting heightened excitability and reduced sleep recovery. The study further evaluated how MSG impacts anesthesia sensitivity induced by 2-phenoxyethanol (POE) compared to alcohol and nicotine. Zebrafish were pre-treated with 50 mg/L MSG, 0.5% alcohol, or 0.5 mg/L nicotine before being anesthetized with POE. Nicotine decreased anesthesia sensitivity in a concentration-dependent manner by enhancing neurotransmitter release. In contrast, MSG and alcohol had minimal effects on anesthesia. The limited impact of MSG on anesthesia sensitivity suggests that MSG primarily affects peripheral nervous system functions rather than central nervous system functions, likely due to its poor ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Overall, the findings demonstrate that MSG disrupts zebrafish behavior through peripheral mechanisms, affecting both swimming activity and sleep patterns. Nicotine, on the other hand, influences behavior through central nervous system interactions. These results highlight the need for further research to better understand how dietary additives like MSG impact neurobehavioral functions in aquatic models, offering insights into their broader implications for sleep and behavior.

A Multi-disciplinary Journey to Developing a Delirium Friendly Emergency Department

Abstract Background Delirium is a syndrome characterized by an acute change in attention, awareness and cognition. It has an organic cause and is likely to be reversible or preventable. It is a medical emergency that can often go undetected in an acute hospital setting. Currently the best management strategies for a delirium are multi-domain interventions that focus on treating precipitating conditions, medication review, managing distress and mitigating complications. An audit in 2022 identified that 40% of patients in the Emergency Department (ED) had an undetected delirium. A quality improvement initiative using Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) methodology was undertaken to address this. A multi-disciplinary local working group was developed. The overall aim was to improve the patient's journey through early identification and management of delirium. This involved environmental changes such as high support chairs, signage and a delirium trolley. All staff received training on the identification and management of a delirium. In December 2023 delirium screening on all patients &amp;gt; 65 years was introduced in the ED as part of a delirium pathway. In April 2024 the pathway was re-audited. Methods Retrospective audit of the delirium pathway. Medical and nursing notes on all patients &amp;gt;65 years presenting to the ED over a 30-hour period were reviewed. Results (n=40) patients &amp;gt; 65 years presented to the ED over the 30-hour period. 6 medical notes could not be retrieved. (n=34) medical records were reviewed. The audit showed 14.7% of patients had a delirium screen recorded in their medical notes. One patient had an acute delirium on the ward that was not identified in the ED. There was no positive delirium score. Conclusion Delirium screening in the ED is sub-optimal. It is unclear from the audit why delirium screening compliance is so low. Conclusions can be drawn that processes around the identification of delirium need to be reviewed.

Two-Phase Individual Assessments: A Second-Chance Assessment Strategy With Individualized Feedback to Promote Assessment for Learning.

High-stakes multiple-choice question (MCQ) exams in medical education typically focus on assessment of learning at a single point without providing feedback for improvement. Educators can achieve a more balanced approach to MCQ exams by combining efficient assessment of learning with the feedback and improvement opportunities of assessment for learning. As part of a curriculum renewal at Baylor College of Medicine's MD program, the Two-Phase Individual Assessment (TPIA) model was launched within a 4-week preclinical Foundations of Medicine course in August 2023. The TPIA model featured weekly assessments, each consisting of 2 MCQ exams given on the same day with a 4-hour study period in between. Exams were paired, consisting of an equal number of items that addressed the same learning objectives. After the initial exam, students received an individualized feedback report indicating correctly and incorrectly answered objectives. Students applied individualized feedback reports to self-identify and remediate deficiencies in preparation for the second-chance exam. Only the highest score counted toward the final grade. Among 230 medical student participants, significant performance improvements between morning and afternoon exams were observed across the first 3 weekly TPIAs, with mean score increases of 4.93, 5.06, and 10.86. Mean change in performance in week 4 was not significant. Student end-of-course survey responses indicated a strong preference for the TPIA format. Responses highlighted the value of offering individualized feedback, providing unstructured time to address knowledge gaps, and ensuring a corresponding opportunity for improvement. Future research will extend TPIA's implementation in more clinical-oriented courses to validate TPIA's effectiveness and explore its effect on long-term knowledge retention through more cumulative examinations. Integrating TPIA-based approaches may advance educational systems toward developing a culture of feedback and embracing second chances to support learning and professional growth, thereby preparing medical professionals for the demands of 21st-century medicine.

Generation of noise-like pulses in a linear-cavity Tm fiber mode-locked laser based on FMF saturable absorber

As a real saturable absorber (SA) based on the nonlinear multimode interference (NL-MMI) effect, the devices based on the few-mode fiber possess numerous exciting characteristics due to their all-fiber structure, straightforward manufacturing process. In this paper, by employing a SA with the SMF-FMF-SMF structure in a linear cavity, we demonstrate a stable mode-locked Tm-doped fiber laser. At the pump power of 1 W, a single noise-like pulse (NLP) with a pedestal pulse duration of 28 ps and coherent peak width of 0.77 ps is generated at a central wavelength of 1940 nm with a 3 dB bandwidth of 10.51 nm. The stable noise-like pulse can be sustained from the lasing pump threshold up to the maximum pump power of 2.2 W without experiencing pulse splitting. The experiment results in a peak average output power of 116 mW, along with a corresponding maximum pulse energy of 24.73 nJ at a repetition frequency of 4.69 MHz. The high stability of our fiber laser is confirmed by the signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 63 dB, and its enduring stability is additionally validated over an 8-hour period. The experimental findings suggest that the SMF-FMF-SMF structure has significant potential in the simple and robust all-fiber mode-locked lasers operating in the noise-like pulse regime.

Design and performance assessment of a solar photovoltaic panel integrated with heat pipes and bio-based phase change material: A hybrid passive cooling strategy

This study investigates the effectiveness of an indirect passive cooling solution for photovoltaic (PV) panels using flattened heat pipes (FHPs) and phase change material (PCM). An innovative passive cooling design is proposed to cool a PV panel using multiple FHPs with a thin graphite sheet between the PV panel and the FHPs. Five experimental cases are examined under varying heat flux loads. Case O serves as the baseline with no cooling system, while Cases 1 to 4 feature different configurations of FHPs and aluminum sheets, with PCM heat sinks added in Cases 2 and 4. The investigation focuses on temperature profiles, temperature reductions, and final temperatures of the PV panel, especially at the end of a 4-hour experimental period when the PCM is fully melted. The results show significant temperature reductions in Case 1 compared to the baseline, with further improvement in Case 2 due to the PCM heat sink. Temperature reductions in Cases 2 and 4 are consistently higher than in Cases 1 and 3, demonstrating the enhanced cooling potential of PCM. Case 4 achieves the highest temperature reduction of 37.0 °C, followed by Case 2 with 34.9 °C under a radiative heat flux of 1000 W/m2. Using 4 FHPs (Cases 1 and 2) is economically justified, offering comparable cooling performance to 8 FHPs (Cases 3 and 4), thus ensuring cost-effectiveness and reducing material usage by over 50 %. A maximum enhancement in PV electrical efficiency of 17.3 % is achieved in Case 2 during PCM phase change with a radiative heat flux of 1000 W/m2.

The effectiveness of hyperoxygenation in preventing oxygen desaturation in intubated infants treated with endotracheal suctioning

Endotracheal suctioning is an effective nursing intervention for intubated infants undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. However, this intervention has the potential to cause side effects, such as hypoxemia, which typically requires hyperoxygenation. Despite the widespread use of hyperoxygenation in clinical practice, there are limited reports on its effectiveness in infants. This study aims to determine the effect of hyperoxygenation on oxygen saturation of intubated infants.The study procedures were carried out using a quasi-experimental method with a cross-over approach. In addition, the sample population comprised 22 intubated infants who were treated at the perinatology unit of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta from March to April 2018. The participants were then divided into 2 groups based on their condition, and oxygen saturation level was assessed. The intervention comprised endotracheal suctioning with and without hyperoxygenation, with a 3-hour washing period. Data collection was performed at different measurement intervals, namely before, during, and after suctioning, followed by statistical analysis.The paired-sample t-tests and Wilcoxon test showed that there was a significant difference in oxygen saturation at certain measurement intervals (p=0.006; p=0.010; p=0.001; p=0.001; p=0.001). In addition, Friedman test also showed the presence of a significant difference in the reduction of oxygen saturation between the control and intervention groups (p=0.001).In conclusion, hyperoxygenation had the potential to prevent the reduction of oxygen saturation during endotracheal suctioning in intubated infants. However, individual assessment of the need for suctioning and hyperoxygenation was necessary for a safe and effective procedure.

Evaluation of Tidal Energy Potential Using a Two-Way Tidal Energy Model

Tidal energy is a renewable energy source that provides sustainable energy through the utilization of tidal differences, making it a very promising option. This study examines a more effective tidal energy reservoir model by building a 1:100 scale prototype in the laboratory with several predetermined variations, namely an earthen pond (100, 80, and 60 cm), and flow holes (1.5, 1, and 0.5 cm) with initial tidal height differences of 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm. The model uses a 6-hour time period, which corresponds to a semidiurnal tidal model. The results showed that the highest energy output was 281.84 kWh, achieved with a 1.5 cm flow hole, 20 cm tidal height difference for the initial condition, and 80 cm pond width. For a 1 cm flow hole, the outputs were 1774.8 kWh and 1803.78 kWh for 15 cm and 20 cm tidal height difference for the initial condition with a pond width of 100 cm. Meanwhile, the 0.5 cm flow hole produces potential energy outputs of 2623.8 kWh and 2611.4 kWh for different tidal heights of 15 cm and 20 cm for the initial condition with a pond width of 100 cm. Better model performance can be connected to a mini generator to validate the energy generated from the designed prototype model. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-09-016 Full Text: PDF

Morphologic Response in Femoral Cartilage During and After 40-Minute Treadmill Running.

It is unclear whether the response in femoral cartilage to running at different intensities is different. To examine the acute patterns of deformation and recovery in femoral cartilage thickness during and after running at different speeds. Crossover study. Laboratory. A total of 17 healthy men (age = 23.9 ± 2.3 years, height = 173.1 ± 5.5 cm, mass = 73.9 ± 8.0 kg). Participants performed a 40-minute treadmill run at speeds of 7.5 and 8.5 km/h. Ultrasonographic images of femoral cartilage thickness (intercondylar, lateral condyle, and medial condyle) were obtained every 5 minutes during the experiment (40 minutes of running followed by a 60-minute recovery period) at each session. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Bonferroni- and Dunnett-adjusted post hoc t tests. To identify patterns of cartilage response, we extracted principal components (PCs) from the cartilage-thickness data using PC analysis, and PC scores were analyzed using t tests. Regardless of time, femoral cartilage thicknesses were greater for the 8.5-km/h run than the 7.5-km/h run (intercondylar: F1,656 = 24.73, P < .001, effect size, 0.15; lateral condyle: F1,649 = 16.60, P < .001, effect size, 0.16; medial condyle: F1,649 = 16.55, P < .001, effect size, 0.12). We observed a time effect in intercondylar thickness (F20,656 = 2.15, P = .003), but the Dunnett-adjusted post hoc t test revealed that none of the time point values differed from the baseline value (P > .38 for all comparisons). Although the PC1 and PC2 captured the magnitudes of cartilage thickness and time shift (eg, earlier versus later response), respectively, t tests showed that the PC scores were not different between 7.5 and 8.5 km/h (intercondylar: P ≥ .32; lateral condyle: P ≥ .78; medial condyle: P ≥ .16). Although the 40-minute treadmill run with different speeds produced different levels of fatigue, morphologic differences (<3%) in the femoral cartilage at both speeds seemed to be negligible.

Postprandial glycemic response to isocaloric protein load in men with different types of fat distribution

Aim of the study was to quantify postprandial glucose levels in response to isocaloric protein load at main meals in men with different types of fat distribution. Material and methods. The study enrolled men aged 25 to 65 years. Group 1 (n = 17) consisted of obese men with subcutaneous fat distribution (SFD) type while group 2 (n = 16) was represented by obese men with abdominal type of fat distribution (AFD). Group 3 (comparators) consisted of 10 men with normal body weight (NBW). Glycemic response to standard isocaloric protein load was assessed by the results of glucose levels within 3 hours starting 5 minutes after end of food consumption on different days and mealtime. Standard protein lunch was introduced during the second day while standard protein dinner and breakfast were performed at the third and fourth days respectively. Results. It was found that protein intake leads to neither pronounced postprandial glycemic fluctuations nor decrease in glucose levels by the end of the 3rd hour of the test. Accordingly, it also doesn’t provoke hunger, unlike carbohydrate intake does. In men with NBW a more pronounced increase in glucose level after protein meal was found, both relative to the baseline levels and comparing with men from SFD and AFD groups. In NBW group at lunchtime and especially in the evening a double-humped glycemic curve was noted. Glycemic variability in men with different types of fat distribution was characterized by the fact that glycemic increment was more pronounced in men with AFD than in men with SFD whose glycemic curve was almost flat after all meals. Conclusions. Protein intake in men with NBW and different types of fat distribution does not lead to significant changes in postprandial glucose levels. Glycemic fluctuations don’t exceed 1 mmol/L within a 3-hour period after consuming of isocaloric breakfast, lunch or dinner. Protein intake results in greater postprandial glucose levels in men with AFD than in SFD men.