Composition Parameters Research Articles

Integrating 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics and body composition for enhanced prognostic assessment in patients with esophageal cancer.

This study aimed to develop a predictive model utilizing radiomics and body composition features derived from 18F-FDG PET/CT scans to forecast progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We analyzed data from 91 patients who underwent baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. Radiomic features extracted from PET and CT images and subsequent radiomics scores (Rad-scores) were calculated. Body composition metrics were also quantified, including muscle and fat distribution at the L3 level from CT scans. Multiparametric survival models were constructed using Cox regression analysis, and their performance was assessed using the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and concordance index (C-index). Multivariate analysis identified Rad-scorePFS (P = 0.003), sarcopenia (P < 0.001), and visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) (P < 0.001) as independent predictors of PFS. For OS, Rad-scoreOS (P = 0.001), sarcopenia (P = 0.002), VATI (P = 0.037), stage (P = 0.042), and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.008) were confirmed as independent prognostic factors. Integration of the Rad-score with clinical variables and body composition parameters enhanced predictive accuracy, yielding C-indices of 0.810 (95% CI: 0.737-0.884) for PFS and 0.806 (95% CI: 0.720-0.891) for OS. This study underscored the potential of combining Rad-score with clinical and body composition data to refine prognostic assessment in ESCC patients.

Antihypertensive effects and changes in extracellular water content by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with primary aldosteronism.

In primary aldosteronism (PA), non-suppressible excessive aldosterone secretion due to dietary salt intake significantly contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular complications. Blocking the overactivation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) is a cornerstone for the medical treatment of PA. However, the role of MRAs in controlling hypertension remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between changes in body composition parameters (determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis), blood pressure (BP) levels, serum potassium (K+) levels and Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores after MRA treatment in 50 patients with PA. Treatment with MRAs significantly decreased the systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) levels and extracellular water (ECW) volume, while it increased the serum K+ levels, active renin concentrations (ARCs), and scores on several SF-36-based quality of life (QOL) subscales. ECW change (ΔECW) and serum K+ change were not significantly associated with changes in SBP and DBP levels. ΔECW showed a significant inverse correlation with ΔARC, suggesting that ARC increases with decreasing ECW volume due to renal MR activity blockade and that ARC is a highly sensitive indicator of ECW volume. In the stratified analysis of patients with PA, ECW volume was significantly decreased in those aged ≥60 years and those with a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2. In conclusion, MRA treatment showed antihypertensive, biochemical, and QOL improvement effects in patients with PA. The antihypertensive effect may not be related to the decrease in ECW volume due to renal MR activity blockade. Evaluation of ECW using BIA in patients with PA treated with MRAs. Abbreviations: ARC, active renin concentration; BIA, bioelectrical impedance analysis; BMI, body mass index; BP, blood pressure; ECW, extracellular water; K+, serum potassium; MRA, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist; PA, primary aldosteronism; QOL; quality of life; Δ, parameter changes after MRA treatment.

AHP SO10 - A review of preoperative dietetic outcomes in patients with oesophagogastric (OG) cancer undergoing surgery

Abstract Background In line with NICE guidance (2018), all patients undergoing OG surgery at GSTT are offered a dietetic assessment by a specialist dietitian before their surgery. There is emerging evidence and interest in prehabilitation programmes to improve clinical and patient-centred outcomes. Nutritional optimisation is a key component of such programmes, although the optimal nutrition interventions are not fully elucidated, particularly within the preoperative period (Casey et al., 23). There is large national variation in dietetic interventions and minimal guidance on best practice to support this patient group. Method A retrospective review was undertaken to assess whether preoperative dietetic goals for patients with OG cancer undergoing surgery between August 2022 to January 2023 were achieved. Outcomes based on weight were reviewed given its routine use and availability. Dietetic goals were categorised according to the following aims: weight gain, weight stability and weight loss. Data was collected on 44 patients and excluded from analysis were those who were not assessed by a dietitian preoperatively. The length of intervention was defined in days. Results Table 1.0 Goal Weight Gain (n=11) (all ONS) Intervention length Achieved (&amp;gt;1kg weight gain) 7 (64%) 19-46 Not achieved (&amp;lt;1kg weight gain/ weight loss) 4 (36%) 26-40 Conclusion Overall, 52% patients did not achieve their weight goal before surgery. At present in our centre, patients receive one appointment with the specialist dietitian before their surgery due to limited resource. There is a recognition that additional support is required for many patients to prepare for surgery. Prehabilitation would address this and have the potential to improve dietetic outcomes. Weight is a readily available outcome measure but does not reflect body composition or other parameters of nutritional status. More comprehensive assessment of nutritional status would support further evaluation of dietetic outcomes and their impact on clinical and patient centred outcomes.

Phase angle and body composition in long-term type 1 diabetes in adults: a comparative study in a Brazilian public reference outpatient clinic.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1) affects a small percentage of the population. Nevertheless, its prevalence is currently growing with alarming data on uncontrolled cases. The importance of body composition and Phase Angle (PA), assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA), in long- term DM1 patients lies in the fact that alterations in cellular integrity and body compartments may affect risk profiles and metabolic control. The objective of this study was to compare PA and body composition parameters between adults with DM1 and healthy controls. A comparative study was carried out in a public university outpatient clinic including a cohort of adult patients of both sexes diagnosed with DM1 and healthy controls matched by age and sex in a 2:1 ratio. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height and BMI. Using the raw BIA data of Resistance and Reactance, fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat mass index (FMI), PA and standardized PA (SPA) were calculated. Means or medians were compared between the groups. Regression models were used to identify distinguishing characteristics of the groups and associations within the DM1 group (i.e. glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), disease duration, presence of microvascular complications, capillary blood glucose, BMI and FMI). 88 patients with DM1and 46 healthy controls were evaluated. PA (6.05 vs. 6.85, p = 0.000) and SPA (-1.47 vs. -0,37, p = 0.000) were lower in patients with DM1 compared to healthy controls. People with DM1 displayed higher adiposity (%FM = 29.6 vs. 27.6, p = 0.016; FMI = 7.00 vs. 6.33, p = 0.016) and lower %FFM compared to healthy controls. Most of the differences were maintained after sex stratification; however, men with DM1 showed a lower FFMI than male controls (18.2 vs. 20.16, p = 0.029). Patients with DM1 present lower PA than healthy controls, which may be related to worse cell membrane integrity. Significant body composition differences between the groups and between sexes were identified, with data showing greater adiposity in women with DM1 and men displaying lower muscle mass. These findings suggest the importance of including PA and body composition evaluations in the follow-up of patients with DM1. The ultimate goal is to obtain a better metabolic control and, consequently, a better prognosis.

Inverse Identification of Constituent Elastic Parameters of Ceramic Matrix Composites Based on Macro–Micro Combined Finite Element Model

Accurate material performance parameters are the prerequisite for conducting composite material structural analysis and design. However, the complex multiscale structure of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) makes it extremely difficult to accurately obtain their mechanical performance parameters. To address this issue, a CMC micro-scale constituents (fiber bundles and matrix) elastic parameter inversion method was proposed based on the integration of macro–micro finite element models. This model was established based on the μCT scan data of a plain-woven CMC tensile specimen using the chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) process, which could reflect the real microstructure and surface morphology characteristics of the material. A BP neural network was used to predict the multiscale stiffness, considering the influence of the porous structure on the macroscopic stiffness of the material. The inversion process of the constituent elastic parameters was established using the trust-region algorithm combined with an improved error function. The inversion results showed that this method could accurately invert the CMC constituent elastic parameters with excellent robustness and anti-noise performance. Under four different degrees of deviation in the initial iteration conditions, the inversion error of all parameters was within 1%, and the maximum inversion error was only 2.16% under a 10% high noise level.

Tofogliflozin reduces sleep apnea severity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure: a prospective study.

Sleep apnea (SA) is prevalent among patients with heart failure (HF) and contributes to a poor prognosis. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the risk of serious clinical events in patients with HF. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce the risk of incident SA and mitigate its severity in patients with cardiovascular disease and T2DM. We aimed to investigate whether the SGLT2 inhibitor tofogliflozin reduced the severity of SA, as assessed using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), in patients with HF and T2DM and whether a decrease in AHI correlates with changes in body composition and cardiorenal function parameters. This is a single-arm, prospective pathophysiologic study involving patients with HF, T2DM, and SA, defined as having an AHI of 15 events/h and more. SA was assessed using polysomnography. Changes in AHI before and 6 months after starting oral administration of tofogliflozin (20 mg) were assessed. Additionally, body composition and cardiorenal functions were assessed before and 6 months after tofogliflozin administration. Ten patients with HF, T2DM, and SA were finally enrolled (60% men, 66.9 ± 13.4 years). Tofogliflozin reduced AHI from 43.2 [30.2] to 35.3 [13.1] events/h (p = 0.024) at 6 months. Hemoglobin A1c, body weight, and body water content decreased significantly. However, no significant changes were observed in the cardiorenal function parameters. A linear relationship was observed between the changes in body water content and AHI (r = 0.642, p = 0.045). Tofogliflozin reduced AHI, possibly associated with a reduction in body water content.

Effect of the Freeze‐Drying Preservation Process on Some Quality Attributes of Pork Meat (Longissimus thoracis)

ABSTRACTMeat preservation processes have been widely studied over time, especially those related to low temperatures (freezing and freeze‐drying); however, there is very little research that directly relates the effect of these processes on the structure of meat—and the main meat proteins—and how these changes affect some attributes of the final quality. Pork loin meat (Longissimus thoracis) was used, which was frozen–thawed and freeze‐dried‐rehydrated to subsequently evaluate changes in its chemical composition and physicochemical parameters such as water activity (aw), pH, and water‐holding capacity. Physical aspects such as color profile, surface myoglobin fraction, shear force, and histological sections were also evaluated, along with thermal analysis by modulated differential scanning calorimetry. The data obtained were analyzed through different statistical techniques. It was found that the freeze‐drying process significantly modifies the interactions of water with the rest of the meat components (p &lt; 0.05), promoting differences concerning samples that were only frozen, allowing us to establish the importance of water and its associations with each other and with proteins on their effect on meat preservation processes at low temperatures.

Feasibility of high intensity training protocol on body composition and bone mineral density in older individuals with central obesity – a preliminary study

Abstract Osteoporosis and body composition changes are prevalent musculoskeletal issues contributing to increased risk of frailty in older people. Weight bearing directly influences bone mineral density and body composition. Study aims to determine feasibility of high intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol on body composition parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) in older individuals. Twenty-four participants were randomly allocated to two study groups. The interventional group received supervised HIIT protocol while control group performed non-supervised brisk walking on alternate days over 3 months. Pre- and post-outcome measures were taken at baseline and 3 months which included, BMD using portable densitometer, body composition using a bioelectric impedance analyser, and basic anthropometry. Between group analysis demonstrated the interventional group to be significantly better than control group for all parameters (). In conclusion, HIIT protocol is feasible and effective method in improving body composition parameters and BMD in older individuals. Clinical Trials Registry-India with CTRI number CTRI/2022/01/039740.

The cellular-differential composition of the intestinal epithelium in various phases of inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND: The steady increase in the number of inflammatory bowel diseases and the absence of reliably significant diagnostic markers require the search for new morphological criteria for differential diagnosis. AIM: This study aimed to determine the cellular-differential composition of the intestinal epithelium in the phases of exacerbation and remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue samples of 60 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, n=30; ulcerative colitis, n=30) and with irritable bowel syndrome (control group, n=15) were studied using histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric and statistical methods. RESULTS: Distinct features of the cellular-differential composition of the epithelium in the mucous membrane of the ileum, ascending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum were identified across these conditions, with differences observed during exacerbation and remission in inflammatory bowel diseases. The proportion of goblet cells in the epithelial lining varied by intestinal region and disease type and phase. Goblet cell differentiation: 25.0% more goblet cells of the superficial epithelium between the crypts of the ileum in acute Crohn’s disease compared with remission (p=0.0002); 42.9% more goblet cells in the superficial epithelium of the ascending colon compared with irritable bowel syndrome (p=0.0001); 23.0% more goblet cells crypt in the sigmoid colon compared with ulcerative colitis in the acute stage (p=0.0024). There were no significant differences in the differentiation of Paneth cells. There was a threefold increase in endocrinocytes in the sigmoid colon in acute Crohn’s disease compared with irritable bowel syndrome (p=0.0238). Nonepithelial differon cells: fewer interepithelial lymphocytes in Crohn’s disease in remission compared with Crohn’s disease in the acute stage by 2.4 times in the sigmoid colon, 4.0 times in the rectum (p 0,0001); compared with irritable bowel syndrome by 4.8 times in the ileum, 2.7 times in the ascending intestine, 4.0 times in the sigmoid colon (p 0,05); 8.0 times in the rectum compared with ulcerative colitis in remission (p=0,0004). Additionally, the study found proliferative activity of crypt cells (mainly goblet-shaped) increased by 4.2 times in the sigmoid colon in acute Crohn’s disease compared with acute ulcerative colitis (p=0,0016). CONCLUSIONS: Morphometric parameters of the cellular-differential composition of the intestinal epithelium can serve as potential differential diagnostic criteria. Acute Crohn’s disease is characterized by a higher proliferation index in the sigmoid colon compared with acute ulcerative colitis, while Crohn’s disease in remission shows a lower number of interepithelial lymphocytes in the rectum compared with ulcerative colitis in remission.

Material removal and optimization of Si3N4 ceramic microgrooves with large-aspect ratio by WJALM

ABSTRACT Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic is a typically difficult-to-machine material and has been one preferred material for functional microstructures like heat dissipators, reactors, mixers and so on. However, the processing capabilities of conventional manufacturing techniques are inadequate in machined quality and efficient for Si3N4 microstructures with large-aspect ratio (LAR). Waterjet-assisted laser machining (WJALM) is a method that introduces the waterjet assistance into the laser-only machining (LOM) process, thus combining the advantages of LOM with the impact and cooling effects of the waterjet. This makes WJALM become an ideal approach for fabricating LAR microstructures on silicon nitride ceramic. This research concentrates on multi-objective optimization of aspect-ratio (AR) and ablation-area ratio (AAR) of LAR microgrooves by orthogonal experiments and Grey-relational analysis (GRA). Optimal waterjet-laser composite parameters are obtained, and the optimized AR and AAR is 3.324 and 80.1%, respectively.

Controlled Coffee Intake Enhances Erythrocyte Deformability, Na,K-ATPase Activity, and GSH/GSSG Ratio in Healthy Young Adults

Background: Published studies suggest that regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of various diseases. However, many of these studies relied on questionnaire-based data, limiting their ability to identify the specific biological mechanisms behind the observed effects. This study focuses on controlled coffee consumption among healthy young adults to clarify its effects on erythrocyte properties. The functional condition of erythrocytes is important as it affects both macro- and microcirculation. Additionally, since erythrocytes are not true cells, they are particularly sensitive to biochemical and biophysical changes when exposed to biologically active substances. Methods: After a washout period, 33 healthy young volunteers were asked to consume a standardized dose of a coffee beverage daily for 3 weeks. Basic hematological and body composition parameters were recorded before and after the intervention. Erythrocyte functional status was evaluated based on the following measurements: deformability, osmotic resistance, Na,K-ATPase activity, and nitric oxide production, along with monitoring oxidative stress markers. Results: After a coffee consumption period, both erythrocyte count and hematocrit value increased, while body composition remained unchanged. Erythrocyte deformability improved across a range of shear stress values typical of human circulation. This improvement was accompanied with enhanced Na,K-ATPase activity in erythrocyte membranes in the wide range of sodium ion concentrations, as well as increased nitric oxide production by erythrocytes. Additionally, a higher GSH/GSSG ratio, indicating a shift towards a more favorable antioxidant balance, was observed in erythrocytes following the coffee intake period. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that controlled coffee intake in healthy young adults can positively influence various indices of erythrocyte functional status. Although the observed statistically significant changes were modest, the findings consistently indicate a positive modulation of erythrocyte properties—cell deformability, oxidative resilience, and active membrane transport of cations—following coffee consumption.

Scott Blair Fractional-Type Viscoelastic Behavior of Clear Spruce Wood: Influence of Compression Wood on Power-Law Stiffness Parameters

In this paper, we investigate the influence of intrinsic compositional parameters on the viscoelastic compliance by employing three-point bending creep tests on clear, i.e., defect-free, spruce samples with a dimension of 15 × 15 × 280 mm3. In addition to the regular samples, a prominent wood variation was investigated: so-called compression wood, stemming from an adaptive response of the growing tree to maintain structural stability. Tests were conducted at constant ambient conditions: isothermal at 20 degrees Celsius and at a relative humidity of 65 percent. These conditions were also employed during sample conditioning, leading to an equilibrium moisture content of the specimens of approximately 12 percent. Hence, so-called basic creep properties were investigated. Furthermore, we show that the experimentally observed compliance can be exceptionally well-modeled by a Scott Blair fractional-type element, with the latter calibrated by a mere number of two independent material parameters. This allows to render rather explicit dependencies of these parameters with respect to the dry density and the volumetric content of the compression wood. There, the quasi-instantaneous stiffness of the employed Scott Blair element is an increasing function of the dry density. While this primary dependency is also observed for compression wood, the quasi-instantaneous stiffness is significantly smaller over the investigated density range.

Impact of exercise intervention with or without curcumin supplementation on body fat composition, glucose, and lipid metabolism in obese adults: A meta-analysis.

This study was carried out to systematically review and evaluate the influence of exercise with and without curcumin on body fat composition, glucose, and lipid metabolism in obese adults. Search for eligible studies through four databases, and then proceed with screening. The inclusion criteria are as follows: (1) obese adults; (2) randomized controlled trial (RCT); (3) classified the exercise intervention with curcumin supplementation as the exercise with curcumin (CU) group and without curcumin supplementation as the exercise without curcumin (EX) group; (4) Conducted pre- and post-training assessments, which include body fat composition, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters. Use the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool to evaluate the quality of the selected study. Select standardized mean difference (SMD) as the appropriate effect scale index, and use Revman 5.4 software to analyze the mean difference of the selected article data with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for the meta-analysis. The included studies involved 72 males and 111 females, where 94 belonged to the EX group and 89 from the CU group. The CU group benefited more from the reduced Fat% (SMD, 2.18 [0.12, 4.24], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%, p for heterogeneity = 0.98) than the EX group. The study demonstrated that the combined exercise intervention with curcumin supplementation significantly reduced Fat% in obese adults compared with exercise without supplementing curcumin.

Correlation Between Muscle Strength, Swing Speed, Batting Statistics, and Body Composition Parameters in High School Baseball Players: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Suzuki, K, Mizoguchi, Y, Kimura, F, Fujisaki, K, Yokoyama, D, Hall, T, and Akasaka, K. Correlation between muscle strength, swing speed, batting statistics, and body composition parameters in high school baseball players: a retrospective observational study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Body composition has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing baseball player performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between muscle strength, swing speed, batting statistics, and body composition in high school baseball players. This retrospective study evaluated 29 high school baseball players included critical parameters related to body composition (body fat percentage, lean body mass [LBM], fat mass index [FMI], and fat-free mass index [FFMI]), muscle strength (bench press, squat, deadlift), batting statistics (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging), and swing speed. These metrics were gathered using a body composition analyzer (Omron HBF-701; Omron Healthcare Co., Kyoto, Japan). After the correlation analysis with body composition, a subsequent multivariate analysis was conducted. Multivariate regression analysis identified LBM (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) as a significant predictor for bench press and swing speed, FFMI for squat (p < 0.01), and FMI for deadlift (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between body composition and batting statistics. Lean body mass has been identified as an important contributing factor to swing speed, suggesting the need for body composition management among high school baseball players and coaches to enhance performance and functionality. However, no association was found between batting statistics and body composition. Therefore, it is suggested that high school baseball players prioritize the development of technical skills over swing speed and muscle strength to improve batting statistics.

Predictability of Severe Convective Storm Environments in Global Ensemble Forecast System, Version 12, Reforecasts

Abstract Prediction of severe convective storms at time scales of 2–4 weeks is of interest to forecasters and stakeholders due to their impacts on life and property. Prediction of severe convective storms on this time scale is challenging, since the large-scale weather patterns that drive this activity begin to lose dynamic predictability beyond week 1. Previous work related to severe convective storms on the subseasonal time scale has mostly focused on observed relationships with teleconnections. The skill of numerical weather prediction forecasts of convective-related variables has been comparatively less explored. In this study over the United States, a forecast evaluation of variables relevant in the prediction of severe convective storms is conducted using Global Ensemble Forecast System, version 12, reforecasts at lead times of up to 4 weeks. We find that kinematic and thermodynamic fields are predicted with skill out to week 3 in some cases, while composite parameters struggle to achieve meaningful skill into week 2. Additionally, using a novel method of weekly summations of daily maximum composite parameters, we suggest that the aggregation of certain variables may assist in providing additional predictability beyond week 1. These results should serve as a reference for forecast skill for the relevant fields and help inform the development of convective forecasting tools at time scales beyond current operational products. Significance Statement Prediction of severe weather beyond 1 week in advance is of interest to stakeholders given their impacts on life and property. In this study, we evaluate 20 years of forecast data generated by a numerical model ensemble to determine whether variables relevant in severe weather forecasts can be predicted in weeks 2–4. The variables with the best skill measures generally represent large-scale weather patterns that are more predictable on longer time scales, although some manipulation of other severe weather parameters yielded additional results. We suggest that the results found in this study can inform future work that assesses the predictability of severe weather in weeks 2–4 using more complex methods such as machine learning.

Polysaccharide-induced colloidal stabilization of red wines: Impact on phenolic composition and color characteristic

Polysaccharides play a crucial role in wine quality and colloidal stability. Two types of polysaccharides were applied to three wines with diverse initial phenolic and polysaccharide profiles to evaluate their effects on the color characteristics of the wines. Changes in the colloidal properties, phenolic composition, and color parameters of the wines were analyzed over a one-year bottle aging. The results revealed that the addition of polysaccharides consisting mainly of arabinogalactans (AG) tended to have a higher absolute zeta (ζ) potential value (below -10 mV), indicative of enhanced colloidal stability, while mannoprotein (MP) had little effect. However, the addition of both polysaccharides can influence the colloidal particle size and turbidity of the wines, with distinct variations observed based on the initial matrix composition, especially the polysaccharide content. Furthermore, both polysaccharides promoted the formation and accumulation of anthocyanin derivatives, especially pyranoanthocyanin, while AG had a greater effect, with a maximum increase of nearly 14% compared with the control group at 12 M. The color characteristic of the wines changed accordingly, with a significant increase in the red hue (a* value), particularly in wines characterized by low polysaccharide content and high polyphenol level. Notably, the modifications in colloidal properties induced by polysaccharide displayed a significant correlation with polyphenols and color parameters, indicating that a stable colloidal system facilitates color stability. In practical winemaking applications, the addition of polysaccharides should consider factors such as their type, concentration, and the balance of the initial wine composition.

Gamma irradiation for Cultural Heritage conservation: Comparison of the side effects on new and old paper

Ionizing radiations, commonly applied as diagnostic tools in Cultural Heritage (CH) field, are also proving effective for eliminating biodeteriogens (insects, fungi, bacteria and molds) responsible for the degradation of CH artifacts and often harmful for restorers, archivists and librarians. The use of ionizing radiations, such as gamma rays, for CH treatments is spreading in many countries. However, some CH operators remain resistant due to insufficient knowledge about the potential physico-chemical modifications (secondary effects) induced by radiation. This work aims to investigate and compare the effects of irradiation parameters (such as absorbed dose and dose rate) on old paper samples and new pure-cellulose paper, chosen as a reference model material. Absorbed doses up to 8 kGy have been used, as these values are commonly agreed upon for the preservation treatment of CH artifacts and are generally effective for biodeteriogens removal. Optimizing irradiation conditions helps to minimize secondary effects (such as oxidation, depolymerization or color changes), thereby increasing the reliability of the process and boosting confidence among CH operators. The secondary effects were analyzed using various physico-chemical characterizations (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, viscosimetric and colorimetric analysis) on old and new paper samples. The results indicate varying behaviors, correlated with paper composition, sample age and irradiation parameters, towards gamma radiation. This groundbreaking study not only confirms the efficacy of gamma irradiation treatments but also provides essential data that will aid in the development of optimized best practice protocols and guidelines for non-destructive and minimally destructive methods applied to real case studies and treatments.

Machine learning in additive manufacturing——NiTi alloy’s transformation behavior

The laser powder bed fused NiTi alloys (LPBF-NiTi) demonstrate shape memory functionality and superelasticity as a result of their distinctive phase transition characteristics. Nevertheless, achieving precise control and regulation of the phase transition temperature poses a challenge, influenced by factors like powder composition and process parameter. In this study, a feature screening strategy and machine learning (ML) method were employed to predict and regulate the phase transition temperature of LPBF-NiTi alloy, offering a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional experimental methods of regulation and control. Specifically, accuracy analysis was performed on LPBF-NiTi phase transition datasets with varying compositions and process conditions utilizing generalized regression neural network (GRNN), and other methods. The findings indicate that the interpretable features extracted through the selection strategy outlined in this study when combined with the GRNN model, demonstrate a high level of prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.97). To investigate the accuracy of the model, this study utilized various process parameters to fabricate NiTi alloys with different compositions from Ni50.8Ti49.2 alloy powder. Using this model, the study identified a novel, larger window of optimal LPBF processing that allows for controllable complex phase transitions.

Increase in dairy production of goats with subclinical nematode infection using injectable eprinomectin.

The effect of the treatment with an injectable product containing eprinomectin on milk yield, milk composition, and somatic cell count (SCC) was investigated in naturally infected dairy goats with low gastrointestinal nematode faecal egg and pulmonary larval counts. The study involved 394 lactating goats and was conducted on a farm in southern Spain. Before treatment, faeces from all animals were analysed to establish two homogeneous groups according to the gastrointestinal nematode egg counts (185 treated and 209 untreated). On day 0, each goat in the treatment group received a single subcutaneous injection of 12 mg of eprinomectin (0.6 ml of Eprecis®, CEVA, Spain). The control goats were left untreated. Faecal egg counts and coprocultures were performed on days 0, 30, 60, and 90 post-treatment. Milk samples were taken on days 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 and analysed to determine individual production and milk composition parameters, including fat (F), protein (P), lactose (L), total dry extract (TDE), and SCC. Examination of faecal samples indicated that the goats were mainly infected with gastrointestinal strongylids of the genera Teladorsagia and Trichostrongylus and Muellerius lungworms. The percentage reduction of gastrointestinal nematode faecal egg counts on days 30, 60, and 90 was 97.55 % (90 % CI = 95.1 % - 99.9 %), 90.65 % (90 % CI = 83.7 % - 97.6 %) and 87.5 % (90 % CI = 79.5 % - 95.5 %), respectively, and that of lung larval counts in faeces was 98.48 % (90 % CI = 96.3 % - 100 %), 96.91 % (90 % CI = 84.2 % - 98.9 %), and 82.05 % (90 % CI = 66.9 % - 97.2 %), respectively. Milk yield was consistently and significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group (p = 0.004). The treated goats showed a 4 % increase in daily milk yield (60 ml/day) compared with the untreated goats. There was a significant decrease in F and TDE in the treated goats compared with the untreated goats, but eprinomectin did not affect P, L, and SCC. The estimated economic benefit of using injectable eprinomectin was around 6.46€ per goat over the 120-day period. In conclusion, treatment with injectable eprinomectin has an economical positive effect on milk yield in goats, even those infected with a low burden of gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes.

Enhancing Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Epoxy Composites with Ultrasonication Exfoliated MoS2: Impact of Low Filler Loading on Wear Performance and Tribofilm Formation.

This study highlights the impact of low amounts of MoS2 quantities on composite performance by examining the effects of ultrasonication exfoliated MoS2 at different loadings (0.1-0.5 wt%) on the mechanical and tribological parameters of epoxy composites. Even at low concentrations, the ultrasonication and exfoliation procedures greatly improve the dispersion of MoS2 in the epoxy matrix, enabling its efficient incorporation into the tribofilm during sliding. Optimum mechanical properties were demonstrated by the MoS2/epoxy composite at 0.3 wt%, including a modulus of elasticity of 0.86 GPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 61.88 MPa, and a hardness of 88.0 Shore D, representing improvements of 61.5%, 35.45%, and 16.21%, respectively. Corresponding tribological tests revealed that high sliding velocity (10 N load, 0.2 m/s) resulted in a 44.07% reduction in the coefficient of friction and an 86.29% reduction in wear rate compared to neat epoxy. The enhanced tribological performance is attributed to the efficient removal and incorporation of MoS2 into the tribofilm, where it acts as a solid lubricant that significantly reduces friction and wear. Even though an ultra-low amount of filler concentration was added to the composite, a unique finding was the high MoS2 content in the tribofilm at higher sliding speeds, enhancing lubrication and wear protection. This study establishes that even ultralow MoS2 content, when uniformly dispersed, can profoundly improve the mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy composites, offering a novel approach to enhancing wear resistance.