Conventional Injection Research Articles

Advancements in Insulin Pumps: A Comprehensive Exploration of Insulin Pump Systems, Technologies, and Future Directions.

Insulin pumps have transformed the way diabetes is managed by providing a more accurate and individualized method of delivering insulin, in contrast to conventional injection routines. This research explores the progression of insulin pumps, following their advancement from initial ideas to advanced contemporary systems. The report proceeds to categorize insulin pumps according to their delivery systems, specifically differentiating between conventional, patch, and implantable pumps. Every category is thoroughly examined, emphasizing its unique characteristics and capabilities. A comparative examination of commercially available pumps is provided to enhance informed decision making. This section provides a thorough analysis of important specifications among various brands and models. Considered factors include basal rate and bolus dosage capabilities, reservoir size, user interface, and compatibility with other diabetes care tools, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and so on. This review seeks to empower healthcare professionals and patients with the essential information to improve diabetes treatment via individualized pump therapy options. It provides a complete assessment of the development, categorization, and full specification comparisons of insulin pumps.

Evaluation of low-temperature oxidation analysis and the development effect of high-pressure air injection in low-permeability reservoirs

In order to solve the problems of conventional water injection development difficulties and low recovery factor in low-permeability reservoirs, the method of high-pressure air drive is adopted to achieve the purpose of reservoir energy enhancement and efficiency improvement. This paper conducted an experimental study on the mechanism of low-temperature oxidation (LTO) for crude oil in the process of high-pressure air flooding, elaborated the relationship between the LTO properties of crude oil and the temperature, pressure, and water saturation of the reservoir, and analyzed the differences in LTO oxygen consumption and oil components under different reaction conditions. In addition, combined with the air flooding physical simulation experiment, the dynamic evolution law of recovery rate in the air flooding process was revealed. Findings from this inquiry indicate that an escalation in the oxidation temperature significantly amplifies the oxygen incorporation reaction within the crude oil matrix. This augmentation in oxidative conditions leads to an uptick in oxygen consumption, which subsequently precipitates a reduction in the lighter fractions of the oxidized oil while enriching its heavier components. Elevated pressures were found to enhance the propensity for the amalgamation of unstable hydrocarbons with oxygen, fostering comprehensive and heterogeneous oxidation reactions. Notably, an excessive presence of water was observed to detrimentally affect the thermal efficacy of crude oil oxidation processes. In the context of low-permeability reservoirs, air injection techniques have emerged as superior in effectuating oil displacement, although an increase in injection pressures has been associated with the phenomenon of gas channeling. Interestingly, adopting a sequential strategy of initiating water flooding before air flooding facilitated the conveyance of high-pressure air via established flushing channels, although it appeared to attenuate the intensity of crude oil oxidation, culminating in an oil recovery efficiency peaking at 51%.

Mixed transportation optimization model for oilfield water injection synergizing pipeline network and trucks

The water injection network is a common method in oil extraction processes, generally characterized by high energy consumption. Therefore, the adoption of scientifically sound and rational optimization schemes is crucial. However, due to the limited injection capacity of water injection station (WIS), when their supply is less than the demand of the injection wells, trucks are used for supplementary water injection. This paper introduces an oilfield water injection method under water injection pipeline and trucks coordination transport. An optimization model for oilfield water injection in this mixed transportation mode is established to address the supply-demand imbalance in the water injection network. The study uses a specific oilfield water injection system as a case study to validate the applicability of the mixed transportation water injection model (MTWI-Model) compared to the conventional water injection model (CWI-Model). The findings indicate that when only CWI-Model is used, the water volume from the injection station cannot meet the demands of the injection wells, leading to the cessation of some wells and potential overload of pumps in the station, thus affecting the normal operation of the water injection station and ultimately the oil recovery rate. Furthermore, the paper compares the optimization results of the mixed transportation model under two scenarios: fixed and non-fixed water intake points (namely MTWI-FP-Model and MTWI-NFP-Model). The results show that the mixed transportation mode with non-fixed water intake points is more economical, saving a daily cost of 632.28 Yuan/d compared to the fixed point scenario.

Hydraulic Expansion Techniques for Fracture-Cavity Carbonate Rock with Field Applications

Fracture-cavity carbonate reservoirs provide a large area, fracture development, high productivity, long stable production time, and other characteristics. However, after long-term exploitation, the lack of energy in the formation leads to a rapid decrease in production, and the water content in crude oil steadily increases, thereby disrupting normal production. To recover normal production, it is necessary to connect the cracks and pores that have not been affected during the original production, so as to allow the crude oil inside to enter the production cracks and replenish energy through methods such as hydraulic expansion of fracture-cavity carbonate rock. Accordingly, we propose hydraulic expansion techniques based on the following four processes for implementation: (1) applying high pressure to prevent a nearby fracture network from opening the seam, (2) connecting a distant fracture-cavity body, (3) breaking through the clay filling section of a natural fracture network, and (4) constructing an injection production well pattern for accelerating injection and producing diversion. Hydraulic fracturing involves closing or partially closing the original high-permeability channels, which usually produce a large amount of water, while opening previously unaffected areas through high pressure to increase crude oil production. We also introduce two composite techniques: (1) temporary plugging of the main deep fractures, followed by hydraulic expansion; and (2) capacity expansion and acidification/pressure processes. Hydraulic expansion allowed us to recover and supplement the formation energy and efficiently increase production. We tested various wells, achieving an effective hydraulic expansion rate of up to 85%. In addition, the productivity of conventional water injection and hydraulic expansion after on-site construction was compared for one well, clearly indicating the effectiveness of water injection and the remarkable crude oil increase after hydraulic expansion.

Evaluation of EMLA cream with microneedle patches in palatal anesthesia in children: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Palatal injections are considered to be one of the most painful dental procedures. As a result, it was important to find alternatives to this painful injection to improve children's cooperation. The dental literature mentioned using EMLA cream as a possible alternative to conventional injections, but its anesthetic effect was debated. Therefore, it was valuable to research the impact of microneedle patches to enhance the effectiveness of this cream. The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of different methods of anesthesia and pain levels in children aged 7–11 years. The study compared the use of EMLA cream, EMLA with microneedles, and conventional palatal injections. A total of 90 children were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 received conventional palatal anesthesia (control), Group 2 received EMLA cream only, and Group 3 received EMLA with microneedles. Pain levels were assessed using the FLACC and Wong-Baker scales at three different time points: T1(during anesthesia), T2(on palatal probing), and T3(during extraction). The FLACC scale revealed a significant difference in pain between groups only at T1 (P value = 0.000). It was found that the conventional palatal injection group had a higher pain level than the EMLA cream-only group and the group using microneedle patches with EMLA cream (P value = 0.000). However, the other groups did not show significant differences in pain levels during the anesthesia (P value = 1.00). Similarly, the Wong-Baker scale also demonstrated a statistically significant difference in pain between groups only at T1 (P value = 0.000). It was found that the conventional palatal injection group had a higher pain level than the EMLA cream-only group and the group using microneedle patches with EMLA cream (P value = 0.000). However, the other groups did not show significant differences in pain levels during the anesthesia (P value = 0.091). The study concludes that both EMLA cream alone and EMLA with microneedles can be used as an alternative to conventional palatal anesthesia for children.

O-186 A novel micro-insemination method, assisted sperm fusion insemination, increases the embryo utilization rate compared to conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Abstract Study question Does a novel micro-insemination method, assisted sperm fusion insemination (ASFI), improve fertilization and embryonic development compared to conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (C-ICSI)? Summary answer ASFI showed comparable fertilization and blastocyst formation rates to C-ICSI, while achieving significantly higher embryo utilization rates. Furthermore, there were no degenerated oocytes after ASFI. What is known already We have reported that ASFI yielded fertilization and blastocyst rates similar to those obtained with rescue ICSI performed at 6 hours after in vitro fertilization (IVF). In ASFI, fertilization is achieved by pressing a zona pellucida (ZP)-bound sperm onto the oocyte membrane without breaking the oocyte membrane. However, there was a risk of artificial polyspermy because the sperm were pressed against the unfertilized oocytes after IVF. Moreover, it is uncertain whether fertilization occurred with sperm that penetrated into the oocyte via IVF or that were pressed against the oocyte membrane. Clarifying this requires performing ASFI of the oocyte without IVF. Study design, size, duration We prospectively evaluated the effectiveness of ASFI in a sibling oocyte study including 14 subjects from which at least two metaphase II (MII) oocytes and one immature or degenerated oocyte were retrieved. Between December 2022 and October 2023, 119 MII oocytes were obtained in 22 oocyte retrieval cycles and used in the study. Sibling MII oocytes were randomly assigned to a C-ICSI or ASFI group. The present study was approved by the local ethics committee. Participants/materials, setting, methods In the ASFI group, 10,000 motile sperm were incubated with at least one immature or degenerated oocyte for 3 hours in 100 μL of medium per patient. After incubation, the motile sperm bound to the ZP were aspirated directly using an injection pipette. The heads of these ZP-bound sperm were pressed onto the membrane of MII oocytes for 10 seconds using the injection pipette. C-ICSI was conducted using the conventional method. Main results and the role of chance The mean and standard deviation of age of the women and number of MII oocytes per cycle were 39.9 ± 2.2 years and 5.5 ± 1.8, respectively. All sperm collected from the ZP adhered to the MII oocyte membrane after ASFI. Furthermore, time-lapse imaging revealed that all sperm adhering to the MII oocyte membrane were subsequently incorporated into the oocyte. Comparison of the ASFI and C-ICSI groups did not reveal any significant differences in 2 pronuclear embryo rate (ASFI group: 85.4% vs. C-ICSI group: 71.8%), degeneration rate (0% vs. 5.6%), good-quality embryo rate at day 3 (63.4% vs. 52.9%), blastocyst formation rate (67.6% vs. 51.9%), or good-quality blastocyst (Grade 3BB and above by the Gardner criteria) formation rate (29.4% vs. 15.4%). On the contrary, the embryo utilization rate (defined as the total number of embryos transferred and cryopreserved divided by the number of MII oocytes) was significantly higher in the ASFI group compared to the C-ICSI group (47.9% vs. 25.4%, P < 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution This study was limited by using the ZP for sperm selection. To expand its applicability, a method to identify sperm capable of fusing with an oocyte without using the ZP must be established. Additionally, since our sample size was small, larger studies are required to confirm our findings. Wider implications of the findings ASFI is expected to enhance the survival rate of oocytes and to increase the number of embryos available for implantation, not only compared to rescue ICSI but also C-ICSI. ASFI could aid in understanding fertilization mechanisms by enabling direct observation of oocyte-sperm fusion during the process. Trial registration number UMIN000050184

Separable nanocomposite hydrogel microneedles for intradermal and sustained delivery of antigens to enhance adaptive immune responses

Vaccines play a critical role in combating infectious diseases and cancers, yet improving their efficacy remains challenging. Here, we introduce a separable nanocomposite hydrogel microneedle (NHMN) patch designed for intradermal and sustained delivery of ovalbumin (OVA), a model antigen, to enhance adaptive immune responses. The NHMN patch consists of an array of OVA-loaded microneedles made from photo-cross-linked methacrylated hyaluronic acid and laponite (LAP), supported by a hyaluronic acid backing. The incorporation of LAP not only enhances the mechanical strength of the pure hydrogel microneedles but also significantly prolongs OVA release. Furthermore, in vitro cell experiments demonstrate that NHMNs effectively activate dendritic cells without compromising cell viability. Upon skin penetration, NHMNs detach from the backing as the hyaluronic acid rapidly dissolves upon contact with the skin interstitial fluid, thereby acting as antigen reservoirs to release antigens to abundant skin dendritic cells. NHMNs containing 0.5% w/v LAP achieved a 15-day OVA release in vivo. Immunization studies demonstrate that the intradermal and sustained release of OVA via NHMNs elicited stronger and longer-lasting adaptive immune responses compared to conventional bolus injection. Given its easy to use, painless and minimally invasive features, the NHMN patch shows promise in improving vaccination accessibility and efficacy against a range of diseases. Statement of significanceThe study introduces a separable nanocomposite hydrogel microneedle (NHMN) patch. This patch consists of an array of ovalbumin (OVA, a model antigen)-loaded microneedles made from photo-cross-linked methacrylated hyaluronic acid and laponite, with a hyaluronic acid backing, designed for intradermal and sustained delivery of antigens. This patch addresses several key challenges in traditional vaccination methods, including poor antigen uptake and presentation, and rapid systematic clearance. The incorporation of laponite enhances mechanical strength of microneedles, promotes dendritic cell activation, and significantly slows down antigen release. NHMN-based vaccination elicits stronger and longer-lasting adaptive immune responses compared to conventional bolus injection. This NHMN patch holds great potential for improving the efficacy, accessibility, and patient comfort of vaccinations against a range of diseases.

Does Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Improve Outcome in Men with Abnormal Semen Parameters: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: As the male factor in infertility is on rising trend, we need a promising tool for sperm selection to improve the embryo development. Aim: The present study compares the embryological and clinical parameters between physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI) and conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in abnormal semen parameters. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective cohort study. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over the duration of 9 months from April to December 2023. One hundred and four patients, who matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were enrolled in the study. The adjusted blastulation rate was evaluated as the primary outcome, and the secondary outcomes studied were fertilisation rate, good-quality cleavage stage embryo rate, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rate. Statistical Analysis Used: The outcome measures were calculated using independent Student’s t-test, and P < 0.5 was considered statistically significant. Results: The 104 enrolled patients were divided into two groups. In the study population (n = 51), PICSI was used for sperm selection and the controls (n = 53) used conventional ICSI. The adjusted blastulation rate was statistically significant higher in the PICSI group (43.7%) as compared to the controls (34.2%) (P = 0.022). The fertilisation and cleavage rates were not statistically different amongst the groups. The pregnancy rate (37.2% vs. 32%, P = 0.027) and miscarriage rate (5.3% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.005) were statistically better in the PICSI group. Conclusion: PICSI may improve treatment outcomes in couples undergoing assisted reproduction for male factor infertility. However, larger randomised controlled trials are needed for validating the current study findings.

Flexible microneedles incorporating gold nanorods and tacrolimus for effective synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy of rheumatoid arthritis

Transdermal drug delivery systems for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have garnered substantial attention due to their great potential to overcome limitations observed in conventional oral or injection strategies, including limited selectivity and adverse effects on extra-articular tissues. Microneedles (MNs) appear to be highly desirable carriers for transdermal drug delivery of RA. However, microneedles typically are unable to keep up with the flexibility of joints, which decreases the effectiveness of administration. In this study, we developed a flexible microneedles (FMNs) delivery system. And gelatin was employed for the fabrication of flexible backings for microneedles owing to its excellent ductility and biocompatibility. We achieved synergisticphotothermal-chemotherapy of RA by incorporating the chemical drug Tacrolimus (TAC) and the photothermal agent gold nanorods (AuNRs) into dissolving microneedles. Results showed a high mechanical strength of the proposed FMNs. In the animal model of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA), it is indicated that the prepared FMNs inhibited the expression of related inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß and TNF-α while enhancing bone repair and other related factors. Thus, the combination therapy of FMNs-mediated hyperthermia and chemotherapy can serve as a novel and synergistic treatment option for RA.

Chichimene field T2 sand: a successful application of cycles in a water injection project on heavy crude oil, enabled by a novel smart selective completion system adapted for water injection

This paper presents the application of injection in cycles, assisted by the first smart selective completion system with remote valve operation. The completion system was installed in the Chichimene Field unit T2 (Fm. San Fernando). The results were compared with conventional water injection, technology that utilizes a simple selective completion system, in the aspects of recovery factor, water consumption, operation style, and others. The target unit has been subjected to selective water injection since 2016, this process consisted of injection of a controlled amount of water within 3-4 zones in equilibrium with the extractive system on producers wells to find a better crude oil movement and a commercial recovery factor. Despite this, the surveillance evidence suggests that some zones consume too much water due its high permeability (heterogeneity) and this impacts on high water cut on producers due to the (adverse mobility ratio), but also suggested that there is a better way to improve even more the recovery factor. This enhancement was enabled with a smart selective completion system by promoting a scheduled temporal closure of zones while production continues, achieving pressure-production restoration effects on the closed zones, allowing an efficiency increase of the vertical and areal sweep. To determine if this could work, a smart completion system was installed in one well in August 2019. During more than one year, the operation and interpretation of the DAS measuring tool (Continuous sound recording) was understood, from which injected water per zone is daily known, with this, the optimization of the injection rate per zone allowed enhancement of the production pattern behaviour. In February 2021, the injection cycles started on the well by zone, and to the current date, more than 25 monthly cycles have been done, increasing the recovery factor, with a considerable reduction in water and energy consumption, maintaining a continuous measurement of zone injection, this level of information has never been reached in the industry. The case study establishes a new frontier in the field of selective injection and in cycles as well, allowing an evolution step in water injection technology. This pilot combined in one design: selective injection, intelligent remote operate completions, continuous layer injection measuring by DAS, extra heavy oil WF, management of high permeability variations and it is aligned with the latest regulations in decarbonization (water and energy saving). From a reservoir point of view, it has never been there, a surveillance in injectors with this level of quality to enhance performance, and on the surface, this technology has allowed an important reduction in the use of wirelines for well operations and improve some well cleaning interventions with coiled tubing.

Using fused filament fabrication to improve the tribocorrosion behaviour of 17-4 PH SS in comparison to other metal forming techniques

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the additive manufacturing processes which has gained more interest because of its simplicity and low-cost. This technology is similar to the conventional metal injection moulding (MIM) process, consisting of the feedstock preparation of metal powder and polymer binders, followed by layer-by-layer 3D printing (FFF) or injection (MIM) to create green parts and, finally, debinding and sintering. Moreover, both technologies provide near-dense parts. This work presents an in-depth study of the processing method’s influence. The porosity, microstructure, hardness, corrosion, and tribocorrosion behaviour are compared for 17-4 PH SS samples processed from powder by additive manufacturing using FFF and MIM, as well as conventional powder metallurgy (PM) samples. MIM samples exhibited the highest macro and microhardness, while corrosion behaviour was similar for both MIM and FFF samples, but superior in comparison to conventional PM samples. However, the FFF-as fabricated samples displayed a significant improvement in tribocorrosion resistance that could be explained by the higher proportion of delta ferrite and retained austenite in their microstructure.

Realisation of Low Temperature Combustion in an Unmodified Diesel Engine

Heavy-duty diesel engines are an essential part of road transportation. Since viable alternatives are not expected in the short and medium term, the problematic emission characteristics of compression ignition engines have to be addressed. Low temperature combustion (LTC) is an alternative combustion method for compression ignition engines that allows low particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions while improving efficiency. To overcome the difficulties of market introduction, the realization of such alternative combustion methods should come with marginal engine modifications. Thus, this work investigates the possible realization of LTC in an unmodified diesel engine. LTC methods with and without injection strategy modifications were also studied to provide sufficient recommendations for other researchers. It was concluded that techniques requiring early direct injection, such as homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) require a narrow cone angle injector to reduce wall impingement. It was also concluded that modulated kinetics (MK) type LTC can be easily achieved by applying a conventional injection strategy and high amounts of cooled exhaust gas recirculation. The realized MK combustion resulted in an enhanced NOx-PM trade-off and a lower peak pressure rise rate compared to normal operation.

Direct parental CRISPR gene editing in the predatory bug Orius strigicollis, a biocontrol agent against small arthropods.

The predatory flower bug Orius strigicollis serves as a valuable biocontrol agent against small arthropods; however, its effectiveness can vary, especially when population establishment fails due to low prey/pest densities. A promising approach to improve the efficacy of O. strigicollis as a biocontrol agent is through gene editing. However, as females lay their eggs in plant tissue, the conventional embryo injection approach is challenging in this species. In this study, we aimed to develop an efficient and practical gene editing technique for O. strigicollis using direct parental CRISPR (DIPA-CRISPR). Female bugs at various postemergence stages received Cas9 ribonucleoprotein injections, with subsequent genotyping of their offspring (G0) using PCR and a heteroduplex mobility assay. We targeted the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase gene (cinnabar), pivotal for insect ommochrome pigment biosynthesis. Through experimental optimization, we achieved a peak gene editing efficiency of 52%, i.e., 52% of G0 progeny carried gene-edited alleles when injecting 1 day postemergence. Notably, some gene-edited G0 adults exhibited a red-eye mosaic phenotype, in contrast to the black-eyed wild type. Crossing experiments confirmed the heritability of the introduced mutations in the subsequent generation (G1), enabling the establishment of a cinnabar-knockout line with bright red eyes. We demonstrate that our DIPA-CRISPR gene editing method tailored for O. strigicollis is efficient and practical. Our findings highlight the potency of DIPA-CRISPR as a tool for O. strigicollis genetic engineering and suggest broader applications for enhancing other biocontrol agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Innovative microfluidic thread electroanalytical device with automated injector: A simple, green and upgraded analytical platform for the fast and sensitive analysis of ferrous ions

Cotton thread-based microfluidic devices are attractive for analytical procedures due to advantages that include affordable cost, low consumption of reagents and minimal production of waste. The coupling of cotton-based devices to electrochemical detection, known as microfluidic thread electroanalytical device (µTED), has demonstrated vast potential. However, some aspects in the µTED concept can still be improved, such as sample injection, which, until now, has been performed exclusively with manual micropipettes. This conventional injection has some deficiencies that include the variability in the aspiration/dispensing rates and inconstancy in the position of the pipette during injections, which can impair the measurements. Here we propose a new approach to improve the injection step in µTEDs by using electronic pipettes, which we named as automated injection. This novel injection mode overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of manual injection. Electronic pipettes control aspiration and dispensing volumes/rates electronically and offer better ergonomics. We developed a new 3D-printed platform that allows to attach the electronic pipette to the µTED and always perform injections at a fixed position, increasing reproducibility of measurements. To demonstrate the practical applicability, this approach was first utilized for analysis of ferrous ion in pharmaceutical supplements and environmental samples. The method presented a wide linear range (0.7 to 200 μmolL–1), low limit of detection (0.21 μmolL–1), good accuracy (recoveries between 96 and 103 %) and excellent precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 3.3 %). Thus, automated injection can be a great advance and change the state-of-the-art regarding µTEDs.

External ceramic membrane contactor for in-situ H2 assisted biogas upgrading

Biological H2-assisted biogas upgrading has gained significant attention as an environmentally friendly substitute to common physico-chemical upgrading techniques, but is largely limited by the low solubility of H2. This study evaluated the design of a ceramic membrane contactor module for H2 injection. H2 dissolution was maintained at high efficiency by controlling gas supply and sludge recirculation rate, achieving a biogas quality of average 98.8% CH4 during the stable operation phase with a 108% increase in the CH4 production rate. This also outperforms conventional H2 injection using diffuser sparging which could only achieve a biogas quality of 84% CH4 content. Microbial community analysis found high Methanobacterium spp. abundance within the archaea at 95.2% at the end of the operation, allowing the dominance of the hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis pathway for high upgrading efficiencies. The system is a high-performance external membrane connector module coupled to common anaerobic digestion systems for biogas upgrading.

Improving the electrical conductivity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐containing micromoldings via in situ construction of electrically conductive networks

AbstractMicroinjection molding (μIM) is characterized by high shearing and cooling rates, resulting in higher a degree of filler orientation which impairs the electrical conductivity (σ) of conductive filler‐containing polymer composites when compared with that of compression molding and conventional injection molding processes. In this study, polypropylene/polyamide 6/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PP/PA6/CNT) composites were used as the model system to investigate how blending sequence, injection speed, and component mass ratios affected the morphology and σ of PP/PA6/CNT microparts. The results demonstrated that CNTs exhibited a higher affinity for the polar PA6 phase and they tended to be preferentially distributed in PA6 domains. The deformation and coalescence of CNT‐rich PA6 phase promoted the creation of an intact and continuous filler network structure along the flow direction under the influence of high shearing conditions in μIM. When the mass ratio of PP:PA6 was 70:30 and the concentration of CNT was 7 wt%, the micropart possessed the highest σ (1.2 × 10−6 S/m) when compared with their PP/CNT (4.4 × 10−9 S/m) and PA6/CNT (3.4 × 10−10 S/m) counterparts. Higher injection speeds resulted in higher degree of CNT orientation, which negatively affected the σ of subsequent moldings. This work established an approach for producing electrically conductive microparts that demonstrate promising applications in the fields of electronics, automotive, and microsystems among others.Highlights PP/PA6/CNT composites were used as model systems for microinjection molding. The electrical conductivity was improved by shear‐induced deformation of CNT‐rich phase. The properties of PP/PA6/CNT microparts were affected by process parameters.

Extraction of patchouli essential oil using multi-injection steam distillation

Abstract Patchouli essential oil is typically obtained through traditional batch distillation, a process involving the introduction of a sole stream of steam at the base of the tank or column, followed by the condensation of the resulting vapor at the top of the tank. In a quest to explore the impact of the multiple injection steam method on both the yield and quality of the oil product, a comparison with the conventional single injection steam approach was conducted. The research variables encompassed different steam valve openings. The findings revealed that the steam valve openings indeed played a role in affecting the yield of the oil product. Curiously, the utilization of the multiple injection steam method yielded a somewhat lower oil output compared to the single injection steam approach. Specifically, with varying steam valve openings, the average yield for the multiple injection steam method hovered around 2.6%. In contrast, the single injection steam method consistently demonstrated a superior average yield of about 3.9%. Intriguingly, an examination of the essential components of patchouli oil, particularly the patchouli alcohol content, indicated no marked disparity between the two methods. This suggests that the utilization of the multiple injection steam method did not substantially alter the essential oil’s composition.

Crystallographic Texture Evolution in 3D Printed Polyethylene Reactor Blends.

In this work, crystallographic texture evolution in 3D printed trimodal polyethylene (PE) blends and high-density PE (HDPE) benchmark material were investigated to quantify the resulting material anisotropy, and the results were compared to materials made from conventional injection molded (IM) samples. Trimodal PE reactor blends consisting of HDPE, ultrahigh molecular weight PE (UHMWPE), and HDPE_wax have been used for 3D printing and injection molding. Changes in the preferred orientation and distribution of crystallites, i.e., texture evolution, were quantified utilizing the wide angle X-ray diffraction through pole figures and orientation distribution functions (ODFs) for 3D printed and IM samples. Since the change in weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the blend was expected to significantly affect the resulting crystallinity and orientation, the overall Mw of the trimodal PE blend was varied while keeping the UHMWPE component weight fraction to 10% in the blend. The resulting texture was analyzed by varying the overall Mw of the trimodal blend and the process parameters in 3D printing and compared to the texture of conventional IM samples. The printing speed and orientation (defined with respect to the axis along the length of the samples) were used as the variable process parameters for 3D printing. The degree of anisotropy increases with an increase in the nonuniform distribution of intensities in pole figures and ODFs. All the highest intensity major texture components in IM and 3D printed samples (0° printing orientation) of reactor blends are observed to have crystals oriented in [001] or [001̅]. Overall, for the same throughput, 3D printed samples in the 0° orientation showed greater texture evolution and higher anisotropy compared to IM samples. Most notably, an increase in 3D printing speed increased the crystalline distribution closer to the 0° direction, increasing the anisotropy, while deviation from this printing orientation reduced crystalline distribution closer to the 0° direction, thus increasing isotropy. This demonstrates that tailoring material properties in specific directions can be achieved more effectively with 3D printing than with the injection molding process. Change in the overall Mw of the trimodal PE blend changed the preferential orientation distribution of the crystal planes to some degree. However, the degree of anisotropy remained the same in almost all cases, indicating that the effect of molecular weight distribution is not as significant as the printing speed and printing orientation in tailoring the resulting properties. The 3D printing process parameters (speed and orientation) were shown to have more influence on the texture than the material parameters associated with the blend.

A prospective and randomized study comparing ultrasound-guided real time injection to conventional blind injection of botulinum neurotoxin for glabellar wrinkles.

Botulinum neurotoxin injections are the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures, but conventional blind injection for glabellar wrinkles remains to have some limitations. We intend to directly inject botulinum neurotoxin into the glabella complex guided by real time ultrasound. We aim to propose a more efficient and safer botulinum neurotoxin injection strategy for glabellar wrinkles. A total of 40 subjects with moderate to severe glabellar lines were enrolled in this study to receive botulinum neurotoxin injection, either through ultrasound-guided real time injection or conventional blind injection. Facial Wrinkle Scale (ranging from 0 = none to 3 = severe) and inter-brow distance (from 3D scanned face images) were used to evaluate the glabellar wrinkles improvement. Paired t test and two-sample t test were performed to analyze the within-group and between-group differences. The wrinkle score reduction was significant (p < 0.0001) immediately after the injection in ultrasound-guided injection group, but not in blind injection group (p = 0.163). Ultrasound-guided injection also showed a higher performance of wrinkle score reduction and more effective inter-brow distance increase over blind injection at Day 0 (p < 0.0001), Day 1 (p < 0.0001), Day 21 (p < 0.01) and Day 35 (p < 0.01) after initial treatment. The results of the study confirmed that botulinum neurotoxin injection for glabellar wrinkles under ultrasound guidance achieves quicker onset of action and better final outcomes compared to conventional blind injection.

The effect of nanoclay filler addition on the foaming and mechanical properties of polypropylene

AbstractIn this study, onium‐ion‐added nanoclay (NC)/microcellular polypropylene (PP) composites were created using a conventional injection molding machine. A chemical foaming agent was utilized to facilitate mixing. The primary focus was to analyze how altering the NC content affects the mechanical characteristics and the properties of the endothermic chemical foaming agent added PP/NC composites. The composites were created using a chemical foaming agent at a weight ratio of 1 wt% and NC at weight ratios of 0 wt%, 2.5 wt% and 5 wt%. The findings indicated that an increase in the NC ratio led to higher cell count and cell density, along with a reduction in cell diameter. Additionally, the outcomes demonstrated that the foaming of PP/NC composites resulted in decreased modulus of elasticity and tensile strength while enhancing impact strength. © 2024 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.