Incremental Decrease Research Articles

The effect of ultrasonic treatment of a cured monolayer formed by three-dimensional printing from a prepreg reinforced with continuous carbon fiber on the resistance to the flow of solid particles

—The effect of ultrasonic processing at resonant frequencies of 22 and 44 kHz of a monolayer formed by three-dimensional printing from prepregs reinforced with continuous carbon fiber on the resistance to the flow of solid particles by imitating it by jet-abrasive treatment is investigated. The increment of the weight of both control and experimental samples in comparison with the initial state was established. It is shown that the force effect of ultrasound in rational modes contributes to a decrease in weight gain by 31.4% when processed at a frequency of 22 kHz and by 9% when processed at a frequency of 44 kHz. The decrease in weight increment is determined by an increase in the density of the monolayer structure after ultrasonic exposure, which leads to an increase in surface hardness in units of Schor-D by 13.5% at a frequency of 22 kHz and by 10% at a frequency of 44 kHz.

8132 Prolonged Refractory Hypoglycemia For Seven Days After Discontinuation Of Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) Insulin And Injectable Semaglutide

Abstract Disclosure: A. Musleh: None. M.T. Rauf: None. E. Afroze: None. S. Al-Bacha: None. A 75-year-old male with Type 2 Diabetes was brought to the emergency department (ED) by emergency medical services (EMS) due to altered mentation. The patient’s wife found him unresponsive with seizure-like activity. EMS was called to the scene and obtained a capillary blood glucose reading of 31 mg/dL. Despite initial treatment with 50% dextrose the patient’s capillary blood glucose came down to 21 mg/dL in the ED and was confirmed by venous glucose. Workup including Computed Tomography (CT) imaging was inconsistent with a cerebrovascular accident. Given refractory hypoglycemia and delirium, the patient was started on a dextrose 10% infusion at 150 milliliters per hour. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for closer monitoring. His wife states that the patient had a few episodes of mild hypoglycemia overnight for the past several weeks, which improved after eating. His home medications included NPH insulin 46 units twice daily, empagliflozin 25 mg once daily, and injectable semaglutide 2 mg once weekly. The last dose of NPH insulin was the night before the presentation and the last dose of semaglutide was 5 days prior to admission. Serum creatinine levels were stable at 1.3-1.5 mg/dL throughout the hospitalization, which was below his baseline creatinine of 1.7 mg/dL. Laboratory results were as follows: hemoglobin A1c 5.9%, c-peptide level was 0.3 ng/mL (normal range 0.8-3.9 ng/mL) with a glucose of 68 mg/dL (normal range 70-100 mg/dL), insulin 203.8 mcIU/mL (normal range less than 24 mcIU/mL), proinsulin 3.2 pmol/L (normal range less than or equal to 8 pmol/L), beta-hydroxybutyrate 0.06 mmol/L (normal range 0.02-0.27), cortisol 66.6 mcg/dL (normal range 6.7-22.6 mcg/dL), insulin-like growth factor 1 123 ng/mL (normal range 53-222), and hypoglycemic agent panel was negative. On ICU Day 2, his mentation improved, he was allowed to eat but continued to require dextrose infusion to prevent hypoglycemia. Repeat fasting insulin levels even four days from prior showed an incremental decrease to 59.4 mcIU/mL with a glucose of 77 mg/dL. It took 7 days before the patient was able to maintain glucose above 70 mg/dL off of dextrose infusion. After which he had hyperglycemia requiring gradual reintroduction of his diabetes medicines other than insulin. It is rare to see such prolonged refractory hypoglycemia from an exogenous source of insulin as exhibited in this case. Notably, the patient was on semaglutide and had stable chronic kidney disease without acute kidney injury. Although multiple mechanisms explain the prolonged insulin duration of action in kidney disease, the effects of semaglutide on insulin action are unknown. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Effect of Plate Length on Construct Stiffness and Strain in a Synthetic Short-Fragment Fracture Gap Model Stabilized with a 3.5-mm Locking Compression Plate.

To evaluate the effect of 3.5-mm locking compression plate (LCP) length on construct stiffness and plate and bone model strain in a synthetic, short-fragment, fracture-gap model. Six replicates of 6-hole, 8-hole, 10-hole, and 12-hole LCP constructs on a short-fragment, tubular Delrin fracture gap model underwent four-point compression and tension bending. Construct stiffness and surface strain, calculated using three-dimensional digital image correlation, were compared across plate length and region of interest (ROI) on the construct. The 12-hole plates (80% plate-bone ratio) had significantly higher construct stiffness than 6-hole, 8-hole, and 10-hole plates and significantly lower plate strain than 6-hole plates at all ROIs. Strain on the bone model was significantly lower in constructs with 10-hole and 12-hole plates than 6-hole plates under both compression and tension bending. Incremental increases in construct stiffness and incremental decreases in plate strain were only identified when comparing 6-hole, 8-hole, and 10-hole plates to 12-hole plates, and 6-hole to 12-hole plates, respectively. Strain on the bone model showed an incremental decrease when comparing 6-hole to 10-hole and 12-hole plates. A long plate offered biomechanical advantages of increased construct stiffness and reduced plate and bone model strain, over a short plate in this in vitro model.

Individual tree diameter growth modelling for natural secondary forest in Changbai Mountains, Northeast China

Individual modelling is a foundational approach to study the natural forest growth and in this paper, we develop a serial distance-depended individual tree model for some species in natural forest which would provide prediction and characteristics for natural species. The data used to develop individual model for natural mixed forests were collected from 712 remeasured 10-year periodic permanent sample plots of in Baihe Forest Bureau of Changbai Mountains, northeast China. Based on analyzing relationship between diameter increment of individual trees with tree size, competitive status, and site condition and finding out the major independent variables, the growth models for individual trees of 15 species in the natural mixed forests, that have good predicting precision, and easily applicable, were developed using stepwise regression method. The individual growth model developed in this study can reflect the tree increment of 15 species and be generally well suited for simulating tree and stand growth for natural mixed forests in Changbai Mountains. The research results for individual trees growth model of each species showed that main variable to influence on diameter increment of individual trees for natural mixed forests were tree size (D) and then competition index. The site condition was not related with diameter increment. The natural logarithm of DBH (lnD) and square diameter (D2) were included in the predicting models of diameter increment for all 15 species. The diameter increment was directly proportional to tree diameter for each species. For the competitive indexes in growth model, the relative diameter (RD), canopy closure (P), and the ratio of diameter of subject tree with maximum diameter (DDM) were related to diameter increment and the stand density measures were not significantly influenced on diameter increment. As canopy closure increase, tree increment decreases. The site conditions were performance less of factors in increment predictions in the model.

Transcriptomic analyses of lung tissues reveal key genes associated with progression of systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD)

Systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is the leading cause of death in SSc, affecting around 50% of the patients. Lung tissue of patients with early-stage SSc-ILD is characterized by a predominant inflammatory response with inconspicuous fibrosis, which may progress to honeycombing fibrosis. Hence, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning SSc-ILD pathogenesis is needed to improve treatment options and progression prediction. This transcriptomic study aims to reveal the differential gene expression between control (ctrl) lung tissue and inflammatory, prefibrotic and fibrotic lung tissue to capture progression of early to late phase SSc-ILD. Twelve explanted lungs from patients with SSc-ILD were used to analyze gene expression from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung tissues with varying stages of ILD (n=18) and control lung tissue (n=6). The SSc-ILD tissues were stratified into three ROIs: inflammatory, prefibrotic, and fibrotic using histological assessments to define a longitudinal simulation of early to late phases of SSc-ILD. The nanoString (nS) nCounter Human Fibrosis Panel was used to profile the transcriptome in the regions of interest. Validation of potential targetswas performed with immunohistochemistry in the same tissues that were used for transcriptome analysis. To validate our simulation model, we performed subgroup analysis that showed an incremental increase in pathway scores related to the severity of fibrosis. Ctrl vs SSc-ILD comparison demonstrated 24 differentially expressed genes, two of which had the most pronounced p-values. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (cdkn2c) was overexpressed (P=0.00052) in SSc-ILD compared to ctrl, while expression of Pellino E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase 1 (peli1) showed lower expression (P=0.0012). Additionally, in all four groups, cdkn2c and peli1 gene expression showed an incremental increase and decrease, respectively. Immunohistochemistry of cdkn2c showed consistent results with the nS analysis. More cdkn2c and less peli1 expression were associated with more advanced stages of SSc-ILD on histologic assessment. We report the potential of the cell cycle inhibitor and senescence marker, cdkn2c (p18) to be associated with fibrosis progression.

Exploring the Macroscopic Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Lightly Cemented Sand in the Post-Liquefaction Process Using DEM.

This study investigates the post-liquefaction monotonic undrained shearing behavior of cemented sand at the macro- and microscales, using the discrete element method. A series of cyclic undrained triaxial tests with different stress amplitudes and post-liquefaction monotonic undrained triaxial tests were simulated on cemented sand with diverse cement contents (CCs). For comparison, a series of monotonic undrained triaxial tests on cemented sand without liquefaction (virgin cemented sand) were also modeled. The macroscopic behavior was analyzed in conjunction with the microscopic characteristics of the assembly, such as the deviator fabric of contact normal orientation, mechanical coordination number, energy components, and bond breakage. The results show that the DEM model can capture the effect of CC and cyclic stress ratio (CSR) on the undrained shear strength, stiffness, and pore pressure observed in laboratory experiments. Referring to the virgin specimen, with an increase in CC, the mechanical coordination number and the input work increment increase, while the deviator fabric for total contacts changes irregularly, leading to a greater initial stiffness and shear strength. In the case of the liquefied specimen, the smaller initial mechanical coordination number results in a very low initial stiffness regardless of CC. Contrary to the uncemented sand, both the mechanical coordination number and the input work increment decrease with an increasing CSR for the cemented sand. The microstructure evolution governs the effect of cementation level and liquefaction history on the macroscopic post-liquefaction behavior.

Embryonic morphology and biochemical differences in Scylla paramamosain: Investigating berried and non-berried phenotypes

Scylla paramamosain, an economically valuable crustacean with a particular emphasis on female mud crabs possessing mature ovaries, is demanded extensively due to its exceptional market value. The study focused on understanding the proximate and biochemical compositions of eggs, ovaries and hepatopancreas across different maturation stages. Nine berried and non-berried female mud crabs were meticulously analyzed morphologically and microscopically. The protein contents were significantly higher in the ovary of berried S. paramamosain at stage-II (∼ 72 %) surpassing hepatopancreas and the non-berried counterparts (∼ 42 %), whereas, the egg showed slightly higher protein contents at the 1st maturation stage (∼ 67 %). The fatty acids, including Saturated Fatty acids (SFAs), Mono-unsaturated Fatty acids (MUFAs) and Poly-unsaturated Fatty acids (n6-PUFAs and n3-PUFAs), showed an incremental decrease during all the maturation stages of berried S. paramamosain across all three organelles. Interestingly, these fatty acids were significantly higher in the hepatopancreas (∼ 32, 31, 7 and 26, respectively) and lower in the ovary (∼ 28, 28, 6 and 25, respectively) of non-berried S. paramamosain. The eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) showed an incremental decrease in eggs and hepatopancrease of berried and non-berried S. paramamosain in maturation stages I-III (∼ 11, 10, 9 % and ∼ 19, 15, 10 %, respectively, and ∼ 10, 9, 8, 8 % and ∼17, 16, 13, 12 %, respectively), which were significantly higher in the ovary of non-berried S. paramamosain (∼ 9 and 12 %, respectively) when compared with any of these maturation stages of the berried S. paramamosain (∼ means 7 and 8.33 %, respectively). The Total Essential Amino Acids (ΣEAA) and Total Non-Essential Amino Acids (ΣNEAA) displayed an incremental decrease in the egg and an increase in the ovary and hepatopancreas during the mentioned maturation stages. The glutamic acid, however, showed an incremental decrease in the egg and an increase in the ovary and hepatopancreas of berried S. paramamosain which was significantly prominent in the ovary of non-berried S. paramamosain.

Enhancing biomethane yield from food waste through surfactant-assisted mechanical pretreatment: An optimization approach

In the present investigation, the response surface methodology-based central composite design (RSM-CCD) was used to model the potential of improving the solubilization of food waste through surfactant-assisted homogenization pretreatment (SAHP). RSM-CCD models were investigated based on homogenization speed and time for HP, surfactant dosage, and homogenization time at optimized homogenization speed by HP for SAHP input parameters and chemical oxygen demand (COD) solubilization (CODsol) as response parameters. HP optimum condition was 7020 rpm, 9.9 min to attain 11.6% solubilization with 292.8 kJ/kg total solid (TS) specific energy consumption (ESp). On the other hand, 19.9% CODsol was obtained in the SAHP under optimum conditions of 6.3 μl and 3.7 min, with ESp of 116.2 kJ/kg TS, respectively. The CODsol increment and ESp decrease by 176.2 kJ/kg TS indicate the significance of combined pretreatment and synergistic action of surfactant. Eventually, the maximum biomethane generation was found in SAHP as 67 ml/gCOD, higher than that of HP (40 ml/gCOD) and without pretreatment samples (17 ml/gCOD), respectively.

Weight reduction and the impact on apnea-hypopnea index: A systematic meta-analysis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is strongly associated with obesity. While the relationship between weight reduction and apnea-hypopnea index improvement has been documented, to our knowledge, it has not been quantified adequately. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the relationship between weight reduction and AHI change. MethodsA systematic literature search was performed using meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for studies reporting AHI and weight loss in people with obesity/overweight and OSA between 2000 and 2023. A linear and quadratic model (weighted by treatment arm sample size) predicted percent change from baseline AHI against mean percent change from baseline weight. The quadratic term was statistically significant (P < 0.05), so the quadratic model (with 95 % prediction interval) was used. ResultsThe literature search identified 27 studies/32 treatment arms: 15 using bariatric surgery and lifestyle intervention each and 2 using pharmacological interventions. Included studies were ≥3 months with weight intervention and participants had AHI ≥15/h. Weight reduction in people with OSA and obesity was associated with improvements in the severity of OSA. BMI reduction of 20 % was associated with AHI reduction of 57 %, while further weight reduction beyond 20 % in BMI was associated with a smaller effect on AHI. As the prediction intervals are relatively wide, a precise relationship could not be conclusively established. ConclusionThe degree of AHI index improvement was associated with the magnitude of weight reduction. The model suggests that with progress in weight reduction beyond 20 %, the incremental decrease in BMI appeared to translate to a smaller additional effect on AHI.

Biomechanical analysis of adjacent segments after correction surgery for adult idiopathic scoliosis: a finite element analysis

The biomechanical aspects of adjacent segment degeneration after Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis (AdIS) corrective surgery involving postoperative changes in motion and stress of adjacent segments have yet to be investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of corrective surgery on adjacent segments in adult idiopathic scoliosis by finite element analysis. Based on computed tomography data of the consecutive spine from T1–S1 of a 28-year-old male patient with adult idiopathic scoliosis, a three-dimensional finite element model was established to simulate the biomechanics. Two posterior long-segment fixation and fusion operations were designed: Strategy A, pedicle screws implanted in all segments of both sides, and Strategy B, alternate screws instrumentation on both sides. The range of motion (ROM), Maximum von Mises stress value of intervertebral disc (IVD), and Maximum von Mises stress of the facet joint (FJ) at the fixation adjacent segment were calculated and compared with data of the preoperative AdIS model. Corrective surgery decreased the IVD on the adjacent segments, increased the FJ on the adjacent segments, and decreased the ROM of the adjacent segments. A greater decrease of Maximum von Mises stress was observed on the distal adjacent segment compared with the proximal adjacent segment. The decrease of Maximum von Mises stress and increment of Maximum von Mises stress on adjacent FJ in strategy B was greater than that in strategy A. Under the six operation modes, the change of the Maximum von Mises stress on the adjacent IVD and FJ was significant. The decrease in ROM in the proximal adjacent segment was greater than that of the distal adjacent segment, and the decrease of ROM in strategy A was greater than that in strategy B. This study clarified the biomechanical characteristics of adjacent segments after AdIS corrective surgery, and further biomechanical analysis of two different posterior pedicle screw placement schemes by finite element method. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of adjacent segment degeneration after corrective surgery for AdIS.

Participation of CWINV and SUS Genes in Sucrose Utilization in the Disruption of Cambium Derivatives Differentiation of Silver Birch.

The mechanisms that control the accumulation of woody biomass are of great interest to the study. Invertase and sucrose synthase are enzymes that are vital for distributing carbon in various biosynthetic pathways. Karelian birch (Betula pendula var. carelica) is a form of silver birch (B. pendula Roth) and is characterized by disruption of the differentiation of cambium derivatives towards both the xylem and phloem, which leads to a change in the proportion of the conducting tissues' structural elements and the figured wood formation. We researched the expression profiles of genes encoding sucrose-cleaving enzymes (CWINV and SUS gene families) and genes encoding CVIF protein, which is responsible for the post-translational regulation of the cell wall invertase activity. In our study, 16-year-old common silver birch (Betula pendula var. pendula) and Karelian birch were used for sampling non-figured and figured trunk section tissues, respectively. Samples were selected for the research based on the radial vector: non-conductive, conductive phloem, cambial zone - differentiating xylem - mature xylem. The enzyme's activity was investigated by biochemical methods. RT-PCR method was used to determine the level of gene expression. Anatomical and morphological methods were used to determine the stage of differentiation of xylem cambial derivatives. Our research revealed a shift in the composition of xylem components in figured Karelian birch, characterized by increased parenchymatization and reduced vessel quantity. In all studied trunk tissues of Karelian birch, compared with common silver birch, an increase in the expression of the CWINV gene family and the SUS3 gene and a decrease in the expression of SUS4 were shown. Therefore, the increase in parenchymatization in figured Karelian birch is linked to a shift in sucrose metabolism towards the apoplastic pathway, indicated by a higher cell wall invertase activity and gene expression. The expression of the SUS4 gene correlates with the decrease in xylem increments and vessel proportion. The research findings will enhance our understanding of how sucrose breaking enzymes regulate secondary growth in woody plants and aid in developing practical timber cultivation methods.

Rates of resistance and heteroresistance to newer β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales.

Heteroresistance (HR), the presence of antibiotic-resistant subpopulations within a primary isogenic population, may be a potentially overlooked contributor to newer β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) treatment failure in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections. To determine rates of susceptibility and HR to BL/BLIs ceftazidime/avibactam, imipenem/relebactam and meropenem/vaborbactam in clinical CRE isolates. The first CRE isolate per patient per year from two >500 bed academic hospitals from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2021, were included. Reference broth microdilution (BMD) was used to determine antibiotic susceptibility, and population analysis profiling (PAP) to determine HR. Carbapenemase production (CP) was determined using the Carba NP assay. Among 327 CRE isolates, 46% were Enterobacter cloacae, 38% Klebsiella pneumoniae and 16% Escherichia coli. By BMD, 87% to 98% of CRE were susceptible to the three antibiotics tested. From 2016 to 2021, there were incremental decreases in the rates of susceptibility to each of the three BL/BLIs. HR was detected in each species-antibiotic combination, with the highest rates of HR (26%) found in K. pneumoniae isolates with imipenem/relebactam. HR or resistance to at least one BL/BLI by PAP was found in 24% of CRE isolates and 65% of these had detectable CP. Twenty-four percent of CRE isolates tested were either resistant or heteroresistant (HR) to newer BL/BLIs, with an overall decrease of ∼10% susceptibility over 6 years. While newer BL/BLIs remain active against most CRE, these findings support the need for ongoing antibiotic stewardship and a better understanding of the clinical implications of HR in CRE.

Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation of Cold Spray Manufactured Aluminum Alloy 6061 and Copper Samples

Cold spray (CS) is a solid-state process for depositing thick layers of material via the successive high-velocity impact of powder particles onto a solid surface, which leads to high rates of deformation, interparticle bonding, and coating build-up. Although CS is finding commercial utilization in non-load-bearing repair and coating applications, clear nondestructive characterization procedures are necessary to realize its potential in load-bearing structural applications. In this study, the viability of electrical conductivity and through thickness ultrasound wave velocity measurement methods was studied to serve as a means for nondestructive quantitative measurement for quality control in CS and potentially other additive manufacturing (AM) methods. Eddy current, ultrasound, porosity, hardness, and uniaxial tensile strength tests were conducted on CS deposited layers of aluminum alloy 6061 and copper on aluminum alloy 6061 and commercially pure copper substrates, respectively. CS gas dynamic parameters were intentionally and systematically varied to result in corresponding discrete differences in mechanical properties of deposits. Ultrasound measurements of longitudinal wave velocity and eddy current electrical conductivity measurements showed good correlation with process conditions, microstructural characterization results, and destructive mechanical tests (hardness, tensile). The results of this work show that ultrasound wave velocity and electrical conductivity correlate well with increased particle impact velocity in CS deposited aluminum and copper blocks, which evidently show an incremental decrease in porosity, increase in hardness, and increase in tensile strength. The outlined ultrasound and eddy current nondestructive testing methods present effective means for quantitative assessment of cold spray deposited structures while intact with the substrate.

Integrated optimization design of multiphase pump based on adaptive sparse grid method

Multiphase pump play a critical role in natural gas hydrate extraction. However, their stable and efficient operation in complex multiphase flow conditions remains a significant challenge. This study focuses on a “gas-liquid-solid” multiphase mixing pump and uses numerical simulations to analyze its single-stage pressure boosting unit under different conditions. The results revealed a significant decrease in pressure increment and efficiency under high gas content and solid phase content conditions. To address this, the study built an integrated optimization design platform based on an adaptive sparse grid surrogate model. This platform optimized critical hydraulic parameters of the pump through an adaptive sparse grid method and MOGA algorithm. The results show that under water conditions, pressure increment and efficiency can be increased by 12.805 KPa and 1.79%, respectively. Under working conditions of 30% GVF and 25% SVF, the pressure increment can reach 7.889 KPa, and the efficiency can be increased by 2.75%. Verification experiments demonstrated the reliability of the numerical methods utilized. Overall, the integrated optimization design platform saves computational resources, improves optimization efficiency and provides a foundation for ongoing research on the multi-gas co-production of natural gas hydrates.

Coral‐tentacle‐inspired antifouling membrane spacer: A natural solution for biofouling prevention

AbstractFouling of membrane spacers leads to increased pressure drop and reduced lifespan of membrane modules. Cleaning these fouled spacers is challenging due to strong foulant‐membrane spacer interactions. To address this issue, we introduce a novel spacer, PP‐N‐F, inspired by coral's antifouling properties. This spacer features on‐demand antifouling capabilities through a sequential growth process of functional polymer brushes on its surface. It not only possesses lower surface free energy characteristics than polypropylene spacers, but also exhibits controllable morphological changes similar to swaying coral tentacles. Temperature control strengthens the interfacial hydration layer, mitigating the trade‐off between anti‐adsorption and hydrophobicity of fluorinated surface. The temperature‐responsive surface changes enhance foulant desorption efficiency. Compared to a commercial spacer, PP‐N‐F shows an 89.3% reduction in foulant adsorption and a 61.7% decrease in pressure drop increment after 48 h cross‐flow filtration experiments. This work provides valuable insights for advanced anti‐fouling membrane module design.

The effect of external magnetic field on the instability of THz plasma waves in nanoscale graphene field-effect transistors

Abstract The instability of plasma waves in the channel of field-effect transistors will cause the electromagnetic waves with THz frequency. Based on a self-consistent quantum hydrodynamic model, the instability of THz plasmas waves in the channel of graphene field-effect transistors has been investigated with external magnetic field and quantum effects. We analyzed the influence of weak magnetic fields, quantum effects, device size, and temperature on the instability of plasma waves under asymmetric boundary conditions numerically. The study results show that the magnetic fields, quantum effects, and the thickness of the dielectric layer between the gate and the channel can increase the radiation frequency. Additionally, we observed that increase in temperature leads to a decrease in both oscillation frequency and instability increment. The numerical results and accompanying images obtained from our simulations provide support for the above conclusions.

Reducing rate of total colectomies for ulcerative colitis but higher morbidity in the biologic era: an 18-year linked data study from New South Wales Australia.

This study aims to investigate the trends in UC surgery in New South Wales (NSW) at a population level. A retrospective data linkage study of the NSW population was performed. Patients of any age with a diagnosis of UC who underwent a total abdominal colectomy (TAC) ± proctectomy between Jul-2001 and Jun-2019 were included. The age adjusted population rate was calculated using Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Multivariable linear regression modelled the trend of TAC rates, and assessed the effect of infliximab (listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for UC in Apr-2014). A total of 1365 patients underwent a TAC ± proctectomy (mean age 47.0 years (±18.6), 59% Male). Controlling for differences between age groups, the annual rate of UC TACs decreased by 2.4% each year (95% CI 1.4%-3.4%) over the 18-year period from 1.30/100000 (2002) to 0.84/100000 (2019). An additional incremental decrease in the rate of TACs was observed after 2014 (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.69-1.00). There was no change in the proportion of TACs performed emergently over the study period (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.998-1.04). The odds of experiencing any perioperative surgical complication (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.01-2.33, P = 0.043), and requiring ICU admission (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.24-2.76, P = 0.003) significantly increased in 2014-2019 compared to 2002-2007. The rate of TACs for UC has declined over the past two decades. This rate decrease may have been further influenced by the introduction of biologics. Higher rates of complications and ICU admissions in the biologic era may indicate poorer patient physiological status at the time of surgery.

The effect of fat distribution and nutritional behavior on balance and equilibrium of acrobatics and tumbling athletes

Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&amp;T) is an emerging sport in the United States; balance and equilibrium are critical components of performance in this sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify if body composition, fat distribution, and nutritional behavior affect the balance and vertical jump of A&amp;T athletes. Body mass index (BMI), whole body percentage of fat and skeletal muscle, and fat distribution of top and base A&amp;T athletes from Fairmont State University were assessed using an impedance device (In Body 570). Nutritional behavior was assessed by a 3-day food log. Balance was measured by the time of holding a handstand in seconds. BMI, whole body, and truncal fat percentage were higher in base athletes when compared to tops (p˂0.05). When associating balance with the variables, skeletal muscle mass was positively associated with balance (r=0.49, p˂0.05), and the percentage of fat and fat accumulation in the lower limbs were negatively associated (r=-0.47 and -0.48, respectively p˂0.05). When the association was tested within the position, the percentage of skeletal muscle mass and fat was only associated with balance in top athletes. Thus, training strategies to increment skeletal muscle mass and decrease body fat should be the focus to improve the balance of top A&amp;T athletes.

Experimental study on the interrelation of multiple mechanical parameters in overburden rock caving process during coal mining in longwall panel

In order to comprehend the dynamic disaster mechanism induced by overburden rock caving during the advancement of a coal mining face, a physical simulation model is constructed basing on the geological condition of the 21221 mining face at Qianqiu coal mine in Henan Province, China. This study established, a comprehensive monitoring system to investigate the interrelations and evolutionary characteristics among multiple mechanical parameters, including mining-induced stress, displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission events during overburden rock caving. It is suggested that, despite the uniformity of the overburden rock caving interval, the main characteristic of overburden rock lies in its uneven caving strength. The mining-induced stress exhibits a reasonable interrelation with the displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission events of the rock strata. With the advancement of the coal seam, the mining-induced stress undergoes four successive stages: gentle stability, gradual accumulation, high-level mutation, and a return to stability. The variations in other mechanical parameters does not synchronize with the significant changes in mining-induced stress. Before the collapse of overburden rock occurs, rock strata temperature increment decreases and the acoustic emission ringing counts surges with the increase of rock strata displacement and mining-induced stress. Therefore, the collaborative characteristics of mining-induced stress, displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission ringing counts can be identified as the precursor information or overburden rock caving. These results are in good consistent with on-site situation in the coal mine.

The role of forests in the EU climate policy: are we on the right track?

BackgroundThe European Union (EU) has committed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This requires a rapid reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ensuring that any remaining emissions are balanced through CO2 removals. Forests play a crucial role in this plan: they are currently the main option for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and additionally, wood use can store carbon durably and help reduce fossil emissions. To stop and reverse the decline of the forest carbon sink, the EU has recently revised the regulation on land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), and set a target of − 310 Mt CO2e net removals for the LULUCF sector in 2030.ResultsIn this study, we clarify the role of common concepts in forest management – net annual increment, harvest and mortality – in determining the forest sink. We then evaluate to what extent the forest sink is on track to meet the climate goals of the EU. For this assessment we use data from the latest national GHG inventories and a forest model (Carbon Budget Model). Our findings indicate that on the EU level, the recent decrease in increment and the increase in harvest and mortality are causing a rapid drop in the forest sink. Furthermore, continuing the past forest management practices is projected to further decrease the sink. Finally, we discuss options for enhancing the sinks through forest management while taking into account adaptation and resilience.ConclusionsOur findings show that the EU forest sink is quickly developing away from the EU climate targets. Stopping and reversing this trend requires rapid implementation of climate-smart forest management, with improved and more timely monitoring of GHG fluxes. This enhancement is crucial for tracking progress towards the EU’s climate targets, where the role of forests has become – and is expected to remain – more prominent than ever before.