Decrease In Rate Research Articles

Enhancing PEO coating on TC6 alloy through in-situ synthesis of MoSe2—Towards more efficient wear-reducing lubrication and wear resistance

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has demonstrated significant enhancements in the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of titanium alloys. Despite these advantages, the presence of micropores and microcracks in the coating can still detrimentally impact tribological properties. This paper introduces a novel approach involving the in-situ growth of a surface structure. The resulting interface structure exhibits outstanding tribological properties under a load of 3 N and a speed of 1.5 cm/s. In contrast to prior studies, improvements are made to the electrical parameters and electrolyte formula of Plasma electrolytic oxidation, facilitating the in-situ growth of MoSe2. This results in the formation of a lubricating layer and a robust TiO2 ceramic coating with excellent adhesion. A systematic analysis of friction, wear characteristics, reveals that MoSe2 in situ grow on the surface of the PEO coating, within micropores, microcracks, and crater structures after hydrothermal treatment. This process significantly enhances the microporous structure of the coating, with the MoSe2 film forming a dense and uniform interlocking layer with the PEO lower layer. Dry friction test experiments demonstrate a 33.7% reduction in friction coefficient and a 29% decrease in wear rate compared to the PEO sample, indicating the synergistic effect between the MoSe2 film and the PEO coating.

Factor Analysis for Predicting the Structural Reorganization of the Microvasculature of the Kidneys in Patients with Glomerulonephritis and Arterial Hypertension

Objectives. Evaluation of the relationship of clinical, laboratory and morphological factors with remodeling of small-diameter renal arteries in patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) and arterial hypertension (AH). Materials and methods. The study included 105 patients (average age 37.1±1.2 years) with primary GN and hypertension who had indications for morphological investigation of kidney tissue. All patients underwent a standard examination for kidney disease, a morphological study of kidney tissue with a description of the changes that occur in the presence of glomerulonephritis, corresponding to the individual severity of the pathological process. The presence of signs of a tubulointerstitial component of damage (or tubulointerstitial component — TIC) in the form of tubulointerstitial infl ammation (TIV), fi brosis (TIF) was assessed. Vasometry of the interlobular artery (IA) was performed. The value of the intima-media complex (IMC) was considered to be a sign of IA remodeling. A sign of MA remodeling was considered to be an intima-media complex (IMC) value of more than 30.43 μm. Results. Among clinical and laboratory risk factors, an increase in systolic blood pressure has a statistically signifi cant effect on the likelihood of increasing IMC (χ2-criterion = 5.76, p = 0.016), arterial hypertension stage (χ2-criterion = 9.45, p = 0.002), blood urea level (χ2-criterion = 8.11, p = 0.004), decrease in glomerular fi ltration rate (χ2-criterion = 5.0, p = 0.025), increase in the stage of chronic kidney disease (χ2-criterion = 10.32, p = 0.001). The presence of signs of GN progression, such as an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or proteinuria, did not have a statistically significant effect on the risk of IA remodeling (p>0.05). The increase in IA IMC is affected by the presence of hyalinosis of glomerular capillary loops (χ2-criterion = 7.56, p = 0.006), periglomerular hyalinosis (χ2-criterion = 6.96, p = 0.008), sclerosis of the glomerulus (χ2-criterion = 3.9, p = 0.048), increased fibrosis of tubulointerstitium (χ2-criterion = 12.16, p = 0.0005). Conclusion. In GN and AH, remodeling of small-diameter renal vessels occurs due to the influence of AH and its severity, tubulointerstitial changes in the renal tissue. New risk factors for vascular remodeling have been obtained — changes in the glomerulus. At the same time, the inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms of GN were not associated with changes in the vascular wall. The role of hypertension is decisive in changing the structure of small-diameter kidneys.

Turning Threat to Therapy: A Nanozyme-Patch in Surgical Bed for Convenient Tumor Vaccination by Sustained In Situ Catalysis.

Complete surgical resection of tumor is difficult as the invasiveness of cancer, making the residual tumor a lethal threat to patients. The situation is deteriorated by the immune suppression state after surgery, which further nourishes tumor recurrence and metastasis. Immunotherapy is promising to combat tumor metastasis, but is limited by severe toxicity of traditional immunostimulants and complexity of multiple functional units. Here, it is reported that the simple "trans-surgical bed" delivery of Cu2- xSe nanozyme (CSN) by a microneedle-patch can turn the threat to therapy by efficient in situ vaccination. The biocompatible CSN exhibits both peroxidase and glutathione oxidase-like activities, efficiently exhausting glutathione, boosting free radical generation, and inducing immunogenic cell death. The once-for-all inserting of the patch on surgical bed facilitates sustained catalytic action, leading to drastic decrease of recurrence rate and complete suppression of tumor-rechallenge in cured mice. In vivo mechanism interrogation reveals elevated cytotoxic T cell infiltration, re-educated macrophages, increased dendritic cell maturation, and memory T cells formation. Importantly, preliminary metabolism and safety evaluation validated that the metal accumulation is marginable, and the important biochemical indexes are in normal range during therapy. This study has provided a simple, safe, and robust tumor vaccination approach for postsurgical metastasis control.

Financial support to a supplier for quality improvement in a dual-channel supply chain

Outsourcing the production process to suppliers often places product quality beyond the direct control of buyers. While providing financial support to these suppliers can assist in overcoming working capital constraints in quality investments, there remains uncertainty regarding the reliability of suppliers in utilizing such investments for quality improvement. In theory, few papers have examined how effective the financial support is in encouraging quality investments by unreliable suppliers in a coopetitive context. This paper addresses the research gap by exploring whether a buyer will provide financial support to an unreliable supplier for quality improvement in a dual-channel supply chain. We develop models for cases where the buyer refrains from providing financial support, employs an advance payment scheme, or adopts an investment cost-sharing arrangement. Analysis of the equilibrium outcomes reveals that if the supplier has low working capital, the advance payment scheme benefits both parties; if the working capital is medium, no financial support is provided; otherwise, the investment cost-sharing scheme leads to a mutually beneficial outcome. Moreover, the advance payment (cost-sharing) scheme is more likely to be used when the supplier is perceived as more (less) reliable, the interest rate (cost-sharing ratio) decreases, or channel competition is lessened (intensified). Furthermore, we extend the base model to encompass scenarios where the retail prices are set simultaneously and where the supplier consistently leverages the investment to enhance product quality. We validate that the key findings remain valid in either case. Overall, our findings provide insights for buyers seeking to incentivize capital-constrained suppliers to enhance product quality through financial support under coopetition.

Biodegradable Electrospun Conduit with Aligned Fibers Based on Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) (PLGA)/Carbon Nanotubes and Choline Bitartrate Ionic Liquid.

Functionally active aligned fibers are a promising approach to enhance neuro adhesion and guide the extension of neurons for peripheral nerve regeneration. Therefore, the present study developed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-aligned electrospun mats and investigated the synergic effect with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Choline Bitartrate ionic liquid (Bio-IL) on PLGA fibers. Morphology, thermal, and mechanical performances were determined as well as the hydrolytic degradation and the cytotoxicity. Results revealed that electrospun mats are composed of highly aligned fibers, and CNTs were aligned and homogeneously distributed into the fibers. Bio-IL changed thermal transition behavior, reduced glass transition temperature (Tg), and favored crystal phase formation. The mechanical properties increased in the presence of CNTs and slightly decreased in the presence of the Bio-IL. The results demonstrated a decrease in the degradation rate in the presence of CNTs, whereas the use of Bio-IL led to an increase in the degradation rate. Cytotoxicity results showed that all the electrospun mats display metabolic activity above 70%, which demonstrates that they are biocompatible. Moreover, superior biocompatibility was observed for the electrospun containing Bio-IL combined with higher amounts of CNTs, showing a high potential to be used in nerve tissue engineering.

Impact of Preoperative Weight Loss on 30-Day Complication Rate after Bariatric Surgery.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of preoperative weight loss on surgical outcomes and operating room (OR) times after primary bariatric procedures, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). A retrospective cohort study uses the 2021 MBSAQIP dataset. Preoperative total weight loss (TWL)% was calculated. Patients were then divided in to 4 groups: those with no weight loss, lost <0 to <5%, lost ≥5% to <10%, or lost ≥10% TWL preoperatively. These groups were then stratified into those with BMI less than 50 kg/m 2 and those with BMI 50 kg/m 2 or more and 30-day outcomes and OR times were compared. Analysis included 171,010 patients. For BMI less than 50 kg/m 2 , preoperative weight loss led to no consistent improvement in surgical outcomes. Although >0% to <5% TWL led to a decrease in intra- and postoperative occurrences after RYGB and a decrease in reoperation rates after LSG, these observations were not seen in those with higher degree of weight loss. In patients with BMI 50 kg/m 2 or more, preoperative weight loss showed a consistent improvement in reintervention rates after LSG, and readmission rates after RYGB. There was no improvement in other outcomes, however, irrespective of degree of preoperative weight loss. In patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery, preoperative weight loss does not lead to a consistent improvement in outcomes or OR times. In those with BMI 50 kg/m 2 or more, there may be improvement in select outcomes that is procedure-specific. Overall, these data do not support a uniform policy of preoperative weight loss, although selective use in some high-risk patients may be appropriate.

Effects of Near-Critical Condensation and Cavitation on the Performance of S-CO2 Compressor

The supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle efficiency increases as the compressor inlet condition approaches the critical point. However, the thermodynamic properties of CO2 vary dramatically near the critical point, and phase change is most likely to happen. Both cavitation and condensation bring about significant adverse effects on the performance of compressors. In this paper, the quantitative effects of nonequilibrium condensation and cavitation on the performance of an S-CO2 centrifugal compressor with different inlet-relative entropy values are investigated. The properties of CO2 were provided by the real-gas property table, and the nonequilibrium phase-change model was adopted. The numerical simulation method with the nonequilibrium phase-change model was validated in the Lettieri nozzle and Sandia compressor. Furthermore, simulations were carried out in a two-stage centrifugal compressor under conditions of various inlet-relative entropy values. The type of nonequilibrium phase change can be distinguished by inlet-relative entropy. Cavitation makes the choke mass flow rate decrease due to the drop in the speed of sound. Condensation mainly occurs on the leading edge of the main blade at a large mass flow rate, but cavitation occurs on the splitter. The condensation is more evenly distributed on the main blade, but the cavitation is mainly centered on the leading edge.

The Single-Photon Scattering Properties of Three-Level Giant Atoms under the Interaction of Dissipation and Local Coupling

The coupling of three-level giant atoms with one-dimensional waveguides can show interesting phenomena of transmission and reflection. Since the non-waveguide mode can cause the dissipation of external atoms, we consider the effect of the dissipation rate on the scattering of single photons in the system with giant atom–waveguide coupling. We find that as the dissipation rate of giant atoms increases, the transmission rate of a single photon increases and the reflection rate decreases. In addition, by varying the phase difference and decay rate, the giant atoms are able to achieve perfect transmission and total reflection over the entire frequency range. We also find and show the conditions for the conversion of the optimal frequency. When the cumulative phase of photons reaches a certain value, the system can achieve perfect transmission, which is independent of frequency. This model of coupling giant atoms with waveguides has a promising application in quantum communication and quantum information processing.

Quantifying microbial robustness in dynamic environments using microfluidic single-cell cultivation

BackgroundMicroorganisms must respond to changes in their environment. Analysing the robustness of functions (i.e. performance stability) to such dynamic perturbations is of great interest in both laboratory and industrial settings. Recently, a quantification method capable of assessing the robustness of various functions, such as specific growth rate or product yield, across different conditions, time frames, and populations has been developed for microorganisms grown in a 96-well plate. In micro-titer-plates, environmental change is slow and undefined. Dynamic microfluidic single-cell cultivation (dMSCC) enables the precise maintenance and manipulation of microenvironments, while tracking single cells over time using live-cell imaging. Here, we combined dMSCC and a robustness quantification method to a pipeline for assessing performance stability to changes occurring within seconds or minutes.ResultsSaccharomyces cerevisiae CEN.PK113-7D, harbouring a biosensor for intracellular ATP levels, was exposed to glucose feast-starvation cycles, with each condition lasting from 1.5 to 48 min over a 20 h period. A semi-automated image and data analysis pipeline was developed and applied to assess the performance and robustness of various functions at population, subpopulation, and single-cell resolution. We observed a decrease in specific growth rate but an increase in intracellular ATP levels with longer oscillation intervals. Cells subjected to 48 min oscillations exhibited the highest average ATP content, but the lowest stability over time and the highest heterogeneity within the population.ConclusionThe proposed pipeline enabled the investigation of function stability in dynamic environments, both over time and within populations. The strategy allows for parallelisation and automation, and is easily adaptable to new organisms, biosensors, cultivation conditions, and oscillation frequencies. Insights on the microbial response to changing environments will guide strain development and bioprocess optimisation.Graphical

Institutional Quality and Economic Misery in Nigeria

This paper makes an improvement to the traditional institutional quality-growth hypothesis originally documented in the North’s framework by investigating the implications of the quality of formal institutions on economic misery in Nigeria. The specific measures of institutional quality include economic freedom, liberal democracy, and the corruption perception index, while economic misery is measured using Hanke’s modified misery index. The datasets obtained from the World Bank, Heritage Foundation, Freedom House, Transparency International, and Carto Institute were analysed using descriptive statistics and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, which was informed by the evidence of a fractionally integrated series. The findings showed that economic freedom significantly reduced economic misery in the short run. At the same time, evidence of a significant negative effect of liberal democracy on the misery index was established in both the short and long run. This suggests that deepening the democratic process has the potential to mitigate the economic misery faced by Nigerians through increased employment, a decrease in inflationary pressures and interest rates, as well as robust per capita growth. In addition, it was found that the corruption perception index contributed positively to the misery index. This indicates that the pervasive and systemic nature of corruption traps many Nigerians in miserable economic conditions. Owing to the findings, this paper recommends, among others, that policymakers should strengthen the democratic process and promote economic freedom by prioritising credible elections, entrenching the rule of law, and protecting property rights to mitigate the economic distress faced by Nigerians

Preoperative duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus and remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A single center long-term cohort study.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has demonstrated excellent glycemic control and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission for patients with obesity and T2DM. Duration of T2DM is a consistent negative predictor of remission after RYGB. However, the exact timing to offer surgical intervention during the course of the disease is not well elucidated. We performed a retrospective cohort study between 2008-2020 to establish the exact association between duration of T2DM and remission after RYGB. We divided our cohort into quartiles of preoperative disease duration to quantify the change in remission rates for each year of delay between T2DM diagnosis and RYGB. We also compared the average time to remission and changes in glycemic control parameters. A total of 519 patients (67.2% female; age 53.4±10.7y; BMI 46.6±8.4kg/m2) with a follow-up period of 6.6±3.8 years were included. Remission was demonstrated in 51% of patients. Longer duration of T2DM was a significant negative predictor of remission with an estimated decrease in remission rates of 7% for each year of delay ([OR=0.931 (95% CI 0.892-0.971)]; P<0.001). Compared to patients with <3 years of T2DM, remission decreased by 37% for patients with 3-6 years, 64% for those with 7-12 years and 81% for patients with more than 12 years (P<0.001). Half of the patients reached T2DM remission after 0.5 and 1.1 years respectively for the first and second quartiles, while patients in the other quartiles never reached 50% remission. Lastly, we noted an overall improvement in all glycemic control parameters for all quartiles at last follow-up. Patients with a recent history of T2DM who undergo early RYGB experience significantly higher and earlier T2DM remission compared to patients with a prolonged history of preoperative T2DM, suggesting potential benefit of early surgical intervention to manage patients with obesity and T2DM.

Bacteria-targeted magnolol-loaded multifunctional nanocomplexes for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment

Natural plant-derived small molecules have shown great potential for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we successfully developed a nanocomplex consisting of magnolol (Mag), a surfactant with an 18 carbon hydrocarbon chain and multi-amine head groups (C18N3), and a peptide (cyclic 9-amino acid peptide (CARG)) with targeting capabilities for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The obtained Mag/C18N3/CARG nanocomplexes exhibited strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Furthermore, they demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β from macrophage inflammatory cells. This was achieved through downregulating the activation of NF-κB, KEAP1, and NRF2 signaling pathways. In a murine skin infection model, the Mag/C18N3/CARG nanocomplexes effectively suppressed the growth of S. aureus in the infected area and promoted wound healing. Additionally, in a mouse model of acute kidney injury (AKI), the nanocomplexes significantly reduced the levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, leading to a decrease in mortality rate. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining natural plant-derived small molecules with C18N3/CARG assemblies as a novel approach for the development of effective and safe antibacterial agents.

Effect of addition of soybean protein isolate on the retrogradation of rice starch

SummaryIn this study, a hybrid system was prepared by mixing rice starch (RS) with different mass fractions (0%–10% dry weight) of soy protein isolate (SPI) to investigate its retrogradation characteristics during storage. The results showed that the addition of SPI led to an increase in pasting temperature and a decrease in setback (SB) and aging rate (P &lt; 0.05). When the level of SPI was increased to 10%, the pasting temperature reached a peak of 75.28°C, resulting in a decrease of 16.52% in regrowth rate and 51.61% in aging rate. The analysis of hardness and secondary structure indicated that the inclusion of SPI resulted in a less robust starch gel structure in comparison to RS, leading to a decrease in gel hardness and the short‐range ordered structure of starch. The pore structure of the starch gel was observed to be smaller and more uniform following the addition of SPI. The presence of SPI hindered the recrystallisation of starch granules, consequently leading to a delay in starch retrogradation. The results of this study have validated the positive effect of incorporating SPI on the anti‐aging properties of starch during storage. This serves as a foundational basis for enhancing the processing attributes of RS and the overall quality of starchy food products.

Feasibility of a novel blended-care intervention for fatigue after acquired brain injury: a pilot study of the Tied by Tiredness intervention

ABSTRACT Purpose Evidence-based treatments for fatigue after brain injury are scarce and often not personalized. An approach to foster personalization is Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM), consisting of repeated daily measurements of fatigue and related factors in daily life. We investigated the feasibility and usability of a novel six-week ESM-based intervention for fatigue after brain injury. Materials and methods Ten individuals with acquired brain injury (six men; four women) aged between 36–70 years (M = 53.3, SD = 12.9) used a mHealth application for three days each week during six-weeks; seven completed the intervention. Momentary fatigue, activities, mood, worrying, and social context were assessed with ESM and participants received weekly personalized feedback by a therapist.. Results 56% of ESM-questionnaires (568/1008) were completed, providing detailed insights into individual fatigue patterns. No statistically significant decrease in response rate was found over the course of treatment. Qualitative feedback from participants revealed increased insight into factors underlying fatigue, and no problems with treatment duration or difficulties using the app. Five participants showed a decline in fatigue level during treatment. Conclusions This pilot study provides initial support for the feasibility and usability of this novel blended-care intervention, aimed at alleviating fatigue through personalized feedback and treatment strategies.

Alcohol and its metabolites dysregulate cellular bioenergetics and induce oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in primary human bronchial epithelial cells.

Chronic alcohol consumption/misuse is a significant risk factor for pneumonia and lung infection leading to the development of chronic pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung fibrosis. In this study, we sought to delineate the mechanism of alcohol-associated lung disease. We did so by measuring invitro mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells (hBECs) treated with ethanol and its oxidative (acetaldehyde) and nonoxidative (fatty acid ethyl esters or FAEEs) metabolites. Primary hBECs from a normal subject were treated with relevant concentrations of ethanol and its metabolites and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Viability and cytotoxicity were determined using cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kits, respectively. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured by colorimetric reaction, and 4-hydroxynenonal (4HNE) by immunohistochemistry. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and dysregulated cellular bioenergetics were determined by western blot analysis. Mitochondrial stress and real-time ATP production rates were determined using a Seahorse Extracellular Flux analyzer. Amelioration of ethanol-induced oxidative/ER stress and mitochondrial energetics was determined using an AMPKα agonist. Human bronchial epithelial cells treated with ethanol, acetaldehyde, and FAEEs showed a concentration-dependent increase in the secretion of LDH, oxidative/ER stress, deactivation of AMPKα phosphorylation and mitochondrial stress (decreased spare respiratory capacity) with concomitant decreases in mitochondrial and glycolytic ATP production rates. FAEEs caused greater cytotoxicity, ER stress, and dysregulated cellular bioenergetics than those ethanol and its oxidative metabolite. AMPKα agonist-pretreated cells significantly ameliorated ethanol-induced oxidative/ER stress, deactivation of AMPKα, and dysregulated cellular bioenergetics. Findings of this study suggest that ethanol and its metabolites contribute to cytotoxicity, oxidative/ER stress, and dysregulation of cellular bioenergetics in hBECs. The attenuation of ethanol-induced ER/oxidative stress and mitochondrial respiration by an AMPKα agonist may reflect a potential for it to be developed as a therapeutic agent for chronic alcohol-associated lung disease.

Exploring Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation in Allium fistulosum L. Seeds Exposed to Different Storage Conditions

The purpose of this work was to investigate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Allium fistulosum seeds stored under different conditions. Optimized seed storage conditions are essential to maintain seed viability, otherwise accumulation of ROS-induced oxidative damage can lead to seed aging. The A. fistulosum seed lots used in this study have been selected based on their breeding background and reproduction site. Seed samples were stored up to 22 months under six different conditions of temperature (25, 10, and 7.5 °C) and relative humidity (RH) (25% and 45% RH). A germination test and ROS quantification assay were performed on the samples collected after 12 and 22 months of storage, respectively. Within a time-window of 10 months, the tested seed lots evidenced a decrease in the germination rate associated with increased ROS levels. Correlation analysis also showed that ROS production was influenced by genotype. The reported data showed that ROS accumulation was dependent on the storage condition and genotype. Some of the tested seed lots appeared to be prone to ROS accumulation, independent of storage conditions. On the other hand, specific condition storages (25 °C, 25% RH; 25 °C, 45% RH; 10 °C, 25% RH; 7.5 °C, 25% RH) resulted in a lower impact on seed aging.

Study of Lipid-Modifying Therapy Use and Risk Factor Management in Patients With Dyslipidemia in Duhok City/Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Introduction Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally, according to the World Health Organization. Research from the Middle East indicates that cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the region are among the highest worldwide. Multiple risk factors contribute to ASCVD. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often associated with hyperlipidemia, plays a pivotal role. The reduction of LDL cholesterol through statins has been extensively studied over the years and has demonstrated a significant decrease in rates of cardiovascular disease, particularly in high- and very high-risk groups. Study design This cross-sectional study enrolled 503 adult patients undergoing lipid-lowering therapy for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD at the Azadi General & Teaching Hospital in Duhok City, Iraq. Data were collected from January 2, 2023, to October 31, 2023. The sample size was carefully determined to ensure a precise estimation of the primary outcome measure. Results Of the 503 patients aged 21-89 years, 315 (62.2%) were women. Among the 145 (28.8%) with ASCVD, 127 (87.5%)had coronary artery disease. Only 150 (29.8%) were on a high-intensity statin, compared to 293 (58.25%) on a moderate-intensity statin. In total, 155 (30.8%) attained LDL-C control (p<0.0001). Among the 207 with very high cardiovascular disease risk, only 10 (4.83%) achieved an LDL-C level below 55 mg/dl. Conclusion This study revealed inadequate management of LDL-C levels across various participant categories, particularly those classified as having high cardiovascular disease risk. Control of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome) was overall very poor. Most participants were overweight or obese.

Preliminary results of Polish national multicenter LILEO study on ileostomy reversal

&lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Ileostomy reversal is a common surgical procedure and currently standardized perioperative and surgical protocols are lacking.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; LILEO study was designed to perform a multicenter analysis on numerous perioperative parameters and estimation of the incidence of postoperative complications.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Materials and methods:&lt;/b&gt; The study is an open multicenter prospective cohort study. Preliminary results of the LILEO study after 3 months were available from 18 Polish surgical centers comprising full data of 59 patients who underwent ileostomy reversal.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Parameters such as preoperative care, surgical technique, postoperative course and complications were analyzed. Preoperative fasting was used in 49.1% of patients. Fifty nine percent of anastomosis were handsewn and in 72.9% of patients had primary single suture wound closure. Mean length of hospital stay was 7.9 days (min 2 days, max 26 days). Complications occurred overall in 20 patients (33.9%). In 11.9% of patient’s complications had grade III A/B in Clavien-Dindo classification.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Discussion:&lt;/b&gt; The perioperative care in the group of patients undergoing ileostomy reversal still lacks standardized and optimized treatment.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Ileostomy removal is a procedure with high risk of postoperative complications. Standardization of perioperative care based on further multicenter national study could result in a decrease of complications rate.&lt;/br&gt;

Low reynolds number carbon-containing composite liquid fuel pipeline transportation under sub-ambient and subzero temperatures

An experimental study of the effect of lowered temperatures (from 25 °C to −5 °C) on the velocity and viscosity of composite liquid fuel (CLF) flow in mini-channels was performed at low Reynolds numbers. Examined CLFs are composed of water, coking coal, and sludge from coking coal processing, mixed with lignite polymer, acidic sodium pyrophosphate, isononylphenol and a mixture of mono-and dialkylphenols with ethylene oxide. The method of adjusting the critical ratio between the Reynolds numbers at the actual liquid flow rate of the local consumer and at the pump flow rate has been developed for CLF pipeline transport in off-season and winter temperature conditions. It is based on the constant regulation of the pump flow rate, depending on the current external temperature. Under a controlled decrease in the pump flow rate and a CLF temperature of −5 °C, its transportation by pipeline was successfully performed at laboratory conditions.

A multi-mobility model for polymer insulation: Role of high-mobility space charge on breakdown with high dv/dt voltages

The failure of polymeric solid insulation under transient voltages is closely associated with space charge. In this study, DC and AC field dependent conduction characteristics of epoxy resin were investigated using the space charge limited current and high voltage broadband dielectric spectrum methods. The breakdown voltages (BDVs) were examined over a wide range of DC voltage ramp rates. The results reveal a threshold effect of AC conduction loss below 600 Hz with respect to the electric field. By analyzing charge migration laws, a mobility distribution was deduced, with an upper limit of 10−9m2V−1s−1, which is much higher than the measured DC mobility of 10−14m2V−1s−1. A multi-mobility bipolar charge transport model was proposed by introducing the obtained mobility distribution. Compared to the single-mobility model, high-mobility carriers induce larger unblocked space charge currents for high dv/dt voltages, leading to lower values of BDV, which is consistent with experiment results. As the voltage ramp rate decreases, both simulation and experiment demonstrate higher BDVs due to the field shielding effect of homocharges.