Tension Difference Research Articles

Binary Droplet Collisions in Bioprinting: Influence of Material Properties on Mixing and Repeatability

AbstractThe study of suspended binary droplet collisions is an active research topic that has gathered interest due to its complexity and its industrial applications such as bioprinting. For many techniques that rely on the collision of two droplets, the quality of the outcome depends on the mixing process that begins when the droplets come in contact with each other. In this work, we study how the difference in material properties of colliding droplets, such as viscosity and surface tension, affect the mixing process. Employing multiphase direct numerical simulations, the distribution of the impinging liquids and the structure of the flow field have been analysed to find ways of mixing and process repeatability optimisation. To analyse the effects that differences in viscosity and surface tension have in the mixing process, the flows emerging from the collision are analysed. The differences in kinematic viscosity, in the range of $$1 \times 10^{-7}$$ 1 × 10 - 7 to $$1 \times 10^{-5}\,\text {m}^{2}\text {s}^{-1}$$ 1 × 10 - 5 m 2 s - 1 and surface tension, in the range of 36 to $${82.7\,\mathrm{\text {m}\text {N} \, \text {m}^{-1}}}$$ 82.7 mN m - 1 , have also been demonstrated to affect the trajectory of the centre of mass and morphology of the droplets upon collision and thus could have implications from the point of view of process repeatability. In the parameter space considered here, it was found that differences in viscosity and surface tension enhance the mixing due to the departure from the symmetry in the collision.

Struggling with dilemmas when teaching ethnography in higher education: agony, agonistic sensemaking, and agonistic spacemaking

ABSTRACT In this article, we reflect on our experiences with teaching ethnographic skills and sensibilities to MSc students at a Dutch university. Using methods such as (self)observation, journaling and reflection, we highlight dilemmas (conceptual, practical, ethical) faced by students when doing ethnographic fieldwork and dilemmas that emerged in classroom discussions, including: the tension between participation and observation, member checking, and what constitutes meaningful intervention. We invoke the notion of agony to express a sense of struggle in dealing with these dilemmas and we introduce the sensitising concepts of agonistic sensemaking and agonistic spacemaking as ways to jointly explore divergent responses to the issues at hand, while rethinking our views on good ethnographic research and pedagogy. Our reflections serve to explore the potential of agonistic learning in higher education by generating productive debate from the tensions of difference, promote a reflexive approach to ethnography and social science research, and inform curriculum development.

Molecular Design of a Diketopyrrolopyrrole Conjugated Oligoelectrolyte Capable of Imaging Intracellular Vesicle Membrane Dynamics.

Conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) are lipid bilayer spanning optical reporters that hold promise for delineating spatiotemporal changes in subcellular compartments. However, their ability to probe a broader range of biological processes remains restricted due to the lack of environmentally-responsive chemical functionalities. Herein, the study reports a novel COE, namely COE-KP, for monitoring spatiotemporal changes in the endolysosomal vesicles. COE-KP features a central diketopyrrolopyrrole functional group in the optically active conjugated core that confers photophysical properties suitable for bioimaging, in particular responding to the presence of hydrogen bonding functionalities within the hydrophobic domain of the lipid bilayer. COE-KP can thus discriminate cells in different growth states through two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) with excitation in the NIR-II range. These changes in lifetime most reasonably reflect the degree of water permeability through the membrane and are not linked to notable differences in membrane tension or solvent polarity. Furthermore, using stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy, it is possible to directly visualize membrane-bound COEs within cellular vesicles. These results illustrate further opportunities for applying COE-based reporters for super-resolution microscopy of organelle membranes, visualization of subcellular membrane morphologies, and imaging long-term changes in membrane properties.

Abstract 4137103: Myofibril Mechanics and Transcriptomic Profiling Confirm Distinct Phenotype of TNNI3- Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model

Introduction: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI, TNNI3 gene) is a highly conserved subunit of the sarcomere that inhibits contraction by preventing actin-myosin interaction. Pathogenic TNNI3 variants can cause both hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathies but lack targeted therapies. We identified a family with restrictive cardiomyopathy carrying a cTnI variant at amino acid 157 (A157V). Using CRISPR-Cas9, we generated a knock-in mouse model reflecting this mutation (A158V in mouse). Our previous studies showed that homozygous A158V mice had impaired cardiac relaxation on invasive hemodynamics but normal lifespan, no echocardiographic changes, and no fibrosis. Hypothesis: Myofibril mechanics and transcriptomic studies will better discriminate TNNI3 A158V mice from WT than previous phenotyping studies. Methods: Heart tissue was obtained from wild-type (WT) and homozygous A158V mice at 9-10 months. Myofibrils were isolated from heart tissues and mechanical measurements were completed using the fast solution switching method. RNA was extracted for bulk RNA sequencing. Results: Isolated myofibril studies showed significant prolongation of the linear relaxation phase in A158V mice versus controls (p=0.02) but no significant differences in active tension. Unsupervised clustering of bulk RNA samples separated A158V samples from controls, with 44% transcriptional variation derived from genotype. Cardiac changes in the A158V model were confirmed by significant depletion of pathways involved in structural components of the contractile apparatus, including contractile fiber, sarcomere, and I-Band. On an individual gene level, A158V mutated mice displayed higher expression of cardiac remodeling genes such as Timp1 , Postn , and Tnc . Conclusion: The TNNI3 A158V variant consistently produces impaired relaxation with myofibril studies showing prolonged linear relaxation phase. Transcriptomic studies highlight distinct clustering of TNNI3 A158V mice from WT, with prominent depletion in contractile apparatus pathways. Our findings suggest traditional methods to characterize mouse models may fail to capture disease phenotype in cardiomyopathies; however, myofibril studies and transcriptomic profiling may reveal earlier phenotypic changes.

Organosilane Modification of Lignin and Lignosulfonate: Structure and Compatibility in PVDF Membrane

The high difference in surface tension between the filler and the polymer often constrains membrane compatibility. To reduce the surface tension, organosilane such as GPTMS is usually used to improve miscibility. In this study, GPTMS was introduced to produce lignin-GPTMS (LG) and lignosulfonate-GPTMS (LsG). The modification was done by reacting lignin and lignosulfonate with GPTMS using ethanol as the media. The product was characterized using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and microscope. The success of functionalization was shown in FTIR spectra with the vibration of Si-O at 1034 cm-1 and 528 cm-1. The XRD analysis presents that the filler material has an amorph and crystalline structure. The functionalization using a 2:1 ratio increases zeta potential absolute and particle size due to the silane being a bridge and making a larger macromolecule. For a ratio of 1:1, a higher organosilane compound results in breaking siloxane linkages and making smaller molecules. Mixed LG and LsG into PVDF membrane conducted to analyze filler compatibility. The sulfonation and functionalization of GPTMS increase the compatibility of lignin in PVDF membrane with the best homogeneity achieved by a membrane with the addition of LsG 1:1.

Early versus delayed start of weight-bearing after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons.

The aim of this prospective randomized clinical study was to compare the clinical and second-look arthroscopic outcomes of early weight-bearing and delayed weight-bearing rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring tendons. This prospective study involved 90 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendons. The patients were randomly assigned to either perform weight-bearing exercises at three weeks postoperatively (group A) or at one week postoperatively (group B). Evaluation of the patients was conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, focusing on knee range of motion, thigh circumference, and knee function assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form and Lysholm knee score. Graft evaluation was performed based on tension, tear, and synovial coverage via second-look arthroscopy at least one year after reconstruction. Group B exhibited significantly greater knee extension and flexion angles at 3 and 6 months compared to group A. IKDC and Lysholm scores were significantly higher in group B at 3 and 6 months. Additionally, the difference in thigh circumference between groups A and B was smaller at all evaluation periods, indicating less muscle atrophy in group B. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in synovial coverage, graft tear, or tension between the two groups based on second-look arthroscopy findings. This study demonstrates that an early weight-bearing protocol leads to faster recovery of knee joint function and muscle strength, facilitating a quicker return to sports activities. Additionally, there was no significant difference in graft morphology observed at second-look arthroscopy between the two groups at one year postoperative. Therefore, clinicians are encouraged to develop suitable early weight-bearing rehabilitation protocols for patients who have undergone ACL surgery.

Individualized positive end-expiratory pressure in laparoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

The reduction in functional residual capacity (FRC) is a significant pathological factor in the development of postoperative pulmonary complications. Appropriate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is critical to preserve FRC during mechanical ventilation. Our previous study suggests that using driving pressure-guided PEEP can reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. In this study, we hypothesize that individualized PEEP can increase immediate postoperative FRC and improve lung ventilation. This single-centered, randomized controlled trial included a total of 91 patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery for colorectal carcinoma. Patients were randomly assigned to receive individualized PEEP guided by minimum driving pressure or a fixed PEEP of six cmH<inf>2</inf>O. The primary outcome was postoperative FRC. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, postoperative Oxygenation Index, alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference (P<inf>A-a</inf>O<inf>2</inf>), intrapulmonary shunt (Q<inf>S</inf>/Q<inf>T</inf>), and Respiratory Index, as well as lung ventilation measured by electrical impedance tomography. The median value of PEEP in the individualized group was 14 cmH<inf>2</inf>O, with an interquartile range of 12-14 cmH<inf>2</inf>O. The postoperative FRC was significantly higher in the individualized PEEP group than that in the PEEP six cmH<inf>2</inf>O group (32.8 [12.8] vs. 25.0 [12.6] mL/kg, P=0.004). Patients receiving driving pressure-guided PEEP also had significantly higher Oxygenation Index, better ventilation distribution, and lower PA-aO<inf>2</inf>, Q<inf>S</inf>/Q<inf>T</inf>, and Respiratory Index. Driving pressure-guided PEEP can preserve postoperative FRC and provide better ventilation and oxygenation for patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Analysis of wrinkles and corrugations in the electrode calendering process

ABSTRACT Calendering is a crucial process in manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries electrodes. Wrinkles and corrugations are the main manufacturing defects in the calendering process. This study aims at studying the formation mechanism of wrinkles and corrugations. Corrugations and wrinkles of the electrodes were revealed to be more dependent on the difference between the front and back tensions. The tortuosity of corrugations was reduced by 34.2% when the tension difference decreased from 20 to 5 N. The increase in the tension difference led to a linear increase of the shear displacement δ, causing severe wrinkles in the uncoated area of the electrodes. The analytical prediction model for wrinkles during calendering was established based on the shearing of a rectangular membrane. The optimal web tension conditions, at a tension difference of 17 N, was achieved to obtain the optimal calendered electrodes.

Molecular modelling of active oil droplet propulsion: Insights from dissipative particle dynamics simulation

This study employed dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations to investigate the self-propelled motion of oil droplets in water–oil–surfactant systems. It is the first attempt to replicate self-propulsion models of oil droplets at the molecular level, contrasting previous simulations focused on Brownian motion and hydrodynamic behaviour of colloidal particles. The DPD model reproduced droplet propulsion and visualised internal Marangoni flow, showing that larger droplet radii and greater interfacial tension differences increase propulsion speeds. Additionally, surfactants with stronger oil–oil repulsion enhanced propulsion speed, suggesting that surfactant-induced local structures are crucial for the self-propulsion mechanism.

Superior Biological Healing of Hamstring Autografts Compared with Tibialis Allografts after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis Based on Second-Look Arthroscopy.

Background and Objectives: Remodeling and healing of the graft are crucial processes for long-term graft survival after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, few studies have objectively evaluated the differences in graft healing between autografts and allografts. This study aimed to compare the status of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts between hamstring tendon (HT) autografts and tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) allografts using second-look arthroscopy. Materials and Methods: The outcomes of 193 consecutive patients (153 males and 40 females, with an average age of 30.38 and BMI of 25.43 kg/m2) who underwent second-look arthroscopy following primary ACLR were retrospectively reviewed. Prior to participating in this study, all patients provided written informed consent. The patients were divided into two groups: those with HT autografts and those with TAT allografts. Confounding factors were matched between the two groups using propensity score matching (PSM). ACL graft status was assessed during second-look arthroscopy using a numeric scale system based on the degree of four parameters: graft tension, continuity, synovium coverage, and vascular marking. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. Graft status and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Additionally, a subgroup analysis based on the timing of the second-look arthroscopy (12-24 months vs. >24 months after the initial ACLR) was conducted. Results: After PSM, 62 patients were included in each group. The second-look arthroscopy was conducted at 23.6 ± 6.6 months for the HT group and at 24.0 ± 7.9 months for the TAT group (p = 0.749). The continuity and tension of the ACL graft were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.146 and 0.075, respectively). However, the TAT group exhibited significantly inferior synovial coverage and vascular marking of the ACL graft compared with the HT group (p = 0.021 and 0.007, respectively). These findings were consistent regardless of the timing of the second-look arthroscopy. Clinical outcomes, according to the Lysholm and IKDC scores, significantly improved in both groups with no significant differences (p = 0.386 and 0.733, respectively). Conclusions: Although there were no differences in graft tension and continuity between HT autografts and TAT allografts, the biological healing of ACL grafts, in terms of synovialization and vascularization, was superior in HT autografts compared to TAT allografts.

Differences in Scalp Tension Associated With Craniosynostosis Among Patients of Different Races.

Fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) is the gold standard treatment for craniosynostosis. Although FOA by gradual distraction has been practiced in Asia, it has not yet been accepted in Western countries. This may be attributable to differences in scalp tension among patients. The extent of skin advancement was intraoperatively measured as skin tension among 12 European (France) and 16 Asian (Japan) patients older than 6 months (age, 9.63±3.78y) who underwent cranioplasty. Skin tension was measured at 3 points (left, right, and middle) after a zigzag bicoronal incision was made. The skin tension measurements of European patients were as follows: left, 23.1±6.37mm; middle, 18.5±3.85mm; and right, 23.3±6.31mm. Tension in the middle was significantly lower than that on the left and right (P<0.05). In contrast, the skin tension measurements of Asian patients were as follows: left, 12.8±1.49mm; middle, 14.4±3.60mm; and right, 13.0±1.74mm. Tension in the middle was significantly higher than that on the left and right (P<0.05). In addition, skin tension was higher among European patients than among Asian patients. Scalp tension differed according to race. This should be considered when selecting appropriate treatment.

Ultra-fast-track cardiac anesthesia in minimally invasive cardiac surgery: a retrospective observational study.

There is no uniformity on the safety profile of ultra-fast-track cardiac anesthesia (UFTCA), and there is a lack of research on the postoperative lung function status of patients with UFTCA. This retrospective study was to examine the benefits of UFTCA on the postoperative recovery and pulmonary function of patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). This retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent MICS at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between January 2022 and July 2023. Patients were retrospectively segregated into two groups: UFTCA group and conventional general anesthesia (CGA group). Primary endpoints encompassed differences in the duration of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay and overall hospital stay. Secondary observations included in-hospital mortality rate, 3-month post-discharge survival rate, oxygenation indexes of preoperative (T0), immediately after extubation (T1), 6 hours after extubation (T2), and 12 hours after extubation (T3), use of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in the ICU, postoperative total chest drainage volume, and the rate of complications. Group comparisons were performed using grouped t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The UFTCA group (n=327) demonstrated shorter ICU and hospital stays when compared with the CGA group (n=216) (P=0.001). At the immediately after extubation, the UFTCA group exhibited a decrease in oxygenation index [arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)] accompanied by elevated alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference [P(A-a)O2] and respiratory index [P(A-a)O2/PaO2] values compared to the CGA group (P=0.001). However, by 12 hours after extubation, the UFTCA group manifested an improved PaO2/FiO2 and diminished P(A-a)O2/PaO2 values compared to the CGA group. The UFTCA group required high-flow oxygen therapy after extubation with greater frequency than the CGA group (P=0.001). However, neither the UFTCA nor CGA group had patients who needed reintubation (P>0.05). No significant differences were observed in postoperative atelectasis and pulmonary edema rates between the groups (P>0.05), the UFTCA group recorded a diminished total chest drainage volume postoperatively (P=0.001). Incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was heightened in the UFTCA group (P=0.01), while the incidence of delirium was less frequent when compared with the CGA group (P=0.001). UFTCA demonstrates potential benefits in minimizing ICU and postoperative hospital stay in patients undergoing MICS. This approach also contributes to a reduction in postoperative chest drainage volume and a decreased likelihood of postoperative delirium. Despite the initial decline in lung oxygenation immediately following early post-extubation, subsequent lung function proves to be superior, with no differences in postoperative atelectasis or pulmonary edema rates. However, the implementation of UFTCA requires additional strategies to prevent the occurrence of PONV.

Osmotic spawning vesicle.

We discovered a cascade vesicle division system driven by osmotic inflation. Binary giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) composed of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) and cholesterol (Chol) were subjected to an osmotic pressure difference by encapsulating membrane-impermeable osmolytes (typically sucrose) in an external aqueous solution containing membrane-permeable osmolytes (typically fructose). This simple setup enabled the mother GUVs to repeatedly form small membrane buds and subsequently undergo divisions over several hundred seconds, resulting in the production of approximately 30-300 daughter GUVs from a single mother GUV. The observed morphological change of GUVs is well described by the mechanical balance between membrane bending, membrane tension, and osmotic pressure difference based on the spontaneous curvature model. This "osmotic spawning" behavior of GUVs does not rely on chemical reactions or functional macromolecules. Therefore, this cascade division system is compatible with various chemical systems and has the potential to implement proliferation ability in artificial cells, drug delivery systems, and protocells simply by modifying their membrane compartments and osmolytes.

Population Analysis of Masseter Muscle Tension Using Shear Wave Ultrasonography across Different Disease States.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and trends of masseter muscle tension in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, examining gender-specific differences and the impact of various TMJ disorders. Methods: From January 2020 to June 2024, a total of 734 patients presenting with facial pain radiating to the head and neck, localized around and extending from the TMJ, were referred for ultrasonographic examination. After applying exclusion criteria, 535 patients (72.9%) were included in the study. The patient cohort consisted of 343 females (64.1%) and 192 males (35.9%), with muscle tension measured using the Aixplorer ultrasound system equipped with a shear wave device. Data were collected and analyzed across different age groups and TMJ conditions, including "no changes", "exudate", "arthrosis", and "disc displacement". Results: The study found that males exhibited higher muscle tension across all conditions, particularly in the "no changes" (40.4 kPa vs. 32.1 kPa, 25.9% higher) and "exudate" (38.5 kPa vs. 29.7 kPa, 29.6% higher) categories, indicating increased muscle strain and inflammation during middle age. In females, a trend of decreasing muscle tension with age was observed, with a significant reduction from 36.2 kPa in the 20-30 age group to 24.3 kPa in the 60-70 age group (32.9% reduction), suggesting a reduction in muscle mass or strength due to aging. Both genders showed high muscle tension in the presence of exudate, with females peaking in the 40-50 age group at 37.1 kPa and males peaking earlier in the 20-30 age group at 41.2 kPa (10.9% higher in males), highlighting potential gender differences in inflammatory response. In the arthrosis group, males displayed a consistent increase in muscle tension with age, peaking at 37.5 kPa in the 50-60 age group (50.7% increase from the 20-30 age group), while females showed high tension, particularly in the 40-50 age group at 31.0 kPa (82.4% higher compared to the 20-30 age group), indicating the need for targeted joint health interventions in middle-aged women. Conclusions: This study reveals significant gender-specific differences in masseter muscle tension among patients with TMJ pain. Males were found to be more affected by muscle strain and inflammation during middle age, whereas females showed a significant decrease in muscle tension with age. The presence of exudate significantly impacted muscle tension across all age groups for both genders. These findings underscore the importance of tailored clinical interventions and preventive strategies to manage TMJ disorders effectively.

Dynamical modelling of lipid droplet formation suggests a key function of membrane phospholipids.

Cells store triacylglycerol (TAG) within lipid droplets (LDs). A dynamic model describing complete LD formation at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane does not yet exist. A biochemical-biophysical model of LD synthesis is proposed. It describes the time-dependent accumulation of TAG in the ER membrane as the formation of a potential LD (pLD) bounded by spherical caps of the inner and outer monolayers of the membrane. The expansion rate of the pLD depends on the TAG supply, the elastic properties of the ER membrane, and the recruitment of phospholipids (PLs) to the cap-covering monolayers. Model simulations provided the following insights: (a) Marginal differences in the surface tension of the cap monolayers are sufficient to fully drive the expansion of the pLD towards the cytosol or lumen. (b) Selective reduction of PL supply to the luminal monolayer ensures stable formation of cytosolic LDs, irrespective of variations in the elasto-mechanical properties of the ER membrane. (c) The rate of TAG supply to the cytosolic monolayer has a major effect on the size and maturation time of LDs but has no significant effect on the TAG export per individual LD. The recruitment of additional PLs to the cap monolayers of pLDs critically controls the budding direction, size, and maturation time of LDs. The ability of cells to acquire additional LD initiation sites appears to be key to coping with acutely high levels of potentially toxic free fatty acids.

A comparative study across mule, equine and equine clone pregnancies regarding the determination of the day of birth

Monitoring equine parturition effectively is essential for preemptive intervention in periparturient issues and ensuring the overall well-being of both mares and foals. However, its implementation in breeding farms is challenging due to variable gestational lengths and nocturnal births. Predictive techniques have the potential to streamline the monitoring process, reduce labor intensity, and minimize costs. Research on foaling prediction in mares carrying mule or equine clone fetuses is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to comparatively analyze foaling prediction parameters in mares pregnant with mule, equine, or equine clone fetus. The study included vulvar relaxation, sacroiliac ligament tension, pH, BRIX index, and concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in prepartum mammary secretions. Sixty pregnant mares were used for this study and grouped as follows: 25 mares with mule fetuses (MF), 20 with equine clone fetuses (CF), and 15 with equine control fetuses (EF). Results showed significant differences in vulvar relaxation and sacroiliac ligament tension only in MF group (p < 0.05) on the day of parturition compared to the other days evaluated, different from the other groups. Levels of pH notably decreased on parturition day (mean 5.7 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001), with lower values in MF (6.05 ± 0.02) and CF (6.08 ± 0.04) compared to EF (6.26 ± 0.04) (p < 0.03). The BRIX index showed variation across mares and was not a good parameter for foaling prediction. Electrolytes correlated positively with impending parturition, showing no significant differences among groups. The MF and CF groups exhibited a substantial increase (102.13 % and 110.66 %, respectively) in mean calcium concentrations on the day before foaling, unlike EF (38.29 %). In conclusion, the pH values were different in mammary secretions between mares carrying mule and clone fetuses, in contrast to equine control fetuses. Nevertheless, there was a trend of decreasing pH values closer to parturition in all groups. Conversely, the BRIX index serves as a valuable indicator of colostrum quality yet does not offer insights into the proximity of parturition. While electrolyte concentrations did not reveal significant differences among groups, it is worth noting that the evaluation of phosphorus emerges as a new parameter to explore in mares nearing parturition, since it obtained a pattern similar to calcium.

Clinical comparison of total gastrectomy with single-vessel transection Roux-en-Y reconstruction vs total gastrectomy with conventional Roux-en-Y reconstruction for proximal gastric cancer

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the clinical benefits of single-vessel transection Roux-en-Y (SR-Y) reconstruction after total gastrectomy. MethodsA total of 194 patients with proximal gastric cancer were prospectively recruited at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between January 2021 and September 2022. This study included 97 patients who underwent conventional Roux-en-Y reconstruction and 97 patients who underwent SR-Y reconstruction. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were compared between the conventional and single-vessel transection groups. ResultsThere were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups in terms of age (P = .882), gender (P = .595), body mass index (P = .683), tumor location (P = .568), TNM stage (P = .122), tumor size (P = .927), anemia (P = .756), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = .730), and surgical approach (P = .592). However, compared with the conventional group, the single-vessel transection group had a shorter operation time (162.5 ± 37.6 vs 178.5 ± 48.3 min, respectively; P = .011) and less intraoperative bleeding (167.2 ± 91.8 vs 207.8 ± 167.5 mL, respectively; P = .037) after complete reservation of the terminal jejunal vascular arches. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in tensions in the jejunal mesentery, durations of peritoneal drainage, postoperative hospital stay durations, the number of lymph node dissections, and early complications between the 2 groups. ConclusionSR-Y reconstruction can simplify surgical procedures, reduce operating time, and minimize intraoperative bleeding without increasing tensions in the jejunal mesentery or short-term complications. It is feasible and safe and worth further promotion in clinical practice.

Cell-intrinsic mechanical regulation of plasma membrane accumulation at the cytokinetic furrow

Cytokinesis is the process where the mother cell's cytoplasm separates into daughter cells. This is driven by an actomyosin contractile ring that produces cortical contractility and drives cleavage furrow ingression, resulting in the formation of a thin intercellular bridge. While cytoskeletal reorganization during cytokinesis has been extensively studied, less is known about the spatiotemporal dynamics of the plasma membrane. Here, we image and model plasma membrane lipid and protein dynamics on the cell surface during leukemia cell cytokinesis. We reveal an extensive accumulation and folding of the plasma membrane at the cleavage furrow and the intercellular bridge, accompanied by a depletion and unfolding of the plasma membrane at the cell poles. These membrane dynamics are caused by two actomyosin-driven biophysical mechanisms: the radial constriction of the cleavage furrow causes local compression of the apparent cell surface area and accumulation of the plasma membrane at the furrow, while actomyosin cortical flows drag the plasma membrane toward the cell division plane as the furrow ingresses. The magnitude of these effects depends on the plasma membrane fluidity, cortex adhesion, and cortical contractility. Overall, our work reveals cell-intrinsic mechanical regulation of plasma membrane accumulation at the cleavage furrow that is likely to generate localized differences in membrane tension across the cytokinetic cell. This may locally alter endocytosis, exocytosis, and mechanotransduction, while also serving as a self-protecting mechanism against cytokinesis failures that arise from high membrane tension at the intercellular bridge.

Highly Water‐Rich Robust Coating for Separating Immiscible Liquids Mixtures of Wide Range of Surface Tension Differences

AbstractDeveloping mechanically robust and chemically tolerant coatings that maintain a high water content remains an extremely challenging task to pursue to date. Here, an optimum reinforcement of a hollow nano‐clay i.e., halloysite in a dual crosslinked and interpenetrating polymeric network is introduced to yield a high (≈95 wt%) water content coating with an ability to improve toughness (9.9 ± 0.6 MJm−3 Vs. 0.5 ± 0.03 MJ m−3) of a deformable fibrous substrate. The association of covalent and physical crosslinking chemistries provides essential tolerance against exposures to diverse severe chemically complex conditions, including extremes of pH, seawater, river water, and organic solvents. High water content in the prepared hydrogel network endows a robust bio‐inspired underwater nonadhesive superoleophobicity with oil contact angle of 160.7 ± 0.2° and force of oil‐droplet adhesion of 8.7 ± 0.3 µN. This approach provides a liquid selective filtrating membrane with ultrahigh crude oil/water separation efficiency (99.7%), superior intrusion pressure (3.5 ± 0.4 kPa), relatively high separation flux (11,162 Lm−2 h−1), and the ability to perform even when the surface tension of aqueous phase is brought down to similar of oily phase. Moreover, a mixture of immiscible, non‐aqueous liquids having differences in surface tension below 2.5 mN m−1 is successfully separated.

Microstructure and excellent arc ablation resistance of Ni–8Al coating on copper substrate by high-speed laser cladding

In the case of electrical contact, copper alloys are often unable to withstand arc ablation and premature failure. To solve this issue, Ni-8wt.%Al (Ni–8Al) coatings were successfully prepared on copper substrates utilizing the high-speed laser cladding. In addition, the microstructure evolution, microhardness, electric conductivity and arc ablation resistance of the prepared coatings were investigated in detail. As a result, the achieved Ni–8Al coatings were structurally dense with good metallurgical bonding to the substrate, of which the microstructure showed a bottom-up evolution of fine sub-grain structure. Notably, the microhardness of the coating was 191.7 HV0.2, representing an increase of 82.57% compared to the substrate, and the electrical conductivity was 18.03 %IACS, approaching that of pure nickel. Additionally, the increase in ablation currents led to changes in the ablation behaviors and failure mechanisms of both the substrate and coating. At high currents, a huge arc ablation crater appeared in the center of the substrate due to the reaction force of the anode flame and the difference in surface tension between the liquid metal at the center and the edge of the molten pool. Nevertheless, the coatings showed better arc ablation resistance due to the improvement of molten pool stability during arc ablation by the in situ formed Al2O3 layer on the coating surface.