Loss Factor Research Articles

Comprehensive exergy, exergoeconomic, exergoenvironmental and energy audit assessment in a textile factory

In the industry, the discussion of energy and exergy analysis has gained increasing importance due to human needs from the past to the present. In the textile industry, this analysis has only been implemented in a limited manner and in isolated units. Specifically, in the dyeing, printing, and finishing units, steam and hot oil energy is utilized for heating processes. This heating requirement is met by steam boilers and hot oil boilers, which are essential for the operation of an integrated system. Identifying factors of energy loss and pollutant production, along with applying energy improvement techniques in textile factories, can significantly reduce the problems associated with fossil fuels. To identify potential energy and environmental improvements, an energy audit was conducted throughout the Borujerd Textile Factory in Iran, which goes beyond previous fragmented and isolated assessments to provide a comprehensive review of the entire system. This audit integrated thermography and flue gas analysis to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of performance evaluation. By performing exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental (4E) analyses, the performance of the existing system was evaluated, providing a comprehensive overview of efficiency and the potential for improvements and optimizations. Environmental impact analysis was conducted using life cycle assessment in SimaPro for different sections of the plant. The results indicate that the most significant exergy destruction occurs in steam boilers and hot oil boilers, totaling 33.5 MW and 91%, respectively, as well as the washing after printing machine in the dyeing department, accounting for 3% of total exergy destruction due to high energy wastage and low efficiency in these devices. The cost rate of overall exergy destruction is estimated at $61.1 per hour. The highest environmental impacts were observed for steam boilers and the pad steam machine in the dyeing department, primarily due to the equipment's structure and the use of polluting materials that contribute to emissions from these devices. After the energy audit, the most effective solutions to the identified problems were proposed. It was also determined that the most significant heat loss occurs in pad steam machines, washing after printing, and bleaching washing machines.

Cotinine, trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, and nicotine metabolite ratio indicate association between smoking and tooth loss.

Previous research has indicated a potential connection between smoking and tooth loss, but it remains unclear how the metabolites of nicotine, cotinine (COT) and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (HC), and the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) affect the occurrence and progress of tooth loss. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between tooth loss and smoking metabolites, then verify how the systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII) or monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) levels mediate this process. The cross-sectional study data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). After screening and comparing the baseline data, regression models were utilized to evaluate the relationship between serum COT+HC level and tooth loss, as well as COT+HC and SII/MHR and tooth loss. Furthermore, bootstrapping was applied to test the mediation effect of SII and MHR in the association between COT+HC and tooth loss. A total of 9036 subjects were included in the study, with 2795 individuals in the COT/HC- group and 6241 in the COT/HC+ group. In the models with covariates adjusted, COT+HC level was found to be positively correlated with tooth loss (Model 3: odds ratio [OR]=1.001, 95% CI=1.001-1.001), especially in the fourth quartile (Q4) of COT+HC level (Model 3: OR=2.647, 95% CI=2.645-2.649) as compared to Q1. Furthermore, NMR was found to be negatively associated with tooth loss after adjustments (Model 3: OR=0.803, 95% CI=0.802-0.803). For mediation analysis, COT+HC level was significantly correlated with SII score, and SII was proved to be positively associated with tooth loss; meanwhile, COT+HC level was significantly correlated with MHR, and MHR was positively associated with tooth loss. SII and MHR played a partial mediating role in the association between COT+HC and tooth loss, and the indirect effect was 0.0001 (SII; 95% CI=0.0000-0.0002) and 0.0002 (MHR; 95% CI=0.0001-0.0004), respectively. The mediating effect of both SII and MHR was 0.0003 (95% CI=0.0001-0.0004). This study revealed that the level of nicotine metabolites (COT+HC) was a risk factor, while higher NMR was a protective factor for tooth loss, and further demonstrated the partial mediating role of SII and MHR in the association between COT+HC and tooth loss. Prior studies have suggested a possible link between smoking and tooth loss, but how certain nicotine byproducts and their ratios impact tooth loss is unclear. This research aimed to explore how these smoking metabolites influence tooth loss. Data from national health surveys were used for a cross-sectional study to assess the connection between cotinine levels in the blood and tooth loss, as well as to understand if immune and cholesterol markers mediate the link between smoking metabolites and tooth loss. The results showed a positive relationship between cotinine levels and tooth loss. The immune and cholesterol markers were found to partially mediate the relationship between smoking metabolites and tooth loss. Higher levels of nicotine byproducts were linked to an increased risk of tooth loss.

Hidden blood loss and risk factors after percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

PurposeIn this study, we aimed to assess the occurrence of hidden blood loss (HBL) and its associated risk factors in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF).MethodsSex, age, height, weight, body mass index, and medical history including hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis were recorded. The duration of symptoms, preoperative lumbar subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (measured using midsagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging), lumbar disc degeneration grade, and other basic patient information were also documented. The levels of fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, and platelet count as well as the pre- and postoperative hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were collected. In addition, the number of fusion levels, surgical time, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Total blood loss (TBL) was calculated using the gross formula, and HBL was calculated based on the TBL and visible blood loss. The risk factors were analyzed using single-factor correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses.ResultsOf the 83 patients, there were 42 males and 41 females. Hypertension (P = 0.003), fusion level (P < 0.001), and surgery time (P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with HBL via a single-factor correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the fusion level (P < 0.001) and surgery time (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for HBL.ConclusionIn patients with lumbar degenerative diseases treated with Endo-TLIF, HBL accounts for a large proportion of TBL. A large number of fusion segments and prolonged operation time are risk factors for increased perioperative HBL during Endo-TLIF. Increased attention should be paid to the presence of HBL to ensure the safety of perioperative patients.

AlN/FeNi Microwave-Attenuating Ceramics with High-Efficiency Thermal Conductivity and Microwave Absorption

The integration, miniaturization, and high frequency of microwave vacuum electronics put forward higher requirements for heat-conducting and wave-absorbing integrated materials. However, these materials must balance the dispersion and isolation of wave-absorbing components to optimize absorption while maintaining the continuity of thermal conductivity pathways with low defect rates and minimal interfaces. This presents a significant challenge in achieving both high thermal conductivity and efficient wave absorption simultaneously. Here, AlN/FeNi microwave-attenuating ceramics were synthesized via non–pressure sintering in a nitrogen atmosphere. The influence of FeNi content (0–20 wt%) on the density, phase composition, microstructure, microwave-absorption properties and thermal conductivity of the composites was investigated. AlN/FeNi composites consist primarily of an AlN phase with FeNi0.0578, Fe, AlYO3, and Al5Y3O12 as secondary phases, and the microstructure is uniform and dense. As the FeNi content rises from 0 to 20 wt%, the density of the composites sintered at 1800 °C × 2 h increases from 3.3 to 3.7 g/cm3. Their X-band (2–18 GHz) dielectric constant goes up from 6.5 to 8.5, the dielectric loss factor rises from 0.1 to 0.9, and thermal conductivity diminishes from 130 to 123 W/m·K. Upon reaching an FeNi content of 20 wt%, the composite achieves a minimum reflection loss of −39.1 dB at 9.5 GHz, with over 90% absorption across an effective absorption bandwidth covering 2.5 GHz. It exhibits excellent impedance matching, electromagnetic wave-attenuation properties, a relative density of 98.6%, and a thermal conductivity of 123 W m−1 K−1. The prepared AlN/FeNi composites, with integrated outstanding microwave-absorption capabilities and thermal conductivity, holds great promise for applications in 5G communications, aerospace, and artificial intelligence.

Risk Factors for Acute Pancreatitis Following Intragastric Balloon Insertion: A 7-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but serious complication of intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy. Despite the popularity of IGBs for weight loss, the incidence and risk factors of AP post-IGB insertion are not well understood. This study aimed to identify potential predictors and risk factors of AP in IGB patients. A retrospective time-to-event study was conducted over 7years, encompassing patients who received IGBs between January 2017 and 2024. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. The incidence of AP was evaluated as a secondary outcome. Patients were categorized into the AP and non-AP groups at a 1:3 ratio. The Revised Atlanta Classification was used to diagnose AP. Among 450 patients with IGB, 25 developed AP, yielding an incidence of 5.56%. The Orbera balloon was associated with a lower AP risk (HR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.96; P = 0.042). The median time to AP onset was 40days. Higher preprocedural BMI and age > 30years showed a trend toward reduced AP risk, though not statistically significant. AP following IGB insertion is uncommon but may be underreported, with substantial variability in onset time. The Orbera balloon demonstrated a protective effect, highlighting the role of balloon type in AP risk. These findings underscore the importance of balloon selection and the need for further prospective studies to confirm these results and optimize AP risk management in IGB patients.

Simulation Research on Low-Frequency Magnetic Noise in Fe-Based Nanocrystalline Magnetic Shields

Depending on high permeability, high Curie temperature, and low eddy current loss noise, nanocrystalline alloys, as the innermost layer, exhibit great potential in the construction of cylindrical magnetic shielding systems with a high shielding coefficient and low magnetic noise. This study compares a magnetic noise of 1 Hz, simulated by the finite element method (FEM), of a cylindrical nanocrystalline magnetic shield with different structural parameters based on the measured initial permeability of commercial Fe-based nanocrystalline (1K107). The simulated results demonstrate that the magnetic noise is irrelevant to the pump and probe hole diameter. The magnetic noise of a nanocrystalline cylinder with a fixed length gradually increases with the rise in aspect ratio. The radial and axial magnetic noise of a nanocrystalline cylinder with a fixed diameter can reach optimal values when the aspect ratio is 1.3 and 1.4, respectively. The layer thickness of a nanocrystalline cylinder is negatively correlated to magnetic noise. Additionally, by comparing the 1 Hz magnetic noise of a cylindrical nanocrystalline magnetic shield with varying initial permeability, it can be concluded that an increase in loss factor results in an increase in magnetic noise. These results are useful for the design of a high-performance passive magnetic shield with low magnetic noise.

Comparative Study of Gradient Polymer Composite and Blend Polymer Composite for Ultra‐Precision Machine Tools

ABSTRACTExhibiting excellent mechanical properties and exceptional vibration reduction performance, polymer composite (PC) has garnered significant research interest in various industries, particularly in ultra‐precision machining (UPM) machine tool beds. UPM machine tools have a stringent requirement on the comprehensive performance of the bed materials. Specially, the materials of machine tool bed must possess both high mechanical properties and outstanding damping characteristics. However, a major obstacle hindering the widespread adoption of PC in UPM machine tool beds is the difficulty in achieving optimal mechanical properties and vibration reduction simultaneously with the same material composition and curing process conditions. In this study, the effect of various particulates on the mechanical strength, loss factor and the average thermal expansion coefficient of PC were systematically investigated. The experimental findings revealed that the compressive strength of PC improved by the incorporation of particulates. Nevertheless, the flexural strength and tensile strength of PC display an inverse variation. Subsequently, gradient PC and compound PC were designed based on the aforementioned results to achieve the best overall properties for the machine tool bed material. The experimental results highlighted that the left and right tri‐gradients materials (L‐R‐3) exhibited the outstanding comprehensive performance. Moreover, this study provides beneficial information to improve the comprehensive properties of PC. Furthermore, it is of great significance to improve machining accuracy of UPM and increase the machining stability of UPM.

The influence of preoperative fat distribution on post-bariatric surgery body mass index and body weight loss.

The body weight following bariatric surgery is a primary concern for both healthcare professionals and surgical candidates. However, it remains unclear whether variations in preoperative fat distribution influence weight loss outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of abdominal fat distribution on postoperative weight loss and body mass index (BMI) reduction, and to clarify the role of different fat depots in weight loss outcomes. Preoperative data from patients with overweight or obesity, along with their weight records at 1, 2 and 5 years following surgery, were retrospectively collected. Multiple levels of abdominal fat areas were measured using computerized tomography imaging. Statistical analyses included Pearson's correlation coefficients, multiple linear regressions, ridge regressions, decision tree regressions and paired t tests to evaluate the associations and influences. A total of 139 patients were initially included. The statistical analysis results indicated that umbilical subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was an independent factor influencing weight and BMI loss at the 1-year follow-up (n = 67, p < 0.01). Furthermore, umbilical SAT demonstrated significant correlations with sustained BMI reduction over the long term. Umbilical SAT is a significant factor in postoperative weight and BMI loss. Patients with greater SAT may experience more substantial weight and BMI reductions following surgery, offering new insights into personalized weight loss strategies and alternative approaches for assisted weight loss.

Noise Exposure History and Age-Related Changes to Hearing

Noise exposure is a major modifiable risk factor for hearing loss, yet it is not known whether it affects the rate of hearing decline in aging. To determine the association of noise exposure history with the rate of pure-tone threshold change per year. This longitudinal cohort study was conducted in the ongoing community-based Medical University of South Carolina Longitudinal Cohort Study of Age-Related Hearing Loss (1988 to present with the sample based in Charleston, South Carolina, and surrounding area). Following a comprehensive baseline examination, participants attended annual examinations, during which audiometric data were collected. Participants with audiometric data from at least 2 examinations and noise exposure history data were included in the study. Data were analyzed between September 2023 and July 2024. Noise exposure history, determined by a self-reported questionnaire and history of military service, was categorized as no/little, some, or high exposure. Outcome measures were individual audiometric thresholds (0.25 kHz to 8.0 kHz) and pure-tone average (PTA) of thresholds at frequencies 0.5 kHz, 1.0 kHz, 2.0 kHz, and 4.0 kHz, averaged bilaterally. Linear mixed regression models were used to estimate the association of age (per every 1 additional year) with the rate of threshold change at each frequency and PTA, for each noise exposure category. The association of noise exposure with the rate of annual threshold change was determined by an interaction term of age (longitudinal time variable) and noise exposure in regression models. Of 1347 participants, the mean (SD) baseline age was 63 (14) years, and 772 (57%) were female. The mean (SD) follow-up time was 5.1 (5.7) years. Compared to the no/little noise exposure group, groups with some and high noise exposure had significantly higher baseline thresholds from 2.0 kHz to 8.0 kHz and PTA, and 1.0 kHz to 8.0 kHz and PTA, respectively. Those with high noise exposure (vs no/little) showed higher rates of threshold change per year at 1.0 kHz and 2.0 kHz. Participants with some and high noise exposure showed lower rates of change per year at 3.0 kHz to 8.0 kHz and 4.0 kHz to 8.0 kHz, respectively, where hearing loss had already occurred. The rate of PTA change per year did not differ across noise exposure groups. In this cohort study, noise exposure was associated with poorer baseline hearing and higher rates of annual decline at some midfrequencies. Noise exposure can have immediate and potentially long-term negative impacts on hearing.

The protective effect of frequent religious service attendance on pregnancy loss

BackgroundAccumulating evidence suggests that spirituality and religiosity may be associated with improved health outcomes. However, few studies have examined maternal religiosity as a protective factor for perinatal outcomes. We explored the association between maternal religious attendance and pregnancy loss.MethodsData were drawn from the Future Families & Child Wellbeing Study’s first and second waves and medical records (n = 1874). Religious attendance was a self-reported response to the question “About how often do you attend religious services?” Pregnancy loss was measured from responses to the second wave survey question, “Since focal child’s birth, have you had any miscarriages/abortions/stillbirths?” Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between maternal religious attendance frequency and pregnancy loss. Models were adjusted for sampling weights, religious preference, socioeconomic and behavioral factors.Results8% (n = 164) of mothers reported having a pregnancy loss. Of those with a pregnancy loss, 28% (n = 46) attended services hardly ever and 20% (n = 20) attended services once a week or more. Women who attended services more frequently had 58% increased odds of not experiencing a pregnancy loss (OR:1.58;95%CI:1.01,2.48) after adjusting for potential confounding. A post hoc analysis found no difference in pregnancy loss type or subsequent reproductive history based on attendance level.ConclusionsResults suggest that higher maternal religious attendance frequency may be a protective factor for pregnancy loss. Further research is needed to understand the association between maternal religious attendance and mechanisms for pregnancy loss.

Numerical and experimental approach on vibration characterization of non-uniform hybrid sandwich plates

In this paper, the free vibrational response of various non-uniform composite sandwich plates with different hybrid honeycomb core types and varied weight percentages of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is analyzed experimentally and numerically. The governing differential equations of motion of the various honeycomb non-uniform composite sandwich plates are derived using higher order shear deformation theory and numerically solved. The various non-uniform fiber-reinforced composite face plate configurations were fabricated using the vacuum-assisted hand lay-up technique with the ply-dropping off at different domains to achieve different taper configurations. The honeycomb core was fabricated using a corrugated die, and hand lay-up method to yield various configurations. In the corrugated honeycomb core, apart from the standard hexagonal shape, composite laminated strips were longitudinally reinforced between the corrugated shape continuously and intermediately to increase the strength and damping property of the structure. The various weight percentages of R-COOH functionalized MWCNT were distributed homogeneously into epoxy using the titanium probe-assisted ultra-sonication method. Material properties such as Young’s modulus and Poison’s ratio, were evaluated for the face plate using ASTM E1876. An alternative dynamic approach was carried out to obtain the shear moduli along the corrugated direction (Gxz ) and joining direction (Gyz ) of the various core models with and without MWCNT reinforcement. An experimental and numerical investigation was performed on the various prototypes of non-uniform sandwich plates with various hybrid honeycomb core material to obtain natural frequencies and loss factors under various boundary conditions. The effect of MWCNT reinforcement in face sheet and various honeycomb core material, aspect ratio at various boundary conditions on the free vibration and transverse vibrational responses of the structure was also studied. It was found that the MWCNT reinforcement in the various honeycomb core materials increases the shear modulus considerably, thus enhancing the overall dynamic behavior of the various non-uniform honeycomb composite sandwich plates.

Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Energy Absorption Capabilities of Polyureas Through Experiments and Molecular Dynamic Simulation.

Polyurea (PUR) has been widely used as a protective coating in recent years. In order to complete the understanding of the relationship between PUR microstructure and its energy absorption capabilities, the mechanical and dynamic performance of PURs containing various macrodiol structural units were compared using material characterization techniques and molecular dynamic simulation. The results showed that the PUR polycarbonate diols formed as energy absorbing materials showed high tensile strength, high toughness, and excellent loss factor distribution based on the comparison of stress-strain tensile curves, glass transition temperatures, phase images, and dynamic storage loss modulus. External energy from simple shear deformation was absorbed to convert non-bond energy, in particular, based on fractional free volume, interaction energy, and total energy and hydrogen bond number change from the molecular dynamic simulation. Hydrogen bonds formed between soft segments and hard segments in the PURs have been proven to play a significant role in determining their mechanical and dynamic performance. The mechanical and dynamic properties of PURs characterized and tested using experimental techniques were quantified effectively using molecular dynamic simulation. This is believed to be an innovative theoretical guidance for the structural design of PURs at the molecular level for the optimization of energy absorption capabilities.

Predictive Factors for HBsAg Loss in Chronic HBeAg-Negative Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Insights From a 5-Year French Cohort.

Prognostic factors for the long-term evolution of chronic hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may vary depending on local epidemiology. We aimed to identify these factors in France, where the epidemiology is influenced by diverse immigration. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive, HBeAg-negative adults with normal transaminase levels and viral loads < 20,000 IU/mL for 1 year, without viral co-infection or advanced liver disease, were enrolled for a 5-year follow-up. A total of 564 patients were recruited from 23 centres (54.4% women, mean age 42.3 ± 12 years, 47.7% from sub-Saharan Africa). HBV DNA was detectable but < 2000 IU/mL for most (71.3%). Genotypes E (27.8%) and A (20.0%) were predominant. The mean HBsAg titre was 3.8 ± 3.4 log IU/mL, > 1000 IU/mL in 60% of cases, and higher in genotype E (p < 0.0001). During follow-up, 18 patients received antiviral treatment, 9 for viral reactivation (0.3% per year) and 9 preemptively. HBsAg loss occurred in 39 patients (1.4% per year). These patients were older (p < 0.0001), more frequently treated for dyslipidemia, hypertension or diabetes (p < 0.05), and had lower baseline HBV DNA (p = 0.0112) and HBsAg (p < 0.0001), but similar levels of HBcrAg compared to those who did not clear HBsAg. Baseline HBsAg was the only independent predictor of HBsAg loss (p = 0.009). In this cohort, HBsAg < 153 IU/mL predicted clearance with 87% sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, baseline HBsAg accurately predicted seroclearance at 5 years in patients with chronic HBeAg-negative infection, regardless of genotype, sex, or geographical origin, indicating that this marker is widely applicable for reducing the frequency of patient monitoring.

Improving 1-year liver allograft survival hazard ratios

BackgroundThe Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (SRTR) publishes outcomes of all transplant centres in the USA two times a year. The outcomes are publicly available and used by insurance payers...

Deceased Donor Related Risk Factors for Allograft Loss and Function in a Diverse Urban Hospital System

Deceased Donor Related Risk Factors for Allograft Loss and Function in a Diverse Urban Hospital System

Prophylactic gastrostomy tube during chemoradiation for head and neck cancer decreases weight loss but increases rate of tube use beyond six months.

The role of prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated with chemoradiation remains controversial and varies by center. To evaluate the impact of prophylactic PEG tube placement in patients undergoing chemoradiation for HNC PEG tube use for more than 6months and weight loss. This single-institution retrospective study included 502 patients with head and neck cancer. Concurrent Chemoradiation (CCRT) and prophylactic PEG tube placement. Univariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for long term PEG tube and weight loss. Outcomes that were significantly associated with prophylactic PEG were selected for a multivariate analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival and the time to PEG removal, with comparisons between groups analyzed by log-rank tests. The global health status score from the EORTC QLQ30 was utilized to assess impact on quality of life. Significantly higher weight loss was seen with the following variables: 1) omitting prophylactic PEG tube (p<0.00001), 2) younger age (p=0.0032), and 3) adjuvant CCRT (p=0.0005). There was significantly higher risk of feeding tube duration longer than 6months in those who: received prophylactic PEG tube (p<0.0001) and were older than the median age of 60.8years (p=0.0165) on multivariate analysis. Prophylactic PEG tube was not associated with improved global health status, overall survival, or progression-free survival on univariate analysis. Prophylactic feeding tubes significantly decreased weight loss during treatment. Prophylactic PEG tube and older than median age was significantly associated with higher risk of feeding tube duration longer than 6months.

Maintenance of intraoperative correction with multi-rod constructs in adult long construct spine fusion surgery.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for loss of intraoperative correction, as measured by lumbar lordosis (LL), with an emphasis on rod characteristics. A retrospective study identified patients at least 50 years of age who underwent instrumented fusion with an upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) in the upper thoracic spine (T1-T6) or thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2) to the pelvis. Inclusion criteria included intraoperative x-rays that allowed for LL measurement, postop standing x-rays, and a minimum follow up of 24 months with the original rods still in place. One hundred and twelve patients (69 % women) were included with an average (SD) follow up of 58 months (29). Twenty-two patients (20 %) had a 10° change in LL from intraoperative to postoperative, and risk factors included a two-rod compared to multi rod (>2) construct (23 % vs 0 %, p = 0.04), male sex (34 % vs 13 %, p = 0.02), UIV near the thoracolumbar junction (28 % vs 8 %, p = 0.02), and higher L4-S1 intraoperative lordosis (41° vs 36°, p = 0.024). Forty-one patients (37 %) had a 10° change in LL at two years, and risk factors included male sex (60 % vs 26 %, p < 0.001) and a UIV near the thoracolumbar junction (48 % vs 21 %, p = 0.003). Risk factors for loss of LL between intraoperative and postoperative alignment include two-rod constructs, male sex, lower UIV, and greater intraoperative LL. Multi-rod (3 +) constructs may be a modifiable surgical technique that better maintains the spinal alignment that was achieved in the operating room.

Research on testing method for damping loss factor of non self supporting materials

Research on testing method for damping loss factor of non self supporting materials

Evaluating Graft Loss Risk in Living-Donor Kidney Transplants with Multiple Renal Arteries.

BACKGROUND Despite its surgical complexity, kidney transplantation (KT) with multiple renal arteries (MRA) is comparable in performance to KT with a single renal artery (SRA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MRA and to investigate risk factors for graft loss in living-donor KT with MRA. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included living-donor KT recipients who underwent KT in our hospital from February 2002 to March 2023. The primary outcome was whether MRA decreased the prognosis of transplanted kidneys. The secondary outcomes were the risk factors for graft loss in KT with MRA, such as recipients' characteristic. RESULTS Out of 197 recipients, 47 (23.8%) received kidneys with MRA. In inverse probability of treatment weighting, the risk of graft loss did not increase in KT with MRA, as compared to that in KT with SRA (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-3.14). MRA were associated with graft loss in ABO blood-incompatible KT (HR: 5.09, 95% CI: 1.75-14.7). CONCLUSIONS In ABO blood-incompatible KT, MRA can increase risk of graft loss.

Outcomes of free flap reconstructive surgery in cancer patients-institutional experience

Background: The success rate of free flap reconstruction following cancer surgery has steadily improved over past decades and has achieved a success rate of 91–99%, but occasional failures still occur. The aim of this study was to identify the outcomes of free flap reconstructions in our institution. The primary objective was to assess the success rates of free tissue transfer. The second objective was to assess independent preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative risk factors for flap loss after microvascular reconstruction. Methods: All consecutive cancer patients who received a free flap for head and neck, appendicular bone, perineal, and extremity reconstruction between October 2020 and September 2023 in our institute were included. Patient characteristics, surgical data, postoperative complications, and reoperations were collected. Results: A total of 37 patients who underwent reconstruction by free flaps were analysed. The overall flap success rate was 73%. Among 37 patients, 12 (32.4%) had flap complications and 10 (27%) had flap loss. Smoking, comorbidity, and operating time did not show significant association with flap failure whereas the choice of flap, reconstruction post radiation, and reconstruction for recurrent cancers showed significant association with flap loss. Conclusion: The overall success rate of 73% in free flap reconstructive surgery in our study mandates us to modify our treatment policy by careful patient selection, better choice of free flap, improved treatment algorithm in terms of flap monitoring and timing of re-exploration, which will help in reduction of free flap failure rates.