Increase In Fraction Research Articles

Numerical and computational fluid dynamics experimental analysis of novel extended tetra-hybrid Tiwari and Das Sisko nanofluid passed a stenosed artery

The medical industry extensively uses nanoparticles for applications such as wound dressing, artificial organ components, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cardiovascular disease treatment. The incorporation of nanoparticles into the base fluid enhances the rate of heat transmission and additionally decreases blood pressure. This study aims to examine the effects of a new tetra-hybrid nanofluid model, which includes nanoparticles, on the flow of blood through a stenosed artery with a circular shape. Model partial differential equations (PDEs) incorporate phenomena such as thermal radiation and viscous dissipation. Furthermore, we transform these modeled PDEs into dimensionless ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using self-similarity variables and numerically solve the proposed ODEs using the well-established Lobatto IIIa numerical technique. The impact of several dimensionless parameters on the heat transfer rate, skin friction, velocity, and temperature fields has been computed and analyzed using figures and tables. Moreover, we conducted a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigation on a tetra-hybrid nanofluid, using blood as the base fluid. The results indicate that heat transmission is higher in tetra-hybrid nanoparticles compared to tri-hybrid and di-hybrid nanofluids. The volume fraction of nanoparticles in the base fluid increases, resulting in a decrease in the surface drag coefficient and a decrease in the heat transport phenomenon. Amplification in the thermal radiation parameter improves heat transfer, helping to remove toxins and plaque from blood flowing through arteries. An increase in thermal radiation generates excess heat that dilates inflexible arteries, facilitating blood flow. From CFD analysis, it is observed that thermal conduction k and heat transfer coefficient h amplify by improving Reynolds number. Pressure at the outlet interface of the tube decreases from 3058 Pa to 2996 Pa for the case of a 10% volume fraction of nanoparticles. Velocity boundary layer thickness decreases from 1.46 to 1.37 with an increase in the volume fraction of nanoparticles from 1% to 10%. Heat deliverance rate amplifies in the case of tetrahybrid nanofluid 2.5394–2.6147 in contrast to trihybrid nanofluid 2.4008 to 2.4711 by amplifying Rd from 0.7 to 1.1. The surface drag coefficient amplifies by magnifying Re but the Nusselt number diminishes by improving the volume fraction of nanoparticles.

Comparison of carvedilol vs. bisoprolol for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): A systematic review and meta-analysis from the Asian population

China, Indonesia, and Malaysia have the highest age-standardized rates of heart failure in Asia, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. While numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have compared bisoprolol and carvedilol in HFrEF, most have focused on Western populations. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis of RCTs and cohort studies involving Asian patients with HFrEF from PubMed and Cochrane databases that reported all-cause mortality, hospital admission, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increase. The search result identified five eligible studies, primarily from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, with a total of 11,577 participants. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between bisoprolol and carvedilol in terms of all-cause mortality (RR 1.04, p 0.62, I2 = 0%), hospitalization (RR 1.23, p. 0.23, I2 = 0%), and LVEF increase (RR -1.40, p. 0.50, I2 = 0%). These findings suggest that both drugs have comparable efficacy in the Asian population.

The Pore Structure Characteristics of Mortar and Its Application in the Study of Chloride Ion Transport Performance

The cement-based materials widely used in infrastructure construction, such as bridges and ports, are subjected to seawater erosion and medium erosion during their service life, and their durability has always been a concern. The diffusion coefficient of chloride ions is an important indicator in the research of cement-based materials’ durability, and the pore structure is one of the most fundamental reasons affecting the diffusion behavior of chloride ions. In this paper, Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Nitrogen adsorption method (NAD) were used to analyze the pore structures of mortars with different volume fractions of sands. The relationship between mortar pore structure and chloride ion diffusion coefficient was established to predict its chloride ion diffusion coefficient. It may provide a new idea for studying the durability of cement-based materials. Results indicated that similar to cement paste, the pore structure of mortar satisfied the fractal characteristics of solid phase within a certain range of pores. The most probable gel pore diameter of mortars with different sand volume fractions was about 4 nm, while the most probable capillary pore diameter was approximately 46 nm, and the critical pore diameter was ranging from 50 to 60 nm. MIP results indicated that with the increase in sand volume fraction (ϕagg), the total porosity (fmip) of the mortar decreased, satisfying the relationship of fmip = 0.1859 − 0.0789ϕagg. However, the porosity of the matrix (fbase) increased with the increase in sand volume fraction, which was due to the introduction of more interfaces by the addition of aggregates. The effective chloride ion diffusion coefficient (Dcp,base) of the matrix can be obtained by fitting. Based on this, the interface transition zone (ITZ) and the cement matrix were comprehensively considered as a whole fractal phase. The predicted value of the chloride ion diffusion coefficient obtained by the Mori–Tanaka homogenization method was in good agreement with the results obtained from rapid chloride migration (RCM) experiments, and the maximum error between the simulated and experimental values did not exceed 11%. This finding can provide new ideas for accurately predicting the chloride ion diffusion coefficient of mortar and even concrete.

Co-combustion of coal and sawdust in a three-dimensional industrial scale BFB boiler (BG-043, 67TPH): a numerical approach

ABSTRACT Experiments in large-scale CFBC boilers are expensive and time-consuming, while simulations are economical, time-saving, and provide better control over the physical process. In the current research, mathematical modeling of industrial scale CFBC boiler (BG-043, 67TPH capacity, ACC cement factory Bargarh, Odisha, India) using coal and sawdust blended fuel (90% coal + 10% sawdust) is performed by considering the four distinct (coal, sawdust, sand, and mixture gas) phases using Eulerian–Eulerian multifluid model. Heterogenous chemical reactions kinetics are implemented using user-defined functions. The numerical methodology is validated with the onsite industrial data. The comparison of pressure drop, fluidized bed height, axial velocity profiles, sand, and mixture gas temperature variations, gas compositions, and pollutant emissions (SO2 and NO) using solo coal and sawdust blended fuel are presented in the result section. Hydrodynamics study reveals the recirculation of sand particles in the fluidized bed region of the boiler. The comparison of solo coal and sawdust blended fuel combustion study reveals a 10.61% reduction in pressure drop, 12.13% increase in O2 mass fraction, 9.63% reduction in CO mass fraction, 19.64% reduction in SO2 mass fraction, and 8.67% reduction in NO mass fraction while using the 10% sawdust blends with 90% coal.

Reference Values for Water-Specific T1, Intermuscular and Intramuscular Fat Content in Skeletal Muscle at 2.89 T.

MRI offers quantification of proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and tissue characteristics with T1 mapping. The influence of age, sex, and the potential confounding effects of fat on T1 values in skeletal muscle in healthy adults are insufficiently known. To determine the accuracy and repeatability of a saturation-recovery chemical-shift encoded multiparametric approach (SR-CSE) for quantification of T1Water and muscle fat content, and establish normative values (age, sex) from a healthy cohort. Prospective observational; phantoms (NiCL2-agarose T1 phantoms with no fat content; gadolinium T1 phantoms with mixed fat-water content). A total of 130 healthy community-dwelling adults (63 male, 18-76 years) free of chronic health conditions that require regular prescription medication, and with no contraindications to MRI. 2.89 T; gradient echo sequences including saturation-recovery chemical-shift encoded T1 mapping (SR-CSE); MOLLI; SASHA; CSE; and single voxel spectroscopy. SR-CSE provided T1Water and PDFF maps for assessment of intramuscular (MFIntra), intermuscular (MFInter), and subcutaneous fat and muscle volumes (thigh, paraspinal muscles). Comparison with MOLLI/SASHA T1 mapping. Univariable and multivariable linear regression, general linear models, Bland and Altman, coefficient of variation (CV). P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Phantom and in vivo validation studies showed excellent accuracy of SR-CSE T1Water and PDFF vs. values from reference standards and repeatability CVs between 0.2% and 2.6% for T1Water, R2*, MFInter, MFIntra, subcutaneous fat and muscle volumes. Mean T1Water was 36 msec significantly higher in females (1445 ± 23 msec vs. 1409 ± 22 msec), with no age-effect (P = 0.35). Females had significantly higher values for MFInter (10.4% ± 4.8% vs. 7.1% ± 2.9%) and MFIntra (2.6% ± 1.0% vs. 2.3% ± 0.8%), both of which increased with age, secondary to lower muscle volume. MOLLI and SASHA T1 values had a fat-related bias of 21.7/35.0 msec per 1% increase in fat fraction (MFFIntra), in vivo, and a constant bias of -319.8/+35.6 msec, respectively. SR-CSE provides accurate (vs. phantoms) and repeatable assessment of water-specific T1 values and muscle and fat volumes. Conventional methods (SASHA, MOLLI) have a significant fat-modulated T1-bias. T1Water values are higher in females with no significant age dependence. We developed and tested the accuracy of a new MRI approach to measure tissue damage in skeletal muscle using a method called T1 mapping. The approach also provided matching images of fat within the muscle. We measured T1 values and muscle fat volumes in the thighs of 130 healthy adults to define normal values in healthy people and to understand if these values are influenced by age, sex, or weight. We found that our MRI technique accurately measured T1 values and fat volumes within muscle and we defined normal ranges of values, which were different in healthy males and females. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Nano‐Silica‐Particles Filling Effect on Mechanical Properties of Silicone‐Rubber Composites

ABSTRACTThe mechanical properties of silicone‐rubber composites filled with nano‐ or micro‐silica‐particles are discussed experimentally and theoretically. The matrix rubbers cured under various ratios of the main component to the curing agent are prepared to change the crosslinking density of the matrix rubber. Because the interphase layer made of the matrix rubber in the glassy state is formed around the nano‐particle, the nano‐particle behaves as an apparent single particle together with the interphase layer and the interphase layers apparently increase the nano‐particle volume fraction. The Young's moduli of the nano‐ and micro‐composites with a larger (apparent) particle volume fraction are greater than that of the matrix rubber. However, the proportional limit strains are smaller, although the fracture strains are slightly smaller. The Young's modulus and proportional limit strain can be analyzed theoretically with the (apparent) volume fraction. The fracture toughness of the composites increases as the (apparent) volume fraction increases, but it increases little at the (apparent) volume fraction above 0.2. However, the fracture toughness monotonically increases for the nano‐composites with low crosslinking density of the matrix rubber. Finally, the mechanical properties can be designed by using the matrix rubber with the different crosslinking density and the interphase layer.

Development of a yogurt recipe using Clitoria ternatea

A recipe for the production of yoghurts with the introduction of powder and infusion of ternate clitoria of different concentrations has been developed; quality control of the finished products for organoleptic and physicochemical indicators has been carried out. The goal of the research was to develop a recipe for yoghurt with the introduction of different concentrations of infusion and powder of ternate clitoria, to evaluate the quality components of the finished products. The studies were carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Biotechnology and Food Products of the Ural State Agrarian University. Pasteurized drinking milk with a fat content of 3.2 %, a complex starter culture consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii (variety bulgaricus), Lactobacillus casei, infusion and powder of ternate clitoria, Jerusalem artichoke syrup, and vanillin were used for the production of yoghurts. Temperature control of the samples was carried out in a Galaxy GL2696 yoghurt maker for 10 hours. A total of 7 samples were obtained, 6 of which were enriched with powder and infusion of ternate clitoria, and one sample was a control one. Sample No. 2, made with the addition of ternate clitoria powder weighing 2 g, was recognized as the best according to the results of organoleptic studies. The yogurt had a pleasant fruity taste and smell, a uniform consistency, and a light lilac color. Yogurts made with the addition of ternate clitoria infusion had a layered consistency, a not entirely pleasant herbaceous taste, and some samples were characterized by a slight metallic taste. The results of physicochemical studies indicated a slight increase in the mass fraction of fat, protein, and acidity when adding ternate clitoria powder. On the contrary, ternate clitoria infusion affected a decrease in the content of fat, protein, and acidity in the finished samples. Conclusions. It is recommended to use yogurt with the addition of 2 g of ternate clitoria powder in the diet of people of different age groups.

Skeletal muscle adiposity, coronary microvascular dysfunction, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Skeletal muscle (SM) fat infiltration, or intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), reflects muscle quality and is associated with inflammation, a key determinant in cardiometabolic disease. Coronary flow reserve (CFR), a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), is independently associated with body mass index (BMI), inflammation and risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and death. The relationship between SM quality, CMD, and cardiovascular outcomes is not known. Consecutive patients (n = 669) undergoing evaluation for coronary artery disease with cardiac stress positron emission tomography demonstrating normal perfusion and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction were followed over a median of 6 years for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including death and hospitalization for myocardial infarction or heart failure. Coronary flow reserve was calculated as stress/rest myocardial blood flow. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), SM, and IMAT areas (cm2) were obtained from simultaneous positron emission tomography attenuation correction computed tomography using semi-automated segmentation at the 12th thoracic vertebra level. Median age was 63 years, 70% were female, and 46% were nonwhite. Nearly half of patients were obese (46%, BMI 30-61 kg/m2), and BMI correlated highly with SAT and IMAT (r = .84 and r = .71, respectively, P < .001) and moderately with SM (r = .52, P < .001). Decreased SM and increased IMAT, but not BMI or SAT, remained independently associated with decreased CFR (adjusted P = .03 and P = .04, respectively). In adjusted analyses, both lower CFR and higher IMAT were associated with increased MACE [hazard ratio 1.78 (95% confidence interval 1.23-2.58) per -1 U CFR and 1.53 (1.30-1.80) per +10 cm2 IMAT, adjusted P = .002 and P < .0001, respectively], while higher SM and SAT were protective [hazard ratio .89 (.81-.97) per +10 cm2 SM and .94 (.91-.98) per +10 cm2 SAT, adjusted P = .01 and .003, respectively]. Every 1% increase in fatty muscle fraction [IMAT/(SM + IMAT)] conferred an independent 2% increased odds of CMD [CFR <2, odds ratio 1.02 (1.01-1.04), adjusted P = .04] and a 7% increased risk of MACE [hazard ratio 1.07 (1.04-1.09), adjusted P < .001]. There was a significant interaction between CFR and IMAT, not BMI, such that patients with both CMD and fatty muscle demonstrated highest MACE risk (adjusted P = .02). Increased intermuscular fat is associated with CMD and adverse cardiovascular outcomes independently of BMI and conventional risk factors. The presence of CMD and SM fat infiltration identified a novel at-risk cardiometabolic phenotype.

Recycled tire rubber as reinforcement for erosion‐resistant epoxy composites

AbstractThe aim of the study was to develop environmentally friendly, low‐cost, and highly erosion‐resistant composites using rubber particles recycled from waste tires as reinforcement. The effects of impingement angle, weight fraction, and particle size were investigated. While neat epoxy exhibited a maximum erosion rate at 30°, rubber/epoxy did so at 15°, or in the range of 15°–30°. The erosion behavior of epoxy became more ductile as a result of rubber reinforcement. Rubber particle reinforcement significantly reduced the maximum erosion rate, especially at 30°. At this angle, the erosion rate of neat epoxy was 1.88 × 10−4 g/g, while that of the composite with the highest resistance was 1 × 10−4 g/g. The increases in weight fraction and particle size enhanced erosion resistance. Statistical analysis revealed that their individual effects were close. The regression model exhibited high accuracy with coefficients of R2 (99.29%) and R2(adj) (98.10%), confirming its reliability. Its predictive capability was measured as R2 (pred) at 91.88%. The erosion efficiencies were below 1%. It confirmed the ductile erosion mechanism. The decrease in erosion efficiency provided high erosion resistance. Morphological analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. The erosion‐resistant rubber/epoxy composites are recommended for use as coating.Highlights Reuse of waste tires as a reinforcement is possible. Rubber particles significantly enhanced erosion resistance. The composites exhibited highly ductile erosion behavior. Erosion rate decreased with increasing in weight fraction and particle size. Morphological examination revealed that erosion damage was not severe.

Cardiovascular effects of lactate in healthy adults

BackgroundLow-volume hypertonic solutions, such as half-molar lactate (LAC), may be a potential treatment used for fluid resuscitation. This study aimed to evaluate the underlying cardiovascular effects and mechanisms of LAC infusion compared to sodium-matched hypertonic sodium chloride (SAL).MethodsEight healthy male participants were randomized in a controlled, single-blinded, crossover study. Each participant received a four-hour infusion of LAC and SAL in a randomized order. Assessor-blinded echocardiography and blood samples were performed. The primary endpoint was cardiac output (CO) measured by echocardiography.ResultsDuring LAC infusion, circulating lactate levels increased by 1.9 mmol/L (95% CI 1.8–2.0 mmol/L, P < 0.001) compared with SAL. CO increased by 1.0 L/min (95% CI 0.5–1.4 L/min, P < 0.001), driven primarily by a significant increase in stroke volume of 11 mL (95% CI 4–17 mL, P = 0.002), with no significant change in heart rate. Additionally, left ventricular ejection fraction improved by 5 percentage points (P < 0.001) and global longitudinal strain by 1.5 percentage points (P < 0.001). Preload indicators were elevated during SAL infusion compared with LAC infusion. Concomitantly, afterload parameters, including systemic vascular resistance and effective arterial elastance, were significantly decreased with LAC infusion compared with SAL, while mean arterial pressure remained similar. Indicators of contractility improved during LAC infusion.ConclusionsIn healthy participants, LAC infusion enhanced cardiac function, evidenced by increases in CO, stroke volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction compared with SAL. Indicators of contractility improved, afterload decreased, and preload remained stable. Therefore, LAC infusion may be an advantageous resuscitation fluid, particularly in patients with cardiac dysfunction.Clinical trial registrationshttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04710875. Registered 1 December 2020.

In situ alloying of AlCuSi using dual-wire-directed energy deposition with plasma

Abstract The current research explores additive manufacturing of a multi-phase material using dual-wire plasma-directed energy deposition technology. With this approach, new materials can be designed and tested easily on the basis of commercially available consumables. In this work, AlSi5 and CuAl8 solid wire consumables are used to produce a specific AlCuSi alloy by controlling the welding parameters and the wire feed ratio. Initial experimentation results in an alloy with 85.7 at.% aluminum, 8.4 at.% copper, 2.7 at.% silicon, and 3.2 at.% magnesium, but with some instabilities during the process. The presence of magnesium in the chemical composition could be related to plasma interaction with the substrate during the welding process. After optimizing the process parameters, the chemical composition obtained is about 76.3 at.% aluminum, 19.9 at.% copper, and 3.8 at.% silicon. Using microstructural analysis via light and scanning electron microscopy, defects such as pores and inadequately melted Cu wire material are observed in all materials produced. Although the optimization of the melting process improved the microstructure, it also increased the copper content, which in turn exerts a significant influence on the mechanical properties. Mechanical testing indicates significant embrittlement. The results underscore that the microstructure is heavily influenced by the chemical composition. Microstructural changes caused by the higher copper content, i.e., in particular the increase of the volume fraction of brittle intermetallic phases such as θ-Al2Cu, result in severe embrittlement of the obtained materials, denoted by higher hardness and reduced toughness. We conclude that the use of dual-wire plasma additive manufacturing can develop new materials by in situ alloying.

Tensile performance of inclined adhesive anchors in steel fiber‐reinforced concrete

AbstractIn almost all studies on post‐installed anchors in concrete, the anchor direction is perpendicular to the concrete surface. However, the anchor direction may not be perpendicular to the concrete surface due to application errors or requirements. In the study, the effect of inclination angle is examined experimentally for non‐perpendicular anchorage to steel fiber‐reinforced concrete. Anchor inclination angle (0°, 15°, and 30°), fiber volume fraction (0%, 1.5%, and 3%), and embedment depth (40, 60, and 80 mm) are considered variables. Trial points are decided using the “Box–Behnken” experimental design approach. An 8 mm diameter deformed steel bar and two‐component epoxy acrylate‐based chemical adhesive are used for anchorage. Load–displacement curves, ultimate loads, and failure modes are determined through tensile tests. It is concluded that as the fiber fraction increases, failure modes modify and the negative effect of the inclination angle decreases, particularly in cases of small embedment depth.

Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Versus Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients With Atrioventricular Block: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a new technique for patients with atrioventricular block (AVB) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), potentially offering better cardiac function than right ventricular pacing (RVP). We searched databases and registries for studies that compared LBBAP with RVP in patients with AVB and preserved LVEF. We extracted data on various outcomes and pooled the effect estimates using random-effects models. Our meta-analysis included 14 studies (10 observational and 4 RCTs) involving 3062 patients with AVB. The analysis revealed that the QRS duration was significantly shorter in the LBBAP group compared to the RVP group [MD = -35.56 ms; 95% CI: (-39.27, -31.85), p < 0.00001]. Patients in the LBBAP group also exhibited a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [MD = 5.48%; 95% CI: (4.07%, 6.89%), p < 0.00001], and a significant reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) compared to RVP [MD = -3.98 mm; 95% CI: (-5.88, -2.09 mm), p < 0.0001]. In terms of clinical outcomes, LBBAP was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart failure hospitalizations (HFHs) compared to RVP [OR = 0.26; 95% CI: (0.16, 0.44), p < 0.0001]. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the implant success rate, pacing impedance, or pacing threshold. The RVP group demonstrated a significantly higher R-wave amplitude increase than the LBBAP group [MD = 0.85 mV; 95% CI: (0.23, 1.46), p = .007]. Lastly, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups [OR = 2.12; 95% CI: (0.29, 15.52), p = 0.46]. LBBAP outperforms RVP in several cardiac function indicators, suggesting it may be a superior pacing method for AVB patients with preserved LVEF. However, the small sample size in studies and the result in heterogeneity call for more research to validate these findings and assess LBBAP's long-term effects.

Evaluation of facings and sandwich properties of carbon fiber/epoxy-PVC foam sandwich composites: Comparison of VARI co-cure and precure manufacturing methods

The manufacturing process of sandwich composites using vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) can be achieved in a one-step infusion process (co-cure). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the properties of the facing and sandwich composites manufactured by the VARI co-cure method. The sandwich composite was fabricated by VARI co-cure and precure for comparison using carbon fiber-epoxy as the facing and PVC foam as the core material. Thickness measurement, fiber volume fraction test, and tensile test were conducted to evaluate the facing properties. The flexural properties of the sandwiches and the effect of different plies on the facing and sandwich properties were also analyzed. The thickness of the co-cure facing is thicker and more varied than the precure. In addition, for the co-cure sandwich, the vacuum bag side (upper) facing has higher thickness and thickness variation than the mold side (lower) facing. The tensile strength of the co-cure facing is lower than the precure facing, which is 433–490 MPa (upper) and 455–521 MPa (lower) compared to 467–538 MPa (precure). The flexural and shear rigidity of the co-cure sandwich is affected by the side of the facing (upper/lower) exposed to tension or compression normal stress as a result of differences in facing properties on both sides. The specific flexural stiffness of the co-cure sandwich was lower by 17.09–45.19 MN-cm5/g compared to the precure of 16.86–46.83 MN-cm5/g due to a combination of increased flexural rigidity and the addition of density to the co-cure sandwich. Increasing facing plies from 2 to 6 plies results in an increase in facing thickness (166%) and thickness variation (477%), an increase in the fiber volume fraction of facing (11%), resulting in an increase in tensile modulus (12%) and strength (14%) of facing as well as increased stiffness of flexural (339%) and shear (42%) of sandwich.

A pilot trial for efficacy confirmation of 6′-sialyllactose supplementation in GNE myopathy: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial

GNE myopathy is a rare genetic muscle disorder characterized by initial ankle dorsiflexor weakness and the presence of rimmed vacuoles in muscle histopathology. Biallelic mutations in the GNE gene are causative, leading to reduced production of sialic acid. In our previous clinical trial, we used 6′-sialyllactose (6SL) as a supplement to increase sialic acid levels and compared the effects of 6SL at doses of 3 g and 6 g. The findings from the trial revealed superior outcomes in muscle strength, attenuation of muscle degeneration, and bioavailability in the 6 g group.This trial was planned to complement the lack of placebo arm from the previous trial and to provide more conclusive evidence for therapeutic value of 6SL in GNE myopathy. Of the 11 participants, five were allocated to the 6SL and six to the placebo group after undergoing 12 weeks of pre-study observation and stratified randomization. At every visit with an interval of 12 weeks for 48 weeks, all participants underwent muscle strength measurement, muscle MRI, biochemical evaluations, 6-min-walk test, and completed a questionnaire.No safety concerns arose during the trial period. Muscle strength, excluding hand grip power, did not show a significant difference between the two groups, which is attributed to the lack of pronounced muscle strength decline in both groups. Hand grip power tended to decrease in both groups, and this decline was statistically significant in the placebo group (p = 0.0004). The fat fraction measured by MRI showed the most significant results in the posterior thigh. The increase in fat fraction, indicating muscle degeneration, was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.0004). Although no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in anterior thigh and both anterior and posterior lower leg, a trend of slowed increase in fat fraction was noted in the 6SL group compared to the placebo group starting from 24 or 36 weeks. Resialylation of cell surface glycoconjugate was demonstrated in 6SL group by measuring lectin bindings on peripheral blood monocytes.The GNEM-FAS, used to assess patient-reported outcomes, did not show statistical significance in the total score or any of the three domains. However, the tendency for scores in the self-care and upper extremity domains to rebound after 24 weeks in the 6SL group suggests the potential for long-term benefits.The effect of 6SL on muscle strength appeared to be minimal compared to our previous clinical trial, likely due to the short duration of the study and the inclusion of relatively early-stage patients. However, the changes in fat fraction measured by muscle MRI and the results of biochemical assays are more promising, suggesting potential benefits with long-term administration in the future.

Ontogeny of energy use in harvester ant colonies, and the metabolic expense of colony growth.

In animals, metabolic rates during ontogeny often scale differently from the way they do in cross-species or population comparisons, with near-isometric scaling patterns more often observed during juvenile growth. In multiple social insect taxa, colony metabolic rate scales hypometrically across species or populations at the same developmental stage, but metabolic patterns during ontogeny have not been examined for any social insect species. We performed the first ontogenetic study of social metabolic scaling in harvester ant colonies (Pogonomyrmex californicus) over 3.5 years as they grew from 52 [Formula: see text] 12 to 767 [Formula: see text] 380 workers. Our data reveal iso- and hypermetric metabolic scaling during the first 20 months of growth, transitioning to hypometric scaling (scaling exponent = 0.93) thereafter. We discovered that the fraction of colony as brood has dual effects on colonial metabolic rate. A higher fraction of the colony that is brood decreases colonial metabolic rate because brood has approximately half the mass-specific metabolic rates of adult ants. Conversely, metabolic rate and activity of adult ants increase as this fraction increases. We further developed a nonlinear composition model, which shows that the maximal colony metabolic rate occurs when 29% of the colony mass is brood, suggesting that demographic changes and colony size may interact to drive the metabolic scaling.

Assessing microvascular dysfunction and predicting long-term prognosis in patients with cardiac amyloidosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance quantitative stress perfusion.

Cardiac involvement in light chain amyloidosis (AL) is the main determinant of prognosis. Amyloid can be deposited in the extracellular space and cause an increase in extracellular volume fraction (ECV). At the same time, amyloid can also be deposited in the wall of small vessels and cause microvascular dysfunction. This study sought to investigate the extent of microvascular dysfunction and its incremental prognostic value in cardiac light-chain amyloidosis (AL-CA) by quantitative stress perfusion. A total of 126 AL amyloidosis patients (61.13 ± 8.46 years, 81 male) confirmed by pathology were prospectively recruited. All subjects underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1 mapping, and stress perfusion on a 3T scanner. ECV and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) were measured semi-automatically using a dedicated CMR software. Clinical, laboratory, and CMR parameters were analyzed for their prognostic value in the assessment of AL-CA patients. Mortality-associated markers were analyzed by univariate and multivariable Cox regression. The median follow-up time was 37 (33.6-40.4) months, and 62 patients died. The ECV of survivors was significantly reduced, but the stress myocardial blood flow and MPR were higher (P<0.001). The MPR of the transmural LGE group was significantly lower than that of the no LGE and subendocardial LGE groups (P<0.001). In multivariable analysis, ECV, MPR, and LGE were independently predictive. MPR of >1.5 and ECV of ≤53.6% were associated with improved overall survival, both of which provided predictive incremental value in patients with advanced disease. With equal Mayo staging and degree of ECV, MPR improves assessment of patient survival. ECV and MPR showed additive incremental values and further discriminated prognosis of patients in advanced stages. CMR phenotypes with higher ECV and lower MPR had a worse prognosis.

Phase selection mechanism and eutectic growth kinetics of refractory Nb&lt;sub&gt;81.7&lt;/sub&gt;Si&lt;sub&gt;17.3&lt;/sub&gt;Hf alloy under electrostatic levitation condition

The phase selection mechanism and eutectic growth kinetics of Nb&lt;sub&gt;81.7&lt;/sub&gt;Si&lt;sub&gt;17.3&lt;/sub&gt;Hf alloy are investigated by electrostatic levitation technique. The maximum undercooling of this alloy reaches 404 K(0.19&lt;i&gt;T&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;L&lt;/sub&gt;). By analyzing the cooling curves, its hypercooling limit is obtained to be 527 K (0.24 &lt;i&gt;T&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;L&lt;/sub&gt;). A critical undercooling of 194 K is determined for the transition of solidification path. Below this undercooling threshold, (Nb) phase firstly nucleates and grows into primary dendrites, resulting in the enrichment of Si and Hf in the residual melt, which is conducive to the formation of the (Nb)+&lt;i&gt;α&lt;/i&gt;Nb&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;Si&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; eutectics. Therefore, (Nb)+&lt;i&gt;α&lt;/i&gt;Nb&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;Si&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; lamellar eutectics form in interdendritic space. With the increase of undercooling, the growth velocity of primary (Nb) dendritic follows a power function, while the eutectic growth velocity increases slowly. The maximum values of (Nb) dendritic reaches 89.4 mm/s. A modified LKT/BCT model is used to calculate the growth velocity of (Nb) dendrites. The results are in good agreement with the experimental values, indicating that after the LKT model is modified slightly, it can be used to describe the rapid dendrite growth behavior of the (Nb) phase in the Nb&lt;sub&gt;81.7&lt;/sub&gt;Si&lt;sub&gt;17.3&lt;/sub&gt;Hf alloy melt. Meanwhile, the lamellar spacing of (Nb)+&lt;i&gt;α&lt;/i&gt;Nb&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;Si&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; eutectics notably decreases to 360 nm at 194 K undercooling. Above the critical threshold, the primary (Nb) dendrites disappear, whereas (Nb) phase and Nb&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;Si phase nucleate independently in the undercooled liquid and grow into anomalous eutectics. The growth velocity of anomalous eutectic exhibits a power function relationship with the increase of undercooling, with a maximum value of 115.9 mm/s. The interphase spacing of (Nb)+Nb&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;Si anomalous eutectics is larger than that of (Nb)+&lt;i&gt;α&lt;/i&gt;Nb&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;Si&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; lamellar eutectics. Owing to the formation of nanosized eutectics and the increase of volume fraction of (Nb) phase, the alloy fracture toughness at 194 K reaches 21.9 MPa·m&lt;sup&gt;1/2&lt;/sup&gt;, which is 3.4 times as large as that under small undercooling condition.

Effect of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills on cardiac function after acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A randomized trial.

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP) in improving cardiac function among patients with acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (AAMI). Between February 2021 and February 2023, 247 eligible patients with AAMI after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were enrolled and randomly assigned (1∶1) to receive CDDP ( n = 126) or placebo ( n = 121), with a follow-up of 48 weeks. Compared with the placebo group, the CDDP group demonstrated a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values after 24 weeks of the treatment (least squares mean: 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.72-4.90; P < 0.001) and at the 48-week follow-up (least squares mean: 4.35; 95% CI: 2.76-5.94; P < 0.001). Significant reductions of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels were observed in both groups at the 24- and 48-week visits without difference between the two groups ( P > 0.1 for all), and 6.35% and 5.79% of patients in the CDDP and placebo groups experienced major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, respectively ( P = 0.822). Therefore, no serious adverse events were attributed to CDDP. These findings sugget that CDDP was well tolerated and improved LVEF of patients with AAMI in 24 and 48 weeks.

Comparison of Catheter Ablation in Patients with Paroxysmal Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background: The efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been established, but the efficacy and safety of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and pulsed field ablation (PFA) remain unclear. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 223 patients with paroxysmal non-valvular AF and HFpEF who underwent their first AF ablation between January 2017 and December 2021 and were divided into RFA (n = 77), CBA (n = 127), and PFA (n = 19) groups. Results: After a mean follow-up of 11.2 ± 1.8 months, no significant differences were observed in the rates of AF recurrence among the groups (P = 0.964). Both RFA and PFA were associated with a reduction in left atrial diameter and an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), whereas CBA showed no significant changes. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification and quality of life scores significantly improved across all groups (P < 0.01). No significant differences in the incidence of postprocedural complications were observed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified serum albumin (ALB) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) as independent predictors of AF recurrence post-ablation. Conclusion: RFA, CBA, and PFA are all effective in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal non-valvular AF and HFpEF. RFA and PFA were associated with improved quality of life, improved NYHA functional classification, reversal of atrial remodeling, and increased LVEF. While CBA improved quality of life and NYHA functional status, it did not reverse atrial remodeling or increase LVEF. ALB and NT-pro BNP levels were identified as independent predictors of AF recurrence post-ablation in HFpEF patients.