Functional Failure Research Articles

A multifunctional superhydrophobic phase‐change photothermal coating for concrete anti‐icing

AbstractSuperhydrophobic coatings meet the urgent need for anti‐icing infrastructure in low‐temperature environments but suffer limited functionality and easy failure. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with highly efficient photothermal conversion properties can address these issues when endowed with superhydrophobicity. However, CNTs face challenges in modification and functional failure without light. This study proposes a simple strategy to endow CNTs with superhydrophobic and phase‐change properties, affording CNTs with superhydrophobic photothermal phase‐change functions. The phase‐change superhydrophobic photothermal CNT (PSC) particle size distribution was optimized to 4–6 μm, effectively reducing CNT agglomeration tendency. The PSC exhibited good phase‐change enthalpy, with a 53% phase‐change material adsorption rate. Superhydrophobic coatings based on PSC were prepared via a two‐step method. The primer performed best with a 10% silicon carbide to epoxy resin mass ratio. Considering performance and economy, optimal coating performance occurred with 100 mg of PSC in the topcoat. The PSC coating achieved a 156.7° contact angle and a rolling angle of only 3.4°. It can rapidly warm from −10 to 50 °C under one solar intensity. The coating exhibits excellent robustness across extreme environments, extending droplet freezing time by 10‐fold at −10 °C and quickly melting under one sun intensity. This research will further advance the development of CNT‐based superhydrophobic photothermal coatings and promote their application in infrastructure sectors, particularly for cement concrete. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Early prediction of sudden cardiac death using multimodal fusion of ECG Features extracted from Hilbert–Huang and wavelet transforms with explainable vision transformer and CNN models

Background and Objective:Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a critical health issue characterized by the sudden failure of heart function, often caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF). Early prediction of SCD is crucial to enable timely interventions. However, current methods predict SCD only a few minutes before its onset, limiting intervention time. This study aims to develop a deep learning-based model for the early prediction of SCD using electrocardiography (ECG) signals. Methods:A multimodal explainable deep learning-based model is developed to analyze ECG signals at discrete intervals ranging from 5 to 30 min before SCD onset. The raw ECG signals, 2D scalograms generated through wavelet transform and 2D Hilbert spectrum generated through Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) of ECG signals were applied to multiple deep learning algorithms. For raw ECG, a combination of 1D-convolutional neural networks (1D-CNN) and long short-term memory networks were employed for feature extraction and temporal pattern recognition. Besides, to extract and analyze features from scalograms and Hilbert spectra, Vision Transformer (ViT) and 2D-CNN have been used. Results:The developed model achieved high performance, with accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score of 98.81%, 98.83%, 98.81%, and 98.81% respectively to predict SCD onset 30 min in advance. Further, the proposed model can accurately classify SCD patients and normal controls with 100% accuracy. Thus, the proposed method outperforms the existing state-of-the-art methods. Conclusions:The developed model is capable of capturing diverse patterns on ECG signals recorded at multiple discrete time intervals (at 5-minute increments from 5 min to 30 min) prior to SCD onset that could discriminate for SCD. The proposed model significantly improves early SCD prediction, providing a valuable tool for continuous ECG monitoring in high-risk patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Avacopan in Patients with C3 Glomerulopathy: Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Complement 3 (C3) glomerulopathy is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by activation of the alternative complement pathway with isolated or dominant C3 deposition in glomeruli. Patients with C3 glomerulopathy may develop progressive deterioration in kidney function and kidney failure. We studied the safety and efficacy of avacopan 30 mg twice daily in patients with C3 glomerulopathy (N=57) with elevated (> 244 ng/mL) and normal (≤ 244 ng/mL) levels of C5b-9 in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, with kidney biopsies performed pre-randomization and at 26 and 52 weeks. The primary outcome was the percent change from baseline to week 26 in C3 glomerulopathy histologic index for disease activity. The study was conducted in patients with C3 glomerulopathy, including C3 glomerulonephritis and DDD. The median study duration was 60.0 weeks (interquartile range 59.9 to 61.0). There were no significant differences in the primary outcome between the avacopan and the placebo group; least square mean treatment difference (95% CI) = -0.0 (-1.9 to 1.8). The secondary measures of efficacy including C3 Glomerulopathy Histological Index for disease chronicity, urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPCR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were not different between treatment groups. The overall incidence and type of adverse events for both treatment groups were comparable. No deaths were reported during the study, and no new safety signals were detected. The primary end point for the study was not met; other clinical effects of avacopan to improve certain key kidney function parameters and slow disease progression were variable and require further evaluation.

Probabilistic safety analysis of the large primary circuit leakages accident scenarios in the VVER-reactor

Probabilistic safety analysis of the loss of coolant accidents in the VVER-type reactor plant has been performed taking into account the internal initiating events of the reactor primary circuit large leakages. Swedish program code RiskSpectrum PSA was used for probabilistic safety analysis. Logical probabilistic models of the accident scenarios of the large primary circuit leakages in the VVER-type reactor were developed taking into account different operation modes of the power plant unit. Critical paths and probabilities of the accident scenarios occurrence of the large leakages were identified. The critical path of development of the reactor primary circuit large leakages accident with large leakages of 140–346 mm diameters is the accident sequence with a leak in the pipeline to the reactor pressurizer vessel. It has been established that the greatest contribution to the failure of safety functions during this initiating event is made by the failures due to common causes of the supporting systems (cooling and ventilation systems), critical consumers cooling circuit, emergency injection system. The critical path of the accident with large leakages of 346–850 mm diameters is the accident sequence with the rupture of any of the four primary circuit loops. The greatest contribution to the failure of safety functions during this initiating event is made by the failures due to common causes of the emergency injection system elements. Based on the accident analysis, recommendations for increase of performance reliability of safety functions during the large leakages accidents under all operation states of the nuclear power plant unit were given. In order to increase reliability of safety systems, it is necessary to eliminate failures due to common causes of equipment, increase the reliability of operation of supporting systems, change the maintenance and checking equipment procedures.

Probabilistic risk assessment of civil aircraft associated failures under condition-based maintenance

Maintenance can improve an aircraft system's reliability over a long operation period or when a component has failed. However, inappropriate maintenance inspection intervals will cause latent failures to be covered or undetected, leading to a large number of unplanned flight disruptions for airlines. In this paper, we present a two-stage framework to assess the associated failure risk of civil aircraft under condition-based maintenance. In the first stage of the framework, the probability of primary functional failure across the lifecycles of the monitored component is determined by analyzing whether the current inspection interval prevents the component from progressing from latent failure to functional failure. In the second stage of the framework, the associated failure probability between components and related systems is formulated by the adjacency matrix. The structure and performance of the proposed model were tested on a case study by run-to-failure data associated with aircraft engines from a large airline. Focusing on the scenario of turbine disk cracking leading to fragment penetration of the fuel tank and causing fire as the consequential fault impact path, the results show that the risk of aircraft fire caused by turbine disk fragments falls within an acceptable range, necessitating the completion of inspections and subsequent monitoring within the stipulated timeframe. The method can be used to readjust the inspection interval, optimize the operation plan, improve the on-time performance of flights, and reduce the risk of aviation accidents.

8265 Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Pediatric Cancer Patients: a 10-Year Rady Children's Hospital Experience

Abstract Disclosure: M. Robinson: None. L. Meller: None. M.E. Patterson: None. Objective: To highlight the occurrence of premature ovarian insufficiency in cancer patients treated at a children’s hospital and to determine which patient characteristics or treatment modalities are associated with ovarian failure and subsequent recovery of ovarian function. Study design: A retrospective chart review. Setting: Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. Subjects and Methods: Between August 2011 and August 2021, the cases of 36 patients with cancer and ovarian failure were reviewed. Data collected included type of cancer, age at diagnosis, types of chemotherapy used in treatment, whether a bone marrow transplant or radiation was part of the treatment plan, peak FSH value and age when this occurred, peak AMH value, whether GnRHa treatment was used, type of hormone replacement therapy used, and whether there was recovery of ovarian function. Results: The most common type of cancer identified in this group of patients was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (13, 36.1%). The mean age of diagnosis was 8.5 ± 4.3 years and the mean age of peak FSH value was 12.6 ± 2.8 years. Nearly all patients (97.2%) were treated with alkylating agents as part of their chemotherapy regimen and 72.2% received some form of radiation. Most patients (26, 72.2%) also received some form of hormone therapy, most commonly transdermal hormone therapy (13, 36.1%) or oral contraceptive pill (10, 27.8%), and 15.8% of patients were treated with the GnRHa Lupron. Fertility planning was offered or discussed in 36.1% of patients. Ten patients (27.8%) were noted to have some degree of recovery in their ovarian function. Age at diagnosis and type of cancer treatment were significant predictors of recovery in multivariate regression modeling. Specifically, each year older in age was associated with a 30% decrease in odds of recovery (OR: 0.7, CI: 0.5-0.95, P = 0.035), and treatment with an alkylating agent without transplant was associated with a 3-fold increase in odds of recovery (OR: 3, CI:2.7-564, P = 0.007). Conclusion: This retrospective review demonstrates that, while uncommon, POI can occur in pediatric cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of educating patients on the potential long-term effects of cancer treatment and routine surveillance for these complications. This study also confirmed that recovery of ovarian function is possible in these patients, especially when diagnosed at a younger age, so continued monitoring is essential. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Prolactin deficiency in the context of other pituitary hormone abnormalities : Special issue: hypoprolactinemia: a neglected endocrine disorder.

Prolactin deficiency is rare. It generally occurs when pituitary disorders, such as large pituitary tumors, pituitary apoplexy, and other conditions associated with sellar mass effect lead to global failure of pituitary function and hypopituitarism. In these situiations, prolactin is commonly the last pituitary hormone affected, after growth hormone and gonadotropins are lost and thyroid-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotopic hormone secretion is impaired. Prolactin deficiency accompanies several congenital syndromes due to mutations in PROP1 and Pit1/ POU1F and in X-linked IGSF1 deficiency syndrome, and several aqcuired conditions including Sheehan syndrome, IgG4-related hypophysitis, and immune checkpoint-inhibitor-induced hypophysitis. In women, prolactin deficiency prevents lactation following childbirth among other symptoms associated with hypopituitarism. Human prolactin is not available commercially as replacement therapy. However, recombinant human prolactin administered daily to women with hypoprolactinemia and alactogenesis was found to lead to the production of significant milk volume sufficient for lactation.

Shape of fragments cloud behind heterogeneous screen by a space debris particle impact

Technogenic pollution of near-Earth space poses a threat to the functioning of spacecraft. Collisions between space debris (SD) and spacecraft (SC) structures can have catastrophic consequences or cause localized damage, leading to the loss of SC operability or the failure of certain functions. The SC body must effectively protect the internal equipment from various external impacts, be technologically feasible to manufacture, and have as little mass as possible. As a result, the task of designing spacecraft bodies and protective screens for low-orbit SC is particularly relevant due to the large concentration of SD in low Earth orbits.A comparative numerical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of various thin shields in protecting against impacts from space debris particles. The study examined homogeneous shields made of A356 aluminum alloy and 316L stainless steel, as well as volumetrically reinforced composite shields produced using additive manufacturing with steel inclusions, and shields with a gradient distribution of steel throughout the thickness of an aluminum matrix, all with the same areal density. In all the heterogeneous plates considered, the volumetric concentration of steel was 36 %. The study covered an interaction velocity range of 2–9 km/s. Numerical modeling results indicated that the structure of the thin heterogeneous plate does not affect the shape of the debris cloud formed behind the protective shield. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for selecting materials for the development of more effective protection for spacecraft against high-velocity impacts.

Events preceding death after high-risk surgery analyzed by Global Trigger Tool and reflective-thematic approach.

Postoperative mortality might be influenced by postoperative care, vigilance, and competence to rescue. This study aims to describe the course of events preceding death in a high-risk surgical cohort. We analyzed hospital records of patients who died within 30 days after surgery in 4 high volume hospitals using (1) reflective narrative thematic approach to identify recurring themes reflecting issues with conduct of care and (2) Global Trigger Tool to describe incidence, timing, and types of adverse events (AEs) leading to harm. Preoperative predicted median risk of death in the studied group was 9%/13% according to SORT/P-POSSUM, respectively. Nine recurring themes were identified. Prominent themes were "consensus concerning aim and/or risk with planned surgery," "level of (intraoperative) competence and monitoring," and in the postoperative period "level of care and vigilance" on signs of deterioration. We found a total of 303 AEs, with only three patients (5%) having no adverse events. Most common severity category was "I," that is "contributed to patient's death" (n = 110, 36% of all AEs). Of these, 60% were classified as preventable or probably preventable. The peak incidence of AEs was seen on the day of index surgery. Most common types of AEs were "failure of vital functions" (n = 79, 26%), followed by infections (n = 45, 15%). A high predicted risk of death and a peak of adverse events on the day of index surgery were detected. Identified themes reflect lack of documented multi-professional consensus on how to handle prevalent perioperative risk, vigilance, and postoperative level of care.

Left Atrial Function and Incident Heart Failure in Older Adults

Heart failure (HF) prevalence is increasing, especially among older adults. Left atrial (LA) dysfunction is often associated with HF, but it is unclear whether it may contribute to its development. We investigated whether measures of LA function can predict the development of HF in older adults without a history of cardiovascular events. Seven hundred ninety-five participants from a triethnic (white, Black, Hispanic) community-based cohort of adults age ≥55 without a history of cardiovascular events underwent standard, three-dimensional, and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Left atrial volumes, LA strain, LA stiffness, and LA coupling index (LACI) were measured. Longitudinal follow-up was conducted, and new-onset HF was ascertained through standardized interviews, in-person visits, and active hospital surveillance of admission and discharge ICD-9 codes. Risk analysis with a cause-specific hazards regression model was used to assess the association of LA variables with incident HF, adjusting for other HF risk factors. The mean age was 70.9±9.2 years (297 men, 498 women). During a mean follow-up of 11.4years, new-onset HF occurred in 345 participants (43.4%). All measures of LA morphology and function were associated with incident HF (all P<.05). In multivariable analysis, LA stiffness and LACI (adjusted hazard ratio= 2.06; 95% CI, 1.08-3.94; adjusted hazard ratio= 1.25; 95% CI, 1.09-1.43, respectively) remained associated with incident HF. After further adjustment for left ventricular global longitudinal strain, only LACI remained associated with incident HF (adjusted hazard ratio= 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.42). Left atrial coupling index is a stronger independent predictor for incident HF in older adults than LA volumes and strain and may improve HF risk stratification.

Predictors of outcome following two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty.

Two stage revision arthroplasty remains the gold standard for peri-prosthetic joint infections of the knee. However, the functional outcomes of revision surgeries and the factors governing them require further investigation. The purpose of this study was to (a) evaluate impact of early and late stage I surgery and interval between stage I and stage II; (b) understand the impact of infecting organism and resistance; (c) to estimate long term survivorship and causes of failure. A retrospective review of 86 patients, who underwent two stage revision for prosthetic joint infections of the knee, was performed. Time between onset of symptoms to stage I (T1), and T1 to re-implantation (T2), along with microbiological studies, were analysed for their impact on functional outcomes, failure modalities and survivorship. In this study, the mean KSS-Knee improved from 64.0 ± 10.0 pre-operatively to 76.9 ± 10.4, and 77.2 ± 10.1 at the 5 and 10 year follow up respectively. The KSS-Function improved from 44.4 ± 8.8 pre-operatively to 72.2 ± 9.5 and 79.8 ± 8.1 at 5 and 10 year follow-up respectively. This study also found that T1 and T2 remained critical factors in determining functional outcome and longevity of the implant and a delay in these intervals was a significant predictor of failure. Gram negative, poly-microbial infections and organisms with methicillin and vancomycin resistance demonstrated lower survivorship (p-value, 0.001 at 5, 10 and 12 years). Re-infections occurred in 4 cases while 9 cases failed due to aseptic causes. Two-stage revision arthroplasty produced good functional outcomes when the infection was caused by single sensitive organism that did not exhibit high resistance to antibiotics. Stage I performed within 4 weeks and the subsequent re-implantation procedure undertaken within 6 weeks demonstrated better outcomes.

Retrospective cohort study of self-reported outcomes after unilateral dacryocystorhinostomy in patients with bilateral epiphora and suspected nasolacrimal obstruction

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to quantify the proportion of patients with bilateral epiphora and suspected nasolacrimal obstruction who self-reported improved epiphora bilaterally following unilateral dacryocystorhinostomy and investigate predictive factors. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients from an Australian lacrimal clinic was performed. Eligible patients were at least 18 years of age, complained of bilateral epiphora, underwent unilateral dacryocystorhinostomy between 2012 and 2022 and followed-up. Outcome groups were created by grouping self-reported epiphora improvement levels for each eye. Two-sided confidence intervals were calculated for the proportion of participants in each outcome group. Ordinal elastic net regression identified clinical features associated with outcome groups and estimated their effect sizes. Results Of 243 patients, the median post-operative follow-up duration was 3 months. Fifty-eight percent (95% CI 52–64%, n = 141) reported significant improvement (≥50% ipsilateral and any contralateral improvement), 5% (95% CI 3–9%, n = 13) reported small improvement (<50% ipsilateral and any contralateral improvement) and 26% (95% CI 20–31%, n = 62) reported ipsilateral improvement only. Eleven percent had functional or anatomical failure. Older age (OR 1.01), contralateral nasolacrimal duct narrowing (OR 1.37), contralateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction (OR 0.93) and longer follow-up time (OR 0.85) predicted outcome groups. Conclusions After unilateral DCR, many patients with bilateral epiphora and suspected nasolacrimal obstruction report an improvement of their symptoms bilaterally in the early postoperative period. Contralateral nasolacrimal system diagnosis, patient age and follow-up duration were associated with outcomes. Further study using validated epiphora assessment tools may quantify this observation, and we suggest a potential underlying mechanism of contralateral effects after unilateral treatment.

Intelligent Ureteral Stent Placeable via Standard Procedure for Kidney Pressure Telemetry: An Ex-Vivo Study.

This paper reports the first telemetric ureteral stent compatible with common placement procedure, enabling wireless sensing and detection of ureteral obstruction and resultant kidney swelling known as hydronephrosis at an early stage. This sensor-integrated "intelligent" ureteral stent is prototyped via the design and fabrication approaches that raise the practicality of the device and tested in a harvested swine kidney-ureter model ex vivo. Leveraging a polymeric double-J stent and micro-electro-mechanical systems technology, the intelligent stent is built by embedding micro pressure sensors and a radiofrequency antenna, forming a resonant circuit that enables wireless kidney pressure monitoring in an operating frequency of 40-50MHz. The stent device is entirely packaged with Parylene-C for both biocompatibility and electrical insulation of the device in order to function in the real environment including urine, an electrically conductive liquid. A comparison between the results measured in in-vitro and ex-vivo settings show a good match in the sensitivity to applied pressure. In particular, the ex-vivo test in the kidney-ureter model pressurized with artificial urine in a cycled manner demonstrates wireless pressure tracking with a response of 1.3kHz/mmHg, over pressures up to 37mmHg that well covers a range of pressure increase known for chronic obstruction. This testing is enabled by the prototype placement into the ex-vivo model using the standard stenting technique and tools without noticeable functional degradation or failures, showing potential compatibility of the device with today's clinical need as a ureteral stent.

Matters of assuring functional dependability compliance of digital manufacturing

Aim. To propose a methodological approach to ensuring the functional dependability of industrial facilities using SMART documents in the context of import-independent digital processes. Methods. The evolving applicability of the dependability theory and information systems design has defined the methodological provisions for algorithmising the application of SMART standards for minimising functional faults and failures of industrial processes. Digital models of production lines were examined as tools for machine-recognisable representation of standards. The proposed form of regulatory documents is intended to enable the transition from machine-readable data to machine-understandable content. Findings. The application of the proposed methods of content systematisation in the context of manufacturing process standardisation shows that the classification of process data based on standardised characteristics of digital information exchange processes is one of the key methodological provisions ensuring unambiguous interpretation of regulatory requirements. Specialised projects often use individual provisions rather than complete regulatory documents. In this case, in order to ensure machine-understandability of the developed content, it is proposed using special identifiers, e.g., «paragraph», «graphic object», «table cell». The deployment of such identification tools will allow creating a class of SMART standards that collect into a single document the provisions regarding the delivery of intended results in situations when the operating equipment is diverse. Publications created using intelligent processing of SMART documents are considered as containers of structured and unstructured data that take into account the conditions of particular projects. The existing dynamics of the demand for advanced industrial products often determines the admissibility of its industrial production by various companies with the parallel use of unique technologies. The conditions of such an organisation impose their limitations on the comparability of various process requirements, therefore, it is proposed to harmonise the presentation of the results of managerial, design, and process engineering solutions using the term «manufacturing system asset». The introduction of relative result estimates as part of the digital format is an efficient mechanism for ensuring management consistency. In this context, the importance of a uniform regulatory framework as the foundation for such assessments is growing. As one of the ways of minimising faults and failures of industrial equipment, it is proposed to create a situation centre with a decision support system based on the regulatory data with harmonised manufacturing system asset requirements. An experience of Industry 4.0 regulation is described in the review of the ISA digital manufacturing series of standards. It was shown that the deployment of SMART standards improves the stability of interaction between information management systems and the functional dependability of production lines. The introduction of provisions regulating the use of algorithms for the development, editing, and examination of draft regulatory documents into the content machine-understandability facilities is an important factor in ensuring the functional dependability of products. Conclusions. The presented approach is focused on the methodology for developing standards that take into account requirements from various subject areas. In the context of ongoing import substitution in manufacturing, the paper examines the feasibility of minimizing digital process faults and failures caused by the use of regulatory frameworks that are not equivalent to the provisions of international documents and take into account the specificity of Russian industrial systems.

PSIII-2 Exploring differential gene expression and pathways associated with pregnancy outcomes in beef heifers

Abstract Heifer fertility is a key factor in the success of beef production systems, as the reproductive performance of a heifer correlates with her stayability in the breeding herd. However, despite being reproductively mature and physically healthy, 5 to 15% of these heifers fail to conceive within a designated breeding season. The underlying physiological mechanisms preventing these heifers from achieving pregnancy remain elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and biological pathways associated with pregnancy outcomes in beef heifers. Angus-Simmental crossbred heifers were subjected to an estrus synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) program (7-d CO-Synch + CIDR) and blood samples were collected at the time of AI for isolation of peripheral white blood cells (PWBC). After pregnancy check, heifers were classified as pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP). Based on that, 6 animals per group were randomly selected for total RNA isolation from the PWBC samples, and genome-wide expression was measured through RNA sequencing. The RNA-Seq data were analyzed using an in-house bioinformatics pipeline, with filtered reads aligned to the Bos taurus reference genome using STAR. DEGs were identified using DESeq2, followed by functional analysis using ShinyGO. Our approach unveiled 230 DEGs, comprising 102 up and 128 downregulated genes in the NP group (P-value ≤ 0.05 and |log2FC| &amp;gt; 0.5). Upregulated genes included those from the cytochrome P450 superfamily (CYP27B1 and CYP2U1). The genes SCML2, USIG2, and FBP1 were upregulated and have been associated with immune response and increased PWBC counts. This may be related to the over-representation of biological processes involved in cell division based on the upregulated genes. KEGG pathway over-representation analysis of DEGs retrieved allograft rejection, graft-versus-host disease, type I Diabetes Mellitus, insulin signaling pathway, and transcriptional misregulation of cancer. These pathways included genes such as BOLA-DQB, PRKAR1B, CALML4 and JUP, which were reported as downregulated during times of inflammatory response. Another downregulated gene was GZMB, which is needed for proper cell targeting during immune response. This finding may provide a link between immune function and early pregnancy failure. However, the relationship between the immune system and pregnancy warrants further investigation. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive performance in beef heifers and support previous studies associating immune function with pregnancy outcomes. These differentially expressed genes may be further explored as potential avenues for enhancing fertility in beef production systems.

Supramolecular Association of a Block Copolymer via Strong Hydrogen Bonding to Form Self-Healable Ionogels.

The drive to enhance the operational durability and reliability of stretchable and wearable electronic and electrochemical devices has led to the exploration of self-healing materials that can recover from both physical and functional failures. In the present study, we fabricated a self-healable solid polymer electrolyte, referred to as an ionogel, using reversible hydrogen bonding between the ureidopyrimidone units of a block copolymer (BCP) network swollen in an ionic liquid (IL). The BCP consisted of poly(styrene-b-(methyl acrylate-r-ureidopyrimidone methacrylate)) [poly(S-b-(MA-r-UPyMA)], with the IL-phobic polystyrene forming micellar cores that were interconnected via intercorona hydrogen bonding between the ureidopyrimidone units. By precisely regulating the molecular weight and the composition of the hydrogen-bondable motifs, the mechanical, electrical, and self-healing characteristics of the ionogel were systematically evaluated. The resulting ionogel samples exhibited suitable stretchability, ionic conductivity, and room-temperature self-healability due to reversible hydrogen bonding. To highlight the applicability of the self-healing ionogel as a high-capacitance gate insulator, an electrolyte-gated transistor (EGT) was fabricated using a poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) semiconductor, and the performance of the EGT was fully recovered from a complete cut without any external stimuli.

An Investigation into Building Functional Failures in Akure South Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria

Functional failures and faults are regular occurrences in buildings and construction industries. The rate of building collapse in Nigeria has increased dramatically over the last decade and shows no signs of abating which has led to massive losses causing loss of physical properties, destruction of movable properties, injury, and loss of life. Beyond this, building collapse always has far-reaching economic, financial, psychological, and sociological implications. This study reported the causes of functional failures of buildings in Akure South Local Government Area, Nigeria. As a result, this study aimed to investigate the causes of functional failures in buildings and their impact on the quality and functionality of a building to build a theoretical framework that can help address the functional failures in buildings. The study utilized a questionnaire-based survey in the Akure South Local Government area. Data was collected from residents occupying the buildings. Information obtained includes the type of building and the current physical condition of the houses they live in, and 90 responses were collected and analyzed. The analysis identified six factors of functional failures in buildings investigated; damp 30%, cracks 50%, poor plumbing 45%, poor electrical wiring 35%, roofing defects 25% and Inadequate maintenance 70% and four causes of building failures; poor construction materials 32.7%, human errors 20.7%, natural disasters 12.4%, and a combination of the three factors 34.2%. Based on the findings, the results showed that the combination of the three factors was the most significant cause of building functional failures in the Akure South LGA, while natural disasters were the least significant cause. To mitigate the functional failures in buildings, it is important to enforce stringent regulations and standards by involving Governmental bodies (architectural Engineers and structural Engineers) to check building drawings and structural analysis report properly and correctly before design approvals, conduct regular inspections and internal audits, to help detect and rectify errors and maintaining standards throughout the construction process in order to enhance the quality, safety, and resilience of buildings, ensuring their functionality and longevity.

Results of Lucia Keratoprosthesis Implantation in Severe Corneal Disease

Describe complications, functional success, and retention of the Lucia Keratoprosthesis (KPro). Retrospective interventional case series METHODS: The demographic data, baseline characteristics, complications, functional success, and retention were analyzed for Lucia KPro at the Instituto de Oftalmologia Conde de Valenciana in Mexico City from 2021 to 2023. Multivariate regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier plots were performed to identify associations with functional failure. The main outcome measures were postoperative complications, functional success defined as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥20/200 (logMAR 1.0), and device retention rate. Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients (56.88% male) were studied. The mean age at implantation was 57.29 ± 15.63 years (range 27-91), with a mean follow-up of 20.5 ± 8.83 months (range 3-40). Diagnostic indications for implantation included recurrent graft rejection (54.17%), autoimmune disease (20.83%), chemical injury (12.5%), and other (12.5%). At least 1 postoperative complication occurred in 75% of patients, leading to 65 additional interventions (mean number of subsequent procedures: 1.35 ± 1.3, range 0-5). The preoperative BCVA was 2.40 ± 0.36 logMAR. At the final follow-up, 62.5% had achieved functional success and 22.92% had a BCVA of 20/40 (logMAR 0.3) or better. Glaucoma (adjusted OR 469.74, 95% CI 5.02-43939.14, P = .007) and retinal pathology before KPro (adjusted OR 372.38, 95% CI 4.18-33162.11, P = .009) were associated with functional failure. The device remained in place in 95.83% of recipients over the follow-up period. The Lucia KPro offers functional success in severe corneal diseases and excellent retention in the short to intermediate term.

Comparing the prognostic impact of 131I and/or artificial liver support system on liver function failure combined with hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism, a prevalent endocrine disorder, can lead to complications such as liver failure due to the liver's essential role in thyroid hormone metabolism. The study aimed to elucidate the respective contributions of 131I and/or ALSS in managing hyperthyroidism alongside liver failure. A retrospective analysis was carried out on 74 patients diagnosed with severe liver failure in the context of Graves' disease. Patients were categorized into three groups: group A (n = 34) received 131I treatment, group B (n = 17) underwent 131I and ALSS treatment, and group C (n = 24) received artificial liver support system (ALSS) treatment alone. Throughout the treatment period, the liver function indexes in all groups exhibited a declining trend. The thyroid function of group A and group B treated with 131I was significantly improved compared to that before treatment. There was no significant change in thyroid function in group C. After the correction of hyperthyroidism, significant improvements were observed in the liver function of individuals in groups A and B, particularly with more noticeable amelioration compared to group C. After two months of treatment, the efficacy rates for the three groups were 79.41%, 82.35%, and 60.87% respectively. Mortality rates of the three groups were 5.88%, 17.65%, and 36% (P < 0.01). Group B, receiving both 131I and ALSS treatments, exhibited a lower mortality rate than group C. In cases of severe liver failure accompanied by hyperthyroidism, prompt administration of 131I is recommended to alleviate the adverse effects of hyperthyroidism on liver function and facilitate a conducive environment for the recovery of liver functionality.

Targeting AnxA2-EGFR signaling: hydroxychloroquine as a therapeutic strategy for bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease that causes progressive failure of lung function, and its molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. However, the AnnexinA2-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway has been identified as playing a significant role in its development. Hydroxychloroquine, a common anti-malarial drug, has been found to inhibit this pathway and slow down the progression of IPF. To better understand the role of the AnxA2-EGFR signaling pathway in pulmonary fibrosis, an in vivo study was conducted. In this study, mice were induced with pulmonary fibrosis using bleomycin, and HCQ was administered intraperitoneally the next day of bleomycin induction. The study also employed nintedanib as a positive control. After the induction, the lungs showed increased levels of fibronectin and vimentin, along with enhanced expression of AnxA2, EGFR, and Gal-3, indicating pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, the study also found that HCQ significantly inhibited these effects and showed antifibrotic properties similar to nintedanib. Overall, these findings suggest that HCQ can attenuate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the AnxA2-EGFR signaling pathway. These results are promising for developing new treatments for IPF.