Increase In Diameter Research Articles

Influences of ion bombardment, grain size, and gamma irradiation on surface topography, microstructural, and mechanical characteristics of Cu-2 wt% Sb alloy

The Cu-2 wt% Sb alloy was prepared and exposed to various heat treatments at temperatures ranging from 573 to 973 K to get distinct grain diameters. Different samples of various grain diameters were individually sputtered in an argon glow discharge for various times (0.5, 1, 2 h) using a DC magnetron sputtering device. The surface topography and microstructural features of a Cu-2 wt% Sb alloy were examined utilizing an optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Cu3Sb\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$Cu_{3} Sb$$\\end{document} IMC phase was found to segregate at the grain boundaries. Results showed that the topographical features of sputtered samples (grain boundaries, tiny cones, cratered cones, and etch pits) were mainly affected by grain size and sputtering time. Moreover, the mechanical properties of a Cu-2 wt% Sb alloy were examined. The parameters of the stress–strain curves (Young modulus Y, 0.2% offset stress σy0.2, fracture stress σf, parabolic work-hardening coefficient χp\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upchi }_{{\ ext{p}}}$$\\end{document}, and ductility εf\\%\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upvarepsilon }_{{\ ext{f}}} {\ ext{\\% }}$$\\end{document}) were measured under different testing conditions. Generally, these stress parameters decrease as the grain diameter increases. These parameters, with the exception of εf\\%\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upvarepsilon }_{{\ ext{f}}} {\ ext{\\% }}$$\\end{document}, increase as the strain rate increases, while εf\\%\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\upvarepsilon }_{{\ ext{f}}} {\ ext{ \\% }}$$\\end{document} decreases as the strain rate increases. Additionally, selective samples of the present alloy were irradiated using γ-radiation with different doses 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 MGy. The Vickers microhardness of annealed and irradiated samples lowered as the grain size augmented, while it increased as the irradiation dose increased. Based on the obtained activation energy Q value of 20.65 kJ/mol., it is indicated that the predominant deformation mechanism in the Cu-2 wt% Sb alloy is the motion of dislocation through the Cu-matrix.

Spray-dried cyclophosphamide-loaded polyhydroxyalkanoate microparticles: design and characterization

Background and purpose: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used antitumor and immunosuppressive drug, but it is highly cytotoxic and has carcinogenic and teratogenic potential. To reduce adverse effects of CP therapy and the frequency of its administration, the microencapsulation of CP into biodegradable polymeric matrices can be performed. However, according to the literature, only a few polymers were found suitable to encapsulate CP and achieve its’ sustained release. Experimental approach: In this research, spray-dried cyclophosphamide-loaded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) microparticles were prepared and characterized in terms of their average hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, surface morphology, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, thermal properties and cytotoxicity against 3T3 cells. Key results: The obtained CP-loaded microparticles had a regular spherical shape, uniform size distribution with an average diameter of 4.21±0.04 μm and zeta potential of -34.2±0.2 mV. The encap­sulation of cyclophosphamide into the PHBV matrix led to a decrease in melting and degradation tempe­ratures and an increase in diameter, glass transition and cold crystallization temperatures compared to blank microparticles. Moreover, microencapsulation of cyclophosphamide lowered its cytotoxicity compared to the pure drug: the number of dead cells in the culture decreased by 28 %, while their metabolic activity increased by 20 %. The cumulative in vitro drug release studies showed a gradual release of CP up to 18 days, so the obtained microparticle formulation can be used as a sustained-release cyclophosphamide delivery system. Conclusion: In this research, a novel cyclophosphamide-loaded platform based on PHBV micro­particles was established and characterized. Overall, this study offers promising prospects for cancer therapy in the future.

Numerical simulation analysis of effect of borehole gas extraction under fluid‐structure interaction

AbstractTo study the effect of coal pressure on gas extraction under fluid‐solid coupling, the effect of gas extraction radius under different pore sizes and treatment methods was simulated by using COMSOL Multiphysics software, the time evolution law of gas pressure on coal surface was obtained, and the numerical simulation results were verified by the observation of flow rate and concentration in experimental mine combined with fluid‐solid interaction. The results show that the distance of extraction radius increases with the increase of borehole diameter, and the relation between extraction time and extraction radius is a power function, but the increase gets smaller and smaller until it becomes zero. For Φ98 mm borehole and Φ120 mm borehole, hydraulic treatment can increase the efficiency of gas extraction by 31.3% and 22.7%, respectively. For hydraulic treatment and conventional treatment, the ratio of gas drainage effect by enlarging hole size is 6.3% and 13.8% respectively. Compared with the areas without gas extraction under the four conditions, the descending speed of gas pressure from fast to slow is Φ120 mm hydraulic flushing treatment, Φ98 mm hydraulic flushing treatment, Φ120 mm conventional treatment, Φ98 mm conventional treatment. Compared with four different conditions, after 180 days of extraction the coal gas pressure decreased by 75.3% within reasonable hole spacing. At the same time, in multi‐hole pumping, the influence area of adjacent borehole is larger than that of single‐hole pumping, and the spacing of borehole should be less than twice the radius of pumping.

Endothelial Dysfunction Does Not Occur after Acute, Elevated Homocysteine Exposure of the Lumen of the Iliac Artery of the Anaesthetised Pig

Introduction: Elevated luminal homocysteine has been linked with cardiovascular disease; however, whether there is a direct effect of homocysteine on blood vessel endothelium is not clear. In this study, the acute effect of luminal homocysteine on iliac artery endothelial function was assessed in the anaesthetised pig. Methods: Hyperhomocysteinaemic blood was injected into an occluded segment of the iliac in the anaesthetised pig for 20 min, and the effect on atrial diameter during the occlusion and during the reactive hyperaemia assessed. Results: No significant changes in arterial diameter or pressure were observed during the incubation period at homocysteine concentrations of 10, 20, 40 and 100 µM. There was also no difference in the magnitude of the iliac diameter increase in the response to reactive hyperaemia when the incubation period was completed. Conclusion: There is no evidence of endothelial dysfunction in response to an acute 20-min elevation in homocysteine in an intact conduit artery.

Modelling of oxide fuel restructuring during first hours after a reactor reaches its power

There is a substantial amount of experimental data that confirm the peculiarity of the oxide fuel behavior during the first hours after a reactor reaches its power. With an increase in temperature during the said period, oxide fuel pellets crack because of a significant temperature gradient. Further developments occur due to the accumulation and redistribution of fission products, and manifest themselves as changes in the fuel matrix porosity and the formation (or diameter increase) of a central hole. The zones that differ in their microstructure, density and thermal conductivity are formed along the fuel pellet radius. As the oxide fuel composition and restructuring result in its thermal conductivity change, it is important to pay attention to the formulas used in the stress-strain state calculations of a fuel element. The methodology for calculating changes in the oxide fuel porosity and the pellet’s internal diameter is proposed and based on the published research papers dedicated to the study of oxide fuel properties and behavior during the first hours after a reactor reaches its power. Тhe methodology was tested using real experimental data on the porosity redistribution along the fuel pellet radius. The presence and the size of the pellet’s inner hole, as well as changes in the fuel matrix porosity, have a noticeable effect on the maximum temperature value. Taking into account the pellet structure evolution while performing computational simulation of the fuel rod operation under irradiation allows assessing the fuel element’s operability more accurately. The proposed methodology can be used in computer codes designed to calculate the stress-strain state of cylindrical fuel elements of fast reactors.

Effect of Different Growing Media on Shoot Growth of Dragon Fruit Cuttings [Hylocereus undatus L. (Haworth) Britton & Rose

The present investigation was carried out under open field conditions at Horticulture Research Farm, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow,Uttar Pradesh, India, to determine the effect of different growing media on the shoot growth of dragon fruit cuttings (Hylocereus undatus L.) during the years 2022–23. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBD) with three replications. There were 8 treatments, viz., T1-Soil, T2-Sand, T3-Vermicompost, T4-Coco Peat, T5-Farmyard Manure, T6-Soil+Sand+Farmyard Manure, T7-Soil+ Sand+ Vermicompost and T8-Soil+Vermicompost+Coco Peat. Treatments have shown significant differences among the growth parameters in terms of number of days taken for sprouting, percent sprouting, number of sprouts per cutting, shoot diameter, length of sprout, number of spines/areoles, fresh weight of shoot, and dry weight of shoot. Among the treatment combinations, the least number of days taken for sprouting, maximum percent sprouting, maximum number of sprouts per cutting, maximum sprout and shoot length of stem cutting, maximum increase in diameter of shoot, maximum number of spines/areoles, maximum fresh weight of shoot, and maximum dry weight of shoot were found in treatment T7-Soil+ Sand+ Vermicompost, followed by T8-Soil+ Vermicompost+. Coco peat, while the minimum has been recorded in T1-Soil.

Three-Dimensional Morphological Study of MnTe-like Structures by Assessment of Tortuosity Tensor Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

This paper focuses on a morphological study of the MnTe-like structures, carried out by the evaluation of the tortuosity tensor and other related parameters using a computational fluid dynamics approach recently developed by our research group. The present work focuses on all possible crystals—existing or not developed yet—having the same structure as that of the manganese telluride. This analysis provides new information not present yet in the open literature. The motivation behind this study lies in the importance of this type of structure in physics and material science. In particular, the structures investigated are anisotropic and bi-disperse, with two independent geometrical parameters controlling the structure shape: the ratio of the particle diameters (r1) and the normalised inter-particle distance (r2). Exploiting this fact, several different structures of the same family are created, changing these two parameters independently, also allowing inter-penetration of particles to enlarge the study’s applicability. The results are primarily obtained in terms of the tortuosity tensor, needed to catch and quantify the anisotropy of the structures. Then, other morphological parameters, such as connectivity, principal diffusion directions, and anisotropy factors, are evaluated, obtaining in this way a novel morphological characterisation of the structure. It is found that high values of tortuosity are observed at lower and higher values of {r1, r2}, which means that there exists a minimum value between them. Additionally, the anisotropy factor is found to be higher at lower values of {r1, r2} and lower at higher ones. This is in accordance with the fact that, as the inter-particle distance and the ratio between particle diameters increase, the structure enlarges, which implies a lower influence of the particle distribution and, thus, a gradually more isotropic structure.

Analysis of Local Scour around Double Piers in Tandem Arrangement in an S-Shaped Channel under Ice-Jammed Flow Conditions

The stability of bridge foundations is affected by local scour, and the formation of ice jams exacerbates local scour around bridge piers. These processes, particularly the evolution of ice jams and local scour around piers, are more complex in curved sections than in straight sections. This study, based on experiments in an S-shaped channel, investigates how various factors—the flow Froude number, ice–water discharge rate, median particle diameter, pier spacing, and pier diameter—affect the maximum local scour depth around double piers in tandem and the distribution of ice jam thickness. The results indicate that under ice-jammed flow conditions, the maximum local scour depth around double piers in tandem is positively correlated with the ice–water discharge rate, pier spacing, and pier diameter and negatively correlated with median particle diameter. The maximum local scour depth is positively correlated with the flow Froude number when it ranges from 0.1 to 0.114, peaking at 0.114. Above this value, the correlation becomes negative. In curved channels, the arrangement of double piers in tandem substantially influences ice jam thickness distribution, with increases in pier diameter and spacing directly correlating with greater ice jam thickness at each cross-section. Furthermore, ice jam thickness is responsive to flow conditions, escalating with higher ice–water discharge rates and decreasing flow Froude numbers.

Changes in Lens Structure in Pathological Myopia, Cataract Surgery and Special Situations

Pathological myopia is a major cause of low vision and blindness worldwide. In patients with pathological myopia, there are changes such as thinning of the lens and increase in equatorial diameter. In various population and clinic-based cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies, it has been reported that myopic patients have a higher risk of posterior subcapsular cataract, cortical and nuclear cataract. It is known that the modern technique of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation is effective in highly myopic eyes and provides significant improvement in visual acuity. However, complications related to phacoemulsification such as posterior capsule rupture, retinal detachment, progression of existing maculopathy, capsular phimosis, late lens dislocation and transient intraocular pressure elevation occur more frequently in highly myopic patients. As a result, it is extremely important that cataract surgeries of these patients are performed by experienced surgeons and that attention is paid to perioperative and postoperative complications.

7404 Evaluation Of Cortisol Reserve And Adrenal Imaging In Patients With Graves’ Disease Before And Six Months After Treatment

Abstract Disclosure: P. Sharma: None. S. Mir: None. S. Mohd Patto: None. A.H. Bhat: None. B. Dar: None. M. Bhat: None. Introduction: There is scarcity of data regarding the effect of thyrotoxicosis on cortisol metabolism and adrenal gland size. An increase in cortisol metabolism can deplete the functional reserve of adrenal cortex and lead to adrenocortical insufficiency even when there is no pre-existing Addison's disease. In developing countries patients with Graves’ disease present in advanced states of thyrotoxicosis. Besides they are also exposed to a variety of environmental stresses such as recurrent febrile illnesses, salt, and water loss due to manual labour in hot and humid climates etc., which can precipitate an adrenal crisis in the presence of compromised adrenal reserve. So present study was undertaken to assess cortisol reserve and adrenal gland size in patients with treatment naive Graves' disease. Objectives- The present study, was undertaken to assess cortisol reserve and adrenal imaging in patients with treatment naive Graves' disease. Specific information in this regard would help alert physicians dealing with clinical thyrotoxicosis in developing countries of tropics to the possibility of co-existing adrenal decompensation and adopt appropriate life saving measures promptly. Material & Methods: We examined 38 treatment-naive Graves' Disease patients at GMC, SSH, Srinagar, Kashmir, INDIA. Basal cortisol and cortisol response to ACTH were measured before and after six months of treatment, alongside adrenal CT imaging. Results: In hyperthyroid state, Graves' patients exhibited significantly lower basal cortisol compared to euthyroid and healthy controls (306 vs. 410 vs. 421 nmol/l, p < 0.05). 23.6% patients had subnormal cortisol response to ACTH(250ug). Those with T3 ≥ 400 ng/dl had lower cortisol response (560±133 nmol/l) and delta cortisol response than T3 < 400 ng/dl (724 ± 294 nmol/l, 213+/-73 vs. 428+/-265 nmol/l). After achieving euthyroid state, cortisol levels improved significantly (410±213 nmol/l vs. 306 ± 103 nmol/l, p < 0.05). Adrenal CT scans in 34 patients was done out of which 19 showed statistically significant increases in gland thickness, width, and AP diameter compared to controls (p < 0.01, p < 0.05. Repeat CT in 26 patients demonstrated resolution of hyperplasia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Treatment-naive Graves' disease patients have compromised adrenocortical reserve and adrenal gland enlargement. Adrenal changes are reversible after achieving euthyroid state. These findings support steroid supplementation in impending thyrotoxic crisis and highlight a unique feature of reversible adrenal gland enlargement in this context. Keywords: Graves’ Disease, Adrenal hyperplasia, Cortisol reserve. Presentation: 6/3/2024

A Novel Preclinical Murine Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Like Cardiovascular Disease.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects nine women to every man worldwide, and these patients are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Clinical studies have demonstrated that patients with SLE are more likely to develop CVD, including cardiac and vascular dysfunction. Although many preclinical models of SLE are available, including treatment with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonists, a consistent preclinical model of SLE-like CVD with systemic, cardiac, renal, and cerebral endothelial activation and cardiac dysfunction has yet to be described. Here, we hypothesize that acceleration of SLE with the TLR7/8 agonist resiquimod (R848) will promote cardiac and endothelial activation with subsequent end-stage organ damage in the SLE-prone B6.Nba2 mouse model. Female and male SLE-prone B6.Nba2 mice were treated with R848 or acetone, administered topically twice weekly over a four-week period, to accelerate the development of SLE-like pathophysiology. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 16 weeks. At 16 weeks, tissues were harvested, weighed, and analyzed by histology, immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found that female R848-treated mice had increased serum anti-Smith and immunoglobulin G complex deposition in the kidney, heart, and brain consistent with SLE-like etiology. Tissue analysis revealed significant enlargement of the spleen in both female and male R848-treated mice, with only cardiac and renal enlargement in females compared to their respective controls. Echocardiographic imaging revealed left ventricular wall thickening by 4 weeks that was followed by a progressive increase in left ventricular internal diameters and subsequent decrease in ejection fraction over the 16-week time course in female mice. We found that circulating levels of soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 were increased in both female and male R848-treated mice, whereas cardiac and renal fibrosis were significantly increased in only female R848-treated mice. Our data demonstrate that R848 treatment of SLE-prone B6.Nba2 mice is a novel preclinical model to study the sex-dependent pathophysiologic mechanisms of SLE-like CVD.

Efficacy of balloon angioplasty and stent placement in the treatment of central venous stenosis in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis

Background: Central venous stenosis is a common complication in hemodialysis patients, often caused by multiple long-term catheter use. This retrospective observational study evaluated the efficacy of balloon angioplasty and stent placement in treating central venous stenosis secondary to hemodialysis catheter use. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, analyzing clinical records of 16 chronic kidney disease patients diagnosed with central venous stenosis who underwent endovascular surgery between January 2022 and August 2024. The study evaluated demographic characteristics, comorbidities, stenosis location, and technical success. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, and paired Student's t-test (α=0.05) to compare pre- and post-angioplasty venous diameters. Results: The mean age of patients was 44.6±13.5 years, with a slight female predominance. The most common stenosis location was the right subclavian vein (31.2%), followed by the left brachiocephalic trunk (25%). Pre-procedure stenotic vessel diameter averaged 3.86±1.5 mm, increasing to 9.19±2.03 mm post-procedure. Statistical analysis showed a significant 138% increase in vessel diameter (p<0.001). Of the 16 procedures, 11 patients underwent successful angioplasty, with 37.5% requiring stent placement due to recoil greater than 30%. In 5 cases, crossing the occlusive lesion was not possible. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of balloon angioplasty and stent placement in treating central venous stenosis, with a statistically significant improvement in vascular diameter. However, further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate the durability of these results and optimize management of complex cases.

Integrating generative AI with ABCDE rule analysis for enhanced skin cancer diagnosis, dermatologist training and patient education.

The early detection and accurate monitoring of suspicious skin lesions are critical for effective dermatological diagnosis and treatment, particularly for reliable identification of the progression of nevi to melanoma. The traditional diagnostic framework, the ABCDE rule, provides a foundation for evaluating lesion characteristics by visual examination using dermoscopes. Simulations of skin lesion progression could improve the understanding of melanoma growth patterns. This study aims to enhance lesion analysis and understanding of lesion progression by providing a simulated potential progression of nevi into melanomas. The study generates a dataset of simulated lesion progressions, from nevi to simulated melanoma, based on a Cycle-Consistent Adversarial Network (Cycle-GAN) and frame interpolation. We apply an optical flow analysis to the generated dermoscopic image sequences, enabling the quantification of lesion transformation. In parallel, we evaluate changes in ABCDE rule metrics as example to assess the simulated evolution. We present the first simulation of nevi progressing into simulated melanoma counterparts, consisting of 152 detailed steps. The ABCDE rule metrics correlate with the simulation in a natural manner. For the seven samples studied, the asymmetry metric increased by an average of 19%, the border gradient metric increased by an average of 63%, the convexity metric decreased by an average of 3%, the diameter increased by an average of 2%, and the color dispersion metric increased by an average of 45%. The diagnostic value of the ABCDE rule is enhanced through the addition of insights based on optical flow. The outward expansion of lesions, as captured by optical flow vectors, correlates strongly with the expected increase in diameter, confirming the simulation's fidelity to known lesion growth patterns. The heatmap visualizations further illustrate the degree of change within lesions, offering an intuitive visual proxy for lesion evolution. The achieved simulations of potential lesion progressions could facilitate improved early detection and understanding of how lesions evolve. By combining the optical flow analysis with the established criteria of the ABCDE rule, this study presents a significant advancement in dermatoscopic diagnostics and patient education. Future research will focus on applying this integrated approach to real patient data, with the aim of enhancing the understanding of lesion progression and the personalization of dermatological care.

Feasibility analysis on the debrining for compressed air energy storage salt cavern with sediment

Using the sediment void to store gas is a promising solution for the construction of compressed air energy storage (CAES) salt cavern with high impurity. However, it remains debatable whether the pressure loss of brine in the sediment can notably affect debrining. In this paper, the in-situ sediments are obtained, and their porosity, moisture content after debrining and permeability are measured. A model of debrining in salt cavern with sediment is built. The model prediction error of injection gas pressure is less than 0.34 %. A criterion for the feasibility evaluation of debrining for CAES salt cavern with sediment is proposed. The results show that the porosity of the in-situ sediment is 47.9 %. When the sediment volume reaches 98 % of the cavern volume, the pressure loss of brine in the sediment and the maximum gas pressure are less than 3.1 MPa and 17 MPa, respectively. The sediment has good permeability, it is feasible to debrine in salt cavern with sediment. It is suggested that the debrining rate and the tubing diameter increase to more than 120 m3/h and 0.14 m, respectively. This study provides valuable guidance for the debrining in salt caverns with sediment.

Electrospun zein fibers loaded with pomegranate flower extract: Characterization and release behavior

In the present study electro-spinning technique was used to encapsulate pomegranate flower extract (PFE) in zein fibers. The effect of PFE concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% (v/v)) on the electrospun solution properties, such as surface tension, apparent viscosity, and electrical conductivity were investigated. These effects on various fibers properties including morphology, thermal properties, structural characteristics, morphology, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and release behavior was also evaluated. The results revealed that, increasing the PFE concentration (0–15%) led to increased surface tension and electrical conductivity and decreased the apparent viscosity of the electrospinning solution. This caused an increase in the fiber diameter from 217.1 to 722.2 nm with considerable EE (92.21–96.1%) and loading capacity (LC) (12.3–36.1%). Increasing the PFE concentration increased the surface hydrophilicity (contact angle of 93.21° and 57.82° respectively for 0 and 15% PFE loaded electrospun). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) results showed that all the fibers were uniform and free of beads. Also, molecular interaction between the PFE and zein has been confirmed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). DSC results indicated that the thermal stability were increased with increasing PEF concentration. The study also showed that the release of the PFE was slowest in a fatty food simulant. The primary release mechanism in simulated environments was Fickian diffusion. This research demonstrated that PFE loaded zein fibers can be used successfully in drug delivery, active packaging, and cosmetic products.

A Real-World Longitudinal Study in Non-Functioning Pituitary Incidentalomas: A PRECES Micro-Adenomas Sub-Analysis.

Background. Incidentalomas have an increasing incidence all over the world due to a larger access to imaging assessments, and endocrine incidentalomas make no exception in this matter, including pituitary incidentalomas (PIs). Objective. Our objective was to analyse the dynamic changes amid a second computed tomography (CT) scan after adult patients were initially confirmed with a PI (non-functioning micro-adenoma). Methods. This was a multi-centric, longitudinal, retrospective study in adults (aged between 20 and 70 y) amid real-world data collection. We excluded patients who experienced baseline pituitary hormonal excess or deficiency or those with tumours larger than 1 cm. Results. A total of 117 adults were included (94.02% females) with a mean age of 43.86 ± 11.99 years, followed between 6 and 156 months with a median (M) of 40 months (Q1 Q3: 13.50, 72.00). At the time of PI diagnosis, the transverse diameter had a mean value of 0.53 ± 0.16 cm, the longitudinal mean diameter was 0.41 ± 0.13 cm, and the largest diameter was 0.55 ± 0.16 cm. No PI became functioning during follow-up, neither associated hypopituitarism nor increased >1 cm diameter. A total of 46/117 (39.32%) patients had a larger diameter during follow-up (increase group = IG) versus a non-increase group (non-IG; N = 71, 60.68%) that included the subjects with stationary or decreased diameters. IG had lower initial transverse, longitudinal, and largest diameter versus non-IG: 0.45 ± 0.12 versus 0.57 ± 0.17 (p < 0.0001), 0.36 ± 0.11 versus 0.43 ± 0.13 (p = 0.004), respectively, 0.46 ± 0.12 versus 0.6 ± 0.16 (p < 0.0001). IG versus non-IG had a larger period of surveillance: M (Q1, Q3) of 48 (24, 84) versus 32.5 (12, 72) months (p = 0.045) and showed similar age, pituitary hormone profile, and tumour lateralisation at baseline and displayed a median diameter change of +0.14 cm versus -0.03 cm (p < 0.0001). To conclude, a rather high percent of patients might experience PI diameter increase during a longer period of follow-up, including those with a smaller initial size, while the age at diagnosis does not predict the tumour growth. This might help practitioners with further long-term surveillance protocols.

Basic hydrodynamics of a pilot-scale liquid-solid inverse fluidized bed

A pilot-scale liquid-solid inverse fluidized bed (LSIFB) with 0.33 m in inner diameter and 3.0 m in height was designed and installed. Basic hydrodynamics were investigated experimentally using particles with different diameters and densities. The minimum fluidization velocity increases with the increase of particle diameter and the decrease of particle density and is independent of particle loading. Forty eight sets of data on minimum fluidization velocities from the investigation combined with the literature were collected and summarized to establish an empirical equation by modifying the Wen and Yu equation. The modified equation can predict effectively the minimum fluidization velocity across a wide range of Archimedes number. The bed expansion ratio increases with liquid velocity and particle density but decreases with the increase of particle diameter. Based on the bed expansion characteristics, an empirical equation was proposed by correlating Archimedes number and Reynolds number to predict successfully the bed expansion.

PYLORIC IMPEDANCE PLANIMETRY DURING ENDOSCOPIC PER-ORAL PYLOROMYOTOMY (POP) GUIDES MYOTOMY EXTENT

BACKGROUNDPer-oral pyloromyotomy (POP), also known as gastric per-oral pyloromyotomy (G-POEM), is the first-line endoscopic intervention for medically refractory gastroparesis. We sought to assess the value of pyloric impedance planimetry using functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) during POP. METHODSPatients undergoing POP were retrospectively reviewed from October 2019-February 2024. FLIP measurements, symptoms measured by the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI), and gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) were evaluated before and after POP. RESULTSThirty-five patients (29 (82.9%) female, 51.3 (38.4, 60.9) years old, BMI 29.26 (25.46, 32.56kg/m2) underwent POP. Twenty-three patients had pre- and post-POP FLIP measurements. Median pyloric diameter increased from 14.4 (12, 16) to 16 (14.8, 18) mm (S=116.5, p<0.0001). Median distensibility index (DI) increased from 4.85 (3.38, 6) to 8.45 (5.25, 11) mm2/mmHg (S=112, p<0.0001). Management changed based on FLIP values for 5 patients (21.7%) prompting additional myotomy. At 18 (12.8, 47.8) days post-procedure, median GCSI score decreased from 3.33/5 (2.56, 4.12) preoperatively to 2/5 (1, 2.89) postoperatively (S=-193, p<0.001). At 136 (114, 277) day follow-, improvement in GCSI score persisted with a median score of 2.44/5 (1.44, 3.67) (S=-61, p=0.021). Median retention at 4hours on GES decreased from 29% (16.5, 52) to 19.5% (5.75, 35.3) at 97 (88, 130) days post-procedure (S=-108, p=0.0038). There was 75% improvement and 40% normalization of objective gastric emptying (n=26). Greater increase in diameter after pyloromyotomy correlated to a greater decrease in four-hour gastric retention (r=-0.4886, p=0.021). CONCLUSIONPOP with FLIP resulted in clinical and radiographic improvement in patients with gastroparesis. FLIP measurements guided myotomy extent, changing management in 21.7% of patients and were correlated with gastric emptying, demonstrating its distinct utility in treatment of gastroparesis.

Preoperative Radiographic Features Independently Predict High Blood Loss During Intracranial Meningioma Resection: A Case-Control Study

Surgical resection of intracranial meningioma carries the risk of several complications, including intraoperative blood loss. The objective of this study was to investigate preoperative clinical and radiographic factors predictive of intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL). This case-control study evaluated EBL for all adults who underwent intracranial meningioma resection from January, 2010 to December, 2021 at our institution. Fifty cases of high EBL (i.e., ≥500mL) and 75 instances of low EBL (i.e., <500mL) were randomly selected. Patients were excluded if they had a recurrent meningioma, preoperative embolization, or lack of imaging data. A multivariable logistic regression model of high EBL likelihood was created. A total of 92 patients met eligibility criteria, with 48 (52%) cases of high EBL. Bivariable analyses identified maximal tumor diameter, intratumoral flow voids, skull base location, and dural venous sinus invasion as potential predictors of high EBL. Multivariable regression found intratumoral flow voids (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 5.68 [1.52-21.23], P= 0.009), maximal tumor diameter (aOR= 1.58 [1.11-2.25] per 1-cm increase, P= 0.01), and skull base location (aOR= 3.35 [1.19-9.41], P= 0.02) to be independent predictors of high EBL. Intratumoral flow voids, larger maximal tumor diameter, and skull base location were independently predictive of EBL ≥500mL. Intratumoral flow void presence was the strongest predictor, with 5.68 times the odds of high EBL. Each 1-cm increase in tumor diameter had 58% greater odds of high EBL. Skull base location was associated with 3.35 times the odds of high EBL. These results can inform preoperative patient counseling and blood management preparation.

Relation between bubble behaviors in spray sheet and bubbly flow inside an air-induction fan nozzle: A visualization study

The present study aims to elucidate the relationship between bubble behaviors in the spray sheet and internal bubbly flow of the air-induction nozzle. An experimental work was performed using the visualization technique. Effects of the air inlet position and spray pressure were investigated. The results show that compared with the bubbles inside the air-induction nozzle, bubbles in the spray sheet have smaller volume but larger average diameter. Disturbance propagates in the horizontal air-inlet segment. When the air inlet position shifts toward the nozzle outlet, overall bubble volume inside the nozzle decreases by about 56%, while in the spray sheet, the bubble volume decreases by about 77%. Bubble breakup causes a decrease in overall bubble volume as bubbles travel from the inner flow passage of the nozzle to the environment. The coalescence and compression of bubbles induce the increase in average bubble diameter. When the spray pressure increases from 0.1 to 0.3 MPa, both the total bubble volume and average bubble diameter increase.