Loss Parameters Research Articles

The Impact of Cholecystectomy on the Metabolic Profile of Patients Previously Submitted to Bariatric Surgery.

To evaluate the influence of late cholecystectomy following bariatric surgery on the postoperative evolution of weight loss and biochemical, metabolic, and micronutrient parameters. A retrospective study that assessed 86 patients who underwent cholecystectomy after at least 18 months of bariatric surgery. The analyzed variables included demographic data, comorbidities, weight loss, and biochemical, metabolic, and micronutrient parameters. Among the analyzed patients, 20 underwent gastric bypass (GB) and 66 underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The GB group comprised 55% of women, with a mean age of 54.4 years and a mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 29.2kg/m 2 . The mean time elapsed between GB and cholecystectomy was 118.3±43.9 months. The sample of SG comprised 83.3% of women, with a mean age of 41.1 years and a mean preoperative BMI of 28.7kg/m 2 . The mean time elapsed between SG and cholecystectomy was 26.1±17.5 months. Both SG and GB groups showed a reduction in the mean BMI, but it was not statistically significant after cholecystectomy. In the metabolic, biochemical, and micronutrient evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference, except in the GB group, where an increase in vitamin D was observed after cholecystectomy with statistical significance. Cholecystectomy does not negatively impact the clinical and anthropometric evolution of patients previously submitted to bariatric surgery.

Tailoring Wear Properties of Nodular Cast Iron through Induction Hardening Optimization

Abstract The current study investigated the wear performances of GGG60 nodular cast iron under different loads after induction hardening at different powers and durations. The background of this study is the optimization of induction hardening parameters applied to increase the wear resistance of GGG60 nodular cast iron, which is the raw material of parts subjected to high wear loads such as crankshafts, gear systems and flywheels. With the obtained wear results, the induction parameters were optimized by RSM. Induction hardening was treated at four induction powers and two induction durations. Wear tests were conducted using the ball-on-disc method under dry wear conditions for 60 min. Three different wear loads of 10, 20, and 30 N were used. The samples were analyzed in terms of microstructure, hardness, and wear characterization. Subsequently, a RSM model was constructed using the wear results Untreated specimens have significantly lower performance characteristics than treated ones. The hardness, penetration depth, and wear performance indicated a strong relationship with the increase in both induction power and duration. The optimization model presented that the most critical parameter of volume loss is the wear load. In addition, induction power and wear load were found to be significant in the wear rate. The model's prediction capacity for volume loss is satisfactory. Nevertheless, the model's prediction capacity for the wear rate experienced a slight decrease. Conclusions indicate the model can estimate the induction hardening parameters.

Correlations between postmortem quantitative MRI parameters and demyelination, axonal loss and gliosis in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently used to monitor disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aims to systematically evaluate the correlation between MRI measures and histopathological changes, including demyelination, axonal loss, and gliosis, in the central nervous system of MS patients. We systematically reviewed post-mortem histological studies evaluating myelin density, axonal loss, and gliosis using quantitative imaging in MS. Relevant studies were identified through searches in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. A total of 38 studies involving 1782 regions of interest from 229 subjects were included. Pooled random-effects models were used to calculate the correlation between demyelination, axonal loss, gliosis, and various MRI parameters, including magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), T1 and T2 relaxation times, myelin water fraction (MWF), proton density (PD), and diffusivities. Pair-wise analyses compared results between lesioned and non-lesioned tissues. Our results demonstrated moderate to strong correlations between MRI parameters and myelin density in MS, with correlation coefficients: T1 (0.72), T2 (0.72), MTR (-0.73), FA (-0.73), RD (0.70), MD (0.70), MWF (-0.82), and PD (0.73). Interestingly, stronger correlations were found in lesioned tissues compared to non-lesioned tissues (P < 0.001). Moderate correlations were found between MRI parameters and axonal loss and gliosis. Our study reveals significant correlations between MRI techniques and histological assessments of myelin, axonal damage, and gliosis in MS. MRI metrics exhibited a more robust association with demyelination in lesioned areas than in non-lesioned brain tissue, highlighting the pronounced degree of myelin degradation in MS lesions. Further investigation is warranted to corroborate these results and refine MRI-based monitoring of MS pathology.

Clinical efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation with plates versus minimally invasive Kirschner wire fixation for osteoporotic Colles' fractures

To compare the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of closed reduction with Kirschner wire fixation versus open reduction with plate fixation for treating osteoporotic Colles' fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients. Between January 2018 and January 2023, 119 patients with Colles fractures were retrospectively analyzed, including 39 males and 80 females, aged from 48 to 74 years old with an average of(60.58±6.71) years old. The time from injury to operation ranged 1 to 13 days with an average of (5.29±2.52) days. According to the surgical method, they were divided into Kirschner wire fixation group (Kirschner wire group) and plate internal fixation group (plate group). In Kirschner wire group, there were a total of 68 patients, comprising 21 males and 47 females. The average age was (61.15±6.24) years old, ranged from 49 to 74 years old. Among them, 41 cases involved the left side while 27 cases involved the right side. In the plate group, there were a total of 51 patients, including 18 males and 33 females. The average age was (59.78±5.71) years old ranged from 48 to 72 years old. Among them, there were 31 cases on the left side and 20 cases on the right side. The following parameters were recorded before and after the operation:operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, hospitalization expenses, postoperative complications, and radiographic parameters of distal radius (distal radius height, ulnar deviation angle, palmar tilt angle). The clinical efficacy was evaluated at 3 and 12 months after the operation using Gartland-Werley and disabilites of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH) scores. The patients in both groups were followed up for a duration from 12 to 19 months with an average of(13.32±2.02) months. The Kirschner wire group exhibited significantly shorter operation time compared to the plate group 27.91(13.00, 42.00) min vs 67.52(29.72, 105.32) min, Z=-8.74, P=0.00. Intraoperative blood loss was also significantly lower in the Kirschner wire group than in the plate group 3.24(1.08, 5.40) ml vs 21.91(17.38, 26.44) ml, Z=-9.31, P=0.00. Furthermore, patients in the Kirschner wire group had a shorter length of hospital stay compared to those in the plate group (8.38±2.63) days vs (11.40±2.78) days, t=-3.12, P=0.00. Additionally, hospitalization cost was significantly lower in the Kirschner wire group than in the plate group 10 111.29(6 738.98, 13 483.60) yuan vs 15 871.11(11 690.40, 20 051.82) yuan, Z=-5.62, P=0.00. The incidence of complications was 2 cases in the Kirschner wire group and 1 case in the plate group, with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05). At 3 months postoprative, the radial height of the Kirschner wire group was found to be significantly smaller than that of the plate group, with measurements of (11.45±1.69) mm and (12.11±1.78) mm respectively (t=-2.06, P=0.04). However, there were no statistically significant differences observed in ulnar deviation angle and palmar tilt angle between the two groups (P>0.05). The DASH score and Gartland-Werley score in the Kirschner group were significantly higher than those in the plate group at 3 months post-operation (19.10±9.89) vs (13.47±3.51), t=4.34, P=0.00;(11.15±3.61) vs (6.41±2.75), t=8.13, P=0.00). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups at 12 months post-operation (P>0.05). Compared to plate internal fixation, closed reduction with Kirschner wire support fixation yields a slightly inferior recovery of radial height;however, there is no significant disparity in the functional score of the affected limb at 12 months post-operation. Nonetheless, this technique offers advantages such as shorter operation time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, decreased hospitalization duration, and lower cost.

Using Neural Networks for Pavement Rolling Resistance

All pavements contribute to the rolling resistance of vehicles. For passenger cars, the pavement influence is limited to the surface properties, but heavy trucks are influenced by the deformation, the internal damping, and non-elastic behavior of the pavement materials involved. Previous studies have been addressing the pavement type, the material type and various stages of compaction. Recently, even the effects of curling slabs on rolling resistance was assessed. As sustainable pavements are now becoming a requirement from road authorities, it is important to have access to calculable parameters of energy losses during use, and not only from construction. The present paper addresses some of the input parameters needed to assess rolling resistance losses for pavements in general and rigid pavements in particular, by using neural network techniques. The results can be used for the decision-making in either bidding processes or strategic planning.

P0220 Anti-TNFα, anti-integrin α4β7 and anti-IL23p19 biologic treatment dose optimization in a dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model

Abstract Background Current immunotherapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment is based on anti-TNFα, anti-integrin α4β7, anti-IL12/IL23 and anti-IL23 antibodies that have demonstrated to be safe and effective. In vivo models are crucial for research with biologics, but the literature on doses of above-mentioned drugs in in vivo IBD models is scarce, highly variable and covers wide ranges. Thus, we aim to find the optimal dose for biologic treatment in a DSS-induced colitis model. Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomized into a control group and treatment groups receiving 3% DSS combined with varying doses of neutralizing antibodies against TNFα, integrin α4β7, and IL-23p19. Treated mice received 3% DSS ad libitum for 5 days and clean water for another 3 additional days (5 + 3 model). Neutralizing antibodies were injected intraperitoneally on days 2 and 5 of the experiment. Doses used for optimization were set for each dose at 100, 250 and 500 μg/mouse for anti-integrin α4β7 and anti-IL23p19 antibodies, and at 10, 25 and 50 μg/mouse for anti-TNFα antibody for covering ranges found in bibliography. Weight loss, fecal consistency and fecal occult blood parameters were measured every day of experiment to elaborate a disease activity index (DAI). Mice were sacrificed at day 8 and the colon was obtained for histological evaluation by H/E staining, and for extraction of lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs). Longitude was also measured. Blood was obtained by intracardiac punction and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained. Distal and proximal colon sections were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. 4 μm sections were hydrated and H/E stained for histological score assessment. Extracted LPMCs and PBMCs were stained for flow cytometry evaluation of inflammation markers. Results Proximal and distal colon of mice treated with two doses of 10 μg/mouse of anti-TNFα, 250 μg/mouse of anti-integrin α4β7 and 100 μg/mouse of anti-IL23p19 showed the greatest tissue conservation and repair (Figure 1). In addition, these groups had less weight loss throughout the experiment as well as a reduced DAI (Figure 2). LPMCs and PBMCs inflammatory markers were also decreased in these groups in comparison with the others. Slight differences were found in 250 and 500 μg/mouse anti-integrin α4β7 treated mice. Conclusion The optimal treatment doses of neutralizing anti-TNFα, anti-integrin α4β7 and anti-IL23p19 antibodies are set at two doses of 10, 250 and 100 μg/mouse respectively for this 5 + 3 model of DSS-induced colitis. By establishing precise dosimetry baselines, our work provides a robust framework for combinatorial therapies, which could unlock novel approaches for IBD treatment.

Comprehensive scrutiny on the low temperature magnetism and hyperthermia efficiency of greenly synthesized biocompatible Zn0.25Ca0.25Fe2.5O4 nanoparticles

Abstract The present study comprehensively scrutinizes the complex magnetism and hyperthermia efficiency of greenly synthesized Zn0.25Ca0.25Fe2.5O4 nanoparticles (ZNCF NPs). ∼23 nm sized ZNCF NPs in single phase fcc-spinel symmetry were successfully produced through sugarcane juice-mediated self-combustion tactics. Biocompatibility examination against BEAS-2B cell lines indicated a safer limit of ZNCF NPs as 1 mg. Exhaustive field (upto ±70 kOe) and temperature-dependent (10 K to 300 K) dc-magnetization measurements showed that ZNCF NPs are in the ferrimagnetic (FiM) phase at low temperatures and superparamagnetic (SPM) along with minute magnetically hard FiM component at 300 K. 57Fe-Mössbauer analysis validated SPM (43%) and FiM (57%) at 293 K and FiM state at low temperatures. Observed isomer shift revealed that the majority of Fe ions are in a high spin Fe3+ state along with Fe2+ ions in ZNCF NPs. Shifting in the real part of ac—susceptibility data toward the higher temperature side upon increasing frequency and obeying Vogel–Fulcher law affirmed collective freezing of superspins below freezing temperature (T f = 200 K). Dynamic scaling fit yielded relaxation time of ∼10−12 s, Mydosh parameter (=0.021) and critical exponent (8.9) ascertaining superspin glass (SSG) state in ZNCF NPs below glass temperature (T g = 220 K). Furthermore, SSG phase at low temperatures is approved by archetypal experimental signatures like ageing, memory and rejuvenation. The induction heating characteristics of ZNCF NPs probed via infrared thermography yielded intrinsic loss parameter in the 0.26 nHm2 kg−1–5.10 nHm2 kg−1 range. Linear response theory provided non-zero power dissipation for ZNCF (suspension in de-ionized water) functioning range of 6–8 nm with an optimum particle size of ∼7 nm. A prudent analysis asserted that only 18% of NPs contribute to a non-zero SAR value. Overall, this research is an exhaustive investigation of the complex magnetism and hyperthermia efficiency suitable for mild hyperthermia applications.

Laparoscopic enucleation of tumors embedded in the pancreatic head: Safety and feasibility

Surgical treatment for a benign or low-grade malignant tumor in the pancreatic head remains a challenge at present. As an organ-sparing procedure, enucleation is ideal. However, it is still controversial whether laparoscopic enucleation (LapEN) can be safely performed for a pancreatic head tumor, especially a deeply embedded one. The cases who underwent LapEN of a pancreatic tumor from January 2014 to September 2022 in our hospital were collected and analyzed. A total of 151 cases were collected. The incidence of pancreatic fistula (PF, grade B) was 21.9%. No patient developed PF (grade C) or died. Compared with enucleating a tumor in the distal pancreas (N=98), enucleating a tumor in the pancreatic head (N=53) showed a longer operation time and a higher incidence of conversion. The cases with a tumor in the pancreatic head were then divided into the group with a deeply embedded tumor (N=32) and the group with a superficial tumor (N=21). The embedded group had a smaller tumor size and a higher proportion of insulinoma. There were no statistical differences in the parameters of operation time, blood loss and incidence of complications between the two groups. The outcomes of enucleating a tumor deeply embedded in the proximal and distal pancreas were further analyzed, which indicated no statistical differences in clinical parameters between the two groups. LapEN of a tumor in the pancreatic head is feasible and safe, even for a deeply embedded tumor.

Experimental Study on Porous Asphalt Mixtures with Hybrid Substitute Materials

Abstract The growing challenges of environmental sustainability and waste management in the construction industry have spurred the search for innovative materials to enhance asphalt mixtures. Conventional porous asphalt faces limitations in durability and performance under varying traffic and weather conditions. Moreover, the disposal of oyster shells and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) waste poses significant environmental concerns. This study evaluates the effect of oyster shell ash (OSA) as a filler and HDPE waste as an asphalt substitute in porous asphalt mixtures. Testing was conducted to determine the Optimum Asphalt Content (OAC) based on three primary parameters: Cantabro Loss (CL), Void In Mix (VIM), and Asphalt Flow Down (AFD). The results indicate that the OAC value is 5.8%. In the Void In Mix (VIM) test, the best results were obtained with a variation of 50% OSA: 50% PC and 4% and 6% HDPE, yielding VIM values of 18.49% and 18.16%, respectively, which meet the AAPA (2004) standard requirement of 18-25%. The Asphalt Flow Down (AFD) test results showed that the same mixture produced AFD values of 0.09% and 0.10%, well within the maximum limit of 0.3%. The optimal values for the Cantabro Loss (CL) parameter were also achieved with the same combination, resulting in 32.67% and 30.07%, which comply with the maximum threshold of 35%. This study concludes that the combination of oyster shell ash (50% OSA: 50% PC) and HDPE (4% and 6%) performs well in porous asphalt mixtures, meeting the standards for durability, strength, and stability in road pavement applications.

Rheological investigations on frequency selective surface carbon composite microwave absorber.

A high-performance stealth platform is one of the crucial requirements in defence technology that could practically be realized by building effective microwave frequency selective surface (FSS) absorbers. Herein, we report the design and manufacturing of an absorber by tuning the rheology of cell architecture. Initially, a fan-shaped cell (10.4 mm2) was designed for its surface and bulk rheology. The FSS overlayer composition was investigated using SEM, EDX, and XRD and tuned for 0.25% carbon: 1.5% silver to achieve the ink resistivity ∼255 Ω □-1. The bulk rheology was optimized for air (Roha) spacer (thickness ∼2.8 mm), interlayer dielectrics (0.2 mm each), carbon composition (5%), and cell dimension (10.2 mm). Analyses are presented for absorption loss (RC, dB), bandwidth (GHz), resonance dispersion, and constitutive (ε, μ) parameters, compounded with an equivalent circuit model with the settings R = 273.55 Ω, L = 2.25 nH, C = 0.057 pF and the Fabry-Perot reactance mode@10 GHz. The bi-modal response was investigated for induced polarization, electromagnetic fields, volume power distribution, and angular (Θ = 0°-50°) and rotational stability (Φ = 0°-90°) against TE/TM incidences. The FSS pattern was implemented using a screen printing technique to fabricate a prototype absorber and subjected to the free space measurements in an anechoic chamber. The prototype behaviour was found to be commensurate with the simulated performance, thereby achieving a figure of merit of RC ∼-25 dB@10 GHz, accessible bandwidth 4 GHz (in X band) by using the thickness of 0.057 λ0. Details are presented in this study.

Clinicians' confidence in diagnosing atypical anorexia nervosa: An experimental study of the role of patient and clinician characteristics.

This experimental study investigated the weight loss parameters and resulting end weight that influence clinician confidence in diagnosing atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN). Clinicians (N=67) read a series of vignettes where patient weight loss and end weight varied, then rated their confidence in an AAN diagnosis and alternatives. Using repeated measures ANOVAs, we examined patient (weight loss, end weight) and the possible relationship between clinician (e.g., age, profession) characteristics and confidence in diagnosing AAN. Clinicians were most confident in an AAN diagnosis when patients had lost 10% or 15% of their body weight, leaving them at a high or normal weight. Clinicians considered 5% as significant weight loss for AAN, but only when the patient ended at a high or normal weight. However, they did not clearly differentiate AAN from unspecified feeding and eating disorder (UFED) when there was a 5% weight loss resulting in high or normal end weight. Clinician characteristics did not impact on confidence in diagnoses. The DSM's 'significant weight loss' criterion leaves room for clinicians to interpret it idiosyncratically. The lack of a clear pattern of UFED and AAN diagnosis has important clinical implications, as UFED tends to be dismissed as being less serious.

Tunable structural, magnetic, complex permittivity/permeability, and reflection loss parameters of Co2+ and Ni2+-Co-doped M-type strontium ferrites for microwave absorber applications

Tunable structural, magnetic, complex permittivity/permeability, and reflection loss parameters of Co2+ and Ni2+-Co-doped M-type strontium ferrites for microwave absorber applications

Investigation of Wear Behavior of PET Bushings for Turbine Components

In this study, for the first time, a new generation PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) material bushing design and prototype production by machining was carried out for the turbine blade and adjustment cap blade used in turbine systems within the Arnes Mechanical Machinery Design Center. Within the scope of the study, the tribological properties of the PET material used as the bushing raw material were investigated under different sliding speeds, loads, and sliding distances. Abrasive wear tests were applied using the pin-on-disc method at 3 and 4.5 m/s sliding speeds, 100-, 200-, and 300-meters sliding distances, and 5, 10, 15, and 40 N loads. The wear performance of the PET material was evaluated through the parameters of volume loss, coefficient of friction, and surface roughness. The results obtained showed that the applied load and sliding speed had a significant effect on the wear behavior of the material. The increase in load caused a significant increase in volume loss by creating a higher contact pressure on the material. This situation showed that higher loads create more contact pressure on the surface, causing deformation and material loss in the material's microstructure. It was evaluated that plastic deformation and abrasive wear mechanisms are dominant on the material surface under high loads. In contrast, increasing the sliding speed caused a decrease in the coefficient of friction and surface roughness. It was observed that at higher speeds, the thermal effects caused by friction on the material's surface resulted in the formation of a tribofilm, thus increasing the surface protection capacity of the material and decreasing the coefficient of friction and surface roughness. The findings showed that the bushings manufactured from PET material can be successfully used as an alternative to metal alloy bushings under difficult service conditions in turbine systems.

Comparison of Stock and Customized Implant Abutments Regarding Peri-Implant Health

Background: Dental implants are one of the most predictable treatment options for replacement of the lost teeth. One of the factors affecting the success of an implant, is the health of the periodontium around the implant abutment. Recently, various materials has been used for fabrication of implant abutments. This study aimed to assess early marginal bone loss (MBL) and periodontal parameters around dental implants with titanium stock abutments and customized abutments fabricated by the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to compare their success rate during a 1-year period. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 64 patients whose treatment plan included the stock abutment, and CAD/CAM customized abutment that were randomly selected. All patients underwent a clinical periodontal examination on the day of prosthetic crown delivery, and parallel periapical radiographs were obtained. The probing pocket depth (PPD), papilla bleeding index (PBI), keratinized gingiva width (KGW), plaque index (PI), and modified gingival index (MGI) around dental implants were calculated and recorded. Periodontal and radiographic indices, and MBL were measured at the one-year follow-up. Results: The stock and customized abutments had no significant difference regarding MBL, PPD, PBI, MGI, PI and KGW. The survival rate and success rate were equally 100% in the two groups. Conclusion: The two abutment types had no significant difference in any clinical parameter. Thus, stock or CAD/CAM customized abutments may be selected according to secondary parameters such as software availability, personal preferences, ease of fabrication and cost.

Fully Navigated Single-Position Prone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Detailed Technical Report and Description of 15 Cases.

Navigation increases the precision and safety of pedicle screw placement and has been used to place interbody cages for lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Single-position surgery shortens its duration and that of anesthesia. The aim of this study was the feasibility of simultaneous cage and screw placement in a single prone position using intraoperative navigation without the need for additional fluoroscopy and a detailed technical description of this procedure. We retrospectively analyzed 15 patients who underwent simultaneous navigated lateral lumbar interbody fusion and posterior instrumentation in a single prone position. A detailed technical description of the procedure is provided. Surgery duration, blood loss, complications, and radiographic parameters were recorded. A total of 24 cages were placed in 15 patients. The mean time taken for cage placement was 21 ± 6.70 minutes, and there were no major complications. Mean surgery duration and blood loss per case, including posterior instrumentation, were 263 ± 94 minutes and 315 ± 143 mL, respectively. There were significant improvements in pre- to postoperative Oswestry Disability Index scores (51.38 ± 15.93 vs 32.81 ± 17.18, P < 0.001) and segmental lordosis (3.26° ± 8.97° vs 13.09° ± 15.25°, P < 0.001). The present study's results showed the feasibility of lateral lumbar interbody fusion using simultaneous posterior pedicle screw instrumentation and intraoperative navigation in a single prone position. Navigated lateral lumbar interbody fusion and posterior instrumentation in a single prone position possibly reduces operating time and blood loss and reduces exposure of operation room personnel to radiation.

Research on Production Process Decision Making Based on Dynamic Programming and Simulated Annealing Algorithm

In this paper, a comprehensive decision model based on dynamic programming and simulated annealing algorithm is constructed to solve the decision optimization problem of an enterprise in the production of popular electronic products. By analyzing each stage of the production process in detail, including parts purchase, inspection, assembly and finished product inspection, and combining the defective rate, inspection cost, market price and return loss and other key parameters of each stage, a scheme for optimizing production decision is formed. In this paper, the dynamic programming method is used to optimize the production path, and the simulated annealing algorithm is introduced to solve the larger scale production planning problem, and the detection and treatment strategy in the production process of enterprises is optimized. Finally, it provides an effective decision-making basis for enterprises to obtain the maximum production profit under uncertain conditions.

Does the Mediterranean Diet Play a Beneficial Role in Managing the Health of Overweight/Obese Breast Cancer Survivors?

Background: Numerous studies have established a correlation between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of breast cancer, as well as its efficacy in supporting weight management. Notably, obesity is widely recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to improve health outcomes among overweight or obese breast cancer survivors. This narrative review aims to consolidate information on the existing research interventions elucidating the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for the overall health of breast cancer survivors. Methods: Using the search terms "Mediterranean diet" and "breast cancer survivor", a total of 44 articles were identified. This review focuses on the six articles meeting the inclusion criteria, examining impacts on various health outcomes such as weight loss, quality of life, and various metabolic parameters (e.g., triglycerides, BMI, fasting glucose). Results: Most of the intervention studies examined weight loss and metabolic parameters including BMI and fat mass. The research results indicate that the Mediterranean diet effectively reduces BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass. Moreover, the data suggest that this dietary approach may support attaining a healthier BMI in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors. The data from various studies show no statistically significant findings for high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol levels. The assessment of quality of life varied across the studies, leading to challenges in reaching definitive conclusions. Conclusions: This narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of the impact of the Mediterranean diet on the health outcomes of breast cancer survivors who are overweight or obese.

Retention of T-bar anchor tags by adult steelhead during their upstream migration

Abstract Objective T-bar anchor tags can be used to obtain recapture data from anglers, directly estimate exploitation, and evaluate population dynamics. However, their use by biologists to study anadromous salmonid fisheries is limited. Two hurdles to adoption include the functional difficulty of tagging large anadromous salmonids using conventional tagging equipment and a lack of information on tag loss by large anadromous salmonids and how it changes over time. As such, our objectives were to (1) describe a T-bar anchor tagging system modified to study adult steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) and (2) present an instantaneous tag loss model for steelhead that allows estimation of tag loss over time. Methods First, we developed a modified tagging system by tagging hatchery-obtained steelhead carcasses and live, resident Rainbow Trout larger than 500 mm using a variety of hardware and tag dimensions. Next, we double-tagged adult steelhead captured at the Lower Granite Dam adult fish trap, Washington, United States. We then used data from 182 recaptured steelhead to fit an instantaneous tag loss model. Last, we investigated whether steelhead tag loss was related to body length. Result Tag loss was generally low within the time period under study (i.e., up to 221 days between release and recapture). The estimated probability of tag loss was 0.034 at release, 0.044 at 1 month, and 0.113 at 8 months. We failed to detect significant differences in tag loss parameters between two data subsets consisting of small (&amp;lt;720-mm) and large (≥720-mm) steelhead. Conclusion T-bar anchor tags are useful external tags for studying adult steelhead during their upstream migration. Because anglers can be used to provide recapture data, T-bar anchor tags may be particularly useful where angler effort is high or direct estimation of fishery exploitation is desired.

Revisiting the role of thermal energy storage in low‐temperature electrified district heating systems

AbstractDecarbonising the energy supply system is crucial to mitigate climate challenges. An emerging type of the multi‐energy system, that is, the low‐temperature electrified district heating system is gaining increasing popularity as a potential solution for future low‐carbon heat supply. This paper investigated its operational optimisation with thermal energy storage (TES) installed at building sides. The optimisation model was to obtain the minimum operation costs of all heat pumps in this system. The TES was meant to achieve energy arbitrage through load shift, but it was observed from the optimised results that the TES did not play an active role in the optimisation. Five possible causes were identified and further investigated to reveal their impacts on the optimisation process. Results showed that the thermal capacitance, thermal resistance, and indoor temperature range of the building were major influencing factors, while the electricity price tariff and heat loss parameters of TES were minor ones. The results indicate that there is no need to equip the TES for operational optimisation purposes when the building thermal capacitance is larger than a threshold value, the thermal resistance is smaller than a threshold value, or the indoor temperature range is broader than a threshold value. These threshold values are case‐specific and can be determined with the simulation model and method developed in this paper.

Comparison of surgical invasiveness and hidden blood loss between unilateral double portal endoscopic lumbar disc extraction and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis

BackgroundHidden blood loss (HBL) is a notable complication in spinal endoscopic procedures. This study aims to compare tissue damage and hidden blood loss between two minimally invasive spinal techniques: unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (UBE) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID). Furthermore, the study examines the risk factors contributing to hidden blood loss in each procedure.Patients and methodsA single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted on 86 patients who underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (UBE) and 73 patients who received percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) between January 2021 and December 2023.Demographic data, blood loss parameters, and serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were recorded. Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between patient characteristics and HBL. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for HBL.ResultsA total of 159 consecutive patients were included in this study, consisting of 83 females and 76 males. The average hidden blood loss (HBL) was 431.00 ± 160.52 ml in the UBE group and 328.40 ± 87.71 ml in the PEID group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis indicated that in the UBE group, HBL was associated with operation time, preoperative hematocrit (Hct), ASA classification, and paraspinal muscle thickness. In the PEID group, HBL was correlated with operation time, preoperative activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), paraspinal muscle thickness, and the presence of diabetes (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between HBL and operation time in both groups (P < 0.05), identifying operation time as an independent risk factor for HBL. Furthermore, CRP and CK levels were generally lower in the PEID group compared to the UBE group, particularly on postoperative day 3 for CRP and postoperative day 1 for CK. Both total blood loss and hidden blood loss were significantly lower in the PEID group than in the UBE group.ConclusionCompared to UBE, PEID shows superior results regarding surgical trauma, total blood loss, hidden blood loss (HBL), and postoperative hematocrit (Hct) reduction. Consequently, PEID is recommended as the treatment of choice for younger patients or those with compromised baseline perioperative conditions.Additionally, Hidden blood loss remains a critical factor, and surgical duration presents a shared risk in both procedures.