Mass Loss Research Articles

Temporalis muscle thickness as a predictor of functional outcome after reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective, cohort study.

Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass, has been associated with a worse functional outcome after stroke. Measurement of temporal muscle thickness (TMT) has been introduced as an easily obtainable surrogate marker to identify patients with sarcopenia. Our study aims to investigate the correlation between pre-stroke sarcopenia, measured by TMT assessment, and functional outcome in patients treated with revascularization procedures for acute ischemic stroke. We included consecutive adult patients who underwent thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy or both for acute ischemic stroke at our Centre from January 2020 to June 2022. Besides collecting baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, TMT was measured on brain computed tomography scans according to a standardized protocol. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3months represented the main endpoint of functional outcome. A total of 261 patients were available for the analysis. In univariate models, patients with excellent outcomes (mRS = 0-1) were younger, had higher TMT values and lower pre-event disability and stroke severity. In multivariate models higher TMT values resulted independently associated with reduced mortality (Odds Ratio 0.708, 95% Confidence Interval 0.538-0.930, p = 0.013). Age, diabetes, brain bleeding events and stroke severity were found to be predictors of mortality, too. Our retrospective analysis shows that in patients who underwent revascularization treatments for ischemic stroke TMT is as an independent predictor of survival easily obtainable from the baseline CT scan. Further investigation is required to confirm the role of sarcopenia assessment and TMT measurement in the prognostication toolkit of this disease.

Comparative analysis of Sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly: exploring the impact of liver cirrhosis.

The progressive aging of the population has led to a rise in geriatric pathologies, with sarcopenia, characterized by muscle mass and function loss, becoming a crucial prognostic indicator. This study investigates sarcopenia in elderly hospitalized patients with advanced chronic liver disease (cirrhotic) and non-liver disease patients, comparing their prevalence and exploring correlations with anthropometric and biochemical factors. The cohort of 115 patients, including 50 cirrhotic and 65 non-cirrhotic individuals, exhibited significant comorbidities and a mean age of 78.4years. Cirrhotic patients presented distinct laboratory parameters indicating liver damage. Applying European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria, probable sarcopenia prevalence was similar in cirrhotic (62%) and non-cirrhotic (63%) patients. Stratifying probable sarcopenia into confirmed sarcopenia and dynapenia revealed no significant differences between populations. Correlation analyses demonstrated positive associations between Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (ASM) and anthropometric parameters, malnutrition risk, and grip strength. In cirrhotic patients, muscle mass inversely correlated with liver damage. Odds ratio analysis highlighted the Mini Nutritional Assesment's (MNA) significant predictive capability for sarcopenia. ROC curve analysis affirmed MNA and biochemical markers' combined use, such as transferrin, albumin, total cholesterol, lymphocyte count and C-reactive protein as a strong predictor. Despite limitations, such as a small sample size, this study underscores the significance of thorough sarcopenia screening in elderly hospitalized patients, especially those with cirrhosis. Indeed, individuals with end-stage liver disease are particularly susceptible to sarcopenia. A more personalized approach utilizing tools like MNA and biochemical markers could prove beneficial. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and inform clinical interventions.

Orbital Oncocytic Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Case Series and Literature Review.

This case series and literature review evaluated the baseline variables, clinical symptoms, pathological characteristics, and prognosis of patients with orbital oncocytic carcinoma. This retrospective case series collected the medical histories and other related data from 13 patients pathologically diagnosed with oncocytic carcinoma. The average age of patients with orbital oncocytic carcinoma was 64.8 years, with a significantly higher rate of males than females. Furthermore, unilateral disease was more common than bilateral disease. All patients had surrounding tissue invasion, most commonly to extraocular muscles (69.2%) and bones (53.8%). The clinical manifestations were proptosis (30.8%), swelling of the lesion area (23.1%), vision loss (23.1%), diplopia (23.1%), periocular mass (23.1%), tears (15.4%), eye pain (7.7%), ptosis (7.7%), and visual field loss (7.7%). Microscopic examination revealed many large eosinophilic cells. There were obvious nuclei and abundant mitotic figures. The cancer cells expressed cytokeratin, but not P63 or S-100. The follow-up duration was 2-53 months, and the metastasis rate was 16.7%. The patients exhibited a good prognosis. The main treatment methods included surgical resection, surgery combined with radiotherapy, and the enucleation of ocular contents. Orbital oncocytic carcinoma has the immunohistochemical characteristics of eosinophilic tumor cells, with expression of cytokeratin but not P63 or S-100. The prognosis is favorable. Surgical resection, surgery combined with radiotherapy, and enucleation of intraocular material are effective treatment options. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up and close observation for metastases are required.

Experimental investigation on the fire performance of wood bio-concrete using Cone Calorimeter

Nowadays, wood bio-concrete (WBC) can be seen as an alternative to reduce environmental impacts of the construction industry. The behavior of this material under fire conditions, however, is still poorly understood. In this sense, this work aims to investigate the behavior of wood bio-concrete under fire conditions. In this study, the wood shavings content varied from 40 to 90 %. A Mass Loss Cone Calorimeter with an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m2 was used to analyze the combustion and reaction to fire of WBCs. Then, properties such as heat release rate, total heat released, total mass loss, mass loss rate, effective heat of combustion, time to ignition and temperature of ignition were evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to better explain the results from the Cone Calorimeter tests. The results showed that the cementitious matrix promoted the protection of the wood and no ignition was observed for the materials studied, excepted when 90 % of shavings were used. The lower the density of the bio-concrete, the higher the values of combustion properties. This study confirmed that, under high heat flux conditions, most of the WBCs did not exhibit characteristics that promote ignition or flame propagation.

Characterization of PLGA versus PEG-PLGA intracochlear drug delivery implants: Degradation kinetics, morphological changes, and pH alterations

Drug delivery to the inner ear presents a unique challenge due to the complex inner ear anatomy and its tight physiological barriers. This study investigates the degradation behavior of intracochlear drug delivery implants (IDDI) composed of dexamethasone and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) or polyethylene glycol–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA), respectively. IDDI were incubated in artificial perilymph and implants' degradation kinetics, morphological changes, water uptake behavior, and pH alterations were assessed. Microscopy revealed significant changes in appearance, with PLGA IDDI exhibiting rapid expansion, reaching up to 183 % in diameter and 185 % in length. PEG-PLGA implants showed gradual expansion, reaching a maximum of 178 % in diameter and 144 % in length. Despite these morphological changes, the IDDIs could still be applicable in terms of cochlear dimensions in combination with cochlear implants (CI) in humans or in a domestic pig animal model. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated surface alterations of PLGA implants, while PEG-PLGA implants remained shape-stable. Gravimetric analysis and gel permeation chromatography revealed distinct degradation profiles, with PLGA implants displaying rapid water uptake and mass loss, while PEG-PLGA implants showed delayed water uptake and minimal mass reduction. pH measurements using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye SNARF™-1 showed initial pH reduction in artificial perilymph for PLGA implants while PEG-PLGA implants maintained pH stability.

Thermal Degradation and Chemical Analysis of Flame-Retardant-Treated Jute Fabrics.

Jute is an inherent lignocellulosic fiber, consisting of hemicellulose, α-cellulose, and lignin. Industrial ventilation, automotive composites, upholstery, carpets, military uniforms, hospital furnishings, and curtains necessitate the integration of flame-retardance properties into jute fibers. In this investigation, seven weave-structured jute fabrics were treated using an organophosphorus-based flame-retardant (FR) chemical (ITOFLAM CPN) and a crosslinking agent (KNITTEX CHN) by the pad-dry-cure method. The thermal stability, degradation and pyrolysis behavior of jute was measured using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Surface morphology and element distribution were scrutinized utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer) technique has been employed for analyzing the composition of chemicals in the jute fabrics. According to the protocols specified in ISO 14184-1, free formaldehyde detection was carried out on the jute fabrics. The flame-retardance property was significantly improved on all of the jute fabrics after FR treatment. FTIR and SEM-EDS studies revealed the presence of FR chemical deposition on the surface of the jute fabrics. TGA analysis indicated that the fabrics treated with FR exhibited premature degradation, leading to the generation of more char compared to untreated samples. The jute fabrics specifically demonstrated a notable enhancement in residual mass, exceeding 50% after FR treatment. However, it is noteworthy that the FR-treated fabrics exhibited an elevated level of free formaldehyde content, surpassing the permissible limit of formaldehyde in textiles intended for direct skin contact. The residual mass loss percentage after ten washes of FR-treated fabrics remained in a range from 32% to 36%. Twill weave designed fabrics (FRD4 and FRD5) clearly showed a lower thermal degradation temperature than the other weaves used in this study.

Study on the high-temperature resistance of metakaolin-fly ash-based geopolymers

The effect of high temperature will trigger the evolution of a series of phase compositions and microstructures within metakaolin-fly ash-based geopolymers, resulting in changes in the deterioration of mechanical properties. To study the high-temperature resistance of metakaolin-fly ash-based geopolymers, the ratio of metakaolin and fly ash was adjusted. This article studied compressive strengths, visual appearance, mass loss ratio, permeability, products, and microstructure. The results showed that as the temperature increases, the compressive strength first increases and then decreases. The geopolymers have the highest compressive strength after exposure to temperatures of 200 °C. The change in compressive strength is determined by both the increase caused by the polymerization reaction and the decrease caused by microcracks. Moreover, metakaolin-fly ash-based geopolymers containing 75% metakaolin (GFMK-75) have the best high-temperature resistance. The residual compressive strengths of GFMK-75 after exposure to 200, 600, 800, and 1000 °C for 2 h are 183.1%, 95.2%, 75.8%, and 65.2%, respectively. Other analyses all confirmed the above conclusions. In summary, the residual compressive strength of metakaolin-fly ash-based geopolymers is highest after exposure to 200 °C, and GFMK-75 shows the best high-temperature resistance compared to others. The findings offer a theoretical foundation for the high-temperature resistance of metakaolin-fly ash-based geopolymers.

Experimental exploration of potassium compounds in the vicinity of a burning biomass pellet: From near-surface to downstream

The concentrations of gas-phase potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium chloride (KCl) and atomic potassium (K(g)) were quantitatively measured from the near-surface to downstream area of burning pinewood pellets by a newly developed photofragmentation tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (PF-TDLAS) technique to reveal the original form of the released potassium. The novel arrangement of the PF-TDLAS system enabled a spatial resolution of ∼1 mm3, which made it possible to obtain temporal release profiles of K(g)/KOH/KCl at different heights above the burning pellet surface. Surface temperature and mass loss of the wood pellet as well as the gas temperature at measurement points were measured simultaneously. During the devolatilization stage, the release of all three potassium species was observed, with each of them accounting for ∼1/3; while in char oxidation stage, the release of KOH was dominant, but the release intensity was strongly influenced by the local oxygen content. The results from different measurement heights showed there was a notable difference in potassium release profiles of different potassium species over the near-surface area, where the detected potassium forms were the best representative of the originally released forms of potassium. For a period of time during the devolatilization stage, only K(g) was detected in the near-surface area, and the concentration was significantly lower than the downstream area where KOH and KCl coexisted. This suggested that a large amount of potassium might leave the pellet as organic-K, which cannot be detected by the PF-TDLAS method. During char oxidation stage, the total potassium concentration at the near-surface area was also lower than the downstream area, but it was due to the lack of oxygen at the measurement position. A potassium release mechanism during the devolatilization stage of biomass combustion was proposed based on the experimental measurements, and the results also indicated the importance of spatially resolved measurement.

Characteristics of concurrent flame spread over convex charring materials

In real forest fire scenarios, there are a large number of convex and concave terrains at the junction of flat land and slopes. In this paper, a typical charring material, kraft paper, is selected as the experimental sample, and the variation law of key characteristic parameters of flame spread over convex solid surface are investigated. The experimental results show that all the flame spread processes have obvious deceleration behaviors, and the influence mechanism of flame tangent angle on the flame spread deceleration of convex surfaces is revealed. The characteristic length of the pyrolysis zone shows a tendency of increasing and then decreasing with time. The variation curves of radiant heat flux present two peaks. Combining with the characteristic length, the reason for the occurrence of two peaks is explained. The exponential relationship between the instantaneous mass loss rate and the characteristic length of the pyrolysis zone is obtained. Based on the range of power exponents, the heat transfer controlling mechanism in the pyrolysis zone is classified into three categories for all the working conditions. Moreover, a piecewise power-law relationship between the dimensionless maximum flame height and the dimensionless heat release rate is established. The results of this study will fill the research gap of flame spread of solid materials with curved surfaces, and will be of great academic value for the improvement and development of theories on building and forest fire safety.

Recovery from severe cardio-respiratory failure: the trajectory of muscle mass, strength, function and health related quality of life

Abstract Background The impact of intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW) is associated with reduced muscle mass, strength, function and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients suffering from severe cardio-respiratory failure are known to lose considerable muscle mass and strength in the first 7 days of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Furthermore, patients surviving critical illness have a considerable less HRQoL and physical function with long term outcomes such as inability to return to work being reported. However, more information regarding muscle loss and recovery is required when patients leave hospital. Currently there are no treatments for ICUAW as once the process is established management is supportive, such as physical therapy. Purpose We Sought to investigate the effects of severe cardio-respiratory failure, in patients receiving extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), on ICUAW (including muscle mass, strength, function and HRQoL). Researching a real life model of ICUAW allows the observation of the loss of muscle mass and strength in the first stages of critical illness and severe cardio-respiratory failure. Methods Adults receiving ECMO for severe cardiorespiratory failure were included. Muscle mass was measured using ultrasound of the rectus femoris cross sectional area (RFcsa). Muscle strength was measured using hand held dynamometry for both hand held grip strength and isometric leg extension. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L. Function was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Measurements were taken on day 0, day 7, ICU discharge, hospital discharge and at out-patient follow up. Results 17 patients were recruited with 10 patients completing follow up. Patients lost 24% muscle mass in the first 7 days of ICU admission and ECMO initiation, with muscle loss continuing up until ICU discharge. Contrary to the hypothesis only 50% of the patients were seen to recover muscle mass at follow up. Strength and function all considerably improved between ICU discharge and out patient follow up. The EQ5D crosswalk index supported this suggesting considerable functional improvement. Conclusion Patients in severe cardio-respiratory failure lose considerable muscle mass in the first 7 days of admission, with only 50% of these patients recovering the initial muscle loss at follow up. However, strength, function and HRQoL all improve following ICU discharge suggesting an element of functional recovery. Strength and function have shown to improve regardless of the status of the muscle mass. Therefore, given the advantages of the real-life model and novel findings, this could serve as a platform to assess muscle loss and recovery over a longer time frame continuing to build the understanding of the patients recovery trajectory from critical illness.Rectus Femoris Muscle MassHand-Held Grip Strength

Effect of a 12-Week Strength Training Program on Muscle Strength Measures of Institutionalized Older Adults-A Pilot Study.

Institutionalized older adults are characterized by high levels of dependence and low levels of physical activity compared to those living in the community. This combination of factors leads to an increased risk of loss of muscle mass. Sarcopenia can be countered through strength training. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a strength training program on the physical fitness of institutionalized older adults. This study included a sample of 31 institutionalized older adults (20 females, 11 males) aged between 65 and 96 years (M = 81.64, SD = 8.67). Participants reported an average institutionalization duration of 2.43 years (SD = 2.20), ranging from half a year to ten years. A 12-week strength training program was implemented, with sessions held twice a week. Strength fitness was assessed through the following parameters: handgrip strength, upper limb muscular endurance, lower limb muscular endurance, agility and balance, body mass index, and waist circumference. The results demonstrated that a 12-week strength training program improved physical fitness in terms of lower limb muscular endurance, upper limb muscular endurance, agility, and dynamic balance (p < 0.05).

Relationship between duration of heart failure and nutritional status in hospitalised patients - preliminary cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease which is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation of elderly patients. Nutritional status has a crucial impact on the course of disease and survival. HF frequently occurs with nutritional deficits, which may lead to malnutrition and loss of skeletal mass, which makes the prognosis worse. Nutritional status depends also on the patient's economic status, ability to prepare meals, and availability of fresh vegetables and fruits. Knowledge of the connection between the duration of heart failure and nutritional status will enable selection of patients with a higher risk of malnutrition, for which nutritional support should be considered. Purpose The study aims to assess the variability of nutritional status in heart failure patients over the duration of the disease, using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Methods The nutritional status of 134 patients with HF admitted to the cardiology department was assessed with the MNA questionnaire. Additionally, GNRI has counted from serum albumin concentration, weight and height of patients. Patients were divided according to the duration of HF into two groups, one with patients with equal or less than five years of history of disease and the second with patients with HF lasting more than five years. Results The mean age was 52.4±16.9 years, 20.2% of patients were women, and the mean LVEF was 30.3±13.8%. The group of patients with HF lasting equal or less than five years was younger than patients with more than five years of the disease (49.5±16.9 years vs. 57.3 ±16.2 years, p=0.002). There were no significant differences in sex, LVEF and NYHA class between the two groups. According to MNA and GNRI scores, the nutritional status had no differences between the group of patients suffering from HF for more than five years compared with those with HF lasting 5 years or less (p=0.50; p=0.63, respectively). Moreover, the time of HF lasting was not correlated with scores of MNA and GNRI (p=0.33; p=0.22). Conclusions The study found no significant association between the nutritional status of patients and duration of heart failure. Therefore, monitoring nutritional status is crucial, irrespective of the duration of HF. It is necessary to analyse this issue in a larger group of patients with heart failure to identify specifically which patients are at risk of malnutrition and how nutritional status changes with the duration of the disease.

Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia in Middle-Aged Subjects with Low Back Pain

Abstract Objective The genesis of both osteoporosis and sarcopenia is multifactorial, complicated, and interrelated. The present study has been undertaken to analyze the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and the pattern of imaging markers of sarcopenia (paraspinal skeletal muscle area [SMA] and skeletal muscle index [SMI] with respect to clinicodemographic profile in middle-aged patients (30–45 years) undergoing evaluation for low back pain (LBP). Materials and Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine and/or sacroiliac joints was done on 3T MRI. BMD of the lumbar spine (L1 to L4) was assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. SMA was calculated by measuring the cross-sectional area of paraspinal muscles (bilateral psoas, erector spinae, and multifidus), and SMI was calculated by dividing SMA by height2. Results The prevalence of osteoporosis was 12.1% in patients of age 30 to 45 years presenting with LBP. Both osteoporosis and paraspinal muscle mass were statistically associated with the duration of symptoms (p-value &lt;0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in different MRI findings, that is, normal, inflammatory, infective, and degenerative etiology. Conclusion Low BMD and loss of muscle mass in cases with LBP are more related to duration of disease rather than etiology or gender in middle-aged subjects. Early intervention to manage LBP may prevent progression to osteoporosis and sarcopenia in young adults.

Effects of Zr additions and process annealing on mechanical and corrosion properties of AA5383 Al–Mg alloys

Abstract The study investigates how Zr additions and process annealing affect mechanical and corrosion properties of AA5083 Al–Mg alloys by microstructural examination, tensile strength, hardness testing and ASTM G67 nitric acid mass loss test. In the present work, process annealing temperatures were set to 220 °C and 250 °C. The results show that the hardness and tensile properties of Zr-containing cold rolled alloy were superior to that of Zr-free cold rolled alloy before and after process annealing treatment and sensitization heat treatment. Unfortunately, adding Zr to AA5383 alloy significantly degraded the corrosion resistance of the Zr-containing cold rolled alloy annealed at 220 °C. For improving corrosion resistance of Zr-containing alloy, annealing temperature could be increased to 250 °C to avoid a marked drop in the corrosion resistance.

Engineering and microstructural properties of environmentally friendly alkali-activated composites containing clinker aggregate: heat-curing regime and elevated-temperature effect

The common wisdom in the literature about clinker aggregate (CA) is that it improves the performance properties of mortar or concrete to some extent. The current study, in this context, investigated the physical characteristics and mechanical performances of alkali-activated composites (AACs) made entirely with CA. The CA was used in three particle sizes of 0–2 mm (named No.10), 2–4 mm (named No.5), and 4–8 mm (named medium). To examine the impact of the fine CA-size fraction on the characteristics of AAC, No.10 CA was partially replaced by No.5 CA up to 50%, while the content of the medium CA was kept constant in all AAC mixtures. Moreover, to evaluate the influence of the 8-h curing temperature on the performance of the AACs, different temperature-based curing strategies (ambient, 45, and 75 °C) were applied to the AACs. In the production of AACs, granulated blast furnace slag was employed as an aluminosilicate-rich raw material, and a sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide combination was used as an alkaline activator. Physical properties (flowability, water absorption, capillary water absorption, and dry unit weight), and 8-h strength performances (flexural and compressive) were determined. Furthermore, to monitor the influence of high temperatures on the characteristics of the AAC, the mixtures were exposed to elevated temperatures (200, 500, and 800 °C). In SEM image analysis, it was determined that spherical CSH gels were formed in the heat-cured AACs. It has been observed that the geopolymerization products decompose in AACs exposed to 800 °C. To evaluate statistically the experimental results, a multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also applied. The results revealed that increasing the coarser fine aggregate fraction led to higher water absorption and apparent porosity capacities and lower unit weight. Besides, strength performance was improved by applying a heat-curing strategy to the AAC, whereas a decrease was observed by increasing the No.5 CA fraction. There was a remarkable reduction in compressive strength and considerable loss of mass when the AAC mixes were exposed to high temperatures.

Evaluation of Hardness and Wear of Conventional and Transparent Zirconia Ceramics, Feldspathic Ceramic, Glaze, and Enamel.

The aim of the study was to compare the hardness, coefficient of friction, and wear experienced by four different ceramic samples: 3Y-TZP zirconium oxide ceramics-Zi-Ceramill Zi (Amman Girrbach), 5Y-PSZ transparent zirconium oxide ceramics-Zol-Ceramill Zolid (Amman Girrbach), Sak-feldspathic ceramics-Sakura Interaction (Elephant), and Glaze (Amman Girrbach). The Vickers hardness of the samples was measured. Friction tests ball-on-disc were performed between the discs of four ceramics and a zirconia ceramic ball, then a premolar tooth as a counter-sample. The mass loss and the friction coefficients of the ceramic samples were determined. The tooth counter-samples were 3D scanned, and enamel attrition depths and mass were measured. The following hardness values (HV1) were obtained: 1454 ± 46 HV1 for Zi, 1439 ± 62 HV1 for Zol, 491 ± 16 HV1 for Sak, 593 ± 16 HV1 for Glaze, and 372 ± 41 HV1 for enamel. The mass losses of the teeth in contact with ceramics were 0.1 mg for Zi, 0.1 mg for Zol, 5.5 mg for Sak, and 4 mg for Glaze. Conventional and transparent zirconium oxide ceramics are four times harder than enamel and three times harder than veneering ceramics. Zirconia ceramics exhibit lower wear and a more homogenous, smoother surface than the other ceramics. Tooth tissues are subject to greater attrition in contact with veneering ceramics than with polished zirconium oxide ceramics.

Durability analysis of metakaolin recycled concrete under sulphate dry and wet cycle

This study aims to enhance the durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of recycled fine aggregate concrete (RFAC) subjected to the combined effects of wet-dry cycles and sulfate erosion. Dry–wet cycle tests were conducted in RFAC with different admixtures of biotite metakaolin (MK) and 15% fly ash (FA) mix (M) under 5% sulfate erosion environment. The effect of 0%, 30%, 60% and 90% recycled fine aggregate (RFA) replacement of natural fine aggregate on mass loss, cubic compressive strength, relative dynamic modulus test of RFAC, damage modeling and prediction of damage life of concrete were investigated. The results showed that the concrete cubic compressive strength and relative dynamic modulus were optimal for recycled concrete at 15% MK biotite dosing and 60% RFA substitution, and its maximum service life was accurately predicted to be about 578 cycles under 5% sulfate dry–wet cycling using Weibull function model. This study is pioneering in addressing the durability of RFAC under sulfate attack combined with wet-dry cycling, employing a novel approach of incorporating MK and FA into RFAC. The findings highlight the practical application potential for using MK and FA in RFAC to produce durable and sustainable construction materials, particularly in sulfate-exposed environments. This research addresses a critical challenge in the construction industry, providing valuable insights for developing more durable and eco-friendly construction materials and contributing to long-term sustainability goals.

This study describes the synthesis of cadmium sulfide (CdS) modified through green synthesis and doped with oxygen (CdS-O), followed by testing its effectiveness in ciprofloxacin photocatalytic degradation. Green synthesis using tea powder produces smaller CdS particles. Green synthesis using tea powder resulted in smaller particles and oxygen doping, helping to reduce the band gap and increasing its effectiveness in the

World bodies have claimed the livestock industry as one of the contributors to the increase in pollution. This is a factor that needs attention. Waste from the livestock industry could be a trigger for this statement. The hatchery industry is one of the livestock industries contributing to pollution worldwide. One of them is eggshell waste produced from broiler egg-hatching activities. This study aimed to examine the properties of hydroxyapatite (HAp) from broiler eggshell waste from the hatchery industry. A total of 6 temperature variations were applied (550°C, 600°C, 650°C, 700°C, 750°C and 800°C). Applying different sintering temperatures produces different physicochemical properties of HAp, especially those using broiler eggshell waste as raw material. Applying a sintering temperature of 550ºC significantly increases the yield (Y) value and reduces mass loss (ML). Crystal formation and functional properties were not significantly different between different sintering temperatures. An application temperature of 550ºC is considered appropriate for HAp production efficiency. Utilizing broiler eggshell waste as a raw material for hydroxyapatite is essential in providing hydroxyapatite products that are easy to obtain, cheap, and environmentally friendly.

Decreased skeletal muscle intramyocellular lipid droplet-mitochondrial contact contributes to myosteatosis in cancer cachexia.

Cancer cachexia, the unintentional loss of lean mass, contributes to functional dependency, poor treatment outcomes, and decreased survival. While its pathogenicity is multifactorial, metabolic dysfunction remains a hallmark of cachexia. However, significant knowledge gaps exist in understanding the role of skeletal muscle lipid metabolism and dynamics in this condition. We examined skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction, intramyocellular LD content, LD morphology and subcellular distribution, and LD-mitochondrial interactions using the Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) murine model of cachexia. C57/BL6 male mice (n=20) were implanted with LLC cells [106] in the right flank or underwent PBS sham injections. Skeletal muscle was excised for transmission electron microscopy (TEM; soleus), oil red o/lipid staining (tibialis anterior), and protein (gastrocnemius). LLC mice had a greater number (232%; p=0.006) and size (130%; p=0.023) of intramyocellular LDs further supported by increased oil-red O positive (87%; p=0.0109) and 'very high' oil-red O positive (178%; p=0.0002) fibers compared to controls and this was inversely correlated with fiber size (R2=0.5294; p<0.0001). Morphological analyses of LDs show increased elongation and complexity (aspect ratio: IMF: 9%, p=0.046) with decreases in circularity (circularity: SS: 6%, p=0.042) or roundness (roundness: Whole: 10%, p=0.033; IMF: 8%, p=0.038) as well as decreased LD-mitochondria touch (-15%; p=0.006), contact length (-38%; p=0.036), and relative contact (86%; p=0.004). Further, dysregulation in lipid metabolism (adiponectin, CPT-1b) and LD-associated proteins, perilipin-2 and perilipin-5, in cachectic muscle (p<0.05) were observed. Collectively, we provide evidence that skeletal muscle myosteatosis, altered LD morphology, and decreased LD-mitochondrial interactions occur in a preclinical model of cancer cachexia.

Home-Based Trimodal Prehabilitation in Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery: Effect on Functional Walking Capacity and Skeletal Muscle Mass.

Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis often suffer from loss of skeletal muscle mass and require extensive surgery. Multimodal prehabilitation may improve physical status but its benefits for these specific patients remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prehabilitation on functional walking capacity and skeletal muscle mass, as well as its association with postoperative complications. A prospective study of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis following a home-based trimodal prehabilitation program was carried out. Functional walking capacity was assessed with the 6-min walk test (T6MWT), and by the appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Data were collected at the first medical appointment and on the day before surgery. A 90-day postoperative morbidity was registered according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis. Women were more prevalent (77.4%) and peritoneal metastasis from ovarian origin accounted for 48.4%. Clavien II-V grades occurred in 30 (57.7%) patients. After prehabilitation, functional walking capacity improved by 42.2 m (39.62-44.72 m) compared with baseline data (p < 0.001), but no improvement was observed in the ASMI (p = 0.301). Patients able to walk at least 360 m after prehabilitation suffered fewer Clavien-Dindo II-V postoperative complications (p = 0.016). A T6MWT of less than 360 m was identified as an independent risk factor in the multivariable analysis (OR 3.99; 1.01-15.79 p = 0.048). This home-based trimodal prehabilitation program improved functional walking capacity but not ASMI scores in patients with peritoneal metastasis before surgery. A T6MWT of less than 360 m was found to be a risk factor for postoperative complications.