Medium Diameter Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Sulfur and Its Impact on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

ABSTRACT A laboratory study was undertaken to determine the response of sunflower to nano-sulfur application in comparison to conventional sulfatic fertilizer. Nano-sulfur particles were characterized using a particle size analyzer, zeta potential, UV-Spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and TEM. After the complete characterization, the sulfur release pattern was studied in a percolation reactor system. Thereafter, response studies were carried out using sunflower (var. KBSH 42) crop. The stable and uniform nano-sulfur particles with a medium diameter of 35–45 nm are yielded by the aqueous precipitation method. The results showed that sulfur release from the nano-sulfur has prolonged for 42 days, while the sulfur release from the ordinary sulfur fertilizer (gypsum) ceased to exist within 35 days. Nano-sulfur fertilized plants had registered significantly higher dry matter production (11–12%), seed yield (15%), and oil content (14.7%) than gypsum fertilized plants. The data revealed that nano-sulfur assists in improving the available sulfur in soils.

Local Atomic Order, Morphology, and Magnetic Properties in Silica‐Coated FeCo Nanoparticles Synthesized by Coprecipitation Technique

Nanoparticles (NPs) of pure Fe25Co75 are sintered by Fe and Co coprecipitation followed by SiO2 deposition by tetraethoxysilane hydrolysis to form silica‐coated Fe25Co75 NPs ((Fe25Co75)x(SiO2)100–x (90 ≤ x ≤ 10, wt%)). Study of the morphology and phase composition of (Fe25Co75)x(SiO2)100–x nanopowders evidences the formation of agglomerations of NPs with individual medium diameter ≈20–50 nm containing partially oxidized cores of α‐FeCo bcc alloy covered with amorphous SiO2. Mössbauer spectroscopy clearly reveals that coverage with SiO2 shells promotes up to four‐time enhancement of resistance of FeCo cores to undesirable formation of surface Fe(Co) hydroxides. Temperature dependencies of magnetization recorded under field‐cooled (FC) and zero‐field‐cooled (ZFC) protocols for uncoated Fe25Co75 and (Fe25Co75)70(SiO2)30 nanopowders reveal that some part of NPs being in single‐domain state form superferromagnetic long‐range ordering.

Effect of stabilization and fatty acids chain length on the crystallization behavior of interesterified blends during storage

In this work, we studied the influence of fatty acid chain length and crystallization temperature on the crystallization behavior during the storage of binary blends modified by chemical interesterification. The blends were produced with soybean oil and fully hydrogenated oils from palm kernel, palm, soybean, microalgae, and crambe, evaluated separately, at a ratio of 50:50 (% w/w). The blends were crystallized by two crystalline stabilization methods. In method I, the samples were maintained at 25 °C for 24 h before the analyses. In method II, the samples were maintained at 5 °C for 24 h, followed by crystalline stabilization at 25 °C for 24 h before the analyses. The interesterification reaction caused considerable changes in the TAGs profile with increasing asymmetric TAGs. These TAGs changes promoted an increase in the crystallization induction time, a decrease in the maximum solids content, and changes in crystals morphology. The increase in the FAs chain length promoted the increased nucleation rate that influenced morphology crystals. Method II promoted a reduction in the medium diameter of crystals and the appearance of the β phase with storage time. For crystallization carried out at higher temperatures (method I), we observed that β’ was favored. Unusual polymorphic transitions were observed with storage time in samples with higher tristearin content. We identified clear correlations between the predominance of β’ phase in the interesterified blends and TAGs of S2U and SU2-type. In addition, the blends with a more diverse range of fatty acids concerning chain size also showed the β’ polymorph. β polymorph, on the other hand, was associated with symmetric TAGs, S3 and U3, and CN-54 type TAG. In this study, we used the Rietveld method to quantify the polymorphs and amorphous content in the blends before and after the randomization reaction. This approach allowed a deeper understanding of the crystalline behavior in the blends, which would be difficult to achieve by performing only a visual analysis of the X-ray diffractograms.

Consequences of scalping and scalping/replacement procedures on strength properties of coarse-grained gap-graded soils

Evaluation of shear strength characteristics of coarse-grained soils by performing laboratory tests resorts often to a scalping or scalping/replacement procedure due to the presence of oversized particles in comparison with the device size. This work aimed to study consequences of these two procedures on the resulting shear strength characteristics. Experimental tests were performed on soils having gap-graded particle size distributions by using triaxial apparatuses with small and medium diameters Φ = 50 and 100 mm. Original soils were mixtures of fine particles (sand and glass beads) and coarse particles (two types of gravel). The original soils were scalped and (or) scalped/replaced by two different procedures. Different factors that influenced the mechanical properties of the scalped and scalped/replaced soils in comparison with those of the original soils were analyzed: ( i) the compactness parameter controlled for scalped and scalped/replaced soils, ( ii) the fine content of the original soils, and ( iii) the procedure used for the scalping/replacement.

Morphology and microstructure of Fe–Cr–W–B alloy powders prepared by argon gas atomization

Gas atomization was used to prepare the Fe–W–B and Fe–Cr–W–B alloy powders. The morphology, size distribution, microstructure and fluidity of the alloy powders were examined. Discussion of the effect of Cr on the morphology and microstructure of powders was carried out. The media diameter, flowability and apparent density of atomized Fe–Cr–W–B powders were 81.4 μm, 15.75 s/50g and 5.28 g cm−3, respectively. The gas-atomized powders consisted of α-(Fe,Cr) solid solution, where W and B atoms were dissolved as solute atoms. After heat treatment, (Fe,Cr)W2B2, a stable ternary boride, formed with sufficient atomic diffusion time and energy in the alloy powders. In the Fe–Cr–W–B alloy powders, the Cr elements dissolved into the ternary boride, causing severe lattice distortion and inducing the structure of boride to change from orthorhombic into tetragonal. Moreover, due to the high nucleation rate and low critical nucleation supercooling, the borides in Fe–Cr–W–B powders were more dispersive and tinier (even up to the submicron scale) than Fe–W–B alloy powders. This method can prepare the excellent powder for Fe–Cr–W–B alloy, which can be used as a potential wear-resistant material.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RENAL CALICES OF A MATURE AND ELDERLY HUMAN

The use of non-invasive and minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment methods in modern urological practice dictates the need to study the location of the initial section of the extrarenal urinary tract. The aim of the study was to describe general characteristics of renal calices of a mature and elderly human. Material and methods. The study included 175 corrosive preparations of human pyelocalyceal complexes. Organometric study of number, shape of arches, linear parameters, volumes, ranking place in the ranking distribution of renal calyces volumes was performed. Results. The upper renal is characterized by a large height (14.8±9.2 mm) and a wide neck (7.2±2.3 mm) and the largest volume 1202-1246 mm3. The anterior superior renal calyx has round vault of medium diameter (6.7±2.3 mm) and medium height (7.2±3.1 mm), a narrow neck (5.0±1.6 mm) and a small stable volume (14.8 mm3). The anterior middle calyx has a round vault of medium diameter (7.4±2.2 mm) and height (10.7±5.1 mm) and a narrow neck (4.8±1.6 mm); its volume is 348.4 mm3. The anterior inferior renal calyx has medium diameter (7.2±2.3 mm) and height (8.9±4.6 mm) with a narrow neck (4.8±1.8 mm); its volume is 275.2-307.1 mm3. The posterior superior renal calyx has medium arch diameter (8.4±3.0 mm) and height (8.6±4.5 mm) with a narrow neck (5.7±2.1 mm) and a small stable volume (less than 500.0 mm3). The posterior middle renal calyx has medium diameter (7.2±2.3 mm) and height (10.7±5.1 mm) with a narrow neck (5.1±1.9 mm), medium volume (402.1 mm3). The posterior inferior renal calyx has medium diameter (7.2±2.2 mm) and height (7.0±3.6 mm) with a narrow neck (5.3±2.3 mm), small stable volume (402.1 mm3). The lower renal calyx has medium diameter (7.4±2.4 mm) and height (8.6±4.6 mm) with a narrow neck (5.7±2.2 mm) and medium volume (402.1 mm3). Conclusions. As a result of the study, we determined the general characteristics of the renal calyces of a person of mature and elderly ages. New morphological information about the structure of the pyelocalyceal complex can be used to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the kidneys extrarenal urinary tract.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF ONION (Allium cepa L.) SETS TREATED WITH ASCORBIC ACID AND SALICYLIC ACID IN STIMULATING GROWTH AND SEED PRODUCTION

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the economical cultivated crops and is consumed heavily worldwide. The demand fOnion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the economical cultivated crops and is consumed heavily worldwide. The demand for onion seeds is high as it loses viability within a year. In Iraq, onion production has been limited due to the lack of good quality of seeds. Therefore, this study was aimed to improve seed quality and productivity of onion local white cultivar by using optimum onion sets size and priming with phytohormones. A field experiment was carried out in the Grrdarash field belonging to the Salahaddin University, Erbil. A split-plot in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was applied with three replicates. Onion sets >6.0 cm, large diameter and 4-6 cm, medium diameter, was selected. The bases of the sets were soaked in ascorbic acid (AsA) (1 and 2 mM), salicylic acid (SA) (0.5 and 1 mM) and control (water only) for 24 hours at 4°C. The results show that the emergence rate of flower stalk per day, the rate of umbel opening per plant, the number of flower stalks per plant, the number of flowers per umbel and seed yield (t.h-1) were increased statistically and significantly by using the large onion sets. AsA and SA treatments show their significant effect on flowering and seed quantity. A positive relationship was found between the aforementioned treatments and onion seed yield. Therefore, further studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural product that has the same properties as AsA and SA on the growth and quality of vegetable crops.

Multi-antibacterial agent-based electrospun polycaprolactone for active wound dressing.

Today, due to the greater knowledge of the side effects of chemical drugs and the favorable pharmacological properties of herbal compounds, the use of these compounds is increasing. Since wounds need fast and efficient healing, wound dressing fabrication methods play an important role in wound healing. In this research, electrospinning process was used to prepare samples. Natural antibacterial compounds, such as curcumin, piperine, eugenol, and rutin were loaded in electrospun nano-fibrous based on polycaprolactone. Three-component novel systems of curcumin-piperine-eugenol (PCPiEu), and curcumin-piperine-rutin (PCPiR) were designed and prepared. Their synergistic effect was investigated and also compared with one- and two-component systems. The results showed that medium diameter nanofibers of PCPiEu and PCPiR samples was 198.38 and 142.60, respectively, and they were obtained in smooth, uniform and bead free morphology using optimization of process parameters. The amount of water absorption and water vapor permeability of the three-component samples were in the appropriate range (8.33-10.42mgcm2h-1) for wound dressings. The mechanical properties of samples were reduced compared to the control sample, which required further investigation. Antibacterial tests showed good results for partial toxicity of PCPiEu and PCPiR samples. Antibacterial tests showed minor toxicity in PCPiR samples and good results were obtained for PCPiEu samples. In addition, the results showed that PCPiEu and PCPiR samples exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Enterococcus faecalis bacterium, so that killing ability of 74% and 75% against Gram-positive bacterium and 99.47% and 96.88% against Gram-negative bacterium were obtained for these three systems, respectively.

Passive restoration considerably improved the community structure, soil health and carbon stock in the Pine forests of Kashmir Himalaya, India

Forest restoration significantly enhances soil quality, carbon stock and improves community characteristics, but reports from temperate coniferous ecosystems are limited. The present research aimed to study the changes in vegetation characteristics, biomass, and soil health after eight years of restoration in coniferous forests of Kashmir Himalaya, India. The studied forest stands include the sites before restoration (IN), restored forests (RT) and non-restored (NR) control plots. The results exhibited similar soil texture (clay-loam) in both RT and NR, albeit soils under RT had lower acidity (6.03 ± 0.11) and bulk density (1.21 ± 0.07 Mg m−3) than NR. The average total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and available phosphorus were 13.2, 32.7 and 19.6%, respectively, greater in RT than NR. For vegetation characteristics, the results exhibited little changes in plant species richness (S = 8 and 7 for RT and NR, respectively), while the stand density and basal area enhancement were recorded for RT. The increase in plant species population and improvement in their regeneration status in RT was observed in comparison to NR in the study area. The density-diameter distribution showed that post-restoration, number of individuals in RT increased substantially in lower (10–25 cm), medium (35–55 cm), and highest (>65 cm) diameter classes with the cumulative percentage increase of 12.2, 44.1 and 12.6, respectively in comparison to the diameter classes 25–35 cm and 55–65 cm which recorded the decrease of 9.8% and 18.3%, respectively. In the case of NR, the results exhibited an alarming trend with a substantial decrease of individuals in lower diameter classes, namely, 15–35 cm (−19.7%), and 55–65 cm (−7.6%), thereby, suggesting the higher vulnerability to degradation than RT. The results of biomass and carbon contents indicated the overall biomass (aboveground and belowground) increase of 97.67 Mg ha−1 in RT and a reduction of 17.46 Mg ha−1 in NR, indicating the restoration added enough biomass to cause measurable changes. The results are evidence of the successful passive restoration efforts via fencing on soil and community characteristics across temperate coniferous forests. Restoring the vulnerable coniferous forests in the Himalayas is recommended to regain their vitality and vigour along with safeguarding the local livelihood options.

Mass transfer of phases in the flow of oil-water-gas mixture on the core scale

The study of three-phase fluid filtration in the pore space is one of the urgent tasks in the development of oil and gas and gas condensate fields. In the study of three-phase flows, semi-empirical methods for calculating relative phase permeabilities (RPP) are used in practice, which do not consider the structure of the pore space and the fundamental equations of hydrodynamics. The paper proposes and substantiates a physical and mathematical model of mass transfer in the filtration flow of an oil-water-gas mixture in a porous medium. The pore space structure model is based on the distribution of pore diameters obtained from capillary pressure curves (CCP). In the core, clusters are identified, consisting of a large channel through which oil, water and gas move in a “beaded” mode; channels of medium diameter filled with water and gas and channels of small radius in which gas moves. A system of equations is presented and solved that determines the distribution of moving volumes and volumetric flows over channels and phases. When determining pressure losses in the system of pore channels, friction losses, local losses, and also losses due to interfacial interaction are taken into account. For the first time, on the basis of a hydrodynamic model, analytical expressions were obtained to determine the RPP for oil, water and gas. The calculation-experimental method is based on three model experiments, the results of which determine the properties of the cluster channels in relation to the separately filtered phases. It is shown that the developed theory and calculation method, in the particular case of an oil-water mixture, coincide with the previously developed theory of two-phase filtration on the core scale.

Effect of operating conditions on the particle size distribution and specific energy input of fine grinding in a stirred mill: Modeling cumulative undersize distribution

Simulation of the fine or ultra-fine grinding process by Population Balance Model (PBM) has its restrictions because some coarse particles maybe disappear or the breakage rate exhibits complex non-first-order breakage kinetics during the grinding process. In this study, the influence of grinding media diameter, stirrer tip speed, media fulling rate, and powder filling rate on the uniformity of particle size distribution and specific energy input were studied in a stirred mill. The cumulative undersize distribution of ground products was simulated by the Rosin-Rammler-Benne (RRB) function, from which the parameter k and characteristic particle xe of the RRB function were obtained. The time-dependence of the parameter k was investigated. And, the Walker model for describing the reduction in characteristic particle xe with specific energy input was examined. Based on these results, combining the Walker model with the RRB function to simulate the cumulative undersize distribution of ground products. Thereby, a new cumulative undersize distribution of the prediction model was developed, which was successfully validated by the experimental data against predicted data.

Evaluation of the demographic profile of patients with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses: A retrospective clinical study

Aim: In this study, the aim is to evaluate the demographic profile as well as clinical aspects of patients who received implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDP) between 2016 and 2019 years.
 Methodology: Among 150 patients with implant-supported FDP, 120 contacted patients were included in the study. The patients were examined in terms of gender, age groups, edentulism, restoration type, implant location, implant survival rate, and abutment type by using the computer software. Data results were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods.
 Results: Three hundred and six dental implants were evaluated in a total of 120 patients, 55 men, and 65 women. The average age of the patients was 49.61 ± 11.84, and the most common dental implant application was in the 51–60 age group. Dental implants were frequently applied to the posterior mandible, and 31.9% of them were applied to patients in the 51–60 age group. A 94.8% implant survival rate was observed. A significant difference was found among age groups with laser-sintered metal-ceramics (LSMC) and all-ceramics (p<0.05). LSMC was the most common type of restoration, and straight abutments were frequently used.
 Conclusion: Although the survival rate of dental implants is high, implants with a medium length and diameter are frequently used. The type of restoration, type of abutment, and implant location in implant-supported FDP vary depending on the age and gender of the patients.
 
 How to cite this article: Demirci F, Tanık A. Evaluation of the demographic profile of patients with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses: A retrospective clinical study. Int Dent Res 2021;11(3):165-71. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.no1.5
 
 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Features of the expression of Fox-1 in rat’s thyroid after prenatal dexamethasone action

The purpose of the work was to establish the features of Fox-1 expression and distribution in the parenchyma of the thyroid gland of rats in the postnatal period of ontogeny in the norm and after intrauterine action of dexamethasone.Material and methods: thyroid gland of rats (162 animals) of the Wistar line at the age from 1 to 14 days of postnatal development. Experimentally, the animals were injected intrauterinely with a solution of dexamethasone at a dose of 0.05 ml at a dilution of 1:40 on the 18th day of the dated pregnancy. The material was examined using a set of methods of morphological studies (production of histological serial sections, survey microscopy, morphometry, immunohistochemistry and statistical processing).Results of the research. In the thyroid glands of neonatal prenatal dexamethasone, the parenchyma was well developed and consisted of hollow colloid-type follicles and single colloid-type microfollicles, and a bright cytoplasmic reaction with Fox-1 antibodies was observed throughout the organ parenchyma. In the thyroid glands of animals of the 3rd day of life, morphological changes occurred in all groups of the experiment. In animals of the experimental group, hollow follicles of colloidal type of small, medium and large diameter were chaotically visualized throughout the body, and large follicles of irregular shape with immunohistochemical weak or negative reaction with Fox-1 antibodies in thyrocytes and lumen without colloidal evidence, which detected a decrease in the specific synthetic activity in these thyrocytes. On day 7 in the experimental group in the flattened thyrocytes of overstretched follicles, the expression of Fox-1 was present only in the apical part. On days 11-14 of postnatal development in the thyroid glands of rats experimentally prenatally exposed to dexamethasone in the wall of large follicles with flattened epithelium began extrafollicular proliferation of thyrocytes on the background of visualization in the lumen of these follicles desquamated cells. Intensive perinuclear and cytoplasmic Fox-1 positive reaction was present in extrafollicular proliferating thyrocytes.Conclusions. 1. The detected changes in the first day of life in the thyroid gland of rats indicated that prenatal administration of dexamethasone affects the intensification of differentiation not only structural and functional units - follicles, but also a specific synthetic intracellular apparatus of thyrocytes, judging by the intensification of Fox-1. Thus, immature pre-mRNA is converted into mature mRNA, from which thyroid proteins, in particular thyroglobulin, are translated. By the time of birth, this process in the experimental group reaches a significant development, covering the entire parenchyma of the gland. 2. In rats prenatally receiving dexamethasone, the period of lactation was characterized by intense structural changes in the thyroid gland, in particular intracellularly in thyrocytes of monolayer flattened epithelium, the expression of Fox-1 antibodies was sharply reduced, which was then replaced by a bright cytoplasmic reaction in proliferative clusters and follicles of colloidal type of secretion, which is an adaptive-compensatory mechanism of intracellular enhancement of proliferation of synthesizing organelles in response to the restructuring of a significant number of existing follicles by hypofunctional type, aimed at maintaining normal levels of thyroid function.

Influence of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) 20,000 Concentration on Atomization and Deposition Characteristics of Nozzle

The addition of surfactants to pesticide spray applications is an important method to improve the spray atomization and the coverage of droplets on the target. The effects of different types of surfactants on spraying have been extensively studied, but there have been few studies on the commonly used surfactant polyethylene glycol so far. This article compares the effect of polyethylene glycol 20,000 on the atomization and deposition characteristics by measuring the droplet size and the deposition on the polyethylene collection line when spraying different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 20,000 solution. The results show that the volume medium diameter DV0.5 of spraying different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 20,000 solution is larger than that of clear water, and that as the concentration increases, the volume medium diameter DV0.5 gradually increases but ΦVol < 150 μm decreases. Spraying different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 20,000 solution at a horizontal distance of 2–7 m from the nozzle and at a distance of 0.1–0.2 m from the bottom of the floor, the depositions are all less than that of clear water, and as the concentration increases, the deposition becomes smaller. This article can provide theoretical support for the use and concentration ratio of polyethylene glycol 20,000 in field application.

Development of Methodology for Calculating Parameters of Continuous Deformation of Pipe Billet at Production of Electric-Welded Pipes of Small and Medium Diameter

Development of Methodology for Calculating Parameters of Continuous Deformation of Pipe Billet at Production of Electric-Welded Pipes of Small and Medium Diameter

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Iridoid and Anthocyanin Extract Enhances PPAR-α, PPAR-γ Expression and Reduces I/M Ratio in Aorta, Increases LXR-α Expression and Alters Adipokines and Triglycerides Levels in Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits possess potential cardiovascular, lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic bioactivities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of resin-purified cornelian cherry extract rich in iridoids and anthocyanins on several transcription factors, intima/media ratio in aorta and serum parameters, which determine or are valuable indicators of the adverse changes observed in the course of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. For this purpose, male New Zealand rabbits were fed a diet enriched in 1% cholesterol for 60 days. Additionally, one group received 10 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract and the second group 50 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract. PPAR-α and PPAR-γ expression in the aorta, LXR-α expression in the liver; cholesterol, triglycerides, adipokines, apolipoproteins, glucose and insulin levels in serum; the intima and media diameter in the thoracic and abdominal aorta were determined. Administration of cornelian cherry extract resulted in an enhancement in the expression of all tested transcription factors, a decrease in triglycerides, leptin and resistin, and an increase in adiponectin levels. In addition, a significant reduction in the I/M ratio was observed for both the thoracic and abdominal aorta. The results we have obtained confirm the potential contribution of cornelian cherry extract to mitigation of the risk of developing and the intensity of symptoms of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.

Coronary perivascular inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: the missing piece in the puzzle of their increased cardiovascular risk?

Abstract Background Coronary atherosclerosis is a frequent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Considering the contiguity with the vascular wall, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) could play a crucial role in the pathogenic microenvironment of atherosclerosis. The PVAT attenuation index (p-FAI) is a non-invasive marker that reveals the change in peri-coronary adipose tissue (PCAT). High values of p-FAI are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and poor prognosis. Emerging as an indication, contributor to, and therapeutic target for atherosclerosis, PCAT warrants further investigation in DM2. Purpose We aimed to characterize the association of PCAT by p-FAI and DM2, and to compare coronary inflammation in DM2 versus non DM2 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and versus healthy controls. Methods 15 consecutive DM2 patients (9 male, age 63±10 years) without symptoms/signs of cardiovascular disease were included in the study and compared to 8 non DM2 patients with CAD and 13 healthy volunteers without cardiovascular diseases, matched for age and sex. All patients and controls underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for the evaluation of coronary arteries and p-FAI. All scans were performed using a 320-slice multidetector computed tomography (Toshiba Aquilion) and a prospective ECG-triggered sequential acquisition. p-FAI analysis was performed using a dedicated workstation (Aquarius iNtuition Edition version 4.4.13. P3; TeraRecon Inc., Foster City, CA, USA). The proximal 40-mm segment of the right coronary artery (RCA) was identified and the inner and the outer wall were automatically traced, excluding the 10 mm from the ostium. The adipose tissue localized within a radial distance from the outer wall equal to a medium diameter of the RCA was evaluated. Voxel histograms of CT attenuation were traced and included between −190 to −30 HU within the PCAT volume. p-FAI was calculated as the median CT attenuation value of PCAT of the proximal 40-mm segment of the RCA (Figure 1). Results CAD was present in 10 DM2 patients (5 males, aged 63.1±10.5 years); in 5 DM2 patients (4 males, aged 63±11 years) epicardial coronary arteries were normal. p-FAI was higher in DM2 patients than in healthy controls (p=0.004). The presence of CAD did not impact on p-FAI in DM2 patients, presenting a comparable value (p=0.37). p-FAI was higher in DM2 patients with CAD than in non DM2 patients with CAD (p=0.04). Moreover, p-FAI was higher in DM2 patients without CAD than in non DM2 patients with CAD (p=0.002, Figure 2). Finally, p-FAI was not different in non DM2 patients with CAD compared to healthy controls (p=0.65), suggesting the limited role of CAD in the progression of peri-coronary inflammation when compared to DM2. Conclusions Coronary inflammation evaluated by p-FAI measurement was higher in DM2 patients, also without CAD. Therefore, our results suggest that DM2 is a determinant of coronary inflammation stronger than CAD. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

The effects of face mask specifications on work of breathing and particle filtration efficiency

The outbreak of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the recommended routine use of face masks to reduce exposure risk. In this study, the increase in work of breathing (WOB) imposed by face masks is theoretically studied for both normals and patients with obstructive and restrictive lung diseases at different levels of activity. The results show a significant increase in WOB due to face masks, which is more severe in higher activity levels. The added WOB is considerable during physical activity and may be intolerable for patients with preexisting lung disease and may contribute to inspiratory muscle fatigue and dyspnea. Moreover, in this study, the effects of the physical properties of a fibrous medium, including thickness, porosity, and fiber diameter, are analyzed on the particle filtration efficiency (PFE) and the added WOB. The relations between the physical properties of the fibrous medium and the added WOB and the PFE are shown on some contour plots as a quick and simple tool to select the desired physical properties for a single layer filter to ensure that the added WOB is comfortable while the PFE is sufficiently high.

Precision-porous polyurethane elastomers engineered for application in pro-healing vascular grafts: Synthesis, fabrication and detailed biocompatibility assessment

Unmet needs for small diameter, non-biologic vascular grafts and the less-than-ideal performance of medium diameter grafts suggest opportunities for major improvements. Biomaterials that are mechanically matched to native blood vessels, reduce the foreign body capsule (FBC) and demonstrate improved integration and healing are expected to improve graft performance. In this study, we developed biostable, crosslinked polyurethane formulations and used them to fabricate scaffolds with precision-engineered 40 μm pores. We matched the scaffold mechanical properties with those of native blood vessels by optimizing the polyurethane compositions. We hypothesized that such scaffolds promote healing and mitigate the FBC. To test our hypothesis, polyurethanes with 40 μm pores, 100 μm pores, and non-porous slabs were implanted subcutaneously in mice for 3 weeks, and then were examined histologically. Our results show that 40 μm porous scaffolds elicit the highest level of angiogenesis, cellularization, and the least severe foreign body capsule (based on a refined assessment method). This study presents the first biomaterial with tuned mechanical properties and a precision engineered porous structure optimized for healing, thus can be ideal for pro-healing vascular grafts and in situ vascular engineering. In addition, these scaffolds may have wide applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and implantable device.

Energy properties of Eucalyptus benthamii wood based on tree age and region in Guarapuava, Paraná state, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the properties of Eucalyptus benthamii wood for bioenergy purposes. Trees were sampled in five diametric classes and used to evaluate properties of the wood according to three ages (5, 6 and 7 years) in three regions of E. benthamii production in Parana state, southern Brazil. The basic density, proximate analysis, gross calorific value and net calorific value, and energy density were determined. For evaluation of the energy properties, 27 composite samples were used, which represented tree classes of minimum, medium and maximum diameter. The variables were statistically analysed under the effect of tree age and region. Basic density was positively affected by age, and this effect was reflected in energy density of the wood. The interaction of Region 1 with trees of age seven years identified the best conditions for biomass energy production from this source. As there were no significant differences in the immediate chemical analysis and the calorific value for either factor evaluated, we suggest that plantation managers could reduce the cutting cycle without compromising the energy efficiency of these forests.