Normal Hydration Research Articles

Analysis of Hydration Habits Before and During a Specific Training Session in Male Padel Athletes Aged over 65: Physiological and Psychological Implications

(1) Background: Since older adults are more susceptible to dehydration and there is a lack of information on older athletes, this study observed a group of 12 male padel players in this age group (70.42 ± 3.50 years) to characterize their hydration habits, physiological demands, and psychological responses before and during a 90 min padel training (PT). (2) Methods: After approval from the Ethics Committee (CE/FCDEF-UC/00022023) and the provision of signed informed consent, participants’ body mass, height, waist and hip circumferences, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were measured. Habitual fluid intake was monitored by diary from the evening until before the PT; the subjects completed a Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS) and a satiety scale (SLIM). To assess hydration levels at different moments, we used a portable osmometer and an eight-point urine color chart and weighed the participants immediately before and after the PT. During the PT, heart rate (HR) and hydration were monitored. After the PT, subjects completed another POMS and SLIM. (3) Results: Subjects trained at 73.2 ± 12.3% of their maximum HR, with brief peaks at the anaerobic threshold or higher (130.00 ± 18.78 bpm). The mean urine osmolality indicated normal hydration or minimal dehydration. However, the urine color values indicated dehydration after the training. Subjects drank 438 mL of liquids at night, 333 mL before PT, and 900 mL during the PT, with a good repartition of the liquids. POMS and SLIM were not affected by the training. (4) Conclusions: Older male padel athletes achieved challenging yet safe training, staying within healthy intensity zones; their hydration patterns nearly met the recommendations for exercise and should be slightly increased.

12492 Clinical Resolution Of Parkinsonism And Dementia Following Radio Frequency Ablation Of A Parathyroid Adenoma

Abstract Disclosure: P. Finny: None. T. George: None. A.K. Francis: None. Background: Parkinsonism is a rare neurological manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of parathyroid adenomas is a novel treatment modality. Clinical Case: A 78 year old lady presented to our Emergency department with hypercalcemic encephalopathy. She had long standing Diabetes mellitus, Bronchial asthma and Parkinsonism with dementia for the past 14 years. She was bed bound with dependence on carers for activities of daily living (ADL). She had been diagnosed elsewhere in 2018 to have primary hyperparathyroidism due to a right inferior parathyroid adenoma and had a right hemithyroidectomy with a failed parathyroidectomy. She was being managed with Cinacalcet 60 mg daily for the past 4 years. Prior to this admission she had discontinued Cinacalcet for a few days. Her initial serum calcium was 15.3 mg/dl (8.7-10.7), phosphorus 1.80 mg/dl (2.5-4.5) and PTH 451 pg/ml (15- 88). She was aggressively treated with intravenous normal saline hydration followed by Furosemide injection. Then she was given Calcitonin injections subcutaneously and IV Zoledronic acid infusion. Her calcium dropped to 11.8 mg/dl within 48 hours of admission, and her sensorium improved. Imaging studies showed no visible parathyroid adenoma on ultrasound, but the 4D CT scan of the neck revealed a left inferior parathyroid adenoma of size 1.1 x 1.2 cm. This was concordant on the Technetium 99m Sestamibi scan. Her MRI Brain showed bilateral globus pallidus calcification. In view of her multiple comorbidities making her a poor candidate for general anaesthesia, non-surgical options were considered. A percutaneous ultrasound guided RFA of the left parathyroid adenoma was successfully performed. Post procedure the PTH dropped from 321 pg/ml to 54.9 pg/ml within 24 hours. The calcium, phosphorus and PTH remained normal. Her Parkinsonism and dementia significantly improved and we could wean her off the anti- parkinsonian and anti-psychotic medication. She became ambulant and regained her cognitive functions. This clinical and biochemical remission was maintained over the next 22 months of follow up. Conclusion: RFA is a novel therapeutic option in treating parathyroid adenomas among surgically unfit patients. Reversal of advanced Parkinsonism following correction of chronic hypercalcemia led to this patient regaining a good quality of life. 4D CT scan of the neck is useful in localizing the parathyroid adenoma when there is discordance between the ultrasound and Sestamibi scan.

Study on the mechanisms of retardation of cement hydration by zinc and acceleration of hardening by sodium aluminate from crystallographic phase analysis

AbstractZinc was focused on as an element causing hardening retardation due to delayed hydration of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), and its hardening inhibitory effect and the mechanism of hardening enhancement by sodium aluminate were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The addition of zinc hydroxide retarded hardening at more than 0.3 mass%, as previously reported, and zinc produced calcium zincate hydrates (qatranaite) and inhibited the hydration of tricalcium silicate (C3S), the main component of hydration of OPC. After the zinc had been fully consumed in qatranaite formation, C3S started normal hydration. The addition of sodium aluminate caused earlier re-hydration of C3S, which was inhibited by hydration, as the hydrates produced appeared to consume zincate anions. The rapid setting effect of sodium aluminate addition was also delayed by zinc hydroxide, but it was estimated that the addition of the same amount of zinc would ensure initial strength through early formation of hydrocalumite. In the longer term, strength was considered to be more enhanced by the onset of C3S hydration.

Abstract P131: Effect of uncontrolled systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients as a risk factor for CIN after coronary angiography with preventative management of CIN : single center prospective study

Background: Contrast induced nephropathy(CIN) is associated with poor outcomes like dialysis and prolonged hospitalization and risk of death. Clinical factor for CIN include advanced age, diabetes (DM), female, heart failure(HF) and hypertension(HTN). Many prophylaxis strategies for CIN(normal saline hydration, N-acetylcysteine, NAHCO3) had been studied and their preventive effects had been known to be no difference. Purpose: We tried to evaluate the effects of uncontrolled systolic blood pressure(defined as SBP>160mmHg) in hypertensive patients as a risk factor for CIN after coronary angiography(CAG) with various preventative management of CIN (normal saline hydration, N-acetylcysteine, NAHCO3). Methods: This study included 41patients who performed CAG combined with various preventative management of CIN in single center. All patients were evaluated with serum creatinine(SCr), creatinine clearance(CrCl) before and after coronary angiography at day0, day1, day2 and day30. Definition of CIN include; SCr increase of ≥0.5 mg/dL, a SCr increase ≥25%, an CrCl decrease of ≥25%, or the composite, occurring 48 to 72 hours after contrast exposure. We also analyzed preexisting renal insufficiency(GFR<60ml/min), DM and HTN, age, sex, anemia, contrast volume and HF which are known risk factors for CIN. Results: 11 of 41 patients developed CIN. There was no statistical differences between the two groups in the aspect of baseline Cr, age, sex, body weight, contrast volume and the prevalence of known risk factor for CIN (DM, HTN, HF and preexisting renal failure). Mean baseline SBP in the CIN group was higher than non-CIN group(166.3±31.9 vs142.4±25.7, P-value=0.018). Among 23 patients with HTN, 11 patients (47.8%) had uncontrolled SBP. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that an uncontrolled SBP (odds ratio [OR] 12.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83-87.07) was the independent risk factor for CIN. Conclusions: CIN associate with variety of short-term and long-term complication after CAG. Hypertension is well known as one of the risk factors for CIN. Even if appropriate preventative management of CIN are taken before and after CAG, uncontrolled SBP in hypertensive patients could increase the risk of CIN.

Association between hydration status and the risk and all-cause mortality of diabetic kidney disease

Background This cohort study aimed to explore the relationship between hydration status and the risk of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) as well as all-cause death in DKD patients. Methods Weighted univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the association between hydration status and DKD risk in diabetic population while weighted univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to identify the association between hydration status and all-cause mortality in DKD patients. Kaplan-Meier curve was plotted to present the survival probability of patients with different hydration status. Estimates were presented as odds ratio (OR), and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The mean follow-up time was 79.74 (±1.89) months. There were 2041 participants with DKD, and 2889 participants without. At the end of the follow-up, 965 participants were alive. The risk of DKD was increased as the increase of osmolarity level (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.05–1.08). The elevated risk of DKD was observed in patients with impending dehydration (OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.19–1.85) or current dehydration (OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 2.09–3.46). The association between increased osmolarty level and elevated risk of all-cause mortality in DKD patients was statistically different (HR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01–1.03). Current dehydration was correlated with increased all-cause mortality risk in DKD patients (HR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.01–1.61). Compared to DKD patients with normal hydration, the survival probability of DKD patients with current dehydration was significant lower (p < 0.001). Conclusion Increased osmolarity level was associated with increased risk of DKD and elevated risk of all-cause mortality in DKD patients.

Thermal energy generated during ultrasonication dominates pinto bean hydration

Ultrasound-assisted hydration (UAH) stands out as a potent strategy, offering multiple advantages over conventional thermal hydration methods. It is an energy efficient, cost and time effective, easily scalable and relatively greener approach. Acoustic cavitation is the major working mechanism in aqueous phase sonication. Cavitation creates immense localised heat and pressure, which ultimately ends up heating the liquid media. To the best of our knowledge, no study dealing with the synergistic relationship between the physical effects of ultrasound and the consequent temperature rise during UAH is available in open literature. This work investigates this complex interplay with aim to identify the dominant working mechanism leading to the hydration of the pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), a variety of common beans. Three different hydration protocols were devised to discern these effects, normal hydration (N) at 25 °C, temperature-controlled UAH (TC) between 18 and 20 °C using an ice bath, and temperature-uncontrolled UAH (TuC). Additionally, the post sonication residual effects of ultrasound treatment were examined. Our findings reveal that sonication induces changes in both TC and TuC treated beans, but more pronounced effects were observed in the absence of temperature control. During TC, acoustic streaming emerged as the predominant sonic action mechanism. Conversely, during TuC, temperature itself emerged as the dominant force, leading to irreversible alterations in the bean's physical and chemical structures.

Prognostic indicators for canine parvoviral enteritis in a Teaching Hospital in Italy: a retrospective study of 76 cases.

Potential prognostic indicators have been associated with decreased survival during canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE), such as body weight, sex, and clinicopathological parameters. Few studies reported the prognostic factors for CPE in Italy; therefore, the aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with the survival of dogs admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Perugia University, naturally infected with canine parvovirus. Seventy-six medical records of dogs with a definitive diagnosis of parvoviral infection admitted from 2017 to 2021 have been reviewed and included in the study. From medical records were extracted data on signalment, history, clinical examination, hematology, serum biochemistry, treatments, progression of clinical signs during hospitalization and outcome. The data have been subjected to univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Our results showed winter season, male sex, dog ownership, small breed, normal sensory status, normal heart rate, normal hydration status, abdominal pain, increased capillary reperfusion time, and normal white blood cell count as positive prognostic factors. The survival model confirmed that parameters such as male sex, small breed, and ownership increased the survival rate during hospitalization. Data reported in the present study are partially in agreement with previous studies and added new information on the possible prognostic factors in dogs affected by CPE in Italy.

Biomechanical and biochemical changes in murine skin during development and aging

Aging leads to biochemical and biomechanical changes in skin, with biological and functional consequences. Despite extensive literature on skin aging, there is a lack of studies which investigate the maturation of the tissue and connect the microscopic changes in the skin to its macroscopic biomechanical behavior as it evolves over time. The present work addresses this knowledge gap using multiscale characterization of skin in a murine model considering newborn, adult and aged mice. Monotonic uniaxial loading, tension relaxation with change of bath, and loading to failure tests were performed on murine skin samples from different age groups, complemented by inflation experiments and atomic force microscopy indentation measurements. In parallel, skin samples were characterized using histological and biochemical techniques to assess tissue morphology, collagen organization, as well as collagen content and cross-linking. We show that 1-week-old skin differs across nearly all measured parameters from adult skin, showing reduced strain stiffening and tensile strength, a thinner dermis, lower collagen content and altered crosslinking patterns. Surprisingly, adult and aged skin were similar across most biomechanical parameters in the physiologic loading range, while aged skin had lower tensile strength and lower stiffening behavior at large force values. This correlates with altered collagen content and cross-links. Based on a computational model, differences in mechanocoupled stimuli in the skin of the different age groups were calculated, pointing to a potential biological significance of the age-induced biomechanical changes in regulating the local biophysical environment of dermal cells. Statement of significanceSkin microstructure and the emerging mechanical properties change with age, leading to biological, functional and health-related consequences. Despite extensive literature on skin aging, only very limited quantitative data are available on microstructural changes and the corresponding macroscopic biomechanical behavior as they evolve over time. This work provides a wide-range multiscale mechanical characterization of skin of newborn, adult and aged mice, and quantifies microstructural correlations in tissue morphology, collagen content, organization and cross-linking. Remarkably, aged skin retained normal hydration and normal biomechanical function in the physiological loading range but showed significantly reduced properties at super-physiological loading. Our data show that age-related microstructural differences have a profound effect not only on tissue-level properties but also on the cell-level biophysical environment.

Evolving Advances in the Cosmetic use of Probiotics and Postbiotics: Health, Regulatory and Marketing Aspects.

Ongoing development in cosmetics is increasingly making use of probiotics, which are defined as "live microorganisms with health-enhancing properties mediated through ingestion or topical application to the host". The observation that several bacterial strains augment normal processes of healthy tissue maintenance, particularly for the skin, has opened up new avenues for the use of bacterial strains in cosmetics. A principal feature of such "cosmeceuticals" is an application of increasing insight into the biochemical nature of the skin's normal microbial flora, also called its microbiome. The opportunity of manipulating the skin microbiome to address various skin disorders has revealed novel routes for treatment. The skin microbiome manipulation approaches to address various skin disorders include skin microbiome transplantation, skin bacteriotherapy, and prebiotic stimulation. Research in this field has revealed that medical outcome-targeted manipulation of skin microbiome bacterial strain makeup may significantly increase skin health and appearance. Commercial availability of probiotic skincare products is rapidly expanding worldwide due to satisfactory laboratory results and public perception of probiotics as being intrinsically more wholesome than other bioactive substances, such as synthetics. Major outcomes of probiotic use include a significant reduction in skin wrinkling, acne and other conditions adversely affecting skin appearance and healthy function. Moreover, probiotics may additionally promote normal skin hydration, resulting in a vibrant and lustrous appearance. Nevertheless, significant technical challenges remain for the full optimization of probiotics in cosmetic products. This article summarizes the evolving nature of this field and explores current probiotic research initiatives, along with regulatory aspects and significant challenges in the manufacturing of cosmetics in the context of market expansion for these products.

Recycling and characterization of bone incorporated with concrete for gamma-radiation shielding applications

This research intends to recycle bone and incorporate it into concrete for radiation shielding application using Phy-X/PSD software. Cement, sand and granite were mixed in proportion of 0.5 kg:1 kg:1 kg to obtain sample A. Other concretes composing of cement, sand, granite and bone ash was in proportion 0.45 kg:1 kg:1 kg:0.05 kg, 0.1 kg:1 kg:1 kg:0.4 kg and 0.35 kg:1 kg:1 kg:0.15 kg to obtain samples B, C and D respectively. 0.5 water-to-cement (W/C) ratio was adopted throughout the mixes because the control mix contain the normal water quantity for normal hydration of cement. Replacing the bone ash for the cement in the fabricated concretes enhances their densities where the fabricated concretes' density decreased from 2.33 g/cm3 to 2.22 g/cm3 by raising the reinforcing bones fly ash concentration from 0 to 0.15 kg. Additionally, increasing the bones fly ash concentration within the fabricated concretes increases their linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) where the fabricated concretes’ μ values at 0.662 MeV reach 0.181 cm−1, 0.178 cm−1, 0.174 cm−1, and 0.171 cm−1,respectively for concretes A, B, C, and D. The use of other local materials is recommended, as it improves waste management being the major aim of the sustainable development goal.

Impact of deposited Pt particles on water channel connectivity and proton conductivity in proton exchange membranes: A molecular dynamics study

Deposition of platinum ions in the proton exchange membrane significantly affects the long-term stability and proton transport capacity of the membrane electrode assembly. In this study, the impacts of deposited Pt particles on the intrinsic properties of proton exchange membranes and its mechanisms are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation method. The effect of differently sized Pt particles on water channel connectivity and proton conductivity in proton exchange membranes under dry, normal, and saturated conditions was detailly discussed. The results reveal that Pt particles reduce water channel connectivity at low hydration level while increasing it at normal and high hydration levels. However, the enhancement mechanism is different. Moreover, proton conductivity was evaluated by examining the diffusion of hydronium ions and hydrogen bond dynamics. We found that the proton conduction performance of the membranes at low hydration levels is significantly reduced by Pt particles. We believe this study can promote the design of more robust and efficient proton exchange membranes.

Study on Portland Cement Pastes Containing Sanitary Ware Ceramic Wastes at Elevated Temperatures

Resistance of Portland cement pastes incorporated 20 wt. % sanitary ware ceramic nano-powder wastes to firing temperatures from 100 up to 600 ℃ was investigated. Results revealed that all physical and mechanical properties were improved and gradually enhanced with firing temperatures, but only up to 400 ℃, and then adversely affected with any further increase of firing temperatures than 400 ℃, i.e. water absorption and total porosity decreased, whereas bulk density was enhanced. Water absorption and total porosity were decreased by 10 and 4 %, respectively, while bulk density was increased by 2.25 %. Furthermore, flexural and compressive strengths were also improved and increased by 1.69 and 1.2 %, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) showed the disappearance of free lime and ettringite on firing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the crystal phase growth of the formed hydration products as a result of both normal hydration and pozzolanic reactions at ambient temperature were developed and modified due to the temperature exposure. The hardened cement pastes can withstand and resist only up to 400 ℃.

Influence of Impaired Hydration Status on Postoperative in-Hospital Death in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

The hydration state of the body is getting more and more attention from researchers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between impaired hydration status and postoperative hospitalization death in patients with A AAD. From January 2019 to October 2021, the clinical data of 299 patients undergoing A AAD surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into normal hydration group, imminent dehydration group and current dehydration group according to the dehydration standard at admission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the independent risk factors for in-hospital death of patients with A AAD. Postoperative in-hospital death in A AAD patients was significantly more common in the imminent and current dehydration groups (>295mmol/L) (26.7% vs 11.9%; P=0.001). The length of ICU stay was significantly longer in the impending and current dehydration groups (P<0.05). After controlling for other factors by multivariate logistic regression analysis, the results showed that the group of impending and current dehydration (>295) (OR=3.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-8.06; P=0.002), CRRT (OR=10.55, 95%[CI]: 3.59-31.01; P<0.001), lactic acid (OR=1.25, 95%[CI]: 1.13-1.38; P<0.001), CAD (OR=5.27, 95%[CI]: 1.12-24.80; P=0.035) was an independent risk factor for in-hospital death in A AAD patients. Albumin (OR=0.92, 95%[CI]: 0.85-0.99; P=0.040) is a protective factor. The presence of high serum osmotic pressure on admission of A AAD patients can independently predict postoperative death, and the impaired body hydration status should be paid attention to.

Nanoscale friction at the quartz-quartz/kaolinite interface

The nanoscale friction behavior of quartz-quartz and quartz-kaolinite interfaces is investigated through Steered Molecular Dynamics (SMD) simulations. The effects of normal load, sliding velocity, temperature, and hydration on the friction behavior are discussed, and the friction mechanism of quartz and quartz/kaolinite interface is revealed. The friction coefficients of all systems at different cases are obtained and compared with other experimental results for validation. The simulation results show that the stick-slip effect in all interfaces was found during the friction process, where the higher the sliding velocity and hydration, or the lower the normal load, the weaker the stick-slip effect. The friction load increased with the rising normal load, and the relationship between shear stress and normal load was approximately linear. The friction coefficient and cohesion of the quartz-quartz interface could rise with the increasing sliding velocity or the decreasing temperature. Moreover, the friction coefficient of quartz-kaolinite was significantly smaller than that of quartz-quartz, indicating that the presence of clay could weaken the frictional strength of quartz. The effect of the interlayer water film on friction behavior was rather complex, showing the lubricating or bonding role, which has been discussed and analyzed in the present study.

Development and validation of equations for predicting appendicular skeletal muscle mass in male patients with head and neck cancer and normal hydration status

ObjectiveMuscle mass is typically assessed by abdominal computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. However, these tests are not routinely performed in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), making sarcopenia assessment difficult. The aim of this study was to develop and validate equations for predicting appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) from data obtained in daily medical practice, with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass (BIA-ASM) as a reference. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 103 men with HNC who were randomly placed into development and validation groups. The prediction equations for BIA-ASM were developed by multiple regression analysis and validated by Bland–Altman analyses. The estimated skeletal muscle mass index (eSMI) was also statistically evaluated to discriminate the cutoff value for BIA-measured SMI according to the Asian Working Groups for Sarcopenia. ResultsTwo practical equations, which included 24-h urinary creatinine excretion volume (24hUCrV), handgrip strength (HGS), body weight (BW), and body height (BHt), were developed: ASM (kg) = −39.46 + (3.557 × 24hUCrV [g]) + (0.08872 × HGS [kg]) + (0.1263 × BW [kg]) + (0.2661 × BHt [cm]) if available for 24hUCrV (adjusted R2 = 0.8905), and ASM (kg) = −42.60 + (0.1643 × HGS [kg]) + (0.1589 × BW [kg]) + (0.2807 × BHt [cm]) if not (adjusted R2 = 0.8589). ASM estimated by these two equations showed a significantly strong correlation with BIA-ASM (R > 0.900). Bland–Altman analyses showed a good agreement, and eSMI accuracy was high (>80%) in both equations. ConclusionsThese two equations are a valid option for estimating ASM and diagnosing sarcopenia in patients with HNC in all facilities without special equipment.

Effect of ultrafine recycled brick powder on the properties of blended cement: Hydration kinetics, microstructure evolution and properties development

Ultrafine grinding is expected to be an effective method to increase the pozzolanic activity of RBP, since RBP has superior grindability. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of 30 % ultrafine RBP with particle size of 8.6 μm, 4.5 μm, 3.6 μm and 2.7 μm on the fundamental properties, hydration kinetics and microstructure evolution of blended cement. The setting times, water requirement for normal consistency, rheological properties, hydration heat, hydration degree, mechanical strength and pore structure of cementitious material were evaluated. Results show that when 30 % RBP was added, the water requirement and viscosity of blended cement increased significantly with the decrease of RBP particle size, while the setting time was shortened due to the acceleration of early-age cement hydration. The parameters for the Boundary Nucleation and Growth (BNG) model indicate that the nucleation and growth rates of hydration products increased by 1.43 times and 1.27 times when RBP with D50 = 2.7 μm was added, thus the cement hydration degree reached more than 50 % in the first 72 h. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the pozzolanic reaction degree of ultrafine RBPs was more than 15 %–25 % depending on its size, and the hydration degree of cement in RBP-PC pastes was more than 80 %. As a result, blended cement mortars with up to 30 % ultrafine RBPs has slight or even no strength loss after curing for 90 days, as RBP-PC paste has a denser microstructure.

Engineering benefits of replacing natural sand with manufactured sand in landfill construction

Translational sliding failures in landfills are often triggered by inadequate shear strength of interfaces in liners and covers. Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL) are used in different components of landfills to contain the leachate. GCLs are usually placed above a compacted sand subgrade to develop higher shear resistance. In the context of depleting natural sand resources, the present study explores the feasibility of replacing natural sand with manufactured sand (Msand) in landfill construction. Interface shear tests were performed on GCL in contact with river sand and Msand of similar gradation to evaluate the shear strength at different normal stresses and hydration conditions. It is found that Msand provides higher interface shear strength with GCL compared to river sand. Digital image analysis of tested specimens of GCL showed that variation in particle morphology of the two sands has direct influence on the microlevel interaction mechanisms governing the shear strength. Quantification of morphological parameters showed that Msand particles are angular and rough compared to natural sand particles, leading to higher particle interlocking. Hydration of the GCL reduced the interface shear strength, the effect being less in case of Msand. The study highlights that replacement of natural sand with Msand has added benefits.

Atopic Dermatitis and Water: Is There an Optimum Water Intake Level for Improving Atopic Skin?

Water is a vital nutrient with innumerable functions for every living cell. The functions of human skin include protection against dehydration of the body. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic inflammatory skin disease that presents with dry skin, erythematous and eczematous lesions, and lichenification. This paper discusses the question of whether extra water intake in children with AD affects skin hydration and the skin barrier function. Among the methods used to treat dry skin, topical leave-on products are the first-line treatment, intended to improve hydration and the skin barrier function. The effectiveness of adequate water intake as a measure to treat dry skin is still under debate. Normal skin hydration increases with dietary water intake, particularly in those with prior lower water consumption. Skin dryness in AD is instrumental to the itch and inflammation cycle, contributing to barrier impairment and aggravating disease severity and flares. Certain emollients provide significant hydration to AD skin, with relief of dryness and reduction in barrier impairment, disease severity, and flares. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the optimum water intake levels in children with AD, as important questions remain unanswered, namely, does oral hydration provide relief of skin dryness and reduce barrier impairment, disease severity, and flares; is there any additional benefit from using mineral or thermal spring water; or is there a need to specifically study the fluid/water intake in children with AD and food allergy (FA) restrictions?

Advancements in self-compacting geopolymer concrete: A comprehensive overview

The present generationof concrete, known as geopolymer concrete (GPC), is created through the polymerization of aluminosilicate minerals with an alkali-activated solution (AAS). The normal hydration process has no bearing on GPC development. It defends the atmosphere from CO2 emissions caused by cement-making procedures. Making GPC self-compacting, also known as self-compacting Geopolymer concrete, allows for the avoidance of the dynamic compaction needed for the compaction process of GPC. The effect of numerous factors, including fibers, molarity, binding materials, and superplasticizer on the mechanical characteristics and workability of SCGC, as well as any gaps and potential future applications, are critically reviewed in this research. In addition to having fewer negative effects on the environment, SCGC also better utilizes waste and conserves resources than ordinary concrete, according to the research currently available. Despite its enormous potential, the lack of knowledge about the different factors that influence SCGC creation is the cause of its limited utilization. The current publication focuses on the characteristics of SCGC that make it widely accepted, as well as the variables influencing SCGC creation.

Discrete Element Simulation on Macro-Meso Mechanical Characteristics of Natural Gas Hydrate-Bearing Sediments under Shearing

In order to study the macro-meso shear mechanical characteristics of natural gas hydrate-bearing sediments, the direct shear simulations of natural gas hydrate-bearing sediment specimens with different saturations under different normal stress boundary conditions were carried out using the discrete element simulation program of particle flow, and the macro-meso shear mechanical characteristics of the specimens and their evolution laws were obtained, and their shear damage mechanisms were revealed. The results show that the peak intensity of natural gas hydrate-bearing sediments increases with the increase in normal stress and hydrate saturation. Hydrate particles and sand particles jointly participate in the formation and evolution of the force chain, and sand particles account for the majority of the force chain particles and take the main shear resistance role. The number of cracks produced by shear increases with hydrate saturation and normal stress. The average porosity in the shear zone shows an evolutionary pattern of decreasing and then increasing during the shear process.