Drop In Number Research Articles

An Investigation into the Pelletizing Performance of Blends Comprising Brazilian Hematite and Chinese Magnetite Concentrates

The carbon emissions from the pelletizing process are much lower than those from the sintering process. Moreover, increasing the proportion of fired pellets in the feedstock fed into the blast furnace can reduce carbon emissions, augment the capacity (the ability of a blast furnace to produce molten iron using the same weight of iron ore) and decrease slag generation. Therefore, much more attention has been paid to the pelletizing process. However, the shortage of high-quality feeds remains a bottleneck in the pelletization industry. Supplying more hematite for fired pellet production is of significant importance. In this study, the physicochemical properties and mineralogical characteristics of Brazilian hematite concentrate (BHC) were systematically analyzed. We simulated the traveling grate process and investigated the effect of BHC dosage on the balling behavior of mixed concentrates, the firing performance of the dry balls and the metallurgical properties of the fired pellets. The results indicate that substituting 20–30% BHC with magnetite concentrates improves the drop number and thermal stability of green balls with a slightly higher dosage of bentonite. The firing characteristics of the dry balls and the reduction index and reduction degradation index of the fired pellets were enhanced, although a slightly adverse effect on the reduction swelling index of the fired pellets was observed. Overall, the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the fired pellets can meet the requirements for blast furnace operations. Substituting magnetite concentrates with 20–30% hematite concentrate in the traveling grate for the pelletization process is technically feasible.

Combining pin-fins and superhydrophobic surfaces to enhance the performance of microchannel heat sinks

Electronics cooling and thermal management presents an immense challenge to the electrification of society. From mobile devices to stationary systems, power densification of electronics platforms is putting pressureon thermal systems. This research uniquely combines superhydrophobic surfaces with pin-fin structures to investigate their combined effects on thermal performance and fluid dynamics. We examine the impact of superhydrophobic surfaces on different internal walls for both finned and non-finned microchannels. Three-dimensional finite volume method simulations are used to analyze fluid flow and heat transfer, with surface wettability modeled using a custom user-defined function. The results of the simulations were first validated against experimental data. Thermal-hydraulic performance for finned and non-finned microchannels was studied for both conventional and superhydrophobic surfaces. Superhydrophobic properties on different internal surfaces of the microchannel yielded different outcomes for finned versus non-finned designs. We show that superhydrophobic surfaces are effective in enhancing the performance of finned channels at high Reynolds number (Re). At Re = 500, finned microchannels with superhydrophobic side walls have the same performance factor (η) as a conventional microchannel without fins with a 9.4 °C lower average base surface temperature. Additionally, superhydrophobic side walls increase the pressure drop and Nusselt number by 8.9 % and 6.6 %, respectively, compared to conventional non-superhydrophobic finned surfaces. Conversely, superhydrophobic top and bottom surfaces reduce the pressure drop and Nusselt number by 13 % and 18.5 %, respectively. Our findings reveal that the location and intensity of vortices, influenced by fins, vary with different superhydrophobic surface configurations.

Enhancing Convective Heat Transfer in Circular Microchannels through Response Surface Methodology of Orifice Geometry: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach

This research investigates the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation to model circular microchannel pipes with orifices as a passive heat transfer enhancer. Different parameters, including microchannel geometry, Reynolds number, and heat flux, are employed in this research. The analysis results indicate that factors such as the distance between the inlet and orifice, and Reynolds number significantly influence the system performance, particularly in terms of pressure drop and Nusselt number. The addition of an orifice to a microchannel also affects the efficiency of heat transfer and the pressure drop. The results were further analysed using the Response Surface Methodology, which revealed that a microchannel with a Reynolds number of 90 and a distance between the inlet and orifice of 2.83238 mm provides an optimum solution. In conclusion, optimising these parameters can lead to more efficient and optimal designs for microfluidic applications.

FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH COMBINED CYCLOPHOTOCOAGULATION TECHNIQUE USING TRANSILLUMINATION

Relevance: сurrently, micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is widely used for the treatment of refractory glaucoma. It has a high safety profile and can be applied to eyes with high visual potential. Continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation has a more pronounced hypotensive effect; however, it is accompanied by a significant number of complications. During transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, it is suggested to use a standard position for the sensor, though the position of the ciliary processes may vary.Purpose: to analyze the effectiveness and safety of the combined cyclophotocoagulation technique using transillumination.Materials and Methods: the study included 22 patients (22 eyes) who underwent combined cyclophotocoagulation with transillumination. The observation period was 6 months, with control examinations conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months. At each visit, refractokeratometry, visual acuity assessment, ultrasound examination (B-scan), tonometry using the Maklakov method were performed. There was one case of postoperative uveitis in the form of iridocyclitisResults: after six months, intraocular pressure decreased by 45% from the baseline level-from 35.5 (34–38.5) mm Hg to 20 (20–21) mm Hg. The number of hypotensive therapy drops was also reduced-from 7 (5.75–7) to 4 (3.25–4) drops per day.Conclusion: combined cyclophotocoagulation with transscleral transillumination demonstrated a stable hypotensive effect over 6 months, with no significant complications such as prolonged hypotony, phthisis bulbi, or persistent refractory uveitis, which are commonly seen with continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation. Thus, this technique may become an effective alternative to standard methods of cyclophotocoagulation.

Thermal and hydrodynamic characteristics of microencapsulated phase change materials slurry flow in wavy microchannels

Microencapsulated phase change material slurry (MPCS) is a novel cooling fluid with promising performance. This study numerically investigates heat transfer and flow characteristics of MPCS within wavy microchannels. MPCS is modeled as a homogeneous, Newtonian fluid. Five wavy geometries were examined across a Reynolds number range of 50 to 250 (laminar flow regime), varying in amplitude and wavelength. The model results show that with increase in Reynolds number and decrease in the amplitude and radius of curvature of wavy microchannels, the pressure drop and Nusselt number also increase. Furthermore, the results reveal that Dean vortices intensify with increasing wave amplitude and Reynolds number. Conversely, these vortices weaken as channel wavelength and radius of curvature increase. The formation of Dean vortices enhances fluid mixing and consequently improves the thermal performance of the slurry. The study concludes that in wavy microchannels employing MPCS, increasing the Reynolds number, increasing the channel amplitude with respect to wavelength, and decreasing the radius of curvature improves the overall performance. Also, the results reveal that in higher Reynolds numbers, the radius of curvature is the most effective parameter on the overall performance of wavy microchannels.

Minimally Invasive Tube Surgery (MITS)-A Novel Method in Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation.

Background/Objectives: We introduce a new surgical technique for inserting the eyePlate-300-a glaucoma drainage device (GDD). The flexibility of the eyePlate-300 allows for folding and insertion through a smaller conjunctival incision. The procedure is termed minimally invasive tube surgery (MITS). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of thirteen eyes to assess the efficacy of the MITS technique in a large London tertiary teaching eye hospital with 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome was complete success: defined as 'IOP > 5 mmHg, <21 mmHg and off drops'. Secondary outcomes: best corrected visual acuity at 12 months, complications, a reduction in the number of drops and need for further pressure-lowering surgery. Results: Twelve eyes (92%) achieved a lower IOP. The mean pre-operative IOP was 35.69 mmHg (20-53 mmHg); post-operatively, it was reduced to 11.08 mmHg (5-20 mmHg) (p < 0.001). The mean pre-operative drops were 3.462 (3-4), reducing to 0.85 (0-3) at 12 months (p < 0.001). There was no change in the mean BCVA. No intraoperative complications were recorded, and no further IOP lowering surgeries were required. Conclusions: The MITS technique facilitates the implantation of a glaucoma drainage device through a smaller, less traumatic incision. Preliminary one-year data suggest that the procedure may be safe and effective.

Making quality agglomerates using lean iron ores for sustainable iron-making

For sustainable iron making and hassle-free operation of large blast furnaces (BF) and direct reduced iron (DRI) units, a more prepared burden in the form of good quality agglomerates is required. However, the situation is becoming more and more challenging owing to the faster depletion of high-grade iron ore, increased fines generation due to mechanized mining, wide variations in chemistry & mineral characteristics, high content of gangue minerals, and poor liberation characteristics. The growing demand for steel vis-à-vis iron ores has necessitated the utilizationof low-grade iron ores for steel production. The challenges lie in the economic extraction of lean ores and their conversion into quality agglomerates for use in iron making. The utilization of low-grade iron ores has assumed greater significance for the optimal utilization of natural resources and the sustainability of the steel industry. Thebeneficiated concentrate of BHQ iron ore from the Sandur Schist belt is used for the pellets. Green green pellets with 1.21 kg/pellet GCS and drop strength of 12 drop number were producedat an optimum binder of 1.2% and moisture of 9.5%. Induration of green pellets at a firing temperature of 1300 °C has resulted in adequate pellet properties of 237 kg/pellet of CCS, 91.87% TI, 7.41% RDI, and 22.56% porosity. An attempt is made to produce pellets suitable for iron making by optimizing various raw materials and operating parameters.This will reduce dependency on high-grade ores and effectively utilize low-grade iron ore to produce good-qualityiron-making pellets.

Factors influencing the outcomes of trabeculectomy, conventional canaloplasty, and mitomycin C augmented canaloplasty.

To compare the efficacy, safety, and factors influencing the outcomes of trabeculectomy (TE), conventional canaloplasty (cCP), and mitomycin C augmented canaloplasty (mCP) in glaucoma patients. Intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of IOP-lowering eye drops, and surgery-related complications were evaluated at baseline and through 18months postoperatively. Correlations between patients' demographic data, ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic conditions, outcomes and complications were evaluated. 171 patients were included. IOP and IOP-lowering eye drops were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced 18months after TE, cCP, and mCP. At the 18-month follow-up, IOP and IOP-lowering eye drops were significantly lower following TE than cCP (p < 0.001, p = 0.010, respectively) and mCP (p = 0.010, p = 0.014). At the 18-month follow-up, complete success rates were significantly higher after TE compared to cCP and mCP for IOP ≤ 21, 18, and 16mmHg (p < 0.001). Qualified success rates for IOP ≤ 16mmHg were higher following TE than cCP and mCP (p = 0.023). In the TE group, clinical hypotony at any postoperative follow-up was positively correlated with previous intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-therapy (p < 0.001), leukaemia (p = 0.002), and a spherical equivalent < -3 dioptres (p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations in the cCP and mCP groups. TE, cCP, and mCP led to a significant reduction in IOP and IOP-lowering eye drops during 18months of follow-up. At 18months of follow-up, IOP and IOP-lowering eye drops were significantly lower following TE compared to cCP and mCP. Anti-VEGF-therapy, cystostatic therapy in leukaemia, and a spherical equivalent < -3 dioptres were significantly correlated with postoperative hypotony, macular folds, and choroidal detachment in the TE group. What is known • Trabeculectomy (TE) is considered the gold standard in the surgical management of glaucoma. However, TE involves extensive postoperative management and might be associated with severe surgery-related complications. What is new • In this study, intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering eye drops were significantly lower following TE compared to conventional canaloplasty (cCP) and mitomycin C augmented canaloplasty (mCP) at a follow-up of 18months. • In patients undergoing TE, anti-VEGF-therapy, cystostatic therapy in leukaemia, and a spherical equivalent < -3 dioptres were significantly correlated with postoperative hypotony, macular folds, and choroidal detachment.

Effects of Glaucoma Treatment on Ocular Surface and Tear Functions: Comparison of Trabeculectomy and Antiglaucoma Drops.

To investigate tear function and ocular surface disease (OSD) findings in patients with glaucoma who received antiglaucoma medication in one eye and trabeculectomy surgery in the other eye. The patient group included 38 eyes of 19 patients who had undergone trabeculectomy surgery with mitomycin C (MMC) treatment in one eye at least 6 months prior. These eyes were followed up without medication while the fellow eye continued receiving antiglaucomatous medication. The control group comprised 20 eyes of 20 healthy individuals. Demographic data, follow-up period after trabeculectomy, antiglaucoma medications, number of drops per day, and duration of medication were recorded. Tear break-up time (BUT), corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, Schirmer II test, and conjunctival impression cytology were performed. A statistically significant difference was observed in BUT, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, Schirmer II test, and Nelson staging levels in both eyes of patients with glaucoma compared to the control group (p=0.05). Although not statistically significant, BUT, Schirmer II test, punctate staining, and Nelson staging results showed improvement with increasing postoperative time. In our patient group, antiglaucoma medications and trabeculectomy surgery with MMC induced OSD to a similar degree. No superiority was observed between trabeculectomy with MMC and antiglaucoma drops in terms of OSD incidence.

Boiling heat transfer of water on smooth and square pin fins surfaces in minichannel

In this investigation, flow boiling heat transfer and hydrodynamic instability using deionized water in a minichannel with smooth and square pin fin surfaces was experimentally examined. The study is aimed to assess local and overall heat transfer coefficients, heat transfer coefficients, pressure drop and Nusselt number across various liquid mass flux ranges (50–93 kg m−2 s−1) and a constant heat flux of 46.91 kW/m2. The minichannel, with a hydraulic diameter of 2.85 mm, features a rectangular shape. Experimental testing was conducted on aluminum surface within a minichannel of dimensions 270 mm in length, 30 mm in width, and 1.5 mm height. The square pin fins are integrated at the base of the boiling surfaces, arranged in staggered form. The results revealed that the boiling heat transfer coefficient on square pin fin surfaces was approximately 88 % higher than that on smooth surfaces. Additionally, a notable increase in local heat transfer coefficient was observed for square pin fin surfaces (i.e., 34.64 kW/m2.K) compared to smooth surfaces (8.09 kW/m2.K) at the same mass flux of 50 kg/m2.s. Besides, the square pin fins surface exhibited a lower and stable pressure drop, particularly near annular flow regimes, compared to the smooth surface. Notably, the highest pressure drop observed was 4.8 kPa for the square pin fins surface, while the smooth surface experienced a higher pressure drop of 6.36 kPa, accompanied by more pronounced pressure fluctuations during annular flow.

The impact of fuel cell vehicle exhaust grille shape under natural ventilation on hydrogen leakage and diffusion

The rapid progression of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has brought forth various challenges, primarily the frequent occurrence of hazardous incidents stemming from hydrogen leakage and diffusion. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on hydrogen safety, leading to the development of stricter standards and regulations to mitigate the associated safety risks. Research on the design of exhaust port structures to facilitate the safe diffusion of hydrogen after leakage in diverse scenarios has become increasingly significant. This study examines the impact of exhaust grille shapes on hydrogen leakage and diffusion phenomena within the hydrogen storage compartment of fuel cell vehicles under natural ventilation conditions. Five distinct porous grille shapes were examined: rectangular, circular, square, rhombic, and hexagonal grilles. Numerical simulations of hydrogen leakage and diffusion within the compartment were conducted using Cradle scFLOW software. The effectiveness of the different grille shapes was assessed using several criteria, including average hydrogen molar fraction, pressure drop (indicative of negative pressure regions), density, and Richardson number. Overall, the rectangular grille exhibited superior performance in facilitating hydrogen venting.

Measurement and modelling of kinetic energy and erosivity of rainfall and throughfall in a tropical semiarid region

Empirical relationships have been widely used to estimate kinetic energy of rainfall (KE) and its erosivity potential (EI30) due to scarcity of direct and continuous measurements. Two disdrometers were installed − one in an open field and another under the canopy − in a fragment of Tropical Dry Forest (TDF) in a semiarid region, Northeast of Brazil, to quantify the role of the canopy on attenuating rain kinetic energy and erosivity potential, for all events and at the seasonal scale. The data was also used to test available KE and EI30 models, as well as to recalibrate the models for the study area. Data were collected from December/2019 to July/2021, totaling 95 events. Rainfall (R) was higher than throughfall (TF) due to canopy interception, but rainfall duration and the total number of drops were higher under the canopy. The TDF canopy reduces rainfall kinetic energy by 30% and its erosivity potential by 39%, with higher KE and EI30 attenuation being observed during the high leaf density stage, which highlights the major seasonal role of this vegetation in protecting the soil surface from the impact of raindrops and, consequently, against erosion. The relationship between KE and mean intensity of R and TF is best expressed as a function of time (J m−2 h−1), by a linear model (r2 > 0.98 – p-value = 0.000). The Wischmeier and Smith-WS model for KE and EI30 was recalibrated for the semiarid region, underestimating KE of open field rainfall by 2% and overestimated TF KE by 1%, against underestimations of 24% and 20% of the original model for R and TF, respectively. The results presented here contribute to understanding the role of dry forests in attenuating the erosivity potential of the rainfall in semiarid environments, as well as to improving the capacity on predicting rainfall and throughfall erosivity under such conditions.

Investigating forced convection in porous media-filled cavities for designing supplementary passive cooling systems

This study aims to propose innovative passive cooling methods within the reservoir section of a closed-loop liquid cooling system. The techniques employed in this study include using a cold wall, a porous medium, varying inlet positions, and nozzles of different sizes and shapes. The effects of parameters associated with these techniques on outlet temperature reduction, pressure drop, and average Nusselt number (Nu¯) have been analyzed in detail. The reservoir section has been numerically modeled as a two-dimensional (2D) and a three-dimensional (3D) cavity. The numerical model implements mass, momentum, energy, and conservation equations for the Darcy model in the porous region. A fluid flow with Re=50 with a laminar generalized porous media modeling approach employing Brinkman’s and Forchheimer’s terms has been used. The optimized inlet position with respect to maximum cooling (55.60 K) and moderate pressure drop (2.30kPa) for the 2D cavity has been identified in this work for a given Darcy number and porosity. Results show that decreasing porosity improves convective heat transfer efficiency and increases pressure drop. Similarly, varying Darcy’s number affects heat transfer, with lower Da values resulting in reduced outlet temperature reduction and lower Nu¯, with higher pressure drop. A similar analysis was conducted for the 3D reservoir. The use of a converging nozzle can lead to an increase in cooling by 61.61% and 3.44% for the 2D and 3D reservoirs, respectively.

Geometric optimization of Kenics-type static mixers: numerical analysis of thermal and dynamic performance

Static mixers play an important role in industry by facilitating mixing and heat transfer processes. This study investigates the effect of geometry on the thermal and dynamic performance of a Kenics-type static mixer by examining four different configurations. Numerical simulations using Fluent.20 software were used to analyze parameters such as Reynolds number (ranging from 0.1 to 80), pressure drop, shear rate, fluid temperature, and Nusselt number. The results highlight the critical importance of geometry in fluid dynamics, which affects thermal performance. Among the configurations studied, the third case, characterized by three cavities occupying the entire length of the helix, proved to be the most efficient. This research thus provides valuable insights into the dynamic and thermal characteristics of kinetic static mixers, underscoring the critical importance of geometry in optimizing overall performance. What's more, this performance improvement can be observed at different Reynolds numbers, resulting in improved mixing efficiency and reduced pressure losses. This study shows that the third geometric configuration outperforms the other proposed mixers, with a performance improvement of 99%.

Impact of plant nutrients and organic substances on growth, yield, and quality attributes of Anna apple cultivar under semi-arid conditions

The unique challenges posed by semi-arid climates, including soil nutrient limitations and organic matter decline, underscore the importance of effective nutrient and organic substance management to ensure optimal yields, quality, and environmental sustainability. A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during two succeeding years, 2020–21 and 2021–22, to identify optimal nutrient management strategies of different plant nutrients and organic substances on growth, flowering, quality, and yield attributes of the “Anna” apple cultivar. The experiment consisted of nineteen treatments in an RBD system. The plant growth parameters [leaf area (33.64 cm2) and trunk girth (13.16 cm)] when applied 2.0% Urea (N) + 15% Cow urine-T12. Whereas, the number of flower buds (232.83/m2) and flowering duration (39.00 days) were found better with T6. Similarly, [fruit volume (158.95 cm3), number of fruit (63.33/tree) and fruit drop (70.54%)] and [TSS: acid ratio (22.60), reducing sugars (7.17%), non-reducing sugars (2.83%), total protein (0.97 g 100 g−1), starch index (3.59)] were superior with the application of treatment T6. Higher content of boron (80.09 ppm) was estimated in treatment T6, zinc (24.69 ppm) in T9, iron (134.67 ppm) in T1, and manganese (59.94 ppm) in T12 during the experimentation. Therefore, it was concluded that treatment T12 was most effective for enhancing plant growth while treatment T6 was found superior for flowering, high yield, and quality of apple cv. Anna fruit under semi-arid conditions.

Convective heat transfer in porous channel with multi-layer fractures under Local thermal non-equilibrium condition

Based on Brinkman-extended-Darcy model and Local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) model, analytical solutions of velocity and temperature fields, pressure drop and Nusselt number of porous channels containing different number of fracture layers are obtained. The characteristics of fluid flow and heat transfer in multi-layer parallel fractured channels are further studied. Results show that for a single-layer or multi-layer fractured channel, the pressure drop changes sensitively at small hollow ratio and increases as the number of fracture layers increases with decreasing increase degree, but the pressure drop tends to be consistent regardless of the number of fracture layers when Darcy number is high. For small ratio of effective thermal conductivity, LTE model is valid regardless of Biot number, and the heat transfer intensity in multi-layer fractured channels is always higher than that in single-layer fractured channel at any hollow ratio, but the heat transfer intensity is still low. For large ratio of effective thermal conductivity, increasing Biot number or fracture layer number makes the Nusselt number increase under very small hollow ratio for both single and multiple fracture cases, and when both the ratio of effective thermal conductivity and Biot number are high, there is an intersection point occurs at hollow ratio near 0.1, which makes same heat transfer effect under different fracture numbers.

Amplitude Parameters Are Predictive of Hearing Preservation in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implant Surgery.

To prospectively evaluate the association between hearing preservation after cochlear implantation (CI) and intracochlear electrocochleography (ECochG) amplitude parameters. Multi-institutional, prospective randomized clinical trial. Ten high-volume, tertiary care CI centers. Adults (n = 87) with sensorineural hearing loss meeting CI criteria (2018-2021) with audiometric thresholds of ≤80 dB HL at 500 Hz. Participants were randomized to CI surgery with or without audible ECochG monitoring. Electrode arrays were inserted to the full-depth marker. Hearing preservation was determined by comparing pre-CI, unaided low-frequency (125-, 250-, and 500-Hz) pure-tone average (LF-PTA) to LF-PTA at CI activation. Three ECochG amplitude parameters were analyzed: 1) insertion track patterns, 2) magnitude of ECochG amplitude change, and 3) total number of ECochG amplitude drops. The Type CC insertion track pattern, representing corrected drops in ECochG amplitude, was seen in 76% of cases with ECochG "on," compared with 24% of cases with ECochG "off" ( p = 0.003). The magnitude of ECochG signal drop was significantly correlated with the amount of LF-PTA change pre-CI and post-CI ( p < 0.05). The mean number of amplitude drops during electrode insertion was significantly correlated with change in LF-PTA at activation and 3 months post-CI ( p ≤ 0.01). ECochG amplitude parameters during CI surgery have important prognostic utility. Higher incidence of Type CC in ECochG "on" suggests that monitoring may be useful for surgeons in order to recover the ECochG signal and preventing potentially traumatic electrode-cochlear interactions.

Long-term hypoxia-induced physiological response in turbot Scophthalmus maximus L.

Hypoxia affects fish's survival, growth, and physiological metabolism processes. In this study, turbot plasma glucose and cortisol contents, hepatic glycolysis (hexokinase [HK], phosphofructokinase [PFK], pyruvate kinase [PK]) and lipolysis (fatty acid synthetase [FAS], lipoprotein lipase [LPL]) enzyme activities, anti-oxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate and glycogen contents, gill histological parameters (lamellar length [SLL], width [SLW], interlamellar distance [ID]), respiratory frequency (RF), the proportion of the secondary lamellae available for gas exchange (PAGE), and hifs (hif-1α, hif-2α, hif-3α) expression were determined during long-term hypoxia and reoxygenation. Results showed that long-term hypoxia (3.34 ± 0.17mg L-1) significantly elevated plasma cortisol and glucose contents; increased hepatic HK, PK, PFK, FAS, and LPL activity; decreased hepatic glycogen, lactate contents, and lipid drop numbers; and caused changes of hepatocyte (vacuolation, pyknotic, and lytic nucleus) after treatment for 4weeks. Hepatic SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activity, and MDA contents; lamellar perimeter, SLL, ID, RF, and PAGE; and hepatic hif-1α, hif-2α, and hif-3α manifested similar results. Meanwhile, hif-1α is significantly higher than hif-2α, and hif-3α. Interestingly, females and males demonstrated no sex dimorphism significantly different from the above parameters (except hepatic FAS, LPL activity, and lipid drop number) under hypoxia. The above parameters recovered to normal levels after reoxygenation treatment for 4weeks. Thus, long-term hypoxia promotes turbot hepatic glycogenolysis and lipolysis, induces oxidative damage and stimulates hepatic antioxidant capacity, and alters gill morphology to satisfy insufficient energy demand and alleviate potential damage, while hif-1α plays critical roles in the above physiological process.

Relationship between persistence with topical antiglaucomatous prescription and patient socioeconomic status at a tertiary university hospital in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

To study the relationship between socioeconomic status and persistence with topical antiglaucomatous medication. A retrospective epidemiological observational cohort study was conducted with a sample of 1563 patients. The main dependent variable was persistence (medication possession ratio), the independent variable was socioeconomic status (deprivation index). Additional independent variables were used for multivariate analysis: individual health card index, sex, age, pharmacological group, number of eye drops, preservatives, diagnosis and concurrent medications. Bivariate statistical analysis was obtained using non-parametric tests. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. We obtained data showing greater persistence in the groups with a higher socioeconomic level (deprivation index 1 and 2), with medication possession ratio values of 79.97 and 75.30, respectively) as opposed to the groups at lower socioeconomic levels (deprivation index 4 and 5, with medication possession ratio values of 73.75 and 69.85, respectively. Logistic regression corroborated this difference, reaching a significant value (no persistence in deprivation index group 5 versus 1) with OR = 1.62; 95%CI: 1.13-2.31. Additionally, lower persistence was detected in males, under 60 years of age, undergoing treatment with alpha-agonists, and in patients with ocular hypertension. Low socioeconomic status of the patient was significantly associated with decreased persistence with topical antiglaucomatous therapy.

Three-year analysis of results, safety and progression in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, undertaking trabecular microsurgery

AimTo evaluate the efficacy, safety, structural and functional progression following the insertion of iStent inject ® implants in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension at a tertiary-level hospital. Materials and methodsA retrospective study included 98 eyes (57 males and 41 females) with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, which underwent iStent inject W® implantation (Glaukos, Corporation, CA) between December 2018 and December 2022. Differences in intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of hypotensive eye drops used, and structural and functional tests were assessed between preoperative values and subsequent reviews during a follow-up period of one (n = 98), two (n = 55), and three years (n = 15) after surgery. ResultsAmong the 98 eyes studied, 85% were diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma (50% mild, 32% moderate, and 18% severe) and 15% with ocular hypertension. There was a statistically significant reduction in IOP compared to preoperative values for all visits except the 1-month (p = 0.36) and 3-year (p = 0.39) visits. Visual acuity increased from 0.39 ± 0.25 to 0.72 ± 0.24 (p < 0.01), considering that a significant portion of the interventions included cataract surgery. Before surgery, 66% of the sample used 2 or more hypotensive medications. Post-surgery, the number of hypotensive medications decreased (from 1.88 ± 0.84 to 0.21 ± 0.59 at 3 years) (p < 0.01), with an 88.9% reduction in the number of medications over three years. After surgery, 75% of cases did not require any medication.Regarding structural and functional tests, thickness of retinal nerve fiber layers (RNFL (p = 0.35), excavation / papilla ratio E/P (p = 0.31), visual function index(VFI (p = 0.06), and deviation mean (MD (p = 0.06) showed no statistically significant differences post-intervention. However, standard deviation of the pattern (DSM) did exhibit differences, decreasing from 5.46 ± 4.03 dB to 5.34 ± 3.48 dB (p = 0.02). ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the iStent inject W® technique constitutes an effective and safe option for tension control and glaucoma treatment.