Slight Growth Research Articles

Tailoring microstructural evolution in laser deposited nickel-aluminum bronze alloy by controlling water cooling condition

Inspired by the application requirements of underwater in-situ repair of nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB), the study proposes whether the water-cooling conditions are conducive to forming an appropriate cooling rate during the repair process to prevent the formation of coarse κ phases. The appropriate cooling rates of underwater repair has been preliminarily verified through numerical simulation. Then onshore laser direct metal deposition (DMD) and underwater laser direct metal deposition (UDMD) technologies are employed to the repair of the trapezoidal grooves on NAB substrates. The experimental results show that the rapid cooling rates during UDMD result in a unique microstructure. Compared to DMD repaired samples, the width of the interlayer heat-affected zone and the average size of nano κⅡ phase are reduced, no κⅣ precipitates were observed in any of the repaired samples. An interesting finding is that the κⅢ phases are dispersively precipitated in the matrix. Both the tensile specimens fail in the substrate zone rather than the repaired zone. However, the thermal exposure on the substrate during deposition causes slight growth of the κⅡ phase in the heat-affected zone. The tensile strength of the samples repaired by DMD and UDMD is reduced by approximately 7% compared to the cast substrate. This study proves the feasibility of in-situ underwater repair for large copper alloy components and can also provide new process references for controlling the evolution of microstructures through external environmental conditions during alloy manufacturing.

A combination of lymphatic drug delivery of anti-CTLA-4 antibody and local radiotherapy for solid-tumor treatment.

The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy is a promising approach that has been shown in clinical trials to improve significantly survival and response rates compared with monotherapy against solid tumor. Since anti-CTLA-4 antibodies block immunosuppressive signals mainly in the lymph nodes (LNs), efficient drug delivery to the lymphatic system is desirable. However, the immune checkpoint inhibitors, especially anti-CTLA-4 are currently administered intravenously (i.v.), resulting in limited efficacy in controlling solid tumor and inhibiting metastases, and the method of administration has not been optimized. Here, we show that a combination of local radiotherapy and administration of anti-CTLA-4 antibodies using a lymphatic drug delivery system (LDDS) suppresses solid tumor and metastases. We compared the efficacy of LDDS-based immunotherapy or radioimmunotherapy with i.v. administration in a solid-tumor model created by subcutaneous inoculation into LN-swollen mice with osteosarcoma cells. Tumor-bearing mice were divided into various groups (no treatment, immunotherapy [i.v. or LDDS], radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy [i.v. or LDDS]) and were observed for 28 days. Immunotherapy was administered with a cumulative dose of 10 mg/kg of anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, and radiotherapy was administered with a cumulative 8 Gy of fractionated X-ray irradiation. For immunotherapy alone, LDDS provided slight tumor growth inhibition but did not inhibit distant metastasis. For radioimmunotherapy, however, tumor growth was delayed and distant metastasis was suppressed compared with radiotherapy alone. In particular, the LDDS group achieved a high tumor-suppressive effect with T cell-mediated immune activity, indicating the efficacy of LDDS in radioimmunotherapy.

6477 Surprise Finding For A Thyroid Nodule: Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Disclosure: A. Xu: None. E. Hsu: None. Introduction: A patient with an incidental and asymptomatic thyroid nodule underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) after the nodule increased in size. Without a definite pathology after three FNA attempts, thyroidectomy was performed, where pathology found metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Clinical Case: A 64 year old woman had a past medical history of obesity, type 2 diabetes, RCC (stage I: pT1bN0M0) treated with right radical nephrectomy five years prior and thought to be in remission, remote smoking history smoking, and coronary artery disease with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) two months prior, on anticoagulation. The patient reported a distant history of right thyroid lobectomy over a decade prior for unclear reasons, but she was adamant that the pathology was benign. Two years prior to presentation, CT chest done for RCC surveillance had detected a left thyroid nodule. Ultrasound at the time revealed a 3.6 x 1.9 x 2.3 cm solid, isoechoic nodule in the upper left lobe, which was not taller than wide, and had smooth margins and no echogenic foci. A repeat ultrasound at the time of presentation showed interval growth of the nodule, now measuring 4.3 x 2.1 x 2.9 cm. FNA was unsatisfactory, yielding predominantly blood. Patient felt well and had no compressive neck symptoms. We opted to wait two months and repeat FNA, which resulted as atypia of undetermined significance - Bethesda category III (AUS). We recommended completion thyroidectomy, but patient preferred to avoid surgery. We decided to wait two months and repeat FNA with molecular testing. This third FNA resulted AUS again; however, due to non-medical reasons, molecular testing was not performed. Another ultrasound showed slight growth of the nodule, 5.1 x 2.9 x 2.0 cm, which appeared hypoechoic now, but was still not taller than wide, with smooth margins and no echogenic foci. Completion thyroidectomy was performed, with pathology showing metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Immunostains were positive for carbonic anhydrase and renal cell carcinoma marker and negative for TTF-1. Whole-body PET-CT showed no hypermetabolic foci, and a repeat PET-CT one year later still showed no evidence of metastatic disease. Other than a hospitalization for COVID-19, patient is doing well and asymptomatic now over a year after her thyroidectomy. Oncology will continue routine surveillance imaging for her metastatic renal cell carcinoma thought to be in remission. Clinical Lessons: This case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid adds to the small body of literature showing the thyroid as a possible site of RCC metastasis. The long time interval between initial RCC presentation and metastasis to the thyroid makes this diagnosis more difficult; however, clinicians should be aware of the possibility, making thyroidectomy a stronger option in cases where FNA cytology is indeterminate. Presentation: 6/2/2024

6477 Surprise Finding for a Thyroid Nodule: Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Disclosure: A. Xu: None. E. Hsu: None. Introduction: A patient with an incidental and asymptomatic thyroid nodule underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) after the nodule increased in size. Without a definite pathology after three FNA attempts, thyroidectomy was performed, where pathology found metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Clinical Case: A 64 year old woman had a past medical history of obesity, type 2 diabetes, RCC (stage I: pT1bN0M0) treated with right radical nephrectomy five years prior and thought to be in remission, remote smoking history smoking, and coronary artery disease with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) two months prior, on anticoagulation. The patient reported a distant history of right thyroid lobectomy over a decade prior for unclear reasons, but she was adamant that the pathology was benign. Two years prior to presentation, CT chest done for RCC surveillance had detected a left thyroid nodule. Ultrasound at the time revealed a 3.6 x 1.9 x 2.3 cm solid, isoechoic nodule in the upper left lobe, which was not taller than wide, and had smooth margins and no echogenic foci. A repeat ultrasound at the time of presentation showed interval growth of the nodule, now measuring 4.3 x 2.1 x 2.9 cm. FNA was unsatisfactory, yielding predominantly blood. Patient felt well and had no compressive neck symptoms. We opted to wait two months and repeat FNA, which resulted as atypia of undetermined significance - Bethesda category III (AUS). We recommended completion thyroidectomy, but patient preferred to avoid surgery. We decided to wait two months and repeat FNA with molecular testing. This third FNA resulted AUS again; however, due to non-medical reasons, molecular testing was not performed. Another ultrasound showed slight growth of the nodule, 5.1 x 2.9 x 2.0 cm, which appeared hypoechoic now, but was still not taller than wide, with smooth margins and no echogenic foci. Completion thyroidectomy was performed, with pathology showing metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Immunostains were positive for carbonic anhydrase and renal cell carcinoma marker and negative for TTF-1. Whole-body PET-CT showed no hypermetabolic foci, and a repeat PET-CT one year later still showed no evidence of metastatic disease. Other than a hospitalization for COVID-19, patient is doing well and asymptomatic now over a year after her thyroidectomy. Oncology will continue routine surveillance imaging for her metastatic renal cell carcinoma thought to be in remission. Clinical Lessons: This case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid adds to the small body of literature showing the thyroid as a possible site of RCC metastasis. The long time interval between initial RCC presentation and metastasis to the thyroid makes this diagnosis more difficult; however, clinicians should be aware of the possibility, making thyroidectomy a stronger option in cases where FNA cytology is indeterminate. Presentation: 6/2/2024

The influence of longitudinal duct profiling on unsteady gas dynamics and the heat transfer of pulsating gas flows in the outlet system of reciprocating-engine

Heat machines based on reciprocating-engines remain in demand in various fields of engineering and technology. Therefore, further research is needed to improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental friendliness of engines. The thermomechanical improvement of non-stationary processes in outlet systems is an appropriate way to improve engine performance. The purpose of this research is to obtain and analyse the gas-dynamic and heat transfer characteristics of pulsating gas flows in an outlet system with ducts of various designs, using a laboratory model to simulate the outlet process in an engine. Thermal anemometry is used to receive data on the instant velocity values and local heat transfer coefficient of unsteady flows in ducts. The article examines two designs of outlet ducts, namely cylindrical (basic) and conical (with a taper of 0.0225) ducts. Spectral analysis of velocity, pressure and heat transfer coefficient pulsations, assessment of turbulence intensity, and calculation of flow characteristics of pulsating flows were performed to obtain detailed information on gas dynamics in the outlet system. The use of a conical duct (in comparison with a cylindrical one) leads to a slight increase in the turbulence intensity by up to 12 %, a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient by 15–20 %, and a change in volumetric gas flow within ± 7.5 %. Thus, the use of a conical duct will lead to the stabilisation of the flow in the outlet system, improved cleaning of the cylinder from outlet gases, a reduction in thermal stress, and a slight growth in the specific power of engines.

Quorum sensing on the activated performances of gravity-driven membrane (GDM) system at low temperatures: Ammonia removal and flux stabilization

Gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration technology offers a low-energy, low-maintenance solution for water purification due to its powerful bio-cake, but faces predicament in contaminant removal under low temperatures. Quorum sensing (QS), a microbial communication process mediated by signaling molecules such as C6-HSL (N-Hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone), has been shown to influence microbial behavior and enhance biofilm formation, with promising potential for consolidation of GDM operation at low temperature. This study investigates the application of C6-HSL to enhance ammonia nitrogen and organics removal in low-temperature GDM systems. C6-HSL was administered at varying dosages (0/50/250/500 nM/d) at 5 °C, with further experiments conducted at 25 °C to assess the impact of QS regulation on GDM performance under room temperature. The results demonstrated that the optimized presence of C6-HSL (500 nM/d) improved the removal efficiency of dissolved organic carbon, ammonia nitrogen, and raised the stable normalized flux (increase ratios at low vs. room temperature: ∼19 % vs. ∼7 %, ∼38 % vs. ∼9 %, and ∼22 % vs. ∼12 %, respectively). Analysis of the biofouling layer’s structural characteristics, composition, and biological activity indicated that the increased C6-HSL effectively promoted microbial growth and migration/movement, increased the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and soluble microbial products (SMP), and accelerated biofilm formation. The resulting thicker (∼172.98 vs. ∼119.21 μm), rougher (∼62.1 vs. ∼55.0 nm) cake layer, equipped with abundant channels for water penetration, contributed to increased contaminant degradation, but also stabilized the flux with slight growth (∼3.26 vs. ∼3.02 LMH) under low temperature. Notably, the enhancement effect of QS regulation was more pronounced at low temperature than at room temperature, attributing to the optimized release and diffusion of signal molecules and the more substantial stimulation of metabolic and enzymatic activity in nitrifying bacteria. This study provides valuable insights and technical support for decentralized water treatment in winter via reliable GDM process operation in challenging temperature conditions.

Green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide using Persea americana mill. extract: Characterization, oxygen reduction reaction and antibacterial application

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has garnered tremendous attention due to its salient properties that make it applicable in various electrochemical and environmental remediation fields. However, the commonly used chemical method to obtain rGO from graphene oxide (GO) involves toxic chemicals making both the process and product toxic and expensive. In the present work, the suitability of Avocado (Persea americana Mill) seed extract to reduce as-synthesized GO to rGO was investigated fully by optimising the reducing parameters such as the pH, temperature, amount of extract and reduction time. The formation of rGO from GO was confirmed with UV–Vis spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimal conditions for reducing GO with avocado seed extract are pH 8, 100 °C, and 12 h. The average thickness and width for the rGO was 5.55 nm and 11.39 nm accordingly. While GO exhibited a ζ of −29.9.3 mV, the reduced GO possessed a − 38.2 mV. Calculations from the Kotouckey-Levich's equation demonstrated that the obtained rGO can potentially be applied as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst for the generation of hydrogen peroxide since it follows a 2e− pathway mechanism where hydrogen peroxide is generated as an intermediate. Additionally, the avocado seed extract reduced GO demonstrated a slight growth inhibition of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

Efficiency evaluation, regional technological heterogeneity and determinant of total factor productivity change in China’s healthcare system

Enhancing efficiency and productivity in countries’ healthcare systems is a global challenge. The Chinese government invested huge resources to improve the efficiency and productivity of the healthcare system across the country. To assess the success of the mission above, this research utilized DEA-SBM Meta frontier analysis alongside the Malmquist Productivity Index. These methodologies were employed to gauge Efficiency, production technology heterogeneity, and productivity of healthcare systems change across 31 mainland Chinese provinces and four distinct geographical regions throughout the study period spanning from 1997 to 2022. Results revealed that the mean efficiency score of China’s healthcare system is 0.7672. It indicates a growth potential of 23.28 percent in the operational efficiency of healthcare systems. The eastern region’s efficiency level (0.86917) is higher among all four regions. Zhejiang, Shandong, and Guangdong are the top three healthcare-efficiency performers. The technology gap ratio indicates that eastern regions witnessed a high TGR (0.9909), showing the country’s attainment of superior healthcare technologies. Beijing, Guangdong, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang witnessed higher TGR values among all 31 mainland Chinese provinces. The total factor productivity index of the healthcare system witnessed a slight growth of 0.33%, with an average MI score of 1.0033. Efficiency change (EC) was found to be the main determinant of TFPC as technology change TC is less than EC. Moreover, the MI score of the Western region (1.033) is higher than the corresponding Eastern, northeastern, and central regions. Guizhou, Anhui, and Yunnan were found to be the top three performers in TFPC growth. Finally, the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed the statistically significant difference among 4 Chinese regions for the healthcare system’s efficiency, TFPC, and TGR.

Integrated sustainability assessment of wood building products: The case of larch and chestnut cascading systems in Northern Italy

Wood is increasingly being appreciated in construction due to its valuable environmental attributes. This paper explores the environmental and market performance of two wood supply chains in Northern Italy. Larch and chestnut wood are extracted and processed to obtain beams, planks, MDF panels and energy. LCA is performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of 1m3 of extracted wood through a cradle-to-gate approach. Then, a biogenic carbon analysis is carried out using the EN 16449:2014 standard including a comparison of different end-of-life treatments. Also, OSB is proposed as an alternative path for wood chips and contrasted to the current energy scenario. Moreover, solid wood beams and planks are compared with engineered wood products (EWPs). Lastly, a market analysis is conducted to assess the market trends of the different wood products studied.The LCA shows similar results for both wood species across most impact categories, with slightly higher values for the chestnut system. Most impacts are related to the production of MDF boards and the energy valorization of wood chips. Biogenic carbon analysis shows a negative balance of emissions with −314 and −205 kg of CO2 eq for larch and chestnut, respectively. It also suggests that OSB manufacturing can be a valuable alternative to the energy use of wood chips and that the end-of-life treatment with better results is recycling. The comparison of beams and planks with engineered wood products supports that solid wood poses a better environmental alternative in similar applications. Market analysis shows stagnation in the apparent consumption of wood products in the European market and a slight growth in the Italian one between 2018 and 2022. Overall, the systems studied suggest that the potential environmental benefits of using wood in construction are not being matched by current market trends.

Динамика биологических показателей возвратных гибридов на основе кастера (калуга Huso dauricus × стерлядь Acipenser ruthenus) (Acipenseridae)

Due to the lack of conditions for industrial sturgeon fishing in the near future, the current artificial reproduction programs play a leading role in replenishing sturgeon populations and commercial sturgeon breeding. It may take a long time to bring the number of individuals and the total biomass of sturgeon fish species in different water basins into proper condition. It is important, along with the implementation of programs for the stocking of young sturgeons of various types of natural habitats, to develop commercial cultivation. Modern aquaculture is the use of environmental control systems, timely feed supply, rapid growth of juveniles with a minimum feed ratio, high survival rate at all stages of growth, greater yield of edible body parts during processing. The dynamics of size and mass indices and the Fulton fatness coefficient in recurrent hybrids of different ages (K × St) are considered × K, (K × St) × St, (St × K) × K and (St × K) × St. It is noted that the fastest growing hybrids turned out to be returnable hybrids based on K × St, and the hybrid (St × K) × St has the highest fatness coefficient with a slight growth rate of weight and length.

Effect of annealing duration on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of NiO/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites

The impact of annealing time on the structural, optical, and magnetic characteristics of NiO/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites (NCs) was examined after successful synthesis via a straightforward economical wet chemical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization reveals the presence of cubic NiO as the predominant phase along with the minor phase fraction of NiFe2O4. Slight growth in the crystallite size from 38.96 to 40.25 nm is noticed with the rise of annealing duration. The suppression of intensity of the 2M Raman mode of NiO matrix confirms the decreasing trend of antiferromagnetic (AFM) correlations with the elevation of annealing time. The band gap of the samples increased from 3.38 to 3.98 eV upon increasing the annealing duration. The samples showed strong emissions in the UV region along with other visible emissions. The CIE chromatographic image of the samples indicated the shift of colour emission from blue to the near green region with increasing annealing time. Magnetization data suggests the presence of weak ferromagnetic feature in the background of the AFM NiO matrix at 300 K. The remanent magnetization of the samples increased slightly from ∼0.23 to 0.27 emu g−1 with increasing annealing duration along with perseverance of exchange bias (EB) in all samples at room temperature.

Life-history parameters of adult females of Merluccius capensis (Gadidae) off the south coast of South Africa.

This study explores the life-history parameters of female Merluccius capensis off South Africa (N = 1819) during 2014-2016, including gonadosomatic index (GSI), length-at-maturity, length-weight relationships, and condition indices (relative condition [k] and Fulton's condition factor [K]). We detected weak indications of two peaks of spawning within the year, the first in austral autumn from March to May, whereas the other in austral spring around August. GSI was slightly higher in spring and autumn, though still low at all maturity stages (≤7%), though the opposite was true for the actively spawning stage (≥7%) as well as access to less such data during winter- and summertime. The length (L) at 50% maturity was around 38 cm (L50), though differences occurred between the two applied staging methods, histology and visual (macroscopic) classification, when L approached infinity. The latter method presented underestimated length at maturity values at the 75 and 95 percentiles (48 and 60 cm) compared to the corresponding percentiles given by histology (50 and 65 cm). There were trivial across-method differences in L50. However, we found a clear reduction in L50 in view of published information in prior years when this estimate was 48 (1985), 42 (2008), 53 (2011), and 24.8 (2015) cm. Overall, L explained 90% of the variation in whole body weight (W). As the bootstrapped, grand mean growth coefficient was b = 2.98, indicating a slight allometric growth function, there were no significant variations between years, though an isometric growth existed for 2016 with b = 3.0, whereas for 2014 and 2015 this b was 2.98 and 2.93, respectively. In terms of demography, females <60 cm generally showed isometric growth (b = 3) as opposed to allometric growth (b = 2.95) at >60 cm. The relative condition index (k = 1) exhibited higher values than Fulton's K, which was 0.80. Overall, the maternal stock of M. capensis along the south coast seems to be in good condition and likely spawns throughout the year, but we found that the macroscopic data tend to give biased maturity ogives.

Prediction of concrete cracking behavior under different strain rates based on the boundary effects model

Predicting the cracking behavior of concrete under different strain rates through fracture parameters has been a longstanding topic of interest. In this study, the effect of concrete strength and strain rate on the fracture toughness and initial fracture energy for three-point bending notched beams is investigated by boundary effect model (BEM). With the help of BEM, only a series of basic parameters (such as tensile strength, maximum aggregate size and specimen size) are used in the process of calculating the fracture toughness and initial fracture energy. The cumbersome concrete fracture experiment is avoided in this model. The initial fracture toughness and unstable fracture toughness, predicted by BEM are agreed with the experimental results in the literature. The results demonstrate that BEM is valid for predicting the fracture toughness of different concrete strengths, even at increased strain rates. As the loading strain rate increases, the initial fracture toughness of different concrete strength shows a slight growth with increasing loading strain rate, which indicates that the concrete needs more energy to reach the cracking condition.

Effect of MnO2 Nanoparticles Stabilized with Cocamidopropyl Betaine on Germination and Development of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seedlings.

This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the effect of cocamidopropyl betaine-stabilized MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the germination and development of pea seedlings. The synthesized NPs manifested as aggregates ranging from 50-600 nm, comprising spherical particles sized between 19 to 50 nm. These particles exhibited partial crystallization, indicated by peaks at 2θ = 25.37, 37.62, 41.18, 49.41, 61.45, and 65.79°, characteristic of MnO2 with a tetragonal crystal lattice with a I4/m spatial group. Quantum chemical modelling showed that the stabilization process of MnO2 NPs with cocamidopropyl betaine is energetically advantageous (∆E > 1299.000 kcal/mol) and chemically stable, as confirmed by the positive chemical hardness values (0.023 ≤ η ≤ 0.053 eV). It was revealed that the interaction between the MnO2 molecule and cocamidopropyl betaine, facilitated by a secondary amino group (NH), is the most probable scenario. This ascertain is supported by the values of the difference in total energy (∆E = 1299.519 kcal/mol) and chemical hardness (η = 0.053 eV). These findings were further confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. The effect of MnO2 NPs at various concentrations on the germination of pea seeds was found to be nonlinear and ambiguous. The investigation revealed that MnO2 NPs at a concentration of 0.1 mg/L resulted in the highest germination energy (91.25%), germinability (95.60%), and lengths of roots and seedlings among all experimental samples. However, an increase in the concentration of preparation led to a slight growth suppression (1-10 mg/L) and the pronounced inhibition of seedling and root development (100 mg/L). The analysis of antioxidant indicators and phytochemicals in pea seedlings indicated that only 100 mg/L MnO2 NPs have a negative effect on the content of soluble sugars, chlorophyll a/b, carotenoids, and phenols. Conversely, lower concentrations showed a stimulating effect on photosynthesis indicators. Nevertheless, MnO2 NPs at all concentrations generally decreased the antioxidant potential of pea seedlings, except for the ABTS parameter. Pea seedlings showed a notable capacity to absorb Mn, reaching levels of 586.5 μg/L at 10 mg/L and 892.6 μg/L at 100 mg/L MnO2 NPs, surpassing the toxic level for peas according to scientific literature. However, the most important result was the observed growth-stimulating activity at 0.1 mg/L MnO2 NPs stabilized with cocamidopropyl betaine, suggesting a promising avenue for further research.

Research landscape of abdominal adhesions from 2004 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis

Adhesions are the most common complication of abdominal or pelvic surgery and remain a challenging problem. To better understand the development tendency of abdominal adhesions, we performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the field of abdominal adhesions. In total, 2219 articles regarding abdominal adhesions were screened and analyzed from 3410 manuscripts indexed in the Web of Science-indexed manuscripts regarding abdominal adhesion from 2004 to 2023. A bibliometric analysis was performed, and CiteSpace [version 6.2. R3 (64-bit)] and VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) were used to visualize the results. The number of annual publications showed slight growth before 2019, and the USA contributed the most publications. The most prolific author in this domain was Diamond, while the publications from Ten Broek had the strongest influence. The most popular journal in this field was the Journal of Surgical Research, and the most frequently co-cited journal was Fertility and Sterility. After analyzing the keywords, “prevention”, “surgery” and “peritoneal adhesion” were the 3 most co-cited keywords, while “adhesive small bowel obstruction” was the strongest keyword in the citation burst. Here, for the first time, we used bibliometric methods to study abdominal adhesions over the past ten years. By summarizing the characteristics of publications and predicting future research prospects, we established a framework for researchers and provided a basis for subsequent research.

Combined Sous-Vide and High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment of Pork: Is the Order of Application Decisive When Using Minimal Processing Technologies?

The aim of using minimal food processing technologies is to preserve the raw material or to achieve a special technological goal with the least possible impact. When several technologies are used together, the intensity of each treatment can be reduced according to Leistner’s hurdle principle. Does the order of application of the treatments result in a detectable difference? This research focuses on the effect of the combination of the sous-vide technology and the high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment. The effect of the pressure level (300 and 600 MPa) and the influence of the treatment order was investigated on pork (longissimus thoracis and lumborum muscles (LTL)). Physico-chemical and microbiological measurements were carried out on day 0 and after 21-day storage at 2 °C and 8 °C. Significant differences were found for both the order of treatment and pressure level in weight loss (p &lt; 0.001), CIELab color parameters a* and b* (p &lt; 0.001), and denaturation enthalpy (p &lt; 0.01). The texture (p &lt; 0.001) and lipid oxidation TBARS values (p &lt; 0.05) were only influenced by the pressure level. In the challenge test, the initial count of 105 CFU/g Listeria monocytogenes dropped below detection limit in all cases. Total aerobic and anaerobic viable numbers were below/near the detection limit in all combined-treated samples on day 0 and showed only slight or more notable growth after 21-day storage at 2 °C and 8 °C, respectively. An additional 300 MPa pressure treatment can increase the safety of sous-vide cooked pork samples while having only a minor effect on physicochemical properties. The 600 MPa pressure treatment results in a stable, albeit not shelf-stable product, but it also affects a considerable number of quality parameters such as color, texture, weight loss, and TBARS values.

The Factors Influencing the Export Activities of Coffee Products: A Typical Study in the Export of Vietnamese Coffee to the EU Market

Objective: With the rapid growth of international business activities and globalization, exports play a crucial role in determining the survival and growth of enterprises. Although coffee is not a necessity, it is always considered one of the potential industries for sustainable development and export. In Vietnam, coffee is one of the key export commodities and the second-largest agricultural export. Theoretical Framework: The study uses linear regression models to test the proposed research hypotheses. Method: The study uses SPSS software to test the hypotheses. The study uses ANOVA indexes and regression coefficients to evaluate the indicators. Results and Discussion: The coffee industry plays a significant role in the national economy, and the development of coffee export production has, is, and will continue to contribute greatly to the Vietnamese economy. Research Implications: The EU is a large coffee consumption market, accounting for about one-third of global consumption. From 2010 to 2023, the EU coffee market remained stable, with slight growth at an average annual rate of 0.3% in volume. Originality/Value: The signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EU also opens greater opportunities for Vietnamese coffee exports to this market. With the commitment to eliminate tariffs under the EVFTA, Vietnamese coffee exported to the EU will have 93% of tariffs reduced to 0% immediately upon the agreement taking effect.

Glycerophospholipid polyunsaturation modulates resveratrol action on biomimetic membranes

The phytoalexin resveratrol has received increasing attention for its potential to prevent oxidative damages in human organism. To shed further light on molecular mechanisms of its interaction with lipid membranes we study resveratrol influence on the organisation and mechanical properties of biomimetic lipid systems composed of synthetic phosphatidylcholines with mixed aliphatic chains and different degree of unsaturation at sn-2 position (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, POPC, and 1-palmitoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, PDPC). High-sensitivity isothermal titration calorimetric measurements reveal stronger spontaneous resveratrol association to polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine bilayers compared to the monounsaturated ones resulting from hydrophobic interactions, conformational changes of the interacting species and desolvation of molecular surfaces. The latter is supported by the results from Laurdan spectroscopy of large unilamellar vesicles providing data on hydration at the glycerol backbones of glycerophospholipides. Higher degree of lipid order is reported for POPC membranes compared to PDPC. While resveratrol mostly enhances the hydration of PDPC membranes, increasing POPC dehydration is reported upon treatment with the polyphenol. Dehydration of the polyunsaturated lipid bilayers is measured only at the highest phytoalexin content studied (resveratrol/lipid 0.5 mol/mol) and is less pronounced than the effect reported for POPC membranes. The polyphenol effect on membrane mechanics is probed by thermal shape fluctuation analysis of quasispherical giant unilamellar vesicles. Markedly different trend of the bending elasticity with increasing resveratrol concentration is reported for the two types of phospholipid bilayers studied. POPC membranes become more rigid in the presence of resveratrol, whereas PDPC-containing bilayers exhibit softening at lower concentrations of the polyphenol followed by a slight growth without bilayer stiffening even at the highest resveratrol content explored. The new data on the structural organization and membrane properties of resveratrol-treated phosphatidylcholine membranes may underpin the development of future liposomal applications of the polyphenol in medicinal chemistry.

Innovative Materials Based on Epoxy Resin for Use as Seat Elements in Bulk Transport.

The subject of this research is the development of epoxy composites with a defined service life for the purpose of seat elements in rail vehicles, which will be more environmentally friendly. The produced materials based on epoxy resin filled with PLA or PLA and quercetin were subjected to solar aging tests for 800 h to investigate the impact of the additives used on the aging behavior of the epoxy matrix. Firstly, the TGA analysis showed that the use of the proposed additives allowed for the maintenance of the thermal stability of the epoxy resin. Moreover, based on an optical microscopy test, it was noticed that the introduction of PLA and PLA with quercetin did not contribute to an increase in matrix defects. The one-directional tensile tests carried out before and after solar aging showed that the presence of polylactide in epoxy composites causes a slight growth of the stiffness and strength. Based on contact angle and color change measurements, it was found that quercetin was oxidized, thus ensuring protection for the epoxy matrix. This phenomenon was confirmed by FTIR study, where the carbonyl index (CI) value for the R-PLA-Q composite was lower than for the reference sample. The obtained composite structures may be a good alternative to traditionally used systems as seat elements in rail vehicles, which are not only characterized by high aging resistance but are also more eco-friendly.

A Measurement of the Assembly of Milky Way Analogs at Redshifts 0.5 < z < 2 with Resolved Stellar Mass and Star Formation Rate Profiles

The resolved mass assembly of Milky Way–mass galaxies has been previously studied in simulations, the local Universe, and at higher redshifts using infrared (IR) light profiles. To better characterize the mass assembly of Milky Way analogs (MWAs), as well as their changes in star formation rate (SFR) and color gradients, we construct resolved stellar mass and SFR maps of MWA progenitors selected with abundance matching techniques up to z ∼2 using deep, multiwavelength imaging data from the Hubble Frontier Fields. Our results using stellar mass profiles agree well with previous studies that utilize IR light profiles, showing that the inner 2 kpc of the galaxies and the regions beyond 2 kpc exhibit similar rates of stellar mass growth. This indicates the progenitors of MWAs from z ∼ 2 to the present do not preferentially grow their bulges or their disks. The evolution of the SFR profiles indicates a greater decrease in SFR density in the inner regions versus the outer regions. Sérsic parameters indicate modest growth in the central regions at lower redshifts, perhaps indicating slight bulge growth. However, the Sérsic index does not rise above n ∼ 2 until z < 0.5, meaning these galaxies are still disk-dominated systems. We find that the half-mass radii of the MWA progenitors increase between 1.5 < z < 2, but remain constant at later epochs (z < 1.5). This implies mild bulge growth since z ∼ 2 in MWA progenitors, in line with previous MWA mass assembly studies.