Static Cycling Research Articles

Need for Speed: Fast Activation of PEM Electrolyzers for End-of-Line Testing

The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) in a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer (PEMWE) requires an activation procedure (also known as initial conditioning or break-in) to reach its nominal stable performance, which can take up to several days. In large-scale industrial production of electrolyzers, this can create a bottleneck in the manufacturing process, as the functionality of each electrolyzer typically needs to be verified by activating and characterizing it in an end-of-line test.Although several activation methods for PEMWE can be found in the literature, to the authors' knowledge, none have been published with the goal of fast activation. The existing activation protocols are usually derived from PEMFC protocols or specified by the manufacturer without any information on how they were developed [1–4].The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the influencing factors of activation procedures in PEMWE in order to develop faster activation protocols for Begin of Life (BoL) characterization. To this end, we are conducting a Design of Experiment (DoE) parameter study in which we test different variations of galvanostatic activation protocols on PEM single cells. Each activation and characterization of a cell is followed by a short AST and a subsequent End of Life (EoL) characterization to see if the activation had an impact on degradation and final performance.The procedure followed for each test in the activation protocol is outlined in Figure 1a. All tests are performed on fresh MEA materials in a Baltic quickCONNECT cell with an active area of 7.2 x 7.2 cm and an active area compression of 2 MPa. The MEA consists of a state-of-the-art Catalyst Coated Membrane (CCM) sandwiched between a platinized titanium felt and Toray carbon paper. After integration into the test bed, the cell is flushed with water on both the anode and cathode sides while being heated to operating temperature, which takes a total of 6 hours. Galvanostatic activation is then performed over a period of 4 hours. This is followed by BoL characterization, during which polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectra are recorded to evaluate initial performance. The cell is then subjected to an 80 hour Accelerated Stress Test (AST) where the potential is alternated between 0 and 2 V at 10 second intervals at 80 °C cell inlet temperature. Finally, an End of Life (EoL) characterization is performed to determine the final performance.The examined activation parameters, which are the input factors for the DoE, can be seen in Figure 1c. They are the anode inlet temperature, the maximum current density, a soft-start step (applying a lower current density of 0.2 A/cm² for the first 30 minutes), and the mode of current application (static or dynamic cycling between 100 % and 20 % of the maximum current density in 5-minute intervals). The full factorial DoE requires 16 experiments when each factor is varied between 2 states. The full test plan as seen in Figure 1b also includes 3 initial tests where the cell is activated according to the CCM suppliers' recommendation and 2 center points at the beginning and end of the full-factorial test plan. These additional tests show the reproducibility of the test results and any changes in cell performance over the duration of the test series.Through this experimental study, we show the influence of four activation parameters (Temp, current density, soft start, and current mode) on the quality of the activation, the BoL performance, and the initial degradation rate of PEMWE. This will lead to faster activation protocols for the end-of-line testing of PEMWE and will thus help the large-scale industrial production of electrolyzers.[1] Padgett E, Bender G, Alia SM. Membrane Pretreatment and Cell Conditioning for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis. Meet. Abstr. 2021;MA2021-02(41):1252. https://doi.org/10.1149/MA2021-02411252mtgabs.[2] Bender G, Carmo M, Smolinka T, Gago A, Danilovic N, Mueller M et al. Initial approaches in benchmarking and round robin testing for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2019;44(18):9174–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.02.074.[3] Wang W, Li K, Ding L, Yu S, Xie Z, Cullen DA et al. Exploring the Impacts of Conditioning on Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers by In Situ Visualization and Electrochemistry Characterization. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022;14(7):9002–12. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c21849.[4] Tomić AZ, Pivac I, Barbir F. A review of testing procedures for proton exchange membrane electrolyzer degradation. Journal of Power Sources 2023;557:232569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232569. Figure 1

Comparison of Cycling and Cross Trainer on Rate Pressure Product in Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The Rate pressure product is the valuable marker of cardiac function. It is the product of heart rate and systolic blood pressure. It plays a pivotal role in understanding the relationship between exercise and the cardiovascular system, particularly in hypertensive individuals. Hypertension is a primary risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, renal failure and peripheral vascular disease. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of cycling and cross trainer on rate pressure product in hypertensive patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study includes 30 hypertensive patients with age group of 25-65 years and those who have any recent surgery or any neurological or psychological issues are excluded. Patients vitals were monitored pre exercise. Every patient does exercise on both cross trainer and cycling for 15 min each on alternate day to avoid superimpose effect of each other. Rate pressure product was calculated and compared between cross trainer and cycling exercise. Result: Result has been obtained from SPSS 20. Mean age of patients is 45.9+10.2. Comparison between cycling and cross trainer found using independent t-test (t=-2.534). There was significant difference of RPP between patients performing cycling and cross trainer. RPP of cross trainer (mean=19.09) is more than RPP of cycling (mean=18.14) having significant difference p<0.05. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is greater rate pressure product during cross trainer exercise than in cycling. This shows that more myocardial oxygen consumption is greater in cross trainer as it involves both upper and lower extremity. So, cross trainer and cycling can be used effectively for exercise prescription and preventing cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients, but the cycling was more effective as the mean difference was low compared to cross trainer. Keywords: Static cycling, rate pressure product, cross trainer, hypertension

Insect-inspired breathing interfaces: investigating robustness of coating-free gas entrapping microtextured surfaces under pressure cycles

Numerous natural and engineering scenarios necessitate the entrapment of air pockets or bubbles on submerged surfaces. Current technologies for bubble entrapment rely on perfluorocarbon coatings, limiting their sustainability. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of doubly reentrant cavity architecture towards realizing gas-entrapping microtextured surfaces under static and dynamic pressure cycling. The effects of positive (>1 atm), negative (<1 atm), and positive–negative cycles on the stability the gas entrapment inside individual doubly reentrant cavities were studied across a range of pressures, ramp rates, intercycle intervals, and water-column heights. Remarkably, the fate of the trapped air under pressure cycling fell into either of the following regimes: the bubble (i) monotonically depleted (unstable), (ii) remained indefinitely stable (stable), or (iii) started growing (bubble growth). This hitherto unrealized richness of underwater bubble dynamics should guide the development of coating-free technologies and help us understand the curious lives of air-breathing aquatic and marine insects.

Development of the Squaramide Scaffold for High Potential and Multielectron Catholytes for Use in Redox Flow Batteries.

Nonaqueous organic redox flow batteries (N-ORFBs) are a promising technology for grid-scale storage of energy generated from intermittent renewable sources. Their primary benefit over traditional aqueous RFBs is the wide electrochemical stability window of organic solvents, but the design of catholyte materials, which can exploit the upper range of this window, has proven challenging. We report herein a new class of N-ORFB catholytes in the form of squaric acid quinoxaline (SQX) and squaric acid amide (SQA) materials. Mechanistic investigation of decomposition in battery-relevant conditions via NMR, HRMS, and electrochemical methods enabled a rational design approach to optimizing these scaffolds. Three lead compounds were developed: a highly stable one-electron SQX material with an oxidation potential of 0.51 V vs Fc/Fc+ that maintained 99% of peak capacity after 102 cycles (51 h) when incorporated into a 1.58 V flow battery; a high-potential one-electron SQA material with an oxidation potential of 0.81 V vs Fc/Fc+ that demonstrated negligible loss of redox active material as measured by pre- and postcycling CV peak currents when incorporated in a 1.63 V flow battery for 110 cycles over 29 h; and a proof-of-concept two-electron SQA catholyte material with oxidation potentials of 0.48 and 0.85 V vs Fc/Fc+ that demonstrated a capacity fade of just 0.56% per hour during static H-cell cycling. These findings expand the previously reported space of high-potential catholyte materials and showcase the power of mechanistically informed synthetic design for N-ORFB materials development.

Impact of Stationary Cycling on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Tibiofemoral Osteoarthrosis: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Knee osteoarthrosis (tibiofemoral) is one of the most common forms of arthritis and a significant contributor to disability in the elderly. It has a notable impact on the muscle strength and lower limb biomechanics. The pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthrosis knee can significantly hinder daily activities and work potential in affected individuals. Aerobic exercises have demonstrated positive outcomes for these patients. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of forward and backward cycling with knee osteoarthrosis ranging from grade 1-3. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomised clinical trial and single-blind pilot study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India. The compared two groups: one adding static cycling to regular treatment, the other receiving only regular treatment. Both groups got treatment three times a week for four weeks. Quality of Life (QoL) and pain were assessed using the Comprehensive Knee Osteoarthritis Index (CKOAI) scale, while isokinetic strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Evaluation at both baseline and endpoint was conducted by the same assessor. Results: Significant improvements were shown at the 4-week follow up for QOL, pain and isokinetic strength (p&lt;0.02) with stationary cycling. The CKOAI, an indicator of pain intensity and QOL showed significant improvement (p=0.02). Conclusion: The research affirms the findings from the earlier Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and indicated that engaging in stationary cycling leads to significant enhancement in individuals with osteoarthrosis knee. Participants expressed their appreciation for the program and proved to be safe, effective and feasible in primary care.

On the stability of nanofluid ice slurry produced via impinging stream method under thermal and phase-change cycles

Nanofluid ice slurry has shown promising potential due to superior heat transfer and lower supercooling degree. The stability of the nanofluid ice slurry is of paramount importance to ensure high performance for practical applications. This study evaluates the stability (flow and thermal properties) of nanofluid ice slurry produced via a dynamic, impinging-stream method and compares with its conventional counterpart, i.e., the static, non-impinging-steam approach. Thermal cycling (heating–cooling) with phase change (freezing-thawing) cycles were carried out to measure absorbance, thermal conductivity, and viscosity. The results showed that when using the method of producing nanofluid ice slurry by impinging flow, nanofluid ice slurry with concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 w.t.% decreased in absorbance by 17%, 21%, and 26%, in thermal conductivity by 0.5%, 1.4%, and 2.17%, and in viscosity by 3.6%, 5.3%, and 10.4%, respectively, after nine freezing and thawing cycles. Additionally, for instance, for a nanofluid with a concentration of 0.2 w.t%, after 9 phase change cycles, the decrease in absorbance of the nanofluid solution using dynamic cycling was 7.1, 3.7, and 1.6 times higher than that of static cycling with an IPF of 25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively (thermal conductivity 4.1, 2.4, and 1.4 times; viscosity 2.8, 1.8, and 1.3 times). Higher nanoparticle concentration reduces the stability of the nanofluid ice slurry; the degree of reduction is first increased and then stabilized after six cycles. It was found that the dynamic method had an impact on the stability of the nanofluid compared with the static approach. Furthermore, empirical correlations were developed to predict the thermophysical properties based on phase-change cycles for practical applications.

Fit and Pressure Comfort Evaluation on a Virtual Prototype of a Tight-Fit Cycling Shirt

Abstract Graduated compression is widely used for medical application to prevent perioperative venous thromboembolism, but other applications such as sportswear can potentially also benefit from it. A tight-fit cycling shirt meant to ensure the correct position during cycling and prevent injuries was designed. The aim of this study was to improve garment pattern design from the aspect of clothing pressure for providing support and enhancing comfort to the user. This paper investigates the suitability of pressure maps from 3D fashion design software CLO 3D for design and in particular its capability to discriminate between various materials and cycling postures. Moreover, the impact of the mechanical properties of fabric was analyzed. In particular, virtual prototyping tool CLO 3D and pressure mapping were employed to achieve the required graduated compression while ensuring fit and comfort. Pattern adjustments were iteratively performed until stress, strain, and pressure maps showed adequate fit and pressure of the cycling garment on the virtual cyclist in static and dynamic cycling positions. The impact of fabric types on garment fit has been shown by generating the stress, strain, and pressure maps with a virtual simulation. It was found that the visualized pressure on the human body model shows distributions that are related to contact between body and garment, and large compression stresses occur in the lower parts of the two shirts. Evident garment deformation was shown at hip level, upper arm, lower front side seam, and front neck, which can reduce garment wear comfort and freedom of movement. The output was found to be sufficiently accurate to optimize the garments based on material and cycling posture.

Active Rehabilitation Following Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Purpose: Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), patients are often advised to restrict physical activity until full symptom resolution followed by gradual return to activity. However, extended rest periods may prolong recovery and contribute to persistent symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests early active rehabilitation that increases heart rate without exacerbating symptoms may improve mTBI patient recovery. This review aims to: (1) appraise evidence on active rehabilitation intervention for mTBI recovery within one-month of injury (i.e., exercise type, duration, intensity, etc.); and (2) recommend evidence-based rehabilitation protocols. Method: Pubmed, CINAHL, PsychARTICLES, SportDISCUS, and AMED databases were searched using key terms “mild Traumatic Brain Injury”, “Rehabilitation”, “Acute”, and their synonyms. Evidence was appraised using Cochrane RoB-2 and ROBINS-I. Results: 434 citations were initially identified with seven papers systematically reviewed. Within the reviewed articles, only three were randomized controlled trials with low risk of bias, and four were non-randomized trials with low to moderate risk of bias. Findings highlighted that a range of active rehabilitation protocols were used with different exercise modalities (primarily treadmills and static cycling), durations (9–20 min, or until symptomatic, for 30–50 days or symptoms resolved), and intensities (low, moderate or high). Active rehabilitation did not cause any serious adverse events (i.e., death, hospitalisation etc.), and six studies reported that it did not exacerbate mTBI symptoms in any participants (with one participant having symptom worsening in one study). Overall, the majority of reviewed studies ( n = 4) showed that active rehabilitation decreased time to mTBI symptom resolution compared to controls (strict rest/stretching exercises). Conclusions: Individualized active rehabilitation prescribed within one-month post-mTBI appears to be safe and effective at decreasing recovery time to symptom resolution in mTBI. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding specific intervention protocols that needs to be addressed before adoption within clinical practice.

Single Bout High Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE) Prevents Adiponectin Reduction in Sedentary Overweight Women

This study aimed to analyze the effect of a single bout of high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) on serum adiponectin levels in sedentary overweight young adult women. A total of 22 overweight adult obesity women with a BMI of 23-24.9 m2/kg were enrolled in this study. Subjects were divided into 2 groups, control and HIIE. The exercise was static cycling for a total of 25 minutes (3 minutes warming up, 20 minutes HIIE, and 2 minutes cooling down). The HIIE was held 10 sets intermittently with the ratio 1:1, 1 minute cycling in 80-90% HRmax, 1 minute active resting with 40 rpm cycling. The data in this study were taken before and 1 hour after the HIIE. The adiponectin level was measured using a human ELISA kit. The adiponectin level in the control group reduced significantly (p&lt;0.05), however, the HIIE group reduced insignificantly. A single bout of HIIE in sedentary overweight young adult women can maintain the adiponectin level. Therefore, it may have a positive contribution to women’s health. However, further research needs to be conducted to uncover the underlying mechanism.

Effect of Aerobic Dance Vs Static Cycling on Anthropometric Measures, Cholesterol, and Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Introduction. Aerobic dance (AD) has grown as a popular aerobic exercise treating metabolic diseases. However, its beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with other types of aerobic exercise have not been known. This study aimed to compare the influence of AD and static cycling (SC) on anthropometric measures, systolic blood pressure (SBP), blood glucose, and total cholesterol. Material and Methods. The design of this study was a randomized controlled study (RCT). Thirty T2DM subjects were assigned to three groups, i.e. control (C), aerobic dance exercise (AD), and static cycling exercise (SC), ten subjects in each group. AD and SC were performed three times a week for eight weeks. On the follow-up, four subjects were withdrawn. Waist and hip circumference (WC and HC), BMI, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Blood glucose (fasting (FBG) and 2 hours postprandial (2-h PPBG)) and total cholesterol were checked using a simple, instant blood examination device. A paired t-test, Anova and Tamhane’s T2 post hoc test were applied. Significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results. Student’s t-test showed that post-exercise waist circumference was significantly increased in the control group (92.7 ± 13.5 cm, p = 0.04), while post-exercise FBG and 2-h PPBG were significantly reduced in the SC group (112.5 ± 12.0 mg/dL, p = 0.04 and 155.0 ± 45.3 mg/dL, p = 0.02, respectively). Tamhane’s T2 post hoc indicates that 2-h PPBG in SC was lower than in the case of AD (155.0 ± 45.3 vs 171.3 ± 19.7 mg/dL, p = 0.04) and SC vs control (155.0 ± 45.3 vs 183.0 ± 24.1 mg/dL, p = 0.02). Systolic was significantly reduced in SC compared to the control group (126.9 ± 7.5 vs. 143.3 ± 17.5 mmHg, p = 0.04). The magnitude of reduced (Δ) in 2-h PPBG in SC was significantly different from control (Δ-18.75 ± 10.9 vs. Δ2.75 ± 12.4, p = 0.04) and AD (Δ-18.75 ± 10.9 vs. Δ6.37 ± 11.8, p = 0.02). Conclusions. Static cycling exercise improved 2-hour postprandial blood glucose and systolic blood pressure significantly more than aerobic dance in T2DM.

Self-healing action of Bi in high-performance Sb–Bi–Sn positive electrodes for liquid metal batteries

Li||Sb–Bi–Sn liquid metal batteries (LMBs) have comprehensive advantages of a high energy density, excellent rate capability, low material costs, and high cycle performance. However, the corrosion of the positive electrode to the current collector at high temperatures cannot be neglected over the long term. Here, we investigate the corrosion behavior of SS304 in two types of Sb–Bi–Sn alloys under static and cell cycling conditions. Interestingly, we find that the cell performance of Li||Sb–Bi–Sn LMBs are not affected by corrosion between the positive electrode and stainless-steel current collector. The corrosion products and their participation in the cell reaction process are determined using ex situ analyses and electrochemical measurements. Bi not only inhibits the dissolution of SS304 in Sb–Bi–Sn alloy but also spontaneously promotes the decomposition of Fe–Sb and Fe–Cr–Sb corrosion products during lithiation, releasing the active component Sb, and Sb–Bi–Sn alloy is recovered. Encouragingly, even in the event of corrosion, the cell capacity, efficiency, and cycle stability remain almost unaffected due to this self-healing action of Bi. This study represents a new direction toward inhibiting the corrosion of positive electrode and stabilizing cell performance for practical application and commercialization by alloying.

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Blood Glucose Level among Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract: Diabetes Mellitus is the disease which causes premature mortality, and the leading cause of blindness, heart disease, and kidney failure in the world with increasing prevalance. Exercise is fundamental in Diabetes Mellitus management which functions to improve insulin sensitivity and control blood glucose level. A number of studies have been carried out to explore the effect of aerobic exercises on blood glucose level among patients with type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise’s type, frequency, intensity and duration on blood glucose level among patients with type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. This study was systematic review. The literature searches were specified from 2005-2020 through Pubmed and Google Scholar. 40 studies in total based on specific criteria was included to this study. Thirty-nine out of forty studies revealed that a variety of aerobic exercises such as walking, gymnastic (diabetic, aerobic, foot, ergonomic), step test as well as static cycling give impact on lowering blood glucose level. Seventeen out of forty studies fulfilling the criteria of frequency, duration and intensity showed that exercise helps reduce blood glucose level. In conclusion, performing aerobic exercise regularly and appropriately helps to lower blood glucose level among patients with type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Enhancing Lithium ion conductivity and all-solid-state secondary battery performance in polymer composite electrolyte membranes with β-Crystalline-rich Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanofibers

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have been actively studied for all-solid-state lithium ion batteries (ASS-LIBs). Here we show high-performance SPEs based on lithium salt-containing crystalline poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers. It first reveals that the higher β-phase crystallinity of the PVDF nanofibers gives composite SPEs with the higher ion conductivity (σ = 6.0 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60°C) and the higher lithium ion transference number (tLi+ = 0.58 at 60°C). The PVDF nanofiber composite SPEs possess good electrochemical stability and mechanical durability as investigated in the galvano static constant current cycling tests (Li | PVDF/Li-16 Nf composite membrane | Li). The ASS-LIB composed of the PVDF nanofiber composite SPEs (Li | PVDF/Li-16 Nf composite membrane | LiFePO4) show outstanding rate capability and charge-discharge cycling behavior. Finally, multi-layered stacked batteries are fabricated to produce quintuple cell potentials of 17.0 V, promising future batteries that achieve high-voltage operation and high energy densities.

Twenty-one sports activities are recommended by the European Knee Associates (EKA) six months after total knee arthroplasty.

To elaborate recommendations for sports participation following TKA among the members of the European Knee Associates (EKA). A prospective online survey was conducted among the members of the European Knee Associates (EKA). The European Knee Associates (EKA) are a section of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA). The survey investigated recommendations for 47 sports disciplines. Possible answers were: allowed, allowed if experienced, not allowed, no opinion. The survey was conducted separately for 4 specific time frames: within 6weeks after TKA; 6-12weeks after TKA; 3-6months after TKA; and more than 6months after TKA. Consensus among the respondents was then analyzed. EKA members (N = 120) participated in the survey. A high level of consensus was reached for a recommendation to allow 5 different sports in the first 6weeks after TKA, 7 sports 6-12weeks after surgery, 14 sports 3-6months after TKA, and 21 out of 47 activities 6months after surgery. In the first 6weeks after TKA walking, stair climbing, swimming, aqua fitness, and static cycling were recommended. Six to twelve weeks after TKA, cycling on level ground and yoga were recommended in addition to the aforementioned activities. Further sports activities recommended beyond 12weeks after TKA were: tennis doubles, golf, fitness/weight lifting, aerobics, hiking, Nordic walking and sailing. The sport for which the recommendation was "not allowed" following TKA was squash. The number of sports recommended by EKA surgeons increases stepwise over the postoperative time frames. The findings are regarded as clinically relevant as they may serve as a basis for answering patient questions on timing and giving recommendations for the resumption of sports activities following standard primary TKA and should be individualized by surgeons for their patients' expectations and goals. V.

Random Ag mesh transparent heater obtained with a cracked template technique

The results of a study of thin-film transparent heater based on silver micromesh coatings obtained using a self-organized template are presented. Ag mesh with sheet resistance of 1.6 Ω/sq and integral transparency in the visible range of ∼84 % was obtained. The influence of the filling factor (FF) and the thickness of the Ag mesh on the uniformity of heating of a transparent heater and the response time was studied by the method of thermal imaging analysis. We have shown a stable, reproducible operation of the crack templated Ag mesh transparent heater on glass and PET in static heating and cycling mode.

Comparison of Efficacy of Static Stretching and Sports Massage on the Removal Rate of Blood Lactate Level after Static Cycling in Female Individuals

Background: The Muscle soreness is a result of lactate accumulation after sub maximal exercise done by the athlete. It is necessary to clear the lactate for optimum performance. Purpose: Hence the current study has been done to see the effect of static stretching and sports massage on removal rate of Blood lactate. Methodology: The study was conducted on 60 female college students who fall into selection criteria. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups; Static Stretching was given to group A and Sports massage was given to group B to check the clearance rate of blood lactate after 20 minutes of static cycling. 3 readings of blood lactate level were taken i.e. first reading before the static cycling, second reading after the static cycling and the third after the interventions. The measurements were analyzed to check the efficacy of static cycling and sports massage on blood lactate removal rate. Results: The results of the study showed both the techniques are effective with p value of 0.0001 to remove blood lactate where the static stretching improves the clearance with mean value of 1.0906 and sports massage improves with mean value of 0.0357. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that the static stretching and sports massage both the techniques are effective in improving blood lactate clearance rate but static stretching is more effective than sports massage.

Synthesis of Bi2S3/MoS2 Nanorods and Their Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Aluminum Ion Batteries

Abstract Rechargeable aluminum ion batteries (AIBs) have attracted much attention because of their high charge density, low cost, and low flammability. Transition metal sulfides are a class of cathode materials that have been extensively studied. In this report, Bi2S3 nanorods and Bi2S3/MoS2 nanorods were synthesized by the hydrothermal method as new type of cathode materials for rechargeable AIBs. The diameter of Bi2S3/MoS2 nanorods is 20–100 nm. The Bi2S3 nanorods display high initial charge and discharge capacities of 343.3 and 251 mA h/g with a current density of 1 A/g. The static cycling for the Bi2S3/MoS2 nanorods electrode at 1 A/g denotes high stability with a specific capacity of 132.9 mA h/g after 100 cycles. The charging voltage platform of Bi2S3 nanorods and Bi2S3/MoS2 nanorods is at 1.1–1.4 V, and the discharge voltage platform is at around 0.8 V. The well-defined heterojunction maintains the stability of the Bi2S3 structure during long-term cycling, which is desirable for aluminum ion batteries. This strategy reveals new insights for designing cathode materials of high-performance AIBs.

A cycling and education intervention for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis: A quality improvement replication programme.

Objectives:The Cycling against Hip Pain programme is a 6-week exercise and education treatment pathway for people with hip osteoarthritis. Preliminary results of the Cycling against Hip Pain programme found significant improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcome measures for patients referred from primary care. This article evaluates the effectiveness of the changes made to the pathway in a quality improvement replication programme.Methods:The replicated Cycling against Hip Pain programme was delivered between February 2018 and September 2019 in a region of England with a high percentage of adults aged over 65 years. All participants were referred from the orthopaedic outpatient department of the funding hospital (secondary care). The programme was delivered at a local leisure centre and combined 30 min of education on osteoarthritis with 30 min of progressive static cycling, once a week for 6 weeks.Results:The participants on the replicated Cycling against Hip Pain programme did not differ from the original cohort in terms of age or pre-programme weight, however, presented with worse hip symptoms at baseline. Consistent with the findings from the original cohort, participants demonstrated significant improvements to their Oxford Hip Score, 30-s chair stand performance, Timed Up and Go score, Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score function and pain, EQ5D health rating, EQ5D-5L score and pain at rest and on weight bearing. In addition, participants reported an increase in knowledge, confidence and motivation to exercise.Conclusion:A 6-week cycling and education intervention for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis provided benefits to function, pain and quality of life for patients referred from secondary care. These results are consistent with findings from patients who were referred from primary care and further support the potential of the pathway in the conservative management of hip osteoarthritis.

Bioinspired polymer nanoparticles omit biophysical interactions with natural lung surfactant

Herein, we report the attenuated impact of bioinspired nanoparticles on the essential function of lung surfactant. Colloidal particles made from poly(lactide) caused a significant loss of surfactant protein B (and C) from a natural lung surfactant accompanied by a decline in surface activity under static conditions and surface area cycling. No such perturbation of lung surfactant composition and function was observed for polymer nanoparticles coated with bioinspired poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC). More specifically, increasing the PMPC-coating layer thickness (≥3 nm) and density (dense conformation, distance of individual polymer chains of ≤3 nm) on the polymer nanoparticle surface diminished bioadverse events. PMPC-coated poly(lactide) nanoparticles provoked a less severe perturbation of the utilized lung surfactant when compared to colloidal counterparts coated with poly(ethylene glycol). Overall, a steric shielding of colloidal drug delivery vehicles with bioinspired PMPC can be considered as a valuable approach for the rationale development of biocompatible nanomedicines intended for lung delivery.

AKTIVITAS FISIK PADA PASIEN DIABETES MELITUS TIPE 2 DENGAN NEUROPATI PERIFER : TINJAUAN LITERATUR

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that could cause damage to foot peripheral nerves, namely peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a damage and inability to regenerate nerve cells due to exposure of chronic hyperglycemia which can lead to various symptopms and complications. Therapy is aimed at improving symptoms and delaying development of peripheral neuropathy, one of which is physical activity which is one of the cornerstones of management of diabetes mellitus. An explanation of the benefits of physical activity in diabetes mellitus has been widely discussed, but nore in peripheral neuropathy. This literature review aims to explain the types and benefits of physical activity in peripheral neuropathy. Seven literature reviewed were obtained through electronic database search EBSCOHost, Proquest, and Clinical Key with key words physical activity, exercise intervention, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Peripheral neuropathy patients can carry out various types of physical activity, either weight bearing or non-weight bearing exercise. Patients with ulcers, wounds and severe foot deformity can do non-weight bearing exercise such as static cycling and upper body ergometer. Another can do walking, aerobics, balance exercises, stretching, tai chi, resistance training, and foot ankle exercises. Aerobics is a physical activity that can prevent and delay development of peripheral neuropathy. Balance training can improve sensory and motor neuropathy. In general, physical activity can improve innervation in the cutaneous tissue, regenerate nerve cells, improve the symptoms of neuropathy in the form of pain, balance disorders, risk of falls, and obstacles to physical mobility.