Total Consumption Research Articles

Clostridium carboxidivorans and Rhodosporidium toruloides as a platform for the valorization of carbon dioxide to microbial oils

There is growing scientific interest in oleaginous yeasts producing microbial oils as precursors of biofuels and potential substitutes for fossil fuels. Due to the high cost of substrates commonly metabolized by yeasts, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are gaining interest as alternative cheap and sustainable carbon sources, which can be obtained from solid, liquid and gas pollutants. In this research, Rhodosporidium toruloides was proven to be able to accumulate microbial oils from VFAs obtained from the fermentation of syngas by Clostridium carboxidivorans. Using CO2 and CO as carbon sources from the syngas mixture and H2 as energy source, this acetogen produced, via the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, a mixture of acetic, butyric and caproic acids. It was first revealed that R. toruloides exhibited minimal inhibition at concentrations below 12 g/L when exposed to a mixture of VFAs, which included acetic, butyric and even hexanoic acids. The yeast was then grown on the culture medium derived from the acetogenic fermentation of syngas. Between the two yeast strains tested of the same species, R. toruloides DSM 4444 reached a total VFAs consumption of 69.1 g/L, supplied by successive additions of acids to the reactor, yielding a maximum lipid content of 29.7% w/w cell. The lipid profile obtained in this case, in terms of abundance followed the order C18:1 > C16:0 ≥ C18:0 > C18:2>others; in which the dominant compound (C18:1), represented approximately 50% of the total. This research opens new possibilities in the cultivation of oleaginous yeasts for the production of biofuels and bioproducts from C1 gases.

Impact of Dietary Protein on Total Feed Consumption, Utilization, Protein Retention, and Growth Performance of Nilem Carp (Osteochilus vittatus) Fingerlings

Impact of Dietary Protein on Total Feed Consumption, Utilization, Protein Retention, and Growth Performance of Nilem Carp (Osteochilus vittatus) Fingerlings

Revolutionizing E-Commerce Logistics

The traditional approach to logistics path planning is hindered by lengthy procedures. In this study, we explore the multi-objective optimization of logistics management, considering the conventional path and time efficiency indices alongside shelf safety and stability as additional objective functions. Based on particle swarm optimization (PSO), we optimize objective functions for internal path planning, scheduling timeliness, and shelf safety and stability. We then determine optimal routes under varying order demands using PSO and ultimately optimize the final path using dynamic programming and spline function restrictions to meet actual demand. Empirical results indicate that the proposed solution method outperforms other calculation methods, such as genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing (SA), demonstrating over 10% improvement in time and total distance consumption. Further practical application tests demonstrate that the model in this study has a beneficial impact on all five distinct types of orders through efficient deployment optimization.

Dietary Adherence to Recommendations among a Cohort of Adults and Teens with Celiac Disease Maintaining a Gluten-Free Diet Compared to a Nationally Representative Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Celiac disease (CeD) is a common autoimmune condition, with a prevalence of ~1%. Currently, a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only treatment option. Due to fortification rules excluding gluten-free products in the United States of America (U.S.A.), understanding the nutritional adequacy of a GFD is important for promoting optimal health among those with CeD. Cross-sectional examination of multiple 24 h dietary recalls from a study sample of 50 adults and 30 teens with CeD was used to determine nutritional adequacy and excesses according to U.S.A. recommendations. The results were compared with those of 15,777 adults and 2296 teens from a nationally representative sample not reporting CeD, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014. Compared with NHANES, our study population was more at risk of low folate and carbohydrate (adults) consumption, and of excessive niacin and vitamin A (teens), as well as saturated and total fat consumption (adults). Overall, though, compared with NHANES, our study participants had similar nutrient concerns but fewer nutritional imbalances, with some notable exceptions. In addition to maintaining a GFD, individuals with CeD should be counseled to maintain a balanced diet and to pay attention to nutrient-dense foods. Special attention should be given to teens in providing dietary counseling to potentially mitigate the risk of future morbidity.

Distinguishing the energy and non-energy actions in balancing energy markets

In the European context, balancing energy markets are established to optimise transmission system operator balancing actions closer to real-time. These actions aim to match total generation and consumption subject to a suite of security constraints (e.g., reserve requirements). However, there is no clear border between those actions that are taken due to the reserve requirements (non-energy actions) and those that are primarily taken to supply the demand mismatches (energy actions). To recognise the effect of non-energy actions, existing methods require comparing the results of counterfactual optimisation problems in which the non-energy-action-related constraints were deliberately omitted. This paper proposes a one-off solution enabling TSOs to distinguish energy actions from non-energy ones in the balancing market scheduling problem. By decomposition of the dual variables and clustering the constraints as proposed in this paper, there is no need to solve repetitive counterfactual optimisation problems. Case studies show that in addition to the non-energy actions caused by non-energy-based balancing requirements, the proposed method is able to recognise the energy actions that should be taken due to the non-energy root causes. This feature enables TSOs to efficiently retrace the effect of non-energy actions on the energy-based dispatch instructions issued according to the balancing market schedule.

Efficacy of perioperative pain management in paediatric cardiac surgery: a protocol for a network meta-analysis

IntroductionCongenital heart disease is a common birth defect, but advancements in diagnosis and treatment have improved survival rates. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have emerged in paediatric cardiac surgery....

Consumption Trends of Antifungal and Antiprotozoal Agents for Human Systemic Use in Kazakhstan from 2017 to 2023.

While multiple studies have investigated antibiotic consumption rates, there are few studies on the consumption of systemic antifungals and antiprotozoals. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of nationwide consumption trends in Kazakhstan over a seven-year period (2017-2023). Defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day were calculated for systemic antifungals (J02 code of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC)) and antiprotozoals (P01 code of the ATC). Time series analyses were applied to examine historical trends, evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and make future projections until 2030. The total consumption increased over the study period, with an average annual percent change of 1.11% for antifungals and 5.48% for antiprotozoals. Fluconazole was the most consumed antifungal agent, whereas metronidazole was the most consumed antiprotozoal agent. The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive but insignificant effect on the consumption of antifungals and a negative and also insignificant effect on the consumption of antiprotozoals. Forecast modeling indicates that the future trends in antifungal and antiprotozoal consumption until 2030 will largely remain stable, with the exception of antiprotozoal consumption in the hospital sector, which is projected to decline. These findings offer valuable insights into the development and implementation of targeted antimicrobial stewardship programs in Kazakhstan.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Hydrogen Consumption and Battery Cycle Optimization Using Bald Eagle Search Algorithm

In this study, the Bald Eagle Search Algorithm performed hydrogen consumption and battery cycle optimization of a fuel cell electric vehicle. To save time and cost, the digital vehicle model created in Matlab/Simulink and validated with real-world driving data is the main platform of the optimization study. The digital vehicle model was run with the minimum and maximum battery charge states determined by the Bald Eagle Search Algorithm, and hydrogen consumption and battery cycle values were obtained. By using the algorithm and digital vehicle model together, hydrogen consumption was minimized and range was increased. It was aimed to extend the life of the parts by considering the battery cycle. At the same time, the number of battery packs was included in the optimization and its effect on consumption was investigated. According to the study results, the total hydrogen consumption of the fuel cell electric vehicle decreased by 57.8% in the hybrid driving condition, 23.3% with two battery packs, and 36.27% with three battery packs in the constant speed driving condition.

Open-Circuit Technology of Zinc Oxide Ore Flotation with Ternary Collector and Its Adsorption Characteristics on Smithsonite Surface

The sulfidization-amine flotation method is commonly used for the beneficiation of zinc oxide ores. Lanping zinc oxide ores contains 8.40% zinc, with the main mineral being smithsonite; additionally, they have a high mud content. Conventional sulfidization–ammonium flotation presents a low flotation index and unsatisfactory flotation froth. A new open-circuit technology is employed to treat Lanping zinc oxide ores, where Na2S, KG-248, and dodecyl amine + sodium isoamyl xanthate + ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate are used as the regulator, depressant, and ternary collector, respectively. Consequently, the flotation indices for the zinc grade and recovery are 28.71% and 86.24%, respectively, and the flotation froth becomes more stable. Subsequently, the flotation behavior and adsorption mechanism of smithsonite with a ternary collector are investigated. The flotation recovery of smithsonite increases to 94.40% after treatment with the ternary collector. Surface-analysis results indicate that the ternary collector can synergistically adsorb onto the sulfidized smithsonite surface to enhance its hydrophobicity, thus increasing the floatability of smithsonite. Meanwhile, the total consumption of the collector in the ternary-collector system is lower than that in the binary- or unitary-collector system.

Magnesium sulfate enhances the effect of the peripheral analgesic cocktail in total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Although magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is widely used as an analgesic adjuvant to peripheral analgesic cocktails, its efficacy in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still controversial. Therefore, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the literature to assess the analgesic efficacy of MgSO4 as an adjuvant to the analgesic cocktail in TKA. The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data were qualitatively synthesized or meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. Five randomized controlled trials involving 432 patients were included. Meta-analyses detected significant differences between the MgSO4 and control groups in the visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (rest) at 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively; VAS pain scores (motion) at 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively; morphine consumption within 24 h, 24-48 h, and during the total hospitalization period; time to first rescue analgesia after TKA; and length of hospital stay. Regarding the functional recovery, the meta-analysis demonstrated significant differences between groups in terms of knee range of motion on postoperative day 1; daily mobilization distance on postoperative day 1; and daily mobilization distance. There was no significant intergroup difference in surgical complications. The findings suggest that MgSO4 is a promising adjunct to the analgesic cocktail, achieving significant improvements in pain scores and total opioid consumption during the early postoperative period after TKA.

Trends and geographical variations in outpatient antimicrobial consumption in Ireland in relation to socio-economic deprivation

BackgroundDifferent factors have been associated with changes in antimicrobial consumption rates in Ireland, however the relationship between socio-economic deprivation and antimicrobial consumption has not been explored. The presented ecological analysis explores the temporal and geographical variation in outpatient antimicrobial consumption and socio-economic deprivation in Ireland from January 2015 to March 2022. MethodDeprivation index (DI) was used as a socio-economic proxy. A multilevel mixed model was applied to explore temporal variation and analyse the longitudinal antimicrobial consumption (DID) in relation to DI. Furthermore, maps were generated based on antimicrobial consumption rates, and spatial autocorrelation analyses were carried out to study geographical variation in antimicrobial consumption rates. ResultsThe antimicrobial consumption rates per month varied from 26.2 DID (January 2015) to 22.1 DID (March 2022) showing an overall reduction of 16 %. Overall, total antimicrobial consumption in the multilevel model showed a consistent correlation with higher DI score (6.6 (95%CI 3.9 to 9.3)), and winter season (3.6 (95%CI 3.2 to 3.9)). In contrast, before COVID-19 showed significant lower antimicrobial consumption rates compared to during COVID-19 (−4.0 (95%CI -4.7 to −3.23)). No consistent trends were observed for geographical variation between areas. ConclusionAntimicrobial consumption rates decreased from 2015 to 2021 in Ireland. No geographical patterns were observed in antimicrobial consumption rates but associations between deprivation and antimicrobial consumption rates were observed.

Optimization of capacity configuration and comprehensive evaluation of a renewable energy electrolysis of water for hydrogen production system

The global green hydrogen industry is experiencing rapid growth, but the high production costs are hindering its widespread adoption. To address this challenge, it is particularly important to rationally configure a renewable energy hydrogen production system. For this purpose, the study proposes a model for capacity optimization configuration of a renewable energy hydrogen production system, which integrates wind power, photovoltaic (PV) power, and concentrating solar power (CSP) with alkaline electrolyzer. It conducts capacity optimization configuration and comprehensive evaluations of the hydrogen production system across various scenarios. To minimize the total daily consumption cost, the CPLEX solver is utilized to solve the objective function and determine the capacity configuration of the renewable energy electrolysis of water hydrogen production system generator set under various scenarios. This approach achieves a utilization rate of over 99% for renewable energy. Through comprehensive evaluation, research has found that renewable energy-coupled hydrogen production significantly reduces generator capacity and electricity generation costs compared to separate hydrogen production, enhancing the economic efficiency of the system. The Wind-PV-CSP coupling hydrogen production system has the smallest generator assembly capacity and the lowest hydrogen production cost, which is 18.84 CNY·kg−1, significantly lower than the cost of PV-CSP coupling hydrogen production (25.78 CNY·kg−1) and wind-PV coupling hydrogen production (25.86 CNY·kg−1). It has good development prospects and plays an important role in exploring the development path of large-scale on-site consumption of new energy.

Efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of CPL-01, an investigational long-acting ropivacaine, in bunionectomy: Results of a phase 2b study

CPL-01 (ropivacaine extended-release injection) is formulated to safely provide postoperative analgesia and reduce opioid use. Participants undergoing unilateral distal first metatarsal bunionectomy with osteotomy were randomized to receive either CPL-01 (200 mg in Cohort 1, 300 mg in Cohort 2), ropivacaine HCl (50 mg in Cohort 1, 75 mg in Cohort 2), or volume-matched placebo into the surgical site prior to closure. Participants remained in an inpatient setting for 72 h to assess efficacy (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] scores for pain with activity adjusted for opioid usage, and rescue medication usage), safety and pharmacokinetics. Seventy-three participants were randomized and treated, and 71 participants completed the study. Participants who received 300 mg CPL-01 had a mean (SD) area under the curve from 0 to 72 h (AUC0–72) of the NRS score with activity of 356.9 (132.82), which was lower than placebo, indicating less pain. Participants who received CPL-01 300 mg also had numerically lower mean total opioid consumption. CPL-01 was safe and well-tolerated, with no evidence of increased AEs in one group versus another. Infiltration of CPL-01 had no impact on wound or bone healing. CPL-01 showed predictable and consistent extended-release pharmacokinetics, with no indication of “dose-dumping.” Ropivacaine HCl delivered 94.3–99.7 % of its ropivacaine dose in the first 24 h; the 300 mg CPL-01 dose delivered 38.5 %. While this Phase 2b study was small, results demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and extended-release characteristics of this long-acting ropivacaine formulation in this surgical model, supporting further development of CPL-01 in Phase 3 clinical studies. Level of Clinical Evidence1

Resorbable Microspheres versus Trisacryl Gelatin Microspheres for Uterine Artery Embolization: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background There are insufficient data comparing resorbable microspheres (RMs) with permanent trisacryl gelatin microspheres (TAGMs) for uterine artery embolization (UAE). Purpose To compare therapeutic efficacy and clinical outcomes in participants with symptomatic fibroids after UAE with RMs or TAGMs. Materials and Methods This randomized controlled trial included participants undergoing UAE for symptomatic fibroids at a single institution (from May 2021 to May 2023). Participants were randomized one-to-one to undergo UAE with either RMs or TAGMs. Numeric rating scale pain scores and cumulative fentanyl consumption were assessed for 24 hours after undergoing UAE. Anti-Mullerian hormone was measured to assess effects of UAE on ovarian function. MRI was performed before and 3 months after UAE to evaluate fibroid necrosis and uterine artery recanalization. Repeated variables such as pain were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test with post hoc Bonferroni correction. Results Sixty female participants (mean age, 45.7 years ± 3.6 [SD]) completed the study, with 30 in each group. No evidence of a difference in pain scores was observed between groups (P > .99). Moreover, there was no evidence of a difference in the total fentanyl consumption at 24 hours after UAE between groups (median: RMs, 423 [IQR, 330-530] vs TAGMs, 562 [IQR, 437-780]; P = .15). Serum anti-Mullerian hormone 3 months after UAE showed no evidence of a difference between groups (RMs vs TAGMs, 0.71 ng/mL ± 0.73 vs 0.49 ng/mL ± 0.45, respectively; P = .09). No evidence of a difference in the rate of complete necrosis of the dominant fibroid was observed between groups (97% [29 of 30] for both groups; P > .99). The rate of uterine artery recanalization was higher in RM versus TAGM groups (70% [21 of 30] vs 17% [five of 30], respectively; P < .001). Conclusion UAE with RMs, compared with UAE with TAGMs, showed no evidence of a difference in terms of therapeutic effectiveness or postprocedural pain scores in participants with symptomatic fibroids. Clinical trial registration no. NCT05086770 © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Spies in this issue.

Analgesic Efficacy of Single-Shot Erector Spinae Block in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique though effective analgesia remains a challenge. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has gained popularity due to its ease and safety of placement. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of ESPB in patients undergoing VATS through a propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome is the total opioid use in the first 12 postoperative hours. Methods We used binomial logistic regression to model whether patients received ESPB as a function of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, and surgery type to generate a propensity score for each patient for matching. Results After screening 286 patients, 55 patients each in the ESPB and no-block groups were matched. ESPB was associated with a 1.2 mg (95% CI: -2.2 to -0.2) reduction in opioid use in IV hydromorphone equivalents when compared to no block. However, there was no reduction in the 12-hour pain score area under the curve or incidence of complications between the two groups. Conclusions ESPB was associated with a modest reduction in total opioid consumption although not a difference in pain score. While its analgesic efficacy may be limited, ESPB could be considered a component of multi-modal analgesia in VATS.

Eating habits and dietary supplement utilization according to food-related lifestyle among Korean adults: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study investigated the association between eating habits and the utilization of dietary supplements (DSs) according to food-related lifestyle (FRL) among Korean adults. Methods: This study included a total of 300 participants (150 men and 150 women) in their 20s to 60s living in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. We identified two groups by factor and cluster analysis: an ‘active pursuit’ group and a ‘passive pursuit’ group. Differences in eating habits and DS utilization between the two groups were analyzed by chi-square test and t-test. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of variables on DS consumption according to FRL. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, alcohol drinking frequency, total dietary score, change in DS consumption after coronavirus disease 2019, and current DS consumption (P &lt; 0.05). The proportion who perceived many health benefits of DSs was higher in the ‘active pursuit’ group than in the ‘passive pursuit’ group (P = 0.003). The most commonly consumed type of DSs was multivitamins &amp; minerals for the ‘active pursuit’ group, and omega-3 fatty acids for the ‘passive pursuit’ group. The ‘an active pursuit’ group consumed DSs 2.93 times more (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44–5.97) compared to the ‘passive pursuit’ group, after adjusting for confounders. In the ‘active pursuit’ group, the health pursuit (odds ratio [OR] = 6.54, 95% CI: 1.44– 29.61) and rational consumption pursuit factors (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08–0.83) were associated with DS consumption, whereas only the health pursuit factor had a significant association (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 2.08–13.88) within the ‘passive pursuit’ group. However, total dietary score and DSs consumption did not show a relationship. Conclusions: By understanding the consumption characteristics of DSs according to FRL, this can serve as basic data necessary for promoting health through the utilization of DSs and healthy behaviors.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block via perichondral approach: an alternative for perioperative pain management in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a middle-income country

BackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is known for its minimally invasive nature, but postoperative pain management remains challenging. Despite the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, regional analgesic techniques like modified perichondral approach to thoracoabdominal nerve block (M-TAPA) show promise. Our retrospective study evaluates M-TAPA’s efficacy in postoperative pain control for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a middle-income country.MethodsThis was a retrospective case-control study of laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients at Hospital General de Mexico in which patients were allocated to the M-TAPA or control group. The data included demographic information, intraoperative variables, and postoperative pain scores. M-TAPA blocks were administered presurgery. Outcomes: opioid consumption, pain intensity, adverse effects, and time to rescue analgesia. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) compared total opioid consumption between groups, while Student’s t test compared pain intensity and time until the first request for rescue analgesia.ResultsAmong the 56 patients, those in the M-TAPA group had longer surgical and anesthetic times (p < 0.001), higher ASA 3 scores (25% vs. 3.12%, p = 0.010), and reduced opioid consumption (p < 0.001). The M-TAPA group exhibited lower postoperative pain scores (p < 0.001), a lower need for rescue analgesia (p = 0.010), and a lower incidence of nausea/vomiting (p = 0.010).ConclusionBilateral M-TAPA offers effective postoperative pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially in middle-income countries, by reducing opioid use and enhancing recovery.

Feasibility study on the heat transfer enhancement of gap flow induced by wasted vibration of linear compressor body

Refrigerators account for 20–30 % of household electricity consumption, with the compressor contributing to 80 % of the total consumption. Therefore, it is essential to increase the compressor efficiency. One approach to enhance compressor performance involves increasing heat dissipation to lower the temperature of the suction system and boost the refrigerant density entering the suction chamber. To achieve that innovatively, we harnessed the waste vibration of the linear compressor body to create a gap flow between the body and the housing, enhancing compressor performance by augmenting heat dissipation. Measurements of gap flow temperature, cylinder surface temperature, and heat flux on the cylinder surface were conducted, varying the RPM, gap size, and the shape of the gap flow path. We also observed variations in the gap flow rate with RPM and stroke. The results revealed that gap temperature and heat flux increased with higher RPM and smaller gap size, and the application of ribs to the gap flow path proved to be more effective in enhancing temperature and heat flux. Additionally, it is anticipated that heat flux will further increase with a longer stroke as the flow rate increases. Therefore, to optimize heat dissipation through gap flow using the waste vibration of the compressor body, it is advantageous to employ a smaller gap size, higher RPM, longer stroke, and apply ribs to the gap flow path. Future research should focus on verifying the effectiveness of increased heat dissipation and improved Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) through actual compressor experiments.

A sustainable recycling approach for construction: A case of remanufacturing waste rebar into steel nails

Minimizing waste in the construction industry provides economic and environmental benefits. Since steel has high embodied energy and many applications, recycling rebar waste contributes to a circular economy. This study proposes remanufacturing rebar into nails as a valuable by-product. In an experimental case-study to prove the technical feasibility of the process, short pieces of rebar waste were stripped to remove the ribs, welded into a coil, drawn to reduce the diameter, and formed into nails. The costs and technology of four alternative remanufacturing process portfolios were analyzed, giving an average profit of 576 USD/t of waste rebar. A cement consumption database was constructed based on literature data and regression analysis was applied to analyze the consumption of concrete and new rebar. The potential rebar waste was calculated assuming 3 %, 5 %, 8 %, or 10 % of the total new rebar consumption. Cement consumption data at the global and country scales were used to calculate the consumption rates of new and waste rebar to derive profit–remanufacturing potential curves. Regression analysis of these curves was performed to determine the economic sustainability degree of satisfaction (DSes). A second approach to find DSes applied regression analysis to the remanufacturing profits for the four rates of rebar waste together. The mean DSes values (0.62–0.87) and economic sustainability index (0.33) exceed the literature threshold of 0.6 and 0.26, respectively, indicating that remanufacturing rebar waste into steel nails is an economically sustainable business. The nails can be used in the construction industry to contribute to a circular economy, thereby reducing the environmental impact of steel waste and the production of new steel nails. The overall sustainability was considered by introducing Okun's Law to ensure that profitability is not achieved at the expense of development, and weighting the importance of economic sustainability based on literature averages. Rebar is used as a standard construction material globally, so these findings have broad significance. The proposed remanufacturing process is especially relevant for less-developed economies with higher rebar waste rates to stimulate small businesses and a circular construction industry.

Dexamethasone as a perineural adjuvant to a ropivacaine popliteal sciatic nerve block for pediatric foot surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundThis study assessed the effect of perineural dexamethasone on block duration, opioid requirement, blood glucose levels, and stress response to surgery as measured by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte...