Unfavorable Effect Research Articles

Effects of Universal School-Based Parental Support for Children’s Healthy Diet and Physical Activity—the Healthy School Start Plus Cluster–Randomised Controlled Trial

Health promotion from an early age is key to preventing unhealthy weight development in childhood, and parental involvement is essential. The school-based Healthy School Start intervention aims to promote healthy dietary and activity habits in the home environment and prevent child obesity through parental support. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the third iteration of the programme on children’s dietary and activity behaviours, and body composition through a cluster-randomised controlled trial. The trial included 17 schools (8 intervention) in disadvantaged areas in mid-Sweden with 353 families with 5- to 7-year-old children. The primary outcomes were intake of selected healthy and unhealthy foods and beverages measured using photography. Secondary outcomes were physical activity and sedentary time measured by accelerometry, and measured weight and height. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention (8 months). Linear multi-level regression showed significant favourable effects of the intervention for intake of sweet beverages (b = − 0.17, p = 0.04), intake of healthy foods (b = 0.11, p = 0.04), and more time in moderate to vigorous physical activity during weekdays (b = 5.68, p = 0.02). An unfavourable sub-group effect of the intervention was found for children from families with low education regarding sedentary time on weekends (b = 23.04, p = 0.05). The results align with the previous two trials of the programme, indicating that school-based parental support is a useful approach for health promotion in young children in disadvantaged areas. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: No. NCT03390725, retrospectively registered on January 4, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03390725.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Self-Confidence in Patient Treatment in the Endodontic and Restorative Procedures of Dentistry Students at the University of Novi Sad.

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a change in the concept of teaching with the introduction of online lectures and "distance learning." The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the confidence and both theoretical and practical knowledge of dental students regarding the courses in conservative dentistry and endodontics. (2) Methods: The study was conducted using an originally created online questionnaire consisting of 30 questions that the students used to make a subjective assessment of their confidence in performing both endodontic and conservative procedures using numerical scales. They were divided into two groups, a non-COVID group of students, who attended classes before the outbreak of the pandemic, and a COVID group, whose classes were suspended due to the lockdown. The data were processed in the SPSS statistic 25 program, with statistical significance p < 0.05. (3) Results: The comparison of the self-assessment of 96 students from the COVID group and 91 students from the non-COVID group revealed significant results. Compared with the COVID group, the non-COVID students felt more confident in the application of anesthesia in both the maxilla and mandible, in the initial treatment of patients in pain, as well as in all the steps of the endodontic treatment. Both groups felt equally confident in diagnostic and conservative procedures, and the level of theoretical knowledge acquired in the courses. (4) Conclusions: Changes in teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic had an unfavorable effect on students' self-confidence in performing routine dental interventions, especially in the endodontic field. The lack of confidence in the COVID group regarding the anesthetic and endodontic procedures appears due to their inability to do any of these procedures during the COVID period; we organized summer practical school under the supervision of teachers, and they gained the necessary knowledge and self-confidence for these procedures.

A case of severe combined pathology in a late premature infant with hypoxic-ischemic damage to the central nervous system

A clinical observation of severe combined pathology in a late premature infant with hypoxic-ischemic damage to the central nervous system is presented. The extremely unfavorable effect of maternal pathology, in particular diabetes mellitus, on the intrauterine condition of the fetus has been demonstrated, which led to the birth of a premature baby, with the subsequent development of hypoxic-ischemic damage to the central nervous system, intraventricular non-traumatic hemorrhages, diabetic fetopathy, hyperbilirubinemia and the implementation of the infectious process. This case demonstrates that a late premature infant has a combined pathology, which is the basis for using a multidisciplinary approach in their management. Despite the fact that late premature newborns at the time of birth have anthropometric data comparable to full-term ones, they have higher morbidity rates in the early neonatal period. Neonatologists must be wary of this group of children in order to timely determine the scope of the complex of therapeutic measures.

Androgen transition and management of hereditary angioedema long-term prophylaxis in real life: a single-center case series

BackgroundHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease that manifests clinically as recurrent episodes of swelling affecting multiple anatomical locations. Long-term prophylaxis (LTP) aims to control the disease by preventing HAE attacks. Previously, treatments such as attenuated androgens have been used for LTP, but they have an unfavorable adverse effect profile. Today, these limitations may be overcome by patients transitioning to newer, targeted therapies including oral berotralstat and subcutaneous lanadelumab. This case series reports the transition process between different prophylactic therapies in a family with HAE in a real-world setting.ResultsFour adult patient cases from the same family who underwent transitions in HAE prophylaxis are presented. Three were female and one male. Two patients who transitioned to berotralstat were initially prescribed attenuated androgens. Two patients were not taking LTP at the time of initiating targeted treatment but had previously been prescribed tranexamic acid. The length of transition varied between the patients, with the longest time taken to stabilize on new therapy being 26 months. All patients received regular follow-up in person or by telephone and all four required an adjustment from their initial treatment plan.ConclusionsTransitioning between LTP in HAE may help improve control of attacks, avoid unwanted adverse effects, or better cater to individual patient preferences. Newer targeted therapies have been shown to be effective and should be discussed with patients. Shared decision-making is a tool that can aid these discussions. The transition journey between LTP therapies in HAE may not be straightforward and is specific to each patient. Physicians should consider complicating factors such as patient anxieties around changing treatment, adverse effects, preferred routes of administration, and speed of transition. Following patients closely during the transition period helps identify any issues, including difficulties with treatment adherence, and may allow the transition plan to be adapted when necessary.

Influence of the swirl vanes in convergent-divergent nozzle on screech tones and mixing efficiency at subsonic and supersonic jet flow

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of coaxial swirlers on acoustic emission and reduction of potential core length in jet engines.Design/methodology/approachThe swirlers are introduced in the form of curved vanes with angles varied from 0° to 130°, corresponding to swirl numbers of 0–1.5. These swirlers are fixed in the annular chamber and tested at different nozzle pressure ratios of 2, 4 and 6.FindingsThe study finds that transonic tones exist for the nonswirl jet, creating an unfavorable effect. However, these screech tones are eliminated by introducing a swirl jet at the nozzle exit. Weak swirl shows a greater reduction in noise than strong swirl at subsonic conditions. In addition, the introduction of swirl jets at all pressure ratios significantly reduces jet noise and core length in supersonic conditions, mitigating the noise created by shockwaves and leading to screech tone-free jet mixing.Originality/valueThe paper provides valuable insights into the use of coaxial swirlers for noise reduction and core length reduction in jet engines, particularly in supersonic conditions.

Frontiers in Acute Pain Management: Emerging Concepts in Pain Pathways and the Role of VX-548 as a Novel NaV1.8 Inhibitor: A Narrative Review.

Despite ongoing research into alternative postsurgical pain treatments, opioids remain widely used analgesics regardless of associated adverse effects, including dependence and overdose, as demonstrated throughout the current opioid crisis. This is likely related to a failure in proving the efficacy of alternative analgesics in clinical trials, despite strong evidence supporting the potential for effective analgesia through in vitro studies. While NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 channels have shown to be key components of pain perception, studies regarding pharmacological agents utilizing these channels as targets have largely failed to demonstrate the efficacy of these proposed analgesics when compared to current multimodal pain treatment regimens. However, the novel NaV1.8 channel inhibitor, VX-548 has surpassed previously studied NaV1.8 inhibitors in clinical trials and continues to hold promise of a novel efficacious analgesic to potentially be utilized in multimodal pain treatment on postsurgical patients. Additionally, NaV1.8 is encoded by the SCN10A, which has been shown to be minimally expressed in the brain, suggesting a lower likelihood of adverse effects in the CNS, including dependence and abuse. Novel pharmacologic analgesics that are efficacious without the significant side effects associated with opioids have lacked meaningful development. However, recent clinical trials have shown promising results in the safety and efficacy of the pharmacological agent VX-548. Still, more clinical trials directly comparing the efficacy of VX-548 to standard of care post-surgical drugs, including opioids like morphine and hydromorphone are needed to demonstrate the long-term viability of the agent replacing current opioids with an unfavorable side effect profile.

The LDHC-STAT3 Signaling Network Is a Key Regulator of Basal-like Breast Cancer Cell Survival.

Breast cancer treatment has evolved drastically with the addition of immunotherapy and novel targeted drugs to the current treatment options. However, achieving long-term responses with minimal adverse events remains challenging. Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) offer novel opportunities for drug development thanks to their tumor specificity, immunogenicity, pro-tumorigenic functions, and negative prognostic connotations. We previously reported that lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) plays a key role in regulating genomic stability and that targeting LDHC significantly improved treatment response to DNA damage response drugs in breast cancer. Here, we explored the molecular mechanisms associated with LDHC silencing in two basal-like breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-468 and BT-549, and a Her2-enriched breast cancer cell line, HCC-1954. Transcriptomic analyses identified the cell line-dependent differential activation of the pro-survival STAT3 pathway following LDHC depletion. While LDHC silencing significantly compromised cell survival in basal-like breast cancer cells in conjunction with a downregulation of STAT3 signaling, the opposite effect was observed in Her2-enriched breast cancer cells, which demonstrated the enhanced activation of the pro-survival STAT3 signaling pathway. The inhibition of STAT3 not only reversed the unfavorable effect of LDHC silencing in the Her2-enriched cancer cells but also demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity when used as a single agent. Our findings suggest that the LDHC-STAT3 signaling axis plays a role in regulating breast tumor cell survival in a subtype-dependent manner. Thus, LDHC-targeted therapy could be a viable therapeutic approach for a subset of breast cancer patients, particularly patients with basal-like breast cancer, whereas patients carrying Her2-enriched tumors may likely benefit more from monotherapy with STAT3 inhibitors.

Effect of the Proximity of Roots to the Cortical Plate and Inclination of Incisors on External Apical Root Resorption.

External apical root resorption (EARR) is an unfavorable side effect of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment of patients with increased crowding could lead to the proclination of incisors and proximity of roots to the cortical plates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the proximity of the labial and lingual cortical plates and the inclination of incisors on EARR. Twenty-six patients (age: 13.39 years) with nonextraction fixed orthodontic treatment were evaluated at pretreatment and posttreatment (52 cone-beam computed tomographies). The maxillary and mandibular incisors (416 teeth) were evaluated for the pretreatment predictors such as the labial and palatal (lingual) cortical plate thickness, width of the mandibular symphysis/maxillary alveolus and cancellous bone, position of the root apex in cancellous/cortical bone, and treatment factors such as distance of root to the labial and palatal (lingual) outer and inner cortical plate and incisor inclination. Statistical analyses were performed with R software at a 0.05 significance level. Each parameter was compared between pretreatment and posttreatment by a paired t-test, and the association to root resorption was performed using a regression model. Clinically significant (>1 mm) root resorption was observed in 35% of all mandibular incisors and 52% of all maxillary incisors. Width of cancellous bone, position of the root apex in cortical bone, proximity of the root apex to the labial and palatal (lingual) outer cortical plate, lingual inner cortical plate, and proclination of incisors were significant factors associated with EARR. Proximity to the cortical plates and proclination of incisors are associated with increased EARR.

Metformin and statins reduce hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis C patients with failed antiviral therapy.

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients who failed antiviral therapy are at increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study assessed the potential role of metformin and statins, medications for diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperlipidemia (HLP), in reducing HCC risk among these patients. We included CHC patients from the T-COACH study who failed antiviral therapy. We tracked the onset of HCC 1.5 years post-therapy by linking to Taiwan's cancer registry data from 2003 to 2019. We accounted for death and liver transplantation as competing risks and employed Gray's cumulative incidence and Cox subdistribution hazards models to analyze HCC development. Out of 2,779 patients, 480 (17.3%) developed HCC post-therapy. DM patients not using metformin had a 51% increased risk of HCC compared to non-DM patients, while HLP patients on statins had a 50% reduced risk compared to those without HLP. The 5-year HCC incidence was significantly higher for metformin non-users (16.5%) versus non-DM patients (11.3%; adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratio [aSHR]=1.51; P=0.007) and metformin users (3.1%; aSHR=1.59; P=0.022). Statin use in HLP patients correlated with a lower HCC risk (3.8%) compared to non-HLP patients (12.5%; aSHR=0.50; P<0.001). Notably, the increased HCC risk associated with non-use of metformin was primarily seen in non-cirrhotic patients, whereas statins decreased HCC risk in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. Metformin and statins may have a chemopreventive effect against HCC in CHC patients who failed antiviral therapy. These results support the need for personalized preventive strategies in managing HCC risk.

Badanie mieszaniny metan-wodór w rurociągach pionowych

The paper presents an assessment of issues regarding the separation phenomena of methane-hydrogen mixtures in vertical pipelines. In the first part of the paper, the explosion risk is underlined. Thus, the widespread use of methane in both the industrial and domestic sectors is well known. In practice, due to recent trends, the injection of hydrogen into dedicated methane installations, the differences in densities can lead to separation phenomena which have an unfavorable effect on the operating regimes of equipment using this mixture and also, on the risk of explosion. The use of hydrogen in the industry is not new, but the increasing impact in terms of the number of users may involve a higher number of accidents due to the increased field of probability of hazardous situations in terms of explosions. The second part presents the used methods. The diffusion and gravitational separation are presented as phenomena having opposite effects. The used methods are theoretical and simulation approaches. The theoretical model is based on a nondynamic model. Therefore, no time parameter was not involved in the model. A linear dependence with the height of the concentration variation was observed for the range of heights considered. The conducted simulation underlined the same conclusion regarding the magnitude of gravitational separations in the methane-hydrogen mixtures. The main conclusion of the approach is that the separation phenomenon effect due to the gas density differences is negligible. The approach also revealed, as expected that the higher level of pipe is exposed to a higher risk of increased hydrogen concentration.

Treatment and Toxicity Considerations in Tuberculosis: A Narrative Review.

Tuberculosis remains one of the most significant bacterial infections plaguing the medical community worldwide. The bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis retains the ability to manifest as an active infection, latent infection, miliary infection, or reactivation of latent infections in times of immunosuppression. Therefore, the medication regimen to treat the condition revolves around four medications, each with a mechanism that targets a different part of the bacteria. Isoniazid weakens the cell wall but produces neuropathy and hepatotoxicity as side effects. Rifampin interrupts protein synthesis but creates the opportunity for many drug-to-drug interactions and red-orange discolorations as side effects. Pyrazinamide is poorly understood, but it is believed to acidify the internal environment of the bacteria, with gout exacerbations and arthralgias as major side effects. Ethambutol also works as a bacteriostatic medication to interrupt the cell membrane; however, its mechanism is poorly understood. The most concerning side effect is optic neuropathy. The unfavorable side effect profile for tuberculosis treatment may contribute to the higher rates of medication noncompliance with therapy and needs to be addressed in the future.

Study demands and resources affect academic well-being and life satisfaction of undergraduate medical students in the Netherlands.

Medical students report poor academic well-being in a context of high study demands. Study Demands-Resources theories have outlined mediating processes involving high study demands and low resources to mitigate academic well-being, which is subsequently associated with diminished overall well-being (i.e. life satisfaction). Furthermore, academic well-being and life satisfaction are also affected by interactions between study demands and resources (referred to as moderating processes). However, these mediating and moderating processes clarifying medical students' well-being still need to be investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the mediating role of academic well-being in the associations of study demands and resources with life satisfaction and the moderating role of study demands and resources in relation to academic well-being and life satisfaction among undergraduate medical students. In this cross-sectional survey study, 372 undergraduates from Dutch medical schools participated. The survey included the Study Demands-Resources Scale (workload, growth opportunities and peer support) as well as questionnaires on academic well-being (Utrecht Burnout Scale for students and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-Student Form) and overall well-being (single item on life satisfaction). Based on Study Demands-Resources theories, (moderated) mediation analyses were performed. Mediating processes were found as growth opportunities were indirectly associated with higher life satisfaction through lower academic burnout and higher academic engagement. Furthermore, workload was indirectly associated with lower life satisfaction through higher academic burnout. This association was moderated as it became weaker with more perceived peer support. A high workload and limited growth opportunities are associated with suboptimal academic well-being and life satisfaction. Perceiving support from peer students slightly buffers the unfavourable effect of workload on academic burnout and subsequently life satisfaction. To promote academic well-being and life satisfaction in medical students, universities can consider to reduce the workload, to create a supportive learning environment and to offer development opportunities.

Right heart failure with left ventricular assist devices: Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative management strategies. A clinical consensus statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC

AbstractRight heart failure (RHF) following implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a common and potentially serious condition with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations with an unfavourable effect on patient outcomes. Clinical scores that predict the occurrence of right ventricular (RV) failure have included multiple clinical, biochemical, imaging and haemodynamic parameters. However, unless the right ventricle is overtly dysfunctional with end‐organ involvement, prediction of RHF post‐LVAD implantation is, in most cases, difficult and inaccurate. For these reasons optimization of RV function in every patient is a reasonable practice aiming at preparing the right ventricle for a new and challenging haemodynamic environment after LVAD implantation. To this end, the institution of diuretics, inotropes and even temporary mechanical circulatory support may improve RV function, thereby preparing it for a better adaptation post‐LVAD implantation. Furthermore, meticulous management of patients during the perioperative and immediate postoperative period should facilitate identification of RV failure refractory to medication. When RHF occurs late during chronic LVAD support, this is associated with worse long‐term outcomes. Careful monitoring of RV function and characterization of the origination deficit should therefore continue throughout the patient's entire follow‐up. Despite the useful information provided by the echocardiogram with respect to RV function, right heart catheterization frequently offers additional support for the assessment and optimization of RV function in LVAD‐supported patients. In any patient candidate for LVAD therapy, evaluation and treatment of RV function and failure should be assessed in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary manner.

Modeling of Determinants’ Influence on Consumer Behavior Towards Counterfeit Products in Indonesia and Malaysia

This study investigates customer behavior in the context of purchasing counterfeit products. Specifically, it seeks to assess consumer awareness regarding value consciousness, ethical considerations, and legal sensitivity, which are believed to impact their attitudes and behavior. The study was carried out in both Indonesia and Malaysia. This study uses Smart PLS as a quantitative method and includes a sample of 360 respondents from Indonesia (180) and Malaysia (180) who have bought different types of counterfeit products. This study provides evidence that there is no significant disparity in the consumption intentions of counterfeit products between Indonesians and Malaysians since both nations display a similar trend. The results from both countries are in agreement, indicating that value awareness has a favorable and substantial impact on attitudes, personal gratification has an unfavorable and significant effect on attitudes, ethical sensitivity has a favorable and substantial impact on attitudes, and legal sensitivity has a favorable and substantial effect on attitudes. The impact of attitudes on behavioral intentions is positive and essential, as are subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and habits. Policymakers must acknowledge this conclusion, as business entities that become victims of counterfeit products will inevitably encounter significant challenges if this issue remains unattended. The issue of counterfeit goods in Indonesia and Malaysia has substantial financial implications for both the government and enterprises. Consequently, law enforcement agencies assume a crucial role in addressing this problem.

Theoretical Modeling and Surface Roughness Prediction of Microtextured Surfaces in Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Milling

Textured surfaces with certain micro/nano structures have been proven to possess some advanced functions, such as reducing friction, improving wear and increasing wettability. Accurate prediction of micro/nano surface textures is of great significance for the design, fabrication and application of functional textured surfaces. In this paper, based on the kinematic analysis of cutter teeth, the discretization of ultrasonic machining process, transformation method of coordinate systems and the cubic spline data interpolation, an integrated theoretical model was established to characterize the distribution and geometric features of micro textures on the surfaces machined by different types of ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling (UVAM). Based on the theoretical model, the effect of key process parameters (vibration directions, vibration dimensions, cutting parameters and vibration parameters) on tool trajectories and microtextured surface morphology in UVAM is investigated. Besides, the effect of phase difference on the elliptical shape in 2D/3D ultrasonic elliptical vibration-assisted milling (UEVAM) was analyzed. Compared to conventional numerical models, the method of the cubic spline data interpolation is applied to the simulation of microtextured surface morphology in UVAM, which is more suitable for characterizing the morphological features of microtextured surfaces than traditional methods due to the presence of numerous micro textures. The prediction of surface roughness indicates that the magnitude of ultrasonic amplitude in z-direction should be strictly limited in 1D rotary UVAM, 2D and 3D UEVAM due to the unfavorable effect of axial ultrasonic vibration on the surface quality. This study can provide theoretical guidance for the design and fabrication of microtextured surfaces in UVAM.

Does Thoracic Duct Ligation at the Time of Esophagectomy Impact Long-Term Survival? An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis.

Background: Thoracic duct ligation (TDL) during esophagectomy has been proposed to reduce the risk of postoperative chylothorax. Because of its role in immunoregulation, some authors argued that it had an unfavorable TDL effect on survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of TDL on overall survival (OS). Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through December 2023. The primary outcome was 5-year OS. The restricted mean survival time difference (RMSTD), hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as pooled effect size measures. The GRADE methodology was used to summarize the certainty of the evidence. Results: Five studies (3291 patients) were included. TDL was reported in 54% patients. The patients' age ranged from 49 to 69, 76% were males, and BMI ranged from 18 to 26. At the 5-year follow-up, the combined effect from the multivariate meta-analysis is -3.5 months (95% CI -6.1, -0.8) indicating that patients undergoing TDL lived 3.5 months less compared to those without TDL. TDL was associated with a significantly higher hazard for mortality at 12 months (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.38-1.73), 24 months (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12-1.35), and 28 months (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28). TDL and noTDL seem comparable in terms of the postoperative risk for chylothorax (RR = 0.66; p = 0.35). Conclusions: In this study, concurrent TDL was associated with reduced 5-year OS after esophagectomy. This may suggest the need of a rigorous follow-up within the first two years of follow-up.

Au Nanoparticles Supported on Hydrotalcite-Based MMgAlOx (M=Cu, Ni, and Co) Composite: Influence of Dopants on the Catalytic Activity for Semi-Hydrogenation of C2H2

Semi-hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene over metal oxide-supported Au nanoparticles is an interesting topic. Here, a hydrotalcite-based MMgAlOx (M=Cu, Ni, and Co) composite oxide was exploited by introducing different Cu, Ni, and Co dopants with unique properties, and then used as support to obtain Au/MMgAlOx catalysts via a modified deposition–precipitation method. XRD, BET, ICP-OES, TEM, Raman, XPS, and TPD were employed to investigate their physic-chemical properties and catalytic performances for the semi-hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene. Generally, the catalytic activity of the Cu-modified Au/CuMgAlOx catalyst was higher than that of the other modified catalysts. The TOR for Au/CuMgAlOx was 0.0598 h−1, which was 30 times higher than that of Au/MgAl2O4. The SEM and XRD results showed no significant difference in structure or morphology after introducing the dopants. These dopants had an unfavorable effect on the Au particle size, as confirmed by the TEM studies. Accordingly, the effects on catalytic performance of the M dopant of the obtained Au/MMgAlOx catalyst were improved. Results of Raman, NH3-TPD, and CO2-TPD confirmed that the Au/CuMgAlOx catalyst had more basic sites, which is beneficial for less coking on the catalyst surface after the reaction. XPS analysis showed that gold nanoparticles exhibited a partially oxidized state at the edges and surfaces of CuMgAlOx. Besides an increased proportion of basic sites on Au/CuMgAlOx catalysts, the charge transfer from nanogold to the Cu-doped matrix support probably played a positive role in the selective hydrogenation of acetylene. The stability and deactivation of Au/CuMgAlOx catalysts were also discussed and a possible reaction mechanism was proposed.

Tumor necrosis serves as an important pathological characteristic of stage I-II colon cancer.

The long-term prognosis of colon cancer patients remains little changed with relatively high mortality and morbidity. Since the most widely used prognostic parameter TNM staging system is less satisfactory in predicting prognosis in early-stage cancers, numerous clinicopathological factors, including tumor necrosis, have been proposed for prognosis stratification, but substantial evidences are still lacking for early-stage colon cancer. In the retrospective study, a total of eligible 173 stage I-II colon cancer patients, who received tumor radical resection and lymphadenectomy in the local hospital between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, were enrolled for analyzing the prognostic role of tumor necrosis. The primary endpoints included 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The median follow-up of enrolled early-stage colon cancer patients was 58.3 months. The 2-year and 5-year OS rates were 88.3% and 68.2%, respectively, and the 2-year and 5-year PFS rates were 85.6% and 62.7%, respectively. Seventy-eight patients (45.1%) were diagnosed with tumor necrosis by pathological examination. Demographic analysis revealed a significant association of tumor necrosis with larger tumor size and a marginal association with vascular invasion. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that tumor necrosis was associated with worse OS (log-rank P = 0.003) and PFS (log-rank P = 0.002). The independent unfavorable prognostic effect of tumor necrosis was further validated in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio = 1.91 (1.52-2.40), P = 0.004). The current study confirmed the independent prognostic role of tumor necrosis from pathological review in early-stage colon cancer patients. This pathological criterion promises to help in identifying high-risk subgroup from early-stage colon cancer patients, who may benefit from strict follow-up and adjuvant therapy.

Out of hospital sudden cardiac arrest as a prognostic factor for in-hospital mortality in patients admitted with cardiogenic shock

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background The mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS) is still high despite new comprehensive therapies. Cardiac arrest (CA) frequently complicates CS which can have an unfavourable effect on the course after admission. Purpose The study aimed to analyse the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients admitted with CS after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) compared to the group without OHCA. Methods The studied group consisted of a total of 80 patients with an average age of 62 ± 13 years (81 % male) admitted to tertiary hospital with CS in the period 2021-2022. The severity of the shock according to the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) SHOCK classification among the whole population was from C to E: 7 (9%), 38 (48%), and 35 (43%), respectively. The cohort was divided into 2 subgroups: the OHCA group consisted of 23 individuals (29%) and the without OHCA (non-OHCA group) consisted of 57 individuals. Results The groups did not differ in terms of demographic parameters and comorbidities. There were no differences in baseline heart rate 95 [50;114] vs. 91 [77;105] beats per minute and mean artery pressure 75 [70;97] vs. 82 [70;97] mmHg for OHCA vs. non-OHCA, respectively, all p&amp;gt; 0.05. Patients from OHCA group had higher baseline creatinine level 1.65 [1.35;1.88] vs. 1.37 [1.08; 1.65] mg/dL, p=0.019, white blood cell count 12 [9;16] vs. 17 [12;23] × 109/L, p=0.015 and lower pH from blood gas analysis 7.0 [6.9;7.2] vs. 7.3 [7.2;7.4], p&amp;lt;0.001). In the OHCA group, 90% of cases of CS were caused by acute coronary syndrome (ACS), while in the group without OHCA, 76% were due to ACS and 20 % due to the progression of chronic heart failure, p=0.032. Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) was used in almost every patient (98% non-OHCA vs. 95% OHCA), however, the OHCA group was more often treated with V-A ECMO 14 (64%) vs. 16 (28%) in the non-OHCA, p=0.004. The overall number of in-hospital deaths was 57 (71%). The OHCA group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality 22 (96%) compared to the non-OHCA patients 35 (61%), p=0.002. Conclusion Patients experiencing CS complicated by OHCA have more often ischaemic ethology of shock, have a greater degree of organ damage and a lower pH in blood gas analysis at admission, and have extremely high in-hospital mortality rates when compared with patients facing CS but without prior OHCA, which underscores the urgent need for improved prevention methods, interventions, and public awareness.

Prescribed-time fault-tolerant tracking control for Markov jump nonlinear systems based on saturation dynamics filters

This paper investigates the problem of prescribed-time fault-tolerant tracking control for a class of Markov jump nonlinear systems affected by actuator faults and input saturation. First, a new time-varying constraint function and an error transformation are invoked to transform the original prescribed-time tracking control problem into a tracking control problem with deferred constraint for tracking error. Furthermore, the parameter correction terms are designed, on which a novel Markov jump saturation dynamic filter is constructed to handle the unfavorable effect of input saturation. Meanwhile, the projection operator technique and the norm estimation methodology are integrated to devise adaptive laws to estimate the unknown actuator faults evolving in accordance with the Markov chain. A new prescribed-time fault-tolerant tracking control scheme is put forward that realizes the deferred constraint on the tracking error, which in turn ensures that the tracking error of the system converges to a prescribed accuracy within a prescribed-time. Finally, two simulation examples, one of which implements a prescribed-time fault-tolerant tracking control for rotary steerable drilling tool system, are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and practicality of the developed scheme.