AA Values Research Articles

Relating rainfall retrieval parameters to network and environmental features to improve rainfall estimates from commercial microwave links in the tropics

Abstract Potentially the greatest benefit of Commercial Microwave Links (CMLs) as opportunistic rainfall sensors lies in regions that lack dedicated rainfall sensors, most notably low- and middle income countries. However, current CML rainfall retrieval algorithms are predominantly tuned and applied to (European) CML networks in temperate or Mediterranean climates. This study investigates whether local quantitative precipitation estimates from CMLs in a tropical region, specifically Sri Lanka, can be improved by optimizing two dominant parameters in the rainfall retrieval algorithm RAINLINK, namely the wet-antenna correction factor Aa and the relative contribution of minimum and maximum received signal levels α. Using a grid search, based on ten months of CML data from 22 link-gauge clusters consisting of 105 sub-links that lie within 1 km of a daily rain gauge, optimal values of Aa and α are first derived for the entire country and compared to the default RAINLINK values. Subsequently, the CMLs are grouped by link length, frequency, climate zone, and daily rainfall depth classes, and Aa and α are derived for each of these classes. Calibrating parameters on all clusters across the country only leads to minor improvements. The actual optimal Aa and α values depend on the performance metric favored. Calibrating on network properties, particularly short link length and high frequency classes, does significantly improve rainfall estimates. By relating the optimal Aa and α values to known network meta data, the results from this study are potentially applicable to other tropical CML networks that lack nearby reference rainfall data.

Development of a Cu@ERGO-p(L-Lys) Modified GCE Electrochemical Sensor for the Simultaneous Detection of Ascorbic Acid, Dopamine, and Uric Acid

In this work, a sensitive sensing platform was developed using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to simultaneously determine AA, DA, and UA. Cu nanostructures, the poly-L-Lysine (p(L-Lys)), and the electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) modified GCE (GCE/Cu@ERGO-p(L-Lys)) was developed via the electrodeposition of Cu and electropolymerization of the ERGO-p(L-Lys). Simultaneous detection makes analysis more efficient and cost-effective by reducing the need for multiple sensors. The GCE/Cu@ERGO-p(L-Lys) was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The limit of detection values for AA, DA, and UA analytes were 0.16, 0.033, and 0.021 μM, respectively, while the linear ranges were 0.53–50.0, 0.11–100.0, and 0.070–0.75 μM. The proposed sensor was found to be applicable for the determination of target analytes in fetal bovine serum samples. The proposed GCE/Cu@ERGO-p(L-Lys) hybrid composite modified electrode is a promising material for simultaneous determination in biological fluids with excellent analytical performance and anti-interference effect.

Effects of the spray-drying process using maltodextrin on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of the pulp of the tropical fruit açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

Aҫai fruit is characterized by the properties of its bioactive compounds; however, this fruit is highly perishable and its compounds are sensitive when exposed to non-optimal environmental factors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to encapsulate the fruit pulp by spray drying to improve the nutritional value and extend the shelf life of the products derived from acai fruit. Maltodextrin was used as a wall material and the process was optimized to obtain the desirable values of the response variables. For this, a central compound design (CCD) was developed to determine the influence of temperature (110–170 °C) and the wall material proportion (5–15 %) on dependent variables: the retention of ascorbic acid, moisture percentage, hygroscopicity, solubility, water activity, and yield. Furthermore, the effects of spray drying on bioactive compounds (AA, TPC, TFC, TA, TCC, GA, CT, and QC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC) were evaluated. The maximum design temperature (170 °C) and wall material proportion (15 %) significantly influenced the response variables where encapsulation was applied, with high ascorbic acid retention (96.886 %), low moisture (0.303 %), low hygroscopicity (7.279 g/100 g), low level of water activity (0.255), a water solubility index of 23.206 %, and a high yield of 70.285 %. The bioactive compounds analyzed and the antioxidant capacity presented significant retention values for AA (96.86 %), TPC (65.13 %), TFC (82.09 %), TA (62.46 %), TCC (7.28 %), GA (35.02 %), CT (49.03 %), QC (37.57 %), ABTS (81.24 %), DPPH (75.11 %), and ORAC (15.68 %). Therefore, it is concluded that the powder obtained under these conditions has desirable physical properties, and the drying process preserved a notable retention of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant activities.

Ultrasensitive composite electrochemical sensor with printed wrinkled CNTs nanostructure for simultaneous detection

Combining biomimetic and 3D printing has created new opportunities for the manufacture of electrochemical sensors. Dopamine (DA) and Uric acid (UA) are common body electroactive substances, and their detection is important for diagnosing metabolic diseases. Metal electrochemical sensors have limitations in sensitivity and selectivity due to their smooth 2D structures, which make it challenging to capture comprehensive electrochemical information. Here, inspired by taste buds, an ultrasensitive CNT-Pt composite electrochemical sensor, including a printed biomimetic wrinkled CNTs film, was prepared for simultaneous detection of DA and UA. Nanoscale Pt electrode was prepared by UV-LIGA process and the wrinkled CNTs nanofilm was fabricated by thermally assisted electrohydrodynamic jet (E-Jet) printing. CNT lines of 3∼58 μm, droplets of 4 μm and 2D array structures have been printed. The enhanced sensing mechanism of wrinkled CNTs nanofilm was analyzed theoretically. The nanoscale wrinkled morphology (nanofolds∼50 nm) and hydrophilicity (CÃ20°) of printed wrinkled CNTs nanofilm were analyzed. The anodic peak potential for UA was observed to range from 0.429 V to 0.489 V for the conventional Pt electrochemical sensor, whereas it ranged from 0.205 V to 0.276 V for the CNT-Pt composite electrochemical sensor. The detection performance of CNT-Pt composite electrochemical sensor was improved by ∼40 % contrast with Pt electrochemical sensor. The prepared composite electrochemical sensor can effectively recognize DA, UA and AA. From analysis, the peak value of AA was not obvious, the peak values of DA and UA were 0.096 V and 0.265 V. The composite electrochemical sensor successfully eliminated the detection interference caused by AA in detecting DA and UA. The nanoscale composite electrochemical sensor and its hybrid manufacturing method provide great potential for electrochemical testing applications.

Nutrition Mass of Fermented Coconut Pulp with Rumen Fluid as Poultry Feed

The use of coconut pulp as animal feed is still limited due to the high content of crude fat and crude fiber, which are difficult to digest by livestock and low palatability, so feed processing technology is needed, one of which is through the fermentation process with the addition of microorganisms from rumen fluid. This study aimed to determine the nutritional quality of coconut (Cocos nucifera l.) pulp with different fermentation lengths using Bali cow rumen fluid. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 3 treatments and 4 replicates. The treatments used in this study were AA = 0-day coconut pulp (control), AB = 5-day fermented coconut pulp, and A2 = 7-day fermented coconut pulp. The variables observed were dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), and crude fat (FF). The results showed a significant effect (P<0.05) on the mean values of BK AA (94.669±0.33) AB (91.89±0.23) and AC (90.46±0.44), PK AA (5.33±0.41), AB (6.00±0.14) and AC (6.59±0. 15), SK AA (16.99±0.31), AB (10.16±0.21), and AC (9.24±0.24) and showed no significant effect (P>0.05) on the mean value of LK AA (44.55±0.50), AB (44.52±0.3), and AC (43.29±0.58). Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that 7-day fermentation decreased BK, LK, and SK and increased PK of coconut pulp. The best fermentation time of coconut pulp with Bali cow rumen fluid is on day 7.

Nonlinear Optical Responses of Janus MoSSe/MoS2 Heterobilayers Optimized by Stacking Order and Strain.

Nonlinear optical responses in second harmonic generation (SHG) of van der Waals heterobilayers, Janus MoSSe/MoS2, are theoretically optimized as a function of strain and stacking order by adopting an exchange-correlation hybrid functional and a real-time approach in first-principles calculation. We find that the calculated nonlinear susceptibility, χ(2), in AA stacking (550 pm/V) becomes three times as large as AB stacking (170 pm/V) due to the broken inversion symmetry in the AA stacking. The present theoretical prediction is compared with the observed SHG spectra of Janus MoSSe/MoS2 heterobilayers, in which the peak SHG intensity of AA stacking becomes four times as large as AB stacking. Furthermore, a relatively large, two-dimensional strain (4%) that breaks the C3v point group symmetry of the MoSSe/MoS2, enhances calculated χ(2) values for both AA (900 pm/V) and AB (300 pm/V) stackings 1.6 times as large as that without strain.

Morpho-Physiological Traits and Phytochemical Compositions of Coffea canephora Beans from Lampung for Various Harvesting Stages and Soaking Durations

Coffea canephora, also known as Robusta, is one of the coffee species that dominates production in Indonesia. The morphology, physiology, and phytochemistry of Canephora coffee beans are affected by many factors, such as the fruit harvesting time and post-harvest processing. The maturity stage of coffee fruits at harvest time and post-harvest management will affect the various morpho-physiological and phytochemical compositions of the coffee beans. This research aimed to observe Canephora coffee beans’ morpho-physiological and phytochemical compositions for various harvesting stages and soaking durations. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD). It tested eight treatments, a combination of harvesting times (H1 = only red fruit/ripe stage, H2 = green, yellow, red fruits/strip-picking stage) and soaking durations (S0 = 0, S1 = 12, S2 = 24, and S3 = 36 h) with four replications. The main observations were the morpho-physiological traits (size, weight, color, moisture content, bean yield) and the phytochemical compositions (TPC = total phenolic content, AA = antioxidant activity, and CC = caffeine content) of the coffee bean before and after the drying process. Based on morphological characteristics (bean size and weight before drying), the highest value came from selective harvesting or ripe-picking only without soaking duration application (H1S0). While the selective harvesting method with a 24 h soaking duration showed a high value for the color trait (L and b*), the treatment that affected the color trait after drying was the strip-picking harvesting method without soaking (a* and b*). On the other hand, the phytochemical contents had H1S0 for the highest TPC and AA values. In contrast, H1S1 or selective harvesting, with 12 h of soaking, had the highest value of CC. The optimum combination of harvesting methods and soaking duration will improve the quality of the Canephora coffee beans.

Clinical efficacy of modified sacral fixation under Leonardo da Vinci robot laparoscopy for pelvic organ prolapse.

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical efficacy of modified sacral fixation under Leonardo da Vinci robot laparoscopy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Sixty POP patients admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were picked and divided into Group A (laparoscopic Y-mesh, n = 20), Group B (laparoscopic sacrovaginal fixation, n = 20), and Group C (da Vinci robotic sacral fixation, n = 20). These three groups were compared in terms of the perioperative indexes, such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative indwelling catheter days, anal exhaust time, postoperative hospitalization days, etc. The occurrence of short-term and long-term complications in the three groups was compared. The changes of the following index values in the POP quantification system (POP -Q) staging before and 1 year after surgery were recorded and compared among the three groups. It mainly includes the midline of the anterior vaginal wall at 3 cm from the hymenal margin (Aa), the farthest point of the anterior vaginal vault from point Aa (Ba), the farthest point of the ectocervix (C), the location of the posterior vaginal vault or rectal uterine trap (D), the midline of the posterior vaginal wall at 3 cm from the hymenal margin (Ap), and the reflection of the posterior vaginal vault at the farthest point from the Ap point (Bp) values. The changes in Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) were recorded and compared before and 1 year after the operation. The patients in Group C had significantly lower intraoperative bleeding, postoperative indwelling catheter days, anal exhaust time, and postoperative hospitalization days compared with those in Group A and Group B (p < 0.05). There existed no statistical difference in the incidence of short-term and long-term complications between Group B and Group C (p > 0.05), but both were much lower than Group A (p < 0.05). The differences in POP-Q staging, PFDI-20 scale, and PISQ-12 scale were not statistically significant among the three groups before surgery (p > 0.05), and the POP-Q staging Aa, Ba, C, D, Ap, and Bp values, PFDI-20 scale, and PISQ-12 scale were strongly improved in three groups after the surgery (p < 0.05). However, the POP-Q staging, PFDI-20 scale, and PISQ-12 scale among the three groups had no obvious difference after the surgery (p > 0.05). The efficacy of modified sacral fixation under Leonardo da Vinci robot laparoscopy for POP was comparable to that of laparoscopic Y-mesh treatment and laparoscopic sacral vaginal fixation. However, da Vinci's robotic sacral fixation had the advantages of less intraoperative bleeding and faster postoperative recovery, which helped patients recover quickly and improved their quality of life.

Yonca Silajına Pasta Atığı İlavesinin Silaj Kalitesi ve Fermantasyon Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisi

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of addition of cake waste, which is a food industry waste, to alfalfa silage as a readily soluble carbohydrate source on silage quality, fermentation properties, in vitro organic matter digestion and in vitro CH4 values. In the study, while silage group without additives constituted the control group, silages with 1%, 2%, 4% and 6% cake waste additions constituted the test groups. Statistically significant differences were found in crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), in vitro organic matter digestion (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and in vitro CH4 values of silages (P

Clinical Effect of Uterosacral and Cardinal Ligament Fixation versus Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation of Vaginal Vault Prolapse: A Retrospective Analysis.

This study aimed at comparing sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) with uterosacral and cardinal ligament fixation (USCLF) concerning complications and outcomes in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with POP stage III or above uterine prolapse treated at Wenzhou People's Hospital from January 2013 to December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: USCLF group and SSLF group. The perioperative indicators, postoperative complications, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q), Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), and POP/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) scores of the groups were analyzed and compared. (1) The operative time and intraoperative blood loss in the USCLF group were lower than those in the SSLF group, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). (2) The incidence of postoperative buttock pain in the SSLF group was 10.7% (6/56), higher than that in the USCLF group (0/56) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.027). (3) At one year of follow-up, significant improvement in Aa, Ba, C, Ap, and Bp values was observed in both groups (p < 0.05). The values of the Aa and Ba sites in the USCLF group were lower than those in the SSLF group one year after surgery (p < 0.05). (4) The PFDI-20 and PISQ-12 scores of the groups one year after surgery were lower than those before surgery (p < 0.05). Uterosacral and cardinal ligament suture fixation leads to less bleeding and better postoperative quality of life than preoperative and may be better than SSLF at preventing the recurrence of anterior wall prolapse after surgery.

Hawthorn Drying: An Exploration of Ultrasound Treatment and Microwave–Hot Air Drying

Drying is one of the methods used for preserving fruits and vegetables. However, due to the lengthy process and elevated temperature of convective drying, other pretreatment and drying methods are studied to shorten the drying time and obtain high-quality products. This study aimed to examine the effect of ultrasonic (US) pretreatment and microwave–hot air drying (MW–HA) on the drying time, specific energy (SEC), qualitative properties (e.g., color, shrinkage, and rehydration ratio), and bioactive compound properties (e.g., antioxidant activity, phenolic, and flavonoid contents) of hawthorn fruit. Experiments were performed using ultrasound pretreatment and a microwave dryer (microwave power: 180, 360, and 540 W) at air temperatures of 40, 55, and 70 °C. Drying of hawthorn lasts from 35 min for the ultrasound-treated sample (dried at 540 W and 70 °C) to 180 min (dried at 180 W and 40 °C without US treatment). The lowest amount of SEC (24.11 MJ/kg) was obtained using the US–MW–HA air drying method (dried at 540 W and 70 °C). The lowest values in total color change (13.37) and shrinkage (22.47%) were recorded for the sample dried with a MW power of 360 W and air temperature at 55 °C with US pretreatment prior to drying. Generally, the use of US and MW–HA air drying reduces the antioxidant activity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) during processing compared to fresh samples. The highest values for AA (28.01%), TPC (69.44 mg GAE/g d.m.), and TFC (64.38 mg QE/g) obtained at 360 W and 55 °C with US pretreatment for hawthorn fruit dried.

Robotic Sacrocolpopexy with Autologous Fascia Lata: A Case Series.

Apical prolapse involves the upper vagina or vaginal vault after hysterectomy. Treatment is indicated for symptomatic women, and surgical approach is considered for women who failed or refused conservative therapy. We performed 10 pickups of autologous fascia, used for robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP). We included patients between 60 and 80 years old who showed a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-q) over the second stage and with symptoms related to prolapse. All of them underwent autologous fascia lata (AFL) pickup from the right leg and after to RSCP. One patient underwent also posterior colporrhaphy. The mean intraoperative time was 199.2 min (183-230 min). No intra-operatory complications were reported. POP-q assessment during follow-up showed improvements: C point gained on average 7.6 points (5-8) and mean values went from -0.6 to - 8.2 cm (-7 to -9 cm). The three women who had anterior compartment defects shows good anatomical reconstitution with a mean Aa and Ba value of - 2.83 cm (-2.5 to -3 cm) and gained 4 points (average gain: 3.5-4.5 cm). Total vaginal lenght (TVL). According to these data, in our experience, AFL employment showed a good anatomical result from the first to last follow-up.

A novel trophic archive: Practical considerations of compound-specific amino acid δ15N analysis of carbonate-bound organic matter in bivalve shells (Arctica islandica)

Compound-specific stable nitrogen isotope (δ15N) analysis of amino acids (CSIA-AA) can be used to refine the trophic position (TP) of organisms and determine the ecosystem δ15N baseline. It serves as a powerful tool to understand trophic dynamics and the nitrogen biogeochemistry of ecosystems. Extending this information back in time could be achieved by applying CSIA-AA to bivalve shell carbonate-bound organics (CBOM) in conjunction with growth pattern analysis (bivalve sclerochronology). However, due to the low content of AA in shells, the measurement of δ15N values of individual AA (δ15NAA values) is extremely challenging. Furthermore, a standardized pretreatment procedure is currently not available. In this study, we firstly present a refined analytical technique for calibrating δ15NAA data obtained by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS), considering (1) the effect of low signals on δ15NAA values, (2) AA-specific drift in δ15NAA values during analytical sequences, (3) the use of internal standard material(s), and (4) scale-normalization. Using the new approach, we achieve an analytical precision of 0.21 and 0.51 ‰ for six derivatized AA standards and 0.31 to 1.06 ‰ for 13 derivatized AA from shell powder. Secondly, a critical step of sample pretreatment, i.e., demineralization method, is addressed by comparing three demineralization methods. The cation-exchange resin (CEX resin) method showed minimal methodologically induced fractionation for 10 AA of the shell and is hence considered suitable for CSIA-AA. Lastly, using the refined analytical technique and sample pretreatment, we report the first high-resolution sclerochronologal δ15NAA series of an Arctica islandica specimen. Relatively small sample sizes (50–100 mg) from the inner portion of outer shell layer (iOSL) allow for a temporal resolution of 1–3 years per sample. The δ15NAA data from the iOSL show a lower TP of the studied bivalve in the ontogenetic older portion (age 8–14: 1.5 ± 0.1) than the younger portion (age 1–7: 2.1 ± 0.1), suggesting an ontogenetic change of its food sources from benthic particles to pelagic phytoplankton. Our findings also propose a novel, high-resolution proxy (i.e., δ15NPhe in CBOM from the ontogenetic older shell portion) for the ecosystem nitrogen isotopic baseline. This study opens promising potentials to reconstruct high-resolution changes of the origin and fate of nitrogen in past aquatic food webs.

Synthesis of High Injection Molding Performance and Low Acetaldehyde Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) by Eco-Friendly and Highly Active Titanium Catalyst

In this paper, ECO-friendly titanium magnesium catalyst with high activity was synthesized, and titanium based bottle polyester was synthesized on a 30,000 ton annual industrial plant. At the same time, the characterization and processing properties of titanium based and antimony based polyester were studied. Compared with commercial antimony based polyester, TMPC chips had faster SSP rate and lower AA content, easier crystallization and high catalyst activity, easy to form macromolecular chains, and the rheology of polyester melt also showed a wider processing range. However, the chain end thermal degradation reaction of titanium based bottle chips was slightly larger than that of antimony based bottle chips, and the α transition temperature in DMA test also led to the molecular chain motion of titanium bottle chips is more easily affected by temperature, which was not conducive to maintaining a better viscosity drop and AA value of bottle preform for a long time in the high-temperature injection molding process. To sum up, according to the performance test results, by using TMPC catalyst and adjusting the processing conditions to control the injection molding process of TMPC polyester, titanium bottle preform with better viscosity drop and AA content can be obtained. Finally, the bottle preform with a weight of 28.5g was prepared by using titanium TMPC bottle chips. The injection molding processing temperature was reduced by 10 °C, the viscosity drop was equivalent to that of commercial antimony bottle preform, the end carboxyl group was reduced by 54%, the color index b value was reduced by 17.3%, and the AA content was reduced by 19.8%.

Difference in the nutritional, in vitro, and functional characteristics of protein and fat isolates of two Indian chia (Salvia hispanica L) seed genotypes with variation in seed coat color.

This study aimed to determine the association between the seed coat color of two chia seed genotypes for their composition, protein content, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles. The optimal pH for protein isolation for both genotypes (BCPI and WCPI) was 10, based on protein purity and solubility. Fatty acid profiling indicated, overall, 18 different fatty acids higher in BCPI10 with linolenic acid domination (∼66%) followed by linoleic acid (∼19%) and oleic acid (∼6%), contributing PUFAs (∼86%). Optimized protein isolates, black (BCPI10) and white (WCPI10) chia, had shown purity, L*-value, solubility, and yields of 90.65%, 75.86%, 77.75%, 11.30%, and 90.00%, 77.83%, 76.07%, 10.69%, respectively. BCPI10 depicted higher EAA (33.19g/100 g N) and EEA indices (57.676%) compared to WCPI10 (32.14g/100 g N) and 56.360%, respectively.Amino acid profiling indicated higher, PER, TAA, TEAA, TNEAA, TAAA, TBA, acidic AA values for BCPI10, and higher leucine/isoleucine ratio for WCPI10 having leucine and sulfur amino acids as limiting amino acids. BCPI10 had higher sulfur-containing amino acid contents, as the main contributor to the albumin a water-soluble fraction, leading to its higher in vitro digestibility (71.97%) than WCPI10 (67.70%). Both isolates exhibited good WHC and OHC of 3.18, 2.39 and 3.00, 2.20, respectively. Both protein isolates had similar ∆Td (°C) values with some variation in FTIR spectrum from 1000 cm-1 to 1651cm-1 having more peak intensity for BCPI10. SDS-PAGE indicated bands at 150kDa, representing globulin and mild bands at 25-33kDa for glutelin and albumin. A significant (p<0.05) variation reported in this study for protein and lipid profiles of both genotype attributes to genetic differences between the seeds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Based on the nutritional profile, both chia seed isolates (black and white) are suitable for consumption with an edge for black seed when supplemented with their limiting amino acids. The high values of the functional properties and structural characteristics combined with high nutritional values make the chia protein isolate an excellent source of raw material for various food formulations. Fatty acid profile of the oils from the genotypes showed the presence of high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, especially the PUFAs with more number of fatty acids in black chia seed. The excellent lipid profile of chia seed oil indicates the benefit of using chia seed oil as a source of essential fatty acids in the human diet for optimal health.

Modified laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension for treatment of apical prolapse: A feasibility study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of modified laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension (LHUS) in women with apical prolapse who require uterine preservation. This retrospective feasibility study analyzed the demographic characteristics, procedure, and 3-year follow-up data of 23 women who underwent modified LHUS at our institution. Outcome measures included clinical and anatomical cure. Patient satisfaction was measured by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). The improvement on quality of life was evaluated by pelvic floor distress inventory-short form 20 (PFDI-20). The operation time was 50 ± 17 min, the blood loss was 100 ml (50-300 ml), and the postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 days (3-6 days). At a median follow-up time of 4.3 years (3-6 years), the clinical cure rate was 91.6% and the anatomical cure rate was 87.0%. The values of Aa, Ba, C, and D points were significantly higher than those observed before operation (p < 0.05). According to PGI-I, 20 patients were satisfied, and the overall subjective satisfaction rate was 87%. The scores of PFDI-20 after operation were significantly lower than those recorded before operation (p < 0.05). Modified LHUS has the advantages of short operation time, fast postoperative recovery, low 3-year recurrence rate, and high patient satisfaction in women with apical prolapse who require uterine preservation, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Mesh Exposure and Prolapse Recurrence Following Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery for Sacrocolpopexy: Over 24 Months of Follow-up Data

To describe the results of mesh exposure and prolapse recurrence of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for sacrocolpopexy after more than 24 months of postoperative follow-up. A retrospective cohort study. A university hospital. Women with uterine prolapse who underwent vNOTES sacrocolpopexy with an ultralightweight polypropylene mesh between May 2018 and March 2020. vNOTES sacrocolpopexy. Of 57 women, 55 women (96.5%) were included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up duration was 35.5 ± 7.6 (24-46) months. The total incidence of mesh exposure was 3 of 55 (5.5%). The total incidence of prolapse recurrence was 3 of 55 (5.5%). The changes in the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System scores, including Aa, Ba, C, Ap, Bp, and total vaginal length values, showed significant improvement after surgery (p <.05 for all). The study demonstrates that vNOTES sacrocolpopexy appears to be an effective option with low risks of mesh exposure and prolapse recurrence. Studies including more patients and longer follow-up periods should be performed before a clear conclusion can be reached.

Study on the difference in adsorption thermodynamics for water on swelling and non-swelling clays with implications for prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis

Excessive inhalation of mineral dust can cause irreversible damage such as diffuse fibrosis of lung tissue. Water-based dust reduction technology can effectively control the dust concentration. The study of the interaction of water-clay mineral dust is helpful to the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis by water-based dust removal technology. To better understand the underlying adsorption mechanisms of water molecules on clay mineral dust, the detailed adsorption thermodynamics analysis is necessary. In this paper, we research the thermodynamics of adsorption of water molecules on swelling clay of montmorillonite and non-swelling clay of illite. First, the adsorption isotherms of water molecules on montmorillonite and illite at 293–313 K were measured by gravimetric method. Then, the key thermodynamic variables, including entropy change (Δ S ), surface potential ( Ω ), isosteric heat of adsorption ( Q st ) and variation of Gibbs free energy (Δ G ), were analyzed. Results illustrate that the adsorption amount for water molecules on illite is one order of magnitude smaller than that on montmorillonite, suggesting that swelling clay plays a dominant role in water molecules adsorption process. For water molecules adsorption on montmorillonite, the contribution of secondary adsorption to total adsorption ( a 2 / a ) is always less than 30%. For water molecules adsorption on illite, the contribution of primary adsorption to total adsorption ( a 1 / a ) is greater than a 2 / a at the low pressure region, while a 2 / a can exceed 60% at the high pressure region. The difference in the uptakes of water molecules adsorption on non-swelling and swelling clays is mainly resulted from the difference in primary adsorption on two clays. The Henry’s constant ( K AA ) for montmorillonite is in the range of 21.37–75.08 mmol/g/kPa, which is evidently larger than the K AA values of 0.34–0.98 mmol/g/kPa for illite. Compared with non-swelling clay, the adsorption spontaneity degree for water molecules on swelling clay is higher, and the interaction of swelling clay-water molecules is stronger. Meanwhile, the movement of adsorbed water molecules in swelling clay is more confined than that in non-swelling clay. These findings can offer meaningful guidelines for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis.

Fate of entanglement between two Unruh-DeWitt detectors due to their motion and background temperature

We investigate the fate of initial entanglement between two accelerated detectors with respect to an observer attached to one of the detectors. Both (1 + 1) and (1 + 3) spacetime dimensions are being considered here, with the detectors interacting with real massless scalar fields through monopole terms. The investigation is being performed for both non-thermal as well as thermal fields. In general, irrespective of the detectors moving in the same Rindler wedge or opposite wedges, increase of the field temperature reduces the initial entanglement. In all situations, degradation of entanglement is high for high acceleration aA of our observer. Interestingly, the degradation depends on the measure of initial entanglement. For (1 + 1) dimensions, the degradation saturates for small values of aA, whereas the same fluctuates in (1 + 3) dimensions with the decrease of aA. For motions in opposite Rindler wedges, a noticeable feature we observe in (1 + 1) dimensions is that, depending on the strength of initial entanglement, there is a possibility of entanglement harvesting in the system for certain values of the observers’ acceleration. However the same is absent in (1 + 3) dimensions. The whole analysis is operationally different from earlier similar investigations. The thermal equilibrium is satisfied throughout the calculations here, by considering the Wightman functions with respect to the Rindler modes evaluated in the vacuum of Unruh modes, contrary to the use of Minkowski modes.

The effect of different drying methods on total bioactive properties, individual phenolic compounds, rehydration ability, color, and microstructural characteristics of Asian pear

This study aimed to investigate the effects of FD (freeze drying), USVD (ultrasound-assisted vacuum drying), HAD (hot air drying). and IRD (infrared drying) methods on drying behavior, total phenolic antioxidant activity, individual phenolic distribution, rehydration capacity, Scanning Electron Microscopy image, and color quality of Asian pear. HAD showed the longest drying period with 420 min and followed by USVD with 345 and IRD with 240 min. The method difference had a significant effect on the total phenolic and antioxidant activity values of the samples (p < 0.05). The TPC, DPPH, and CUPRAC value were found as 111.59–316.40 mg/100 g GAE, 336.94–559.41 mg/100 g TE, and 161.00–859.73 mg/100 g TE, respectively. Samples dried with FD showed the highest TPC and AA values, followed by USVD, IRD, and HAD. The effect of drying techniques on the distribution of phenolic compounds was found to be significant (p < 0.05). HAD and the IRD process caused a decrease in the amount of all identified phenolic compounds. While USVD caused an increase in the amount of Chlorogenic acid, FD did not cause a significant change. Higher HMF results were found in samples dried via IRD followed by HAD. While the porous structure was preserved in the samples dried with FD and USVD, the porosity structure of the samples dried with HAD and IRD completely disappeared. FD and HAD showed the highest and lowest rehydration capacity, respectively. FD and USVD showed lower color change than IRD and HAD. The results of this study showed that USVD and FD can be used as an alternative method to HAD in drying Asian pear. Practical Application Pear fruit is one of the most consumed fruits worldwide. Pear fruit is very sensitive to microbial and enzymatic degradation due to its high sugar, bioactive component, and moisture content. To increase the shelf life of the pear fruit and to ensure consumption throughout the year, it must be subjected to a preservation technique. Drying is one of the main methods used to extend the long shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Undesirable changes may occur in the quality characteristics of fruits during drying. Therefore, determining the appropriate drying method is vital for the quality of the final product. In this study, the effects of different drying methods on many quality characteristics of pear fruit were investigated. This study has the potential to provide a new perspective on the drying of pear fruit.