Electrothermal transport of water conveying copper, silver and alumina nanoparticles through a vertical wavy microchannel

This study emphasizes the significance of optimizing heat transmission, energy conversion, and thermal management in electronic devices, renewable energy systems, and emerging technologies like thermoelectric devices and energy storage systems. The aim is to enhance heat transfer efficiency for improved performance and lifespan of electronic equipment. The research utilizes a mathematical flow analysis to study a water-based ternary nanofluid's flow and thermal characteristics in a vertical microfluidic channel driven by peristalsis and electroosmosis. The ternary-hybrid nanofluid (THNF), comprising copper, silver, and alumina nanoparticles dissolved in water, is examined considering induced magnetic fields. The study delves into fluid flow, heat absorption, and mixed convection, using Debye-Hückel, lubrication, and long wavelength approximations. Results show that THNF exhibits superior heat transmission compared to pure water. Increasing solid volume fraction of nanoparticles decreases THNF's temperature. Induced magnetic fields impact the system. This research could influence thermal pipe heat sinks and bioengineered medical devices design.

The Effect of Acuity Circles on Deceased Donor Transplant and Offer Rates Across Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Scores and Exception Statuses

Acuity circles (AC), the new liver allocation system, was implemented on February 4, 2020. Difference-in-differences analyses estimated the effect of AC on adjusted deceased donor transplant and offer rates across Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) categories and types of exception statuses. The offer rates were the number of first offers, top 5 offers, and top 10 offers on the match run per person-year. Each analysis adjusted for candidate characteristics and only used active candidate time on the waiting list. The before-AC period was February 4, 2019, to February 3, 2020, and the after-AC period was February 4, 2020, to February 3, 2021. Candidates with PELD/MELD scores 29 to 32 and PELD/MELD scores 33 to 36 had higher transplant rates than candidates with PELD/MELD scores 15 to 28 after AC compared with before AC (transplant rate ratios: PELD/MELD scores 29-32, _2.34 3.32_4.71 ; PELD/MELD scores 33-36, _1.70 2.51_3.71 ). Candidates with PELD/MELD scores 29 or higher had higher offer rates than candidates with PELD/MELD scores 15 to 28, and candidates with PELD/MELD scores 29 to 32 had the largest difference (offer rate ratios [ORR]: first offers, _2.77 3.95_5.63 ; top 5 offers, _3.90 4.39_4.95 ; top 10 offers, _4.85 5.30_5.80 ). Candidates with exceptions had lower offer rates than candidates without exceptions for offers in the top 5 (ORR: hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], _0.68 0.77_0.88 ; non-HCC, _0.73 0.81_0.89 ) and top 10 (ORR: HCC, _0.59 0.65_0.71 ; non-HCC, _0.69 0.75_0.81 ). Recipients with PELD/MELD scores 15 to 28 and an HCC exception received a larger proportion of donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors after AC than before AC, although the differences in the liver donor risk index were comparatively small. Thus, candidates with PELD/MELD scores 29 to 34 and no exceptions had better access to transplant after AC, and donor quality did not notably change beyond the proportion of DCD donors.

Inactive status is an independent predictor of liver transplant waitlist mortality and is associated with a transplant centers median meld at transplant

BACKGROUND

Approximately 30% of patients on the liver transplant waitlist experience at least one inactive status change which makes them temporarily ineligible to receive a deceased donor transplant. We hypothesized that inactive status would be associated with higher mortality which may differ on a transplant centers' or donor service areas' (DSA) Median MELD at Transplant (MMaT).

METHODS

Multi-state models were constructed (OPTN database;06/18/2013-06/08/2018) using DSA-level and transplant center-level data where MMaT were numerically ranked and categorized into tertiles. Hazards ratios were calculated between DSA and transplant center tertiles, stratified by MELD score, to determine differences in inactive to active transition probabilities.

RESULTS

7,625 (30.2% of sample registrants;25,216 total) experienced at least one inactive status change in the DSA-level cohort and 7,623 experienced at least one inactive status change in the transplant-center level cohort (30.2% of sample registrants;25,211 total). Inactive patients with MELD≤34 had a higher probability of becoming re-activated if they were waitlisted in a low or medium MMaT transplant center or DSA. Transplant rates were higher and lower re-activation probability was associated with higher mortality for the MELD 26-34 group in the high MMaT tertile. There were no significant differences in re-activation, transplant probability, or waitlist mortality for inactivated patients with MELD≥35 regardless of a DSA's or center's MMaT.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that an inactive status change is independently associated with waitlist mortality. This association differs by a centers' and a DSAs' MMaT. Prioritization through care coordination to resolve issues of inactivity is fundamental to improving access.

Submucosal Lipoma at the lead point of Small bowel Intussusception in an Adult

Introduction/Objective

Morbidity and mortality among adult patients presenting with acute abdominal pain are high, and these patients often require hospitalization with prompt surgical consultation Important differentials include small bowel obstruction from previous surgeries and hernias, acute mesenteric ischemia, and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Intussusception in adults is rare accounting for about 1% - 5% of small bowel obstructions and thus requiring a high index of suspicion for early detection. In most cases, the lead point is a benign mass, commonly a lipoma, but histopathologic examination of the resected segment is required to rule out malignancy.

Methods/Case Report

We present a case of a 50-year old male with a medical history of psoriasis and hypertension who was admitted on account of a 1-day history of sudden onset persistent abdominal pain with associated nausea non-bilious emesis. Physical examination reveals no fever and soft non-distended abdomen with diffuse tenderness. CT scan demonstrated long segment small bowel-small bowel intussusception with markedly edematous and dilated bowel, compatible with obstruction. The lead-point was suspected to be a 3.9cm lipoma. Segmental resection and primary re-anastomosis were performed. Gross examination revealed a 13cm segment of bowel telescoping into a distal segment with a lead-point demonstrating mucosal congestion and submucosal thickening corresponding to a well-circumscribed 3.5cm tan yellow soft lobulated mass with yellow cut surface. Histopathology was consistent with lipoma. The patient made an uneventful postoperative recovery.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

N/A

Conclusion

Intussusception should be kept in the differential diagnosis of adults presenting with sudden onset abdominal pain and pathologic examination of the resected segment is necessary to rule out malignancy.

Electrothermal transport of third-order fluids regulated by peristaltic pumping

The study of heat and electroosmotic characteristics in the flow of a third-order fluid regulated by peristaltic pumping is examined by using governing equations, i.e., the continuity equation, momentum equation, energy equation, and concentration equation. The wavelength is considered long compared to its height and a low Reynolds number is assumed. The velocity slip condition is employed. Analytical solutions are performed through the perturbation technique. The expressions for the dimensionless velocity components, temperature, concentration, and heat transfer rate are obtained. Pumping features were computed numerically for discussion of results. Trapping and heat transfer coefficient distributions were also studied graphically. The findings of the present study can be applied to design biomicrofluidic devices like tumor-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip.

The Impact of Axillary Lymph Node Surgery on Breast Skin Thickening During and After Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

This prospective study was conducted to determine predictors of epidermal thickening during and after whole-breast radiation therapy (XRT) using objective measurements acquired with ultrasound.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

After breast-conserving surgery, 70 women received a definitive course of whole-breast XRT (50 Gy plus boost). Prior to XRT, at week 6 of XRT, and 6 weeks after XRT, patients underwent objective ultrasound measurements of epidermal thickness over the lumpectomy cavity and all 4 quadrants of the treated breast. A skin thickness ratio (STRA) was then generated normalizing for corresponding measurements taken of the untreated breast.

RESULTS

Baseline measurements indicated that 87% of patients had skin thickening in the treated versus untreated breast (mean increase, 27%; SD, 0.29) prior to XRT. The STRA increased significantly by week 6 of XRT (mean, 25%; SD, 0.46) and continued to increase significantly 6 weeks after XRT (mean, 33%; SD, 0.46) above baseline measurements (P<.001 for both time points). On multivariate analysis, breast volume (P=.003) and surgical evaluation of the axilla with full lymph node dissection (P<.05) predicted for more severe changes in the STRA 6 weeks after XRT compared with baseline. STRA measurements correlated with physician ratings of skin toxicity according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grading criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the first studies to objectively document that lymph node surgery affects XRT-induced skin thickening in patients with breast cancer. Surgical evaluation of the axilla with complete lymph node dissection was associated with the most severe XRT-induced skin changes after XRT completion. These results may inform future studies aimed at minimizing side effects of XRT and surgery, particularly when surgical lymph node assessments may not alter breast cancer management or outcome.

6-Nitrobenzimidazole derivatives: potential phosphodiesterase inhibitors: synthesis and structure-activity relationship

6-Nitrobenzimidazole derivatives (1-30) synthesized and their phosphodiesterase inhibitory activities determined. Out of thirty tested compounds, ten showed a varying degrees of phosphodiesterase inhibition with IC(50) values between 1.5±0.043 and 294.0±16.7 μM. Compounds 30 (IC(50)=1.5±0.043 μM), 1 (IC(50)=2.4±0.049 μM), 11 (IC(50)=5.7±0.113 μM), 13 (IC(50)=6.4±0.148 μM), 14 (IC(50)=10.5±0.51 μM), 9 (IC(50)=11.49±0.08 μM), 3 (IC(50)=63.1±1.48 μM), 10 (IC(50)=120.0±4.47 μM), and 6 (IC(50)=153.2±5.6 μM) showed excellent phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity, much superior to the standard EDTA (IC(50)=274±0.007 μM), and thus are potential molecules for the development of a new class of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. A structure-activity relationship is evaluated. All compounds are characterized by spectroscopic parameters.

Prognostic implications of YKL-40 overexpression in breast cancer

20115

Background: YKL-40 has been implicated as a connective tissue growth factor and a migratory factor for endothelial cells. Elevated serum levels of YKL-40 have been found to correlate with worse survival in a variety of malignancies including breast cancer. We wished to determine if tumor overexpression of this protein also had prognostic implications in breast cancer. Methods: A prospectively collected database of breast cancer patients treated at the University Hospital of Newark was used for analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 115 patients for whom full clinical information and follow up was available. Specimens were categorized as lacking immunoreactivity (0), having focal sparse immunoreactivity (1), or strong more diffuse immunoreactivity (2). Results: YKL-40 expression was noted in 38 patients (33%). Of these, 24 demonstrated strong (2) immunoreactivity (21%). Strong (2) YKL-40 immunoreactivity significantly correlated with larger tumor size (p < .05). Tumors expressing any level of YKL-40 were also significantly more likely to be estrogen and/or progesterone receptor negative (p < .01). No significant correlation was demonstrated between YKL-40 status and nodal stage. At a mean follow up of 2.3 years, disease-free survival was significantly worse in the subset of patients whose tumors overexpressed any level of YKL-40 compared to the non-expressors (p < .01). In multivariate analysis, YKL-40 status was independent of T-stage and N-stage in predicting disease recurrence. Conclusions: Immunoreactivity for YKL-40 was a significant predictor of breast cancer relapse in this subset of patients. This was independent of T or N-stage and suggests that tumor immunohistochemistry for this protein may be a valuable prognostic marker in breast cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A catalogue of molecular, physiological and symbiotic properties of soybean-nodulating rhizobial strains from different soybean cropping areas of China

We have analysed 198 fast-growing soybean-nodulating rhizobial strains from four different regions of China for the following characteristics: generation time; number of plasmids; lipopolysaccharide (LPS), nodulation factors (LCOs) and PCR profiles; acidification of growth medium; capacity to grow at acid, neutral, and alkaline pH; growth on LC medium; growth at 28 and 37 degrees C; melanin production capacity; Congo red absorption and symbiotic characteristics. These unbiased analyses of a total subset of strains isolated from specific soybean-cropping areas (an approach which could be called "strainomics") can be used to answer various biological questions. We illustrate this by a comparison of the molecular characteristics of five strains with interesting symbiotic properties. From this comparison we conclude, for instance, that differences in the efficiency of nitrogen fixation or competitiveness for nodulation of these strains are not apparently related to differences in Nod factor structure.

Increased uptake of putrescine in the rhizosphere inhibits competitive root colonization by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain WCS365

Sequence analysis of the chromosomal Tn5lacZ flanking regions of the Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365 competitive root colonization mutant PCL1206 showed that the Tn5lacZ is inserted between genes homologous to bioA and potF. The latter gene is the first gene of the potF1F2GHI operon, which codes for a putrescine transport system in Escherichia coli. The position of the Tn5lacZ suggests an effect on the expression of the pot operon. A mutation in the potF1 gene as constructed in PCL1270, however, had no effect on competitive root colonization. The rate of uptake of [1,4-14C]putrescine by cells of mutant PCL1206 appeared to be increased, whereas cells of strain PCL1270 were strongly impaired in the uptake of putrescine. Dansylation of tomato root exudate and subsequent thin-layer chromatography showed the presence of a component with the same Rf value as dansyl-putrescine, which was identified as dansyl-putrescine by mass spectrometric analyses. Other polyamines such as spermine and spermidine were not detected in the root exudate. Growth of mutant strains, either alone or in competition with the wild type, was tested in media containing putrescine, spermine, or spermidine as the sole nitrogen source. The results show that mutant PCL1206 is strongly impaired in growth on putrescine and slightly impaired on spermine and spermidine. The presence of the polyamines had a similar effect on the growth rate of strain PCL1270 in the presence of putrescine but a less severe effect in the presence of spermine and spermidine. We conclude that an increased rate of putrescine uptake has a bacteriostatic effect on Pseudomonas spp. cells. We have shown that putrescine is an important tomato root exudate component and that root-colonizing pseudomonads must carefully regulate their rate of uptake because increased uptake causes a decreased growth rate and, therefore, a decreased competitive colonization ability.