Background: There is limited data regarding the incidence, timing, and risk factors for ocular complications after proton radiation (RT) for childhood brain tumors. Methods: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of children treated with protons for brain tumors. Data abstracted included demographics, radiation details and ocular complications. Results: Of 81 children treated with protons for brain tumors, from 2010-18, 42 with ophthalmology data available, were included. Median age was 8.3 years (y) (0.8 – 20.6y) and median follow- was 2.1 years. Ocular complications were detected only in patients who received craniospinal irradiation (CSI). The incidence of ocular complications was 19% (8/42 patients) overall, and 62% (8/13) after craniospinal irradiation (CSI). Bilateral cataracts were detected at a median of 3.2 y post-CSI, with an incidence of 38% (5/13). Dry eyes were detected in 23% (3/13) of patients during or soon after CSI (0.04 and 0.7y post-RT). The median radiation dose (Gray RBE) to the lenses for patients with cataract was 29.3 Gy (19.41 – 38.07), and with dry eyes was 27.93 Gy (11.98 – 28.71) (mean doses to bilateral ocular structures). Multivariable analysis identified CSI as a significant risk factor for cataract and ocular complications overall. Conclusions: Children are at risk for cataract and dry eyes after proton CSI and need ophthalmology follow-up. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings, identify risk factors, and formulate strategies for risk-mitigation. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the incidence of late ocular complications and consequent functional outcomes after cranial proton radiation.

In this study, an approach utilizing a conjunction of the extended finite element method (XFEM) and the GTN micro-mechanical damage model is proposed for predicting the ductile crack propagation of a mill-annealed Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The cohesive model based XFEM approach is used to capture the continuous crack propagation process and the GTN model is applied to describe the constitutive behavior of the material. Simulations are conducted by using the standard finite element code ABAQUS following a Newton-Raphson algorithm solution with employing the user material subroutine of the GTN model. In comparison to the experimental results of the smooth, notched and cracked titanium specimens, this approach is shown to be an efficient method for simulating the ductile crack propagation process under different stress triaxialities.

Background: The extent of endometriosis is not directly related to the degree of symptoms, and recurrence of symptoms occurs frequently. Given that, an association with psychological distress, as in depression and anxiety disorders, is suggested. Objective: To explore the strength of the associations between endometriosis and depression or anxiety and to review potential correlating factors. Search Strategy: A literature search was carried out using the electronic databases Embase, PubMed, Web-of-science and PsycINFO. Search terms related to depression, anxiety and endometriosis were combined resulting in 1,837 records. Selection criteria: Articles describing an association between endometriosis and depression or anxiety by using validated assessment tools, structured psychiatric interviews or a documented diagnosis were included. Data collection and Analysis: With 47 articles a systematic qualitative review was performed. Seventeen studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Main Results: In the meta-analysis, endometriosis patients experienced significantly more symptoms of depression (SMD of 0.71 (95%CI 0.36, 1.06) and anxiety (SMD 0.60 (95%CI 0.35, 0.84)) compared to healthy controls, but no differences were found comparing endometriosis patients with chronic pelvic pain patients without endometriosis. Besides the effect of pain, other correlating factors included age, quality of life, quality of sleep, fatigue, sexual function, gastrointestinal symptoms, comorbidity, self-esteem, emotional self-efficacy, coping style, social adjustment, pain imagery and pain sensitization. Conclusion: Endometriosis is associated with depression and anxiety. Therefore, an integrated patient-centred approach to medical, psychological and sexual issues is suggested as this may positively influence the perception of symptoms, treatment adherence, quality of life, prognosis and health care costs.

Abstract: Paediatric pancreatic tumours by virtue of their rarity pose a significant challenge for the management.1 Although pancreatoblastoma and acinar cell carcinoma are distinct tumour entities, there is considerable overlap of histopathological characteristics which makes the diagnosis difficult pathologically.2 In infancy and childhood pancreatoblastoma is the most common tumour.3 Acinar cell carcinoma usually presents in older children.4,5 We describe a four year old child with acinar cell carcinoma which is possibly only the fourth case with this condition at such a young age.

The evolutionary histories of alpine species are often directly associated with responses to glaciation. Deep divergence among populations and complex patterns of genetic variation have been inferred as consequences of persistence within glacier boundaries (i.e. on nunataks), while shallow divergence and limited genetic variation is assumed to result from expansion from large refugia at the edge of ice shields (i.e. massifs de refuge). However, for some species, dependence on specific microhabitats could profoundly influence their spatial and demographic response to glaciation, and such a simple dichotomy may obscure the localization of actual refugia. In this study, we use the Nebria ingens complex (Coleoptera: Carabidae), a water-affiliated ground beetle lineage, to test how drainage basins are linked to their observed population structure. By analyzing mitochondrial COI gene sequences and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms, we find that the major drainage systems of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California best explain the population structure of the N. ingens complex. In addition, we find that an intermediate morphotype within the N. ingens complex is the product of historical hybridization of N. riversi and N. ingens in the San Joaquin basin during glaciation. This study highlights the importance of considering ecological preferences in how species respond to climate fluctuations and provides an explanation for discordances that are often observed in comparative phylogeographic studies.

Endocrine disrupting effects have become a major issue in the field of environmental toxicology. Due to the testicular toxicity reported for acrylamide and confirmed in our study, and the double jeopardy with its well-documented carcinogenicity following leaching out from overcooked starchy foods, the current study was extended to address the possible protective effects of two nutraceuticals. The present study was designed to assess the possible reproductive toxicity of acrylamide in adult male Swiss albino rats. Also, the work was extended to investigate the potential protective effects of two nutraceuticals namely; thymoquinone (TQ) and capsaicin against acrylamide-induced reproductive toxicity. Sixty male albino rats were allotted into six groups. Group 1: Rats received free tap water and served as control group. Group 2: Rats received acrylamide in a daily dose and served as the model. Group 3: Rats were administered TQ twice weekly. Group 4: Rats were administered capsaicin once daily. Group 5: Rats challenged with acrylamide were administered TQ twice weekly. Group 6: Rats challenged with acrylamide were administered capsaicin once daily. A murine model of acrylamide testicular toxicity was reproduced and was characterized biochemically, morphologically and histologically. Acrylamide increased oxidative stress, expression of testicular NF-κB/p65, in addition down regulated the expression of occludin that may further account for its testicular toxicity. Both nutraceuticals; TQ and capsaicin have proven more or less efficacy in ameliorating all the toxic insults exerted by acrylamide in the current reproductive toxicity model. Key words: Testicular failure; Thymoquinone; Capsaicin; Acrylamide; NF-ΚB/P65; Occludin

Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling for HPV testing as compared to clinician-collected sample in a community-based setting in rural Mysore among asymptomatic women. Design: Cross-sectional Study Setting: Rural communities in Mysore, India Population: Women aged over 30 years eligible for cervical cancer screening Methods: Cervical cancer screening was conducted using mobile medical clinics in community based settings. Women self-collected vaginal samples followed by a clinical exam and sample collection for assessing high-risk HPV DNA. Summary statistics were calculated on a range of sociodemographic and health behavior variables. Main Outcome Measures: Measures of sensitivity, specificity, concordance with physician-collected specimens were calculated. Five measures of acceptability (feeling of caring, privacy, embarrassment, genital discomfort, and genital pain) Results: Median age of the respondents was 39 years. The largest percentage of respondents (41.7%, n=50) had a secondary education or above and were married (87.5%, n=105). Most respondents (57.1%, n=68), had never been screened for cervical cancer. The self-collected specimen for HPV DNA had higher specificity (98.1%; 95% CI: 95.5, 100) than it did sensitivity (66.7%; 95% CI: 42.8, 90.6). For all measures of acceptability, the self-collected mean was significantly higher than the clinician-collected mean. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that self-collected sampling performed just as well as clinician-collected samples to screen for HPV DNA. Self-collection was preferred by women living in rural communities, especially when the instructions on collection are provided in a user-friendly, non-judgmental manner.

Rationale: Aerosolized albuterol is widely used, but its safety and efficacy in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) is not well established. Objectives: To compare the tolerability and efficacy of two dose levels of aerosolized albuterol to saline placebo in infants with sBPD. Methods: Single-center, multiple-crossover trial in 24 ventilated very preterm infants with sBPD. Albuterol (1.25mg, 2.5mg) and 3ml of normal saline were administered every 4 hours during separate 24-hour treatment periods assigned in random order with a 6-hour washout phase between periods. The primary outcome was the absolute change (post–pre therapy) in expiratory flow at 75% of exhalation (EF75). Secondary endpoints were changes in ventilator parameters, vital signs, and heart arrhythmia. Results: Average within subject EF75 values improved with each therapy: saline placebo (+0.45L/min  2.5, p=0.04), 1.25mg of albuterol (+0.70L/min  2.4, p<0.001), and 2.5mg of albuterol (+0.38L/min  2.4, p=0.06). However, 1.25mg of albuterol (0.26L/min; 95% CI -0.19, 0.72) and 2.5mg (-0.10L/min; 95% CI -0.77, 0.57) produced similar changes in EF75 when compared to saline. All secondary outcomes were similar between saline and 1.25mg of albuterol. Peak inspiratory pressure needed to deliver goal tidal volumes (7.5% relative decrease, 95% CI 2.6, 12.3) and heart rate (6.5% increase, 95% CI 2.2, 10.8) differed significantly between albuterol 2.5mg and saline. Conclusion: Albuterol at 1.25mg and 2.5mg, compared to aerosolized saline, did not affect EF75 in infants with sBPD receiving invasive ventilation. Greater improvement in inspiratory pressures with albuterol 2.5mg suggests benefit, but close heart monitoring is indicated.

Introduction The risk stratification of infants presenting to the emergency department with bronchiolitis who are at risk for receiving airway support during their hospital stay has been insufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical predictors of hospitalization with airway support (“escalated care”) among infants with recurrent wheezing evaluated in the emergency department Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in infants with one or more wheezing episode, younger than two years of age in tertiary centers in Rionegro, Colombia. The primary outcome measure was escalated care defined as hospitalization plus any airway support. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to estimate predictors of escalated care. To assess discrimination and calibration, area-under-the-curve (AUC) and calibration plots were calculated. Results A total of 665 cases were included and 85 infants received escalated care. The variables included risk score for escalated care within 5 days of admission to the emergency room including prematurity, poor feeding, nasal flaring and/or grunting, and previous wheezing episodes requiring hospitalization, The model has a high specificity (99.6%) with acceptable AUC of 0.70 (CI 95% 0.60- 0.74). Conclusion: A clinical risk score was created based on the odds ratio of each of the identified variables, which appears to be useful for estimating the absolute risk of escalated care within 5 days of admission to the ED. However, external validation is required before this clinical score is applied in general practice in any ED setting

Tobacco in any form is harmful. There is an alarming increase consumption of Alternative Tobacco Products (ATPs). Midwakh is one of the most used ATP in UAE, particularly amongst adolescents. In addition to harmful levels of cobalt, chromium, cadmium, Iron and lead, Midwakh has higher nicotine and tar content when compared to shisha and cigarettes. We report a 14-year-old adolescent male, who presented with Acute Lung Injury within 24 hours following a first attempt of Midwakh smoking, a presentation remarkably similar to E-Cigarettes or Vaping Associated Lung Injury. A high-resolution computerized tomogram of the chest (HRCT) showed bilateral interstitial pneumonia with ground glass appearance and patchy consolidation. A flexible bronchoscopy revealed bilateral petechial hemorrhages with erythematous bronchial walls. Mechanical ventilation was required for two weeks with high ventilatory settings due to poor lung compliance. The criteria for moderately severe ARDS was met, and a good response was achieved to a high dose of steroids, prone ventilation with ultra-short lung protective strategy. Initial spirometry tests done post extubation were compatible with severe restrictive lung disease. Significant clinical and radiological recovery was achieved at three months. To our knowledge and as per the literature reviewed, this is the first case of Midwakh associated acute lung injury reported till date. We wish to emphasize that physicians should be well informed about the use of ATPs, both existing and emerging ones and its potential severe complications.

Silk fibroin (SF) from Bombyx mori has superior properties as both a textile and a biomaterial, and has been used to functionalize the surfaces of various medical inorganic materials including titanium (Ti). In this paper, we endowed SF with reversible binding ability to Ti by embedding a titanium binding motif (minTBP-1, RKLPDA). Artificial SF proteins were first created by conjugating gene cassettes for SF motif (AGSGAG) and minTBP-1 motif with different ratios, which have been shown to bind reversibly to Ti surfaces in quartz crystal microbalance analyses. Based on these results, the functionalized SF (TiBP-SF) containing the designed peptide [TS[(AGSGAG)3AS]2RKLPDAS]8 was prepared from the cocoon of transgenic B. mori, which accelerates the ossific differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells when coated on titanium substrates. Thus, TiBP-SF presents an alternative for endowing the surfaces of titanium materials with osseointegration functionality, which would allow the exploration of potential applications in the medical field.

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), is a surgical emergency often requiring intervention on the aortic root. There is much controversy regarding root management; aggressively pursuing a root replacement, versus more conservative approaches to preserve native structures. Methods: Electronic database search we performed through PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, google scholar and Cochrane identifying studies that reported on outcomes of surgical repair of ATAAD through either root preservation or replacement. The identified articles focused on short- and long-term mortalities, and rates of re-operation on the aortic root. Results: There remains controversy on replacing or preserving aortic root in ATAAD. Current evidence supports practice of both trends following an extensive decision-making framework, with conflicting series suggesting favourable results with both procedures as the approach that best defines higher survival rates and lower perioperative complications. Yet, the decision to perform either approach remains surgeon decision and bound to the extent of the dissection and tear entries in strong correlation with status of the aortic valve and involvement of coronaries in the dissection. Conclusions: There exists much controversy regarding fate of the aortic root in ATAAD. There are conflicting studies for impact of root replacement on mortality, whilst some study’s report no significant results at all. There is strong evidence regarding risk of re-operation being greater when root is not replaced. Majority of these studies are limited by the single centred, retrospective nature of these small sample sized cohorts, further hindered by potential of treatment bias.

Habitat connectivity is indispensable for the survival of species that occupy a small habitat area and have isolated habitat patches from each other. At present, the development of human economy not only squeezes the living space of wild animals, but also strongly interferes and hinders the migration of species. Therefore, we need to enhance the habitat connectivity of species in broken habitats, which would facilitate the proliferation of species, enhance gene exchange between populations and improve the ability of species to respond to environmental changes. Przewalski's gazelle, as one of the world's most endangered ungulate mammals, has historically experienced a significant reduction in population and severe habitat shrinkage. At present, even though the population of this species has recovered to a certain extent, humans Infrastructure severely hindered the gene flow between several patches of this species. Therefore, we used habitat suitability index model combined with Przewalski's gazelle movement characteristics to establish 11 habitat patches, and used the least cost path and circuit theory based on resistance model to jointly simulate the landscape network pattern of this species. In addition, we also analyzed and selected important patches and key migration paths as important references for establishing corridors. Overall, our research aims to provide habitat networks and maintain landscape connectivity to achieve the fundamental goal of protecting and revitalizing Przewalski's gazelle populations.

Background: Several factors affect the long-term outcome of Fontan procedure, but a high pulmonary artery pressure is still one of the most important limitation for proceeding to a Fontan circulation. Herein, we present our experience in Fontan patients with high preoperative pulmonary artery pressures. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in order to evaluate Fontan patients with a preoperative pulmonary artery pressure > 15 mmHg between 2009 and 2020. Sixteen patients were operated on with a mean preoperative pulmonary artery pressure of 17.5 ± 2.1 mmHg. Results: Mean age at the time of Fontan procedure was 7.8 ± 5.6 years. All of the patients had stage II cavopulmonary anastomosis prior to Fontan completion, with a mean interstage period of 4 ± 2.6 years. Fontan completion was achieved with a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) tubular conduit, two of which were intra-extracardiac. Fenestration was performed in 4 (25%) cases. Postoperative pulmonary artery pressures and arterial oxygen saturation levels were 11.2 ± 2.8 mmHg and 97.8 ± 2, respectively. Mean duration of pleural drainage was 3.9 ± 5.3 days. Any morbidity and mortality were not encountered during a mean follow up period of 4.8 ± 7.7 years. Conclusions: The mid-term results of stage III Fontan completion in patients with pulmonary artery >15 mmHg are encouraging. Pulmonary vascular resistance, not only pulmonary artery pressure may help to identify high risk patients before Fontan completion.

The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019, presumed from the city of Wuhan, Hubei province in China and the subsequent declaration of the disease as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) as COVID-19 in March 2020, had significant impact on health care systems globally. Each country responded to this disease in different ways but broadly by fortifying and prioritising health care provision as well as introducing social lockdown aiming to contain the infection and minimizing the risk of transmission. In the United Kingdom, a lockdown was introduced by the government on 23rd of March 2020 and all health care services were focussed to challenge the impact of COVID-19. To do so, the United Kingdom National Health Service had to undergo widespread service reconfigurations and the so-called “Nightingale Hospitals” were created de novo to bolster bed provision and industries were asked to direct efforts to the production of ventilators. A government led public health campaign was publicised under the slogan of: “Stay home, Protect the NHS (National Health Service), Save lives”. The approach had a significant impact on delivery of all surgical services but particularly cardiac surgery with its inherent critical care bed capacity. This paper describes the impact on provision for elective and emergency cardiac surgery in the United Kingdom, with a focus on Aorto-vascular disease. We describe our Aorto-vascular activity and outcomes during the period of UK lockdown and present a patient survey of attitudes to aortic surgery during COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Meconium aspiration syndrome as one of the devasting conditions which remains the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Preterm infants affected by this life-threatening disease did not get enough attention. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with mortality of preterm infant hospitalized with meconium aspiration syndrome. Methods: We undertook a case-control study in a neonatal diagnosis and treatment center in China over a ten-year period. Preterm newborns affected by meconium aspiration syndrome with early onset of respiratory distress hospitalized in NICU were included. Variables were compared between the non-survival group and survival group. Logistic regression model was conducted to identify risk factors associated with mortality. Results: Totally 92 preterm infants were included, 31(33.7%) died. Their median gestational age was 33.4 weeks, and their mean birth weight was 1925.2 g. Female[19(61.3%) vs 18(29.5%), P=0.003], arterial blood pH[7.22(±0.13) vs 7.30(±0.12), p=0.008], persistent pulmonary hypertension[19(61.3%) vs 21(34.4%), P=0.014], and pulmonary hemorrhage[16(51.6%) vs 13(21.3%), P=0.003] were associated with an increased rate of mortality. In the logistic regression model, the risk of death were found to be statistically associated with the following three factors: Female [odds ratio (OR) 3.91; 95% confidence interval(CI) (1.37-11.16); P=0.011], persistent pulmonary hypertension [OR 3.12; 95% CI (1.10-8.89); P=0.033], and pulmonary hemorrhage [OR 4.36; 95% CI (1.53-12.45); P=0.006]. Conclusions: The MAS-associated fatality rates in preterm infant was significantly high. Female, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary hemorrhage were considered independent predictors of MAS-associated mortality.

Duchene muscular dystrophies (DMD) is a rare but devastating disease resulting in progressive loss of ambulation, respiratory failure, DMD-associated cardiomyopathy (DMD-CM) and premature death. The use of corticosteroid and supportive respiratory care has improved outcomes, such that DMD-CM is now the leading cause of death. Historically, most programs have focused on the skeletal myopathy with less attention to the cardiac phenotype. This omission is rather astonishing since boys with DMD possess an absolute genetic risk of developing cardiomyopathy. Unfortunately, heart failure signs and symptoms are vague due to skeletal muscle myopathy leading to limited ambulation and traditional assessment of cardiac symptoms by the New York Heart Association classification is of limited utility even in advance stages. Echocardiographic assessment can detect cardiac dysfunction late in the disease course, but this has proven to be a poor surrogate marker of early cardiovascular disease and an inadequate predictor of DMD-CM. Indeed, one explanation for the paucity of cardiac therapeutic trials for DMD-CM has been the lack of a suitable end-point. Improve outcomes requires a better proactive treatment strategy, however the barrier to treatment is lack of a sensitive and specific tool to assess efficacy of treatment. The use of cardiac imaging has evolve from echocardiography to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to assess cardiac performance. The purpose of this article is to review the role of cardiac imaging in characterizing the cardiac natural history of DMD-CM, highlighting the prognostic implications and an outlook on how this field might evolve in the future.

Though seemingly bizarre, the dramatic post-embryonic transformation that occurs during metamorphosis is one of the most widespread and successful developmental strategies on the planet. The adaptive decoupling hypothesis (ADH) proposes that metamorphosis is an adaptation for optimizing expression of traits across life stages that experience opposing selection pressures. Similarly, sex-biased expression of traits is thought to evolve in response to sexually antagonistic selection. Both hypotheses predict that traits will be genetically decoupled among developmental stages and sexes, but direct comparisons between stage-specific and sex-specific decoupling are rare. Additionally, tests of the ADH have been hampered by a lack of suitable traits for among-stage comparisons and by uncertainties regarding how much decoupling is to be expected. To fill these voids, we characterize transcriptome-wide patterns of gene-expression decoupling in the hypermetamorphic and sexually dimorphic insect, Neodiprion lecontei. This species has three ecologically and morphologically distinct larval stages separated by molts, as well as a complete metamorphic transition that produces dimorphic adult males and females. Consistent with the ADH, we observe that: (1) the decoupling of gene expression becomes more pronounced as the ecological demands of developmental stages become more dissimilar and (2) gene-expression traits that mediate changing ecological interactions show stronger and more variable decoupling than expression traits that are likely to experience more uniform selection. We also find that gene-expression decoupling is more pronounced among major life stages than between the sexes. Overall, our results demonstrate that patterns of gene-expression decoupling can be predicted based on gene function and organismal ecology.

Key Points: • Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that has been used in variety of operations to reduce blood loss. • Post thyroidectomy haematoma can be life threatening, therefore multiple methods are used to reduce the risk of bleeding. • Tranexamic acid was given intra-operatively to 106 patients undergoing thyroid surgery. • Patients who received tranexamic acid had no return to theatre for post-operative haematoma (p=0.041). • There were no adverse events reported related to the administration of tranexamic acid.

Objective: To describe our experience of dealing with pharyngocutaneous fistulas (PCF) following total laryngectomy. Design: Retrospective cohort Setting: Tertiary referral center Participants: All patients undergoing total laryngectomy at the [removed for blind peer review] over the 10 year period January 2008 to December 2017. Main outcome measures: Incidence of PCF; treatment of PCF (conservative versus operative), closure success rate; time to closure; delay in adjuvant radiotherapy; increased the need of future neopharyngeal dilatations; overall survival. Results: A total of 242 patients (199 males, 43 females) were analysed. One hundred and fifteen patients underwent primary laryngectomy, 102 salvage laryngectomy and 25 functional laryngectomy. Seventy five of 242(31%) patients had a PCF. This was managed conservatively in 36/75 (48%) and operatively in 39/75 (52%) . Hospital length of stay was significantly longer in the PCF group (OR 2.38, p=<0.001). 5 year overall survival was 44% in the no PCF versus 24% in the PCF group, OR 1.7, p=0.001. PCF was not correlated with delay to adjuvant radiotherapy or the risk of neopharyngeal dilatation. Conclusions: Despite efforts to identify risk factors and take preventive measures, PCF remains an all to frequent complication of total laryngectomy. PCF leads to increased morbidity and significantly worse overall survival. The increased mortality is not a result of a delay in adjuvant radiotherapy.

Abstract: This treatment describes the details of a methodical three step algorithm for determining the optimal operating conditions for the recrystallization separations of solid mixtures. Our algorithm was applied to optimally separate a representative pharmaceutical product (Caffeine) from a related pharmaceutical product (Theophylline). The limitations of such calculations with currently available, widely used predictive methods for computing solution thermodynamics without experimental data are directly examined. Also presented here is a novel two stage recrystallization procedure which can potentially dramatically improve the recovery yields of the desired products. The systematic optimization calculations described herein should enable researchers to quickly screen many potential solvent systems and operating conditions and concentrate experimental efforts only on the most promising candidates for such purifications.

Fe3O4-loaded ion exchange resin composites (Fe3O4@Resin) were optimally constructed through ion exchange and co-precipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ on strong acid ion exchange resin. The as-synthesized Fe3O4@Resin composite was sophisticatedly characterized and investigated for 10B/11B separation including effect of pH, kinetics and isotherms through batch adsorption experiment which can be well described by pseudo-second order kinetics and Langmuir model. In the chromatographic column packed with Fe3O4@Resin, 10B was selectively retained with a high dynamic separation factor of 1.312. Considering the consistency between simulated and experimental breakthrough curves within Fe3O4@Resin packed column, chromatographic 10B/11B separation performance was simulated under various conditions which were further optimized by response surface methodology method. Consequently, the annual yield of 10B reached the maximum of 612 g with feed concentration of 7.567 g·L−1, flow rate of 38.57 mL·min−1, the length of column of 45 cm. In addition, five-cycle adsorption/regeneration experiments indicated its merit of reusability.

Abstract An experimental study of the instantaneous filtrate flow rate is in this work applying a special new technics. The preliminary experiments showed that independently from the processed material and the (steady) filling flow rate the filtrate flow rate proved to be constant. The experimental method was filling the empty basket, revolving with the operational speed. The experimental results opened a new field of investigations that is the application of the filling flow rate as an independent variable. The filtrate flow rate vs. filling flow rate diagrams exhibit characteristic shapes similar to each other: They have a special breakpoint. The position of this breakpoint divides two ranges of the operational field: filter surface under-loaded and over-loaded by the rate of filling, respectively. The loading of the filter surface means the specific filling flow rate relative to the filter area of the machine.

Background: Despite recent advancements in prevention, treatment, and management options, cardiovascular diseases contribute to one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Several studies highlight the compelling evidence for the existence of healthcare inequities and disparities in the treatment and management control of cardiovascular diseases. Aims: To explore the role of racial disparities in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the role of socioeconomic and cultural factors, and ultimately postulate solutions to eliminate the disparities. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted using appropriate keywords on search engines of SCOPUS, Wiley, PubMed, and SAGE Journals. Conclusion: By continued research to eliminate healthcare inequalities, there exists a potential to improve health-related outcomes in minority populations.