The degradation of polylactic acid face mask components in different environments.

The disposal of fossil fuel-based plastics poses a huge environmental challenge, leading to increased interest in biodegradable alternatives such as polylactic acid (PLA). This study focuses on the environmental impact and degradation of PLA face mask components under various conditions (UV (Ultraviolet) radiation, DI water, landfill leachate of various ages, seawater, and enzyme). Under UV exposure, notable changes in physicochemical properties were observed in the PLA masks, including increased oxidation over time. Degradation rates varied across environments, with old landfill leachate and enzyme degradation having a notable impact, especially on meltblown layers. Furthermore, it was found that seawater conditions hampered the degradation of PLA masks, likely due to the inhibitory effect of high salt concentrations. The pathways of chemical group changes during degradation were elucidated using 2D-COS (Two-Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy) maps. The investigation into the release of microparticles and oligomers further revealed the degradation mechanism. Moreover, PLA masks were found to release fewer microparticles when degraded in studied environments when compared to traditional polypropylene masks. Furthermore, correlation analysis highlighted the influence of factors such as carbonyl index and contact angle on degradation rates, underscoring the complex interplay between environmental conditions and PLA degradation. This comprehensive investigation advances the understanding of PLA degradation pathways, which are crucial for mitigating plastic pollution and promoting the development of sustainable products.

Branched-chain amino acid metabolism: Pathophysiological mechanism and therapeutic intervention in metabolic diseases.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential for maintaining physiological functions and metabolic homeostasis. However, chronic elevation of BCAAs causes metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver are the three major metabolic tissues not only responsible for controlling glucose, lipid, and energy balance but also for maintaining BCAA homeostasis. Under obese and diabetic conditions, different pathogenic factors like pro-inflammatory cytokines, lipotoxicity, and reduction of adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ) disrupt BCAA metabolism, leading to excessive accumulation of BCAAs and their downstream metabolites in metabolic tissues and circulation. Mechanistically, BCAAs and/or their downstream metabolites, such as branched-chain ketoacids (BCKAs) and 3-hydroxyisobutyrate (3-HIB), impair insulin signaling, inhibit adipogenesis, induce inflammatory responses, and cause lipotoxicity in the metabolic tissues, resulting in multiple metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize the latest studies on the metabolic regulation of BCAA homeostasis by the three major metabolic tissues-adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver-and how dysregulated BCAA metabolism affects glucose, lipid, and energy balance in these active metabolic tissues. We also summarize therapeutic approaches to restore normal BCAA metabolism as a treatment for metabolic diseases.

Temporal evolution and thematic shifts in sustainable construction and demolition waste management through building information modeling technologies: A text-mining analysis.

Construction and demolition activities are significant contributors to waste generation worldwide. As population growth accelerates worldwide, the amount of construction and demolition waste (C&DW) will increase proportionally unless proactive measures are implemented. This study analyzes the evolving research landscape on utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies to advance sustainable C&DW management practices. A comprehensive text-mining analysis is conducted on 493 scholarly publications covering evolutions from January 2009 to February 2024 using the PRISMA framework. The research objectives are: (i) to identify key themes in domain of BIM technology in C&DW management using VOSviewer, (ii) to map the temporal evolution of research focus using SciMAT, and (iii) to identify emerging thematic trends.Co-occurrence analysis reveals three major research themes: (i) the use of digital twins and prefabrication for waste reduction, (ii) integrating environmental impact assessments, and (iii) data-driven decision-making. Strategic diagrams produced by SciMAT software uncover shifting priorities over the study period, with "reuse and recycling" emerging as motor themes, and "Prefabrication" (CIT = 481), "Decision Making" (CIT = 66), "Material Passport" (CIT = 92), and "Digital Twin" (CIT = 44) emerging as high-centrality and transversal themes. Temporal evolution mapping unveiled progressive integration of BIM tools such as (i) digital twins (TLS = 34, OCC = 9) and (ii) prefabrication (TLS = 40, OCC = 14), presenting opportunities to optimize waste reduction. This study offers a robust overview of the field, aiming to inform a diverse audience, including researchers from various disciplines, policymakers and industry professionals interested in advancing sustainable practices in C&DW management through innovative digital solutions.

AI-powered prediction of HCC recurrence after surgical resection: Personalised intervention opportunities using patient-specific risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence following surgical resection remains a significant clinical challenge, necessitating reliable predictive models to guide personalised interventions. In this study, we sought to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a robust predictive model for HCC recurrence using comprehensive clinical datasets. METHODS: Leveraging data from 958 patients across multiple centres in Australia and Hong Kong, we employed a multilayer perceptron (MLP) as the optimal classifier for model generation. RESULTS: Through rigorous internal cross-validation, including a cohort from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), our AI model successfully identified specific pre-surgical risk factors associated with HCC recurrence. These factors encompassed hepatic synthetic function, liver disease aetiology, ethnicity and modifiable metabolic risk factors, collectively contributing to the predictive synergy of our model. Notably, our model exhibited high accuracy during cross-validation (.857 ± .023) and testing on the CUHK cohort (.835), with a notable degree of confidence in predicting HCC recurrence within accurately classified patient cohorts. To facilitate clinical application, we developed an online AI digital tool capable of real-time prediction of HCC recurrence risk, demonstrating acceptable accuracy at the individual patient level. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the potential of AI-driven predictive models in facilitating personalised risk stratification and targeted interventions to mitigate HCC recurrence by identifying modifiable risk factors unique to each patient. This model aims to aid clinicians in devising strategies to disrupt the underlying carcinogenic network driving recurrence.

Eliminating rote postoperative radiographs for surgically managed pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Use of postoperative radiographs after surgical management of supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures is often based on rote practice rather than evidence. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency with which 3-week postoperative radiographs at the time of pin removal altered management plans in pediatric SCH fractures that were intraoperatively stable after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). METHODS: We prospectively recruited pediatric patients with SCH fractures managed by CRPP at our institution from June 2020 until June 2022, and reviewed retrospective data on pediatric SCH fractures managed surgically at our institution between April 2008 and March 2015. Patients were assessed for post-CRPP fracture alignment and stability. For prospective patients, we asked clinicians to document their management decision at the 3-week follow-up visit before evaluating the postoperative radiographs. Our primary outcome was change in management because of radiographic findings. RESULTS: Overall, 1066 patients in the retrospective data and 446 prospectively recruited patients met the inclusion criteria. In the prospective group, radiographic findings altered management for 2 patients (0.4%). One patient had slow callus formation and 1 patient was identified as having cubitus varus. Altered management included prolonged immobilization or additional radiographic follow-up. Radiographic findings altered management in 0 (0%) of 175 type II fractures, in 2 (0.9%) of 221 type III fractures, and in 0 (0%) of 44 type IV fractures. We obtained similar findings from retrospective data. CONCLUSION: Rote use of 3-week postoperative radiographs after surgical management of SCH fractures that are intraoperatively stable has minimal utility. Eliminating rote postoperative radiographs for SCH fractures can decrease the time and financial burdens on families and health care systems without affecting patient outcomes.

Influence of Canadian provincial stewardship model attributes on the cost effectiveness of e-waste management.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of e-waste collection and management trends across six Canadian provinces, focusing on e-waste collection rates, provincial stewardship model attributes, program strategies and budget allocations from 2013 to 2020. Temporal and regression analyses were conducted using data from Electronic Product Recycling Association reports. A group characterization based on geographical proximity is proposed, aiming to explore the potential outcomes of fostering collaboration among neighboring provinces. The analysis emphasizes the significant impact of stewardship model attributes on e-waste collection rates, with Quebec emerging as a standout case, showcasing a remarkable 61.5% surge in collection rates. Findings from group analysis reveal a positive correlation between per capita e-waste collection rate and the growth of businesses and collection sites in Western Canada (Group A - British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). This highlights the potential benefits of a coordinated waste management approach, emphasizing the importance of shared resources and collaborative policies. Saskatchewan and Manitoba allocated only 6.6% and 7.0% of their respective budgets to e-waste transfer and storage. British Columbia's observed steady decrease of e-waste collection rate. In Group A, stewards handled 2.18-13.95 tonnes of e-waste during the study period. The cost per tonne of e-waste tended to be lower when more e-waste is managed per steward, suggesting the potential benefits of an integrated e-waste collection and management system.

An investigation on the operational resilience of the Canadian electronic product stewardship program and the recycling business characteristics.

Electronic waste recycling companies have proliferated in many countries due to valuable materials present in end-of-life electronic and electrical equipment. This article examined the business characteristics and management performance of Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA), a Canadian nationwide electronic product stewardship organization. The organization's annual performance reports, from 2012 to 2020, for nine Canadian provinces in which it currently operates were aggregated and analyzed. Temporal analysis using regression and Mann-Kendall tests were employed, and five characteristics of EPRA's business were analyzed, including e-waste products collected, number of drop-off locations, efforts to build public awareness, operating expenses, and growth of e-waste stewardship. Results show a decline in the amount of e-waste collected across the provinces, except in New Brunswick, which started its program in 2017. The Mann-Kendall test revealed declining temporal trends in most provinces. Although the collection/drop off sites and stewardship organizations increased astronomically over the study period in Canada, the amounts of e-waste collected decreased. We found that public awareness generally did not increase the amount of e-waste collected, and these campaigns only appeared to be effective in jurisdictions with good accessibility of e-waste recycling. Processing cost accounted for the majority of the e-waste management budget in Canada, and different factors affected the financial success of the stewards differently.

Prophet time series modeling of waste disposal rates in four North American cities.

In this study, three different univariate municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal rate forecast models (SARIMA, Holt-Winters, Prophet) were examined using different testing periods in four North American cities with different socioeconomic conditions. A review of the literature suggests that the selected models are able to handle seasonality in a time series; however, their ability to handle outliers is not well understood. The Prophet model generally outperformed the Holt-Winters model and the SARIMA model. The MAPE and R2 of the Prophet model during pre-COVID-19 were 4.3-22.2% and 0.71-0.93, respectively. All three models showed satisfactory predictive results, especially during the pre-COVID-19 testing period. COVID-19 lockdowns and the associated regulatory measures appear to have affected MSW disposal behaviors, and all the univariate models failed to fully capture the abrupt changes in waste disposal behaviors. Modeling errors were largely attributed to data noise in seasonality and the unprecedented event of COVID-19 lockdowns. Overall, the modeling errors of the Prophet model were evenly distributed, with minimum modeling biases. The Prophet model also appeared to be versatile and successfully captured MSW disposal rates from 3000 to 39,000 tons/month. The study highlights the potential benefits of the use of univariate models in waste forecast.

Variability of the treated biomedical waste disposal behaviours during the COVID lockdowns.

Literature review suggests that studies on biomedical waste generation and disposal behaviors in North America are limited. Given the infectious nature of the materials, effective biomedical waste management is vital to the public health and safety of the residents. This study explicitly examines seasonal variations of treated biomedical waste (TBMW) disposal rates in the City of Regina, Canada, from 2013 to 2022. Immediately before the onset of COVID-19, the City exhibited a steady pattern of TBMW disposal rate at about 6.6 kg∙capita-1∙year-1. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns brought about an abrupt and persistent decline in TBMW disposal rates. Inconsistent fluctuations in both magnitude and variability of the monthly TBMW load weights were also observed. The TBMW load weight became particularly variable in 2020, with an interquartile range 4 times higher than 2019. The average TBMW load weight was also the lowest (5.1 tonnes∙month-1∙truckload-1) in 2020, possibly due to an overall decline in non-COVID-19 medical emergencies, cancellation of elective surgeries, and availability of telehealth options to residents. In general, the TBMW disposal rates peaked during the summer and fall seasons. The day-to-day TBMW disposal contribution patterns between the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic are similar, with 97.5% of total TBMW being disposed of on fixed days. Results from this Canadian case study indicate that there were observable temporal changes in TBMW disposal behaviors during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Prediction of photovoltaic waste generation in Canada using regression-based model.

The global surge in photovoltaic (PV) installations and the resulting increase in PV waste are a growing concern. The aims of this study include predicting the volume of photovoltaic waste in Canada. The forecasting of solar waste volume employed linear regression, 2nd order polynomial regression, and power regression models. The study's results indicate that Canada is on the verge of facing challenges related to the end-of-life treatment of photovoltaic modules in the coming years due to the significant growth in PV capacity over recent decades. According to the analysis, for early loss, the PV waste volume in 2045 could range from 180,000 MT to 270,000 MT, and for regular loss, it could range from 160,000 MT to 180,000 MT. This research is anticipated to assist relevant government agencies in assessing the prospective volume of PV waste to establish a sustainable and resilient PV waste management plan for Canada. These findings may shed light on the feasibility of a circular economy and advocate for the involvement of all stakeholders in a carefully coordinated strategy to mitigate potential environmental impacts and optimize resource utilization efficiency.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasound to evaluate the risk of hyperperfusion after endovascular stroke thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) has been reported in up to 50% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with a large vessel occlusion (LVO) treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). HT may be driven by postrecanalization hyperperfusion injury and is independently associated with worse functional outcomes. Strategies to identify patients at risk for HT may assist in developing preventive therapies. METHODS: We prospectively included adult AIS patients with an anterior circulation LVO achieving successful recanalization after EVT. Consenting participants received transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) within 18 hours of procedure completion. We compared flow velocities according to the presence of HT on the computed tomography scan performed within the first 24±12 hours from the end of EVT. We also evaluated the association of flow velocities with systemic blood pressure (BP) readings at the time of insonation. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients consented to participate in the study. Six (12%) were excluded due to the absence of temporal windows. HT was detected in 20 participants (48%). Those with HT had higher peak systolic velocities on the middle cerebral arteries compared to those without HT for both the symptomatic (107±42 vs. 82±25 cm/second, p = .024) and asymptomatic (97±21 vs. 81±25 cm/second, p = .040) sides. No correlation of flow velocities on either the symptomatic or asymptomatic side and BP measurements at the time of insonation was detected. CONCLUSION: TCD can identify patients at risk of HT following successful EVT. TCD could serve as an inexpensive ancillary test to guide participant selection for clinical trials targeting postprocedural reperfusion injury.

Comparison of post-hepatectomy long-term survival outcome between non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine and colorectal liver metastases: A population-based propensity-score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatectomy is an established treatment for colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) or neuroendocrine liver metastasis. However, its role in non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NCNNLM) is controversial. This study aims to compare long-term survival outcomes after hepatectomy between NCNNLM and CLM in a population-based cohort. METHODS: From 2009 to 2018, curative hepatectomy were performed in 964 patients with NCNNLM (n â€‹= â€‹133) or CLM (n â€‹= â€‹831). Propensity score (PS) matching was performed. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between PS-matched groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting survival. RESULTS: There were 133 patients in the NCNNLM group and 266 patients in the CLM group. The mortality (1.5 â€‹% vs 1.5 â€‹%) and morbidity (19.5 â€‹% vs 20.3 â€‹%) rates were comparable between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in 5-year overall (48.9 â€‹% vs 39.8 â€‹%) and recurrence-free (25.1 â€‹% vs 23.4 â€‹%) survival rates between NCNNLM and CLM groups. A high pre-operative serum bilirubin level, severe postoperative complications and multiple tumors were independent prognostic factors for poor survival. CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy for selected patients with NCNNLM can achieve similar long-term oncological outcomes as those with CLM. High serum bilirubin, severe postoperative complication and multiple tumors are poor prognostic factors for survival.

Comparison of clinical outcome between laparoscopic and open hepatectomy of high difficulty score for hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of high difficulty score is technically challenging. There is a lack of clinical evidence to support its applicability in terms of the long-term survival benefits. This study aims to compare clinical outcomes between LLR and the open liver resection of high difficulty score for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2020, using Iwate criteria, 424 patients underwent liver resection of high difficulty score by the laparoscopic (n = 65) or open (n = 359) approach. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed between the two groups. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between PS-matched groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting survival. RESULTS: The laparoscopic group had significantly fewer severe complications (3% vs. 10.8%), and shorter median hospital stays (6 days vs. 8 days) than the open group. Meanwhile, the long-term oncological outcomes were comparable between the two groups, in terms of the tumor recurrence rate (40% vs. 46.1%), the 5-year overall survival rate (75.4% vs. 76.2%), and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate (50.3% vs. 53.5%). The high preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein level, multiple tumors, and severe postoperative complications were the independent poor prognostic factors associated with worse overall survival. The surgical approach (Laparoscopic vs. Open) did not influence the survival. CONCLUSION: LLR of high difficulty score for selected patients with HCC has better short-term outcomes than the open approach. More importantly, it can achieve similar long-term survival outcomes as the open approach.

Complex-Exponential-Based Bio-Inspired Neuron Model Implementation in FPGA Using Xilinx System Generator and Vivado Design Suite.

This research investigates the implementation of complex-exponential-based neurons in FPGA, which can pave the way for implementing bio-inspired spiking neural networks to compensate for the existing computational constraints in conventional artificial neural networks. The increasing use of extensive neural networks and the complexity of models in handling big data lead to higher power consumption and delays. Hence, finding solutions to reduce computational complexity is crucial for addressing power consumption challenges. The complex exponential form effectively encodes oscillating features like frequency, amplitude, and phase shift, streamlining the demanding calculations typical of conventional artificial neurons through levering the simple phase addition of complex exponential functions. The article implements such a two-neuron and a multi-neuron neural model using the Xilinx System Generator and Vivado Design Suite, employing 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit fixed-point data format representations. The study evaluates the accuracy of the proposed neuron model across different FPGA implementations while also providing a detailed analysis of operating frequency, power consumption, and resource usage for the hardware implementations. BRAM-based Vivado designs outperformed Simulink regarding speed, power, and resource efficiency. Specifically, the Vivado BRAM-based approach supported up to 128 neurons, showcasing optimal LUT and FF resource utilization. Such outcomes accommodate choosing the optimal design procedure for implementing spiking neural networks on FPGAs.

Outcomes of paediatric septic arthritis patients: rates of re-admission, re-operation, and unplanned emergency room visits after discharge.

PURPOSE: This study is aimed at determining the rates and predictors of re-operation and re-admission in children with septic arthritis treated at an institution without routine clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients less than 18 years old who underwent surgery for septic arthritis between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2019, at a single tertiary-care paediatric institution. Uni- and multivariate analysis was performed to identify any risk factors associated with re-operation or unplanned visits to the emergency department after hospital admission compared to patients who had an uncomplicated post-operative course. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four patients were included. The mean age was five years (range 1 month-17 years), and the most commonly affected joint was the hip. The re-admission rate was 1% (n = 2), and the re-operation rate was 8% (n = 12). Twenty percent of patients (n = 29) had unplanned presentations to the emergency department (ED) after discharge. Discharge CRP level was not significantly higher in patients with unplanned presentations to the ED or re-operation. Positive joint fluid culture and infection of any other joint than the hip increased the likelihood of re-operation. Patients who had septic arthritis of the hip were more likely to have an unplanned ED presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of re-admission and re-operation were similar to literature despite lack of a standardized treatment pathway or discharge protocol. Outcomes of pediatric septic arthritis did not correlate with discharge CRP level. There was a high rate of unplanned ED visits after discharge.

Identification of GRIN2D as a novel therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a dismal prognosis, and despite significant advances in our understanding of its genetic drivers, like KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4, effective therapies remain limited. Here, we identified a new therapeutic target GRIN2D and then explored its functions and mechanisms in PDAC progression. METHODS: We performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in a PDAC xenograft model and identified GRIN2D, which encodes the GluN2D subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), as a potential oncogene. Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and analysis on Gene Expression Omnibus were used for detecting the expression of GRIN2D in PDAC. Cellular experiments were conducted for exploring the functions of GRIN2D in vitro while subcutaneous and orthotopic injections were used in in vivo study. To clarify the mechanism, we used RNA sequencing and cellular experiments to identify the related signaling pathway. Cellular assays, RT-qPCR, and western blot helped identify the impacts of the NMDAR antagonist memantine. RESULTS: We demonstrated that GRIN2D was highly expressed in PDAC cells, and further promoted oncogenic functions. Mechanistically, transcriptome profiling identified GRIN2D-regulated genes in PDAC cells. We found that GRIN2D promoted PDAC progression by activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and transcription factor CREB, which in turn promoted the expression of HMGA2 and IL20RB. The upregulated GRIN2D could effectively promote tumor growth and liver metastasis in PDAC. We also investigated the therapeutic potential of NMDAR antagonism in PDAC and found that memantine reduced the expression of GRIN2D and inhibited PDAC progression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that NMDA receptor GRIN2D plays important oncogenic roles in PDAC and represents a novel therapeutic target.

A case series of emergency pancreaticoduodenectomies: What were their indications and outcomes?

Emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy (EPD) is a rarely performed operation. It is important to know the indications and outcomes of EPD to have a better understanding of its application in clinical practice. A review of eight consecutive cases of EPD was done. Between January 2003 and December 2021, 8 out of 370 patients (2.2%) in a single center received pancreaticoduodenectomy as emergency. There were six males and two females with a median age of 45.5 years. The indications were trauma in three patients, bleeding tumors in two patients, and one patient each in obstructing duodenal tumor, postoperative complication and post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complication. The median operative time and blood loss were 427.5 minutes and 1,825 mL, respectively. There was no operative mortality. Seven patients (87.5%) had postoperative complications. Three patients (37.5%) developed postoperative grade B pancreatic fistula. The median postoperative hospital stay was 23.5 days. Five patients were still alive while three patients survived for 13, 31, and 42 months after the operation. The causes of death were recurrent tumors in two patients, and sepsis in one patient. According to this case series, EPD is associated with increased morbidity and pancreatic fistula, but is still deserved in life-threatening situations and long-term survival is possible after EPD.