Water evaporation induced in-situ interfacial compatibilization for all-natural and high-strength straw-fiber/starch composites.

In this paper, we proposed a novel and green strategy based on water evaporation induced in-situ interfacial compatibilization (WEIC) mechanism for fabricating high-strength and all-natural lignocellulose/starch composites. This mechanism exploits the natural compatibility of the lignocellulose and starch and was tested through an internal mixing process with regulated water evaporation. Specifically, we revealed that a restrained layer was in-situ formed at the interface of the lignocellulose and starch during the internal mixing process; a faster water evaporation rate thickens this restrained layer, restricts the starch's molecular movement and significantly increases the composite's mechanical properties. The highest tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composites achieved are 21.7 ± 0.8 MPa and 2.2 ± 0.1 GPa, respectively, superior to many existing starch/lignocellulose composites. Thus, this work provides new insight into the compatibilization of various hydrophilic polysaccharides and paves new avenues for developing greener and more facile methods to fabricate all-polysaccharide composites.

Compression of left common iliac vein is independently associated with left-sided deep vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Left-sided lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is more common than right-sided DVT. This difference was found to be caused by the compression of the left iliac common vein (LCIV). To evaluate and compare LCIV compression in unilateral DVT patients and the normal population and investigate the association of LCIV compression with the risk of left-sided DVT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of records and computed tomography imaging was conducted in 19 right DVT, 60 left DVT, and 218 control subjects. The influences of LCIV diameter and stenosis on the risk of left DVT were investigated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In control subjects, 51.8% had greater than 50% compression of the LCIV, and 24.3% had greater than 70% compression. Mean LCIV diameter was smaller in left DVT (2.39 mm) than in right DVT (6.18 mm) or normal control (5.39 mm). Mean LCIV stenosis was higher in left DVT (77.57%) than in right DVT (38.01%) or normal control (49.31%). The odds of left DVT increased by a factor of 2.69 for each millimeter decrease in LCIV diameter and 2.78 for each 10% increase in LCIV stenosis. With LCIV stenosis >75%, the risk of left DVT was associated with an 11-fold increase, and with LCIV diameter <2.5 mm, the risk was associated with a 13.5-fold increase. Unprovoked and provoked left DVT patients had similar LCIV compression, and left DVT patients had more significant LCIV compression than right DVT patients. CONCLUSIONS: LCIV compression was a normal anatomical pattern with an increased risk of left DVT. LCIV compression might be the essential and prereqisite factor for left DVT. Patients with severe LCIV compression should receive more emphasis on left DVT prophylaxis because they are the high-risk population of left DVT.