Evaluation of LS-DYNA MAT162 for Modeling Composite Fastener Joints for High Rates of Loading

In the present work, the behavior of composite-fastener joints in bearing failure at dynamic stroke rates of 500 in/s, 300 in/s and 100 in/s has been evaluated through progressive damage analysis (PDA) material model in LS-DYNA, namely MAT162. Two joint types: titanium pin and Hi-Lok fastener were analyzed to identify the differences between without and with preload conditions. A meso-level approach where each lamina was modeled separately was employed and a contact definition based on fracture toughness data was defined to represent composite delamination behavior. Test fixture had been modeled in a detailed manner to account for the dynamic effects and the simulation results were validated against experimental data. Preliminary test-analysis correlation indicated that MAT162 predicted results conservatively when compared to tests. Debris accumulation were observed to greatly affect the test results which were not considered in the current modelling strategies

DIGITAL EARTH OBSERVATION INFRASTRUCTURES AND INITIATIVES: A REVIEW FRAMEWORK BASED ON OPEN PRINCIPLES

Recent years have seen a tremendous increase of digital Earth Observation (EO) infrastructures, which provide web-based environments for accessing and processing data in a highly automated and scalable way. However, the current landscape of EO infrastructures and initiatives is fragmented, with various levels of user on-boarding and uptake success. The current work aims to make sense of this complex landscape by providing two main contributions. First, it offers a classification scheme used to review and analyse more than 150 EO infrastructures and initiatives. Then, adopting a user-centric perspective, the main limitations and obstacles currently faced by users when working with the existing EO platforms are identified. For each of these limitations, we propose a number of good practices that could benefit, from a user point of view, the design and functioning of EO platforms. Some technological enablers, i.e. specific resources (such as software components, standards and data encodings) that emerged from the analysis as holding a great potential for improving the usability of existing EO platforms, are finally listed. The work aims to provide a first scientific insight on how to best design and operate EO platforms to maximise the benefits of their user communities

Vapor-Phase Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol Using Manganese Oxide Octahedral Molecular Sieves (OMS-2)

Vapor-phase selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol has been accomplished using cryptomelane-type manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve (OMS-2) catalysts. A conversion of 92% and a selectivity to benzaldehyde of 99% were achieved using OMS-2. The role played by the oxidant in this system was probed by studying the reaction in the absence of oxidant. The natures of framework transformations occurring during the oxidation reaction were fully studied using temperature-programmed techniques, as well as in situ X-ray diffraction under different atmospheres

30-day morbidity and mortality of sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and one anastomosis gastric bypass: a propensity score-matched analysis of the GENEVA data

Background: There is a paucity of data comparing 30-day morbidity and mortality of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). This study aimed to compare the 30-day safety of SG, RYGB, and OAGB in propensity score-matched cohorts. Materials and methods: This analysis utilised data collected from the GENEVA study which was a multicentre observational cohort study of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) in 185 centres across 42 countries between 01/05/2022 and 31/10/2020 during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 30-day complications were categorised according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. Patients receiving SG, RYGB, or OAGB were propensity-matched according to baseline characteristics and 30-day complications were compared between groups. Results: In total, 6770 patients (SG 3983; OAGB 702; RYGB 2085) were included in this analysis. Prior to matching, RYGB was associated with highest 30-day complication rate (SG 5.8%; OAGB 7.5%; RYGB 8.0% (p = 0.006)). On multivariate regression modelling, Insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia were associated with increased 30-day complications. Being a non-smoker was associated with reduced complication rates. When compared to SG as a reference category, RYGB, but not OAGB, was associated with an increased rate of 30-day complications. A total of 702 pairs of SG and OAGB were propensity score-matched. The complication rate in the SG group was 7.3% (n = 51) as compared to 7.5% (n = 53) in the OAGB group (p = 0.68). Similarly, 2085 pairs of SG and RYGB were propensity score-matched. The complication rate in the SG group was 6.1% (n = 127) as compared to 7.9% (n = 166) in the RYGB group (p = 0.09). And, 702 pairs of OAGB and RYGB were matched. The complication rate in both groups was the same at 7.5 % (n = 53; p = 0.07). Conclusions: This global study found no significant difference in the 30-day morbidity and mortality of SG, RYGB, and OAGB in propensity score-matched cohorts

30-Day morbidity and mortality of bariatric metabolic surgery in adolescence during the COVID-19 pandemic – The GENEVA study

Background: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective treatment for adolescents with severe obesity. Objectives: This study examined the safety of MBS in adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This was a global, multicentre and observational cohort study of MBS performed between May 01, 2020, and October 10,2020, in 68 centres from 24 countries. Data collection included in-hospital and 30-day COVID-19 and surgery-specific morbidity/mortality. Results: One hundred and seventy adolescent patients (mean age: 17.75 ± 1.30 years), mostly females (n = 122, 71.8%), underwent MBS during the study period. The mean pre-operative weight and body mass index were 122.16 ± 15.92 kg and 43.7 ± 7.11 kg/m2, respectively. Although majority of patients had pre-operative testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (n = 146; 85.9%), only 42.4% (n = 72) of the patients were asked to self-isolate pre-operatively. Two patients developed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection post-operatively (1.2%). The overall complication rate was 5.3% (n = 9). There was no mortality in this cohort. Conclusions: MBS in adolescents with obesity is safe during the COVID-19 pandemic when performed within the context of local precautionary procedures (such as pre-operative testing). The 30-day morbidity rates were similar to those reported pre-pandemic. These data will help facilitate the safe re-introduction of MBS services for this group of patients

Modelling of molecular interactions and inclusion phenomena in substituted beta-cyclodextrin: from simple probes to proteins

The ability of beta-cyclodextrin (PCD) to form stable complexes with alpha-interferon was investigated. By using simple molecular mechanics approach interaction energy profiles of simple probes passing the center of PCD ring cavity along the main molecular symmetry axis were evaluated first. A computational study of host-guest inclusion complexes between PCD and L-alpha-aminoacids and some selected pentapeptides was also carried out and aimed at understanding the nature of the driving forces and mechanism, leading to their formation. Relative complexation energies for the complexes and the solvation Gibbs free energies for single L-alpha-aminoacids were calculated. Both the aminoacid residue inside the PCD cavity and neighbouring residues were found to contribute to the stabilization of beta CD complexes with the side-chain of aminoacids present on the surface of alpha-interferon. The most appropriate number of host PCD molecules for the encapsulation in the first shell of one alpha-interferon molecule resulted to be 25

Effect of anxiety, stress, and depression on hypertension and diabetes during COVID-19 lockdown period in Faridabad: A cross-sectional study

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with a high contagion potential poses a pathological threat to the community but has a larger psychological impact, elemental in the aggravation of blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The aim of this study is to examine and interpret the effect on individuals, with or without preexisting diabetes and hypertension, of depression, anxiety, and stress and to assess the factors associated with exacerbation of blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out through a snowball sampling method in Faridabad. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was circulated on Google Forms. A total of 1002 responses accorded with our inclusion criteria and were involved in the final analysis. Results: In the general population, 20.7%, 42.4%, and 39.4% of individuals experienced moderate-to-severe stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. The prevalence of stress (22.6%) and anxiety (52.9%) was higher in people with preexisting hypertension and diabetes as compared to people without these preexisting comorbidities. Participants with severe depression and severe anxiety had blood sugar level aggravation 5.55 times and 10.10 times more than the ones with lower depression and lower anxiety. Individuals with severe anxiety experienced exacerbation of blood pressure levels 7.35 times more than individuals with lower anxiety. Conclusion: Individuals experienced high mental distress during the lockdown period, especially the ones with preexisting health conditions, who displayed a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress. The results further point toward a bidirectional relationship between hypertension and diabetes with mental health as people with preexisting health conditions experienced greater psychological stress than others

Ablation d’un corps étranger intracardiaque à coeur battant chez un patient en état général précaire

Introduction : La migration ou la rupture du cathéter d’hémodialyse est un accident exceptionnel. Nous rapportons le cas d’une patiente opérée pour chirurgie cardiaque indiquée pour ablation d’un bout de cathéter d’hémodialyse, après sa rupture au cours d’une tentative de retrait.Observation : Il s’agissait d’une patiente de 80 ans, diabétique et hypertendue, porteuse d’une maladie rénale chronique et dialysée. L’anesthésie générale avec intubation orotrachéale était la technique retenue. Le protocole d’anesthésie était constitué du propofol, le sufentanil et le cisatracurium. Les incidents peropératoires étaient d’ordre hémodynamique, au moment du clampage de la veine cave supérieure, à savoir l’hypotension et la bradycardie, nécessitant l’utilisation d’amines vaso-actives. Le réveil en réanimation a été progressif. L’extubation de la patiente a été faite à J1 post-opératoire sans complications. Aucune complication majeure n’était retrouvée.Conclusion : La rupture du cathéter d’hémodialyse est un accident exceptionnel. La prise en charge médico-chirurgicale a permis une évolution favorable.Mots-clés : Anesthésie, chirurgie cardiaque, cathéter d’hémodialyse, maladie rénale chroniqu