Rheometry for large-particulated fluids: analysis of the ball measuring system and comparison to debris flow rheometry

For large-particulated fluids encountered in natural debris flow, building materials, and sewage treatment, only a few rheometers exist that allow the determination of yield stress and viscosity. In the present investigation, we focus on the rheometrical analysis of the ball measuring system as a suitable tool to measure the rheology of particulated fluids up to grain sizes of 10mm. The ball measuring system consists of a sphere that is dragged through a sample volume of approximately 0.5l. Implemented in a standard rheometer, torques exerted on the sphere and the corresponding rotational speeds are recorded within a wide measuring range. In the second part of this investigation, six rheometric devices to determine flow curve and yield stress of fluids containing large particles with maximum grain sizes of 1 to 25mm are compared, considering both rheological data and application in practical use. The large-scale rheometer of Coussot and Piau, the building material learning viscometer of Wallevik and Gjorv, and the ball measuring system were used for the flow curve determination and a capillary rheometer, the inclined plane test, and the slump test were used for the yield stress determination. For different coarse and concentrated sediment-water mixtures, the flow curves and the yield stresses agree well, except for the capillary rheometer, which exhibits much larger yield stress values. Differences are also noted in the measuring range of the different devices, as well as for the required sample volume that is crucial for applicatio

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-and active-controlled, half-head study to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma on alopecia areata

Summary Background Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune condition, causing inflammation-induced hair loss. This disease has very limited treatment possibilities, and no treatment is either curative or preventive. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment modality in dermatology, and preliminary evidence has suggested that it might have a beneficial role in hair growth. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP for the treatment of AA in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-and active-controlled, half-head, parallelgroup study. Methods Forty-five patients with AA were randomized to receive intralesional injections of PRP, triamcinolone acetonide (TrA) or placebo on one half of their scalp. The other half was not treated. Three treatments were given for each patient, with intervals of 1 month. The endpoints were hair regrowth, hair dystrophy as measured by dermoscopy, burning or itching sensation, and cell proliferation as measured by Ki-67 evaluation. Patients were followed for 1 year. Results PRP was found to increase hair regrowth significantly and to decrease hair dystrophy and burning or itching sensation compared with TrA or placebo. Ki-67 levels, which served as markers for cell proliferation, were significantly higher with PRP. No side-effects were noted during treatment. Conclusions This pilot study, which is the first to investigate the effects of PRP on AA, suggests that PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option in AA, and calls for more extensive controlled studies with this method

Pelli intolleranti : le esperienze cliniche con una nuova linea di trattamento topico

"Sensitive skin" is a term used to describe heightened skin sensitivity and a high incidence of adverse reactions to certain irritants. The more common skin irritants are environmental factors such as cold, wind, rain, sun and heat, detergents and certain skin care products. Sensitive skin is a very common condition and more than 40% of people say they have it. It appears as redness, swelling, itchy and dry irritation to the face. Individuals with sensitive skin have to use high-quality products to minimize the risk of skin complications. In this article the results from three clinical experiences in the treatment of sensitive skin with a new line of topical products (Rilastil Pelli Intolleranti: a detergent and two creams) are shown. The products forming Rilastil Pelli Intolleranti line were well tolerated and quickly relieved the symptoms of sensitive skin

Climate change and mine reclamation in British Columbia

Since the mid-1900s, mining projects have progressively increased in disturbance area, leading to larger project footprints, and mines with longer lifespans or project durations. Some of the major mines operating in British Columbia began modern mining in the 1960s and are anticipated to be active for as long as eighty years. Local, regional, and global climates have already changed since the inception of such long-term projects, and will continue to change as mines approach closure. Historically, reclamation and closure plans for these mines have been designed with the assumption that abiotic environmental conditions and biological communities are static, but these assumptions are no longer considered valid, and there may be additional risks to mining operations and closure if the influence of a changing climate is not explicitly considered in reclamation planning. With the cumulative area of disturbance caused by major mines in British Columbia over 50,000 hectares, it is necessary to ensure that reclamation approaches, regulations, policies, and objectives consider the implications of climate change, and are directed by quantitative and ecologically relevant metrics of success. The BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation is in the process of developing reclamation guidance with a focus on the design of end land use and capability objectives based on pre-mining and reference conditions as well as future climatic scenarios, supporting the integration of climate adaptation into reclamation planning. This paper presents information on current tools and approaches available to support reclamation practitioners in designing for a changing climate. In addition, we discuss some of the key challenges—and potential solutions—that climate change introduces to reclamation practice, including, but not limited to, designing and planning prescriptions with shifting climates in mind as well as the inclusion of ecological and climate relevant metrics-of-success within ecosystem capability objectives for closure.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe

Rheometry for large-particulated fluids: Analysis of the ball measuring system and comparison to debris flow rheometry

ISSN:0035-4511ISSN:1435-152

Comprehensive Evaluation of Injectability Attributes in OxiFree™ Dermal Fillers: MaiLi^® Product Variants and Clinical Case Reports.

Dermal filler injectability is a critical factor for commercial product adoption by medical aesthetic professionals and for successful clinical administration. We have previously reported (in vitro and ex vivo) cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dermal filler benchmarking in terms of manual and automated injectability requirements. To further enhance the function-oriented product characterization workflows and the clinical relevance of dermal filler injectability assessments, the aim of this study was to perform in vivo evaluations. Therefore, several variants of the MaiLi <sup>®</sup> product range (OxiFree™ technology) were characterized in vitro and in vivo in terms of injectability attributes, with a focus on hydrogel system homogeneity and ease of injection. Firstly, standardized in vitro assays were performed in SimSkin <sup>®</sup> cutaneous equivalents, with variations of the clinical injector, injection site, and injection technique. Then, automated injections in SimSkin <sup>®</sup> cutaneous equivalents were comparatively performed in a texture analysis setup to obtain fine-granulometry injection force profile results. Finally, five female participants were recruited for the in vivo arm of the study (case reports), with variations of the clinical injector, injection site, and injection technique. Generally, the obtained quantitative force values and injection force profiles were critically appraised from a translational viewpoint, based on discussions around the OxiFree™ manufacturing technology and on in-use specialized clinician feedback. Overall, the present study outlined a notable level of homogeneity across the MaiLi <sup>®</sup> product range in terms of injectability attributes, as well as consistently high ease of administration by medical aesthetic clinicians

A randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, half-head study to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma on alopecia areata.

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune condition, causing inflammation-induced hair loss. This disease has very limited treatment possibilities, and no treatment is either curative or preventive. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment modality in dermatology, and preliminary evidence has suggested that it might have a beneficial role in hair growth. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP for the treatment of AA in a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, half-head, parallel-group study. Methods Forty-five patients with AA were randomized to receive intralesional injections of PRP, triamcinolone acetonide (TrA) or placebo on one half of their scalp. The other half was not treated. Three treatments were given for each patient, with intervals of 1 month. The endpoints were hair regrowth, hair dystrophy as measured by dermoscopy, burning or itching sensation, and cell proliferation as measured by Ki-67 evaluation. Patients were followed for 1 year. Results PRP was found to increase hair regrowth significantly and to decrease hair dystrophy and burning or itching sensation compared with TrA or placebo. Ki-67 levels, which served as markers for cell proliferation, were significantly higher with PRP. No side-effects were noted during treatment. Conclusions This pilot study, which is the first to investigate the effects of PRP on AA, suggests that PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option in AA, and calls for more extensive controlled studies with this method. What's already known about this topic? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment modality in dermatology, and preliminary evidence has suggested that it might have a beneficial role in hair growth. No study has ever evaluated the effect of PRP on hair growth in patients with alopecia areata (AA). What does this study add? PRP was found to increase hair regrowth compared with triamcinolone acetonide or placebo, and Ki-67 levels were significantly higher. PRP also decreased the percentage of dystrophic hairs and burning or itching sensation. This study, which is the first to investigate the effects of PRP on AA, suggests that PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option in AA