Experimental Investigation of the Free Surface Effect on the Conical Taylor-Couette Flow System

The aim of this work is to highlight the critical thresholds corresponding to the onset of different instabilities considered in the flow between two vertical coaxial cones with and without free surface. The inner cone is rotating and the outer one is maintained at rest. Both cones have the same apex angle Φ =12° giving a constant annular gap δ =d/R1max. The height of the fluid column is H=155mm and It can be progressively decreased for each studied case of the flow system. Two kinds of configurations are studied, small and large gap. The working fluid is assumed as Newtonian and having constant properties like density and viscosity within the range of the required experimental conditions. By means of visualization technique of the flow we have been able to show the different transition modes occurring in the conical flow system according to the aspect ratio and then the induced action of the free surface which introduces a delay in the onset of different instability modes. The obtained results in term of features and stability of the flow are compared to those of Wimmer and Noui-Mehidi

Morpho-constitutional analysis of urolithiasis and in vitro litholytic evaluation of select plants against diverse renal calculi variants

Abstract Background This study explores the potential litholytic activity of medicinal plant infusions, specifically Arenaria rubra, Hordeum vulgare, and Zea mays, as well as a combination of these infusions, on various types of urinary calculi. Given the traditional use of these plants in managing kidney stones and the need for alternative treatments, this investigation aims to assess their efficacy in dissolving different types of calculi. Materials and methods Samples representing calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD), cystine (Cy), uric acid (UA), and calcium phosphate (CP) calculi were analyzed using FTIR and optical microscopy. Herbal infusions were prepared at a concentration of 14 g/l, and the dissolution capacity was evaluated by incubating the calculi samples in the infusions for eight weeks. Microscopic examination and statistical analysis were conducted to assess the efficacy of the infusions. Results and discussion Limited dissolution of COM and COD calculi was observed with the infusions, consistent with their known resistance to dissolution. Significant dissolution effects were observed for Cy, UA, and CP calculi, especially with infusions of A. rubra and H. vulgare. These findings suggest the potential of plant infusions as complementary therapeutic agents for certain types of kidney stones. Conclusion This study highlights the promising litholytic activity of medicinal plant infusions, specifically A. rubra and H. vulgare, which indicates a significant dissolution of various urinary calculi. While further research is needed to validate these findings, integrating plant infusions, extracts, or essential oils into clinical practice could offer additional treatment options for managing kidney stones and preventing recurrence

Cancer-related cognitive impairment in non-CNS cancer patients: Targeted review and future action plans in Europe

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has increasingly been identified over the last two decades in non-CNS system cancer patients. Across Europe, researchers have contributed to this effort by developing preclinical models, exploring underlying mechanisms and assessing cognitive and quality of life changes. The ultimate goal is to develop interventions to treat patients experiencing CRCI. To do so, new challenges need to be addressed requiring the implementation of multidisciplinary research groups. In this consensus paper, we summarize the state of the art in the field of CRCI combined with the future challenges and action plans in Europe. These challenges include data sharing/pooling, standardization of assessments as well as assessing additional biomarkers and neuroimaging investigations, notably through translational studies. We conclude this position paper with specific actions for Europe based on shared scientific expert opinion and stakeholders involved in the Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer, with a particular focus on cognitive intervention programs

Long-term fatigue and quality of life among epithelial ovarian cancer survivors: a GINECO case/control VIVROVAIRE I study

International audienc

Health-related quality of life and pelvic floor dysfunction in advanced-stage ovarian cancer survivors: associations with objective activity behaviors and physiological characteristics

Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), and modifiable lifestyle and physiological factors for ovarian cancer survivors (OCS). The primary aim of the study was to compare post-treatment advanced-stage OCS with age-matched controls on measures of HRQoL and PFD. The secondary aim was to examine associations between HRQoL, PFD, objective activity behaviors, physical function, and body composition in OCS. Methods: Twenty advanced-stage OCS and 20 controls completed questionnaires assessing HRQoL (SF-36) and PFD (Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire), and underwent objective assessments of activity behavior (7-day accelerometry), physical function (400-m walk, repeated chair rise, 6-m usual-pace walk, one-repetition maximum chest press, and single-leg extension), and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). Results: Compared to controls, OCS had worse physical HRQoL (− 4.3 median difference, p = 0.013), but equivalent self-reported PFD, indicated by combined bladder, bowel, and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (0.89 mean difference, p = 0.277). In OCS, physical HRQoL was significantly negatively associated with PFD (r = 0.468, p = 0.043). Decreased physical HRQoL and increased PFD were significantly associated with less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in ≥ 10-min bouts (ρ = 0.627, p = 0.003; ρ = − 0.457, p = 0.049), more sedentary time (r = − 0.449, p = 0.047; r = 0.479, p = 0.038), and slower 400-m walk time (ρ = − 0.565, p = 0.022; ρ = 0.504, p = 0.028). Conclusions: Post-treatment advanced-stage OCS have decreased physical HRQoL, which is associated with modifiable factors such as worse PFD, less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, more sedentary time, and decreased objective physical function. This highlights the need for ongoing supportive care and multidisciplinary interventions after first-line ovarian cancer treatment