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Introduction: Hypertension and dyslipidemia are common contributors to cardiovascular disease (CVD), often occurring together. Effectively Managing both is key to reducing mortality and morbidity, but complex regimens reduce adherence. Aim: This study investigated the comparative efficacy and safety of a three-drug regimen (TAR) containing telmisartan, amlodipine, and rosuvastatin against two-drug combinations (TA and TR) for managing hypertension and dyslipidemia. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases for relevant articles matching our inclusion criteria. Following the application of inclusion criteria, four studies were selected for qualitative analysis and four studies for meta-analysis. Results: Our analysis showed TAR [n = 155] significantly reduced mean systolic blood pressure (MSSBP) at week 4 compared to TR (n = 163) (MD = -15.65 mmHg) and TA (MD = -4.63 mmHg). TAR also showed superiority over all groups (TR [n = 163], TA [n = 162]) in MSSBP reduction. For low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), TAR only showed a significant difference at week 4 compared to TA (MD = -86.41 mg/dL), with no difference between TAR and TR at either week 4 or 8. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that TAR may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for the concurrent management of hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, there is no significant difference regarding adverse events between both arms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Forceful coughing is assumed to be an uncommon etiology for lateral abdominal wall hernias. The literature regarding this topic is very limited and there is a lack of consensus in management, both operative and non-operative. We aim to report our center’s experience in repair of lateral abdominal wall hernias secondary to vigorous coughing. Methods: All patients undergoing lateral abdominal wall hernia repairs secondary to coughing at our institution from August 2014 to December 2023 were identified in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC). Only patients with lateral abdominal wall hernias without prior lateral incisions, reporting a vigorous coughing event were included in the analysis. Recurrent repairs were also included. Patient and hernia characteristics, operative details, post-operative outcomes, and long-term patient reported outcomes were extracted from the ACHQC database and chart review. Results: Twelve patients with lateral abdominal wall hernias secondary to coughing underwent repair within the study period. The median hernia width was 18.5 cm. Transversus abdominus release was performed in all patients, 8 had heavyweight polypropylene mesh placed, and 9 received mesh fixation. Wound complications were noted in 2 patients, both resolved with superficial wound opening. At a mean follow up of 4.0 years, one patient reported a bulge, and no clinical or radiographic recurrences were identified. Conclusion: Lateral abdominal wall hernias after forceful coughing have not been well defined. Here we present our series based on our repairs. Unfortunately, our ability to comment on recurrences is limited by a lack of follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various forms of anthropogenic pollution are regarded as a serious threat to marine coastal areas. The overproduction and mismanagement of petroleum derivatives, such as tar and plastics, have resulted in a significant correlation between these two pollutants. The aggregation of tar, microplastics (MPs), and natural materials can create plastitar blocks, which are common in coastal areas. These raise concern about the undeniable negative impact on the marine ecosystem and the associated biota, and serve as a recognizable and understandable indication of environmental decline. Here, the composition of the 11 plastitar blocks collected on the Ionian side of the Apulia region (Italy) was characterized both in tar and plastics using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. Of the 250 particles extracted from the tar, 208 were identified as plastics, predominantly Polyethylene. The majority of these were in the form of pellets (90%), with fragments accounting for 5% and films and filaments representing the remaining 5%. This study provides new data that can be used to enhance the understanding of the distribution and baseline information about this novel form of pollution in Italian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective]In order to systematically investigate the effect of added water-soluble sugar on tar and other harmful components of cigarette smoke. [Method]Two kinds of flue-cured tobacco leaves with high water-soluble sugar content (C2F-DF2020, total sugar 30. 84%) and low water-soluble sugar content (B3F-DH2020, total sugar 7. 37%) were selected as the test objects, glucose and sucrose with the weight ratios of 0 (control), 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% were added and the routine mainstream smoke indexes of 24 cigarette samples were determined;on the basis of the above laboratory tests, take B2F-XG2018 tobacco leaf with medium content of water-soluble sugar ( total sugar 16. 61%) as the object, carry out the factory tests (glucose addition 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%), and determined the routine mainstream smoke indexes and seven harmful components of four cigarette samples. [Result]The results showed that: no matter whether the content of endogenous water-soluble sugar in tobacco leaves was high or low, and whether the added sugar source was glucose or sucrose, the tar content of smoke did not increase with the increase of sugar addition;with the increase of sugar addition, the release of nitrogen compounds such as tobacco specific NNK, HCN, ammonia showed a downward trend, while the harm index of cigarettes showed a downward trend. [Conclusion]The addition of water-soluble sugar will not lead to the increase of tar content and 7 harmful components in smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufactured gas plants (MGPs) were a staple of the Industrial Revolution, operating in the US primarily on the East Coast, starting in the early 19th before phase-out in the mid-twentieth century. Their legacy includes the release of copious quantities of subsurface tar, and when located adjacent to waterways, tar in sediment due to direct discharge and leaking bulkheads. Computing the depth and extent of tar impacts is a three-dimensional problem required to facilitate appropriate remediation efforts. At three former MGPs, 306, 223, and 254 boreholes with 1452, 544, and 276 intervals were coded and %saturation attributed to saturated (Sn = 70%) and residual (SNr = 20%) tar. These data were incorporated into the 3-D krieging software EnviroInsite to estimate the spatial extent of tar and oil impacts and their affiliated volumes. At the former Citizens, Fulton, and Metropolitan MGPs, the model estimated a most probable volume (MPV) of 7.21, 4.36, and 0.8 million gallons of tar. As a sensitivity analysis, Sn was decreased to 60%, reducing the MPV to 6.3, 3.4, and 0.6 million gallons, respectively, Regardless, it is irrefutable that a large amount of tar remains in the subsurface ∼70 years after the facilities ceased operating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Given its potential advantages, open Transversus Abdominis Release (oTAR) has been proposed as a durable solution for complex AWR. However, its applicability in different scenarios remains uncertain. We aimed to analyze the current available evidence and determine surgical outcomes after oTAR. Methods: We performed a systematic electronic search on oTAR in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Postoperative morbidity and recurrence rates were included as primary endpoints and Quality of life (QoL) was included as secondary endpoint. A random-effect model was used to generate a pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) between all studies. Results: A total of 22 studies with 4,910 patients undergoing oTAR were included for analysis. Mean hernia defect and mesh area were 394 (140–622) cm2 and 1065 (557–2206) cm2, respectively. Mean follow-up was 19.7 (1–32) months. The weighted pooled proportion of recurrence, overall morbidity, surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI), major morbidity and mortality were: 6% (95% CI, 3-10%), 34% (95% CI, 26-43%), 22% (95% CI, 16-29%), 11% (95% CI, 8-16%), 4% (95% CI, 3-7%), 6% (95% CI, 4-10%) and 1% (95% CI, 1-2%), respectively. A significant improvement in QoL after oTAR was reported among studies. Conclusion: Open TAR is an effective technique for complex ventral hernias as it is associated with low recurrence rate and a significant improvement in QoL. However, the relatively high morbidity rates observed emphasize the necessity of further patients' selection and optimization to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ObjectiveTo characterize adverse events related to use of the perirectal spacing agent SpaceOAR, we examined the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database.MethodsThe MAUDE database was queried for "SpaceOAR" and "Augmenix" from June 2015 (when SpaceOAR was approved by the Food and Drug Administration) to October 2022. Reports were reviewed for adverse events (AEs), operative procedures performed because of the AE, and changes to the radiation plan. AEs were categorized using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0.ResultsSix hundred fifty-four reports were reviewed. Eighty-four were excluded and 4 reports reviewed 2 separate cases of SpaceOAR administration. Five hundred seventy-four cases were ultimately included. Three deaths were reported (0.5% of all AEs). One point six percent of cases represented CTCAE grade 4 injuries (life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated), 15.9% grade 3 (severe but not immediately life-threatening; hospitalization), 24.2% grade 2 (moderate; local/noninvasive intervention), and 57% of events were CTCAE grade 1 (mild; asymptomatic or mild symptoms). Bowel diversion occurred in 29 cases (9%).ConclusionBoth asymptomatic (n = 311) and debilitating (n = 12) complications of SpaceOAR hydrogel use were identified. Death, gel embolization, anaphylaxis, rectal ulcerations, and infections requiring bowel or urinary diversions were among the complications reviewed. Providers should consider these potential complications before perirectal spacer administration and during patient counseling.

The impact of pyrolysis gas composition and the underlying reaction kinetics on the burning characteristics of a leaf was computationally investigated. The computational configuration resembled a previous experimental setup where vertically oriented manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa) leaves were burned. Different compositions and reaction kinetics for the pyrolysis gas released during the leaf thermal decomposition were examined. The most detailed composition included $${\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_4}$$ C H 4 , $${\rm{CO}}$$ CO , $${\rm{C}}{{\rm{O}}_2}$$ C O 2 , and $${{\rm{H}}_2}$$ H 2 , which was suggested by the previous experimental study of pyrolysis products of different plant species. The least involved compositions only included either $${\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_4}$$ C H 4 or $${\rm{CO}}$$ CO . In all considered compositions, in addition to pyrolysis gas, the release of the heavy gas, i.e. tar, was accounted for. Tar breakdown was represented by a single-step reaction with the light gases above and soot as the products where the stoichiometric coefficients were determined by an optimization technique for consistency with the measurements for the tar molecule. The burning simulation results agreed best with the previous experimental data when a mixture of $${\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_4}$$ C H 4 , $${\rm{CO}}$$ CO , $${\rm{C}}{{\rm{O}}_2}$$ C O 2 was used. The least agreement was noted when pyrolysis gas was represented by only $${\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_4}$$ C H 4 . Inclusion of tar breakdown reaction appreciably increased the overall heat release due to combustion of its products above the leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel rare earth-substituted tungstoantimonates [H2N(CH3)2]8Na12[Dy2(H2O)6(tar)(Sb2W21O72)]2·40H2O (DySbW) and [H2N(CH3)2]6Na14[Ho2(H2O)6(tar)(Sb2W21O72)]2·25H2O (HoSbW) (H4tar = tartaric acid) were synthesized. The meso-polyanions are alternately linked by {Na3(H2O)3} clusters and DL-tar ligands to form 1D chains. Notably, HoSbW exhibits excellent catalytic activity and high stability for the synthesis of isoindolinones using EtOH as a green solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Totally extra Peritoneal-Rives Stoppa (eTEP-RS) is one of the minimal access techniques of retro muscular mesh repair for ventral hernias. While performing this procedure, there has been significant variations among surgeons in patient positioning, position of monitor, site and number of ports placed. It has been also observed that there is also need to shift the camera and working ports as well as change from 10- to 5-mm telescope and vice versa frequently during the procedure. The aim of this study is to develop a simplified technical modification with an attempt to standardise the eTEP-RS procedure. From January 2022 to July 2022, 32 patients underwent ETEP-RS for midline ventral hernias by this modified three-port technique. Out of 32 patients who underwent eTEP-RS for midline ventral hernias, 3 patients underwent surgery for associated inguinal hernia and 3 patients required transverse abdominis release (TAR). The mean operating time was 92.3 min with range from 80 to 130 min. It was observed that with increase in experience, the operative time was reduced. Mean defect width was 5.8 cm, and defect area was 37.01 cm2. We had used 20 cm × 25 cm mesh for most of our patients. There was no recurrence or major complication. Based on our initial experiences, we present a detailed description of the surgical technique itself, as well as the essential nuances to enable evaluation of the technique and standardisation. Modified three-port ETEP-RS technique is safe, feasible, and reproducible for midline ventral hernias. This technique can be combined with right-sided TAR and inguinal hernias. It can be adapted in peripheries where facilities and resources are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article provides a preliminary technical and elemental composition of the feedstock (coal and high-viscosity oil), and also determines the physicochemical properties of the resin of the feedstock. Coal and high-viscosity oil were combined pyrolysis with various oil additives in the range of 5-30%. The experiments were carried out in an aluminum retort at temperatures up to 520 °C, resulting in the following products: tar, pyrolysis gas, and semi-coke. The greatest relative increase in oil and pyrolysis gas yields was observed with the addition of high-viscosity oil, amounting to 20%, which is apparently due to the observed synergy effect based on the interaction of coal and oil fractions during heat treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing efforts to lower CO2 emissions globally, the demand for carbon-based resources in industries remains on a high level, leading to new technologies being able to provide those essential carbon sources. To the best of our knowledge, we were able to show for the first time the adaption of a readily available gasifier for the gasification of wood chips using only O2 (18.4–23.1 Vol.-%) and CO2 as gasification agents, creating a nitrogen-free product gas. It was found that the setup used was able to convert up to 27.2% of the CO2 from the gasification agent to CO, creating a promising route for the production of renewable carbon sources for future carbon-based applications. Furthermore, no decrease in gasification performance was observed as the cold gas efficiency was at 83.5–95.5% with only minor formation of tar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptual design of coffee stem biomass gasification was developed using the Aspen Plus process simulator, which was analyzed based on energy criteria such as the lower heating value of the produced synthesis gas and cold gas efficiency. The results yielded a lower heating value of 5.07 kJ/MJ, with a cold gas efficiency of 77.45% and a yield of 2.75 kg gas/kg biomass, all operating under optimal conditions with studied parameters including an air-to-biomass ratio between 1.8 and 2.5, gasifying agent temperature of 260 °C, and biomass moisture content below 10%. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the formation of the most important compounds for synthesis gas quality (H2, CO, CO2, H2O, CH4). This involved understanding the reactions occurring throughout the gasification reactor and evaluating process parameters such as feed moisture content, gasification section temperature, and the ratio between feed and gasifying agent flows to optimize the process with the aim of improving product quality and reducing residue formation. The simulation scheme was validated against experimental data, yielding results consistent with reality. This contributed valuable information towards process optimization for projects targeting the Colombian coffee sector, paving the way for future gasifier designs tailored to the quantity of raw material to be processed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed process model is proposed to simulate the air-gasification of biomass (wood chips) in a bubbling fluidized bed gasification system at different temperatures (650–800 °C) and equivalence ratios, ERs (0.08–16), using ASPEN Plus simulator. The process was assumed fully steady-state, and gasification section was modeled by implementing FORTRAN user-subroutines for reaction kinetics and hydrodynamic parameters. Experimental results from air-gasification of wood chips in a bubbling fluidized bed gasifier were used to validate the model. The model predictions were in good agreement with experimental results. The validation results also showed that ASPEN Plus can describe the gasification process in fluidized bed gasifiers well. Specifically, ER initially decreased the carbon conversion efficiency (CCE), with a minimum followed by an increase. An optimal ER was crucial for minimizing tar yield (TY). Higher temperatures yielded higher H2 contents and lower tar yields. Smaller particles decreased TY and increased gas lower heating value (LHV). Under optimal conditions (ER = 0.13, T = 750 °C, and D = 0.2 mm), the product gas generated during air-gasification of wood chips achieved a low tar yield of 4.61 g/Nm3. These results confirmed the significant potential of biomass gasification in high-quality syngas production with low tar content. This article also provides valuable information for selecting operation conditions to achieve high-quality syngas for engineering applications and lays a foundation for the design of industrial-scale fluidized bed gasifiers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic activity of Ni/dolomite during biomass (wood chips) gasification was examined in a fluidized bed reactor. Ni-dolomite with Ni contents of 0% (dolomite), 10%, 20% and 25% (25%Ni/dolomite) was prepared by precipitating method. Effect of equivalence ratio, ER (0.078–0.128), temperature (700–850 °C) and Ni content on syngas composition, gas yield (GY), tar content in the product gas (TC), char conversion efficiency (CCE) and cold gas efficiency (CGE) was studied. An increase in ER led to an increase in GY and CCE, while TC gradually decreased. Increasing temperature contributed to more char conversion, gas production and tar elimination. The results also showed that Ni/dolomite had a high catalytic activity in terms of tar cracking/reforming, upgrading the produced syngas quality, as well as enhancing char conversion. Higher Ni content (0–20%) was more favorable for gas production, char conversion and tar reduction. However, a further increase in Ni content led to a slight increase in the gas quality and yield due to coke formation and subsequently a reduction in the availability of CaO and MgO active sites. Comparing with dolomite, the use of Ni/dolomite improved the gas quality and the gasifier performance, the optimal value of Ni content was found to be 20% at 850 °C and ER of 0.128. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]