Advanced materials for smart protective coatings: Unleashing the potential of metal/covalent organic frameworks, 2D nanomaterials and carbonaceous structures.

The detrimental impact of corrosion on metallic materials remains a pressing concern across industries. Recently, intelligent anti-corrosive coatings for safeguarding metal infrastructures have garnered significant interest. These coatings are equipped with micro/nano carriers that store corrosion inhibitors and release them when triggered by external stimuli. These advanced coatings have the capability to elevate the electrochemical impedance values of steel by 2-3 orders of magnitude compared to the blank coating. However, achieving intelligent, durable, and reliable anti-corrosive coatings requires careful consideration in the design of these micro/nano carriers. This review paper primarily focuses on investigating the corrosion inhibition mechanism of various nano/micro carriers/barriers and identifying the challenges associated with using them for achieving desired properties in anti-corrosive coatings. Furthermore, the fundamental aspects required for nano/micro carriers, including compatibility with the coating matrix, high specific surface area, stability in different environments, stimuli-responsive behavior, and facile synthesis were investigated. To achieve this aim, we explored the properties of micro/nanocarriers based on oxide nanoparticles, carbonaceous and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. Finally, we reviewed recent literature on the application of state-of the art nanocarriers based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs). We believe that the outcomes of this review paper offer valuable insights for researchers in selecting appropriate materials that can effectively enhance the corrosion resistance of coatings.

Extra-articular Lateral Talar Dome Osteochondral Fracture: A Case Report and a Review of Literature.

The lateral talar dome osteochondral fracture has been described as shallow or wafer-shaped and is more likely to have an associated flake fracture than medial injuries. Displacement into the extracurricular space, however, is a rare occurrence. We present a case of ankle trauma with persistent pain and edema. A CT scan revealed a displaced osteochondral fracture of the lateral dome of the talus and an avulsion fracture of the tip of the medial malleolus. After appropriate dissection and exposure, the fragment was found below the skin, outside the ankle joint capsule. The fragment was fixed to the neck of the talus, and the deltoid ligament and anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament were repaired. After a one-year follow-up, full recovery was achieved without pain, stiffness, or osteonecrosis of the displaced fragment. Although the extra-articular displacement of lateral talar dome osteochondral fractures is rare, it should be considered when assessing ankle trauma.

A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of In- and Cross-Plane Thermal Conductivity of Bilayer Graphene.

Efficient thermal management of modern electronics requires the use of thin films with highly anisotropic thermal conductivity. Such films enable the effective dissipation of excess heat along one direction while simultaneously providing thermal insulation along the perpendicular direction. This study employs non-equilibrium molecular dynamics to investigate the thermal conductivity of bilayer graphene (BLG) sheets, examining both in-plane and cross-plane thermal conductivities. The in-plane thermal conductivity of 10 nm × 10 nm BLG with zigzag and armchair edges at room temperature is found to be around 204 W/m·K and 124 W/m·K, respectively. The in-plane thermal conductivity of BLG increases with sheet length. BLG with zigzag edges consistently exhibits 30-40% higher thermal conductivity than BLG with armchair edges. In addition, increasing temperature from 300 K to 600 K decreases the in-plane thermal conductivity of a 10 nm × 10 nm zigzag BLG by about 34%. Similarly, the application of a 12.5% tensile strain induces a 51% reduction in its thermal conductivity compared to the strain-free values. Armchair configurations exhibit similar responses to variations in temperature and strain, but with less sensitivity. Furthermore, the cross-plane thermal conductivity of BLG at 300 K is estimated to be 0.05 W/m·K, significantly lower than the in-plane results. The cross-plane thermal conductance of BLG decreases with increasing temperatures, specifically, at 600 K, its value is almost 16% of that observed at 300 K.

Falcaria vulgaris leaves extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in hydrochloric acid media.

Undoubtedly, metal corrosion is one of the most challenging problems faced by industries. Introducing corrosion inhibitors is a reasonable approach to protecting the metal surface. Due to environmental concerns and the toxicity of industrial organic corrosion inhibitors, researchers are continually exploring acceptable replacements. The current study focused on the application of Falcaria Vulgaris (FV) leaves extract to mitigate mild steel (MS) corrosion in a 1 M HCl environment. The polarization findings demonstrated that the corrosion current density decreased from 264.0 µA/cm2 (for the sample submerged in the blank solution) to 20.4 µA/cm2 when the optimal concentration of 800 ppm of FV leaves extract was added to the acid solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis revealed an inhibition efficiency of 91.3% at this concentration after 6 h of immersion. It was determined by analyzing several adsorption isotherms that this corrosion inhibitor obeys the Frumkin isotherm. AFM, FE-SEM, and GIXRD surface analyses also supported the findings that adding FV leaves extract can reduce metal damage by adsorption on the metal surface.

The Effect of a Healthcare Services Hotline on Quality of Life and Hospital Readmissions for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common debilitating disease marked by frequent exacerbations and hospitalizations, economic burden, and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effect of a healthcare hotline on quality of life and hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge for patients with COPD. Sixty patients with COPD who needed home healthcare services were recruited for this quasi-experimental study. A direct hotline was provided to patients and their caregivers in the intervention group to answer their questions about the disease. Data were collected using a demographics checklist, and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire. The number of hospitalizations and mean length of hospital stay in the intervention group within 30 days was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). As for quality of life, only the mean score of symptoms was significantly different between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05). The results showed the positive effect of a healthcare hotline on reducing readmission rates within 30 days of discharge and its low effect on quality of life of COPD patients.

Knee Flexion Deformity and Increased Posterior Tibial Slope Associated with Osgood Schlatter Disease: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Genu recurvatum associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) has been reported in several studies. In this report, we describe a rare complication of a case of OSD with flexion contracture (tfighat is the exact opposite of the knee deformity classically associated with OSD) and increased posterior tibial slope. In the current article, we report a 14-year-old case of OSD referred to our center with a fixed knee flexion contracture. Radiographic evaluation revealed a tibial slope of 25 degrees. There was no limb length discrepancy. Bracing that was prescribed in the primary center before referring to us was not successful in treating this deformity. He underwent anterior tibial tubercle epiphysiodesis surgery. After a year, the flexion contracture of the patient was significantly reduced. The tibial slope decreased by 12 degrees and reached 13 degrees. The present report suggests that OSD may affect the posterior tibial slope and lead to knee flexion contracture. Surgical epiphysiodesis can correct the deformity.

Relationship between Resilience and Caregiver Burden Among Home Caregivers of COVID-19 Patients.

This study examined caregiver burden among home caregivers of COVID-19 patients and its relationship to resilience. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran, in 2020. The sample consisted of 220 family caregivers of COVID-19 patients. The data collection tools included: demographic characteristics, Novak and Guest Caregiver Burden Inventory, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and correlation test in SPSS v25. The mean score of caregiver burden was 76.85±16.25. In total, 4.5% experienced mild caregiver burden, 31.4% moderate caregiver burden, 50.9% severe caregiver burden, and 13.2% very severe caregiver burden. The mean score of resilience was 62.98±14.06. A significant and inverse relationship was observed between caregiver burden and resilience (p < 0.05, r = -0.46). Family caregivers of COVID-19 patients experienced a significant level of caregiver burden, and it was lower in caregivers with higher levels of resilience. Further studies are recommended in this regard. The use of procedure and training that can improve the resilience of caregivers is recommended to nurses, especially home care nurses.

Comparison of real-time feedback and debriefing by video recording on basic life support skill in nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill have a direct impact on its success rate. Choosing the right method to acquire this skill can lead to effective performance. This investigation was conducted to compare the effect of Real-time feedback and debriefing by video recording on basic life support skill in nursing students. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 67 first year nursing students. First, a theoretical basic life support (BLS) training session was held for the all participants, at the end of session the pre-test was taken. Students were randomly assigned to two groups. A 4-hour practical BLS training session was conducted in the real - time feedback group as well as the debriefing by video recording group, and at the end of the training, a post-test was taken from each group. Each group received a post-test. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software. RESULTS: Results showed a significant difference between mean (SD) of debriefing by video recording group in pre-test and post-test (p < 0.001) and in the real-time feedback group there was a significant difference between mean (SD) in pre-test and post-test (p < 0.001), respectively. In addition, there was no significant difference between the mean score of basic life support skill in real-time feedback and debriefing by video recording. CONCLUSIONS: Both real-time feedback and debriefing by video recording were effective on basic life support skill.

Using Blumensaat's line to determine the sagittal alignment of the distal femur.

BACKGROUND: A coherent measurement approach for sagittal alignment of the distal femur after fracture reduction or distal femur osteotomies is not available. The present study aims to introduce a new method using Blumensaat's line and tangent lines to the femoral cortexes to determine the sagittal alignment of the distal femur. METHODS: 113 patients who had true lateral knee radiographs were included. All of the radiographs were evaluated by one fellowship-trained knee surgeon and one radiologist using the PACS system. The Blumensaat's line was determined on the true lateral knee radiographs. Then, three long lines were drawn on the distal third of the femoral shaft. The first line is tangent to the anterior cortex of the femur, the second line is along with the anatomical axis of the femur, and the third line is tangent to the posterior cortex of the femur. The angles between Blumensaat's line and these lines were measured. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to measure the strength of inter-and intra-rater agreement. RESULTS: The mean angle between the Blumensaat's line and the anatomical axis of the femur was 35.4 ± 3°. The mean angle between the Blumensaat's line and the line tangent to the anterior femoral cortex and the line tangent to the posterior femoral cortex were 34.5 ± 3° and 35.2 ± 3°, respectively. Excellent inter-and intra-rater reliabilities were observed between the measurements (ICC = 0.96 and ICC = 0.98, respectively). The angle between the Blumensaat's line and the line tangent to the posterior femoral cortex was significantly higher in participants aged < 38 years (p = 0.049). No other significant association was found between the angles and demographic characteristics of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The expected mean angles between the Blumensaat's line and the distal femur were 34.3 to 35.4 degrees. This finding could be useful to determine the normal sagittal alignment of the distal femur. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

The Role of Sesamin in Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs) are characterized by progressive neuronal deterioration as a result of several pathogenesis mechanisms. Phytochemicals, including sesamin with multitarget activities, have been studied widely. OBJECTIVE: In this review, we aim to survey the neuroprotective effects of sesamin on NDs and its mechanisms of action. METHODS: Searching GoogleScholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases, we reviewed original English language articles on sesamin effects against NDs, specifically Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD), either in vivo or in vitro settings, with no time limitation. RESULTS: Sesamin has been reported to interfere with NDs progression through its antioxidative, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions in most of the retrieved studies. Sesamin also can prevent amyloid-ß aggregation in AD models and elevate dopamine levels in PD-induced models. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed the beneficial effects of sesamin in the prevention and management of NDs, including AD and PD; however, no clinical data supporting these effects in humans is available, which highlights the need for designing clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy, proper dosage, pharmacokinetics aspects, and possible side effects of sesamin in humans.

pH-Sensitive Polydopamine-La (III) Complex Decorated on Carbon Nanofiber toward On-Demand Release Functioning of Epoxy Anti-Corrosion Coating.

The high aspect ratio and unique thermal and electrical characteristics of carbon nanofiber (CNF) made it an ideal physical barrier against the penetration of corrosive ions. However, the poor compatibility of the CNF with the polymer matrix and the lack of active corrosion inhibitors are the key limitations of this nanomaterial, resulting in short-term anti-corrosion resistance. An intelligent self-healing epoxy (EP) coating, including CNF modified with a polydopamine (PDA)-La3+ complex, was successfully fabricated to overcome these issues. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) evaluation implied that mild steel (MS) submerged in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution containing the CNF-PDA-La extract had a total corrosion resistance (RT) of 3107 Ω cm2 after 24 h, which is much greater than the MS immersed in the blank solution (1378 Ω cm2). Furthermore, the potentiodynamic polarization analysis indicated a 50% reduction in the corrosion rate (CR) of the MS soaked in the solution containing released PDA and La3+ inhibitors compared to the blank solution. EIS and salt spray analysis were used to assess the self-healing capabilities of epoxy coatings incorporating modified CNFs. EIS assessment of scratched coatings revealed a 117% improvement in RT of the CNF-PDA-La/EP coating compared to the Blank/EP after 10 h of immersion in the saline solution. This enhancement is due to the intelligent release of PDA and La3+ inhibitors at the scratch sites, which can mitigate MS corrosion by forming a PDA-Fe complex and the deposition of La(OH)3 on the MS surface. The salt spray test results also exhibited the CNF-PDA-La/EP coating's superior anti-corrosion capabilities after 20 days. Hence, this research presents a logical approach for developing anti-corrosion coatings with improved nanofiller compatibility and self-healing characteristics.

Corrosion inhibition of a novel antihistamine-based compound for mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution: experimental and computational studies.

Focused on the assessment of the diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) capabilities as an alternative to conventional and harmful industrial corrosion inhibitors, electrochemical techniques were employed. The optimum concentration of 1000 ppm was determined by molecular simulation and validated through electrochemical experiments. The results acquired from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study showed that DPH at a concentration of 1000 ppm has a corrosion efficiency of 91.43% after 6 h immersion. The DPH molecules' orientation on the surface was assessed based on EIS predicting horizontal adsorption on the surface. Molecular simulations were done to explore the adsorption mechanism of DPH. The DPH molecules' orientation on the surface was also assessed based on computational studies confirming the horizontal adsorption predicted by EIS.

Evaluation of early complications, outcome, and mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in patients who underwent orthopedic surgery.

BACKGROUND: A higher mortality and morbidity rate has been reported in COVID-19 patients undergoing surgery. To reduce the morbidity and mortality rate in COVID-19 patients undergoing orthopedic procedures, we aimed to increase the threshold for surgical planning. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, COVID-19 patients who underwent elective or emergent orthopedic surgery in three orthopedic surgery centers from February 2020 to September 2020 were included. In this period, 6751 patients were scheduled for orthopedic surgery. To increase surgical threshold planning, all patients with grade 5 of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and patients with COVID-19 related moderate to severe pulmonary involvement were identified as high-risk patients and were excluded. RESULTS: 35 deaths occurred during the study. The frequency of deaths was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19, 6 (9.4%) than patients without COVID-19, 29 (0. 43%). The average hospitalization stay was 12.8 ± 12.1 days. The odds ratio (OR) for death was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19 than patients without COVID-19. [OR: 8.13, Confidence interval 95% (CI95%) (5.02-11.25), P: 0.001]. Four (6.3%) COVID-19-associated complications were recorded in this series that all were respiratory failure requiring unexpected postoperative ventilation. Twenty surgical complications (31.3%) were recorded. The odds ratio for ICU admission was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19 than patients without COVID-19. [OR: 5.46, CI 95% (2.68-8.68), P: 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: An increased threshold for orthopedic surgery is suggested for COVID-19 patients with a mortality rate of 9.3%, which is less than the mortality rate in other studies. Level of evidence III.

The Effect of Adding Corticosteroid to the Periarticular Injection Cocktail for Pain Control after Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The impact of periarticular corticosteroid injection for pain control after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is controversial. The present study aimed to investigate this controversy in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: A total of 42 THA and 42 TKA patients were included in this study. The patients of each group were randomly allocated into group A (cocktail+Depo-Medrol) and group B (cocktail alone). The outcome measures were a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain at five different time points for both THA and TKA, as well as the knee range of motion (ROM) and straight leg raise (SLR) for the TKA group only. Patients were followed for three months to observe infection, wound complications, and any venous thromboembolic event. Results: In the THA group, the preoperative VAS, 12, 24, 48, and 72h postoperative VAS were not statistically different between groups A and B (P=0.49, P=0.5, P=0.96, P=0.15, and P=0.11, respectively). In the TKA group, the preoperative VAS, 12, 24 48h, and 72h postoperative VAS were not statistically different between groups A and B (P=1.0, P=0.47, P=0.82, P=0.92, P=0.5, respectively). The mean scores of knee range of motion and ability to perform SLR were not significantly different between TKA patients in the steroid and non-steroid groups (P=0.18 and P=0.58, respectively). The only observed complication was one surgical site infection in the non-steroid group of the TKA. Conclusion: The obtained results did not support the benefit of including a steroid (Depo-Medrol) in the periarticular injection cocktail for pain control after the THA and TKA.

Gastrointestinal and hepatic abnormalities in patients with confirmed COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although not common, gastrointestinal and liver symptoms have reportedly been the initial presentation of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in a large group of patients. Therefore, knowing the frequency and characteristics of these manifestations of COVID-19 is important for both clinicians and health policy makers. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data on the gastrointestinal and liver manifestations of patients with COVID-19 was performed. PubMed and Scopus databases and Google Scholar search engine were searched for published and unpublished preprint articles up to 10 April 2020. Original studies providing information on clinical digestive symptoms or biomarkers of liver function in patients with polymerase chain reaction confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. After quality appraisal, data were extracted. Prevalence data from individual studies were pooled using a random-effects model. Overall, 67 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, comprising a pooled population of 13 251 patients with confirmed COVID-19. The most common gastrointestinal symptoms were anorexia (10.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.2%-16.4%), diarrhea (8.4%, 95% CI = 6.2%-11.2%), and nausea (5.7%, 95% CI = 3.7%-8.6%), respectively. Decreased albumin levels (39.8%, 95% CI = 15.3%-70.8%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (22.8%, 95% CI = 18.1%-28.4%), and alanine aminotransferase (20.6%, 95% CI = 16.7%-25.1%) were common hepatic findings. After adjusting for preexisting gastrointestinal (5.9%) and liver diseases (4.2%), the most common gastrointestinal findings were diarrhea (8.7%, 95% CI = 5.4%-13.9%), anorexia (8.0%, 95% CI = 3.0%-19.8%), and nausea (5.1%, 95% CI = 2.2%-14.3%). Gastrointestinal and liver manifestations are not rare in patients with COVID-19, but their prevalence might be affected by preexisting diseases. Diarrhea and mild liver abnormalities seem to be relatively common in COVID-19, regardless of comorbidities.

Neuromuscular training improves knee proprioception in athletes with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Athletes exhibit deficits in knee proprioception following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Neuromuscular training programs improve knee proprioception in uninjured athletes; however, the effects on knee proprioception in athletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program on knee proprioception in athletes who have returned to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty-four male athletes, who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction within the previous 6-12 months and returned to sport, participated in this randomized controlled trial. Athletes were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 12) that took part in an 8-week neuromuscular training program or a control group (n = 12) that simply continued their typical training routine. Knee position sense was assessed at baseline and after the 8-week period (post-testing). One-way analysis of covariance, with baseline performance included as a covariate, was used to compare knee position sense errors for the reconstructed limbs of the experimental and control groups at the post-testing time point. FINDINGS: Knee position sense errors decreased by 51.7% for the experimental group and only 4.4% for the control group over the 8-week period. As a result, the experimental group demonstrated lower knee position sense errors, compared to the control group, at the post-testing time point (P < .001). INTERPRETATION: Athletes with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may benefit from participation in a neuromuscular training program, even after completing post-operative rehabilitation.

Analysis of noise pollution emitted by stationary MF285 tractor using different mixtures of biodiesel, bioethanol, and diesel through artificial intelligence.

In the present study, the noise pollution from different compositions of biodiesel, bioethanol, and diesel fuels in a four-cylinder and four-stroke engine of MF285 tractor was studied. Further, the noise pollution was measured from two positions, the driver and bystander, at 1000, 1600, and 2000 revolutions, and ten different fuel levels resulting from different compositions of biodiesel, bioethanol, and diesel fuels. For data analysis, adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), artificial neural network (ANN), and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied. Comparing the means of noise pollution at different levels demonstrated that the B25E6D69 fuel, made up of 25% biodiesel and 6% bioethanol, had the lowest noise pollution. The lowest noise pollution was at 1000 rpm, and with the increase of engine speed, the noise pollution intensified. The models laid by the RSM were better than other.

Different blends of biodiesel, bioethanol, diesel and noise pollution emitted by stationary and moving MF285 tractor.

Given the significance of the relationships between human beings, environment, machines and ergonomics as well as the necessity of using renewable fuels, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of different blends of biodiesel, bioethanol and diesel on noise pollution emitted by a MF285 tractor in stationary and moving modes by the aid of statistical methods. In this respect, the emitted noise was measured using the noise dosimeters and sound level meters in the driver and the bystander's positions, at 1000, 1600 and 2000 RPM in both stationary and moving modes. Then, nine fuel blends of biodiesel, bioethanol and diesel with different volumetric percentages as well as pure diesel were studied. To study the effects of key factors on noise pollution, the factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a completely randomized design, followed by the application of the SPSS Statistics Software Version 19.0. The fuel type nearly affected the noise pollution at the level of 5%, and other factors such as engine rotational speed and the fuel type-engine rotational speed interaction influenced it at the level of 1%. In both the driver and bystander's positions, the minimum and maximum noise pollution occurred at 1000 and 2000 RPM, respectively. The effects of gears along with their twofold and threefold interaction with other factors were not significant. Finally, the results of the present study demonstrated that the B25E4D71 fuel, composed of 25% biodiesel and 4% bioethanol, had the lowest noise pollution.

Hydrogeochemistry and lead contamination of groundwater in the north part of Esfahan province, Iran.

Geochemical and hydrogeochemical studies were conducted to assess the origin and geochemical mechanisms driving lead enrichment in groundwaters of semi-arid regions in Central Iran. In this study, 149 water samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations of Pb and As in about 68% and 27% of the samples, respectively, exceeded WHO guidelines. Analyzing the results of ICP-MS of parental rocks and aquifer sediments shows that unweathered volcanic rocks were the primary source for lead mobilizing to groundwaters.