Going straight for the gut:gut-brain axis pathology and treatment of Parkinson's disease

This perspective focuses on the recent literature regarding the role of the gut-brain axis(GBA) in fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) and stem cell therapy(SCT) in Parkinson's disease(PD).PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States,yet therapies remain limited.Current research suggests that the GBA may play a role in the pathogenesis of PD.GBAbased FMT as well as SCT offer promising new avenues for PD treatment.Pro bing the interactions between FMT and SCT with the GBA may reveal novel therapeutics for PD.

Multi-objective optimization design of anti-roll torsion bar using improved beluga whale optimization algorithm

Purpose – This study aims to reduce the redundant weight of the anti-roll torsion bar brought by thetraditional empirical design and improving its strength and stiffness.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the finite element approach coupled with the improved belugawhale optimization (IBWO) algorithm, a collaborative optimization method is suggested to optimize the designof the anti-roll torsion bar structure and weight. The dimensions and material properties of the torsion bar weredefined as random variables, and the torsion bar’s mass and strength were investigated using finite elements.Then, chaotic mapping and differential evolution (DE) operators are introduced to improve the beluga whaleoptimization (BWO) algorithm and run case studies.Findings – The findings demonstrate that the IBWO has superior solution set distribution uniformity,convergence speed, solution correctness and stability than the BWO. The IBWO algorithm is used to optimizethe anti-roll torsion bar design. The error between the optimization and finite element simulation results wasless than 1%. The weight of the optimized anti-roll torsion bar was lessened by 4%, the maximum stress wasreduced by 35% and the stiffness was increased by 1.9%.Originality/value – The study provides a methodological reference for the simulation optimization process ofthe lateral anti-roll torsion bar.

The Effects of the Longitudinal Axis of Loading upon Bending, Shear and Torsion of a Thin-Walled Cantilever Channel Beam

Three aluminium channel sections of US standard extruded dimension are mounted as cantilevers with x-axis symmetry. The flexural bending and shear that arise with applied axial torsion are each considered theoretically and numerically in terms of two longitudinal axes of loading not coincident with the shear centre. In particular, the warping displacements, stiffness and stress distributions are calculated for torsion applied to longitudinal axes passing through the section’s centroid and its web centre. The stress conversions derived from each action are superimposed to reveal a net sectional stress distribution. Therein, the influence of the axis position upon the net axial and shear stress distributions is established compared to previous results for each beam when loading is referred to a flexural axis through the shear centre. Within the net stress analysis is, it is shown how the constraint to free warping presented by the end fixing modifies the axial stress. The latter can be identified with the action of a ‘bimoment’ upon each thin-walled section.

Theory of Flexural Shear, Bending and Torsion for a Thin-Walled Beam of Open Section

Aspects of the general Vlasov theory are examined separately as applied to a thin-walled channel section cantilever beam under free-end end loading. In particular, the flexural bending and shear that arise under transverse shear and axial torsional loading are each considered theoretically. These analyses involve the location of the shear centre at which transverse shear forces when applied do not produce torsion. This centre, when taken to be coincident with the centre of twist implies an equivalent reciprocal behaviour. That is, an axial torsion applied concentric with the shear centre will twist but not bend the beam. The respective bending and shear stress conversions are derived for each action applied to three aluminium alloy extruded channel sections mounted as cantilevers with a horizontal principal axis of symmetry. Bending and shear are considered more generally for other thin-walled sections when the transverse loading axes at the shear centre are not parallel to the section = s centroidal axes of principal second moments of area. The fixing at one end of the cantilever modifies the St Venant free angular twist and the free warping displacement. It is shown from the Wagner-Kappus torsion theory how the end constrained warping generates an axial stress distribution that varies with the length and across the cross-section for an axial torsion applied to the shear centre. It should be mentioned here for wider applications and validation of the Vlasov theory that attendant papers are to consider in detail bending and torsional loadings applied to other axes through each of the centroid and the web centre. Therein, both bending and twisting arise from transverse shear and axial torsion applied to each position being displaced from the shear centre. Here, the influence of the axis position upon the net axial and shear stress distributions is to be established. That is, the net axial stress from axial torsional loading is identified with the sum of axial stress due to bending and axial stress arising from constrained warping displacements at the fixing. The net shear stress distribution overlays the distributions from axial torsion and that from flexural shear under transverse loading. Both arise when transverse forces are displaced from the shear centre.

Evolution of microstructure and texture of AZ80 magnesium alloy under hot torsion with constant decreasing temperature rate

Hot torsion tests for AZ80 magnesium alloy were carried out in the temperature range of 380℃-260℃,with a constant decreasing temperature rate of 10℃/s in order to weaken the basal texture and refine the grains.The results indicated that the average grain sizes were refined forming gradient structure with increasing specimen radial position from center(12.2-5.4μm),and that the initial basal texture intensity of the extruded magnesium alloy was weakened from 46.2 to 8.3.Furthermore,the extension twins(ETs)could be disintegrated from the twins forming separated twins with smaller sizes.Interestingly,ETs with the same twin variant intersecting with each other could be coalesced forming grains with similar orientation,while ETs with different twin variants were separated by twins boundaries contributing to grain refinement.Moreover,in addition to the conventional continuous dynamic recrystallized(CDRX)grains with 30˚orientation rotated around C-axis of the parent grains,CDRXed grains with 30˚rotation around a-axis and random rotation axis were also discerned.Besides,the CDRX evolution induced twins were also elaborated,exhibiting the complex competition between CDRX and twining.Hot torsion deformation with constant decreasing temperatures rate is an effective way of grain refinement and texture modification.

Nano-scale Reinforcements and Properties of Al-Si-Cu Alloy Processed by High-Pressure Torsion

To improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of Al-Si-Cu alloy,it was treated by a high-pressure torsion process,and the effect of the deformation degree on the microstructure and properties of the Al-Si-Cu alloy was studied.The results show that the reinforcements(β-Si andθ-CuAl_(2)phases)of the Al-Si-Cu alloy are dispersed in theα-Al matrix phase with finer phase size after the treatment.The processed samples exhibit grain sizes in the submicron or even nanometer range,which effectively improves the mechanical properties of the material.The hardness and strength of the deformed alloy are both significantly raised to 268 HV and 390.04 MPa by 10 turns HPT process,and the fracture morphology shows that the material gradually transits from brittle to plastic before and after deformation.The elements interdiffusion at the interface between the phases has also been effectively enhanced.In addition,it is found that the severe plastic deformation at room temperature induces a ternary eutectic reaction,resulting in the formation of ternary Al+Si+CuAl_(2)eutectic.

Industrial utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings as pellet prepared by straight grate process

The utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings is an urgent issue faced by gold production companies worldwide.The thermodynamic analysis results indicate that ferrous arsenate(FeAsO_(4)),pyrite(FeS_(2))and sodium cyanide(NaCN)in the arsenic-containing gold metallurgical tailings can be effectively removed using straight grate process,and the removal of pyrite and sodium cyanide is basically completed during the preheating stage,while the removal of ferrous arsenate requires the roasting stage.The pellets undergo a transformation from magnetite to hematite during the preheating process,and are solidified through micro-crystalline bonding and high-temperature recrystallization of hematite(Fe_(2)O_(3))during the roasting process.Ultimately,pellets with removal rates of 80.77% for arsenic,88.78% for sulfur,and 99.88% for cyanide are obtained,as well as the iron content is 61.1% and the compressive strength is 3071 N,meeting the requirements for blast furnace burden.This study provides an industrially feasible method for treating arsenic-containing gold smelting tailings,benefiting gold production enterprises.

Clinical characteristics of testicular torsion and factors influencing testicular salvage in children:A 12-year study in tertiary center

BACKGROUND Testicular torsion is the most common acute scrotum worldwide and mainly occurs in children and adolescents.Studies have demonstrated that the duration of symptoms and torsion grade lead to different outcomes in children diagnosed with testicular torsion.AIM To predict the possibility of testicular salvage(TS)in patients with testicular torsion in a tertiary center.METHODS We reviewed the charts of 75 pediatric patients with acute testicular torsion during a 12-year period from November 2011 to July 2023 at the Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of testicular torsion.The data included clinical findings,physical examinations,laboratory data,color Doppler ultrasound findings,operating results,age,presenting institution status,and follow-up results.RESULTS Our study included 75 patients.TS was possible in 57.3%of all patients;testicular torsion occurred mostly in winter,and teenagers aged 11-15 years old accounted for 60%.Univariate logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age(P=0.09),body mass index(P=0.004),torsion angle(P=0.013),red blood cell count(P=0.03),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(P=0.009),and initial presenting institution(P<0.001)were associated with orchiectomy.In multivariate analysis,only the initial presenting institution predicted TS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The initial presenting institution has a predictive value for predicting TS in patients with testicular torsion.Children with scrotal pain should be admitted to a tertiary hospital as soon as possible.

Rupture of a giant jejunal mesenteric cystic lymphangioma misdiagnosed as ovarian torsion: A case report

BACKGROUND Cystic lymphangioma is a rare benign tumor that affects the lymphatic system.Mesenteric lymphangiomas in the small bowel are extremely uncommon.CASE SUMMARY We present a 21-year-old female patient who complained of abdominal pain.The diagnosis of ovarian torsion was suspected after abdominopelvic unenhanced computed tomography and ultrasound revealed a large cyst in contact with the bladder,ovary,and uterus.The patient underwent emergency laparotomy per-formed by gynecologists,but it was discovered that the cystic tumor originated from the jejunum.Gastrointestinal surgeons were then called in to perform a cystectomy.Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the mesentery.The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery.CONCLUSION Mesenteric lymphangiomas can cause abdominal pain,and imaging techniques can help determine their characteristics,location,and size.Complete surgical excision and pathological examination are considered the standard treatment and diagnostic method.

The effects of deformation parameters and cooling rates on the aging behavior of AZ80+0.4%Ce

The extruded AZ80+0.4%Ce magnesium alloy was twisted in the temperature range of 300-380℃by using a Gleeble 3500 thermal simulation test machine with a torsion unit.The deformed cylindrical specimens were cooled at a cooling rate of 10℃/s or 0.1℃/s,respectively,and aged at 170℃.The microstructure analysis results showed that the grain size decreased with increasing specimen radial position from center(SRPC),and that the strong initial basal texture of the extruded magnesium alloy was weakened.Both continuous and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization mechanisms were involved in contributing to the grain refinement for all specimens investigated.And a novel extension twinning induced dynamic recrystallization mechanism was proposed for specimen deformed at 300℃.For the specimens deformed at 300℃and 340℃followed by a slow cooling rate(0.1℃/s),precipitates of various shapes(β-Mg_(17)Al_(12)),with the dominant precipitates being on the grains boundaries,appeared on the surface section.For specimen deformed at 380℃,lamellar precipitates(LPS)in the interiors of the grains were predominant.After aging,the LPS still dominated for specimens twisted at 380℃;however,the LPS gradually decreased with decreasing deformation temperatures from 380℃to 300℃.Dynamically precipitatedβ,especially those decorating the grain boundaries,changed the competition pictures for the LPS and precipitates of other shapes after aging.Interestingly,LPS dominated the areas for the center section of the specimens after aging regardless of deformation temperatures.Low temperature deformation with high SRPC followed by rapid cooling rate increased the micro hardness of the alloy after aging due to refined grain,reduced precipitates size,decreased lamellar spacing as well as strain hardening.

Analysis of strength characteristics of loess before and after freezing using a hollow cylinder torsional shear apparatus

This paper aims to comprehensively analyze the influence of the principal stress angle rotation and intermediate principal stress on loess's strength and deformation characteristics. A hollow cylinder torsional shear apparatus was utilized to conduct tests on remolded samples under both normal and frozen conditions to investigate the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of loess under complex stress conditions. The results indicate significant differences in the internal changes of soil particles, unfrozen water, and relative positions in soil samples under normal and frozen conditions, leading to noticeable variations in strength and strain development.In frozen state, loess experiences primarily compressive failure with a slow growth of cracks, while at normal temperature, it predominantly exhibits shear failure. With the increase in the principal stress angle, the deformation patterns of the soil samples under different conditions become essentially consistent, gradually transitioning from compression to extension, accompanied by a reduction in axial strength. The gradual increase in the principal stress axis angle(α) reduces the strength of the generalized shear stress and shear strain curves.Under an increasing α, frozen soil exhibits strain-hardening characteristics, with the maximum shear strength occurring at α = 45°. The intermediate principal stress coefficient(b) also significantly impacts the strength of frozen soil, with an increasing b resulting in a gradual decrease in generalized shear stress strength. This study provides a reference for comprehensively exploring the mechanical properties of soil under traffic load and a reliable theoretical basis for the design and maintenance of roadbeds.

The world's longest straight road

Activity 1.Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.If you had the chance to travel on the longest straight road in the world,what would be the first thing you would do?2.Do you think having such a long straight road has more advantages or disadvan⁃tages?And why?

Simulation Analysis of Torsion Beam Hydroforming Based on the Fluid-Solid Coupling Method

Hydroformed parts are widely used in industrial automotive parts because of their higher stiffness and fatigue strength and reduced weight relative to their corresponding cast and welded parts.This paper reports a hydraulicforming experimental platform for rectangular tube fittings that was constructed to conduct an experiment on the hydraulic forming of rectangular tube fittings.A finite element model was established on the basis of the fluid–solid coupling method and simulation analysis.The correctness of the simulation analysis and the feasibility of the fluid–solid coupling method for hydraulic forming simulation analysis were verified by comparing the experimental results with the simulation results.On the basis of the simulation analysis of the hydraulic process of the torsion beam using the fluid–solid coupling method,a sliding mold suitable for the hydroforming of torsion beams was designed for its structural characteristics.The effects of fluid characteristics,shaping pressure,axial feed rate,and friction coefficient on the wall thicknesses of torsions beams during formation were investigated.Fluid movement speed was related to tube deformation.Shaping pressure had a significant effect on rounded corners and straight edges.The axial feed speed was increased,and the uneven distribution of wall thicknesses was effectively improved.Although the friction coefficient had a nonsignificant effect on the wall thickness of the ladder-shaped region,it had a significant influence on a large deformation of wall thickness in the V-shaped area.In this paper,a method of fluid-solid coupling simulation analysis and sliding die is proposed to study the high pressure forming law in torsion beam.

Torsional Response Analysis of Flexible Pipe Based on Theory and Finite Element Method

As key components connecting offshore floating production platforms and subsea imports, offshore flexible pipes play significant roles in oil, natural gas, and water injection. It is found that torsional failure is one of the failure modes of flexible pipes during transportation and laying. In this paper, a theoretical model(TM) of a flexible pipe section mechanics is established, in which the carcass layer and the pressure armor layer are equivalent to the orthogonal anisotropic layers due to its complex cross-section structure. The calculation results of the TM are consistent with those of a finite element model(FEM), which can accurately describe the torsional response of the flexible pipe.Subsequently, the TM and FEM are used to discuss the influence of boundary conditions on the torsional response.The structure of the flexible pipe is stable when twisted counterclockwise. However, limiting the top axial displacement can improve the axial and radial instability of the tensile armor layer when twisted clockwise. Finally, it is recommended that the flexible pipe can be kept under top fixation during service or installation to avoid torsional failure.

Torsion of the Spermatic Cord in Adults: Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects Observed in 46 Patients at the Bouake Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Torsion of the spermatic cord (TSC) is a serious surgical emergency because it is responsible for acute ischemia that can lead to the loss of the testicle. Very few studies have been carried out in C?te d’Ivoire and particularly in Bouaké, on torsion of the testicle. The general objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of testicular torsion in our context. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study on 46 patients received urgently at the Teaching Hospital of Bouaké over a period of nine (9) years from December 01, 2010 to November 30, 2019 for torsion of the spermatic cord in adults. Results: The mean age of patients was 26.6 years with extremes of 17 to 41 years. 33 patients were seen before the sixth hour and 13 beyond. Scrotal pain, swelling of the hemibursa and testicular ascent were the dominant physical signs. Orchiectomy + contralateral testicular fixation was performed in 11 patients (23.9%). The average length of hospital stay was three (3) days. The immediate post-operative follow-up was simple. Late complications were marked by two testicular atrophy. Conclusion: Our series was marked by a high rate of orchiectomy. Actions to raise caregivers’ awareness of the population must be carried out so that they consult quickly in front of any painful stock market board to avoid the delay in diagnosis and management detrimental to the vitality of the torsional testicle.

Management of the Torsion of Spermatic Cord in the Urology-Andrology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: Torsion of the spermatic cord is an emergency whose delay in treatment conditions the functional prognosis of the testicle. The aim of this study was to analyze the management of spermatic cord torsion in the Urology Andrology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry. Material and methods: This was a ten-year retrospective descriptive study from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021. It involved all patients admitted for torsion of the spermatic cord, confirmed at surgical exploration. Results: We identified 21 cases of torsion of the spermatic cord. The mean age of the patients was 17.9 ± 4.4 years. The average consultation time was 19.2 ± 21.4 hours with extremes of [2 h and 98 h]. Only 6 patients (28.6%) consulted before the sixth hour. All patients presented with scrotal swelling. At scrototomy, all torsions were intravaginal with two turns of spiral in 13 cases and three turns in 8 cases. Orchiectomy followed by contralateral orchidopexy was performed in 6 cases. In the other cases, bilateral orchidopexy was performed after detorsion. The average hospital stay was 4.5 days. We recorded 4 cases of testicular atrophy after orchidopexy. Conclusion: Spermatic cord torsion is an infrequent emergency in our department. The delay in consultation remains the main predictive factor of testicular necrosis. Emergency exploratory scrotomy should be the rule.

Effect of Specific Verbal Instructions on the Identification of Pain Location during a Passive Straight Leg Raise Test

Musculoskeletal pain is common. Because pain is subjective, objectively describing it is crucial. However, pain assessment may cause distress in patients;therefore, physical therapists (PTs) should conduct these tests quickly and accurately. Simple and clear instructions are recommended for pain assessment. However, few studies have provided evidence to support this hypothesis. Correspondingly, this study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of specific verbal instructions for pain location during five consecutive Passive Straight Leg Raise (PSLR) tests. The 28 asymptomatic participants (age 27.4 ± 9.6 years) who provided informed consent received five consecutive PSLR tests: three without and two with specific verbal instructions to ascertain pain intensity, quality, and location. The participants drew pain locations on a body chart and described the pain intensity and quality after each test. All participants were interviewed regarding the differences they noted in the presence and absence of specific verbal instructions. Each pain location was classified into one of ten areas for statistical analysis. The proportion of participants who changed the pain location was compared between the tests using McNemar’s test, and the kappa coefficient was confirmed for consistency of pain location. There was a significant difference in the proportion of participants who changed their pain location between the second and third tests and from the third to the fourth test (McNemar’s test: p = 0.003). Kappa coefficients had low consistency (κ = 0.28) just after receiving the specific verbal instructions in the fourth test compared to the third test. Consistency improved in the fifth test (κ = 0.57);93% of the participants answered that the pain location had become clearer. This study revealed the effects of specific verbal instructions in identifying pain locations. This detailed information may help PTs provide appropriate treatment and contribute to reducing pain in clinical settings.

THE COUPLING METHOD FOR TORSION PROBLEM OF THE SQUARE CROSS-SECTION BAR WITH CRACKS

By coupling natural boundary element method (NBEM) with FEM based on domain decomposition, the torsion problem of the square cross-sections bar with cracks have been studied, the stresses of the nodes of the cross-sections and the stress intensity factors have been calculated, and some distribution pictures of the stresses have been drawn. During computing, the effect of the relaxed factors to the convergence speed of the iterative method has been discussed. The results of the computation have confirmed the advantages of the NBEM and its coupling with the FEM.

Flexibility of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc in Bending and Torsion： Experimental and Finite Element Study

Intervertebral disc flexibility is influenced by lifestyle, loading history, trauma, preexisting conditions, age and degeneration. With regard to degeneration, intervertebral discs become less flexible and stiffer. In this study, a testing protocol using bending and torsion loading was developed to gain the flexibility curves and stiffness often cadaveric lumbar discs. Measurements of rotation in the sagittal plane （flexion-extension）, coronal plane （right-lefl lateral bending） and transverse plane （torsion） due to a 5 N-m load are reported. Results show that overall normal discs are more flexible and behave in a nonlinear fashion. The testing results were used in a develop t＇mite element model of an intervertebral disc to investigate the stresses and strains in the disc components： annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus with regard to degeneration. Simulation of bending and torsion loadings show large strains in the annulus and nucleus from a normal disc, in contrast higher stresses develop in the annulus from a degenerated disc. The proposed methodology is novel, versatile, functional and economic with implications in bioengineering, medical sciences and the clinical field.

Torsed retroperitoneal leiomyomas:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Retroperitoneal leiomyomas(RLs)are rare benign tumours that can occur in the pelvic and/or abdominal parietal retroperitoneum.Once torsion occurs,it causes acute abdominal pain and can even lead to serious consequences such as gangrene,peritonitis,haemoperitoneum and shock if not identified and treated promptly.Therefore,a better understanding of the characteristics of RL torsion is needed.Here,we present a case of acute pedicle torsion of an RL in the posterior peritoneum followed by a literature review.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of a 42-year-old woman with RL torsion.The patient visited our hospital complaining of lower abdominal pain for 6 d.Pelvic examination revealed a tender mass superior to the uterus.Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed an anterior uterine mass,multiple uterine fibroids and slight pelvic effusion.MRI suggested the possibility of a subserosal myoma of the anterior uterine wall with degeneration.Intraoperative exploration revealed a 10 cm pedunculated mass arising from the posterior peritoneum,with the pedicle torsed two times.Pathological examination confirmed a torsed RL.CONCLUSION In the case of a pelvic mass complicated with acute abdomen,the possibility of torsion should be considered.