Analysis of the Possibility of Using New Types of Protective Coatings and Abrasion-Resistant Linings under the Operating Conditions of the Spiral Classifier at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. Ore Concentration Plant

A study was carried out to select the appropriate coatings for corrosion protection of the spiral classifier working at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. Ore Concentration Plant. The abrasion resistance of selected protective coatings and wear-resistant linings was investigated using a DT-523 rotary abrasion tester with Taber CS-10 rubber abrasive discs. The average weight loss of the coatings after a cycle of 2000 revolutions was determined. Tests of protective coatings using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique were carried out to determine the suitability of coatings in the highly saline environment of the aqueous suspension of ground copper ore. During the measurements, changes in resistance, polarising current and capacitance were determined as a function of time for the tested coatings. The linings selected on the basis of laboratory tests were also tested under industrial conditions. Their degrees of wear were characterised. The results obtained indicated the highest abrasion resistance of materials from the polyolefin group (polyethylenes), where the average weight loss did not exceed 5 g/dm2. In the case of protective coatings, the highest durability was demonstrated by coatings with additives of ceramic aggregates, phenol-epoxy, and an elastomeric coating based on polyurea, whose average weight loss during the test cycle did not exceed 19 g/dm2. EIS measurements showed that the tested coatings were resistant to the aggressive environment of the feedstock. Tests under cathodic polarisation conditions of the samples at a potential below the protection potential showed that they were resistant to a highly saline environment and were also resistant to its alkalinisation resulting from the application of cathodic protection, which will be used to protect the classifier together with protective coatings. Tests carried out under industrial conditions using wear-resistant linings made of plastics have made it possible to analyse the mechanism and degree of wear of the various materials during the operation of the classifier. Measurements of lining wear were made in relation to baseline volumes. Polyurethane, a polymer lining based on MDI and PTMG, and those made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene with anti-stick additives showed the lowest wear rates.

Antagonistic Properties and Screening of Bacillus Velezensis Nhw-B72 against Wood Fungal Decay

(1) Background: Wood decay is a serious issue that results from the presence of wood-destroying fungi and has a great influence on the international wood industry. The utilization of biological control methods offers good prospects for wood preservation. (2) Methods: The plate-screening experiment, the soil block test of the Chinese stand method (GB/T 13942.1), and the characterization of wood blocks were used to achieve biological control of brown rot and white rot. (3) Results: Through isolation, screening, and identification, the antagonistic bacterium Bacillus velezensis Nhw-B72 strain was obtained. In the plate-screening experiment, the inhibition zone diameter of Nhw-B72 for Gloeophyllum trabeum was 1.68 cm and that for Coriolus versicolor was 2.33 cm. After inhibition, the morphology of mycelia was distorted, malformed, and broken. In the soil block test, the average weight loss percentage of wood blocks in the control group was 61.66%. In the treatment group, the average weight loss percentage of the wood blocks with drying was 28.18% and that of the wood blocks without drying was 34.97%. (4) Conclusions: The strain has an obvious antagonistic effect on the wood-destroying fungi and the sterile fermentative liquid can effectively inhibit wood decay. In addition, compared to the drying of wood blocks, the air-drying of blocks after impregnation with the fermentative liquid had a better inhibition effect.

Low Health Literate State Does Not Negatively Affect Final Weight Loss After a Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Procedure

Weight loss surgery is an effective treatment in patients with morbid obesity, but its benefit depends on self-care management afterwards Self-care management is partly influenced by individual’s health literacy. The level of individual’s health literate state (HLS) could determine the person’s health behavior with a subsequent effect on final weight loss We therefore hypothesized that a low HLS may result in a worse post-bariatric surgery outcome (final weight loss) compared to them with a high HLS. A retrospective study was performed including 78 patients (male vs female: 23% vs 77%, respectively; mean age 43 years (SD 12)) who underwent a laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) procedure. All patients were invited to perform in a review in which HLS was estimated using Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine- Dutch (REALM-D) and Newest Vital Sign- Dutch (NVS-D) questionnaires. Anthropometric information, such as weight at 0, 3, 6 9 and 12 months after surgery, was collected. Mean preoperative weight was 128.0 kg (SD 21.1) and patients had an average weight loss of 42.2 kg (SD 12.0) after 12 months. Almost half of the population (49%) was low educated, 38% had medium education and 13% was high educated. Of all patients, 22% had an inadequate HLS, according to the REALM-D. Following the NVS-D, 14% was characterized with an inadequate HLS. Patients with an inadequate HLS had an average weight loss of 40.2 kg (SD 13.8) or 31.5% (SD 8.1), while patients with an adequate HLS had an average weight loss of 42.8 kg (SD 11.4 or 33.3 % (SD 6.6). Following the NVS-D, preoperative weight was 123.6 (SD 20.5) for patients with an inadequate HLS and 128.7 (SD 21.1) for patients with an adequate HLS. Patients with an inadequate HLS had an average weight loss of 39.8 kg (SD 14.2) or 31.5% (SD 8.5), patients with an adequate HLS had an average weight loss of 42.6 kg (SD 11.6) or 33.1 % (SD 6.7). This reduce after 12 months did not significantly differ between patients with an inadequate and adequate HLS according to the REALM-D (B = - 1.806, P = 0.350) and NVS-D (B= -0.357, P = 0.885) after correction for age, gender and preoperative weightWeight reduction did not significantly differ between patients with inadequate or adequate health literacy levels, one year after LGB.

Analysis of Reproductive Traits in the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)

The aim of the present study was focused on analysis of reproductive traits in the painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala). The analysis of partial reproductive traits was intended to complete the knowledge necessary for ensuring reproduction of the painted stork in captivity on the required level. The observation was performed in the Zoo Zlín – Lešná from 2011 to 2014. The eggs were measured and weighed after laying and then in several‑day intervals. Other observed traits were hatchability of the eggs, number of raised young birds and their weight after hatching. During whole observation period, a total of 90 eggs of the painted stork were evaluated from 12 parental pairs. The average share of fertilized eggs was 38.9 %. Average length of eggs was 68.57 mm, average width was 46.43 mm and average weight was 79.79 g. Average weight loss of eggs during their incubation was 9.87 g. Average hatchability of all the laid eggs was 27.8 %. Average hatchability of the fertilized eggs was 71.4 %. A total of 23 young painted storks were hatched during the observation period. Their average hatching weight was 57.04 g. The overall number of 11 individuals were raised during the four years of observation.

Influence of Acupuncture on Bioelectrical Impedance Measures in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: Results of a Pilot Study

Background Patients with gastrointestinal cancers often suffer from malnutrition and cachexia caused by inflammatory processes due to malignancy and therapeutic intervention. Evaluation of nutritional status and well-being of patients is essential to prevent or slow down the progression of cachexia. In addition, acupuncture as a complementary intervention may help reduce cachexia and unintentional weight loss. Methods Seven patients with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract enrolled in this pilot study were provided with eight acupuncture sessions in addition to their regular treatment schedule. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements were taken at every other acupuncture session to evaluate the body composition of patients. BIA is a fast, inexpensive and non-invasive method for evaluating fluid, fat and muscle mass distribution which correlates with nutritional status. Results All patients enrolled in the pilot study completed the acupuncture intervention and BIA measurements. The average weight loss and reduction in body weight was 1.3%, which is less than the average weight loss of 5% reported in the literature. Both phase angle and fat-free mass decreased in patients, indicating a worsening of the condition. However, a shift from intracellular to extracellular fluid was not observed, which is usually associated with a loss of cell integrity. Conclusions This pilot study indicates that patients tolerate acupuncture treatments well. The BIA results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. A larger randomised placebo-controlled study is currently being conducted to further investigate the influence of acupuncture and to provide insights into BIA as a reliable tool for evaluating body composition in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

Weight loss at the first month of palliative chemotherapy to predict survival outcomes in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

83 Background: Weight loss during chemotherapy is a significant prognostic factor for poor survival in patients advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, in most studies, weight loss was measured at the end of chemotherapy, limiting its clinical use. In this study, we evaluated whether weight loss during the first month of chemotherapy could predict survival outcomes in patients with AGC. Methods: We analyzed 719 patients with metastatic or recurrent AGC who were receiving palliative chemotherapy. We calculated initial body mass index (BMIi), percent weight loss after one month of chemotherapy (ΔW1m), percent weight loss after last administration of chemotherapy (ΔWend), and average weight loss per month during chemotherapy (ΔW/m). We correlated these data with overall survival (OS) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier curves, and performed a subgroup analysis using Cox regression. Results: The probabilities of longer OS had stronger correlations with ΔW/m and ΔW1m than with ΔWend or BMIi. The optimal cutoff values of ΔW/m and ΔW1m for predicting shorter survival were 1% and 3%, respectively. A significant positive correlation between ΔW1m and ΔW/m (r2 = 0.591, p < 0.001) was observed. Patients with ΔW1m more than 3% significantly younger, had worse performance status, more diffuse-type Lauren classification, more HER2-negative pathology, a higher number of involved organs, and more peritoneal seeding at initial presentation. OS of patients with ΔW1m more than 3% were significantly shorter than patients with less weight loss (ΔW1m ≥3%: 9.7, <3%: 16.3 months, p < 0.001). Patients who recovered average weight loss per month after experiencing weight loss at the first month showed prolonged OS compared with patients who did not recovered (ΔW/m < 1%: 21.3, ≥1%: 7.8 months, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed ΔW1m accompanied poor survival irrespective of other clinical characteristics. Multivariate analysis showed weight loss at the first month of chemotherapy adversely affected OS (p= 0.038). Conclusions: Weight loss at the very first month of palliative chemotherapy could predict unfavorable survival outcomes in AGC.

FRAILTY, FOOD INSECURITY, AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

Background: Nutritional status and food insecurity are associated with frailty in the general U.S. population, yet little is known about this in the aging population of people living with HIV (PLWH). Objectives: Given the potential importance of nutrition and the amenability to intervention, we examined the association between nutritional status, food insecurity, and frailty in PLWH. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Participants: 50 PLWH, age ≥45 years, recruited from a cohort study examining risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Measurements: Frailty, duration of HIV, use of antiretroviral therapy, disease history, food insecurity, physical function, and physical activity were assessed by questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food records. Blood was drawn for CD4+ cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and lipid levels. Physical measurements included height, weight, and skinfold thickness. Results: The prevalence of frailty was 16% (n=8), 44% were pre-frail (n=22) and 40% were not frail (n=20). The number of reported difficulties with 20 activities of daily living was highest in frail (mean 10.4±3.9 SD), followed by pre-frail (6.5±4.6), and lowest in not frail participants (2.0±2.3). Seven (88%) of the frail PLWH lost weight with an average weight loss of 22.9 pounds; 6 (75%) reported unintentional weight loss, and all 6 of these met the frailty criteria for weight loss of 10 or more pounds. Nine (45%) of the not frail PLWH reported losing weight with an average weight loss of 6.2 pounds; 5 (23%) reported unintentional weight loss of <10 pounds. Frail PLWH were more likely to report being food insecure than not frail PLWH (63% vs. 10%, p=0.02), and tended to have lower energy intake than not frail PLWH. Conclusion: Research is needed on targeted interventions to improve food security and activities of daily living in PLWH for both the prevention and improvement of frailty.

The breast cancer lifestyle intervention study.

112 Background: Maintaining a healthy weight after breast cancer diagnosis has been associated with improved survival outcomes. Lifestyle interventions are particularly important in overweight women who are at an increased risk of overall and breast-cancer specific death compared to non-overweight women. The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers and acceptance of a lifestyle intervention program among overweight women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Methods: The Breast Cancer Database of NYU Langone Medical Center was queried for women who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer and who had a body mass index (BMI) ≥25kg/m2. Eligible patients participated in the Moving for Life (MFL) exercise program for 16 sessions. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics and paired t-tests were used to see if there were any significant differences before and after the intervention. Results: A total of 40 women were eligible to participate in the MFL exercise program. A total of 20 women declined to participate due to location, transportation limitations, and conflicts in schedule. Of the 18 women who enrolled in the MFL program, 13 (72%) were regular attendees and completed the study. The median age was 61 years (range: 38-76) and the average baseline BMI was 31kg/m2(range: 25-42). After completing the MFL intervention, there was a significant decrease in weight and BMI (p=0.04). The average weight loss was 10lbs. Participants also reported a greater enjoyment of exercise (p=0.02), as well as a decrease in pain related to treatment (p=0.05). Conclusions: Moving for Life is a unique exercise program for breast cancer patients and had a high rate of acceptance and completion in a cohort of overweight breast cancer patients. This study resulted in a statistically significant average weight loss of 10lbs, as well as a greater enjoyment of exercise and decrease in treatment-related pain which may impact long-term lifestyle changes. Longitudinal follow-up at 6- and 12-months will allow assessment of secondary endpoints, including exercise frequency and attitudes about exercise, allowing us to examine sustainability and changes in behaviors and attitudes over time.

Weight losses of wheat grain caused by psocid infestation (Liposcelis bostrychophila: Liposcelididae: Psocoptera)

ocids are commonly found to be a persistent pest in structures of grain stores. Grain residues are potential pest reservoirs that serve as sources of grain re-infestation. Weight losses caused by psocids on broken wheat kernels were measured. Average weight loss of grain samples was 9.7% after 3 months of Liposcelis bostrychophila infestation. The weight losses were positively correlated with progeny production.