Safran (Poland)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In a murine model of stroke, we identified a population of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells (SCs) in adult murine bone marrow that could be mobilized into peripheral blood (PB). This raised the question of whether a similar population of cells is mobilized in human stroke patients. METHODS: We evaluated a number of cells that corresponded to VSEL SCs in the PB of 44 stroke patients and 22 age-matched controls. After each patient's stroke, PB samples were harvested during the first 24 hours, on day +3, and on day +7 and then compared with normal controls. The circulating human cells with the phenotype of VSEL SCs were evaluated in PB by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and direct immunofluorescence staining. In parallel, we also measured the serum concentration of stromal derived factor-1 by ELISA. RESULTS: In stroke patients, we found an increase in the number of circulating cells expressing SC-associated antigens, such as CD133, CD34, and CXCR4. More important, we found an increase in the number of circulating primitive cells expressing the VSEL phenotype (CXCR4(+)lin(-)CD45(-) small cells), mRNA for Octamer-4 and Nanog, and Octamer-4 protein. All changes were accompanied by an increased serum concentration of stromal derived factor-1. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between stroke extensiveness, stromal derived factor-1 concentration in serum, and the number of CXCR4(+) VSEL SCs circulating in the PB. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that stroke triggers the mobilization of CXCR4(+) VSEL SCs that have potential prognostic value in stroke patients. However, the potential role of these mobilized cells in brain regeneration requires further study.

Severe postoperative pain affects most patients after thoracotomy and is a risk factor for post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS). This randomized controlled trial compared preemptively administered ketamine versus continuous paravertebral block (PVB) versus control in patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy. The primary outcome was acute pain intensity on the visual analog scale (VAS) on the first postoperative day. Secondary outcomes included morphine consumption, patient satisfaction, and PTPS assessment with Neuropathic Pain Syndrome Inventory (NPSI). Acute pain intensity was significantly lower with PVB compared to other groups at four out of six time points. Patients in the PVB group used significantly less morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia pump than participants in other groups. Moreover, patients were more satisfied with postoperative pain management after PVB. PVB, but not ketamine, decreased PTPS intensity at 1, 3, and 6 months after posterolateral thoracotomy. Acute pain intensity at hour 8 and PTPS intensity at month 3 correlated positively with PTPS at month 6. Bodyweight was negatively associated with chronic pain at month 6. Thus, PVB but not preemptively administered ketamine decreases both acute and chronic pain intensity following posterolateral thoracotomies.

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with little in terms of endoscopic abnormalities and is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases. The peak incidence of the disease is in middle aged or older populations, mostly females. The pathogenesis of MC is complex, multifactorial and poorly understood. Current concepts revolve around innate immunity or microbiome alterations as well as gut barrier dysfunction, all of which lead to the development of subtle inflammatory lesions in gut mucosa. The results of numerous basic and clinical studies involving molecular techniques as well as advanced endoscopic imaging revealed the important role of both intrinsic (e.g., hormonal) as well as extrinsic (e.g., NSAIDs and PPIs) factors in the modulation of gastrointestinal microbiome and MC pathogenesis. Capsule endoscopy as well confocal endomicroscopy imaging, alongside standard endoscopic techniques offer new tools in the evaluation of MC patients and allow their better stratification for novel treatment protocols based on modulation of gut microbiome and barrier function.

The article concerns the possibility of the automation and robotization of the process of deburring jet engine components. The paper presents the construction of a laboratory stand enabling the automation of selected production operations of typical low-pressure turbine blades. The work identifies important parameters and results of the technological process related to the removal of burrs that affect the exactness of the process. The results of the analysis of the impact of individual process parameters on the magnitude of forces and moments occurring during deburring were carried out and presented. The results of initial and detailed tests were presented. Based on the results obtained, it was noticed that doubling the rotational speed of the brush results in a linear increase in torque and an increase in the engagement of the detail in the disc brush, leading to a non-linear increase in torque. It has also been shown that with tool wear, the value of the torque generated by the rotating tool decreases. Based on the results of a comparison of manual and automated process and histogram analysis, results from an automated stand are centered more correctly inside of the required radius range. This means that the repeatability of the process is higher for an automated test stand, which is one of the key aspects of large-scale aviation component manufacturing. Additionally, it was confirmed by visual inspection that all burs had been removed correctly—the deburring operation for all tested work pieces was successful. Based on the results obtained, it was proven that introduction of an automated stand can improve working conditions (by the elimination of the progressive fatigue of employees and the possibility for injury) and allows for the elimination of the negative impact of the machining process on workers. Further areas in which the optimization of the process parameters of the edge deburring can be developed in order to reduce unit costs have also been indicated.

Severe postoperative pain affects most patients after thoracotomy and is a risk factor for post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS). This randomized controlled trial compared preemptively administered ketamine versus paravertebral block (PVB) versus control in patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy. The primary outcome was acute pain intensity on the visual analog scale (VAS) on the first postoperative day. Secondary outcomes included morphine consumption, patient satisfaction, and PTPS assessment with Neuropathic Pain Syndrome Inventory (NPSI). Acute pain intensity was significantly lower with PVB compared to other groups at four out of six time points. Patients in the PVB group used significantly less morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia pump than participants in other groups. Moreover, patients were more satisfied with postoperative pain management after PVB. PVB, but not ketamine, decreased PTPS intensity at 1, 3, and 6 months after posterolateral thoracotomy. Acute pain intensity at hour 8 and PTPS intensity at month 3 correlated positively with PTPS at month 6. Bodyweight was negatively associated with chronic pain at month 6. Thus, PVB but not preemptively administered ketamine decreases both acute and chronic pain intensity following posterolateral thoracotomies. The trial was prospectively registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au/; ACTRN12616000900415; 07 July 2016).

In this paper the influence of cladding method -laser and TIG -on microstructure and properties of Stellite 694 coatings deposited onto DS200+Hf nickel based alloy substrate is presented.Manual TIG cladding process were carried out using LORCH V24 DC, laser cladding process was carried out using Yb:YAG, TruDisk 1000 TRUMPF.Cobalt alloy -Stellite 694 was used as a filler material.Effect of different cladding methods was examined based on chemical composition and microstructure analysis as well as hardness measurements of the deposited layers.

Abstract The article concerns the possibility of carrying out an optimization process of the extending the life of a brush tool which is use during the process of removing burrs and rounding edges. The work focused on the influence of selected parameters on the wear time of tools. A number of tests were carried out to optimize the selection of parameters in terms of tool life, while maintaining the proper quality of the manufactured products, which translates into their reliability. As part of the work carried out, an optimal set of parameters was prepared to extend the tool's operational time. These parameters are the rotational speed of 1400 rpm and the external diameter of the tool of 200 mm. Thanks to the use of new parameters of the brushing process, the tool's operational time was extended by about 67%. The work carried out, after verification as part of large-scale production, led to a reduction in the consumption of tools, which had a positive impact on the improvement of the company's financial result (reduction of cost per part) and also contributed to the reduction of the carbon footprint. The work indicates further areas for development.

The research described in the concerns the development and implementation of new clamping technologies used in machining, particularly for thin-walled structural components of aircraft and helicopters. Among other things, the performance of the Schunk Vero-S Aviation clamping system in machining landing gear beams from 7075 T6 aluminum alloy was analyzed, resulting in significant increases in production efficiency and improvements in the geometric quality of machined parts. During experimental research and implementation testing, special chucks were used on the Schunk Vero-S Aviation system for machining the chassis beam. The results showed an improvement in the quality and accuracy of machined parts compared to traditional clamping methods. Increased production efficiency by minimizing scrap and significantly better surface quality and geometric properties compared to conventional clamping. These studies were conducted as part of a project by Ultratech Sp. z o.o. which was implementing a project co-financed by European Funds "Development and implementation of an innovative clamping method for milling processing of thin-walled structural elements of helicopters and airplanes".

The development of digital twins for manufacturing lines represents a pivotal advancement towards the implementation of Industry 4.0, offering significant opportunities for process optimisation, enhanced operational efficiency, and cost reduction. This study aims to examine and articulate the challenges inherent in designing a digital twin for a flexible manufacturing line (FML). A case study is presented to detail the process of developing a digital twin for a real-world manufacturing line, with a focus on the difficulties encountered during its implementation. Key challenges identified include the complexity of system modelling, the reliance on historical data, and the requirement for sufficiently accurate models. The analysis highlights that tools such as the SIPOC diagram, value stream mapping, tooling matrices for machining equipment, and well-structured training programmes are instrumental in overcoming these challenges. This study provides valuable insights into best practices for designing digital twins for FML, emphasising the critical importance of early system integration, continuous testing, and iterative development. Furthermore, the research identifies specific areas where further investigations could advance the methodologies underpinning digital twin (DT) design within the manufacturing sector. The findings underscore the transformative potential of digital twins to enhance the efficiency, flexibility, and innovativeness of FML. However, they also highlight the necessity for continued technological and methodological advancements to address the challenges associated with their implementation.