Search

Thermal management of Li-ion battery packs is a critical technological challenge that directly impacts safety and performance. Removal of heat generated in individual Li-ion cells into the ambient is a considerably complicated problem involving multiple heat transfer modes. This paper develops an iterative analytical technique to model conjugate heat transfer in coolant-based thermal management of a Li-ion battery pack. Solutions for the governing energy conservation equations for thermal conduction and convection are derived and coupled with each other in an iterative fashion to determine the final temperature distribution. The analytical model is used to investigate the dependence of the temperature field on various geometrical and material parameters. This work shows that the coolant flowrate required for effective cooling can be reduced significantly by improving the thermal conductivity of individual Li-ion cells. Further, this work helps understand key thermal-electrochemical trade-offs in the design of thermal management for Li-ion battery packs, such as the trade-off between temperature rise and energy storage density in the battery pack.

Growing worldwide waste management challenges have prompted research efforts for sustainable solutions, especially in green energy technologies. This study highlights robotics' critical role in modern waste management by putting forth a novel strategy incorporating cutting‐edge technologies. The research aims to create an effective waste monitoring system to measure the amounts of methane gas and organic waste at disposal sites. The main component of this method is a 3D‐printed spider robot driven by a servo motor with solid and flexible claws. This robotic system communicates gas level readings to the ThingSpeak platform on the Internet of Things, while it navigates waste disposal sites autonomously. The study also investigates how to develop robotic systems more economically and efficiently by using a portable, low‐power microcontroller, such as the Arduino Nano. The study uses a rigorous testing methodology to assess the performance and viability of the microcontroller and robotic system. The results are expected to emphasise a practical and economic development approach while offering insightful information on developing sustainable waste management technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction  Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is the most common procedure used for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in hydrocephalus. Over the years, many technical, procedural, and instrument-related advancements have taken place which have reduced the associated complication rates. Shunt block is a very common complication irrespective of the shunt system used. The abdominal end of the shunt tube gets blocked usually due to plugging of omentum onto the shunt catheter. We describe a technique of catheter fixation and placement under vision coupled with omentopexy done laparoscopically to prevent this complication. Materials and Methods  This technique was used in 23 patients (11 female, 12 male; range 16–73 years) afflicted with hydrocephalus from June 2016 and December 2019 after obtaining an informed consent, and the outcomes were noted in terms of shunt patency, complications, if any, and the need for revision. Results  The median operation time was 90 minutes (range 35–160 minutes). All shunt catheters were still functional after a mean follow-up of 16.5 months (range 1–34 months) and none required revision. Conclusion  Laparoscopic placement of shunt tube along with omental folding is a safe and effective technique for salvaging the abdominal end of VPS and may be helpful in reducing shunt blockage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the success of immune checkpoint blockade against melanoma, many "cold" tumors like prostate cancer remain unresponsive. We found that hypoxic zones were prevalent across preclinical prostate cancer and resisted T cell infiltration even in the context of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade. We demonstrated that the hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 reduces or eliminates hypoxia in these tumors. Combination therapy with this hypoxia-prodrug and checkpoint blockade cooperated to cure more than 80% of tumors in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate-derived (TRAMP-derived) TRAMP-C2 model. Immunofluorescence imaging showed that TH-302 drives an influx of T cells into hypoxic zones, which were expanded by checkpoint blockade. Further, combination therapy reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cell density by more than 50%, and durably reduced the capacity of the tumor to replenish the granulocytic subset. Spontaneous prostate tumors in TRAMP transgenic mice, which completely resist checkpoint blockade, showed minimal adenocarcinoma tumor burden at 36 weeks of age and no evidence of neuroendocrine tumors with combination therapy. Survival of Pb-Cre4, Ptenpc-/-Smad4pc-/- mice with aggressive prostate adenocarcinoma was also significantly extended by this combination of hypoxia-prodrug and checkpoint blockade. Hypoxia disruption and T cell checkpoint blockade may sensitize some of the most therapeutically resistant cancers to immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a novel therapeutic option for refractory complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However, SCS placement is often complicated by a prior history of surgical manipulation and hardware implantation along the spinal column. Through this case exploration, we aim to expand the technical approach to SCS implantation in CRPS and encourage further research into innovative approaches for this treatment modality. Our patient is a 61-year-old female with a past medical history of bilateral C7 cervical pedicle fracture status and extensive surgical manipulation, including cervical laminectomy and hardware placement along the cervical spine. The development of CRPS refractory to conventional therapies complicated her course. We obtained non-contrast computed tomography (CT) to confirm intact lamina in vertebral levels below C3 and proceeded with the SCS trial with successful lead placement up to C5. Despite prior surgical manipulation of the vertebral spine hindering our ability to access the ideal C2 level, we were able to achieve significant coverage up to the C5 level. Obtaining non-contrast CT preoperatively and carefully assessing the epidural space patency were integral to our ability to assess the feasibility of lead placement in a patient with extensive hardware. Through this approach, we are able to offer SCS to patients who would otherwise be precluded from this modality., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Zaidi et al.)

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a syndrome broadly applied to the development of chronic pain after surgical breast intervention (i.e., lumpectomy and mastectomy). The incidence of PMPS is likely underreported, and this has contributed to a paucity of high-level evidence related to the treatment of the aforementioned condition. A drive to reduce the burden of opioid use has led to pain management physicians trialing a variety of strategies to help patients manage PMPS. This review discusses the latest evidence behind treatment options for PMPS, exploring medications as well as interventional techniques (e.g., nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, neuromodulation, and intrathecal drug delivery systems). Recent advances in neuromodulation technology are of particular interest here due to the well-localized nature of PMPS-related pain and the specificity with which modern neuromodulation techniques can generate an effect. Finally, the review proposes a framework with which to approach the care of patients with PMPS, with a specific emphasis on the early consideration of neuromodulation techniques along with functional and physical therapy to reduce patient medication burden and improve overall quality of life., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Shah et al.)