Practical Use of Composite Materials Used in Military Aircraft

The article presents a comparative characterization of the structural materials (composites and metals) used in modern aviation structures, focusing on the airframe structure of the most modern aircraft (Airbus A-380, Boeing B-787, and JSF F-35). Selected design and operational problems were analysed, with particular emphasis on composites and light metals (aluminium). For this purpose, the Shore’s method was used for the analysis of the obtained strength results and the programming environment (ANSYS, SolidWorks) required to simulate the GLARE 3 2/1-04 composite. The focus was on highlighting the differences in the construction and modelling of these materials resulting from their various structures (isotropy and anisotropy), e.g., by analyzing the mechanics of metal destruction and comparing it with the composite material. In terms of solving the problems of finite element analysis FEM, tests have been carried out on two samples made of an aluminium alloy and a fiberglass composite. The focus was on highlighting the differences in the construction and modelling of these materials resulting from their various structures (isotropy and anisotropy), e.g., by analyzing the mechanics of metal destruction and comparing it with the composite material. On the basis of the obtained results, the preferred variant was selected, in terms of displacements, stresses, and deformations. In the final part of the work, based on the conducted literature analysis and the conducted research (analysis, simulations, and tests), significant observations and final conclusions, reflected in practical applications, were formulated.     

The effect of red-to-near-infrared (R/NIR) irradiation on inflammatory processes

Abstract

Introduction: Near-infrared (NIR) and red-to-near-infrared (R/NIR) radiation are increasingly applied for therapeutic use. R/NIR-employing therapies aim to stimulate healing, prevent tissue necrosis, increase mitochondrial function, and improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation. The wide range of applications of this radiation raises questions concerning the effects of R/NIR on the immune system.

Methods: In this review, we discuss the potential effects of exposure to R/NIR light on immune cells in the context of physical parameters of light.

Discussion: The effects that R/NIR may induce in immune cells typically involve the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrogen oxide (NO), or interleukins. Production of ROS after exposure to R/NIR can either be inhibited or to some extent increased, which suggests that detailed conditions of experiments, such as the spectrum of radiation, irradiance, exposure time, determine the outcome of the treatment. However, a wide range of immune cell studies have demonstrated that exposure to R/NIR most often has an anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, photobiomodulation molecular mechanism with particular attention to the role of interfacial water structure changes for cell physiology and regulation of the inflammatory process was described.

Conclusions: Optimization of light parameters allows R/NIR to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in a wide range of medical applications.     

Algorithm changes in treatment of submandibular gland sialolithiasis

Our research was conducted to determine the algorithm changes during the treatment of submandibular sialolithiasis. Two time periods were compared between 2004–2008 and 2009–2012. The turning point was December 2008, when sialendoscopy procedure was introduced. In the first period, 48 patients were treated: 31 outpatient duct incisions with stone evacuation and 17 surgical excision of submandibular gland. In the second period, 207 sialendoscopy procedures were performed on 197 patients. Out of this particular group, 158 patients were diagnosed with pathological obstruction of salivary glands and 64 of them were confirmed to have sialolithiasis of submandibular gland. Deposits of calcifications in 40 individuals (62.5 %) affected by sialolithiasis were removed endoscopically; however, in 21 patients, due to the increased circumference of the stone, the intimate association of deposits within the wall of the duct along with its presence inside the deep portions of the gland, double approach (incision of the floor of the mouth in hilar area and sialendoscopy) was performed. Three individuals had their salivary glands totally removed due to the presence of calcified deposits within the glandular parenchyma. Our results allow us to affirm that sialendoscopy is the current treatment of choice for submandibular glands affected by sialoliths. Indication for a complete removal of the gland is becoming uncommon as a first line treatment although still indispensable in chosen cases.     

Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes

Hamartomas are tumour-like malformations, consisting of disorganized normal tissues, typical of the site of tumour manifestation. Familial manifestation of hamartomatous polyps can be noted in juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), Peutz-Jeghers’ syndrome (PJS), hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome (HMPS) and PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS). All the aforementioned syndromes are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and form a rather heterogenous group both in respect to the number and localization of polyps and the risk of cancer development in the alimentary tract and other organs. Individual syndromes of hamartomatous polyposis frequently manifest similar symptoms, particularly during the early stage of the diseases when in several cases their clinical pictures do not allow for differential diagnosis. The correct diagnosis of the disease using molecular methods allows treatment to be implemented earlier and therefore more effectively since it is followed by a strict monitoring of organs that manifest a predisposition for neoplastic transformation.