Volume Changes Research Articles

Pharmacological Evaluation of Respiratory Safety Following a Single Intravenous Administration of Theophylline in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Drinking tea is an important cultural and sensory activity in modern society. However, tea consumption may influence biological functions because of its high polyphenol and methylxanthine content. Theophylline is a methylxanthine that plays a significant role in respiratory physiology and is used clinically as a bronchodilator. In this study, we assessed the pharmacological safety of theophylline by investigating its effects on the respiratory responses of experimental rodents. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously administered 0, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg theophylline. After systemic theophylline exposure, the respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume were monitored and statistically analyzed. There was a significant increase in respiratory rate and minute volume with no change in tidal volume at theophylline doses of >5 mg/kg. Changes in respiratory rate and minute volume peaked at 0.25 h after exposure; the respiratory rate increased by 58.2% and 88.9%, and the minute volume increased by 50.5% and 72.8% with the 5 and 10 mg/kg doses, respectively, compared with the vehicle control. These results provide fundamental scientific data that can be used in clinical applications.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volume and diagnoses of patients admitted to the paediatric emergency department: a retrospective analysis from a third-level hospital in Northeastern Mexico

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, there were noticeable changes in the number of admissions to paediatric emergency departments (EDs) worldwide, as well as in the patient’s diagnoses. There is scarce evidence...

A Metastable Oxygen Redox Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Simultaneously harnessing cation and anion redox activities in the cathode is crucial for the development of high energy-density lithium-ion batteries. However, achieving long-term stability for both mechanisms remains a significant challenge due to pronounced anisotropic volume changes at low lithium content, unfavorable cation migration, and oxygen loss. Here, we demonstrate exceptionally stable cation and anion redox behavior in a metastable, cobalt-free layered oxide, Li0.693[Li0.153Ni0.190Mn0.657]O2 (LLNMO). After 50 cycles at 50 mA/g (~0.2 C), the cathode retains 97.4% of its initial capacity (222.4 mAh/g) with negligible voltage decay. This remarkable stability is attributed to its metastable rhombohedral symmetry (R-3m) with unique local structures. The face-sharing connectivity between lithium layers and alternating transition metal (TM) layers effectively suppresses TM migration-induced voltage decay during anion redox. Additionally, the structure balances interlayer cation/cation and anion/anion repulsions, resulting in minimal expansion and contraction during de-/lithiation (< 2.3% along the c-axis) and excellent structural reversibility. These findings highlight that layered oxides with a metastable framework are promising cathode candidates for next-generation ultra-high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

Mitigating Diffusion‐Induced Intragranular Cracking in Single‐Crystal LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 via Extended Solid‐Solution Behavior

Single‐crystal cathodes have been investigated for their inherent resistance to intergranular cracking due to the absence of grain boundaries. However, these materials exhibit significant intergranular cracking, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examined the impact of extended solid‐solution reactions on mitigating crack formation in magnesium‐doped single‐crystal LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (Mg‐SC‐LNMO) cathodes. With Mg acting as a structural pillar, the overall volume change was reduced by nearly 50%, the two‐phase reaction was effectively suppressed, and the Li‐ion diffusion coefficient was doubled. Continuum modeling based on experimental observations demonstrates that Mg doping significantly reduces the internal stress induced by lithium diffusion, thereby preserving the mechanical integrity of single‐crystal LNMO. This improvement leads to enhanced electrochemical performance and durability. Our study provides new insights into mechanically robust single‐crystal cathodes and proposes a design strategy to improve the durability of next‐generation Li‐ion batteries.

Mitigating Diffusion-Induced Intragranular Cracking in Single-Crystal LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 via Extended Solid-Solution Behavior.

Single-crystal cathodes have been investigated for their inherent resistance to intergranular cracking due to the absence of grain boundaries. However, these materials exhibit significant intergranular cracking, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examined the impact of extended solid-solution reactions on mitigating crack formation in magnesium-doped single-crystal LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (Mg-SC-LNMO) cathodes. With Mg acting as a structural pillar, the overall volume change was reduced by nearly 50%, the two-phase reaction was effectively suppressed, and the Li-ion diffusion coefficient was doubled. Continuum modeling based on experimental observations demonstrates that Mg doping significantly reduces the internal stress induced by lithium diffusion, thereby preserving the mechanical integrity of single-crystal LNMO. This improvement leads to enhanced electrochemical performance and durability. Our study provides new insights into mechanically robust single-crystal cathodes and proposes a design strategy to improve the durability of next-generation Li-ion batteries.

Numerical Analysis of Transient Burn Injury Grading Through Coupled Heat Transfer and Damage Integral Modeling

The accurate assessment of parameters such as burn degree, volume, and depth is a prerequisite for the effective treatment of patients. However, as an unsteady heat transfer process, the temperature of the burn damage volume changes over time, and it is difficult to accurately calculate the integral value of the damage, which is used to assess the burn degree. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately determine the location and volume of damage at all burn degrees. In this study, the C language is used to program a user-defined function of the burn damage integral formula, and the coupled numerical simulation method is used to calculate the heat transfer and damage in a high-temperature water burn process. Then, the temperature and burn damage integral value of each point can be determined to accurately assess and distinguish the burn degree in real time, and estimate the position distribution, volume size, and transient change trend of each burn degree. Under the working conditions selected in this paper, the heat source mainly affects the epidermis and dermis directly below, and has less influence on the area above, which is in convective heat transfer. The damage integral value is very sensitive to temperature, and the highest damage integral value caused by 373 K is two and four orders of magnitude higher than that of 363 K and 353 K, respectively. The increase in the heat source temperature caused the volume of a third-degree burn to increase rapidly in the early stage of injury, but the volume of second-degree and first-degree burns did not change much. After heating at 373 K for 15 s and delaying the action for 45 s, the volume of first-, second-, and third-degree burns accounted for 0.4, 2.9, and 1.9%, respectively, and the total volume of damage accounted for only 5.2% of the total volume.

A Metastable Oxygen Redox Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Simultaneously harnessing cation and anion redox activities in the cathode is crucial for the development of high energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries. However, achieving long‐term stability for both mechanisms remains a significant challenge due to pronounced anisotropic volume changes at low lithium content, unfavorable cation migration, and oxygen loss. Here, we demonstrate exceptionally stable cation and anion redox behavior in a metastable, cobalt‐free layered oxide, Li0.693[Li0.153Ni0.190Mn0.657]O2 (LLNMO). After 50 cycles at 50 mA/g (~0.2 C), the cathode retains 97.4% of its initial capacity (222.4 mAh/g) with negligible voltage decay. This remarkable stability is attributed to its metastable rhombohedral symmetry (R‐3m) with unique local structures. The face‐sharing connectivity between lithium layers and alternating transition metal (TM) layers effectively suppresses TM migration‐induced voltage decay during anion redox. Additionally, the structure balances interlayer cation/cation and anion/anion repulsions, resulting in minimal expansion and contraction during de‐/lithiation (&lt; 2.3% along the c‐axis) and excellent structural reversibility. These findings highlight that layered oxides with a metastable framework are promising cathode candidates for next‐generation ultra‐high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries.

Effect of hematoma-induced changes in auricular hardness, thickness and volume on the propagation components of cartilage conduction hearing: assessments by hearing threshold and ear-canal sound pressure

Abstract Cartilage conduction (CC) is a method of perceiving sounds via biological tissues by presenting a transducer to the auricular cartilage. Unlike conventional bone conduction perceived via bony sections of the skull, conduction through light auricular cartilage requires a weak force, resulting in lesser pain. CC is useful in individuals with auricular deformities such as auricular hematoma, in whom, ordinary earphones are unsuitable. However, hematoma-induced changes in the hardness, thickness, and volume of auricular cartilage might affect CC perception. This study investigated the effects of these factors on perception and sound propagation in CC by measuring hearing threshold and ear-canal sound pressure (ECSP) in individuals with normal-ear-morphology and auricular hematoma. The results showed that increased hardness, thickness and estimated hematoma volume were associated with low ECSP and high hearing thresholds at 250-1000 Hz suggesting that increased auricular mass and greater transducer-to-eardrum distance reduced vibration and/or air-conduction efficiency, potentially impacting CC perception.

Retrospective evaluation of autotransfusion using a cell saver device versus allotransfusion in the perioperative management of acute hemoperitoneum in 43 dogs (2017–2021)

BackgroundCell saver (CS) technology is an increasingly popular approach for autotransfusion in small animal veterinary medicine for the treatment of patients with abdominal hemorrhagic effusion.ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility, effectiveness, and safety of autotransfusions collected with a CS device and to assess whether the use of the CS device reduces the demand for allogenic blood transfusions.Materials and methodsRetrospective study of dogs with acute hemoperitoneum of splenic origin treated surgically. Dogs were grouped by the type of transfusion received: allo- and autotransfusion (AA), allotransfusion only (AO), autotransfusion only (CS), and no transfusion (NT). Differences in changes of laboratory parameters (hematocrit and lactate), transfusion volume, and outcomes were analyzed across groups.ResultsForty-three dogs were included. Twenty-seven (62.8%) suffered from hemangiosarcoma, and 16 (37.2%) had a benign cause of hemoperitoneum. The classification into blood transfusion groups was as follows: 7/43 (16.3%) in the AA-group, 11/43 (25.6%) in the AO-group, 11/43 (25.6%) in the CS-group and 14/43 (32.6%) in the NT-group. Increase in hematocrit over time was similar in all subgroups that received any form of blood transfusion (AA-, AO-, CS-group). Total volume of transfused blood (autologous and allogenic) was significantly higher in the AA-group (median 54.0mL/kg, range 24.7–126.5mL/kg) than in the AO-group (median 7.6mL/kg, range 4.6–13.5mL/kg, p = 0.01) but not the CS-group (median 23.8mL/kg, range 14.1–50.0mL/kg, p = 0.22). No difference was found for the volume of allogenic blood transfused between the AA-group (median 9.4mL/kg, range 5.0–16.2mL/kg) and AO-group (median 7.6mL/kg, range 4.6–13.5mL/kg) (p = 0.68). The use of the CS device did not adversely affect the time from presentation to surgery, the duration of surgery, or the outcomes.DiscussionThe use of autologous blood transfusions obtained by CS device in dogs suffering from acute hemoperitoneum caused by a benign or malignant splenic disorder appeared safe and effective in the cases described. And therefore may emphasize its further application as an addition or alternative to traditional allogenic blood transfusions.

Screening for coronary artery disease among cancer survivors: rationale and design of the REDEEM-CAD study.

Cancer survivors are reported to be at a heightened risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) due to shared risk factors, potentially cardiotoxic cancer treatments and premature aging in survivors. Early identification of those who are at greater risk, followed by protective treatment, can prevent CAD progression. However, to date there was a relative paucity of prospective data to optimally guide management of atherosclerotic coronary risk among cancer survivors. The REDEEM-CAD (Risk-guidEd DisEasE Management plan to prevent CAD in patients with previous cancer) study is a prospective cohort study conducted in Victoria and Tasmania, Australia aiming to evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive CAD screening strategy. Cancer survivors aged ≥ 40 years with cancer treatment ≥ 5 years prior are eligible for the study. Consented participants will be stratified into low, intermediate or high risk of major atherosclerotic adverse events based on clinical assessment and biochemistry tests. Subsequently, those within the intermediate risk will be referred for coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) completed where CAC > 0 and < 400. Participants with high risk or CAC > 400 will be informed about strategies (including lipid-lowering therapy) to manage asymptomatic CAD. Those with low clinical risk or CAC = 0 will conclude their participation while those with CTCA imaged at baseline will be referred for a follow-up CTCA 2-year post-baseline. The primary endpoint is to identify the prevalence of CAD, identified via CAC scoring, among cancer survivors classified as intermediate risk. Secondary endpoint includes the absolute change in total coronary plaque volume over 24 months among those imaged at baseline and follow-up. The REDEEM-CAD study will be the first study to systematically evaluate risk of CAD in cancer survivors, and subsequent responsiveness to coronary risk reduction. This will offer valuable insights into the efficacy of the CAD screening strategies among cancer survivors and the impact of treatment on managing plaque progression. NCT05366153.

RELAIBILITY ASSESSMENT OF THE SOIL-WATER-RETENTION FOR UNSATURATED SAND SOILS

In this investigation, the soil-water-retention is described in the soil-water-characteristics-curve (SWCC). SWCC contains the data required to explain the unsaturated soils' mechanical behavior. The reliable findings of unsaturated sand soil tests and the impact of initial density on the hydraulic properties under various matric suction and net normal stresses are examined. The tests are carried out on a sample of soil from the northern region of Al-Najaf city, Iraq. The sample of soil has been disturbed and remolded in the cell of Oedometer device. A modified high-air-entry-disc-based Oedometer is used with accessories to control the air and water pressures to achieve the specific matric suction in the unsaturated test. Two sets of tested specimens are prepared, first, at 90% and second at 95% of the maximum dry unit weight from the standard Proctor experiment. Each set is performed for different matric suction under 200 and 400 kPa net normal stress. (SWCC) The soil water retention curve is affected by the application of net normal stress and initial density. There is a decrease in water volume change with wetting progress in unsaturated soil tests due to an increase in soil density.

Reduced volume of the mediodorsal and anteroventral thalamus is associated with anxiety in Parkinson's disease: A cross-sectional 7-tesla MRI study

Background Parkinson's disease (PD)-related anxiety occurs frequently and may be associated with imbalance between anxiety-related circuits. While the thalamus is a shared region of these circuits, its role in PD-related anxiety has not been explored so far. Objective To identify changes in volume of the thalamus and its subnuclei in patients with PD-related anxiety. Methods Cognitively intact PD patients (n = 105) were divided into two groups based on their score on the Parkinson anxiety scale (PAS): 31 PD patients had anxiety (Anx-PD) and 74 did not have anxiety (non-Anx-PD). Forty-five healthy control subjects were included. Participants underwent 7-Tesla MRI scanning. Using automatic segmentation, the volumes of the thalamus and its subnuclei were measured, compared between the groups and regressed on the PAS. Results The volumes of the thalamus and its subnuclei did not significantly differ between the groups. However, in anxious PD patients, more severe anxiety was strongly associated with a smaller volume of the right medial thalamic subregion, specifically the right mediodorsal magnocellular nucleus and the right mediodorsal parvocellular nucleus (R = 0.63, ßPAS = −0.546, p-valuemodel = 0.007 and R = 0.60, ßPAS = −0.547, p-valuemodel = 0.016, respectively), and of the left anteroventral thalamus (R = 0.73, FDR p-valuemodel = 0.002, ßPAS = −0.407, p-valuePAS = 0.01). Conclusions A reduced volume of the mediodorsal and anteroventral thalamus, overlapping structures between the anxiety related circuits, are associated with more severe PD-related anxiety and may explain its high prevalence in the disease.

ULtimate MAGnetic characterization (ULMAG) at the ID12 beamline of ESRF: from element-specific properties to macroscopic functionalities

We present a novel instrument designed for advanced magnetic study, installed at the ID12 beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France. This instrument offers the unique capability to simultaneously measure element-specific microscopic and macroscopic properties related to the magnetic, electronic and structural characteristics of materials. In addition to X-ray absorption, X-ray magnetic circular dichroism alongside X-ray diffraction patterns, the macroscopic magnetization, volume changes, caloric properties and electrical resistivity of magnetic materials could be measured strictly under the same experimental conditions as a function of both magnetic field (up to ±7 T) and temperature (ranging from 2.05 K to 325 K). To demonstrate the capability of this new instrument, we present two case studies highlighting its performance in investigating first-order magneto-structural phase transitions, namely in DyCo2 and FeRh alloys.

Increased crevassing across accelerating Greenland Ice Sheet margins

Abstract Surface crevassing on the Greenland Ice Sheet is a large source of uncertainty in processes controlling mass loss due to a lack of comprehensive observations of their location and evolution through time. Here we use high-resolution digital elevation models to map the three-dimensional volume of crevasse fields across the Greenland Ice Sheet in 2016 and 2021. We show that, between the two years, large and significant increases in crevasse volume occurred at marine-terminating sectors with accelerating flow (up to +25.3 ± 10.1% in the southeast sector), while the change in total ice-sheet-wide crevasse volume was within measurement error (+4.3 ± 5.9%). The sectoral increases were offset by a reduction in crevasse volume in the central west sector (−14.2 ± 3.2%), particularly at Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Isbræ), which exhibited slowdown and thickening over the study period. Changes in crevasse volume correlate strongly with antecedent discharge changes, indicating that the acceleration of ice flow in Greenland forces significant increases in crevassing on a timescale of less than five years. This response provides a mechanism for mass-loss-promoting feedbacks on sub-decadal timescales, including increased calving, faster flow and accelerated water transfer to the bed.

Postpartum changes in maternal physiology and milk composition: a comprehensive database for developing lactation physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models

IntroductionPharmacotherapy during lactation often lacks reliable drug safety data, resulting in delayed treatment or early cessation of breastfeeding. In silico tools, such as physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, can help to bridge this knowledge gap. To increase the accuracy of these models, it is essential to account for the physiological changes that occur throughout the postpartum period.MethodsThis study aimed to collect and analyze data on the longitudinal changes in various physiological parameters that can affect drug distribution into breast milk during lactation. Following meta-analysis of the collated data, mathematical functions were fitted to the available data for each parameter. The best-performing functions were selected through numerical and visual diagnostics.Results and DiscussionThe literature search identified 230 studies, yielding a dataset of 36,689 data points from 20,801 postpartum women, covering data from immediately after childbirth to 12 months postpartum. Sufficient data were obtained to describe postpartum changes in maternal plasma volume, breast volume, cardiac output, glomerular filtration rate, haematocrit, human serum albumin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, milk pH, milk volume, milk fat, milk protein, milk water content, and daily infant milk intake. Although data beyond 7 months postpartum were limited for some parameters, mathematical functions were generated for all parameters. These functions can be integrated into lactation PBPK models to increase their predictive power and better inform medication efficacy and safety for breastfeeding women.

Protective Factors Associated with Normal Lymphatic Function After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer Treatment.

Risk factors associated with developing lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are well-described in the literature. However, lymphedema diagnosis criteria is arbitrary and can vary between studies. This study instead aims to identify protective factors associated with normal lymphatic function after ALND for treatment of breast cancer. This was a prospective study of women treated with unilateral ALND for breast cancer between 2020 and 2023. Patients with normal lymphatic function were defined as meeting all of four criteria: <10% arm volume change from baseline, <10 bioimpedance change from baseline, no compression use, and Stage 0 on ICG lymphography at one year follow-up. All other patients were classified as having abnormal lymphatic function. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine variables possibly associated with normal lymphatic function. Of 150 patients with 1-year follow-up, 39 patients (26%) had normal lymphatic function and 111 patients (74%) had abnormal lymphatic function. On multivariable analysis, immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) and younger age were significantly associated with normal lymphatic function. The odds of normal lymphatic function in patients who had ILR were 2.79 times higher than that of patients who did not undergo ILR (odds ratio [OR] = 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23-6.69, p = 0.017). Meanwhile, increased age was associated with decreased odds of normal lymphatic function (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.89-0.97, p = 0.001). Immediate lymphatic reconstruction and younger age are significantly associated with normal lymphatic function 1 year after ALND. These findings suggest that undergoing ILR may be protective against developing breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Extreme Defect Tolerance for Electrochemical Intercalation in Wadsley-Roth Structures Demonstrated by Metastable NaNb7O18.

Careful control over the defect chemistry of crystalline compounds is typically critical to transport phenomena (ion, electron, phonon). In one-dimensional (1D) ion conductors, even small concentrations of defects in the diffusion pathway can be pernicious. Wadsley-Roth block phases are 1D ion conductors with high redox capacity and among the highest diffusivity of any battery electrode materials. The origin of their high-rate transport has been attributed to parallel tunnels that could impart defect tolerance, but direct evidence is limited. Herein, a new lithium-ion battery negative electrode material, NaNb7O18, is described that exhibits extreme defect tolerance. Multimodal characterization combining neutron diffraction, 23Na solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations reveals that more than half of the Na+ in NaNb7O18 is in diffusion tunnel-blocking cuboctahedral environments (similar to the perovskite A-site). Despite the high point-defect concentration, NaNb7O18 can reversibly lithiate to Li7NaNb7O18 and cycle 200 mAh·g-1 in 10 h and 100 mAh·g-1 in 3 min in large 4-23 μm (D10-D90) particles. Operando synchrotron diffraction shows an anisotropic and asymmetric lithiation/delithiation process with two first-order phase transitions including one with nearly zero volume change. LixNaNb7O18 also exhibits evidence for reversible Nb-Nb bond formation. From the same operando diffraction measurements, Nb-Nb distances between edge-sharing octahedra at the block peripheries vary from ca. 3.4 to 2.8 and back to 3.4 Å over one lithium insertion/extraction cycle, in quantitative agreement with the Nb-Nb bond formation charge storage mechanism recently proposed from the computational lithiation of several different Wadsley-Roth compounds.

Biomimetics‐Driven Design of Micron‐Sized SiO Composites for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractMicron‐sized SiO‐based materials have attracted extensive attention in lithium‐ion batteries due to high theoretical capacity and low‐cost. However, their development is seriously hampered by the large volume change and low conductivity of SiO. Herein, by combining the theoretical prediction with biomimetics‐driven design concept, a unique chloroplast‐like SiO@N‐doped carbon‐carbon coated SnO2 (denoted as SiO‐NC@SnO2‐C) integrative composite is presented through a facile one‐pot hydrothermal route. The resultant SiO‐NC@SnO2‐C anode for lithium‐ion storage shows a high reversible capacity of 1209 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 160 cycles and an outstanding rate capability of 722.7 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1. In situ TEM technique and cross‐sectional SEM images reveal that the cavity formed in the composite, the flexible carbon interlayer, and glucose‐derived carbon outer layer together play crucial roles in alleviating the volume expansion and improving the structural stability of the electrode. In situ Raman spectra further verify that the highly reversible structure of SiO‐NC@SnO2‐C is responsible for its superior stability. Importantly, the SiO‐NC@SnO2‐C composite also shows an excellent reversible lithium storage capacity of 92.9 mA h g−1 with a 73% of capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1 C in full‐cells.

Microstructural white matter injury contributes to cognitive decline: Besides amyloid and tau.

Cognitive decline and the progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD) are traditionally associated with amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau pathologies. This study aims to evaluate the relationships between microstructural white matter injury, cognitive decline and AD core biomarkers. We conducted a longitudinal study of 566 participants using peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD) to quantify microstructural white matter injury. The associations of PSMD with changes in cognitive functions, AD pathologies (Aβ, tau, and neurodegeneration), and volumes of AD-signature regions of interest (ROI) or hippocampus were estimated. The associations between PSMD and the incidences of clinical progression were also tested. Covariates included age, sex, education, apolipoprotein E4 status, smoking, and hypertension. Higher PSMD was associated with greater cognitive decline (β=-0.012, P < 0.001 for Mini-Mental State Examination score; β<0, P < 0.05 for four cognitive domains) and a higher risk of clinical progression from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD (Hazard ratio=2.11 [1.38-3.23], P < 0.001). These associations persisted independently of amyloid status. PSMD did not predict changes in Aβ or tau levels, but predicted changes in volumes of AD-signature ROI (β=-0.003, P < 0.001) or hippocampus (β=-0.002, P = 0.010). Besides, the whole-brain PSMD could predict cognitive decline better than regional PSMDs. PSMD may be a valuable biomarker for predicting cognitive decline and clinical progression to MCI and AD, providing insights besides traditional Aβ and tau pathways. Further research could elucidate its role in clinical assessments and therapeutic strategies.

Comparison of upper airway volume and hyoid position after camouflage orthodontic or orthodontic-orthognathic treatment in patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion with normal-angle vertical pattern.

This study aims to compare the effects of two orthodontic treatment modalities for skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion on specific changes in airway volume, morphology, palatal angle, mandibular rotation, and bone displacement. Results provide scientific evidence for the selection of orthodontic treatment plans and reduce the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Thirty-six patients diagnosed with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion at the Department of Orthodontics, the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2018 to December 2023 were divided into two groups: orthodontic-orthognathic treatment group (18 patients) and camouflage orthodontic treatment group (18 patients). Changes in airway volume, cross-sectional area, palatal angle, mandibular, and tongue positions were observed through pre- and post-operative cone beam computed tomography and 3D cephalometric measurements. In the camouflage orthodontic treatment group, nasopharyngeal volume and oropharyngeal volume statistically increased after treatment (P<0.05). In the orthodontic-orthognathic treatment group, changes in nasopharyngeal volume, nasopharyngeal airway, distance from posterior tongue to pharyngeal wall, palatal angle, mandibular rotation, and hyoid bone displacement were statistically significant after surgery (P<0.05). In the comparison between the two groups after treatment, changes in the distance from posterior tongue to pharyngeal wall, palatal angle, and distance from hyoid bone to sella turcica point were statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients in the orthodontic-orthognathic treatment group showed significantly greater changes in oropharyngeal cross-sectional area, palate angle, and tongue position compared with patients in the camouflage orthodontic treatment group. As individuals susceptible to OSAHS often exhibit mandibular retrusion and decreased minimum airway cross-sectional area, special attention should be paid to airway morphology changes when adopting orthodontic-orthognathic treatment to avoid adverse consequences.