Dimensional Changes Research Articles

Predictive Factors of Cardiac Function Recovery and Mortality in Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background and Objectives: Patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are reported to have unfavorable outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study aims to evaluate outcomes and identify predictive factors for LVEF recovery following TAVI in patients with reduced LVEF. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 114 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) with LVEF < 40% who underwent TAVI between 2011 and 2023 at two centers. Echocardiographic parameters, including LVEF, ventricular dimensions, and relative wall thickness (RWT), were assessed at baseline and during follow-up. The outcomes and predictors of substantial LVEF improvement and mortality were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods. Results: Anemia (OR = 4.345, 95% CI: 1.208–15.626, p = 0.024), RWT (OR = 1.224, 95% CI: 1.064–1.407, p = 0.005), and early post-procedural changes in left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD) (OR = 1.297, 95% CI: 1.037–1.622, p = 0.023) and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) (OR = 1.346, 95% CI: 1.034–1.753, p = 0.027) at one-month follow-up were identified as significant factors associated with LVEF recovery at one year. Regarding factors related to mortality, higher baseline AVMG levels were associated with a lower probability of death after one year (OR = 0.926, 95% CI: 0.875–0.979, p = 0.007). Conversely, a more limited increase in LVEF from baseline to the final follow-up was linked to poor prognosis and higher mortality at one year (95% CI: 1.045–1.594, p = 0.018). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TAVI in patients with AS and reduced LVEF can be performed with high procedural success, low mortality, and significant improvement in cardiac function during follow-up. Additionally, anemia, baseline RWT, and early post-procedural changes in LVESD and LVEDD were identified as factors associated with LVEF recovery. Baseline AVMG and changes in LVEF at the final follow-up were found to be significant predictors of total mortality.

EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire in HeartFailure With Reduced, Mildly Reduced, and Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Patient-Level Analysis of DAPA-HF and DELIVER.

The value of generic quality of life (QoL) instruments in heart failure (HF) is uncertain. In this study, the authors sought to quantify individual dimension scores and the EuroQol 5-Dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) Level Sum Score (LSS) in patients with HF with reduced, mildly reduced, or preserved ejection fraction, the association between those scores and outcomes, and the impact of treatment with dapagliflozin on the scores. Analyses were conducted using patient-level data from DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between EQ-5D scores (each dimension and LSS) and clinical outcomes. Sankey diagrams were used to illustrate changes in individual patient EQ-5D dimensions from baseline to 8months' follow-up. Of the 11,007 patients randomized in DAPA-HF and DELIVER, 10,135 (92.1%) completed the instrument at baseline. Scores varied markedly by question with 37%, 30%, and 33% of patients reporting no, slight, or moderate or greater problem, respectively for mobility; 67%, 20%, and 13% for self-care; 40%, 33%, and 27% for usual activities; 45%, 32%, and 23% for pain/discomfort; and 57%, 27%, and 16% for anxiety/depression. Patients with higher (worse) EQ-5D-LSS were more frequently female, had more comorbidities, and had worse HF status. Compared with patients free from any problem across all dimensions (ie, an EQ-5D-LSS of 5), the HRs for the composite outcome of time to first cardiovascular death or worsening HF were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.10-1.47), 1.70 (95%CI: 1.46-1.98), and 2.31 (95%CI: 1.88-2.85) in patients with EQ-5D-LSS of 6-10, 11-15, and 16-25 points, respectively. Dapagliflozin led to greater improvement and less worsening in mobility (OR: 1.13 [95%CI: 1.04-1.23]; P = 0.004), self-care (OR: 1.13 [95%CI: 1.02-1.24]; P = 0.016), usual activities (OR:1.11 [95%CI: 1.02-1.21]; P = 0.015), and anxiety/depression (OR: 1.10 [95%CI: 1.01-1.21]; P = 0.034) after 8months. The number needed to treat for 1 patient to report improvement in EQ-5D-LSS was 31 (95%CI: 20-72). The EQ-5D revealed problems not often associated (eg, pain) with HF or commonly quantified in HF (eg, anxiety/depression). Dapagliflozin improved multiple QoL dimensions, and possibly anxiety/depression. (Study to Evaluate the Effect of Dapagliflozin on the Incidence of Worsening HeartFailure or Cardiovascular Death in Patients WithChronic HeartFailure [DAPA-HF]; NCT03036124; Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients WithPreserved Ejection Fraction HeartFailure [DELIVER]; NCT03619213).

Fluorescence Behavior of Cyanine Fluorophore Cy3 Confined in Anodic Porous Alumina: Advanced Surface Analysis

In this study, an advanced analysis of the three-dimensional (3-D) surface microtexture of anodic porous alumina (APA) arrays was conducted to investigate their efficacy in confining cyanine fluorophore Cy3. The microstructural characterization of APA plays a pivotal role in enhancing the understanding of the material's surface properties, especially when applied to biological arrays and fluorescent dye confinement. To achieve this, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was employed to obtain precise 3-D surface microtexture data. These measurements were complemented by stereometric analyses, adhering to ISO 25178-2: 2012 standards, ensuring a robust quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the surface micromorphology. The analysis revealed a clear correlation between surface roughness parameters and micromorphological changes as a function of varied processing conditions. Notably, the increase in certain fabrication parameters led to significant alterations in the superficial texture, with observable changes in the fractal dimension of the surface structure. The APA arrays, fabricated using a specialized anodization technique followed by a tailored annealing procedure, exhibited extraordinarily large pore sizes, ranging from 1 to 2 μm, which are well-suited for accommodating the Cy3 dye molecules. These pore dimensions offer an enhanced capacity for dye confinement, providing a stable environment for the cyanine fluorophore while promoting optimal fluorescence behavior.

Structural characteristics of a supersonic turbulent boundary layer subject to convex–concave curvature coupling

With an inflow Mach number of 3.0, the structural characteristics of a supersonic turbulent boundary layer subject to a convex–concave coupled curvature are experimentally investigated by Nano-tracer Planar Laser Scattering (NPLS) technology. The NPLS images reveal intricate flow features, including multi-scale vortices, near-wall streaks, and oblique shock waves. Wall pressure measurements indicate a feedback mechanism between the turbulent structures and wall pressure within the curvature coupling region, resulting in the upstream shift of the minimum pressure point into the convex wall. Additionally, the oblique shock generated by the concave curvature leads to an increased wall pressure in the downstream flat plate. By utilizing fractal dimension analysis and two-point spatial correlation analysis, the complexity and morphology of the turbulent vortices are quantitatively described. It is found that no significant changes in fractal dimension near the curvature coupling point due to the hysteresis effect. Furthermore, the coherent structures in the inner boundary layer shrink before and after the curvature coupling point, also attributed to hysteresis. The turbulence structures in the middle layer show lower sensitivity to the convex curvature, indicating distinct responses of turbulence structures at different normal positions to the wall's geometric features. Statistical analysis of the vortex structures, including maximum Feret diameter, aspect ratio, and inclination angles, further confirms the enhanced vortex breaking up caused by the concave wall and the increased size disparities of vortex structures due to curvature variations.

Evaluation of the dimensional alveolar bone changes in immediate post extraction implant placement in maxillary premolar area with or without loading: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Evaluation of the dimensional alveolar bone changes in immediate post extraction implant placement in maxillary premolar area with or without loading: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Oxidized Zirconium Femoral Components in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrieval Study of the Tibial Bearing.

Advanced materials for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including crosslinked bearings and Cobalt-Chrome-Molybdenum-alternative components, show promise for reducing wear rates and improving outcomes. The objective of the current study was to test whether an alternative femoral-bearing material achieved these goals. An Institutional Review Board-approved retrieval database was searched to identify 137 oxidized zirconium femoral TKA components from 2004 to 2023; 75 had a tibial bearing of never-irradiated polyethylene (PE) and 62 had a bearing of cross-linked polyethylene (XL). All had a polished tibial tray. The mean duration of implantation was 58 months for the PE group and 34 months for the XL group. The most common reasons for retrieval were instability and infection in the XL group and instability in the PE group. Dimensional change (creep plus wear) was measured from the thickness of the polyethylene insert using short-duration (<16 months) and never-implanted devices as a reference. Oxidation (maximum ketone oxidation index) was measured via FTIR using a cross-section of the medial condyle of the polyethylene at < three months post-explant. Statistical analyses were conducted using groups matched for in vivo duration. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Dimensional change rate and in vivo oxidation rate were statistically indistinguishable between the two bearing types. The mean dimensional change rate for the PE group was 0.018 ± 0.024 mm/year, and 0.021 ± 0.030 mm/year for the XL group (P = 0.64). Mean oxidation rates were also not statistically different, with the mean rate for the PE group being 0.051 ± 0.052 arbitrary units (a.u.)/year and the mean value for the XL group being 0.064 ± 0.055 a.u./year (P = 0.19). Only one device (PE) exceeded the oxidation threshold, marking a decrease in mechanical properties. The dimensional change rate and oxidation rate for tibial inserts against oxidized zirconium femoral components were low and consistent with previously reported literature values. The XL did not demonstrate superiority to PE in this analysis.

Acute tricuspid valve annulus remodeling after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with Triclip

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) adverse remodeling together with RV dysfunction, and not only tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity, are independently associated with survival in patients with medically treated significant TR. Nevertheless, changes in RV dimensions and function after transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention and their association with outcomes remain largely unexplored, as well as tricuspid valve annulus (TVA) reverse remodeling. Aim of our study is to assess acute remodeling of TVA after tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) with the TriClip device (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) using intraprocedural trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). Materials and methods This prospective, single-center study, conducted at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, enrolled 60 consecutive symptomatic patients referred with the diagnosis of at least severe TR who underwent T-TEER from March 2021 to June 2024 with the TriClip System. Intraprocedural TEE was performed using Siemens Acuson SC2000 (Siemens Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA) at the beginning, and then using Philips EpiQ CVx (Philips Medical System, Andover, MA). A full-volume 3D echocardiographic data set was acquired during the procedure for each patient before and after the grasping. The following parameters were assessed using a multiplanar reconstruction analysis performed off-line using a 3D dataset: septal-lateral (SL) and antero-posterior (AP) annulus diameters; annulus area; annulus perimeter and eccentricity index. Results The mean age of the study cohort was 77,77 ± 6,18 years, and 77% were female. Twenty-eight patients (46,7%) had severe (3+), twenty-four patients (40%) massive (4+) and eight patients (13,3%) torrential (5+) tricuspid regurgitation. The majority of them had atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation, mostly due to annular dilatation. The acute procedural success was achieved in 82.22%. We observed an acute reduction in SL (from a median of 45 to 38 mm, p&amp;lt;0.0001), AP (from a median of 47.5 to 45.8 mm, p&amp;lt;0.0001), area (from a median of 18.4 to 16.2 cm2, p&amp;lt;0.0001), perimeter (from a median of 149 to 141 mm, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and eccentricity index (from 0.92 to 0.87, p &amp;lt;0.0001). The TV annulus was larger in patients with residual TR &amp;gt;2+. Analysis of the subgroups according to procedural success showed an acute inverse remodeling of the TV annulus independent of residual TR grade. We observed a significative reduction of TVA three-dimensional measurements immediately after the procedure. Conclusions In our study we observed that the reduction of TVA begins immediately after TriClip implantation, proving that T-TEER is effective in reducing TR and in inducing reverse remodeling of the TV apparatus. Concurrently, the baseline TV geometry influences the procedural results. Our data are gathered during T-TEER procedure, follow up data are needed for monitoring right ventricular performance. tva measures using mpr tr grade at baseline and after t-teer

T-duality for non-critical heterotic strings

We consider non-critical heterotic strings compactified on S1. For full rank theories, they are related to odd self-dual lattices and are structurally of the same form as the critical non-supersymmetric theories. For dimensions up to 14 the associated moduli spaces are Coxeter polytopes already studied by Vinberg and Kaplinskaya. In the heterotic string context, the Coxeter diagrams of these moduli spaces are related through transformations representing the process of dimension changing tachyon condensation of Hellerman-Swanson. For dimensions 8 and 6 respectively on S1 and T2 we show that at special points in the moduli space the subcritical string is the CHS background for two coincident NS5-branes and the intersection of two such pairs. These configurations are interpreted as an end result of condensing heterotic winding tachyons along one or two Scherck-Schwarz circles at self-dual radius. We give evidence that in the first case there is a T-duality between the pair of NS5-branes and a recently constructed non-supersymmetric heterotic 6-brane.

The impact of different cooking temperatures on the quality and moisture distribution of beef.

The objective of this study was to investigate the water-holding capacity (WHC) and quality changes of beef during heating at specific temperatures (including 40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, and 100 °C), as well as the degradation of proteins and the distribution of water within the muscle at different heating temperatures. The experiment utilized the sirloin section from eight crossbred cattle of Luxi Yellow Cattle and Simmental breeds, with four sampling sessions, two cattle per session. Each cattle were divided into 30 beef sirloin samples, each weighing 150 ± 10 g, and each session was completed within 3 days with the following tests. Measurements included cooking loss and dimensional shrinkage, as well as quality indicators such as pH value, meat color (L*, a*, b*, and ΔE values representing lightness, red-green chroma, yellow-blue chroma, and color difference, respectively), and texture. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and low-field nuclear resonance (LF-NMR) techniques were employed to assess protein degradation and water distribution in the beef. The results indicated that the increase in cooking loss and dimensional changes during heating may be associated with a reduction in nonflowing water. Moreover, the temperature range of 60°C to 80 °C is critical for these changes; within this range, myoglobin begins to degrade, and the values of L*, a*, b* as well as ΔE reach their peaks, thereby enhancing the chewiness and elasticity of the beef. Therefore, the changes in beef quality and water distribution at different temperatures are influenced by three states: the degree of muscle fiber contraction, the state of protein degradation, and the capacity for water migration. This finding provides a theoretical basis for improving beef processing quality and refining meat production processes.

Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Synthesis of a Polymer in Two Distinct Topologies.

A squaramide-based monomer, designed for topochemical azide-alkyne cycloaddition (TAAC) polymerization, crystallizes as two polymorphs,M1andM2, both having crystal packing suitable for topochemical polymerization. The hydrogen-bonding between squaramide unitsbias the molecular organization in both the polymorphs. 3D packing of H-bonded stacks of monomer lead to juxtaposition ofazide and alkyne units of adjacent molecules in a transition-state-like arrangement for their regiospecific cycloaddition reaction. The monomers are arranged as supramolecular sheets and supramolecular helices in polymorphM1andM2respectively. Both the polymorphs undergo slow and spontaneous regiospecific TAAC polymerization at room temperature, but react quickly at higher temperatures, resulting in 1,4-traizolyl-linked polymer, with distinct mechanical responses. Upon heating, single crystals of polymorphM1show expansion followed by contraction without any permanent dimensional change, whereas crystals of polymorphM2undergo splitting. At moderate temperatures, both the polymorphs undergo single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) polymerization, resulting in two polymer-polymorphs with distinct topologies that can be studied at atomic resolution by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The polymorphM1reacts to polymerP1with β-sheet-like topology, and polymorphM2reacts to polymerP2having polymer chains of helical conformation. Nanoindentation experiments with crystals of these polymers revealed their distinct mechanical properties.

Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Synthesis of a Polymer in Two Distinct Topologies

A squaramide‐based monomer, designed for topochemical azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (TAAC) polymerization, crystallizes as two polymorphs, M1 and M2, both having crystal packing suitable for topochemical polymerization. The hydrogen‐bonding between squaramide units bias the molecular organization in both the polymorphs. 3D packing of H‐bonded stacks of monomer lead to juxtaposition of azide and alkyne units of adjacent molecules in a transition‐state‐like arrangement for their regiospecific cycloaddition reaction. The monomers are arranged as supramolecular sheets and supramolecular helices in polymorph M1 and M2 respectively. Both the polymorphs undergo slow and spontaneous regiospecific TAAC polymerization at room temperature, but react quickly at higher temperatures, resulting in 1,4‐traizolyl‐linked polymer, with distinct mechanical responses. Upon heating, single crystals of polymorph M1 show expansion followed by contraction without any permanent dimensional change, whereas crystals of polymorph M2 undergo splitting. At moderate temperatures, both the polymorphs undergo single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) polymerization, resulting in two polymer‐polymorphs with distinct topologies that can be studied at atomic resolution by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The polymorph M1 reacts to polymer P1 with β‐sheet‐like topology, and polymorph M2 reacts to polymer P2 having polymer chains of helical conformation. Nanoindentation experiments with crystals of these polymers revealed their distinct mechanical properties.

Effect of initial bone morphology on alveolar bone remodeling following molar extraction: A retrospective study.

The clinical evidence about alveolar ridge changes following molar extraction and how the alveolar bone morphology influences the ridge dimensional changes remains limited. A total of 192 patients with 199 molar extractions were included in this retrospective study. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of patients were obtained 0-3 months pre extraction and 6-12 months post extraction. Outcome variables included the change rate in ridge height and width. The effect of morphology on the outcomes was explored by single-factor analysis, correlation analysis, and a multiple linear regression model. Significant resorption of alveolar bone occurred vertically and horizontally after molar extraction. Jaw, furcation involvement, number of roots, number of bone wall defects, extraction reasons, overall relative bone loss (RBL), bone height of the furcation region, thickness of the lingual/palatal wall, and height difference between buccal and lingual/palatal walls (|HB-HL|) were significantly correlated with the change in the height of the central alveolar bone (HC). The number of bone wall defects, overall RBL, and |HB-HL| were significantly correlated with horizontal width change. HC resorption was higher in sockets with |HB-HL|>2.5mm and overall RBL>50%. The alveolar bone presented significant resorption after extraction. Anatomical characteristics affected the dimensions of the alveolar bone after molar extraction. When the initial overall RBL was severe or |HB-HL| was larger, the loss of alveolar bone dimensions was even more. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that the local anatomical morphology of extraction sites may influence the process of alveolar bone remodeling. However, most studies have focused on the anterior teeth, with fewer investigations addressing molar extraction sites. Therefore, we aimed to describe ridge changes following molar extraction and investigate how alveolar bone morphology influences ridge dimensional changes. In this retrospective study, we included a total of 199 alveolar sockets from 192 patients with molar extractions and obtained the corresponding cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images 0-3 months pre extraction and 6-12 months post extraction. The results showed significant resorption of the alveolar bone following molar extraction. We found that anatomical characteristics significantly affect the dimensions of the alveolar bone after molar extraction. Specifically, the loss of alveolar bone dimensions was greater when the initial overall relative bone loss (RBL) was severe or when the difference between buccal and lingual/palatal walls was greater.

Effects of methylphenidate on sensitivity to reinforcement delay, magnitude, and probability: Implications for impulsive and risky choice.

Under rapid-acquisition, concurrent-chains choice procedures, psychomotor stimulants typically decrease the sensitivity of responding to changes in separate dimensions of reinforcement. Across two experiments, pigeons chose between outcomes that differed in terms of reinforcement delay and magnitude (the dimensions involved in delay discounting or "impulsive" choice; Experiment 1) or reinforcement probability and magnitude (the dimensions involved in probability discounting or "risky" choice; Experiment 2). Outcomes associated with each terminal link were varied independently and pseudorandomly across sessions such that in dominated sessions one terminal link was favorable in terms of both dimensions (sooner, larger in Experiment 1 and more likely, larger in Experiment 2) and in trade-off sessions each terminal link was favorable in terms of a different dimension. Response allocation in initial links tracked changes in terminal-link outcomes in a manner that suggests each dimension contributed additively and independently to choice. Methylphenidate decreased sensitivity to all dimensions of reinforcement at a dose (or doses) that did not substantially affect bias or initial-link response rates. The degree to which methylphenidate decreased sensitivity was related to baseline sensitivity for delay and magnitude but not for probability. Baseline dependency may be a more useful approach for predicting drug effects on delay/impulsive, rather than risky, choice.

Atlantoaxial joint space and pharyngeal airway changes in skeletal class Ⅲ patients with mandibular deviation after combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment: a cone-beam CT analysis

Objective: To explore the changes of atlantoaxial joint spaces and pharyngeal airway after combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment in skeletal class Ⅲ patients with mandibular deviation. Methods: A total of 34 adult skeletal class Ⅲ patients (10 males and 24 females) with mandibular deviation who received combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics and the Department of Orthognathic Surgery in the Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from August 2014 to October 2021 were retrospectively selected. The patients were 22 (5) years old (18-33 years). Cone-beam CT data of patients taken before treatment (T0), after preoperative orthodontics (T1), and 6 to 12 months after orthognathic surgery (T2) were collected. The anterior atlanto-dental interval (ADI), variance of bilateral lateral atlanto-dental interval (VBLADI), the anterior posterior length (APL), maximum transverse width (LTW), aspect ratio (L/W), cross-sectional area (CSA) of each airway cross-section, the airway volumes, as well as the positions of the maxillofacial landmark points [subspinale (point A), supramental (point B), posterior nasal spine (point PNS), the most anterior and superior point of the hyoid bone (point H)] were measured at different time points. The correlations between airway changes, maxillofacial movements as well as the changes in the atlantoaxial joint spaces were also analyzed. Results: During the combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment, no statistically significant differences were found in the ADI among different treatment time points (P>0.05). The VBLADI after orthognathic surgery [-0.04 (1.83) mm] was significantly decreased when compared with that after preoperative orthodontics [-0.32 (1.32) mm] (P<0.05). After preoperative orthodontics, the volume of total airway increased from 20 868 (6 669) mm3 to 21 302 (8 911) mm3 (P<0.05). After orthognathic surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in the APL, CSA of the PNS plane, the L/W of the uvula plane, and the nasopharyngeal airway volume compared with those after preoperative orthodontics (P>0.05). The L/W of the PNS plane after surgery was significantly increased compared with that after preoperative orthodontics (P<0.05), while other airway parameters were all significantly decreased compared with those after preoperative orthodontics (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the nasopharyngeal airway volume after surgery [6 186 (1 707) mm³] increased significantly (P<0.05) and the palatopharyngeal airway volume [8 145 (2 594) mm³] and the glossopharyngeal airway volume [5 605 (4 395) mm³] decreased significantly (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the total airway volume between after surgery and before treatment (P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed that after preoperative orthodontics, the amount of the sagittal movement of point B was moderately positively correlated with the total airway volume change (r=0.40, P=0.022). Before and after orthognathic surgery, the amount of the sagittal movement of point PNS was moderately positively correlated with the changes in the palatopharyngeal airway volume and the total airway volume (r=0.43, P=0.015; r=0.46, P=0.008). In addition, the change in VBLADI before and after orthognathic surgery was weakly positively correlated with the changes in the CSA of the PNS plane and the APL of the uvula plane (r=0.35, P=0.029; r=0.38, P=0.016). Conclusions: During the combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment, the anterior atlanto-dental interval in skeletal class Ⅲ patients with mandibular deviation remained stable among different treatment time points. The total airway volume increased after preoperative orthodontics. After orthognathic surgery, the backward movement of the mandible tended to reduce the size of the pharyngeal airway, and the morphology of the glossopharyngeal airway tended to become more flattened. The changes in the pharyngeal airway dimensions were correlated with the maxillomandibular movements and the atlantoaxial joint space changes.

Executive Presence Among Young Management and Law Students of SPMVV: An Interventional Study

Executive presence (EP) is a critical attribute for success in leadership roles, combining confidence, communication skills, and the ability to inspire trust. This interventional study explores the impact of targeted EP training on management and law students at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV). A total of 100 students participated. They underwent a structured EP enhancement program comprising workshop on nonverbal communication, public speaking, and self-awareness. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured changes in key EP dimensions, including selfconfidence, body language, and verbal clarity. Results revealed a significant improvement in the group, highlighting the effectiveness of the intervention in equipping future leaders with essential executive competencies. This study underscores the importance of integrating EP development into higher education curricula, particularly for management and law disciplines.

Can the Dimensional Optimisation of 3D FDM-Manufactured Parts Be a Solution for a Correct Design?

Additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing, has emerged as a viable alternative in modern manufacturing processes. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which often involve complex mechanical operations that can lead to errors and inconsistencies in the final product, additive technology offers a new approach that enables precise layer-by-layer production with improved geometric accuracy, reduced material consumption and increased design flexibility. Geometrical accuracy is a critical issue in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medicine and consumer goods, hence the importance of the following question: can the dimensional optimisation of 3D FDM-manufactured parts be a solution for correct design? This paper presents a complex study of model parts printed from four common polymers used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) additive technology, namely ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PLA (polylactic acid), HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) and PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol). The results of the methodology used highlight the dimensional changes that need to be made at the design stage, depending on the direction of printing and the type of geometric elements in the final part.

Highly Deformable Phototunable Viscoelastic Fluid Interface Modulates Cellular Adaptive Wetting Behavior

AbstractEmerging evidence shows that the viscoelastic cues of the e Ixtracellular matrix (ECM) regulate cellular functions and fates. However, as cells are viscoelastic, force dissipation occurs within themselves as well as the ECM side, implying the existence of reciprocal viscous regulation between the two. Here, a fluid‐based scaffold with tunable viscoelasticity has been developed to investigate its impact on the cell adhesion process. The platform is based on the water–perfluorocarbon interface decorated with diacetylene‐based phospholipid membranes (IPLMs), whose viscoelasticity can be systematically manipulated by photocrosslinking. Further introduction of a cell‐adhesive peptide and fluorescent tag allows cell adhesion at the highly deformable fluid interface and confocal observation of dynamic cell–model ECM interactions. The viscoelasticity‐tunability is confirmed by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, interfacial rheology, and atomic force microscopy nanoindentation. Cells seeded at the IPLM exhibit so‐called adaptive wetting, where the interface first deforms toward the out‐of‐plane direction before cellular dimensional changes, followed by cellular flattening and interfacial restoration. Furthermore, the quantification of these parameters reveals a biphasic response against the crosslinking levels, which indicates that the cell‐ECM viscosity balance determines adaptive wetting phenotypes. The platform may enable the prediction of dynamic adhesion responses in physiological and pathological processes.

Performance Assessment and Failure Mechanisms of Roller Bearings Using Dual Material Comparison

This study presented the performance and failure mechanisms of roller bearings for structural steel and AISI 52100 alloy steel under various operating conditions. It emphasizes how material properties affect stress, deformation, and thermal performance according to simulations carried out in ANSYS Workbench. Results clearly present that AISI 52100 alloy steel exhibits better strength against stress, dimensional stability, and thermal efficiency compared with structural steel. Key factors contributing to the bearing's failure included high tightening axial force, vibration, and temperature, with spalling and wear as the dominant modes of failure. The improvement in performance further came through dimensional changes reducing stress and deformation. The whole research highlights the need for attention to material selection and axial force control while designing roller bearings to be reliable and efficient. Findings of the present study may thus advocate for the use of AISI 52100 alloy steel in applications requiring high performance and durability. Future studies might look at advanced materials and optimized designs to further advance bearing reliability under demanding conditions.

Dentoalveolar alterations after interventions to relieve mouth breathing : Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mouth breathing is related to morphological and functional alterations in growing individuals. Understanding early events that can lead to these changes can prevent or decrease the need for orthodontic treatment. The goal was to assess the prognosis for dental alterations evidenced by changes in the incisor inclination and arch width after surgical intervention to normalize the mode of breathing in growing patients. Databases were searched based on the guidelines of the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA statement), with no restrictions on language or year of publication. Seven non-randomized studies were selected, with follow-up times ranging from 12to 60months. Differences in the inclination of the upper and lower incisors, intercanine and intermolar maxillary widths between the initial and final measurements were the primary and second outcomes. Two independent authors extracted the data independently. The Quality in Prognosis Studies tool (QUIPS tool) and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) were used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of evidence. Although four studies presented asimilar methodology and significant results regarding incisor inclination, the meta-analysis did not provide statistical evidence favoring surgical interventions for these variables (p = 0.12). No significant changes in the transverse dimension of the maxillary arch were found in the primary dentition (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.231 [-0.394/0.857], p = 0.4690). Four separate studies provided acceptable but low evidence that interventions to relieve mouth breathing in growing individuals favor normalization of lower incisor inclination. In the primary dentition, no significant changes were found in the arch width.

Comparative study on the drying mechanisms and characteristic changes of fabrics according to heat transfer principles

Microwave-convection (MWC) drying was compared with hot air-convection (HAC) drying to elucidate the differences in the drying characteristics of fabrics based on the moisture type and drying performance. For a single fabric, free water removal was more effective with MWC drying, whereas HAC drying was better suited for bound water removal. For stacked fabrics, the moisture leveling effect of MWC drying enabled a uniform drying of the fabric, evaporating both free water and bound water. The dimensional change of MWC was lower than that of HAC, and the toughness and fiber morphology of the fabrics dried using MWC were comparable to those of untreated fabrics. Furthermore, MWC drying exhibited a higher energy efficiency with increasing fabric loads. The lower drying performance of HAC drying was attributed to the convection of hot air and the limitation of heat conduction. The findings of this study are expected to help develop automatic drying algorithms for household dryers.