Decrease In Pressure Research Articles

Losartan attenuates sex-dependent hypertension, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment in the aging male sprague-dawley rat.

The prevalence of hypertension increases with age and is the leading modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. At present, the neural mechanisms promoting hypertension across the lifespan are incompletely understood. Using the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat as a model of normal aging, we hypothesized (1) blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption and neuroinflammation in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus enhances sympathetic tone and contributes to age-dependent hypertension, (2) age-dependent hypertension is associated with cognitive impairment, and (3) lowering blood pressure in aged rats with established hypertension improves cognitive function. We found male, but not female, rats develop age-dependent hypertension with enhanced sympathetic tone, BBB disruption, and neuroinflammation in the PVN. Aged hypertensive male rats also showed impairments in recognition and spatial memory. Utilizing pharmacological interventions, blood pressure was lowered in male rats with established hypertension using either losartan (LOS) or hydrochlorothiazide. However, only losartan improved recognition memory. Further, LOS reduced BBB disruption, microglial activation, astrocyte reactivity, and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the PVN which we speculate contributes to a decrease in blood pressure. These data show SD rats develop age-dependent hypertension and cognitive impairment in a sex-dependent manner. However, not all antihypertensive agents improve cognitive function equally as only losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist (AT1R) improved recognition memory. Thus, AT1R antagonists represent a potential therapeutic approach for treating cognitive decline in the aging population.

Interannual Dynamics of Structural and Functional Characteristics of Macrophytobenthos in the Coastal Zone of a Recreational Complex (Sevastopol, Black Sea)

A comparison of the interannual (1985, 2004, and 2015) dynamics of nine structural and functional characteristics of macrophytobenthos in the coastal waters of the Victory Park (a developing recreational zone of the city of Sevastopol, including the city beach) was carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), factor analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) and taking into account the depth of macrophyte habitat and concentrations of mineral forms of nitrogen and phosphorus. Interannual statistically significant differences have been found for most of the analyzed variables. It has been shown that rearrangement of the macrophytobenthos structure occurs with an increase in the nutrient pressure on the water area. Perennial dominant species are replaced by physiologically active and rapidly growing ephemeral species with a developed surface; the biomass of dominant species decreases against the background of increased biomass of epiphytes and associated species. As the nutrient pressure decreases, the bottom phytocoenosis begins to recover.

Decoction of bay leaf (syzygium polyanthum) against the reduction of high blood pressure in 3-month injectable birth control receptors

Introduction: Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious health problem and has the potential to trigger various complications, such as heart disease and stroke. Bay leaf (Syzygium polyanthum), which is traditionally used as an herbal medicine, is known to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which have the potential to lower blood pressure. However, research on the effectiveness of bay leaf decoction in 3-month injectable birth control receptors is still limited. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of bay leaf decoction (Syzygium polyanthum) on the reduction of high blood pressure in 3-month injectable birth control receptors. Methods: This study uses a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test design in one group. A total of 60 respondents who were long-term acceptors of 3-month injectable birth control with high blood pressure were selected purposively. The respondents were given a decoction of bay leaves every day. Blood pressure was measured before and after the intervention using a digital sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test to determine the significant difference between blood pressure before and after the intervention. Result: The study showed a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after administering bay leaf decoction. The average decrease in systolic blood pressure was 12 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure was eight mmHg after 14 days of consumption. The paired t-test showed a p< value of 0.05, indicating a significant difference between blood pressure before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Bay leaf decoction (Syzygium polyanthum) significantly lowers high blood pressure in 3-month injectable birth control receptors. These results suggest that bay leaf can be a potential complementary therapy in the management of hypertension, especially for those who use long-term hormonal contraceptives. Although the results of this study are promising, more research with larger sample sizes and extended intervention periods is needed to confirm these findings and assess the long-term safety of using bay leaf decoction

Estimating surface pressure on flexible structures subjected to flow-induced vibrations

A conventional flag is placed downstream of the inverted half cylinder to study pressure over the flag's surface due to fluid-flexible body interaction between the flag and the vortices generated by the half cylinder. An immersed boundary method provides a reliable and fast solution to the fluid-structure interaction problems, albeit with limitation. One such limitation is the accurate pressure profile over the Lagrangian grid, i.e., the structure boundary. A pressure prediction algorithm is proposed which couples with the improved immersed boundary method to predict pressure over flag's surface. The effect of flow patterns on flag's surface pressure is studied by varying flag's distance from the bluff body. The pressure results are analyzed as negative and positive pressure fluctuations from the assigned reference pressure in the far field. Results show high flag surface pressure at a smaller stream-wise distance. A subsequent decrease in flow pressure is observed, when the stream-wise distance is increased. Changing span-distance shows that the highest pressure occurs at Gy = 0.25 with a significant drop at span positions of 0 and 0.5. The average pressure over the flag's surface is also affected by the vibration modes and the vortex shedding from the surface of the flag. The deflected mode appears at a smaller stream-wise distance accompanied by additional vortex shedding from the flag surface resulting in a high average pressure. Whereas biased and conventional flapping modes appear as stream-wise distance is progressively decreased resulting in reduced average pressure. Hydrodynamic analysis shows that the vortices originating from the bluff body and their subsequent interaction with the flag serve as the primary source of pressure fluctuations resulting in a change in the pressure profile over the surface of the flag.

Renal pressure-flow relationship and renin activation in a porcine model comparing unilateral and bilateral renal artery stenosis.

Because renal artery stenosis (RAS) often presents bilateral, we sought to investigate the renal pressure-flow relationship and its relation to renin release, in the presence of a contralateral significant stenosis. A porcine model of graded unilateral RAS in the presence of a significant contralateral stenosis was created. The severity of the stenosis was expressed as the ratio between distal renal pressure (Pd) and aortic pressure (Pa). Pd and renal flow velocity were continuously measured using a combined pressure-flow wire (Combowire®). Hemodynamic measurements and blood sampling for renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone were performed in baseline conditions and during progressive balloon inflation in the renal artery leading to stepwise 5% Pd decrements. Resistive index (RI) was computed as (1-(End Diastolic V/Maximum Peak Systolic V))*100. A decrease of average peak flow velocity (APV) was observed when distal renal perfusion pressure decreased by 25% and was associated with activation of renin secretion. The RI decreased already for minimal changes in Pd/Pa ratio. In an animal model of unilateral graded RAS in the presence of a significant contralateral stenosis, a 25% decrease in perfusion pressure results in a significant decrease in distal renal flow, causing a more pronounced upregulation of renin secretion when compared to a model of graded unilateral RAS without contralateral significant RAS.

Magma Chamber Response to Ice Unloading: Applications to Volcanism in the West Antarctic Rift System.

Volcanic activity has been shown to affect Earth's climate in a myriad of ways. One such example is that eruptions proximate to surface ice will promote ice melting. In turn, the crustal unloading associated with melting an ice sheet affects the internal dynamics of the underlying magma plumbing system. Geochronologic data from the Andes over the last two glacial cycles suggest that glaciation and volcanism may interact via a positive feedback loop. At present, accurate sea-level predictions hinge on our ability to forecast the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, and thus require consideration of two-way subglacial volcano-deglaciation processes. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is particularly vulnerable to collapse, yet its position atop an active volcanic rift is seldom considered. Ice unloading deepens the zone of melting and alters the crustal stress field, impacting conditions for dike initiation, propagation, and arrest. However, the consequences for internal magma chamber dynamics and long-term eruption behavior remain elusive. Given that unloading-triggered volcanism in West Antarctica may contribute to the uncertainty of ice loss projections, we adapt a previously published thermomechanical magma chamber model and simulate a shrinking ice load through a prescribed lithostatic pressure decrease. We investigate the impacts of varying unloading scenarios on magma volatile partitioning and eruptive trajectory. Considering the removal of km-thick ice sheets, we demonstrate that the rate of unloading influences the cumulative mass erupted and consequently the heat released into the ice. These findings provide fundamental insights into the complex volcano-ice interactions in West Antarctica and other subglacial volcanic settings.

Kombinasi Senam Lansia dan Obat Hipertensi Berpengaruh terhadap Tekanan Darah Lansia Penderita Hipertensi

Hypertension management can be done pharmacologically or by administering drugs and non-pharmacologically, one of which is elderly gymnastics. Hypertension if not given proper management can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a combination of elderly gymnastics and antihypertensive drugs on blood pressure in elderly people with hypertension. This research method uses a quasi-experimental design with a pre-post test nonequivalent control group design approach. The sample of this study was 39 respondents with a total sampling technique, the intervention group consisted of 20 respondents and the control group consisted of 19 respondents. The hypothesis test of this study used the T-test because the data was normally distributed with a p-value> 0.05. The results of this study obtained a significance value of systolic and diastolic pressure in the intervention group p-value = 0.000, while in the control group the significance value of systolic blood pressure p-value = 0.000 and diastolic pressure p-value = 0.048. So it can be stated that the decrease in blood pressure in the intervention group was more optimal than in the control group. Conclusion: There is an effect of giving a combination of elderly exercise and antihypertensive drugs on the blood pressure of elderly people with hypertension

Investigation on the suitability of conventional film hole under pulsed detonation incoming flow conditions

As a novel and efficient engine, the pulse detonation engine will increasingly demand advanced cooling technology. Film cooling, widely utilized in conventional aero engines, is also anticipated to be employed in pulse detonation engines. However, further investigation is required to assess the suitability of conventional film holes for pulse detonation engines. This study determines the cooling characteristics of a plate with a single film hole in a pulse detonation engine operating at a frequency of 30Hz through numerical calculations. The types of film holes considered include cylindrical, fan-shaped, laid-back, laid-back fan-shaped, and converging-slot holes, all of which have a diameter of 1 mm and an inclination angle of 30°. The single pulse detonation period is divided into stages: initiation and detonation wave propagation, gas exhaust, and refilling. During the initiation and detonation wave propagation stage, the film hole exhibits a significant backflow phenomenon, with the magnitude of gas backflow positively correlated with the outlet area of the film hole. Notably, the converging-slot hole experiences the least amount of gas backflow, with an exit area 33 % smaller than that of cylindrical holes and a corresponding 18 % reduction in backflow enthalpy. Throughout the initiation and detonation wave propagation stage, the backflow gas carries an enthalpy ranging from 0.43 J to 0.63 J into each individual film hole. In the gas exhaust stage, the blowing ratio increases over time as the mainstream pressure decreases, leading to a rapid decline in the film cooling effectiveness of the cylindrical and laid-back holes. The converging-slot holes have the largest film covering area, thus exhibiting the highest film cooling effectiveness, which is 53 % higher than that of the cylindrical hole. In the refilling stage, the mainstream temperature reaches the same level as the secondary flow temperature, rendering the consideration of the cooling characteristics of the film hole unnecessary. Under the conditions of this study, the converging-slot hole is found to be most suitable for cooling the pulse detonation engine.

UBR1 Promotes Sex-Dependent ACE2 Ubiquitination in Hypertension.

Ang-II (angiotensin II) impairs the function of the antihypertensive enzyme ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) by promoting its internalization, ubiquitination, and degradation, thus contributing to hypertension. However, few ACE2 ubiquitination partners have been identified, and their role in hypertension remains unknown. Proteomics and bioinformatic analyses were used to identify ACE2 ubiquitination partners in the brain, heart, and kidney of hypertensive C57BL6/J mice of both sexes. The interaction between UBR1 (ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component N-recognin) and ACE2 was validated in cells. Central and peripheral UBR1 knockdown was then performed in male mice to investigate its role in the maintenance of hypertension. Proteomics analysis of the hypothalamus identified UBR1 as a potential E3 (ubiquitin protein ligase) ligase promoting ACE2 ubiquitination. Enhanced UBR1 expression, associated with ACE2 reduction, was confirmed in various tissues from hypertensive male mice and human samples. Treatment of endothelial and smooth muscle cells with testosterone, but not 17β-estradiol, confirmed a sex-specific regulation of UBR1. In vivo silencing of UBR1 using chronic administration of small interference RNA resulted in the restoration of ACE2 levels in hypertensive male mice. A transient decrease in blood pressure after intracerebroventricular, but not systemic, infusion was also observed. Interestingly, UBR1 knockdown increased brain activation of Nedd4-2 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 4), an E3 ligase promoting ACE2 ubiquitination, and reduced expression of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1, the kinase that inactivates Nedd4-2. These data demonstrate that UBR1 is a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase targeting ACE2 in hypertension. UBR1 and Nedd4-2 appear to work synergistically to ubiquitinate ACE2. Targeting these ubiquitin ligases may represent a novel strategy to restore ACE2 compensatory activity in hypertension.

Evaluation of the effect of hemodynamic factors on retinal microcirculation by using 3D confocal image-based computational fluid dynamics

PurposeTo investigate local hemodynamic changes resulting from elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in different vasculature networks using a computational fluid dynamics model based on 3D reconstructed confocal microscopic images.MethodsThree-dimensional rat retinal vasculature was reconstructed from confocal microscopy images using a 3D U-Net-based labeling technique, followed by manual correction. We conducted a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis on different retinal vasculature networks derived from a single rat. Various venule and arteriole pressures were applied to mimic the effects of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a major glaucoma risk factor. An increase in IOP typically correlates with a decrease in venous pressure. We also varied the percentage of capillary dropout, simulating the loss of blood vessels within the capillary network, by reducing the volume of the normal capillary network by 10%, 30%, and 50%. Based on the output of the CFD analysis, we calculated velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), and pressure gradient for different vasculature densities.ResultsArteriolar pressure, venular pressure, and capillary dropout appear to be important factors influencing wall shear stress in the rat capillary network. Our study revealed that the pressure gradient between arterioles and venules strongly affects the local wall shear stress distribution across the 3D retinal vasculature. Specifically, under a pressure gradient of 3,250 Pa, the wall shear stress was found to vary between 0 and 20 Pa, with the highest shear stress observed in the region of the superficial layer. Additionally, capillary dropout led to a 25% increase or decrease in wall shear stress in affected areas.ConclusionThe hemodynamic differences under various arteriole and venule pressures, along with different capillary dropout conditions, could help explain the development of various optic disorders, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion.

Long-Term Effects of a Comprehensive Intervention Strategy for Salt Reduction in China: Scale-Up of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Salt intake in China was high and a series of salt reduction measures were accordingly carried out recently. Our study aimed to assess the long-term effect of a scale-up community randomized controlled trial (RCT); Methods: Individuals between the ages of 18 and 75, from six provinces in China, were recruited and randomized into control (n = 1347) and intervention (n = 1346) groups. A one-year salt reduction intervention was first implemented in the intervention group, followed by a two-year scale-up intervention in both groups. The 24 h urine sample, anthropometric measurement, and knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of salt reduction, as well as lifestyle information, were collected at baseline, after one-year RCT (mid-term evaluation, n = 2456), and two-year scale-up intervention (terminal evaluation, n = 2267); Results: Both control (351.82 mg/24 h, p < 0.001) and intervention (192.84 mg/24 h, p = 0.006) groups showed a decrease in 24 h urinary sodium excretion from baseline to terminal evaluation. Except for an increase in 24 h urinary potassium excretion (85.03 mg/24 h, p = 0.004) and a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (2.95 mm Hg, p < 0.001) in the intervention group at the mid-term assessment, no statistically significant differences in other indicators were found between two groups. The KAP of salt reduction in two groups was gradually improved; Conclusions: After one-year RCT two-year scale-up, all participants showed a decreasing trend in 24 h urinary sodium excretion and an increase in salt reduction KAP. The community salt reduction intervention package has the potential for broader application across other regions in China.

Larger size of Conn's adenoma is associated with lower cure rates post adrenalectomy.

The cure for patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) secondary to solitary adrenal adenoma is adrenalectomy. We investigated the impact of size of Conns' tumour on hypertension resolution in a multi-ethnic South East Asian Cohort. Retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent surgery for PHA between January 2010 to December 2022 was performed. Clinicopathological parameters that included tumour size, blood pressure parameters, class and dosage of drugs, biochemical indices and details of surgery were collected. Cure of hypertension was defined as normal blood pressure post-adrenalectomy. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of < 0.05. 94 patients (40 female:54 male; 102 women; age 49.3 ± 11.8 years) with PHA were operated on laparoscopically (79 trans-abdominal and 15 retroperitoneal approach). Tumour size ranged from 0.4 to 4.6cm (mean 1.5 ± 0.6cm). Hypertension Grades were Grade 1 in 38 (40%), Grade 2 in 45 (48%) and Grade 3 in 11 (12%) patients. Patients were on a mean of 3 classes of drugs prior to surgery and this decreased to mean of 1 class of drug post adrenalectomy. All patients were rendered normokalaemic and overall cure of the patients from hypertension was 82.0%. Large adenoma (defined as greater than 1.5cm) resulting in a greater decrease in blood pressure (mean decrease of 32mmHg systolic, 15mmHg diastolic and MAP 20mmHg) in comparison to smaller adenomas (p = 0.003), but with lower cure rates of hypertension (p = 0.038). Large Conn's adenomas result in a greater reduction in blood pressure post-adrenalectomy but with decreased cure rates of hypertension compared to the small adenomas.

Correlating concurrent-flow flame spread rates in different pressure and oxygen conditions: Ground experiments and comparisons with previous micro-, partial, and normal gravities experiments

Ambient pressure and gravity are important parameters in buoyant flow that governs upward flame spread process. Based on the concept of pressure modelling, this experimental study investigates extinction and upward flame spread process of a thermally-thin solid fuel in different pressure and oxygen conditions. Experiments are performed in a combustion chamber in air at different pressures (ranging from 10 kPa to 100 kPa) and different oxygen molar fraction environment (9–21 %). As pressure increases, different burning behaviors are observed: no ignition, partial flame spread, steady flame spread, and accelerating flame spread. Similar trend is observed as the ambient oxygen molar fraction increases. In partial pressure conditions (e.g., 25–50 kPa), flames exhibit characteristics that are typically observed in micro- and partial gravity environments: blue and dim. Flame spread rate and sample burnt length are deduced and compared between different pressure and oxygen levels. Overall, the burning intensity and the flame spread rate decrease with the decrease in ambient pressure and oxygen. The decrease in flame spread rate at reduced pressure is attributed to increase in flame standoff distance and decrease in convective heat transfer to the solid, whereas the decrease in flame spread rate in reduced oxygen molar fraction environment is attributed to decrease in flame temperature. Lastly, current and previous studies performed at different ambient environments are correlated using the concept of flame standoff distance (δf), which is estimated using the theoretical viscous boundary layer thickness (δv). It was found that approximating δf∼δvfor forced flow and δf∼1/3δv for natural flow can predict the flame spread rate reasonably well for data obtained in micro-, partial, and normal gravities, for a wide range of environmental conditions away from extinction limits.

The physiological anti-hypertensive peptide catestatin and its common human variant Gly364Ser: differential cardiovascular effects in a rat model of hypertension.

Catestatin (CST), a 21-amino acids physiological peptide, has emerged as a key modulator of cardiovascular functions due to its anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective properties. However, the ramifications of the most common human variant of CST (viz. Gly364Ser) on cardiovascular pathophysiology remain partially understood. In this study, hypertension was induced in uninephrectomized rats by treatment with deoxycorticosterone-acetate and sodium chloride (DOCA-salt). The DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive (DSHR) animals were then intraperitoneally administered with either CST wild-type (CST-WT) or 364Ser variant (CST-Ser) peptide. CST-Ser was profoundly less effective than CST-WT in rescuing the elevated systolic blood pressure [from ~211 mmHg to ~176 mmHg, p<0.0001 (CST-Ser) versus ~116 mmHg, p<0.0001 (CST-WT)] and heart rate [from ~356 bpm to ~314 bpm, p=0.66 (CST-Ser) versus ~276 bpm, p=0.02 (CST-WT)]. CST-Ser also showed diminished effects in lowering diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in the DSHR animals. Furthermore, CST-Ser was inefficient/markedly less potent in rescuing the impaired contractile and diastolic function in DSHR animals [improvements in the contractility index by ~22 s-1 (CST-Ser), p=0.15 versus by ~84 s-1 (CST-WT), p<0.0001 and decrease in end-diastolic pressure by ~4 mmHg (CST-Ser), p=0.015 versus by ~14 mmHg (CST-WT), p<0.0001]. Moreover, CST-Ser exerted less potent anti-inflammatory effects on the DSHR hearts than CST-WT. These findings are in concordance with the elevated systolic/diastolic blood pressure observed in Ser variant carriers from various human populations. This study provides compelling evidence for the diminished anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the CST-Gly364Ser variant.

Influence of strength inhomogeneity on transboundary expansion characteristics of hydraulically fractured fractures in coal seams

Coal, a vital strategic resource, facilitates industrial development and socio-economic progress. Ensuring the high-quality development of the coal industry is crucial for national energy security and safety. Coal and gas outbursts are frequent hazards in coal mining processes. This research delves into the impact of heterogeneous coal seam strength on hydraulic fracturing propagation, utilizing both physical experimentation and the ABAQUS finite element approach. Experimental findings reveal distinct variations in water injection pressure profiles and fracturing fluid distribution patterns within coal seams of varying strengths, in contrast to those exhibiting uniform strength. When fractures propagate from a weaker to stronger coal seam region, a notable increase in pressure build-up effect is observed, leading to higher water injection pressure, wider fracture widths, augmented coal body displacement, and an elevated rate of rigidity reduction. In this study, the physical test results and numerical simulation results are verified with each other. After fractures propagate across the interface, zone with higher coal seam strength experience decreased fracture width, lower coal body displacement, and slower rates of rigidity decline compared to weaker seam zone. When fractures propagate from high to low coal seam areas, the fracture experiences instantaneous cross-boundary extension, resulting in a decrease in pore pressure, increased coal body displacement, and an elevated rate of rigidity decline.

Diagnosis and treatment experience of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: A multicenter retrospective study in China

BackgroundIn recent years, clinical cases of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia have gradually increased. Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia can quickly progress to severe pneumonia, leading to respiratory failure. Chlamydia psittaci cannot be detected by commonly used detection methods, leading to difficulties in clinical diagnosis and treatment, which may eventually develop into severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. Therefore, we should improve our diagnostic and treatment capabilities for this disease.MethodsThis article retrospectively studied 61 cases of pneumonia from 12 different provinces in China, and classified them into severe pneumonia and non-severe pneumonia. Divided into two groups, with 23 cases of severe pneumonia and 38 cases of non-severe pneumonia. We compared the two groups in terms of imaging, laboratory testing, treatment, prognosis, etc., hoping to provide better explanations and help clinical physicians better diagnose the disease.ResultsThere is no difference in age, gender, contact history, smoking history, or basic disease between severe and non-severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. The most prominent symptom is fever, with a median body temperature of 39.7 ℃, and other symptoms similar to common respiratory infections. White blood cells and neutrophils may not show significant elevation, but C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) will both show significant elevation, often accompanied by a decrease in arterial oxygen pressure. Some patients may experience liver and kidney dysfunction, but there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Doxycycline remains the preferred drug for severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. The imaging mainly shows consolidation and bronchial inflation sign, and may also present with pleural effusion.ConclusionsThe imaging of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia usually shows consolidation with bronchial inflation sign, which can also be manifested as ground glass changes or solid masses. Atypical images are prone to misdiagnosis in the early stages. There are some differences in laboratory examination and imaging between severe pneumonia and non-severe pneumonia, which can help identify severe patients in the early stage. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) played an important role in the diagnosis of all cases in this article. Timely treatment has a good prognosis for the disease, and imaging lesions can be completely absorbed.

A comprehensive analysis of structural, electronic, optical, mechanical, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of direct band gap Sr3BF3 (B = As, Sb) photovoltaic compounds: DFT-GGA and mBJ approach

This study evaluates the physical properties of lead-free Sr3BF3 (B = As, Sb) photovoltaic compounds including structural, electronic, mechanical, optical, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric behavior using calculations based on DFT approach. Born stability criteria and formation enthalpy estimates show that the compounds under study are mechanically and thermodynamically stable. The initial lattice constants for Sr3AsF3 and Sr3SbF3 were determined to be 5.71 Å and 5.97 Å, respectively. While simulating the compounds under pressure, lattice constants, cell volumes, and bond lengths decrease. The band structure investigation shows that these compounds are semiconducting with an adjustable direct bandgap. The electronic band gap contracts by pressure, shifting the material from ultraviolet to the visible spectrum. This modification enhances electron transition from valence band maxima to conduction band minima, enhancing optical efficiency. The shift and rise in ductility and machinability index under pressure ensures good lubrication, low friction, and significant plastic deformation suitable for many industrial applications. Simultaneously, the static dielectric constant increases, increasing absorption and conductivity and red-shifting the optical spectrum, and reducing reflectivity in the visible spectrum. The thermodynamic behavior of the compounds was affected by both pressure and temperature variation. The thermoelectric figure of merit becomes closer to unity with a shorter band gap, indicating increased efficiency. Our findings suggest that Sr3BF3 (B = As, Sb) photovoltaic compounds could be used for the invention of next-generation solar cells and thermoelectric devices.

Experience of patent ductus arteriosus ligation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment in newborns with severe respiratory failure due to persistent pulmonary hypertension: a single-center retrospective study

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to summarize our center’s experience with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in newborns with severe respiratory failure due to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).MethodsWe retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data from five newborns with severe respiratory failure due to PPHN who underwent PDA ligation during ECMO treatment at our hospital between January 2021 and August 2023.ResultsAll five patients had large PDAs, measuring 10 mm, 6 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, and 6 mm, respectively. Significant left-to-right shunting through the PDA was observed after 29 h, 14 h, 3 h, 7 h, and 5 h of ECMO treatment, respectively, at which point successful PDA ligation was performed. The surgical durations were 52 min, 45 min, 55 min, 50 min, and 40 min, respectively. Post-ligation, blood lactate levels significantly decreased compared to preoperative values. Four patients were successfully weaned off ECMO, with ECMO support durations of 64 h, 92 h, 70 h, and 87 h, respectively. After ECMO removal, mechanical ventilation was discontinued after 5.2 days, 7.2 days, 9.5 days, and 5.5 days, respectively. None of the four surviving patients experienced complications such as residual shunting, bleeding, chylothorax, neurologic injury, pneumothorax, poor wound healing, or sepsis.ConclusionDuring ECMO treatment for PPHN in newborns with large PDAs, the direction of blood flow through the PDA should be closely monitored. PDA ligation is a feasible and reasonable intervention when pulmonary artery pressure decreases and left-to-right shunting through the PDA becomes evident.

Effect of Green Tea Supplementation on Blood Pressure Among Hypertensive People: A Community-based Randomized Control Trial

Background: A significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, affects more than a billion people globally. Numerous non-pharmacological methods work well to lower blood pressure. The objective of this study was to assess the short-term effect of green tea supplementation on blood pressure among people with hypertension. Methods: This community-based randomized controlled trial was conducted among people with hypertension recruited using a purposive sampling technique from the village of Lakhnaur, Mohali, Punjab, India. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either supplementation with green tea beverage (one cup/day) or no intervention. The primary outcome measure was systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure was measured at the baseline and 15 days after the intervention using a standard calibrated digital sphygmomanometer. Results: Post-intervention, the decrease in the mean systolic blood pressure was significantly greater (p &lt;) in the experimental group (129.83±6.497) than in the control group (135.0±6.433). Conclusion: Green tea supplementation significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure among study participants. Green tea may be included as part of a lifestyle intervention to manage and control systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Unlocking the Cardiovascular Benefits of Walnuts: Insights on Molecular Mechanism From Animal Studies.

The health-promoting benefits of walnut consumption are substantially ascribed to its fatty acid (FA) profile, which is rich in polyunsaturated FA with an exceptionally high n-3 to n-6 ratio. There are also phytonutrients in walnuts that are linked to health welfare. This review article integrates all studies on the effects of walnuts on the cardiovascular system performed on experimental animals, and thus is a source of data on the mechanisms underlying the observed effects. These studies, which are very diverse in experimental design, indicate that a diet enriched with walnuts or treating animals with walnut extract or chemical constituents of walnuts, has many favorable effects on heart and vascular system function. The cardiovascular effect of walnuts depends on the metabolic status of the organism. Among the cardiovascular effects of walnuts is that they improve the FA profile in the circulation and heart in favor of n-3 polyunsaturated FAs. In addition, a favorable effect on triglyceride and cholesterol status, which reduces cardiovascular disease risk, is observed. Intake of walnuts promotes FA catabolism and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiarrhythmic effects. Walnuts also have a beneficial effect on vascular tone, accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure and reduced risk for atherosclerosis. In conclusion, studies on experimental animals encourage the consumption of walnuts as a simple, convenient approach to improve cardiovascular health.