Decrease In Thickness Research Articles

Experimental investigation on the reverse mechano-electrical effect of porcine articular cartilage

IntroductionThe electric signals within the cartilage tissue are essential to biological systems and play a significant role in cartilage regeneration. Therefore, this study analyzed and investigated the reverse mechano-electrical effect in porcine articular cartilage and its related influencing factors.MethodsThe deflection of cartilage samples in an electric field was measured to analyze the mechanisms of different factors affecting the reverse mechano-electrical effect in articular cartilage.ResultsThe results showed that the cartilage thickness, water content, and externally applied voltage all impacted the deflection of the cartilage. The reduction in cartilage water content resulted in a decrease in cartilage thickness, following the same influencing mechanism as thickness. On the other hand, an increase in the externally applied voltage led to an increase in the electric field force within the cartilage space, consequently increasing the deflection of the cartilage in the electric field. Additionally, the externally applied voltage also caused a slight temperature rise in the vicinity of the cartilage specimens, and the magnitude of the temperature increase was proportional to the externally applied voltage.DiscussionThe fitting results of the experimental data indicated that cartilage thickness influenced the dielectric constant and moment of inertia of the cartilage in the electric field, thereby affecting the magnitude of the electric field force and deflection of the cartilage. This may provide valuable insights for further investigation into the microscopic mechanisms of cell proliferation, differentiation, and cartilage regeneration induced by electrical stimulation.

Multi-objective optimization of comprehensive performance in airfoil channel PCHEs using Bézier curves

The airfoil fin (AFF) Printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) has attracted significant attention for its excellent comprehensive performance. This study proposes an optimized design for AFF PCHE to enhance the comprehensive performance by integrating Bézier curves, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). A set of 12 Bézier curve-based variables is utilized to define and control the airfoil geometry, with optimization targets set on two comprehensive evaluation criteria: the first enhanced ratio (η1) and the third enhanced ratio (η3). The MOGA-generated Pareto front reveals the evolution of AFF structures in relation to η1 and η3. Results show that as the leading and trailing edges of the AFFs become sharper and the thickness decreases, the η1 of the PCHE channel gradually increases, while η3 decreases. Conversely, as the thickness of the AFFs increases and the trailing edge shape transitions from blunt to elliptical and finally to round, η3 significantly increases while η1 decreases. Furthermore, when changes focus mainly on the leading edge of the AFFs, η3 improves without markedly affecting η1. Compared to the traditional airfoil channel, the η1 of the Fin-b channel increases by 3.1%-10.8%, demonstrating its greater suitability under identical flow rate conditions. Similarly, the η3 of the Fin-g channel is 1.4%-11.6% higher than that of the traditional airfoil channel, highlighting its superior performance under identical pumping power conditions. The present work provides a valuable reference for optimizing the design of AFF PCHEs under identical flow rate and pumping power conditions.

3D evaluation of changes in mandibular condyle morphology following orthognathic surgery in patients with maxillomandibular asymmetry: A retrospective study.

Symmetry is integral for the balance and function of the craniofacial complex and making precise diagnosis of asymmetric craniofacial structures is crucial for treatment planning. This study focuses on maxillomandibular asymmetry, examining its impact on condylar resorption and trabecular bone morphology changes following orthognathic surgery. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients with and without asymmetry were analyzed pre- and post-surgery. The deviation group exhibited significant decreases in bone volume (BV) and trabecular thickness (TB.TH), indicating condylar resorption. Non-deviation group showed a significant decrease in TB.TH post-surgery. Interestingly, fractal dimension (FD) increased post-surgery across all groups, indicating increased trabecular bone density. Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in BV_CHANGE between deviation and non-deviation groups, suggesting greater resorptive activity in deviated condyles. Additionally, gender-based analyses showed significant differences in BV_CHANGE between males and females. These findings highlight the complexity of condylar changes post-surgery, particularly in asymmetric cases, shedding light on potential implications for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health. Consideration of factors such as asymmetry direction, patient gender, and bone adaptation capacity are crucial in understanding post-surgical outcomes and potential TMJ implications in maxillomandibular asymmetry patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

A Study of Mechanical Seal Rings Thermal and Force Deformations in Energy Rotor Machines

The operating experience of mechanical seals shows that as a result of angular deformations of the rings, wear of the contact surfaces along radius is uneven. In the area of hydrodynamic load support in the case of a confusor joint or a converging film, the slope of the pressure diagram is such that a decrease in the film thickness increases the hydrodynamic support. This enables stable non-contact sealing operation. When designing mechanical seals, it is necessary to calculate the deformations of the sealing rings caused by both the pressure of the medium being sealed and thermal effects in order to predict the size and direction of the radial cone and avoid unstable operation of the seal. The execution of the rubbing surfaces of the interface of the end pair should ensure the formation of the calculated confusor shape of the sealing gap in all modes of operation.

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Effects of Arnica Extract Hydrogel Patch in Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation and Hot Plate Pain Models

Arnica montana (AM), which belongs to the daisy family Asteraceae, has a longstanding traditional use in Europe and North America for pain and inflammation treatment. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of ‘Arnica montana extract hydrogel patch (AHP)’ on Carrageenan-induced paw edema and hot plate-induced pain models. AHP exhibited transdermal permeability without the occurrence of issues like crystal precipitation. This study employed two animal model assessments using AHP, in comparison with Arnicare Gel (AG), to evaluate anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects. AHP treatment for 2 days showed a decrease in paw edema thickness in mice as compared to vehicle or AG groups; Carrageenan-induced swelling increased maximally at 1 h with the AHP group demonstrating a higher reduction. Thus, the AHP group exhibited a lower ratio of right/left paw thickness and a superior reduction in swelling, supportive of its ability to diminish edema. A histological analysis showed that AHP treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Consistently, the mRNA levels of inflammatory markers (tnfa, il1b, and il6) were decreased to a greater extent than the AG group. Particularly, tnfa inhibition was better in the AHP group, and the levels of il1b and il6 transcripts showed ~80% and 40% lower. Likewise, AHP reduced pain scores in a hot plate-induced rat model, although AG failed to do so. Together, these results demonstrate that AHP has long-lasting inhibitory effects on fluid effusion and edema formation, the production of inflammatory mediators, and pain-sensation, supporting its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving pharmacological effects.

Optimization of the Geometric Characteristics of Damping Layers for Acoustic Black Hole Beams Based on the Backpropagation Algorithm

In real-world scenarios, it is common to apply a damping layer of a specific thickness to the surface of an acoustic black hole (ABH) beam to boost its energy dissipation capacity. However, it has become apparent that excessive damping layers might result in negative consequences. The present study suggests employing the backpropagation (BP) algorithm to refine the positioning, thickness, and contour of the damping layer for optimal results. This study begins with the derivation of a semi-analytical solution for the vibration characteristics of an ABH beam under a harmonic load using the Gaussian expansion method (GEM). This process results in the preliminary identification of a thickness profile for the damping layer that exhibits significant potential for energy dissipation. Subsequently, a BP neural network is trained on the data produced by the semi-analytical solution to further optimize this thickness variation function. The findings reveal that the geometry of the damping layer has a more complex influence on performance than previously recognized. The optimization guided by the BP neural network suggests that achieving a strong ABH effect does not require uniform application of the damping layer across the entire ABH section. Rather, the most effective approach is to concentrate the damping layer thickness at the ABH tip, with a rapid decrease in thickness as one moves away from this point. It is also determined that applying a damping layer in areas far from the tip is unnecessary. Additionally, an innovative strategy is proposed to enhance the system’s energy dissipation capabilities without changing the truncation thickness of the ABH beam. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how the damping layer affects the energy dissipation performance of ABH beams.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor Roxadustat Accelerates Wound Healing in a Mouse Hind limb Lymphedema Model.

Objective: Drugs regulating hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α have not been investigated for wound healing in lymphedema. Therefore, we examined the effects of drug modulation of HIF-1α activity for wound healing in our previously developed mouse model of nonirradiated hind limb lymphedema. Approach: Mouse hind limb lymphedema models (n = 17) and a sham group (n = 6) were created using 8- to 10-week-old male C57BL/6N mice. Mice with hind limb lymphedema were randomized into experimental groups receiving roxadustat, 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1), or dimethyl sulfoxide and were given intraperitoneal injections every 2 days for up to 2 weeks. Four days after the surgery, an 8-mm diameter full-thickness skin wound was created in the hind limb. The number of days required for wound closure and the percentage of wounds closed were measured. Skin samples taken at wound creation were evaluated by histological and molecular analysis. Results: Administration of roxadustat accelerated wound healing, whereas YC-1 delayed it, with a significant decrease and increase in skin thickness, respectively. The relative mRNA expression of Hif1α, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and interleukin-6 was significantly higher in the roxadustat group and that of metalloproteinase-9 was significantly lower in the roxadustat group compared with the control group. Innovation: This study is the first to demonstrate delayed wound healing in a mouse model of hind limb lymphedema and the first to demonstrate the promotion of significant wound healing through the use of roxadustat. Conclusion: Roxadustat exerts wound-healing effects and may promote the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling via gene expression in hind limb lymphedema wound models.

Investigating the effect of hot preforming combined with superplastic forming on thickness distribution and forming time of Ti-6Al-4V alloy using finite element analysis

The present work focuses on the development of a new superplastic forming (SPF) that utilizes hot preforming to improve thickness distribution and decrease forming time. For this purpose, finite element analysis (FEA) was employed as an efficient tool to indicate feasibility of the new method by designing the appropriate die geometry. The experimental tests were performed to find the tensile properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at different temperatures and angles. Detailed FEA technique was employed to model the SPF process by a constitutive model that considers both microstructural features and geometrical instabilities. The variations of the forming time and distribution of thickness due to the variation of the forming parameters such as strain rate and friction coefficient were studied to compare the results with the results of hot preforming combined with SPF process. The obtained results from FEA showed that this new method can provide a good thickness distribution, so that the thickness variation reduced from 44% to about 21% and the forming time considerably reduced from 1100 to 610 s.

Effect of customized 3D-printed MARPE appliance on hard tissues, soft tissues, and airway: A prospective CBCT study.

The advances in technology have enabled the customization of appliances including mini-screw-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances for skeletal expansion in young adult patients. The study assessed the short-term effects of customized MARPE appliances on the hard tissues, soft tissues, and airway volume over a period of 6 months. A total of 15 patients in the age range of 15 to 25 years were treated for transverse maxillary deficiency using a three-dimensional (3D) printed customized MARPE appliance. The changes in hard tissues, soft tissues, and airway volume were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography before expansion (T0) and at 6 months post-expansion (T1). The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files were analyzed for post-expansion changes using the NemoCeph 3D and 3D Slicer 5.6.1 software. An effective skeletal expansion was observed with significant changes in intercanine, interpremolar, and intermolar width; and decreased mid-palatal suture density in the anterior region (P < .05). The changes in tooth inclination and alveolar bone thickness were mostly non-significant apart from a significant decrease in buccal bone thickness in the coronal third region (P < .05). There was no significant root resorption or change in airway volumes (P > .05). The philtrum height increased significantly by 1.17 mm (P = .019) with no significant change on right and left sides. Rapid palatal expansion with 3D-printed customized MARPE enables effective and symmetrical expansion with a significant increase in philtrum height and no significant adverse effects in terms of alveolar bone thickness, dental inclination, root resorption, and airway volumes.

P0777 Sonographic transmural induction outcomes across advanced therapies in Crohn’s Disease

Abstract Background Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is increasingly being used to evaluate induction efficacy in both clinical practice and clinical trials. The differential healing rates across advanced therapies (AT) remains unknown. We aimed to quantify the rates of early post induction IUS transmural (TM) remission and response across AT in Crohn’s Disease (CD). Methods Single center retrospective review of patients with CD initiating AT who underwent IUS pre and post induction and had disease activity and biomarker data available. Patients with normal pre-AT IUS or post op were excluded. Primary outcome was post-induction TM response of the most affected segment (segmental response compared to baseline: &amp;gt;25% decrease in bowel wall thickness (BWT), absolute BWT decrease &amp;gt;2mm, or absolute decrease &amp;gt;1mm with ≥1-point improvement in Modified Limberg Score (MLS)). Secondary outcomes were segmental and complete (all bowel segments) TM remission (BWT ≤ 3.0mm and MLS 0). Descriptive statistics summarized data (median [IQR]), univariate and multivariate analysis tested associations. Results 101 patients (53% female, age 17.4 [15.0-21.1] years); disease duration 0.80 years [0.17-3.96]; post induction IUS performed 78 days [56-102] on AT (44% anti-TNF, 53% AT naïve). Segmental TM induction response across all AT was 63%. Segmental and complete TM remission was 36% and 35%, respectively (figure). Complete TM remission was seen at a higher rate with upadacitinib (UPA) than ustekinumab (UST) (p=0.009) and risankizumab (RZB) (p=0.032) but not anti-TNF (NS). Patients with severe IUS inflammation (MLS 3) at baseline were less likely to achieve TM remission independent of AT (aOR 0.21 [0.059-0.76]). Complete TM remission was independently associated with infliximab (IFX) (aOR 11.7 [2.2-62.4]) and UPA (aOR 5.22 [1.0-27.2]). Rates of segmental TM response were greater for colonic than ileal disease in UST/RZB (88% vs 47%, p=0.038), but no different in TNF/UPA. Patients started on UST/RZB after &amp;gt;1 failed prior AT had a trend for lower rates of TM outcomes (NS), while number of prior therapies had no impact on UPA response or remission rates. Conclusion Post-induction TM outcomes are achievable across AT: 2/3 of patients achieve segmental TM response and 1/3 achieve complete TM remission. This data, combined with the high correlation between IUS and endoscopy, suggests that IUS response could be considered as a clinical trial endpoint.

Impact of topical and systemic therapy on carotid-intima media thickness in psoriasis.

Atherosclerosis, in which chronic inflammation is also effective in it's pathogenesis, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in psoriasis patients. Early diagnosis and management of atherosclerosis is important. Measurement of carotid intima media thickness is a method used to determine subclinical atherosclerosis. Our aim in this study is to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients and to examine the effects of targeted therapies on atherosclerosis. This study included 105 psoriasis patients who applied to psoriasis outpatient clinic between May 2022 and December 2022. The patients' age, gender, psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and the initiated treatment agent (topical treatment, sekukinumab, iksekizumab, guselkumab, risankizumab) were noted. Carotid intima-media thickness measurements were taken at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. In patients who were treated with secukinumab, ixekizumab, risankizumab, and guselkumab, there was a statistically significant decrease in catorid-intima media thickness at 6th month when compared with the baseline measurements (p = 0,002 p < 0,001 p < 0,001 p = 0,036 p < 0,001). On the other hand, an increase in the thickness was observed in the topical treatment group. According to our study results, targeted systemic treatments contribute to the improvement of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients, while this effect was not seen in topical treatments. These results are consistent with literature data reporting that psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease.

In vivo assessment of regional scleral stiffness by shear wave elastography and its association with choroid and retinal nerve fiber layer characteristics in high myopia.

To evaluate the posterior scleral stiffness of different regions in high myopic eyes and to explore its associations with macular choroidal and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and vasculature. Thirty subjects with high myopic eyes and 30 subjects with low myopic eyes were included in this study. The elastic modulus of the macular and peripapillary sclera at the temporal, nasal, superior and inferior regions were determined via shear wave elastography (SWE). Optical coherence tomography and angiography (OCT/OCTA) centered on the fovea and optic disc was obtained by using a commercially available swept-source OCT/OCTA device. Built-in automated software was used to quantify macular subfovea choroidal vessel volume (SFCVV), macular subfovea choroidal thickness (SFCT) and pRNFL thickness. The SWE results demonstrated that high myopic eyes had significantly lower macular and peripapillary scleral elastic modulus than low myopic eyes (P < 0.001). The reduction in the elastic modulus was slightly greater in the temporal peripapillary region, followed by the superior peripapillary, inferior and nasal peripapillary regions (P > 0.05). The linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between the posterior scleral elastic modulus and SFCT and inferior pRNFL thickness (P < 0.001). High myopic eyes had weakened posterior scleral stiffness. The regional change in the elastic modulus was associated with the SFCT and inferior quadrant pRNFL thickness. This novel in vivo quantitative assessment of scleral stiffness via SWE may help to characterize the underlying pathologic mechanism of scleral biomechanics on choroid and pRNFL changes in high myopia. WHAT IS KNOWN : Previous studies reported significant choroid thickness and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness decrease in high myopia The scleral stiffness is weakened in myopic eyes WHAT IS NEW : Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a novel tool to detect posterior scleral biomechanics in myopic eyes in vivo Stiffness of the posterior sclera at macular and peripapillary regions is lower in high myopic than in low myopic eyes The posterior scleral stiffness is correlated with subfovea choroidal thickness and inferior quadrant peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness.

4.5-Year Follow-up with a Novel Corneal Endothelial Prosthesis.

Refractory corneal edema is the foremost reason for endothelial corneal transplantation (EK) in the world. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) offer good clinical outcomes. However, human donor tissue is limited in availability and has a complex logistical chain. Many patients in need do not have access to EK. Success of the human donor tissue depends on its quality, the number of rebubbles, repeat keratoplasties, and patient-related risk factors. The use of an endothelial corneal keratoprosthesis could benefit patients with a high risk for graft failure and human graft rejection, and patients in underserved areas where tissue banking is unavailable. Case cohort series of 10 eyes of 10 patients implanted with the EndoArt, with a follow-up of up to 4.5 years. Outcome measures are device adherence, central corneal thickness, visual acuity, and incidence of adverse events. In the first seven eyes, the EndoArt was implanted in eyes with low visual potential within the first-in-human (FIH) trial, and in the three remaining eyes, implantation was performed because of either guarded posterior or anterior segment prognosis or the patient's wishes. In 9/10 eyes, device adherence was obtained and maintained throughout the follow-up period. Mean corneal thickness decreased from 927 + SD 241 microns to 621 + SD 140 microns. In 6/10 eyes, visual acuity improved from a mean preoperative value of logMAR 1.94 + 0.63 to a mean postoperative value of logMAR 0.8 + 0.64. No pathological thinning or corneal metabolic changes were seen. The surgical technique was developed during the follow-up period. The EndoArt provided a stable decrease in central corneal thickness, improved vision in 60% of eyes, and had no device-related adverse events. The EndoArt is an additional treatment modality for special cases like repeat corneal graft failure in the population of the Western world, or as a primary procedure in underserved areas worldwide.

STUDY OF TOPOMETRIC INDICATORS OF THE CORNEA AND VISUAL ACUITY AFTER LASER CORRECTION OF MODERATE AND HIGH MYOPIA

Purpose – to evaluate the relationship between changes in visual acuity and topometric parameters of the cornea after laser correction (LASIK, FS-LASIK, PRK) of moderate and high myopia. Material and methods Data from 34 patients with moderate myopia (68 eyes) and 20 patients with high myopia (40 eyes) before and after laser correction (at the 3rd month) were analyzed. Biometric indicators were obtained using Wavelight Allegretto Oculyzer (Alcon, Germany). Changes in indicators as a result of laser correction were obtained by determining the differences between these indicators before and after surgery. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship. Results The effectiveness of laser correction surgery was 92.6±2.5% after 3 months. Uncorrected visual acuity increased up to 10 times (0.08±0.06 and 0.84±0.015). There was an associated increase in visual acuity, a decrease in central corneal thickness (CT) and an increase in topometric indices: the index of surface variance (ISV), the index of vertical asymmetry (IVA), the index of height asymmetry (IHA) and the index of height desentration (IHD). A weak correlation was found between visual acuity and topometric indices, and a strong correlation between a number of topometric indices. Conclusion In patients with myopia corneal topometric parameters change after laser correction. In most cases, the correlation between them is weak, a strong correlation (r≥0.7) was found between ISV and IVA, IVA and IHD, IHA and IHD, IHD and IVA. These positive changes may be associated with a decrease in the central (CT) and an increase in topometric parameters. Key words: visual acuity, topometric parameters, cornea, myopia, laser correction

Morphological characterization of retinal development from birth to adulthood via retinal thickness assessment in mice: A systematic review.

The morphology and thickness of the retinal layers are valuable biomarkers for retinal health and development. The retinal layers in mice are similar to those in humans; thus, a mouse is appropriate for studying the retina. The objectives of this systematic review were: (1) to describe normal retinal morphology quantitatively using retinal layer thickness measured from birth to age 6 months in healthy mice; and (2) to describe morphological changes in physiological retinal development over time using the longitudinal (in vivo) and cross-sectional (ex vivo) data from the included studies. A PubMed search was conducted for articles published from to 1980-2024 that included quantitative data. Prior to sexual maturity, an increase in the total retinal and inner plexiform layer thicknesses were observed, with a decrease in the inner nuclear layer thickness. After sexual maturity, an asymptotic decrease in thickness was observed up to age 6 months in all layers; during this period, no significant changes were observed in the outer nuclear layer or nerve fiber layer/ganglion cell layer complex. Potential sources of variability and inconsistency among the studies included differences in imaging modality, animal strain, measurement timing, and retinal segmentation/assignment techniques. These findings highlight the importance of including a control group in experimental designs and providing comparative data for further investigations.

Human iPSC‐derived RPE cells implantation into minipig eye – Six weeks follow‐up study

Aims/Purpose: The study of long‐term survival of transplanted retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in animal models is very important for the development of promising cell‐based therapy of retinal degenerative diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) or retinitis pigmentosa. We hereby present xenogeneic implantation of human iPSC‐RPEs into minipig eyes with a 6‐week follow‐up period.Methods: The subretinal implantations of hiPSC‐RPEs‐scaffolds into the minipig eyes were performed using 3‐port pars plana vitrectomy. The xenogeneic character of RPE transplantation determined the use of pre‐ and post‐operative tacrolimus immunosuppressive therapy. At 6‐weeks following transplantation, non‐invasive OCT and fundus camera examinations of the implanted eyes were performed. The implanted retinas of enucleated eyes were then investigated immunohistochemically using specific markers for recognition of human cells including hRPEs, intercellular connections such as tight junctions, macro‐ and micro‐gliosis.Results: The fundus imaging showed successful subretinal implantation of the implanted patch in the nasal part of the retina, while OCT scans demonstrated the good implant adherence to the circumjacent retinal structures, with preserved retinal layers and very small decrease of retinal thickness at the place of the implant. Immunohistochemical examination showed survival of hiPSC‐RPE with positivity of cell markers specific for human cells such as HNAA and STEM 121, preserved pigmentation and tight junctions, very mild gliosis, and less bloated and stressed Müller cell processes.Conclusions: The 6 weeks post‐implantation study demonstrated the good survival of implanted human iPSC‐RPEs in the subretinal space as well as the ability to physiologically interact with adjacent photoreceptors.

Glacier thickness modelling and monitoring with geophysical data constraints: A case study on the Indren Glacier (NW Italy)

AbstractThe ongoing global temperature increase has accelerated the mass loss of glaciers worldwide, with Italian alpine glaciers being particularly vulnerable due to their small size, complex geometries and exposition that implies a fast reaction to thermal and hydrological modifications. In such a frame, the Indren Glacier (Aosta Valley, north‐western Italian Alps) provides a valid test site to check the thickness evolution over the last two decades (1999–2020), through an integrated approach combining historical data, on‐site geophysical measurements, remote sensing surveys, modelling and temperature analysis. Using a 2018 helicopter‐based photogrammetric survey and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey campaigns of 2020, we obtained new input data and constraints to build up an updated thickness model for the whole glacier through the Glacier Thickness Estimation algorithm (GlaTE). Ice thickness is indeed a key parameter to estimate the ice volume and use it as further input in evolutionary models forecasting future scenarios. As a part of this integrated approach, we also analysed remote sensing and temperature data, finding a major modification in the glacier conditions over the last decade. Further comparing these results with previous studies, we identified a significant decrease in ice thickness, and we confirmed the presence of an over‐deepening in the glacier central widest part. This integrated methodology enhances our understanding of glacier dynamics and improves predictions of future changes, offering crucial insights for managing water resources and mitigating natural hazards in the alpine region.

Assessing retinal thickness and vascular structures in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model app NL‐F/NL‐F

Aims/Purpose: In Alzheimer's disease (AD), there are histopathological aspects that cannot be studied in patients, demanding the use of murine models of the disease. The APPNL‐F/NL‐F model reproduces the pathophysiology quite faithfully. The aim of the present study was to analyze the retinal vascular structures and retinal thickness in an AD model at different ages and compares these findings to age‐matched wild type (WT) controls.Methods: A diachronic study was conducted using spectral‐domain OCT angiography (SD‐OCTA) and AngioTool software to assess retinal vascular structures, alongside OCT for measuring inner and outer retina thickness. We include two study groups: the APPNL‐F/NL‐F AD model and WT controls at 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 20 months old. The analysis focused on the three vascular plexus and retinal thickness, using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors. We considered statistically significant a p‐value &lt; 0.05.Results: Compared to WT, the APPNL‐F/NL‐F group exhibited both vascular and structural changes starting as early as 6 months, with these changes persisting and evolving at 15, 17, and 20 months. Significant vascular alterations, particularly in the superficial vascular complex (SVC), were noted. There was a marked decrease in vessel area and total vessel length in the SVC, as well as in the intermediate and deep capillary plexus. Additionally, the inner retina predominantly showed a thickness decrease, while the outer retina demonstrated an increased thickness at most time points compared to the control group.Conclusions: The study identifies early retinal vascular and structural changes in the APPNL‐F/NL‐F model that precede cognitive changes observed at later stages. These findings suggest that the retinal changes in this model more closely resemble those in human AD compared to other transgenic models, highlighting the potential of retinal assessments in early AD diagnosis.

Assessing retinal thickness and vascular structures in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model APP NL‐F/NL‐F

Aims/Purpose: In Alzheimer's disease (AD), there are histopathological aspects that cannot be studied in patients, demanding the use of murine models of the disease. The APPNL‐F/NL‐F model reproduces the pathophysiology quite faithfully. The aim of the present study was to analyze the retinal vascular structures and retinal thickness in an AD model at different ages and compares these findings to age‐matched wild type (WT) controls.Methods: A diachronic study was conducted using spectral‐domain OCT angiography (SD‐OCTA) and AngioTool software to assess retinal vascular structures, alongside OCT for measuring inner and outer retina thickness. We include two study groups: the APPNL‐F/NL‐F AD model and WT controls at 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 20 months old. The analysis focused on the three vascular plexus and retinal thickness, using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors. We considered statistically significant a p‐value &lt; 0.05.Results: Compared to WT, the APPNL‐F/NL‐F group exhibited both vascular and structural changes starting as early as 6 months, with these changes persisting and evolving at 15, 17, and 20 months. Significant vascular alterations, particularly in the superficial vascular complex (SVC), were noted. There was a marked decrease in vessel area and total vessel length in the SVC, as well as in the intermediate and deep capillary plexus. Additionally, the inner retina predominantly showed a thickness decrease, while the outer retina demonstrated an increased thickness at most time points compared to the control group.Conclusions: The study identifies early retinal vascular and structural changes in the APPNL‐F/NL‐F model that precede cognitive changes observed at later stages. These findings suggest that the retinal changes in this model more closely resemble those in human AD compared to other transgenic models, highlighting the potential of retinal assessments in early AD diagnosis.

Effects of Different Chloride Salts and Fat Levels on the Quality Characteristics of Beef Patties

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different chloride salts (four formulation with NaCl, KCl, CaCl₂, and MgCl₂) at 2% w/w level on the pH, color, sensory, and cooking properties of beef patties formulated with two levels of tail fat (10% and 20%). The results indicated that the use of CaCl₂ and/or MgCl₂ resulted in a significant (P &lt; 0.01) decrease in the pH values of both uncooked and cooked beef patties. The salt factor significantly influenced the a* value of uncooked beef patties (P &lt; 0.05). It also affected the a* (P &lt; 0.01) and b* (P &lt; 0.01) values of cooked beef patties.. The highest L* value (P &lt; 0.05) in uncooked beef patties was observed with 20% fat usage. Use of CaCl₂ and/or MgCl₂ in the salt formulation significantly affected the cooking yield, moisture retention (P &lt; 0.01), patty diameter, and shrinkage parameters (P &lt; 0.05). On the other hand, the fat factor significantly influenced all cooking properties at the P &lt; 0.01 level, except for the decrease in thickness. Except for salinity and bitterness, the salt factor significantly influenced the sensory scores of the samples. The use of CaCl₂ and/or MgCl₂ in the salt mixture for beef patties resulted in lower sensory scores for the product's sensory parameters. In conclusions, KCl was found to produce satisfactory results as a substitute for NaCl. In contrast, it was concluded that CaCl₂ and/or MgCl₂ salts were not suitable substitutes for NaCl.