Deformation Index Research Articles

The influence of paternal overweight on sperm chromatin integrity, fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome among males attending fertility clinic for IVF/ICSI treatment

BackgroundLow and middle-income countries are facing a rapid increase in obesity and overweight burden, particularly in urban settings. Being overweight in men is associated with infertility and a higher risk to have a low sperm count or no sperm in their ejaculate. Despite potential limitations, this is one of few studies conducted to determine the potential risk of paternal overweight on sperm standard parameters, sperm chromatin integrity and assisted conception outcome including fertilization, embryo quality, cleavage rate, reduce blastocyst development, implantation, and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR).MethodsA cross-sectional study of 750 infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction technique at a single reproductive medicine center of Salma Kafeel Medical Centre Islamabad. Sperm from men undergoing ART were analyzed for chromatin integrity using sperm chromatin dispersion assay (SCD), Chromomycin A3 staining (CMA3), and toluidine blue (TB) staining, while other semen parameters were assessed on same day includes; standard semen parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS), sperm deformity index (SDI), teratozoospermic index (TZI), and hypo-osmatic swelling test (HOST). Paternal body mass index (BMI) < 24.5–20 kg/m2 served as the reference group, while the male patients with BMI > 24.5-30 kg/m2 were considered to be overweight.ResultsIn the analysis of the percentage of spermatozoa with chromatin maturity (CMA3) and chromatin integrity (TB) was reduced significantly in overweight men (p < 0.01) compared with a reference group. Increase in paternal BMI correlate with the increase in sperm chromatin damage (SCD r = 0.282, TB r = 0.144, p < 0.05), immaturity (CMA3, r = 0.79, p < 0.05) and oxidative stress (ROS) (r = 0.282, p < 0.001). Peri-fertilization effects were increased in oocytes fertilization in couples with overweight men (FR = 67%) compared with normal-weight men (FR = 74.8%), similarly, after univariant regression paternal weight remain predictor of sperm chromatin maturity, successful fertilization and CLBR. In the embryo, developmental stage number of the embryo in cleavage was higher in normal weight men, while day 3 (D3) embryos, percent good quality embryo D3, and blastocyst formation rate were compared able between the groups. The paternal overweight group had significant (p < 0.001) increased neonatal birth weight (2952.14 ± 53.64gm; within normal range) when compared with the reference group (2577.24 ± 30.94gm) following assisted reproductive technology (ART). CLBR was higher (p < 0.05) in normal weight men compared to couples with overweight male partners. CLBR per embryo transfer and per 2PN was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between the two groups. An inverse association was observed in the linear regression model between paternal BMI with fertilization rate and CLBR.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated the impact of paternal overweight on male reproductive health, as these patients had a higher percentage of immature sperm (CMA3) with impaired chromatin integrity (SCD, TB) in their semen and had decreased fertilization rate, CLBR following assisted reproductive treatments. The present study supports that paternal overweight should be regarded as one of the predictors for fertilization, CLBR and useful for counseling, to consider body mass index not only in women but also for men, in those couples opting for ART treatment, and warrant a poor reproductive outcome in overweight men.

Yielding capacity and flour-milling properties of spring bread wheat varieties depending on growing environmental conditions

Purpose. To determine the dependence of yield and flour-milling properties of new spring bread wheat varie­ties of Myronivka breeding on different growing season conditions. Methods. During 2017–2019, twelve spring bread wheat varieties were studied in the conditions of the V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of NAAS. Grain and flour qua­lity indicators were determined according to conventional methods. Results. It was found that weather conditions in 2019 were more favorable for realizing the yield potential of spring wheat varieties, but they had a nega­tive impact on quality indicators. By exceeding on 30–40% the standard ‘Elehiia myronivska’, the varieties – ‘Bozhena’ (4.23 t/ha), ‘Oksamyt myronivskyi’ (4.28 t/ha), ‘MIP Svitlana’ (4.31 t/ha), and ‘Dubravka’ (4.62 t/ha) were selected in terms of yield. The varieties ‘Simkoda myronivska’, ‘MIP Zlata’, ‘Bozhena’, ‘MIP Vizerunok’, and ‘MIP Oleksandra’ were singled out by the combination of high physical indicators of grain quality. The varieties ‘Simkoda myronivska’, ‘Oksamyt myronivskyi’, and ‘Panianka’ were distinguished by complex of the highest flour quality indicators. The varieties being the most stable in terms of individual characters were identified. These were ‘Simkoda myronivska’, ‘MIP Zlata’, ‘Bozhena’, ‘Oksamyt myronivskyi’, ‘MIP Svitlana’, and ‘MIP Oleksandra’ by yiel­ding capacity. According to quality indicators, in particular, by 1000 kernel weight, varieties ‘Simkoda myronivska’, ‘MIP Vizerunok’ were distinguished; high scores for grain vitreousness were in most varieties, except for ‘Elehiia myroniv­ska’, ‘Simkoda myronivska’, and ‘MIP Oleksandra’; according to test weight and flour yield, all varieties had high rates; according to the protein content, the variety ‘Oksamyt myronivskyi’ was distinguished; varieties ‘Dubravka’ and ‘MIP Oleksandra’ by wet gluten content. The ANOVA established that the most dependence on weather conditions was revealed for such parameters as 1000 kernel weight (part of influence 83.7%), protein content (76.7%), sedimentation value (66.7%), flour yield (52.6%), gluten deformation index (46.0%), and wet gluten content (42.6%); the most dependence on the interaction of factors year  variety was revealed for yielding capacity (52.3%), the grain vitreousness (50.5%), and the test weight (36.5%). A reliable effect of the factor variety on yield (34.9%) and all investigated quality indicators (5.1–35.1%) was revealed. Conclusions. It is expedient to use the varieties listed above as sources of certain traits for the creation of new high-yielding and high-quality varieties for different areas of use.

Motion Estimation by Deep Learning in 2D Echocardiography: Synthetic Dataset and Validation.

Motion estimation in echocardiography plays an important role in the characterization of cardiac function, allowing the computation of myocardial deformation indices. However, there exist limitations in clinical practice, particularly with regard to the accuracy and robustness of measurements extracted from images. We therefore propose a novel deep learning solution for motion estimation in echocardiography. Our network corresponds to a modified version of PWC-Net which achieves high performance on ultrasound sequences. In parallel, we designed a novel simulation pipeline allowing the generation of a large amount of realistic B-mode sequences. These synthetic data, together with strategies during training and inference, were used to improve the performance of our deep learning solution, which achieved an average endpoint error of 0.07 ± 0.06 mm per frame and 1.20 ± 0.67 mm between ED and ES on our simulated dataset. The performance of our method was further investigated on 30 patients from a publicly available clinical dataset acquired from a GE system. The method showed promise by achieving a mean absolute error of the global longitudinal strain of 2.5 ± 2.1% and a correlation of 0.77 compared to GLS derived from manual segmentation, much better than one of the most efficient methods in the state-of-the-art (namely the FFT-Xcorr block-matching method). We finally evaluated our method on an auxiliary dataset including 30 patients from another center and acquired with a different system. Comparable results were achieved, illustrating the ability of our method to maintain high performance regardless of the echocardiographic data processed.

Rheological parameters as prognostic factors in blood loss

The aim of the work was to study the rheological status in experimental blood loss of varying severity. The experiments were carried out on out bred male rats. De-pending on the severity of blood loss, the animals were divided into subgroups. In each subgroup, the erythrocyte aggregation index, erythrocyte membrane deformability index, and blood plasma viscosity were measured. As a result of statistical data processing, it was found that in case of blood loss of any severity, erythrocyte aggregation plays a leading role, followed by the blood viscosity parameter, and changes in membrane deformability are significant only in the decompensatory phase. Thus, it is once again emphasized that with blood loss, the presence of a persistent, starting from the first stage, changes in the rheological status, which mainly depends on the profile of erythrocyte aggregation. These experimental data, coupled with changes in the viscosity and membrane deformability of erythrocytes in the later stages of blood loss, lead to the idea of a careful use of the mass of erythrocytes for the treatment of critical conditions caused by blood loss. Continuation of experimental studies and translation of their findings into clinical medicine will most likely im-prove treatment tactics and increase its effectiveness in the treatment of patients with hemorrhagic shock.

Analysis of the influence of super large area and super deep foundation pit excavation construction on surrounding subways

The shortest distance from the deep foundation pit envelope of the project to the subway station building is only 7.7 meters, and the deepest excavation depth of the foundation pit is about 24 meters. The surrounding environment of the foundation pit is complex, involving many buildings, the construction is difficult, and there is a great risk of construction safety. The effective control of the structural deformation of the existing subway station is the key to selecting the underground enclosure structure and construction process of the surrounding post-construction projects. Combined with the actual situation of the project, the three-dimensional numerical analysis method is used to analyze the impact of the construction of the foundation pit of the building on its adjacent structures in detail, and the relevant treatment measures are proposed. The research shows that the unloading effect caused by the large-scale excavation causes the soil outside the pit to move towards the inside of the pit. Under the influence of the soil deformation transfer effect, the Beiguan Station of the R1 line subway produces certain rebound, settlement and horizontal displacement, but the values of each deformation index are within the deformation control standard, the numerical analysis considering the influence of small soil strain can better reflect the influence of foundation pit excavation on the displacement, deformation and internal force of the existing structure. It can better match the actual engineering experience.

Erring Characteristics of Deformable Image Registration-Based Auto-Propagation for Internal Target Volume in Radiotherapy of Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PurposeRespiratory motion of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) adds to the challenge of targeting the disease with radiotherapy (RT). One technique used frequently to alleviate this challenge is an internal gross tumor volume (IGTV) generated from manual contours on a single respiratory phase of the 4DCT via the aid of deformable image registration (DIR)-based auto-propagation. Through assessing the accuracy of DIR-based auto-propagation for generating IGTVs, this study aimed to identify erring characteristics associated with the process to enhance RT targeting in LA-NSCLC.Methods4DCTs of 19 patients with LA-NSCLC were acquired using retrospective gating with 10 respiratory phases (RPs). Ground-truth IGTVs (GT-IGTVs) were obtained through manual segmentation and union of gross tumor volumes (GTVs) in all 10 phases. IGTV auto-propagation was carried out using two distinct DIR algorithms for the manually contoured GTV from each of the 10 phases, resulting in 10 separate IGTVs for each patient per each algorithm. Differences between the auto-propagated IGTVs (AP-IGTVs) and their corresponding GT-IGTVs were assessed using Dice coefficient (DICE), maximum symmetric surface distance (MSSD), average symmetric surface distance (ASSD), and percent volume difference (PVD) and further examined in relation to anatomical tumor location, RP, and deformation index (DI) that measures the degree of deformation during auto-propagation. Furthermore, dosimetric implications due to the analyzed differences between the AP-IGTVs and GT-IGTVs were assessed.ResultsFindings were largely consistent between the two algorithms: DICE, MSSD, ASSD, and PVD showed no significant differences between the 10 RPs used for propagation (Kruskal–Wallis test, ps > 0.90); MSSD and ASSD differed significantly by tumor location in the central–peripheral and superior–inferior dimensions (ps < 0.0001) while only in the central–peripheral dimension for PVD (p < 0.001); DICE, MSSD, and ASSD significantly correlated with the DI (Spearman’s rank correlation test, ps < 0.0001). Dosimetric assessment demonstrated that 79% of the radiotherapy plans created by targeting planning target volumes (PTVs) derived from the AP-IGTVs failed prescription constraints for their corresponding ground-truth PTVs.ConclusionIn LA-NSCLC, errors in DIR-based IGTV propagation present to varying degrees and manifest dependences on DI and anatomical tumor location, indicating the need for personalized consideration in designing RT internal target volume.

Application Value of Emergency Bedside Echocardiography in Early Warning of Acute and Severe Shock and Clinical Classification.

Objective A case-control study was conducted to explore the application value of emergency bedside echocardiography in early warning of acute and severe shock and clinical classification. Methods A total of 135 critically ill patients admitted to ICU from August 2019 to November 2020 were divided into shock group (n = 53) and nonshock group (n = 82) according to the occurrence of shock. The internal diameter index of inferior vena cava was measured and recorded by bedside ultrasound in patients with shock before and after treatment and in patients without shock. Shock index and inferior vena cava diameter deformation index (SCI) were calculated according to the results. The diagnostic time and curative effect of different ultrasonic examination methods for the types of shock were compared and analyzed. Results At admission, the maximum and minimum ventilation of inferior vena cava in patients without shock were higher than those in the shock group, and the internal diameter deformation index of inferior vena cava in the shock group was higher than that in the shock group (P < 0.05). In the shock group, IVCmax and IVCmin before and after treatment were higher than those before resuscitation, while SCI was lower than that before resuscitation. The results of ROC curve analysis showed that SCI and IVCmin were significantly better than IVCmax and IVCmin in predicting shock area and slightly better than IVCmin. There was significant difference in diagnosis time between the two groups (P < 0.05). The specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of emergency ultrasound diagnosis were lower than those of clinical diagnosis (P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of emergency ultrasound diagnosis were lower than those of clinical diagnosis (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and positive predictive value of the emergency ultrasound group were higher than those of the routine ultrasound group (P < 0.05). The diagnosis rate of shock type AUC in the emergency ultrasound group was 0.854, and the diagnostic value was high. Conclusion IVCmax, IVCmin, and SCI obtained by bedside ultrasound have certain clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of shock. Emergency bedside ultrasound examination and measurement of shock patients are helpful to quickly evaluate and identify the types of early shock.

Multi-sensor geodetic observations for drought characterization in the Northeast Atlantic Eastern Hydrographic Region, Brazil

The lowest water availability area in Brazil is the Northeast Atlantic Eastern Hydrographic Region (NAERH). It plays a fundamental role in the lives of 24.1 million inhabitants spread throughout 874 cities. Drought is recurrent in this semiarid climate, affecting agriculture, biodiversity, the ecosystem and other environmental spheres. Therefore, the goal of this research is to combine different drought indexes to quantify drought intensity and duration in the NAERH. Besides the traditionally used rainfall data, multi-temporal data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and Global Positioning System (GPS) were also used. The indexes are the Combined Climatic Deviation Index (CCDI), Drought Severity Index (DSI) and Vertical Crustal Deformation Index (DIVCD). The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was used for validation of the other indexes through the Spearman rank correlation, which retrieved ρ = 0.76 and 0.68 between the CCDI and the SPI-03/06. On the other hand, DSI correlated with the SPI-24/36 with ρ = 0.67/0.75. Despite limitations, the DIVCD accurately detected the frequencies of hydrological droughts. All indexes identified the last severe drought from 2012 to 2018, and its persistence throughout 2019 and 2020. The combined indexes approach reveals nuances of the indexes, improving the baseline to thoroughly understand drought at different temporal scales.

Features of left ventricular myocardial deformation in female patients of reproductive age with connective tissue dysplasia

Features of longitudinal left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation in female patients of reproductive age with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD) have not been specifically studied before.Aim. To study the features of longitudinal LV myocardial deformation using speckle tracking echocardiography in female patients of reproductive age with UCTD.Material and Methods. A noninvasive assessment of systolic LV myocardial deformation in the longitudinal direction using echocardiography was performed in 20 young adult female patients with UCTD (the average age was 23.5 ± 2.6 years). A control group composed of 34 apparently healthy women of comparable age (the average age was 24.8 ± 2.4 years) with no signs of UCTD were examined.Results. The indices of longitudinal systolic myocardial deformation in female patients with UCTD practically did not differ from the control group. Significant differences were found only for the median segment: excessive shortening of the interventricular septum and a decrease in deformation in the lateral wall of the left ventricle. Segments 8–10 (mid anteroseptal, mid inferolateral, and mid inferior) and all apical LV segments (13–17: apical anterior, apical septal, apical inferior, and apical lateral) were subjected to maximum deformation, p &lt; 0.05.Conclusions. In patients of reproductive age with UCTD, a significant decrease in global longitudinal systolic LV deformity was recorded in the basal segment of the interventricular septum and the apical segment of the anterior LV wall. Segments 8–10 (median anterior-septum, median inferior-septum, and lower) and all apical LV segments (13–17: apical anterior, apical septum, apical lower, and apical lateral) were subjected to the greatest deformation in the examined patients.

The posture optimization method based on deformation index in robotic milling process

The posture optimization method based on deformation index in robotic milling process

Myocardial deformation indices for detection of the functional significance of intermediate left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis: FFR guided study

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of non-invasive resting myocardial deformation indices in identifying functional significance of intermediate stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Patients with 50–70% LAD stenosis upon coronary angiography were enrolled and divided into group I with fractional flow reserve (FFR) > 0.8 and group II with FFR ≤ 0.8. Patients were subjected to conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography with measurement of myocardial deformation indices including regional peak longitudinal strain (PLS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), Post-systolic strain index (PSI), and time interval between Aortic valve closure (AVC) and PLS. The current study included 200 patients. Group II patients had significantly lower absolute mean values of regional (PLS) and (GLS) compared to group I (− 14.98 ± 5.05 and − 18.73 ± 3.92 vs. − 17.59 ± 3.62 and − 19.20 ± 2.61, p = 0.001 and 0.02, respectively). The FFR values of LAD correlated significantly and negatively with the time interval between AVC and regional PLS (r = − 0.201, p = 0.004) as well as PSI (r = − 0.257, p < 0.001). For identifying cases with FFR ≤ 0.8, the optimal cut-off value of the time interval between AVC and PLS was 76 ms with 77.8% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity. The best cut-off value of PSI was 13%, yielding 50% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity. In patients with intermediate 50–70% LAD coronary artery stenotic lesions, the PSI and the duration between AVC and regional PLS enabled the identification of functionally significant lesions with reasonable diagnostic accuracy.Trial registration ZU-IRB#3199-20-11-2015 Registered 20 November 2015, IRB_123@medicine.zu.edu.eg.

Clove Oil Endorsed Transdermal Flux of Dronedarone Hydrochloride Loaded Bilosomal Nanogel: Factorial Design, In vitro Evaluation and Ex vivo Permeation

The goal of this study was to develop a bilosomal gel formulation to enhance transdermal permeability of dronedarone hyrdrochloride (DRN) which suffers from poor oral absorption and limited bioavailability. To overcome this obstacle, bilosomes were successfully prepared using 23 full-factorial design. Span®40, cholesterol, sodium deoxycholate (bile salt), clove oil (permeability enhancer), and either Tween® 60 or Tween® 80 (edge activator) were used in bilosome preparation by ethanol injection method. In this design, independent variables were X1, edge activator type; X2, edge activator amount (mg); and X3, permeability enhancer concentration (% w/v). Optimal formula (B2) of the highest desirability of (0.776) demonstrated minimum vesicle size (VS) of 312.4 ± 24.42 nm, maximum absolute value of zeta potential (ZP) − 36.17 ± 2.57 mV, maximum entrapment efficiency (EE %) of 80.95 ± 3.01%, maximum deformability Index (DI) of 8.24 ± 1.26 g and maximum drug flux after 12 h (J12) of 21.23 ± 1.54 µg/cm2 h upon ex vivo permeation study. After 12 h, 70.29 ± 6.46% of DRN was released from B2. TEM identification of B2 showed spherical shaped nanosized vesicles which were physically stable for 3 months at different temperatures. B2 was incorporated into carboxymethylcellulose gel base for easiness of dermal application. B2 gel demonstrated good physical properties, non-Newtonian psuedoplastic flow, and enhanced release (57.0 ± 8.68% of DRN compared to only 13.3 ± 1.2% released from drug suspension after 12 h) and enhanced skin permeation.Graphical abstract

Predicting Mining Areas Deformations under the Condition of High Strength and Depth of Cover

This paper presents an analysis of mining area deformations in the rock mass consisting of high depth and strength strata deposited in the cover. The analysis of land surveying results enabled the identification of the parameters required to predict subsidence, which differed from the typical parameters for the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The parameters of the Budryk–Knothe theory were determined based on the results of geodetic measurements. The calculations of the final state of deformations for planned mining were made using the average and characteristics for the study area parameter values. Based on experience, it is known that the range of subsidence trough depends on the mechanical properties of the rock mass. This study shows that the presence of high-strength rocks also reduces the value of the coefficient of roof control. Subsequently, calculations were made by a computer simulation of longwall mining to determine the course of indices of deformation over time. The calculations were conducted twice: on the assumption that the impact was immediate and on the assumption of the parameter values typical for the basin, and formula expressing the course of subsidence over time with the parameter values based on the measurement results. The obtained distributions of deformation indicators were diametrically opposed to each other. The results of the calculations with the parameter values appropriate for the region indicate that it is possible to carry out a planned mining operation without creating a risk to objects on the surface.

Risk Monitoring Level of Stope Slopes and Landslides in High-Altitude and Cold Mines

To study the landslide risk of high-altitude and cold stope slopes, the slope deformation index and landslide risk standards at home and abroad for many years were analyzed and summarized. Using the unascertained measurement model, combined with the analytic hierarchy process, using the Dongbang slope of the Beizhan Iron Mine in Hejing County, Xinjiang, as the research object, the detailed geological data of the slope were obtained, and nine factors affecting the landslide risk of the slope were analyzed. When calculating the weight of each factor, the actual situation of the slope was used as the standard, and the weight of each factor was determined by the analytic hierarchy process. Then, the undetermined measurement matrix of the slope was determined by the statistical method combined with the expert scoring results. Finally, an unconfirmed measurement model for landslide risk grade evaluation of the Dongbang slope of the Beizhan Iron Mine was formed, and the landslide risk monitoring grade evaluation was carried out on the slope in the cold area. The results show that the landslide risk monitoring level of the Dongbang slope in Beizhan Iron Mine is grade II, which indicates that there is a possibility of mild landslide risk for the slope in this cold area. The research results can provide a reference for the risk level and risk assessment of high-altitude alpine slopes.

Effect of Hematocrit Injury on the Survival Rate of Advanced Malignant Tumors and Its Clinical Significance.

Objective To investigate the effect of logistic multivariate analysis on the survival rate of advanced malignant tumors and to evaluate the effect of erythrocyte storage injury on the survival rate of advanced malignant tumors and its clinical significance. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 120 advanced cancer patients who received blood transfusion in Shaanxi Cancer Hospital from March 2018 to June 2019, and the risk factors for death were analyzed. A total of 72 advanced cancer patients admitted to hospital from March 2019 to June 2021 were included in the study. The patients with red blood cell transfusion storage time ≤ 14 d were the study group (n = 36), and the patients with red blood cell transfusion storage time > 14 d were the control group (n = 36). Compare the total efficiency of blood transfusion. The levels of Hb, erythrocyte count, hematocrit (HCT), blood oxygen saturation (SPO2), creatinine (Cr), erythrocyte deformability index, whole blood, erythrocyte, and hemoglobin before and after blood transfusion were compared, and the adverse reactions of blood transfusion were recorded. Results Dyspnea and delirium were significantly associated with patient survival time (P < 0.05). Red blood cell storage time ≤ 14 days, Lym% < 12%, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > 500 U/L, and ALB < 30 g/L were significantly correlated with survival time. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) < 30, delirium, LDH > 500 U/L, and albumin (ALB) < 30 g/L were independent influencing factors of survival (P < 0.05). The overall effective rate of the research group was higher (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower (P < 0.05). The levels of Hb, red blood cell count, and HCT in the study group were higher (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the SPO2 level and the red blood cell deformability index were higher in the study group (P < 0.05). After blood transfusion, the level of (diphosphoglycerate) DPG in the study group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The length of hospital stay in the study group was significantly shortened (P < 0.05). The nosocomial infection rate and case fatality rate in the study group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Conclusion Red blood cell storage time ≤ 14 d, LYM% < 12%, LDH > 500 U/L, and ALB < 30 g/L are all significantly correlated with survival time. KPS < 30, delirium, LDH > 500 U/L, and ALB < 30 g/L were independent factors for survival (P < 0.05). Transfusion of red blood cells stored for ≤14 days in patients with advanced malignant tumors can significantly increase the effective infusion rate, improve anemia status, shorten hospital stay, and reduce mortality and risk of nosocomial infection and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Generation and evolution of double emulsions in a circular microchannel

Double emulsions are attracting much attention from academic community and industry fields. Emerging microfluidics technology offered new ways to prepare unprecedentedly controllable double emulsions. Here a numerical simulation method, volume of fluid (VOF) technique, was adopted to study the generation and evolution of double emulsions in a circular microchannel, which is helpful for understanding the underlying physics of double emulsion preparation and optimizing the operation conditions. The flow pattern regions where double emulsions existed were found and classified according to dripping and jetting models of double emulsion generation. Velocity fields inside and outside double emulsions were investigated, and several distinct velocity vortexes were observed. Several characteristic parameters involving pressure distribution of fluids and deformation index of double emulsions were studied. At last, preparation of double emulsions with desired configurations, including same inner droplets engulfed by different outer droplets and same outer droplets encapsulating different inner droplets, were explored in depth.

Feasibility of tissue-tracking mitral annular displacement in single four-chamber view as a simple index of left ventricular longitudinal deformation.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) has prognostic value for adverse cardiac events. Application of speckle-tracking technology to mitral annulus provides easy assessment of tissue-tracking mitral annular displacement (TMAD) in apical four-chamber view. The study aimed to examine whether TMAD can be used as a simple index of LV longitudinal deformation in patients with and without preserved ejection fraction (EF). The study population consisted of 95 consecutive subjects. GLS was assessed from three apical views. TMAD was evaluated as the base-to-apex displacement of septal (TMADsep), lateral (TMADlat), and mid-point of annular line (TMADmid) in apical 4-chamber view. The percentage of TMADmid to LV length from the mid-point of mitral annuls to the apex at end-diastole (%TMADmid) was calculated. We compared each TMAD parameter with GLS by linear regression analysis, and analyzed each TMAD parameter by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to detect impaired LV longitudinal deformation (|GLS|< 15.0%). There were good correlations between each TMAD parameter and GLS (TMADsep: r2 = 0.59, p < 0.01. TMADlat: r2 = 0.65, p < 0.01. TMADmid: r2 = 0.68, p < 0.01. %TMADmid: r2 = 0.75, p < 0.01). According to ROC curve, %TMADmid < 10.5% was the best cut-off value in determining impaired LV longitudinal deformation (|GLS|≤ 15.0%) with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 93%. The area under the curve (AUC) of %TMADmid was 0.98 (95%confidence intervals (CI) 0.93-0.99). TMAD using speckle-tracking echocardiography quickly estimated from single apical four-chamber view can be used as a simple index for detection of impaired LV longitudinal deformation in patients with and without preserved EF.

Correlation between nanoindentation response and wear characteristics of CrN‐based coatings deposited by an Arc‐PVD method

The examination of the existing relationships between nanoindentation responses and tribological properties of the nanostructured CrN, Cr(CN), and (CrTi)N coatings was the matters to be considered in this research. A cathodic arc physical vapor deposition machine was therefore implemented to apply the chosen coatings on the DIN 1.2510 tool steel substrate. Moreover, an X-ray diffraction and a field emission scanning electron microscope were utilized in order to show the features regarding microstructure and morphology of these very coatings. The mechanical and tribological behavior of the coatings was expected to be assessed with the use of a nanoindentation and pin-on-disc wear tests. According to the obtained result, the wear resistance and hardness value of the (CrTi)N coating were proved to be much better than those of the CrN and Cr(CN). Linear equations were proposed between wear rate/hardness and friction coefficient/hardness to evaluate the correlation between mechanical and tribological properties. The presence of a quadratic equation between the friction coefficient and the plastic deformation index was also discovered.

Effect of temperature on the properties of polymer cement composite material

AbstractIn the actual working environment for the polymer cement composite, the effect of temperature on its properties cannot be ignored. In order to investigate the properties of polymer cement composite in extreme temperature environment, this study conducted bond test, tensile test, and shear test of composites at different temperatures (−30, −15, 25, 40, and 60°C). Through measuring the elastic recovery rate of specimens, as well as relevant strength indexes, deformation indexes and energy consumption indexes under tensile and shear loads, the effect of temperature on the bond property, tensile property, and shear property of the composite were investigated. The results show that the polymer cement composite has a good bond property, and no damage occurs at any temperature or after cold drawing and hot pressing cycle. Temperature has a great influence on the tensile property and shear property of polymer cement composite. At a low temperature, the tensile property and shear property improve, the strength and energy consumption indexes increase noticeably, and the elongation at break increases while the peak strain reduces in terms of deformation indexes. At a high temperature, the tensile property and shear property deteriorate, and the strength, deformation, and energy consumption indexes all fall. As a result, the polymer cement composite is more suitable for cold areas.

MO429: The Association of Circulating Monocytes Subsets, NK Cells and Lymphocyte Subpopulations With Conventional and Novel Deformation Indices of Left Ventricular Function in CKD Patients With No Established Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely interrelated. Adverse immune responses have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both CVD and CKD [1, 2]. Monocyte subsets are key in atherogenesis and the inflammatory cascade occurring in heart failure [1, 2]. Likewise, the role of lymphocyte subpopulations including natural killer (NK) cells and CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the modulation of inflammation and immunity and subsequent cardiovascular implications have received increasing attention [2]. The implication of immune cells subsets in the abnormal myocardial remodeling as universally occurs in CKD patients even without overt CVD, remains to be clarified [3]. The aim of our study was to investigate potential correlations between blood levels of specific immune cells subsets with conventional and novel deformation-related indices of LV function in a cohort of patients with CKD without established CVD. METHOD A total of 35 stable CKD patients (mean age 66 ±12.2 years, 57% males, 20% diabetics) without established CVD were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included the history of malignancy, autoimmune disease and active or chronic infections. The peripheral blood immune cell subsets CD14++CD16-, CD14++CD16 + and CD14 + CD16++ percentage and absolute number of cells out of the total monocytes and NK cells (CD3 + CD16 + 56+), CD3-CD19 + B lymphocytes, CD3 + CD4 + T cells, CD3 + CD8 + T cells and Tregs (CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3+) absolute values and percentage out of the total lymphocytes were measured by flow cytometry. Simultaneously, conventional [left atrial volume index (LAVI), LV mass index (LVMI), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), E/E’] and novel 2D speckle tracking (2DST) echocardiographic indices of LV function [global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), TWIST and UNTWIST] were assessed. RESULTS The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 28 ±15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD-EPI) and the mean 24-h proteinuria was 2457 ±2399 mg. The percentage of total blood lymphocytes, as well as both percentage and absolute counts of CD4 + T-cells, were positively correlated with the eGFR (P &amp;lt; 0.05 and &amp;lt; 0.01 respectively) whereas. In addition, both NK cells percentage (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and absolute values (P &amp;lt; 0.01) showed a negative association with proteinuria. Regarding classical indices of LV function, NK counts were negatively associated with LVEDV (P &amp;lt; 0.05). An increased percentage of intermediate CD14++CD16 + monocytes was positively associated with the GRS (P &amp;lt; 0.005). Furthermore, the percentage of T-cells and CD8 + T-cells were positively associated with LV TWIST whereas a positive association was found between the percentage of CD8 + T-cells and more negative values of LV UNTWIST (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No specific significant correlations were observed between the rest immune cells subpopulations with either the classical or the novel indices of LV dysfunction. CONCLUSION The results of our study suggest that alterations of immune cells subsets correlate with subclinical markers of LV dysfunction in CKD patients without established CVD. The significance of the implication of the cellular arm of the immune system in the pathophysiological pathways of specific CVD phenotypes in CKD and the utility of immune cells subsets as tools to identify CKD patients who are at the highest risk for developing complications shall be elucidated by future research.