Duct System Research Articles

Pneumoparotid with imaging findings: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pneumoparotid is a rare disease associated with retrograde airflow into the ductal system. There is no established treatment for this disease, which has no known complications. Mouth puffing and playing wind instruments are known to be the causes of this disease. CASE SUMMARY We managed a case, in which pneumoparotid suddenly recurred 4 months after surgery for purulent parotiditis. The patient did not report any obvious etiological factors, such as mouth puffing or playing a wind instrument. We reviewed 128 articles (from 1941 to 2023) that reported on a total of 166 patients with pneumoparotid, including the patient from the present case report, with imaging findings. This is the first reported case of pneumoparotid following surgery for purulent parotitis. The etiology in our case was classified as idiopathic. CONCLUSION Imaging findings could be sufficient for accurate pneumoparotid diagnoses and the exclusion of complications; computed tomography could be useful.

Intelligent adjustment ventilation duct design and numerical simulation study on enhancement of subgrade thermal stability in cold regions

Traditional ventilation duct systems for embankments in cold regions are limited in their ability to regulate ventilation, which restricts their cooling effectiveness on the subgrade. This study introduces a design method for an Intelligent Adjustment Ventilation Embankment (IAVE) system that dynamically adjusts the ventilation status within the duct based on variations in ground and air temperatures. Numerical simulations were performed to compare the cooling performance and differential settlement control of the Normal Ventilation Embankment (NVE), Temperature-Controlled Ventilation Embankment (TCVE), and IAVE systems. The results demonstrated that, compared to NVE and TCVE, the IAVE system achieved more precise temperature regulation, optimized the use of environmental cooling energy, and exhibited superior long-term cooling and differential settlement control. Among the three main factors influencing IAVE performance—ventilation duct burial spacing, burial depth, and airflow velocity—the burial spacing has the most significant impact on the Artificial Permafrost Table (APT). It not only enhances cooling during cold seasons but also effectively mitigates the re-warming of the subgrade during warm seasons. This research offers an efficient, low-carbon energy utilization structure and provides calculation results to improve the thermal stability of engineering projects in cold regions.

Advanced Residual transformer (ART) method for identification of bile duct dilatation on CT data

Bile duct strictures refer to sections where the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary ductal system narrows. This narrowing obstructs the regular forward flow of bile, leading to proximal dilatation and significant morbidity due to the clinical and pathological consequences of biliary obstruction. In this work, we propose a deep learning-based approach to address the detection of bile duct narrowing. Our approach involves using original images as well as generated synthetic data by using StyleGAN3 to train a classification detection network. Through rigorous experiments, we prove that our proposed augmentation strategy not only improves the accuracy of the classification detection model, but also contributes to the stabilization of the training process while significantly reducing the training time. From the experimental results, it is observed that both datasets exhibit high accuracy, with models trained on hybrid dataset achieving exceptional results, surpassing 98% in most metrics. The accuracy is above 80% in BBD dataset and above 97% in hybrid dataset. The study’s main contribution is to compare the performance of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Transformer, and GAN techniques, as well as to investigate the effect of detecting biliary dilatation images. The study is the first to compare and successfully apply transformer approaches and GAN techniques to real-world biliary dilatation disease data.

Biliary Reconstruction with Hepaticoduodenostomy Versus Hepaticojejunostomy After Choledochal Cyst Resection: A Narrative Review.

Choledochal cysts (CCs), a congenital anomaly resulting in the abnormal dilation of the biliary ductal system, are most often identified in patients younger than 10 years of age. Regardless of clinical presentation, the cornerstone of therapy for CCs is complete surgical excision with reconstruction with either hepaticoduodenostomy or hepaticojejunostomy. Although both procedures are used by surgeons for the correction of CCs, evidence on clinical outcomes following both approaches is inconclusive as to which may offer superior reconstruction. This narrative review aims to compare the current literature regarding both approaches by evaluating their anatomic and operative considerations, as well as their perioperative, postoperative, and long-term outcomes. Future studies should closely focus on long-term, comparative outcomes, including the risk of biliary malignancy, and refine techniques to minimize complications, such as biliary reflux and bowel obstruction, in order to improve care for pediatric patients undergoing treatment for CCs.

Heterotopic pancreas in the jejunum: highlighting the necessity of excision and histopathological confirmation – a case report

Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of pancreatic tissue that is anatomically separate from the main pancreatic gland without continuity of the duct system and vascularity. The most frequent locations for this displacement are within the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the stomach, duodenum, and proximal jejunum. Other less common sites include the esophagus, ileum, Meckel diverticulum, biliary tree, mesentery, and spleen. Typically, uncomplicated heterotopic pancreas does not exhibit symptoms, and the lesion is often discovered incidentally during unrelated surgeries, imaging examinations, or autopsy. This report describes a 35-year-old male with a history of corrosive ingestion who presented with dysphagia. During surgical exploration, a tissue measuring 0.7 × 0.5 cm was observed approximately 40 cm from the DJ flexure in the jejunum. The identified tissue was excised and sent in for histopathological examination (HPE). In conclusion, we advise the excision of the ectopic tissue and recommend HPE because the diagnosis of HP cannot be confirmed without a thorough histopathological examination. Despite its rarity, heterotopic pancreas should be included in the differential diagnosis when evaluating gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

An adjacent-effects resistant damper integrating control and measurement functions for duct systems

An adjacent-effects resistant damper integrating control and measurement functions for duct systems

STATE OF CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN PURULENT CHOLANGITIS

Abstract. Objective: To study the state of the cellular link of immunity in acute and chronic cholangitis. Materials and methods. Cholangitis always worsens the condition of the biliary system. Depending on the magnitude of the pathological changes in the bile ducts, we distinguished three groups of patients. Group I – cholangitis caused by obstruction of the main extrahepatic bile ducts due to choledocholithiasis, group II – cholangitis in conditions of cicatricial strictures of the main bile ducts, and group III – cholangitis in conditions of already performed reconstruction of the duct system. The indicators of the cellular link of immunity were studied separately in each group. The results. The conducted studies indicate an imbalance of the immune system in patients with different courses of cholangitis. The presence of inflammation of a mild degree of severity causes stimulation of almost all links of the immune system, while the cellular branch reacts first. Conclusions. Long-term cholangitis was accompanied by suppression of the main markers of T-lymphocyte differentiation — CD2+, CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+, which take part in antigen presentation, signal transmission to other cells and affect their adhesive properties.

Rare Case Reports on Ectopic Liver Tissue: Incidence, Surgical Management, and Outcomes

Introduction and importance: Ectopic liver tissue is a rare finding, often discovered incidentally during procedures like cholecystectomy. Understanding its clinical implications, including potential malignancy and complications, is crucial for effective management and improving patient outcomes. Case presentation: A 45-year-old female presented with six months of biliary colic, worsened by fatty meals. Preoperative ultrasound revealed a gallbladder with microcalculi. During elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a brownish tissue fragment resembling hepatic parenchyma was found on the gallbladder fundus and removed. Histopathology confirmed ectopic liver tissue with mild steatosis and no malignancy. Clinical discussion: Ectopic liver tissue, with a prevalence of 0.47%, typically attaches to the gallbladder but can also be found in other abdominal and thoracic locations. It may be linked to congenital malformations and has a risk of degeneration into malignancy due to its incomplete vascular and ductal system. Diagnosis is usually incidental during surgery, and en-bloc removal is advised to prevent complications and potential neoplastic transformation. Identifying its vascular supply before dissection is crucial to avoid severe bleeding. Conclusion: Ectopic liver tissue, despite its rarity, requires careful management due to its potential for malignancy and complications. Timely detection and en-bloc removal are vital to prevent adverse outcomes and ensure optimal patient care.

LOOKING BACKWARD AND LOOKING FORWARD: REVISITING "CLINICAL USEFULNESS OF THORACIC DUCT CANNULATION"

Over the past decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in the thoracic duct and central lymphatic system and its disorders, stimulated by advances in interventional magnetic resonance imaging techniques and urgent challenges in the clinical management of lymphatic malformations and lymphatic complications from congenital heart disease. The following chapter reprinted here written shortly after the formal founding of the discipline of lymphology and the International Society of Lymphology, describes early efforts, and also suggests future directions now being revisited and others yet to be explored (1).

EphB2, EphB4, and ephrin-B1 expression and localization in postnatal developing epididymis in mice.

Eph receptors and ephrin ligands, the transmembrane proteins, function as a mechanism of communication between cells. Therefore, we intended to explore the expression array of EphB2 and EphB4 receptors and ephrin-B1 ligand in postnatal developing mouse epididymis during 1 day to 8 weeks using RT-PCR amplification and immunofluorescence staining. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression levels of EphB2, EphB4, and ephrin-B1 in the epididymis declined with the advancement of age during the initial phases of postnatal development and stayed relatively near to adult levels until 4 weeks. We discovered that the predominant compartments expressing EphB2/B4 and ephrin-B1 emerged in the excurrent duct epithelia of postnatal developing epididymis until 3 weeks. Consequently, even before spermatozoa reach the excurrent duct in epididymis, at the age of 3 weeks, the epididymal excurrent duct system exhibits characteristics similar to those of an adult in terms of expression of EphB2/B4 and ephrin-B1. Moreover, ephrin-B1 was expressed in epididymal epithelial cells throughout the development and EphB4 was expressed only in early postnatal stages while basal cells expressed EphB4 throughout the postnatal development. The study represents the first expression analysis of ephrin-B1, EphB2, and EphB4 in the normal mouse epididymis during the postnatal development.

Hydro-acoustic numerical methodology to compute noise generated by perforated plates in duct systems

The paper presents an innovative numerical methodology to determine hydro-acoustic behavior of perforated plates. One of the main objectives is to have a methodology that ensures a good prediction of radiated noise in ducts with a limited computational cost. The initial assessment is carried out considering the entire perforated plate. The acoustic source is determined by applying Lightill Analogy to the CFD results from LES for the whole perforated plate. An acoustic simulation is then performed to determine the dynamic pressure in the duct on either side of the perforated plate. An experimental set-up is built in order to obtain the noise generated by the perforated plate. It also allows to assess the validity of the established method. A good correlation is observed in terms of dynamic pressure upstream and downstream the perforated plate. An optimization of the method is then carried out to reduce the computational time by determining the acoustic source generated by a unit hole. This source is then applied in the acoustic simulation to each hole of the perforated plate. Comparison with measurements is also satisfactory for this simplified method.

Temperature Analysis of Single busbar With Variation of Total Harmonic Distortion in Current

Typically, busbars are used to transmit and distribute currents in a bus duct system. The alarming use of nonlinear loads in the industrial sector or at residentials, such as arc welding, computers, ballast lighting, variable speed drives, and so on, has resulted in the generation of harmonics in current distortion, which are uncontrolled and thus increase heat generation within the system. The research conducted in this paper focuses on the prediction of the heat distribution as well as the analysis on operating temperature of a single busbar with compliance to the British National and International Standard (BS 159: 2014) using the Finite Element Method (FEM) in COMSOL Multiphysics software. The copper busbar dimension used for this research was 20mm x 6mm x 300mm, and the fundamental Root Mean Square (RMS) current was 419.1 A. The size of this busbars can withstand the maximum current of 430 A at a maximum operating temperature of 90°C, which complies with the standard requirement. The fundamental current is injected with variation of total harmonic distortion in current up to 55% with an interval of 5%. According to the findings, the operating temperature increases in direct proportion to the increase in total harmonic distortion with the current injections. With the presence of 55% of total harmonics in the current, the current was increased up to 57.73 A from the fundamental current, while the operating temperature was increased up to 140C from the fundamental temperature. The total harmonics in current produced by the nonlinear loads could affect the operating temperature of the busbars, and this continuous operation of current flow will affect the busbars' lifespan due to the occurrence of overheating.

A MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CRENOBIA ALPINA AND CRENOBIA MONTENIGRINA IN PARÂNG-CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS (ROMANIA), (PLATYHELMINTHES, TRICLADIDA, PLANARIIDAE)

The paper analyses the morphology of the copulatory apparatus and the reproductive isolation of the monopharyngeal and polypharyngeal Crenobia (Dana, 1766) in sympatric populations in Parâng Mt., Romania. The copulatory apparatus of the two forms shows a non-simultaneous development, indicating a seasonal reproductive isolation: the monopharyngeal alpina becomes able to mate during the warm season while the polypharyngeal montenigrina becomes able to mate during the cold season. The mature copulatory apparatus of the monopharyngeals and the polypharyngeals shows all the characters typical for Crenobia alpina (Dana, 1766), respectively for Crenobia montenigrina (Mrázek, 1904) as presented in the literature. In both species, some specimens reveal a complex system of fine ducts / sclerotized lines into the wall of the genital atrium, which are attributed to biological structures of unknown function rather than histological artefacts.

Diagnosis and features of the treatment algorithm of non-lactational chronic mastitis on the example of a clinical case

Inflammatory processes in the mammary gland (MG) do not lose their relevance, the frequency of occurrence reaches 16% among all diseases of the MG. Non-lactational mastitis (NM) – inflammation in the MG outside the period of pregnancy and lactation – stands out among them [1]. With untimely and non-radical treatment of acute forms, there is a transition to chronic, with the formation of bacterial biofilm in the focus of inflammation and thick scar capsule after repeated surgical interventions, which is due to a vicious circle. The clinical picture of non-lactational chronic mastitis in most cases resembles a diffuse (mastitis-like, edematous-infiltrative) form of breast cancer (BC), which determines the differential-diagnostic difficulties in referring to a doctor both at initial treatment and at recurrence. This problem is faced by doctors of different specialties: oncologists, surgeons, gynecologists, therapists, specialists in radiation and radiological diagnostics [2, 3]. Radiation diagnostics is always the «gold standard» in the diagnosis of breast diseases, but has a number of disadvantages in the inflammatory process in the breast, and, in some cases, it is worth prioritizing the ultrasound method of investigation [4]. Through the combined interpretation of clinical data and ultrasound (USG) findings, the following parameters should be evaluated: skin thickness, pre-mammary fatty tissue, structure of glandular parenchyma of the MJ, presence and boundaries of inflammatory infiltrate/infiltrates in the MJ tissue; formation of «rarefaction» zones, microabscesses and/or already formed «draining» abscess cavities, assess the content of fluid cavities (homogeneity/homogeneity), the presence of pyogenic capsule, as well as the boundaries of inflammation/abscessing with unchanged breast tissue, taking into account possible «microfoci» outside the main mass of changes (like «satellites», «fluid spurs»). It is important to analyze the state of the ductal system of the breast (ductal diameter dilation, intraluminal content) and possible connection of ducts with abscessed areas, which may be a predictor of further spread of the process, recurrence or chronicization of the disease. Inflammation on the background of subacute and chronic process can lead to the development of fistulas [5]. However, there is not always the classic ultrasound picture of a purulent focus in the breast [6–9].

Effectiveness and Factors Influencing Success of Transcanalicular Laser-Assisted Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Cohort Study.

Laser dacryocystorhinostomy (LDCR) is a surgical procedure designed to treat obstructions in the lacrimal duct system, which can cause excessive tearing, infections, and discomfort. This technique involves creating a new passage for tear drainage, thereby restoring normal tear flow and alleviating symptoms associated with duct obstruction. A retrospective study was conducted on 48 patients who underwent the LDCR procedure, amounting to 56 eyes. The primary outcome measured was the anatomical success rate, defined as the restoration of duct patency. Patients were examined postoperatively from 6 months to 3.5 years. The LDCR method demonstrated a 95% success rate, encompassing both anatomical and functional outcomes. The procedure's effectiveness was determined by achieving a patent osteotomy and resolving symptoms. Anatomical success was measured by the creation of a viable drainage pathway, while functional success pertained to the resolution of symptoms such as epiphora. The efficacy of the procedure was found to be independent of both age and gender. Among patients with successful anatomical outcomes, there was a statistically significant improvement in their Munk scores. The LDCR method is highly effective in treating lacrimal duct obstruction. These findings highlight the importance of the Munk score as a predictive indicator of procedural success in LDCR.

Salivary glands - a new site of Helicobacter pylori occurrence.

The role of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in the pathological processes of the gastric mucosa is well understood. Decreasing trend in successful eradication of HP from the stomach was observed in last years. This lack of succes is mainly caused by increasing ATB resistance. Nevertheless other possible causes of this phenomenon are being explored. Thus, many studies have focused on the search for extragastric reservoirs as potential sources of persistence or reinfection after successful Hp eradication. The pathological potential of Hp at these localities has also been studied. Our study aimed to determine the presence of Hp inside the salivary glands ductal system through its detection from sialolites. Subsequently, we tried to prove the possible ability of Hp to penetrate the salivary gland parenchyma by detecting Hp from the tissue of salivary tumors. Concrements and salivary tumor tissue samples were collected using sialendoscopy or standard surgery, and Hp detection and genotyping were performed through PCR. Hp was detected in 68.3% of the sialopathy samples. VacA S1AM1 was the most common genotype. CagA-positive genotype represented only 34% of the total number of positive samples. Our findings of Hp positivity in concrements provide compelling evidence of Hp presence in the ductal system of salivary glands. Confirmation of Hp presence in tumor tissue suggests its potential ability to infiltrate the gland's parenchyma. Further research is needed to confirm Hp's ability to cause local infection, as well as the possible causal association between Hp presence in the studied region, sialolithiasis, and salivary gland tumors.

A turbulent flow topology optimization method for diverging tee resistance reduction

The resistance of local components in piping and duct systems significantly affects the energy consumption of fans and pumps, accounting for 40–60 % of the total building energy consumption. In this paper, an improved topology optimization method for variable density turbulent flow is proposed to design a low-resistance diverging tee structure in piping and duct systems. The advantages of the improved optimization method over the traditional method are analyzed using finite element numerical simulation, and the applicability of the proposed method is verified in the Reynolds number range of 0.6 × 105–2.6 × 105. In order to ensure the resistance reduction effect of the topology diverging tee under multiple operating conditions, the local resistance coefficients under nine flow ratios were simulated and calculated using the finite volume method. The results show that the topology diverging tee can significantly reduce the resistance. Compared with the traditional tee, the maximum resistance reduction rates in the straight-through direction and branch direction reached 63 % and 59 %, respectively. In addition, the intensity of secondary flow in five downstream sections was analyzed based on the dimensionless parameter Se. Finally, the actual resistance reduction effect of the topology diverging tee was experimentally verified. The optimization method and analysis results proposed in this study can provide a reference for the optimal design of pipelines with low resistance in energy-saving operation of buildings and in engineering fields such as petroleum and chemical industries.

Stensen's Duct Dynamic Anatomy Assessed with Sialography.

Objectives: The presence of a catheter required for contrast infusion during sialography obscures imaging of the distal duct. Static imaging via cone beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance sialography fails to address changes that occur dynamically to the anatomy of the flexible salivary ductal system. We aim to identify dynamic changes to the parotid gland by introducing a novel approach to analyze the full extent of Stensen's duct based on dynamic infusion digital sialography. Methods: Retrospective chart review of a single-center consecutive series of 409 parotid sialograms performed between April 2008 and June 2023 permitted selection of a contemporary series including seven normal sialograms and seven sialograms with stricture(s). Dynamic (fluoroscopic) infusion (iopamidol/gadolinium) sialograms were assessed through blinded review by two radiologists employing the institution's picture archiving and communication (PACS) system (©2023 Koninklijke Philips N.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands). Measurements determined changes, in two dimensions, to the angle of the masseteric bend and duct length while the catheter was in place (repose), during catheter withdrawal (stretch), and during recoil after withdrawal. Differences in median lengths and angles of Stensen's duct between the three time points were compared using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Fourteen patients [median age (IQR), 55 years (24.7); 10 women] were evaluated. The median angle of the masseteric bend was 117.7° in repose versus 155.4° during catheter withdrawal (P < .001, n = 14). The median distance measured from the Stensen's duct orifice to the first major ductal bifurcation was 81.5 mm (IQR = 12.3) in repose. The median percent increase in length from repose to stretch was 6.3% (P < .001, n = 14). Conclusions: Dynamic infusion digital sialography with fluoroscopic recording during catheter removal permits assessment of the distal duct unobstructed by the presence of a catheter. The technique also identifies the dynamic nature and varying length and angulation of Stensen's duct.

The potential role of Akkermansia muciniphila in liver health.

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is a 'star strain' that has attracted much attention in recent years. A. muciniphila can effectively regulate host metabolism, significantly affect host immune function, and play an important role in balancing host health and disease. As one of the organs most closely related to the gut (the two can communicate through the hepatic portal vein and bile duct system), liver is widely affected by intestinal microorganisms. A growing body of evidence suggests that A. muciniphila may alleviate liver-related diseases by improving the intestinal barrier, energy metabolism and regulating inflammation through its protein components and metabolites. This paper systematically reviews the key roles of A. muciniphila and its derivatives in maintaining liver health and improving liver disease.

A novel immunofluorescence study of Lingual Salivary Glands in the Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) and its ecological significance

The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) is remarkably adapted to its harsh desert environment, a characteristic that is crucial for its survival under extreme conditions. This study was aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the lingual salivary gland structures in the Egyptian tortoise and examining how these structures help the tortoise manage hydration and nutrition in arid conditions. Utilizing a combination of light microscopy and immunofluorescence, this research introduced pioneering methods involving seven different antibodies, marking a first in the study of reptilian salivary glands. Our investigations categorized the tortoise’s salivary glands into papillary and non-papillary types. The papillary glands were further classified into superficial, deep, interpapillary, and intraepithelial salivary glands, while non-papillary glands included superficial and deep lingual types. Structurally, these glands are organized into lobules, delineated by interlobular septa, and are equipped with a duct system comprising interlobular, intercalated, and main excretory ducts with gland openings on the tongue's surface and the papillae surfaces. Notably, the superficial glands displayed both tubuloalveolar and acinar configurations, whereas the deep lingual glands were exclusively acinar. Immunofluorescence results indicated that α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was prevalent in myoepithelial cells, myofibroblasts, and blood vessels, suggesting their integral role in glandular function and support. E-cadherin was predominantly found in epithelial cells, enhancing cell adhesion and integrity, which are critical for efficient saliva secretion. Importantly, Mucin 1 (MUC1) and Mucin 5B (MUC5B) staining revealed that most glands were mucous in nature, with MUC5B specifically marking mucin within secretory cells, confirming their primary function in mucous secretion. PDGFRα and CD34 highlighted the presence of telocytes and stromal cells within the glandular and interlobular septa, indicating a role in structural organization and possibly in regenerative processes. Cytokeratin 14 expression was noted in the basal cells of the glands, underscoring its role in upholding the structural foundation of the epithelial barrier. In conclusion, this detailed morphological and immunological characterization of the Egyptian tortoise’s salivary glands provides new insights into their complex structure and essential functions. These findings not only enhance our understanding of reptilian physiology but also underline the critical nature of salivary glands in supporting life in arid environments. This study's innovative use of a broad range of immunofluorescence markers opens new avenues for further research into the adaptive mechanisms of reptiles.