Effect Of Different Grades Research Articles

The Predictive Effect of Quantitative Analysis of Signal Intensity Heterogeneity on T2-Weighted MR Images for High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Rationale and ObjectiveTo investigate whether the quantitative index of signal intensity (SI) heterogeneity on T2-weighted (T2W) magnetic resonance images can predict the difficulty and efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation for uterine fibroids. Materials and MethodsThe standard deviation (SD) of T2W image (T2WI) SI was used to quantify SI heterogeneity. The correlation between SD and the non-perfused volume ratio (NPVR) in 575 patients undergoing HIFU treatment was retrospectively analyzed, and the efficacy of SD in predicting NPVR was discussed. Three classifications were made based on the SD, and the ablation difficulty and ablation effect of different grades were compared. A total of 65 cases from another center were used as an external validation set to verify the classification performance of SD. ResultsThe SD of SI was negatively correlated with NPVR (r=-0.460, p<0.001). The predictive efficiency of SD for the ablation effect was higher than that of the scaled signal intensity (0.767 vs. 0.701, p=0.006). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that SD was an independent predictor of ablation effect. Based on SD, the three classifications were divided into SD I: SD<101.0, SD II: 101.0≤SD<138.7, and SD III: SD≥138.7. The treatment time, sonication time, treatment intensity, and total energy of SD I were lower than those of SD II and III (p<0.05). ConclusionThe heterogeneity of T2WI SI of uterine fibroids is negatively correlated with NPVR. The SD of SI can be used to predict the ablation difficulty and ablation effect of HIFU.

High stiffness 3D-printed continuous pitch carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites

This study presents a method for 3D printing very high stiffness pitch-based carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites using a modified open-source 3D printer. The fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique was used to fabricate the samples with alternating layers of PLA and PLA-coated pitch CF. The tensile Young’s modulus of the 3D-printed composite samples was measured to characterize the effect of different grades and volume fractions of pitch CF on the behaviour of the printed composites. Three grades of pitch CF which have different Young’s modulus were used with volume fractions ranging from 2.4 to 8.4%. Tensile tests showed that the K1392U CF reinforced composite with a 7.3% volume fraction demonstrated the highest improvement in Young’s modulus of 850% compared to neat 3D-printed PLA. This improvement is notably higher than any previous 3D-printed carbon-based composites at a relatively low volume fraction of CF. Statistical analysis showed increased Young’s modulus in all of 3D-printed composite samples tested. The experimental values were compared to the Halpin-Tsai model and suggest that some degree of fibre breakage occurred during the 3D printing process owing to the relative stiffness of the pitch-based fibers. Future directions and suggestions for process improvements are discussed.

Correlation of morphology, rheology, thermal, and mechanical properties in PP/EOC blends in presence of nanoclay and compatibilizer

ABSTRACT To expand the range of applications and overcome mechanical limitations of Polypropylene (PP), a commonly used industrial polymer, toughness modification is required. In this study, PP was toughened with ethylene octene copolymer (EOC) and nanoclay platelets and the blends and nanocomposites of PP/EOC were prepared by means of a melt mixing process, and the effect of different grades of EOC, the addition of nanoclay platelets, and the effect of compatibilizer on properties of the final system were investigated. Scanning and transition electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, rheology, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic-mechanical analysis were conducted to correlate the structure to the resulting properties. The results indicate that different grades of EOC with different molecular weights and viscosity can have a tremendous impact on droplet size and final properties of the blend sample. From a morphological point of view, the addition of EOC grade with higher viscosity (ƞi) in PP/EOC blends results in droplet matrix structure with larger EOC droplets. To decrease the droplet size, and hence improvement in final properties, nanoclay and compatibilizer were introduced to the blend. According to the results, selective localization of nanoclay and proper dispersion degree of nanoclay in the PP/EOC blend with higher viscosity grade of EOC containing nanoclay up to 3 wt.% lead to amelioration of the final properties of the system including complex viscosity, storage modulus, damping, and crystallinity. Moreover, the addition of the compatibilizer to the nanocomposite samples with 5 wt.% nanoclay can compensate for the deteriorated properties which occurred as a result of nanoclay aggregation in this system. This indicates that the addition of the nanoclay and compatibilizer plays an important role in toughening, morphology, and determining the final properties of the system as well.

Evaluation of the Effect of Dermatochalasis and Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Surgery on Corneal Epithelial Thickness Alterations.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different grades of dermatochalasis (DC) and upper eyelid blepharoplasty (UEB) surgery on corneal epithelial thickness (CET), objectively using anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) measurements. 90 eyes of patients with DC were divided into three groups according to the severity of the DC. Forty-one eyes of age and sex-matched patients without DC were randomly selected as the control group. The study did not include patients with more than 2 D of spherical refractive error and more than 1.5 D of astigmatism, a history of previous eyelid surgery, ocular surface disease, contact lens use, and ophthalmic eye drop use. CET measurements of all the patients were performed with an AS-OCT (RTVue-XR, Optovue Inc., USA). There were statistically significant differences in the CET of the superior, superonasal, superotemporal, inferotemporal, and temporal sectors between the DC and control groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.02, p = 0.03, p = 0.02, p = 0.04, respectively). While there were no differences in CET among the sectors of the control group, there was a difference in CET among some sectors of the DC group. When the DC group was subdivided by severity, there was no difference between subgroups for CET across all sectors both preoperatively and postoperatively. In the measurements made 6months after UEB surgery, the CET in all sectors increased statistically significantly compared to those measured in the preoperative period. This study revealed that DC reshaped the corneal epithelium and UEB surgery restored this remodeling 6months after surgery. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Changes in Visual Acuity and Keratometry Readings following Pterygium Excision: A Study in A Public Medical College Hospital

Introduction: Pterygium is a degenerative, triangular wing shaped, fibro vascular connective tissue of bulbar conjunctiva towards and onto the cornea, leading to significant astigmatism. It is a common ophthalmic condition of tropical and sub-tropical country like Bangladesh where there is dry sunny hot dusty climate.&#x0D; Purpose: To find out the change in visual acuity and keratomety before and after pterygium excision and effect of different grades of pterygium on the final outcome.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective study was carried out from March 2021 to December 2021 at Ophthalmolgy Department, Sher-E-Bangla Medical College &amp; Hospital, Barishal. Total 68 patients with different grades of pterygium were operated for pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft and were studied and analyzed. All the eyes underwent detailed ocular examination like visual acuity measured by Snellen’s chart; refractive astigmatism measured by automated keratometry and slit lamp biomicroscopy and fundus examination.&#x0D; Results: Pterygium is more common in males (61.76%) than females (38.23%) where 45.59% cases were in age group of 31-40 years followed by 33.82% in 41-50 years and rare (2.94%) in more than 60 years; so, 86.76% cases are in the age group of 31-60 years. Preoperatively mean±SD of K1 (Horizontal meridian) was 42.428±1.853 D and 3 month after the surgery it was 42.061±0.563 D. On the other hand mean±SD of K2 (vertical) readings before surgical excision were 44.185± 0.871 D and postoperatively after 3 months it was 42.691±0.384 D. Pre and post-operative BCVA in Grade I pterygium cases were 6/6-6/9 both pre &amp; post -operatively. In patients of Grade II preoperative VA was 6/18-6/36 which was postoperatively 6/12-6/18; in Grade III pre and postoperative VA was 6/24-6/36 and 6/12-6/18 respectively. While in Grade IV pterygium VA were 6/36-6/60 preoperatively and 6/18-6/24 postoperatively.&#x0D; Conclusion: We conclude that, the greater the grade of pterygium the lesser is the outcome of visual acuity after surgery; the greater was the change in keratometry reading. It was inferred that, timely and appropriate surgery at Grade II &amp; Grade III can result in not only a good visual outcome but also less complications.&#x0D; J. Natl. Inst. Ophthalmol. 2022; 5(2):25-30

Use of steatotic donor livers for transplantation: Do they affect outcome?

AbstractBackgroundThe exact effect of donor steatosis on post‐transplant outcome is not well established. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of different grades of deceased donor liver steatosis on recipient outcome and to validate performance of the MEAF score in conjunction with graft steatosis.MethodsAdult recipients of 228 livers were studied. Livers were divided into three groups according to grade of steatosis; S0, no steatosis (n = 152); S1, minimal to mild steatosis &lt;33% (n = 62); S2, moderate to severe steatosis 33%–66% (n = 14). Donor, recipient data and outcomes of transplantation were evaluated.ResultsModerate to severe steatosis (S2) was associated with older donors and higher donor BMI. Postoperative laboratory values were significantly higher in S2. Incidence of EAD did not differ significantly with no PNFs. MEAF score correlated well with EAD. S0 had a significant shorter ICU stay. Mortality did not differ significantly. Median MEAF score was higher for S2 than S0 and S1 (5.80 versus 4.73 and 4.49).ConclusionSteatosis was associated with older, more obese donors, but did not adversely affect the postoperative outcomes. Steatotic graft recipients had more renal impairment and longer ICU stay. MEAF score might be an accurate method for assessing the early graft function in conjunction with steatosis.

Thermal Effects on DNA Degradation in Blood and Seminal Stains: Forensic View.

Seven mL of blood and four mL of semen were collected from each volunteer. Effects of temperature grades (100 °C, 50 °C, 37 °C, 4 °C, -20 °C, and burn) on blood and seminal stain were tested. Bloodstains exposed to temperature grades 100 °C, 50 °C, 37 °C, 4 °C, and -20 °C can be identified using preliminary test while burnt blood stain cannot. Seminal stains exposed to temperature grades 37 °C, 4 °C, and -20 °C can be identified by Florence test while those exposed to 100 °C, 50 °C, and burn cannot. Blood and seminal stains exposed to temperature grades 100 °C, 50 °C, and burn show marked reduction in DNA concentration while maximum DNA conc could be recovered from stains exposed to temperature grade temperature. Both blood and seminal DNA was affected only in case of burn without significant difference between THO1 and Amelogenin primers. High environmental temperature affect the quantity of extracted DNA from different stains but less effect on the quality of extracted DNA. Burn affects both preliminary test, DNA quantity, and quality in stains.

The effect of rock weathering and transition zones on the performance of an EPB-TBM in complex geology near Istanbul, Turkey

The new Istanbul Airport is being constructed over an old coal field area, 35 km away from the city center. The construction of a rail link between the city and the airport entails the excavation of tunnels in the areas of complex geology, creating several problems for tunnel construction. This paper summarizes the effect of different grades of weathering of an interbedded sandstone-mudstone-siltstone sequence and transition zones on the performance of an earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine (EPB-TBM) during this work. The variation of EPB pressure, TBM thrust, torque, penetration, and specific energy values were analyzed in different lithologies and weathering zones and with respect to the attitude of transition zones between different materials. Normalized thrust and torque values considered in respect of penetration rate and EPB pressure showed that the attitude of transition zone on TBM performance is strictly dependent on the position of each geologic formation in the respect to the other, inclined or horizontal. To be specific, in an inclined transition zone, the thrust and torque values were almost double compared to the values obtained in a horizontal transition zone in the same lithology. This was probably due to increased over-break in inclined transition zones, which created loose material that accumulated in front of the cutter head. However, further case studies would be required definitely to confirm this. Mean normalized thrust and torque values were almost half in moderately/highly weathered sandstone compared to fresh/slightly weathered sandstone. The highest mean penetration of 28 mm/rev and mean lowest specific energy of 2.4 kWh/m3 were obtained in transition zone between claystone with silty sand and highly weathered interbedded sandstone-mudstone-siltstone. Due to impact effects, increased disc consumption was experienced where passage was made from low strength due to high strength formations, with up to one disc per 115 m3 of excavated material in the transition zones included in the study. The relatively high production rates were achieved, which attributed to a combination of logging daily the face conditions accompanied by appropriate adjustments of soil conditioning agents (FIR-foam injection ratio and FER foam expansion ratio values) and anti-clogging agents to control the sticking behavior of the spoil. The impact of different ground conditions on EPB-TBM performance in different projects is also discussed in relation to the results obtained in this study. It is believed that this research will help to manage better mechanized tunneling activities in similar conditions.

Natural rubber-based solution adhesives: effect of carbon black on the adhesive properties

In the retreading industry, generally two types of adhesives say a solid adhesive (bonding gum) and a solution adhesive (black vulcanising cement) are mainly used. In this study, the performance of natural rubber (NR)-based solution adhesive for the rubber to rubber bonding was examined. The effect of different grades of carbon black (CB) say ISAF (N220), HAF (N330) and GPF (N660) as a reinforcing filler in adhesive was evaluated. The loading used was different for the three grades of CB to achieve the required level of hardness for the adhesive. A blend of natural rubber and butadiene rubber (BR) was used as the adherend substrate. The vulcanisation characteristics, mechanical properties, swelling measurements and adhesion strength of different CB-filled NR-based solution adhesive were studied. All the three grades of CB-filled NR-based adhesives showed an increase in the rheometer torque and crosslink density compared to unfilled NR-based adhesive. The incorporation of CB improved the mechanical properties, adhesion strength and thermal stability of NR-based adhesives. CB-filled NR adhesives showed lower solvent uptake compared to unfilled ones. The measured properties of all the three grades of CB-filled NR-based solution adhesives were found to be comparable at the fixed hardness level.

Effect of different grades of concrete on rc framed multi-storied building

Due to the application of advanced material technology, concrete with high compressive strength is currently produced and used in many countries. This type of concrete can be produced by micro-silica and superplasticizers as well as applying good quality control procedures. The use of high-strength concrete (HSC) in building construction is becoming popular because it has many advantages such as increased strength and stiffness, reduced size of concrete sections, improved resistance to creep and drying shrinkage, and material durability. Therefore we can use high strength concrete (HSC) in columns and normal strength concrete (NSC) for beams &amp; floor sections. Thus this study will investigate the performance of 8 storey tall buildings in ZoneIV for medium grade soil with varying high strength concrete (HSC) normal strength concrete (NSC) subjected to far-field ground motions scaled to collapse of the structure using varying grades (M20, M25, M30, M35, M40, and M50) of concrete strength subjected to seismic ground motions scaled to collapse of the structure using a linear static method and this will be achieved through analytical modeling and analysis using ETABS2018 software.

In Situ Gel Formation in Microporated Skin for Enhanced Topical Delivery of Niacinamide.

Although used widely in cosmetic formulations, topical delivery of niacinamide (LogP = −0.35) is unfavorable by conventional means. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) formulations, can undergo a sol-gel transition triggered by solvent exchange, entrapping molecules and sustaining their release. The current study aims to exploit the ability of PLGA to gel in situ and enhance the topical delivery of niacinamide in microporated skin. In vitro drug permeation studies were performed using vertical Franz diffusion cells. Microporation was performed using Dr. PenTM Ultima A6, where pre-treatment with a 1 mm needle-length for 10 s and a 0.5 mm needle-length for 5 s, both at 13,000 insertions/min were compared. The effect of different grades of PLGA, EXPANSORB® DLG 50-2A (“low” molecular weight), and EXPANSORB® DLG 50-8A (“high” molecular weight) on topical delivery was also determined. Formulations containing PLGA resulted in successful gelation in situ on application over microporated skin. A significantly higher amount of drug was found in the skin with the 0.5 mm treatment for 5 s (892 ± 36 µg/cm2) than with 1 mm for 10 s (167 ± 16 µg/cm2). Hence, the different grades of PLGA were evaluated with 0.5 mm, 5 s treatment, and a significantly larger amount was seen in skin with the higher rather than the lower molecular weight polymer (172 ± 53 µg/cm2).

Study of Effect of Various Grades of Exercise on Serum Proteins in Healthy Young Indian Adults

Serum total protein levels changes occur as a result of various grades of exercise intensity. The mainobjective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different grades of exercise on the serum levels ofproteins in healthy young Indian adults. Fifty six healthy students (28 each, male and female) with an agerange of 18–27 years were subjects in this study. The participants performed an exercise test of moderate tovigorous intensity on bicycle ergometer. The serum concentrations of total serum proteins were measuredby colorimetric method. The results show significantlysignificantly different and lower (9.9%) total serumprotein level after moderate exercise (7.10 ± 0.18 vs. 6.40 ± 0.14, mean difference=0.70, q=4.78, p&lt;0.01)and higher (7.9%) after severe exercise (7.10 ± 0.18 vs. 7.72 ± 0.12, mean difference=0.61, q=4.18, p&lt;0.05)as compared to baseline was observed. Further, the mean total serum protein level also increases (17.0%)significantly after severe exercise as compared to after moderate exercise (6.40 ± 0.14 vs. 7.72 ± 0.12, meandifference=1.31, q=8.96, p&lt;0.001). These results support the different grades of exercise affect serum totalproteins.

Preparation, Physicochemical Evaluation and Characterization of Mucoadhesive Buccal Gels Impregnated with Benzydamine Hydrochloride for the Effective Treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis: Effect of Different Grades of HPMC Polymer on In vitro and Ex vivo Performance

Background: Drug delivery across the buccal mucosal epithelium membrane is one of the promising routes to treat various recurrent ailments of the oral cavity. Aphthous stomatitis is an inflammatory oro-mucosal disorder associated with mucous membranes of mouth, cheek, lips, tongue or gingival region. Benzydamine Hydrochloride was designated as a drug of choice by virtue of its anesthetic, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. The medication administration through the buccal route is very testing because of restricted absorption area, shorter residence time and movements of the target region. &lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Objective: To prepare mucoadhesive buccal gel of Benzydamine Hydrochloride and assess the effects of various HPMC polymer on in vitro and ex vivo performance with the assumption to extend the residence period and achieve maximum drug release in a sustained manner at the target region. &lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Methods: Mucoadhesive buccal gels were formulated by utilizing various HPMC grades that served as rate controlling and mucoadhesive polymer. A total of 24 preparations were formulated and subjected to physicochemical evaluation and characterization. &lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Results: It was found that the physicochemical parameters varied according to the polymer type and concentration used. Eight formulations were exposed to ex vivo study by virtue of maximum in vitro permeation and mucoadhesion properties. Because of higher ex vivo drug permeation and mucoadhesion, F24 was considered as the final optimized formulation. FTIR and DSC established compatibility between the drug and excipient. The amorphous nature of the drug within the optimized formulation was further unveiled by XRD study. &lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Conclusion: The developed buccal gel has a great prospective in contrast to marketed conventional preparation for treating aphthous stomatitis.

Grade evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus based on quality constant method

Grade evaluation method of quality constant is a kind of grading method for Chinese medicinal materials and decoction pieces,combining the external morphological index and internal content index. This method was used in this paper for grade evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus. By measuring the morphological and content indexes of 14 batches of Gardeniae Fructus,a method for calculating the quality constant of fruits was established,and the grade evaluation criteria were formed. At the same time,the NO inhibition effect of different grades of Gardeniae Fructus samples on RAW264. 7 cells induced by LPS was determined to investigate the relationship between the quality grade and pharmacodynamics of decoction pieces. The results showed that the quality constants of Gardeniae Fructus decoction piece samples ranged from 1. 46 to 4. 42. If the percentage quality constant ≥80% was classified into first-class,50%-80%as second-class and the rest as third-class,the quality constant was ≥3. 54 for first-class,2. 21-3. 54 for second-class and <2. 21 for third-class Gardeniae Fructus decoction pieces. The pharmacodynamic results showed that the pharmacodynamic intensity was positively correlated with the grade,which also proved the rationality of the grade evaluation method of quality constant.

Effect of Graded Facetectomy on Lumbar Biomechanics.

Facetectomy is an important intervention for spinal stenosis but may lead to spinal instability. Biomechanical knowledge for facetectomy can be beneficial when deciding whether fusion is necessary. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effect of different grades of facetectomy. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of L3–L5 was constructed. The mobility of the model and the intradiscal pressure (IDP) of L4-L5 for standing were inside the data from the literature. The effect of graded facetectomy on intervertebral rotation, IDP, facet joint forces, and maximum von Mises equivalent stresses in the annuli was analyzed under flexion, extension, left/right lateral bending, and left/right axial rotation. Compared with the intact model, under extension, unilateral facetectomy increased the range of intervertebral rotation (IVR) by 11.7% and IDP by 10.7%, while the bilateral facetectomy increased IVR by 40.7% and IDP by 23.6%. Under axial rotation, the unilateral facetectomy and the bilateral facetectomy increased the IVR by 101.3% and 354.3%, respectively, when turned to the right and by 1.1% and 265.3%, respectively, when turned to the left. The results conclude that, after unilateral and bilateral facetectomy, care must be taken when placing the spine into extension and axial rotation posture from the biomechanical point of view.

Influence of different grades of furnace carbon blacks on the curing kinetics and reinforcement of natural rubber composites

The effect of different grades (N375, N405, N509) of carbon black (CB) powder on the synthesised carbon black natural rubber (CBNR) composites were investigated to study the curing and reinforcing characteristics of CB structure. The different CB grades depicted; on the one hand, the ascending order of nitrogen surface area (NSA) in conjunction with statistical thickness surface area (STSA) to be N375 < N405 < N509, while on the other hand, relative span factor (RSF) together with pellet hardness were N405 < N509 < N375. The synthesised CBNR composites were analysed for rheological and reinforcement behaviour. It was observed that both, elongation at break and cure rate index (CRI) of the CBNR composites varied with RSF of CB powders. The RSF of CB powders showed association with elongation at break and CRI of the CBNR composites. Moreover, there is a synergy in the hardness, resilience and tensile strength of the CBNR composites.

Studies on Development of Controlled Release Matrix Tablets of Camptothecin-An Anticancer Drug

Abstract: Objectives: The present investigation was carried out with an objective of formulating prototype controlled release (CR) matrix tablets of Camptothecin (CPT), an anti-cancer drug. Experimental: pH solubility profile studies of CPT and solubility of CPT in different surfactants were carried out. Controlled release tablets were prepared by direct compression method using hydroxyl propylmethyl cellulose (HPMC LVCR and HPMC K4M) as release retardants. The effect of different grades of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) like Avicel PH 101 and Avicel PH 105 and solubilizing agents like cyclodextrins were included in the formulations and their effect on CPT release from tablets were studied. Results and Discussion: Solubility studies were conducted in order to select suitable dissolution medium for CPT. Based on the solubility studies, 0.1N HCl with 3% w/v SLS (pH1.2) was selected as dissolution medium. The FTIR and DSC results indicated that there was no in situ interaction between CPT and the selected excipients in the formualtions. Formulations containing 20% w/w of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin with Avicel PH105 as filler and HPMC k4M as release retardant gave superior CPT release of 98.40 ± 1.02% at the end of 12 h and fulfilled the regulatory requirements. The Higuchi square root model showed higher correlation coefficient values (0.949-0.990) indicating diffusion was the release mechanism for CPT from tablets. Conclusion: CPT can be formulated in to CR matrix tablets using HPMC K4M as release retardant and MCC as filler for better therapeutic efficacy. Key Words: Camptothecin, CR matrix tablets, Cyclodextrins, Dissolution studies, Solubility studies.

Effect of different grades on physical and mechanical properties of popped makhana

Makhana ( Euryale ferox ) is store house of the nutrition and commonly used as dry fruit in India. Makhana is mainly sold and marketed in the popped or puffed form. To develop any kind of mechanized system for processing the knowledge of physical and mechanical properties is desired. These properties will be useful for designing and development of processing equipment. The different physical and mechanical properties were determined at two moisture levels i.e. 4 per cent and 12 per cent using standard methods. As the moisture content increases the physical characteristics (Length, width, thickness, D a and D g ) and gravimetric characteristics (sphericity, aspect ratio, surface area and volume) of all the grades increases linearly. The negative relation was observed with geometrical characteristics. Major variations were also observed in angle of repose and co-efficient of static friction at different grades and moisture levels. The result concludes that different grades and variation in the moisture level affects almost all the physical and mechanical properties significantly (p<0.05).

Factors effective on survival after radical prostatectomy: To what extent is pre-operative biopsy Gleason scoring is confident in predicting the prognosis?

In the present study, the effect of different grades on independent survival from the biochemical relapse was investigated through comparison of the histological grades of the biopsy and prostatectomy materials in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). A total of 152 patients undergoing RP following biopsy were retrospectively investigated in an attempt to reveal the effect of discordance between needle biopsy Gleason score and RP Gleason score on prostate specific antigen relapse-free survival. Accordingly, while 58.3% (14/24) survival was seen in the patients in Group 1 (high-graded) with Gleason score 7, 93.7% (15/16) survival has been seen in the patients in Group 2 (low-graded) and Group 3 (same Gleason scores) with Gleason score 7. The difference in-between has been statically found significant (P < 0.001). Similarly, while a 10% (1/10) survival is seen in the patients in Group 1 with Gleason score 8 and above, 75% (3/4) survival has been observed in the patients in Group 2 and 3 with Gleason score 8 and above. Also in this comparison, the difference in-between has been statically found significant (P = 0.041). Eventually, different grading, particularly determination of Gleason score higher than the RP specimen biopsy also bring about bad pathologic parameters and shortened survival periods.

Evaluation of the Effects of Elevated Intra-abdominal Pressure on the Respiratory Mechanics in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different grades of increased intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) on the respiratory mechanics. Material and Methods: In this prospective observational clinical study , the influence of inta-abdominal pressure (IAP) on respiratory parameters was assessed in 20 patients requiring mechanical ventilation with IAH grade I, 20 patients with IAH grade II, and 20 patients with grade III IAH. Respiratory parameters were measured and recorded by a computerized system incorporated into the mechanical ventilator. Results: A statistical difference was noticed between IAP and the dynamic respiratory parameters among the groups. Regarding the respiratory parameters positive correlation between the IAP on one hand, and peak airway pressure and resistance on the other hand was notable: IAP increased and so did pressures and the resistance in the respiratory pathways. Also the correlation between IAP, on one hand and the compliance and peripheral saturation with oxygen on the other hand, was negative. Referring the mean pulmonary pressure there wasn’t correlation among IAP and mean pulmonary pressure in the groups. Conclusion: IAP leads to impairment of the respiratory mechanics. An increase of the level of IAP is followed by an increase in the altering effects upon the respiratory system.