Ideal Volume Research Articles

Tectona Grandis seed powder and Mangifera Indica leaf powder as bio adsorbents for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution

This study intends to describe the use of modified Tectona Grandis seed powder (TG) and Mangifera Indica leaf powder (MI) as adsorbent materials in the process of removing Methylene Blue (MB) from the wastewater. Nitric acid (HNO3) was used to chemically modify the plant material. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to analyze the modified bio adsorbents (TG and MI). The adsorbents' ideal specific surface area and pore volume were measured using the N2 adsorption/desorption technique through detailed characterization. The efficiency of the adsorbents in eliminating the MB dye was investigated in relation to the effects of adsorbent dose (2–10 mg), pH (3, 7 and 10), exposure time (10–90 min), temperature (30 °C, 50 °C and 70 °C), and dye concentration (20–100 mg/L) through batch adsorption studies. The models proposed by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin Raduskevich (D-R) could explain the binding results for MB on TG and MI. The adsorption process were more in line with the Langmuir model than the other models. At neutral pH (7), TG showed maximum percentage removal of 73.12 % whereas, MI powder showed a maximum percentage removal of 50.5 %. Time and adsorbent dosage have both led to an increase in the percentage of methylene blue elimination. The experimental results were confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which revealed energy gaps (ΔE) of 4.57 eV and 7.882 eV for MB and TG/MI, respectively. Following complexation, a change of 16.56 eV was observed, indicating a stronger MB adsorption tendency across the modified TG/MI surface. The primary components of the mechanism of MB adsorption include hydrogen bonds, n-π, π-π, and electrostatic interactions, as per the results of Monte Carlo(MC) simulation calculations. According to our findings, TG and MI are affordable biomaterials for treating wastewater in an ecologically responsible and green manner.

Ethnic Considerations When Planning Lip Augmentation.

Ideal standards of beauty including preferred lip characteristics vary between ethnicities. Though plump, well-defined lips are globally associated with youth, variation exists with regards to the perceived ideal lip volume and proportions between ethnicities. Proportions that may be assessed when planning lip augmentation include the upper to lower lip ratio, philtrum length, upper and lower vermilion heights, the ratio between the philtrum height and that of the upper vermilion, and the lip height to lip width ratio. It is important that accurate assessments of patients are made pre- and post- augmentation. However, many aesthetic assessment tools are based on Caucasian models with limited use in other ethnicities. We present a review of the ideal lip characteristics and assessment techniques accounting for ethnicity, with a view to providing practitioners an evidence-based approach to lip assessment and treatment planning for patients of all backgrounds.

Development of the triaxial equipment: a state of art

Triaxial shear testing is one of the most crucial investigations in geotechnical laboratories. It is essential for designing specific projects and understanding soil behavior in geotechnical engineering. Since Casagrande developed the modern shear apparatus at Harvard University, it has been refined to provide a more accurate characterization of shear strength behavior. This research paper aims to offer a concise overview of triaxial equipment development, focusing on apparatus that is easy to set up, prepare, and operate reliably, while remaining cost-effective. The primary objective is to contribute to the accurate determination of suitable techniques and devices that meet specific testing objectives. We review the theoretical background of both the triaxial apparatus and the direct shear box and illustrate the basic working principles of various volume change measurement techniques using triaxial devices. We also present different operational principles employed in designing volume change devices for soil testing. Our analysis reveals that some of these devices require complex operational techniques and equipment, making them challenging to use for repetitive testing. Consequently, we conclude that the ideal volume change device for soil mechanics testing should prioritize robustness and ease of operation.

3D modeling of anterior 2/3rds glossectomy reconstruction: A volume based donor site evaluation

ObjectiveAnterior 2/3rds glossectomy results in significant patient morbidity due to speech and swallowing impairment. Microvascular free flap reconstruction compensates for large volume defects. Flap volume is based on the adipose content of the donor site and varies by patient body mass index (BMI) and donor site location. We sought to correlate flap thickness at different donor sites with patient BMI to determine optimal donor site selection. MethodsPatients with CT scans of the oral cavity, thorax and lower extremity were identified and included. The volumes of the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue were measured and recorded using computed tomography-generated modeling. Pre-muscular tissue thicknesses at anterolateral thigh (ALT), deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP), latissimus dorsi, and parascapular donor sites were measured. The donor site adequency was defined as reconstructing the tongue volume within 10% of the ideal volume required and stratified based on patient BMI. ResultsIn 144 patients, the average anterior 2/3rds glossectomy defect was 100.3 cm3. Glossectomy defect size was highly correlated with BMI (p < 0.001). The DIEP flap had the largest volume (155.4 cm3), followed by latissimus (105.6 cm3), parascapula (97.8 cm3), and ALT (60.5 cm3). For patients with BMI ≤ 30, the DIEP flap best reconstructed native tongue volume (up to 113 % of native tongue volume). In patients with BMI > 30.1, native tongue volumes were approximated by the latissimus flap (89–92 % of native tongue) and parascapular flap (85–95 % of native tongue volume). In BMI > 30.1 the DIEP flap provided excess tissue bulk (129–135 % of native tongue volume). ConclusionThe DIEP flap more closely approximates the volume needed to reconstruct anterior two-thirds tongue defects for BMIs ≤ 30. The subscapular system flaps provided the best volume match for BMIs > 30 and the DIEP flap provided excess tissue bulk which could be adjusted in the reconstruction process.

Assessing the Influence of Planting Dates on Sustainable Maize Production under Drought Stress Conditions

Water is one of the most precious resources and is essential to agricultural output; the biggest user of water is the agricultural sector. Several societal sectors are impacted by the problem of climate change, including agriculture, water resources, and irrigation water demand. A key element in determining sustainable crop production potential is choosing the right cultivars at the right time of year to plant. The dates on which maize is sown are greatly impacted by high summer temperatures and low spring temperatures. Water stress and the timing of sowing can have a significant impact on maize crop yield and water use efficiency. As a result, figuring out the ideal irrigation volume and sowing dates depending on local conditions is essential. A split plot layout was used to create a randomized complete block design for an experiment with five sowing dates (A, B, C, D, and E) and six hybrids (KWS3376, Xinyu 65, KWS9384, Huamei No. 1, Xinyu 102, and Heyu 187). All sowing dates and hybrids had a significant impact on the yield and yield-contributing features (leaf length, ear diameter, grain number per spike, grain breadth, hundred-grain weight, etc.) of maize crops according to the data analysis. A higher grain yield with yield features, such as ear length, number of grains per ear, and hundred-grain weight, was obtained with early-season sowing. Delayed seeding resulted in a lower crop yield. The seasonally delayed seeding of maize reduces yield and yield characteristics. Xinyu 65 produced the highest yield and yield component values of any hybrid. For improved yield and yield traits in the examined area, the study recommended planting maize hybrid Xinyu 65 early in the growing season.

P.079 Relationships between anatomical features and outcome after stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy

Background: Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) has recently been shown to be comparable to traditional temporal lobectomy procedures. The ideal extent and volume of laser ablations remains an area of investigation Methods: 65 patients treated with SLAH for MTS were considered in this retrospective study. Manual segmentations of ablations were created using post-procedure T1-MRI scans. Ablations were assessed in relation to whether they crossed the coronal plane of the superior lateral mesencephalic sulcus (LMS), the extent to which ablation crossed this landmark, and extent of ablation of the uncus. Analysis of was done with binary categorization of 12-month Engel classification score. Results: Distance of ablation posterior to the coronal plane of the LMS was not associated with better surgical outcome (Engel class 1: 6.32 ± 4.16 mm; Engel class 2-4: 7.93 ± 3.75mm; (p = 0.099)). Ratio of ablations extending posterior to the LMS was 0.82 (SD = .39) in Engel 1 patients, and 0.90 (SD = 0.3) in Engel 2-4 patients; (p = 0.370). Volume of ablation showed little correlation with outcome (Engel class 1: 6064 ± 2128 mm3; Engel class 2-4: 5828 ± 3031 mm3; (p=0.239)). Ablation of the uncus showed a strong association with better surgical outcome (Engel class 1: 0.71(SD = 0.31); Engel 2-4: 0.37 (SD = 0.36); p &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Contrary to current practice, extension of ablation posterior to the LMS did not demonstrate improved outcome.

Resection Ratios and Tumor Eccentricity in Breast-Conserving Surgery Specimens for Surgical Accuracy Assessment.

This study aims to evaluate several defined specimen parameters that would allow to determine the surgical accuracy of breast-conserving surgeries (BCS) in a representative population of patients. These specimen parameters could be used to compare surgical accuracy when using novel technologies for intra-operative BCS guidance in the future. Different specimen parameters were determined among 100 BCS patients, including the ratio of specimen volume to tumor volume (resection ratio) with different optimal margin widths (0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, and 10 mm). Furthermore, the tumor eccentricity [maximum tumor-margin distance - minimum tumor-margin distance] and the relative tumor eccentricity [tumor eccentricity ÷ pathological tumor diameter] were determined. Different patient subgroups were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. When using a surgical margin width of 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, and 10 mm, on average, 19.16 (IQR 44.36), 9.94 (IQR 18.09), 6.06 (IQR 9.69) and 1.35 (IQR 1.78) times the ideal resection volume was excised, respectively. The median tumor eccentricity among the entire patient population was 11.29 mm (SD = 3.99) and the median relative tumor eccentricity was 0.66 (SD = 2.22). Resection ratios based on different optimal margin widths (0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, and 10 mm) and the (relative) tumor eccentricity could be valuable outcome measures to evaluate the surgical accuracy of novel technologies for intra-operative BCS guidance.

Green Surfactant Assisted-Solidified Floating Organic Drop Micro-Extraction (SA-SFODME) for the Preconcentration of Trace Lead with Determination by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS)

Determination of trace lead from environmental samples was carried out by solidified floating organic drop microextraction for preconcentration before analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The determination of lead from environmental samples, even at trace levels, was possible with an ordinary flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). The lead formed a hydrophobic complex with the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), and this hydrophobic complex was extracted into the 1-dodecanol drop. Parameters affecting analytical performance have been studied. The optimum pH value was 3.5. The optimum sample volume, SDBS concentration, and extraction solvent volume were 75 mL, 50 mM in dodecanol, and 75 µL, respectively. The optimum extraction time was determined as 30 min, the optimum extraction temperature was 45 °C, the optimum mixing speed was 650 rpm and the ideal extraction phase volume was 0.50 mL. Methanol has been shown to be effective when used as a diluent. Using the optimum conditions, the enhancement factor was 106, and the limit of detection (3s) and precision were 3.3 ng/mL and 2.3% (n = 9,15 ng/mL), respectively. The limit of quantification (LOQ) (10s) was 10 ng/mL and the linear working range was 15-100 ng/mL. The accuracy was evaluated by certified reference material analysis. The optimized method was applied to the determination of Pb(II) from environmental water samples. This method follows the principles of green analytical chemistry.

Optimal Volume Assessment for Serous Fluid Cytology.

This study aimed to investigate the optimal volume of serous fluid needed for accurate diagnosis using The International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (TIS), as well as to provide information on the distribution of serous effusion cases in the TIS categories (ND: non-diagnostic, NFM: negative for malignancy, AUS: atypia of undetermined significance, SFM: suspicious for malignancy, MAL: malignant) and relevant epidemiological data. A retrospective analysis of 2340 serous effusion cases (pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial) from two hospitals between 2018 and 2020 was conducted. TIS categories were assigned to each case, and for 1181 cases, these were correlated with the volume of the analyzed fluid. Our study found statistically significant differences in volume distributions between certain TIS categories. Statistically lower volumes were observed in NFM compared to MAL, in UNCERTAIN (ND, AUS, SFM) compared to both MAL and NFM, and in NOT MAL (ND, NFM, AUS, SFM) compared to MAL. However, these differences were not substantial enough to hold any clinical relevance. This study suggests that while fluid volume may slightly influence the TIS category, it does not impact the diagnostic accuracy of serous effusion cytology. Therefore, the ideal serous effusion specimen volume can be defined solely by practical parameters.

New insight into the vasto-adductor membrane for safer adductor canal blockade.

: This study aimed to identify exact anatomical landmarks and ideal injection volumes for safe adductor canal blocks (ACB). : Fifty thighs from 25 embalmed adult Korean cadavers were used. The measurement baseline was the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the midpoint of the patellar base. All target points were measured perpendicular to the baseline. The relevant cadaveric structures were observed using ultrasound (US) and confirmed in living individuals. US-guided dye injection was performed to determine the ideal volume. : The apex of the femoral triangle was 25.3 ± 2.2 cm distal to the ASIS on the baseline and 5.3 ± 1.0 cm perpendicular to that point. The midpoint of the superior border of the vasto-adductor membrane (VAM) was 27.4 ± 2.0 cm distal to the ASIS on the baseline and 5.0 ± 1.1 cm perpendicular to that point. The VAM had a trapezoidal shape and was connected as an aponeurosis between the medial edge of the vastus medialis muscle and lateral edge of the adductor magnus muscle. The nerve to the vastus medialis penetrated the muscle proximal to the superior border of the VAM in 70% of specimens. The VAM appeared on US as a hyperechoic area connecting the vastus medialis and adductor magnus muscles between the sartorius muscle and femoral artery. : Confirming the crucial landmark, the VAM, is beneficial when performing ACB. It is advisable to insert the needle obliquely below the superior VAM border, and a 5 mL injection is considered sufficient.

Patterns of Failure in Patients With Borderline Resectable/Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer After Preoperative Chemotherapy and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

The role of preoperative stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in pancreatic cancer is controversial, and questions regarding the optimal dose and radiation treatment field remain. To better inform future investigations of SBRT dose and radiation fields, we evaluated the patterns of failure in patients with borderline resectable/locally advanced pancreatic cancer (BR/LAPC) after preoperative chemotherapy and SBRT in patients who underwent surgical resection. We performed a single-institution retrospective review of consecutive patients treated from September 2017 to January 2022 with BR/LAPC. Patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and SBRT followed by surgical resection were reviewed. SBRT was delivered to a dose of 33 Gy in 5 fractions. Kaplan-Meier overall survival and progression-free survival estimates were calculated. In total, 18 patients (12 BRPC, 6 LAPC) were included. Median age was 69 years (range 41-84 years). Median follow-up was 30 months (range 13-59 months). Seventeen patients (94%) had a R0 resection and 13 (72%) underwent vascular reconstruction. Median overall survival and progression-free survival was 42 months (range 13-59 months) and 23 months (range 1-45 months), respectively. In total, 61% (11/18) patients experienced progression at any point during follow-up. Of the patients who experienced recurrence, 27% (3/11) experienced local progression as component of their first recurrence, whereas 100% (11/11) experienced distant progression as a component of their first recurrence. When examining all recurrences that occurred at any point in follow-up, 28% (5/18) of patients experienced local or locoregional recurrence and 61% (11/18) experienced distant progression. Local control and margin negative resection rates were excellent with preoperative chemotherapy and nondose-escalated SBRT in surgically resected patients with BR/LAPC. Distant recurrence was the predominant site of failure with lower incidences of isolated locoregional recurrences. Additional research is needed to determine the ideal treatment volume and patients who may benefit from dose escalation.

Follow-Up of Eight-Weeks Detraining Period after Exercise Program on Health Profiles of Older Women

Background: The multicomponent training program (MTP) is a physical exercise strategy used to combat the sedentary lifestyle in older women (OW). However, periods of interruption in training are common in this population. The aim of our study was to analyze the 8-week MTP effects followed by two, four, and eight weeks of interruption on the lipid profile (LP) and functional capacity (FC) of OW. Methods: Twenty-one OW (experimental group [EG], 67.6 ± 3.1 years; 1.55 ± 0.35 m) were subjected to an 8-week MTP followed by a detraining period, and 14 OW (control group [CG], 69.4 ± 4.7 years; 1.61 ± 0.26 m) maintained their daily routine. FC (i.e., 30-s chair stand [30-CS], 8-foot up and go [8-FUG], 6-min walk [6-MWT], handgrip strength [HGS], and heart-rate peak during 6-WMT [HRPeak]), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were assessed before and after MTP and two, four, and eight weeks after MTP. Results: 8-week MTP resulted in higher FC and decreased LP values in EG (p &lt; 0.05); two and four weeks of detraining did not promote changes. After eight weeks of detraining TC (ES: 2.74; p = 0.00), TG (ES: 1.93; p = 0.00), HGS (ES: 0.49, p = 0.00), HRPeak (ES: 1.01, p = 0.00), 6-MWT (ES: 0.54, p = 0.04), and 8-FUG (ES: 1.20, p = 0.01) declined significantly. Conclusions: Periods of more than four weeks of detraining should be avoided to promote a good quality of life and health in OW. If older people interrupt training for a period longer than four weeks, physical-education professionals must outline specific training strategies to maintain the adaptations acquired with MTP. Future studies should establish these criteria based on ideal training volume, intensity, and frequency.

Intravenous volume expansion to prevent contrast-associated acute kidney injury.

Several volume expansion protocols have been proposed to prevent contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). The aim of our study was to seek the ideal intravenous volume expansion to prevent CA-AKI in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing invasive cardiovascular procedures. We analyzed 1927 CKD patients enrolled in 6 studies that took place from September 15, 2000 to June 6, 2019. Four volume expansion regiments were included: (1) conventional group (n=625); (2) bicarbonate group (n=255); (3) left ventricular end-diastolic pressure-guided group (n=355); and (4) urine flow rate-guided group (n=500). CA-AKI (serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL at 48 hours) occurred in 224 (11%) patients. In patients with CA-AKI, volume expansion was lower (2090 ± 1382 mL vs 2551 ± 1716 mL; P less than .001) and acute pulmonary edema occurred more often (3.5% vs 0.29%; P less than .001). By ROC curve analysis, an absolute volume expansion greater than or equal to 1430 mL (AUC = 0.70) and a volume expansion to contrast media volume ratio greater than or equal to 17 (AUC = 0.57) were the best thresholds for freedom from CA-AKI. In our comprehensive pooled analysis, an absolute volume expansion greater than or equal to 1430 mL and a volume expansion to contrast media volume ratio greater than or equal to 17 are the best dichotomous thresholds for CA-AKI prevention. These cutoffs should be formally tested in a dedicated trial as a pragmatic means to prevent CA-AKI.

Effects of the particle morphology and volume fraction of coarse aggregate on the mechanical properties of concrete

The morphology and volume fraction of coarse aggregate particles significantly influence the mechanical characteristics of concrete. This paper presents the development of a numerical model for pebble concrete by combining experiments with the discrete element method. The mesoscopic parameters between mortars and the contact surface between mortars and aggregates in the model were calibrated by comparing simulated stress–strain relationships with experimental data from pebble concrete. Subsequently, the model and mesoscopic parameters were validated by comparing them with experimental results. The obtained mesoscopic parameters were then utilized in the numerical modeling of uniaxial compression for single-shaped coarse aggregate concrete. Results showed that the peak stress of the elliptical aggregate concrete was 2.8 MPa higher than that of the oblate spherical aggregate concrete, leading to more cracks and severe damage in the former. Thus, elliptical aggregates proved more suitable as coarse aggregates for concrete than oblate spherical aggregates. Furthermore, the study investigated the influence of ellipsoidal aggregate volume fraction on concrete strength. The compressive strength reached the highest when the volume fraction of ellipsoidal aggregate was 57%. Therefore, the ideal coarse aggregate volume fraction was determined to be 57%. These results offer valuable insights into designing concrete mix proportions.

Comparison of biogas production from various blends of biomass

Because of its high organic content, biomass waste from agriculture and animals can serve as a source of raw materials for the production of biogas. The goal of this study is to determine the ideal volume and rate of biogas generation as well as the digester temperature, and material pH. This research was conducted by experimental method with 3 treatments and 3 replications, namely a mixture of cow dung with rice straw (P1), corn cobs (P2), and water hyacinth (P3). The results showed that the best biogas yield was obtained from a mixture of cow dung and rice straw (P1) with the highest initial and final temperature values of 29.8 0C and 27.3 0C, and the highest initial and final pH of 6.8 and 7.0. The highest biogas volume was 66.03 L and the highest gas production rate was 7.45 L/day.

Detectability of biomechanical risk factors in patients with fixed dentures on dental implants

BACKGROUND: Long-term results of orthopedic rehabilitation of patients with partial and total tooth loss using implants revealed a considerable number of failures and complications. Periodontopathogenic microfloral activity resulting from poor oral hygiene is the most studied cause of implant removals and development of periimplant chronic inflammation. To a much lesser extent, biomechanical risk factors influence the effectiveness of prosthetics on implants. In particular, information on adverse biomechanical factors in individuals with dental implants is insufficient.&#x0D; AIM: To analyze the frequency of detection of unfavorable biomechanical conditions for the functioning of prostheses on implants.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the results of clinical and X-ray examination of 417 patients with 1,222 intraosseous implants, who have completed fixed prosthetics for partial absence of teeth 10 years ago, the biomechanical conditions for the functioning of implants were evaluated. The density and volume of the bone tissue, previous bone grafting, cortical bone thickness, implant length and diameter, characteristics of the junction with the abutment, position of the implant relative to the alveolar ridge, ratio of the implants and prosthetic units in fixed prostheses, presence of occlusive supracontacts on implants, degree of replacement of dentition defects, presence of approximal contacts, association with teeth, and load type were collected.&#x0D; RESULTS: A thin cortical bone, as an inadequate biomechanical condition, was found in 65.7% of the implants, low bone density in 32.3%, and insufficient and uncompensated bone volume in 15.5%. Implant overload caused by the absence of approximal contacts with adjacent teeth or prostheses was detected in 60.3% of implants, occlusive supracontacts in 58.4%, installation of narrow and short implants 29.1% and 15.5%, respectively, and installation of implants with a slope in 33.1%. Incomplete replacement of the dentition defect and consequently increased functional load were found in 57.3% and 28.1% of implants, respectively, and an insufficient number of support implants were found in 21.5%. The combination of implants with teeth with bridge prosthesis was typical for 19.2%.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: In modern implantology, inadequate biomechanical conditions influence the qualification of doctors, motivation of patients to the ideal volume of prosthetics on implants, andfunctioning of fixed prostheses on intraosseous implants.

Impact of Hemodialysis Time Prolongation on Blood Pressure Control

Abstract Introduction Hypertension prevalence among ESRD patients range from 76% to 90%. Sodium &amp; volume overload is among the main mechanisms. Increasing the duration of dialysis time, either by longer session hours or increased sessions, aiming at reducing the dry weight to achieve euvolemia, may be beneficial for individuals who failed to achieve target BP or ideal volume status during standard HD prescription hours. We aim to study the effect of increasing hemodialysis session time on blood pressure control. Methods This observational study was conducted on 50 adult clinically stable hypertensive prevalent HD patients on thrice weekly maintenance HD. Patients with secondary causes of hypertension and Patients with decompensated medical conditions were excluded from our study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (A) 25 patients who received longer session hemodialysis session (4.5 hour) and (B) 25 patients HD who received the usual 4 hours session. Revision of antihypertensive medications&amp; dosages, dry weight was reassessed regularly, and they were instructed to restrict their salt intake as much as possible aiming at BP &amp;lt; 140/90 mmHg. they were followed up for a period of 6 months assess changes of pre-dialysis blood pressure to monitor response. Results Patients in both groups were age matched, with male sex predominance (64%in groupA&amp;56% in groupB). Patients in both groups underwent their HD sessions mostly through AVF (68% and 92% for group A and B respectively). Ultrafiltration volume declined significantly with longer HD sessions compared to conventional sessions (pvalue &amp;lt;0.001 vs 0.523). Longer HD session time session was associated with highly significant decline in mean SBP, (p-value &amp;lt;0.001). Longer HD session time session was associated with highly statistically significant decline in mean DBP, (p-value &amp;lt;0.001). The decline in mean perdialysis SBP &amp; DBP was -17.27 &amp;-9 mmHg, respectively and the rate of decline of postdialysis SBP &amp; DBP was -6.45 &amp; -12.38 mmHg, respectively at 6th month compared to values in 1st month of follow up period. Conclusion Longer HD session duration is associated with better improvement in UF volume, mean SBP&amp;DBP, pre-dialysis SBP&amp;DBP and post-dialysis SBP&amp;DBP as well.

Volumetric graft changes after liver transplantation: evidence of adaptation to recipient body size.

It is believed that whole liver grafts adjust their size to fit the body size of the recipient after transplantation, despite a lack of evidence. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis. This was a retrospective cohort study of 113 liver transplantations performed at Karolinska University Hospital. The cohort was divided based on graft volume-to-standard liver volume ratio (GV/SLV) into quartiles of small, mid, and large grafts. Serial volumetric assessment was performed on the day of transplantation and at posttransplant check-ups early (<2 mo) and late (9-13 mo) after transplantation using computed tomography (CT) volumetry. Change in GV/SLV ratio over time was analyzed with ANOVA repeated measures. A multiple regression model was used to investigate the influence of intraoperative blood flow, recipient body size, age, and relative sickness on graft volume changes. Between the three time points, mean GV/SLV ratio adapted to 0.55-0.94-1.00 in small grafts (n = 29, P < 0.001); 0.87-1.18-1.13 in midgrafts (n = 56, P < 0.001); 1.11-1.51-1.18 in large grafts (n = 28, P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed a positive correlation between posttransplant graft growth and portal flow (β = 1.18, P = 0.005), arterial flow (β = 0.17, P = 0.001), and recipient body surface area (β = 59.85, P < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed for graft weight-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR; β = -33.12, P < 0.001). Grafts with initial GV/SLV-ratio < 0.6 adapt toward the ideal volume for recipient body size 1 year after transplantation. The disparity between graft size relative to recipient body size, and the portal and arterial perfusion, influence volumetric graft changes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first and largest human study to verify the hypothesis that whole liver grafts adjust their size to match recipient body size 1 year after transplantation-a phenomenon that has previously only been observed in experimental animal studies and human case reports. The direction of volumetric changes is driven by the disparity between graft size relative to recipient body surface area and weight, as well as the intraoperative portal- and arterial graft perfusion.

Radiative properties of non-spherical opacifiers doped in silica aerogels for high-temperature thermal insulation

Silica aerogel, a super-insulating material, has garnered significant attention due to its extensive thermal insulation applications. However, the high-temperature performance of silica aerogels is compromised due to their infrared transparency. This study tackles this issue by investigating the influence of opacifier shape on the insulation properties of silica aerogel composites. Employing the Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA) theory, the radiative properties of opacifiers of varying shapes are investigated. The study also employs a theoretical model to ascertain the effective thermal conductivity of silica aerogels doped with non-spherical opacifiers. To counter oxidation at ultra-high temperatures, an innovative ellipsoidal [email protected] core–shell opacifier is introduced. Non-spherical opacifiers are further optimized to identify the ideal particle diameters and volume fractions for specific temperature ranges. The investigation uncovers that non-spherical carbon black opacifiers with low shape parameter ratios considerably enhance the insulating performance at elevated temperatures. [email protected] core–shell opacifiers, distinguished by high inner/outer radius ratios, offer superior thermal stability and great infrared radiation extinction. In summary, this study offers a pragmatic approach to fabricating aerogels with enhanced insulation properties at high temperatures.

Analysis of factors affecting the performance of a novel micro-channel heat pipe PV-Trombe wall system for space heating

Building energy consumption accounts for about 1/3 of the world's total energy consumption. Photovoltaic Trombe wall (PV-TW) is an effective way to reduce a building's energy consumption, but it still has disadvantages such as low energy efficiency and uneven indoor temperature distribution. To address these issues, a novel system with a PV-TW and a micro-channel heat pipe (MCHP) was initially presented in this research. By cooling the PV cell with both air and refrigerant, the system can reduce its surface temperature and improve its electrical performance. To promote thermal performance and user comfort, an air-cooled condenser is also employed to regulate the room's heat transfer. This paper establishes the system's dynamic mathematical model for winter and theoretically evaluates its performance. Besides, the key factors influencing the system’s performance were examined. In winter, the total power generation and average daily electrical efficiency are 3.12 MJ and 13.52%, respectively, with a maximum indoor temperature of 21.46 °C and a daily average thermal efficiency of 56.76%. The system’s performance is all improved with the incremental change of the factors besides the size of the micro-channel flat tube (MAFT), and the performance is not sensitive to the change of the air channel width. The optimal number and width of the MAFT in the evaporator section are 11 and 45 mm. The indoor air-cooled condenser should have about 10 rows of tubes and an ideal air volume of 540 m3/h. The recommended airflow channel thickness is between 5 cm and 10 cm.