Incomplete Opening Research Articles

Investigation on Corrosion Behavior of Nickel Plated Steel in Copper Sulfate Solution and It's Applicability As a Defect Inspection

The effects of defect on the corrosion behavior of electrolytically Ni-plated steel in copper sulfate solution were investigated using electrochemical methods and surface characterization techniques. The results show that copper is deposited on the Ni surface not on steel exposed through defect. In the case of incompletely-open defects, weight gain on the Ni surface due to the copper deposition is decreased with immersion time and levelled off within 3 hours. However, the copper deposition on the Ni surface with fully-open defects exhibits continuous weight gain by vertical growth of copper layer. This is because copper deposition proceeds in the lateral direction preferentially until exposure of steel to the corrosive environment is blocked in incompletely-open defects where connection between copper deposition layers on separate Ni plating is accomplished. In contrast, in fully-open defects, vertical growth of copper deposition layers on separate Ni plating is observed. The vertical growth of the copper deposition layer in fully-open defects means that the interface between the substrate and nickel plating layers is continuously exposed to a corrosive environment, which eventually leads to delamination of the Ni plating layer from its substrate.The difference between incomplete and complete opening of defects is related to the defect area of the Ni plating layer, but verification of further electrochemical factors is required to distinguish the structural difference. These defects vary depending on the substrate and Ni plating process, but are inevitably accompanied by the subsequent forming process of Ni-plated steel. Since these defects are a major factor in determining the durability of the final products related to corrosion, it is important for manufacturers to identify and screen for these defects before moving on to the next step. Therefore, this study aims to identify the differences in copper sulfate test results according to the defect types and the correlation with product's durability due to corrosion. To verify this, analysis of the interfacial reaction through EIS (electrochemical impedance analysis) and current density and its overvoltage according to cathodic polarization related to the reaction of the copper deposition are in progress.

Oral donor site evaluation in the early and late postoperative periods for augmentation and replacement urethroplasty

Introduction. The use of oral mucosa in augmentation and replacement urethroplasty is the gold standard for several reasons. Most commonly, the mucous membrane of the cheek, the underside of the tongue or lip is employed. Assessing postoperative complications in the donor area is crucial as it impacts patients' quality of life.Objective. To evaluate early and late postoperative changes in the donor area after oral graft extraction for urethroplastyMaterials & methods. A retrospective analysis of the results of surgical treatment using oral mucosa from 2017 to 2022 was carried out. The study included 65 patients. The intensity of pain syndrome in the graft sampling area was assessed by patients on a visual analog scale (VAS). The donor area was sutured only in the case of tongue and lip mucosa sampling.Results. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity was harvested from different sites in 65 patients. Specifically, it was taken from the inside of the cheek in 49 patients (75.38%), from both inner sides of the cheeks in 13 (20.0%), the lower lip in two (3.07%) and the lower surface of the tongue in one (1.54%) patient, respectively. On the first day after surgery, the median pain level according to VAS was 4 points (range: 2 – 7), at the time of discharge — 3 points (1 – 6). After 120 days, a follow-up examination showed a regression of pain symptoms: the median was 0 points (0–1). In the late postoperative period, incomplete opening of the mouth was recorded in two patients (3.07%), cosmetic defect in the donor area in two (3.07%), discomfort during meals in six (9.23%), impaired sensitivity in the donor area in two (3.07%), exacerbation of chronic stomatitis and hypersalivation in two (3.07%) patients, respectively.Conclusion. The incidence of complications in the donor area is low, but for some patients this can result in a reduced quality of life. Using proper technique when extracting oral mucosa grafts reduces pain and the likelihood of early- and late-stage postoperative complications in this area.

Respiratory-swallow patterning and oropharyngeal swallowing impairment in patients undergoing evaluation for lung transplant.

Although swallowing impairment is prevalent following lung transplantation, baseline respiratory and swallowing characteristics are often overlooked. Respiratory disease processes may predispose lung transplant candidates to altered respiratory-swallow patterning and swallowing impairment. This cross-sectional study included patients referred for a Modified Barium Swallow Study during lung transplant evaluation. Swallowing impairment was measured using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile and Penetration-Aspiration Scale. Respiratory plethysmographic signals synchronized with videofluoroscopy were analyzed to determine phase patterning, pause duration, and rate. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify linkages between respiratory and swallowing measures. Fifty patients were included and demonstrated delayed swallow initiation (49/50), oral residue (37/50), incomplete pharyngoesophageal segment opening (35/50), and esophageal retention (43/50). Airway invasion occurred infrequently (10/50). Atypical respiratory patterning was significantly associated with impairment in pharyngeal swallow initiation (OR [95% CI] = 1.76 [1.16, 2.68], p = 0.009), laryngeal elevation (OR [95% CI] = 1.45 [1.01, 2.07], p = 0.044), and laryngeal vestibular closure (OR [95% CI] = 2.57 [1.48, 4.46], p < 0.001). Increased pause duration was associated with impaired initiation (OR [95% CI] = 2.24 [1.20, 4.16], p = 0.011), laryngeal elevation (OR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.03, 1.36], p = 0.018), laryngeal closure (OR [95% CI] = 1.28 [1.9, 1.50], p = 0.003), and tongue base retraction (OR [95% CI] = 1.33 [1.13, 1.56], p < 0.001). Patients undergoing evaluation for lung transplant demonstrated impaired swallowing and phase patterning. Preliminary findings implicate the need for further evaluation of respiratory-swallow coordination and its potential role in swallowing impairment before and after lung transplantation.

Primary bladder neck obstruction in men: The importance of urodynamic assessment and cystourethrography in measuring its severity.

Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) is a condition primarily affecting young men, characterized by obstruction at the bladder neck, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify a correlation between the severity of bladder neck opening impairment and urinary symptoms by means of urodynamic studies. A retrospective analysis was conducted in adult males diagnosed with PBNO at a university neurourology department between 2015 and 2022 who underwent voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and pressure-flow studies. The cohort was divided into two groups: absence of bladder neck opening on VCUG (Group A) and incomplete bladder neck opening (Group B). Out of the 82 patients with PBNO screened, 53 were included in the analysis. Nocturia was the only symptom more prevalent in Group A (65% in Group A vs. 30% in Group B, p = 0.02) but scores and subscores of the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire were not different between groups. In addition, the detrusor pressure at a maximum flow rate (PdetQmax), bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), and bladder contractility index (BCI) were higher in Group A than in Group B [PdetQmax (A = 93.7 ± 53.7 cmH2O vs. B = 65.7 ± 26.4 cmH2O; p = 0.01)-BOOI (A = 77 ± 58.3 vs. B = 48 ± 25.7; p = 0.03)-BCI (A = 136 ± 51.3 vs. B = 110 ± 41.7; p = 0.04)]. This study demonstrates a significant association between the extent of bladder neck opening impairment observed on VCUG and obstruction and contraction urodynamic parameters, but no association with the severity of urinary symptoms. Future studies should evaluate the predictive value of treatment response and the occurrence of complications based on clinical and urodynamic parameters.

Analysis of metallurgical products for antimony content

Antimony is widely used in modern science and technology. Currently, the most important consumer of high-purity antimony is the semiconductor industry.The article presents the results of the analysis of metallurgical samples for the content of antimony, which belongs to the group of harmful impurities.Traditionally, the decomposition of metallurgical samples is carried out by acid dissolution of the sample, alkali fusion or sintering. The least labor-intensive method is acid dissolution. However, this method has a number of significant disadvantages: incomplete opening, loss of antimony due to the hydrolysis of its salts, and the interfering influence of accompanying elements that also pass into solution during acidic dissolution of the sample. The most reliable results in the photometric determination of antimony content can be obtained by sintering a sample, accompanied by the separation of interfering elements by their precipitation in the form of carbonates and the transfer of antimony into a form that is not subject to hydrolysis (MexSbyOz antimonates). However, the specific conditions for the sintering process of antimony-containing metallurgical samples are not described in the literature.The work proposes a method for the decomposition of metallurgical samples, which consists of sintering the samples under study with Na2CO3 + ZnO. The phase composition of the presented samples has been established. A calibration characteristic for the photometric determination of antimony content in the concentration range from 1•10-3 to 1•10-2 mg/ml at a wavelength of 425 nm was constructed.

Multicenter study of the safety and effectiveness of intracranial aneurysm treatment with the p64MW-HPC flow modulation device

Background and purpose The new p64 flow diverter with hydrophilic polymer coating (HPC) was designed to reduce thrombogenicity. To date, it is unclear how antithrombogenic surface modifications affect neoendothelialization and thrombus formation in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the p64MW-HPC in the treatment of unruptured aneurysms of small to giant size and of both the anterior and posterior circulation. Materials and methods Between March 2020 and October 2022 all patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with the p64MW-HPC were included at five neurovascular centers. Demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, antiplatelet therapy, procedural complications, and clinical and angiographic outcomes were recorded. Results A total of 100 patients with 100 unruptured intracranial aneurysms met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-three aneurysms were classified as saccular, 12 aneurysms were fusiform, 4 aneurysms dissecting, and 1 aneurysm was blister-like. Dual antiplatelet therapy with Clopidogrel and Aspirin was given in 68 cases, and with Ticagrelor and Aspirin in 24 cases. Technical issues with deployment were encountered in 14 cases (torsion ( n = 3), foreshortening ( n = 8), and incomplete opening ( n = 3)). Ischemic stroke occurred in a total of seven cases. In one patient a wire perforation and subsequent severe ICH occurred. Complete aneurysm occlusion at angiographic follow-up (mean time = 7 months) was seen in 73% and adequate occlusion in 93%. Conclusion This study is the largest multicenter study to date documenting the safety and effectiveness of the new antithrombogenic p64MW-HPC in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms of the anterior and posterior circulation.

Deletion of transcription factor Satb1 leads to disturbance in mice behavior through changes in the expression of genes-regulators of the excitive component of neurotransmission

The transcription factor Satb1 exhibits widespread expression in multiple tissues and different regions of the brain. Notable levels of expression are observed in the neocortex, the nucleus of the diagonal band, the amygdala, and the tegmental area. In the ventral midbrain, Satb1-positive neurons are only found in a small portion of the substantia nigra, the ventral tegmental area, and the retrorubral field, and none were detected in the inferior colliculus. The transcription factor Satb1 is highly expressed in interneurons labeled as SST+, CR+, and NPY+, but not VIP+ interneurons. In mice with the Satb1 mutation, incomplete eye opening and a constriction reflex were observed. Behavioral tests revealed that mice lacking Satb1 exhibited deficits in motor coordination, characterized by reduced mobility on flat bars and decreased grip strength on metal wires. In addition, these mice exhibited elevated levels of motor activity in novel environments and heightened anxiety in the light-dark test. Satb1-deficient males demonstrated proficiency in passive avoidance tests, while their female counterparts exhibited no significant difference in entrance time to the dark compartment between the reproduction and learning stages, indicating an impairment in the process of conditioned response formation. To investigate the expression patterns of genes encoding vital protein kinases and proteins associated with neurotransmission, we extracted total RNA from the cerebral cortex of adult males with an incomplete deletion of Satb1. Real-time PCR analysis was conducted, which revealed a higher expression level of the pik3ca, pik3cb, and pic3cg genes responsible for phosphoinositide-3-kinase isoforms in Satb1-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. The expression levels of genes encoding protein kinase C (Prkce and Prkcg) as well as Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Camk2) were lower in comparison to wild-type mice. Satb1-deficient mice displayed notably higher expression levels of genes encoding NMDA receptor subunits (Grin1, Grin2a, and Grin2b), whereas the expression of Gria1 (encoding the Glua2 subunit of AMPA receptors responsible for Ca2+ receptor conductance) decreased. The influence on excitatory glutamate receptor expression can cause hyperexcitability in animals, particularly when inhibitory neurotransmission is suppressed due to decreased Gabra1 and Gad65/67 expression encoding the GABA(A) receptor and glutamate decarboxylase. In addition, the levels of expression for the Calb1, Calb2, and Pvalb genes responsible for encoding the calcium-binding proteins calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin decreased in comparison to the wild-type mice. Thus, a correlation was found between behavioral disturbances and expression of genes that encode proteins related to brain development and neurotransmission after deleting the Satb1 transcription factor. Satb1-deleted mice exhibited hyperexcitation and impaired motor activity due to impaired gene expression.

Sampling Reflex as a New Manometric Marker in the Diagnosis of Defecation Disorders - Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Distension of the rectum wall and subsequent momentary relaxation of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) trigger a reflex called the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR). This same rectal distension causes a reflex contraction of the external anal sphincter (EAS), responsible for conscious continence called rectoanal excitatory reflex (RAER). This set of reflexes are named sampling reflex. Objectives The sampling reflex is necessary to initiate defecation or flatulence. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sampling reflex and its practical applicability as a manometric marker of the main defecation disorders. Methodology This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) items. The development method consisted of searching for articles in the research platforms BVS, PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO and ScienceDirect and for the selection of articles the Rayyan Platform was used. The articles resulting from the search strategies were added to the platform and five collaborators were invited for the blind selection. Finally, 6 articles were included in the final review. Results An intact sampling reflex allows the individual to facilitate discrimination between flatus and stool and to choose whether to discharge or retain rectal contents. On the other hand, an impaired sampling reflex can predispose an individual to incontinence.Therefore, it was observed that patients with defecation disorders had an impaired sampling reflex, since it was found that constipated patients have incomplete opening of the IAS, lower amplitude of RAIR and increase of RAER. Most incontinent patients present a failure in the recruitment of the EAS, a decrease in the RAER and an increase in the RAIR, in duration and amplitude. Conclusion The improvement of high-resolution anorectal manometric techniques was essential for understanding the pathophysiology of defecation disorders, as well as the physiological understanding and importance of RAIR and RAER.

An Adjustable Magnetic Levator Prosthesis for Customizable Eyelid Re-Animation in Severe Blepharoptosis: Design and Proof-of-Concept.

Blepharoptosis is a common oculoplastic condition causing incomplete opening of the upper eyelid. Surgical approaches, the mainstay for correction, often fail to improve blink function. The purpose of this study was to develop a nonsurgical treatment option for severe ptosis that allows blink re-animation. Magnetic force required to perform blink re-animation was characterized by evaluation of eye-opening and closing using inter-palpebral fissure (IPF) outcomes with various combinations of eyelid array and box magnets. Optimal size of the spectacle magnet that achieved forces required for optimal blink dynamics was selected using simulation. The adjustable magnetic levator prosthesis (aMLP) included an eyelid array magnet and an adjustable rotating spectacle magnet that allowed change in the magnetic direction, thus changing the net magnetic interactive force between the magnets. The clinical feasibility of aMLP in improving eye opening without limiting eye closing was evaluated in patients with ptosis through a proof-of-concept study using IPF and comfort outcomes. Optimal eye opening and closing was achieved by a magnet-array combination providing 45 grams of surface force (gF) in the tested ptosis population. The aMLP was able to modulate eye opening and closing with change in rotation of the spectacle magnet in two patients with ptotis. The best fitting of an aMLP improved IPF opening without limiting eye closing and with good comfort reported. Preliminary results suggest that the an aMLP can correct ptosis without adversely affecting blink function. Further evaluation in a larger patient population is warranted. A nonsurgical, proof of concept, adjustable magnetic treatment option for blink re-animation in patients with severe ptosis is presented.

Cardiac valve scaffold design: Implications of material properties and geometric configuration on performance and mechanics

Development of tissue engineered scaffolds for cardiac valve replacement is nearing clinical translation. While much work has been done to characterize mechanical behavior of native and bioprosthetic valves, and incorporate those data into models improving valve design, similar work for degradable valve scaffolds is lacking. This is particularly important given the implications mechanics have on short-term survival and long-term remodeling. As such, this study aimed to characterize spatially-resolved strain profiles on the leaflets of degradable polymeric valve scaffolds, manipulating common design features such as material stiffness by blending poly(carbonate urethane)urea with stiffer polymers, and geometric configuration, modeled after either a clinically-used valve design (Mk1 design) or an anatomically “optimized” design (Mk2 design). It was shown that material stiffness plays a significant role in overall valve performance, with the stiffest valve groups showing asymmetric and incomplete opening during systole. However, the geometric configuration had a significantly greater effect on valve performance as well as strain magnitude and distribution. Major findings in the strain maps included systolic strains having overall higher strain magnitudes than diastole, and peak radial-direction strain concentrations in the base region of Mk1 valves during systole, with a significant mitigation of radial strain in Mk2 valves. The high tunability of tissue engineered scaffolds is a great advantage for valve design, and the results reported here indicate that design parameters have significant and unequal impact on valve performance and mechanics.

Assessment of the deep oil and gas bearing potential onshore in the west of Azerbaijan (Tarsdallar area)

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The Tarsdeller oil and gas field, which has a brachyoanthicline structure, is the most promising area of the oil-gas region (OGR) in the Kura-Gabirri interfluve. Goal: Based on the reservoir characteristics of rock samples obtained from exploration wells drilled in the area adjacent to the field, petrophysical models have been compiled, reflecting the spatial variation in porosity and permeability of oil-containing reservoirs. Objects: Consideration of the petrophysical properties of core samples taken in the study area made it possible to confirm the oil and gas potential of deep-seated reservoirs. Methods: This analyzed the values and variation of petrophysical properties by depth, age and various physical factors. The observed wide range of changes in the reservoir properties of rocks in the study area is mainly due to tectonic changes, lithological heterogeneity of the sedimentary complex, differences in the depth of bedrocks, as well as the complexity of tectonic conditions. As a result, to predict the oil and gas content in deep reservoirs of the same structures, it is advisable to use the methods of exploration geophysics, as well as the results of changes inthe reservoir characteristics of rocks, determined by petrophysical data. At the same time, it is most expedient to focus on the study of Paleogene-Cretaceous tectonics for the search for oil and gas objects using prospecting and exploration (preferably aerial-photo-space) works at the field. Results: Models made in 3D format illustrate the predicted oil and gas potential and patterns of distribution of productive horizons involved in the geological structure of oil and gas deposits, along the depths and stratigraphic units. It is shown that although the permeability of the rocks in the area is low, the porosity values are favorable for the industrial accumulation of hydro-carbons. Fractured carbonate reservoirs of the Upper Cretaceous are the most promising among the Mesozoic sediments in the OGRbetween the Kura and Gabirri rivers. Deep-seated structural uplifts complicated by large-amplitude fractures are recommended as the priority targets for further geological exploration. However, the real potential of the Eocene deposits, which are widespread in the NGR between the Kura and Gabirri rivers, remains unexplored by deep drilling. This is due, on the one hand, to the incomplete opening of the Eocene section in the structures prepared for deep drilling, structural-tectonic and lithofacies features, as well as insufficient knowledge of drilling for oil and gas, and on the other hand, poor development of promising intervals of the section.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms with flow diverters: A retrospective long-term single center analysis.

The introduction of flow diverters (FDs) in 2007 greatly enhanced the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Here, we present our long-term clinical experience in treating unruptured intracranial aneurysms with FDs. 107 patients with unruptured aneurysms and treated with an FD between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Aneurysm occlusion, procedural complications, and clinical outcome were evaluated. Angiographic follow-up was available for 93 patients with a mean long-term follow-up time of 28.4 ± 21.6months. Additional coiling was performed in 15.1% of patients (n = 14). Adequate aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grades 3 and 4) at long-term follow-up was achieved in 94.6% of patients (n = 88). 3.2% (n = 3) required endovascular retreatment since the last follow-up showed a lack of aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grade 0) due to a foreshortening of the FD. Incomplete opening of the FD and parent vessel occlusion was seen in 1.1% (n = 1) and 3.2% (n = 3) of patients, respectively. In-stent stenosis was observed in 57% (n = 53) of cases at short-term follow-up and 22.6% (n = 21) at long-term, which were moderate and asymptomatic overall. In-stent stenosis decreased significantly between short- and long-term follow-ups (31.4 ± 17.0% vs 9.7 ± 13.6%, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events occurred in 7.5% (n = 7) and 1.1% (n = 1) of patients, respectively. Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale: 0-2) was obtained in 97.8% (n = 91) leading to an overall treatment-related morbidity of 2.2% (n = 2). There was no procedural mortality. Our study shows that FD treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is effective and safe with high occlusion rates and low rates of permanent morbidity at long-term follow-up.

Feasibility and Results of the Stentectomy Procedure Performed as Rescue Treatment for Acute Thrombosis of Self-Expandable Intracranial Stents: A Case Series.

Self-expandable stents have been increasingly used for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Because the usage of intracranial stents has increased overall, total numbers of complications associated with these devices have increased. Thrombosis, distortion, or incomplete opening of stents are potential complications that may result in occlusion of the parent artery. In such cases, removal of the stent (stentectomy) may be the only solution to avoid serious clinical consequences. To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a novel stentectomy technique for removal of thrombosed self-expandable stents. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent the stentectomy procedure. Initial and follow-up imaging and clinical outcomes were assessed. Immediate postprocedural and follow-up clinical statuses were assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Seven patients were included in this study (mean age: 54.1 years). The stentectomy was successful in 6 of 7 patients (85.7%). Seven stents in 6 patients were successfully removed to treat the acute in-stent thrombosis that was resistant to alternative bail-out treatments. The removed stents were self-expandable braided in 2 patients, flow diverters in 2 patients, and laser cut open-cell stents in 2 patients. Stentectomy failed to retrieve a thrombosed braided stent in 1 patient. The modified Rankin scale score of all patients who underwent a success stentectomy was ≤1. The stentectomy procedure using the defined technique is feasible to retrieve thrombosed stents and effective to restore the blood flow. It can be considered a last resort option to treat acute in-stent thrombosis resistant to alternative bail-out treatments.

Automated Extraction of Ground Fissures Due to Coal Mining Subsidence Based on UAV Photogrammetry

Widespread ground fissures caused by coal mining subsidence are a main cause of ecological destruction in coal mining areas, and the rapid monitoring of ground fissures is essential for ecological restoration. Traditional fissure monitoring technologies are time consuming and laborious. Therefore, we developed a method to automatically extract ground fissures from high-resolution UAV images. First, a multiscale Hessian-based enhancement filter was utilized to enhance the ground fissures in grayscale images. Then, a simple single-thresholding operation was applied to segment the enhanced image to generate a binary ground fissure map. Finally, incomplete path opening was performed to eliminate the noises in the fissure extraction results. We selected the N1212 working face of the Ningtiaota Coal Mine in Shenmu County, China, as the study area. The results indicated that the ranges of correctness, completeness, and the kappa coefficient of the extracted results were 66.23–79.00%, 69.03–73.22%, and 67.91–75.88%, respectively. Image resolution is the key factor for successful fissure detection; the method proposed in this paper can extract ground fissures with a width greater than one pixel (2.64 cm), and the detection ratio for fissures with a width greater than two pixels was over 87%. Our research has solved the problem of the rapid monitoring of ground fissures to a certain extent and can act as a valuable tool for ecological restoration in mining areas.

Duplication of the urethra in an adult male presenting with scrotal fistula: a rare case report

Urethral duplication is a rare congenital abnormality with varied clinical manifestations; to this day, <300 cases were reported in the literature. It is affecting mainly males and is nearly always diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. It may be complete or incomplete, and the most widely accepted classification of the different types of urethral duplication was developed by Effman et al. Herein, we present a rare case of urethral duplication revealed by scrotal fistula in an adult man. A duplication is an unusual form of Y-type duplication: it is an incomplete urethral duplication urethra opening on the scrotum without communication with the urethra or bladder.

Combined cotton picker with interchangeable devices

Weather conditions in the risky cotton growing area largely determine readiness of the agricultural background of the cotton field for machine harvesting of cotton. A combined cotton picker with replaceable horizontal spindle and vertical spindle devices was invented. At full (85-90%) opening of cotton bolls, an option of a cotton picker with horizontal spindle is applied, and at incomplete (55-60%) opening – an option with vertical spindle devices is applied. Field trials of a cotton picker with removable devices were carried out. The estimated parameters were completeness of cotton harvest, residue on bushes, losses to the ground, debris and moisture of harvested cotton. Use of a combined cotton picker allows to harvest cotton selectively at full and incomplete opening cotton bolls. Productivity and cotton-picking quality has increased.

The role of the Liliequist membrane in the third ventriculostomy.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a hydrocephalus treatment procedure that involves opening the Liliequist membrane (LM). However, LM anatomy has not been well-studied neuroendoscopically, because approach angles differ between descriptive and microsurgical anatomical explorations. Discrepancies in ETV efficacy, especially among children age 2 and younger, may be due to incomplete LM opening. The objective of this study was to characterize the LM anatomically from a neuroendoscopic perspective to better understand the impact of anatomical features during LM ostomy and the ETV success rate. Additionally, the ETV success score was tested to predict patient outcome after the intraoperatively difficult opening of LM. Fifty-four patients who underwent ETV were prospectively analyzed with a mean follow-up of 53.1 months (1-90 months). The ETV technical parameters of difficulty were validated by seven expert neurosurgeons. The pediatric population (44) of this study represents the majority of patients (81.4%). The overall ETV success rate was 68.5%. Anomalies on the IIIVT floor resulted in an increased rate of ETV failure. The IIIVT was anomalous, and LM was thick in 33.3% of cases. Fenestration of LM was difficult in 39% of cases, and the LM and TC were opened separately in 55.6% of cases. The endoscopic third ventriculostomy success score (ETVSS) accurately predicted the level of difficulty opening the LM (p = 0.012), and the group with easy opening presented greater durability in ETV success. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the difficulty level of the overture of LM during ETV and its impact on long-term ETV effectiveness.

Evaluation of the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter motility using high-resolution pharyngeal manometry for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with a high incidence of dysphagia. Aspiration pneumonia due to dysphagia is a major cause of death in patients with PD, and therefore accurately evaluating dysphagia should help improve prognosis. It has been reported that the severity of dysphagia does not always correlate with the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage for classifying PD severity. However, no reports have quantitatively evaluated the relationship between severity of dysphagia and H&Y stage. High-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) is a quantitative method that can be used to measure swallowing pressure from the velopharynx to the entry of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). We used HRPM to measure swallowing pressure in 51 patients with PD. As PD progresses, atrophy and degeneration of the pharyngeal muscles become more pronounced, which contributes to dysphagia. However, thus far there is no quantitative clinical evidence for this pathological change. To evaluate the relationship between severity of underlying PD and dysphagia, patients were categorized by H&Y stage, as follows: stage II in four patients, stage III in 23, stage IV in 14, and stage V in 10. In patients with H&Y stages II, III, IV, and V, the respective velopharyngeal pressures were 179.8 ± 32.5, 157.6 ± 62.2, 172.2 ± 48.9, and 107.4 ± 44.0 mmHg, the mesopharyngeal pressures were 126.8 ± 53.2, 121.6.1 ± 50.4, 142.1 ± 57.8, and 61.4 ± 19.6 mmHg, the residual UES pressure were -8.0 ± 10.8, 10.3 ± 16.1, 16.5 ± 37.9, and 11.2 ± 16.2 mmHg, and the resting UES pressure were 49.5 ± 30.0, 15.8 ± 25.7, 1.85 ± 14.1, and -1.2 ± 12.2 mmHg. Patients with severe PD demonstrated significantly decreased velopharyngeal and oropharyngeal pressures, along with incomplete UES opening and contraction. HRPM can detect subtle abnormalities by quantifying swallowing pressure in patients with PD. Evaluating swallowing pressure with HRPM provides insights into neuromuscular dysfunction that causes abnormal pressure generation during pharyngeal swallowing in patients with PD.

Schaller. - Zur Casuistik des Vagitus uterinus. (Zeitschr f. Geb. und Gyn., Bd. XXXI, Hft. 2). To the casuistry of the uterine cry of the fetus

A 44-year-old woman, VI para, in whom all previous births due to the narrowness of the pelvis ended with the help of art, was shattered, 13 hours after the release of abundant water, turning on her legs with incomplete opening of her mouth and weak pains. At the very moment when the knee appeared at the external genital parts, Sch. heard peculiar sounds emanating from the uterus. Having released the leg from his hands, he began to listen, putting his ear to the uterus; however, he did not hear any more sounds, but at the same time with correct heart tones he clearly felt the respiratory movements of the fetus.

Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography Analysis of Clear Corneal Incision: Effect of the Lateral Stromal Hydration.

Methods The cohort included 65 clear corneal incisions of 49 patients who underwent cataract surgery. Corneal incisions were recorded using a Leica Proveo 8 microscope with an intraoperative OCT EnFocus™ device continuously during the surgery. Corneal incision morphology before and after lateral stromal hydration was analysed. Results Good adaptation of the corneal incision before hydration was present in 39 cases (60%), in 16 cases (24.6%), the prominence of posterior lip was present, and, in 10 cases (15.4%), the posterior lip tongue was inverted/retracted into the incision. In 38 cases (58.5%), hydration had no effect on the incision architecture; most often, it was primarily a well-adapted corneal incision (46.2%), less often an incision with posterior lip prominence (10.8%), or tongue inversion into the incision (1.6%) prior to hydration. Hydration worsened the incision architecture in 14 cases (21.5%); most often, it induced/worsened posterior lip prominence (15.4%), less often posterior lip retraction (1.6%), tongue inversion into the incision (1.6%), gap development in the peripheral part of the corneal incision (1.6%), or incomplete opening of the corneal incision (1.6%). In 13 cases (20%), hydration improved the incision architecture, especially in cases with inverted or retracted posterior lip tongue (12.3%), less often in cases with posterior lip prominence (7.7%). Conclusion Lateral stromal hydration seldom affects the condition of the corneal incision. Still, it can cause both deterioration and improvement of the corneal incision architecture. Intraoperative OCT provides real-time monitoring of corneal incision morphology during hydration procedure.