Increase In Total Volume Research Articles

Implementation and Evaluation of a 10-Week Kettlebell Training Load Distribution on Strength and Aerobic Capacity in Recreationally Trained Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the dynamic distribution of training loads in a kettlebell program and evaluate its effects on muscle strength and aerobic capacity. MethodsFourteen recreationally active women with no kettlebell training experience (age: 25.86 ± 5.35 years; V̇O2max = 35.14 ± 5.58 mL/kg/min; body mass = 62.13 ± 13.40 kg; height = 164.75 ± 5.77 cm; body mass index = 22.68 ± 3.99 kg/m²) completed a 10-week kettlebell training program. The kettlebell training program was divided into three phases: Phase I (2 weeks), phase II (4 weeks), and Phase III (4 weeks). Maximum muscle strength (1RM) and aerobic fitness (V̇O2max) measurements were performed before (Pre) and after (Post) training. The external and internal loads were represented by the session's total volume and perceived exertion method. ResultsAn increase in maximum strength (P < .001; ∆% = 23.73; effect size = 0.87) and V̇O2max (P = .004; ∆% = 9.63; effect size = 0.57) was observed when comparing Pre and Post measurements. There was an increase in total volume when phases I and II (P < .001), phases I and III (P < .001), and phases II and III (P < .001) of the training were compared. The internal load values increased significantly between phases I and II (P < .001). However, there was no difference when comparing phases II and III (P = .796). ConclusionThe total volume increases during the training phases, and the training load was similar in phases II and III. Furthermore, were observed higher V̇O2max and strength (1 RM load) values.

Analysis of vertebrotomy treatment in children with congenital scoliosis with unsegmented rod and rib synostosis

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies of vertebral development account for 2%–11% of cases in the general structure of nosologies that cause spinal deformity. An unsegmented rod (unilateral violation of vertebral segmentation) is attributed to a prognostically unfavorable malformation. Rib synostosis causes the development of thoracic insufficiency syndrome. AIM: To analyze the results of treatment of children with congenital scoliosis caused by an unsegmented rod and rib synostosis by vertebrotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort, retrospective, monocenter study evaluated the treatment results of 55 patients. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1, children aged 2–8 years, the scope of intervention was wedge-shaped osteotomy of a non-segmented rod at the apex of the deformity, and group 2, children aged 8–18 years, the scope of intervention was wedge-shaped osteotomy at the apex of the deformity and two linear osteotomies of a non-segmented rod in the cranial and caudal directions. Clinical, radiological, and statistical research methods were used. RESULTS: Significant correction of scoliosis was achieved in 65.5% of patients aged 2–7 years (group 1) and 56.3% in children aged 8–18 years (group 2). Hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine was observed in the patients. The percentage of correction of kyphosis was 21.1% in group 1 and 19.1% in group 2. Lung volume increased by 27.9% (p = 0.01776) in group 1, and lung volume on the concave side increased by 23.5% (p = 0.04975) and on the convex side by 29.6% (p = 0.01073). Improvement in the overall respiratory impedance reached 47.3% (p 0.05). In group 2, a insignificant increase was found in VVC by 12.6% (p = 0.3509) and FEV1 by 8.7% of the initial (p = 0.1534), as well as an increase in total lung volume of 13.3% (p = 0.1527) and the contribution of the lung along the concave side of 18.8% (p = 0.1535), and the lung along the convex side was 8.4% (p = 0.169), indicating no significant impact on lung development and function. CONCLUSIONS: In children with spinal deformity caused by a non-segmented rod with normal respiratory function, vertebrotomy at the apex of the deformity with subsequent correction and stabilization of the spinal deformity is recommended. Performing simultaneous multilevel osteotomies of a non-segmented rod allows for significant correction of rigid spinal deformity.

Training for Elite Team-Pursuit Track Cyclists-Part II: A Comparison of Preparation Phases in Consecutive World-Record-Breaking Seasons.

To compare the training characteristics of an elite team pursuit cycling squad in the 3-month preparation phases prior to 2 successive world-record (WR) performances. Training data of 5 male track endurance cyclists (mean [SD]; age 23.4 [3.46]y; body mass 80.2 [2.74]kg; 4.5 [0.17]W·kg-1 at LT2; maximal aerobic power6.2 [0.27]W·kg-1; maximal oxygen uptake 65.9 [2.89]mL·kg-1·min-1) were analyzed with weekly total training volume by training type and heart rate, power output, and torque intensity distributions calculated with reference to the respective WRs' performance requirements. Athletes completed 805 (82.81) and 725 (68.40)min·wk-1 of training, respectively, in each season. In the second season, there was a 32% increase in total track volume, although track sessions were shorter (ie,greater frequency) in the second season. A pyramidal intensity distribution was consistent across both seasons, with 81% of training, on average, performed below LT1 power output each week, whereas 6% of training was performed above LT2. Athletes accumulated greater volume above WR team pursuit lead power (2.4% vs 0.9%) and torque (6.2% vs 3.2%) in 2019. In one athlete, mean single-leg-press peak rate of force development was 71% and 46% higher at mid- and late-phases, respectively, during the preparation period. These findings provide novel insights into the common and contrasting methods contributing to successive WR team pursuit performances. Greater accumulation of volume above race-specific power and torque (eg,team pursuit lead), as well as improved neuromuscular force-generating capacities, may be worthy of investigation for implementation in training programs.

Relation between bubble behaviors in spray sheet and bubbly flow inside an air-induction fan nozzle: A visualization study

The present study aims to elucidate the relationship between bubble behaviors in the spray sheet and internal bubbly flow of the air-induction nozzle. An experimental work was performed using the visualization technique. Effects of the air inlet position and spray pressure were investigated. The results show that compared with the bubbles inside the air-induction nozzle, bubbles in the spray sheet have smaller volume but larger average diameter. Disturbance propagates in the horizontal air-inlet segment. When the air inlet position shifts toward the nozzle outlet, overall bubble volume inside the nozzle decreases by about 56%, while in the spray sheet, the bubble volume decreases by about 77%. Bubble breakup causes a decrease in overall bubble volume as bubbles travel from the inner flow passage of the nozzle to the environment. The coalescence and compression of bubbles induce the increase in average bubble diameter. When the spray pressure increases from 0.1 to 0.3 MPa, both the total bubble volume and average bubble diameter increase.

Interleukin 6 plasma levels are associated with progression of coronary plaques

BackgroundInflammation plays a pivotal role in atherogenesis and is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Non-invasive coronary CT angiography (CCTA) enables evaluation of coronary plaque phenotype. This study...

Progression of total training volume in resistance training studies and its application to skeletal muscle growth.

Progressive overload describes the gradual increase of stress placed on the body during exercise training, and is often quantified (i.e. in resistance training studies) through increases in total training volume (i.e. sets × repetitions × load) from the first to final week of the exercise training intervention. Within the literature, it has become increasingly common for authors to discuss skeletal muscle growth adaptations in the context of increases in total training volume (i.e. the magnitude progression in total training volume). The present manuscript discusses a physiological rationale for progressive overload and then explains why, in our opinion, quantifying the progression of total training volume within research investigations tells very little about muscle growth adaptations to resistance training. Our opinion is based on the following research findings: (1) a noncausal connection between increases in total training volume (i.e. progressively overloading the resistance exercise stimulus) and increases in skeletal muscle size; (2) similar changes in total training volume may not always produce similar increases in muscle size; and (3) the ability to exercise more and consequently amass larger increases in total training volume may not inherently produce more skeletal muscle growth. The methodology of quantifying changes in total training volume may therefore provide a means through which researchers can mathematically determine the total amount of external 'work' performed within a resistance training study. It may not, however, always explain muscle growth adaptations.

A Comparative Study Between Conventional Outrigger System and Hybrid Outrigger System considering Performance Index Criterion

Outriggers are regarded as a structural component which can effectively lessen the reactions generated by lateral loads in tall buildings. Depending on the connectivity between the core and the peripheral columns, the outrigger system can be divided into virtual outrigger system and conventional outrigger system (COS). The hybrid outrigger system (HOS) has one conventional outrigger and one virtual outrigger at two distinct floor levels. This study gives a comparison of optimal position and performance between COS and HOS based on formulated performance index criterion (PIC) for building heights of 140, 210, 280 and 350 m by considering variations in stiffness of the outrigger belt wall and beam, the stiffness of the building's core, the height of the structure and the length of the outrigger arm under static wind and equivalent static earthquake load. The outrigger behaviour assessed using PIC takes into account the combined response of displacement at top, absolute maximum inter storey drift ratio and acceleration response at the roof. Based on PIC, performance of both COS and HOS at their evaluated optimal position are compared, and is found that HOS are less effective than COS. Therefore, to enhance the performance of HOS to be in par with COS, an optimization study is performed by increasing the axial stiffness of column, stiffness of outrigger, and stiffness of slab while maintaining the increase in total concrete volume of the structure a minimum. From the findings, PIC values of HOS (PICHOS) for 40 to 100 storeys exhibits an increase of 10 to 1.1, 20.2 to 2.2 and 12.5 to 1.9% for variation in core thickness, length of outrigger arm, and outrigger thickness, respectively, compared to PIC values of COS (PICCOS). For PICHOS to be comparable with PICCOS, increase in the total concrete volume of HOS reduces from 1.4–16.5 to 0.6–2.5% as the model's height increases from 40 to 100 storeys, respectively, suggesting that the HOS with marginal increase in total concrete volume can perform effectively for taller structures.

Associations of activity, sedentary and sleep behaviors with prevalent steatotic liver disease in middle-aged and older adults: the ELSA-Brasil study

BackgroundSteatotic liver disease (SLD) is a prevalent metabolic disease. While single component movement behaviors have been related to its development, comprehensive assessments of their joint associations are scarce.ObjectiveTo investigate the single-component and multi-component associations of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep with prevalent SLD in Brazilian adults.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis using data from the third wave of the ELSA-Brasil cohort (2017–2019). Participants wore an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT in the waist for seven days and completed a sleep diary. SLD was defined by a Fatty Liver Index ≥ 60. To investigate single-component and multi-component associations, we used three exposure modeling approaches based on Poisson models: multivariable-adjusted regression, restricted cubic splines, and compositional data analysis.ResultsAmong 8569 participants (55.7% women, mean age 59.2 ± 8.60), 43.9% had SLD. Total activity volume adjusted for covariates was inversely associated with prevalent SLD. Every 1 mg/day increase in total activity volume was associated with a PR of 0.95 in individuals sleeping < 7 h/day (95% CI 0.94–0.97) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.93–0.96) in those sleeping ≥ 7 h/day. Increasing 30 min/day of MVPA was associated with decreasing prevalence of SLD (sleep ≥ 7 h/day [PR 0.83; 95% CI 0.77–0.89]; sleep ≥ 7 h/day [PR 0.78; 95% CI 0.74–0.83]). Sleep, SB, and LPA were not associated with SLD. Associations of total activity volume and MVPA were more pronounced among females. Adjustment with adiposity markers attenuated the associations.ConclusionsIn adults, total activity volume and MVPA were inversely associated with SLD in a dose–response fashion. Substituting lower-intensity behaviors with MVPA was associated with a lower prevalence of SLD independent of sleep duration, sex, and age.

Neuronal Stability, Volumetric Changes, and Decrease in GFAP Expression of Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) Subcortical Visual Nuclei During Aging.

The physiological aging process is well known for functional decline in visual abilities. Among the components of the visual system, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (DLG) and superior colliculus (SC) provide a good model for aging investigations, as these structures constitute the main visual pathways for retinal inputs reaching the visual cortex. However, there are limited data available on quantitative morphological and neurochemical aspects in DLG and SC across lifespan. Here, we used optical density to determine immunoexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and design-based stereological probes to estimate the neuronal number, total volume, and layer volume of the DLG and SC in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), ranging from 36 to 143 months of age. Our results revealed an age-related increase in total volume and layer volume of the DLG, with an overall stability in SC volume. Furthermore, a stable neuronal number was demonstrated in DLG and superficial layers of SC (SCv). A decrease in GFAP immunoexpression was observed in both visual centers. The results indicate region-specific variability in volumetric parameter, possibly attributed to structural plastic events in response to inflammation and compensatory mechanisms at the cellular and subcellular level. Additionally, the DLG and SCv seem to be less vulnerable to aging effects in terms of neuronal number. The neuropeptidergic data suggest that reduced GFAP expression may reflect morphological atrophy in the astroglial cells. This study contributes to updating the current understanding of aging effects in the visual system and stablishes a crucial foundation for future research on visual perception throughout the aging process.

Effect of some additional ingredients on quality and sensorial characteristics of spreadable carob molasses

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a nutritious fruit that has been grown in Mediterranean region. Carob holds an important place in various cultures, which has been used in baked goods, confectionery, chocolate milk products, snacks, tea, and coffee. The objective of this study was to produce spreadable carob molasses by using carob molasses (CM) with different proportions of locust bean gum (LBG), crystallized honey (CH), cocoa oil (CO), egg white (EW), additive mixture (AM) and evaluate pH, total soluble solids (TSS), color, viscosity, density, volume increase, and sensorial properties. The darkest color was obtained in sample consisting of LBG and CO while the lightest color was determined in sample with LBG, EW, AM, indicating EW and AM enhanced lightness with bleaching effect. The highest volume increase, about 145%, was observed in sample with LBG and EW. The LBG addition significantly increased the viscosity in all spreadable carob molasses samples (p&amp;lt;0.05). Adding CO reduced the volume and increased the density of samples, which is probably due to lubricating effect of CO on the carob molasses. According to the sensory evaluation, the highest value of color, taste, consistency, spreadability and overall acceptability was determined in sample including CM, LBG, EW, CH, and AM. Consumer preference test was confirmed that same sample was the first choice with 20.77% preference score. Sensorial values of color and consistency had significant effect on overall acceptability with a correlation coefficient of 0.93 (p&amp;lt;0.05). With its appealing physical and sensorial property, spreadable carob molasses can be a healthy option.

Habenular volume changes after venlafaxine treatment in patients with major depression.

Habenula, a hub brain region controlling monoaminergic brain center, has been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD) and as a possible target of antidepressant response. Nevertheless, the effect of antidepressant drug treatment on habenular volumes remains unknown. The objective of the present research was to study habenular volume change after antidepressant treatment in patients with MDD, and assess whether it is associated with clinical improvement. Fifty patients with a current major depressive episode (MDE) in the context of MDD, and antidepressant-free for at least 1 month, were assessed for habenula volume (3T MRI with manual segmentation) before and after a 3 months sequence of venlafaxine antidepressant treatment. A 2.3% significant increase in total habenular volume (absolute volume: P = 0.0013; relative volume: P = 0.0055) and a 3.3% significant increase in left habenular volume (absolute volume: P = 0.00080; relative volume: P = 0.0028) were observed. A significant greater variation was observed in male patients (4.8%) compared to female patients. No association was observed between habenular volume changes and response and remission. Some habenula volume changes were associated with improvement of olfactory pleasantness. Habenular volumes increased after 3 months of venlafaxine treatment in depressed patients. Further studies should assess whether cell proliferation and density or dendritic structure variations are implied in these volume changes.

Performance improvement of a rotating gas separator for electrical submersible pump considering entropy generation method

The utilization of Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) stands as one of the foremost methods in artificially extracting oil, primarily within the oil industry. Under typical conditions, the pump encounters a two-phase flow of oil and gas. Should the gas phase within this mixture surpass an acceptable threshold, it can lead to a significant decline in performance and inflict detrimental damage upon the pump. To address this issue, the incorporation of a gas separator unit, one of the pivotal components within ESPs, is imperative at the pump's inlet section. Enhancing the gas separator unit holds paramount importance for ensuring pump safety and optimizing performance, particularly in wells with elevated gas contents.The conventional approach to calculating hydraulic losses in turbomachinery, relying on pressure drop calculations, often falls short in pinpointing the precise locations of losses. This paper delves into enhancing gas separator performance by augmenting gas separation efficiency through the application of the entropy generation method and leveraging the second law of thermodynamics. To achieve this, pivotal entropy-generating geometrical parameters of the gas separator were identified as the design variables necessary for forming the Taguchi sample space. Numerical simulations were conducted utilizing steady three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations for incompressible fluid flow, coupled with a turbulence model. Results indicate that the gas separation efficiency (GSE) of the initial model surged from 45.6% to 88% in the improved sample, albeit with a concurrent rise in entropy generation rate (EGR) from 209 W/K to 243.1 W/K. To establish a more comprehensive criterion for analysis, the ratio of GSE to EGR was employed as an objective function. This ratio quantifies the efficiency of gas separation per unit of energy loss, and it escalated from 0.218 in the primary sample to 0.362 in the improved sample, representing a 66% increase. This signifies that despite simultaneous increases in EGR and GSE, the rate of energy loss per unit of gas separation has diminished. Furthermore, the heightened EGR in the improved sample can be attributed to an increase in total volume, leading to an expanded contact surface area and consequently an elevation in total entropy. This investigation underscores the advantages of the entropy generation method, particularly in delineating the precise location and magnitude of energy dissipation within the rotating gas separator.

#1058 Causal discovery for the volume of white matter in patients undergoing haemodialysis

Abstract Background and Aims White matter hyperintensity is linked to adverse outcomes and a heightened risk of overt stroke and cognitive impairment, with its prevalence being more pronounced in patients undergoing haemodialysis than in the general population. Despite this, the determinants of white matter hyperintensity volume in patients undergoing haemodialysis remain unknown. Here, we aimed to utilise a statistical causal search approach to examine the factors influencing white matter hyperintensity volume, as measured by MRI, in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Method MRI measurements of white matter hyperintensity volumes were taken in 133 patients on outpatient maintenance haemodialysis for &amp;gt;1 year. Factors included in the statistical causal discovery model encompassed sex, underlying diseases that led to dialysis, total brain volume measured using MRI, and age and dialysis vintage at the time of MRI. Additionally, values calculated and averaged over the year before the MRI scan, such as pre-dialysis blood pressure, pulse, weight, blood pressure during dialysis, blood pressure after dialysis completion, the volume of water removed in one session, Kt/V, and URR and occurrences of sudden drops in blood pressure during dialysis, were considered. Missing measurements were supplemented using random forest. A statistical causal search using DirectLiNGAM was conducted, and clear temporal pre- and post-relationships were incorporated into the LiNGAM model as per prior knowledge. To enhance internal validity, 1000 bootstrap samplings were performed, and edges with a frequency of occurrence of ≥50% were considered valid for Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs). Factors directly linked to white matter volume were included in the model, and linear regression was executed. Results Patients had a mean age of 69.0 (Standard Deviation: 10.4) years, with 96 (72.2%) being male. The mean history of dialysis was 6.63 [Interquartile Range (IQR): 4.10, 10.78] years, and 40 (39.2%) patients had diabetes as the primary disease. The mean white matter hyperintensity volume was 14334.9 [IQR: 5262.4,30637.2]. Age, pre-dialysis body weight, post-dialysis mean blood pressure, and total brain volume were directly influenced by white matter volume. DAGs displaying causality obtained through bootstrapping are shown in the Fig. The regression model results revealed that white matter hyperintensity increased by 8376.3 [95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 4899.5 to 11853.1] for every 10 years of age, decreased by −2726.0 [95% CI: −4311.5 to −1140.5] with a 5 kg increase in pre-dialysis body weight, increased by 2089.7 [95% CI: 693.3 to 3540.0] with a 5-mmHg rise in post-dialysis mean blood pressure, and a 1 standard deviation increase in total cerebrum volume increased white matter volume by 13057.4 [95% CI: 8958.1 to 17156.8]. Conclusion The causal diagram indicated that age, pre-dialysis weight, post-dialysis mean blood pressure, and total cerebrum volume directly influenced white matter hyper intensity volume. The sudden drop in blood pressure during dialysis impacted white matter hyperintensity volume via post-dialysis mean blood pressure. Furthermore, age, post-dialysis mean blood pressure and total cerebrum volume had a facilitative effect on the increase in white matter hyperintensity volume, while pre-dialysis weight had a protective effect.

Characterizing Osteophyte Formation in Knee Osteoarthritis: Application of Machine Learning Quantification of a Computerized Tomography Cohort: Implications for Treatment

BackgroundOsteophytes are commonly used to diagnose and guide knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment, but their causes are unclear. Although they are not typically the focus of knee arthroplasty surgeons, they can predict case difficulty and length. Furthermore, their extent and location may yield much information about the knee joint status. The aims of this computed tomography–based study in patients awaiting total or partial knee arthroplasty were to: (1) measure osteophyte volume in anatomical subregions and relative change as total volume increases; (2) determine whether medial and/or lateral OA affects osteophyte distribution; and (3) explore relationships between osteophytes and OA severity. MethodsData were obtained from 4,928 computed tomography scans. Machine-learning-based imaging analyses enabled osteophyte segmentation and quantification, divided into anatomical regions. Mean three-dimensional joint space narrowing was assessed in medial and lateral compartments. A Bayesian model assessed the uniformity of osteophyte distribution. We correlated femoral osteophyte volumes with B-scores, a validated OA status measure. ResultsTotal tibial (25%) and femoral osteophyte volumes (75%) within each knee correlated strongly (R2 = 0.85). Medial osteophytes (65.3%) were larger than lateral osteophytes (34.6%), with similar proportions in both the femur and tibia. Osteophyte growth was found in all compartments, and as total osteophyte volume increased, the relative distribution of osteophytes between compartments did not markedly change. No evidence of variation was found in the regional distribution of osteophyte volume between knees with medial, lateral, both, or no three-dimensional joint space narrowing in the femur or tibia. There was a direct relationship between osteophyte volume and OA severity. ConclusionsOsteophyte volume increased in both medial and lateral compartments proportionally with total osteophyte volume, regardless of OA location. The peripheral position of femoral osteophytes does not appear to contribute to load-bearing. This suggests that osteophytic growth represents a ‘whole-knee’/global response. This work may have broad applications for knee OA, both surgically and nonoperatively.

Imaging Markers Derived From MRI-Based Automated Kidney Segmentation.

Population-wide research on potential new imaging biomarkers of the kidney depends on accurate automated segmentation of the kidney and its compartments (cortex, medulla, and sinus). We developed a robust deep-learning framework for kidney (sub-)segmentation based on a hierarchical, three-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) that was optimized for multiscale problems of combined localization and segmentation. We applied the CNN to abdominal magnetic resonance images from the population-based German National Cohort (NAKO) study. There was good to excellent agreement between the model predictions and manual segmentations. The median values for the body-surface normalized total kidney, cortex, medulla, and sinus volumes of 9934 persons were 158, 115, 43, and 24 mL/m2. Distributions of these markers are provided both for the overall study population and for a subgroup of persons without kidney disease or any associated conditions. Multivariable adjusted regression analyses revealed that diabetes, male sex, and a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are important predictors of higher total and cortical volumes. Each increase of eGFR by one unit (i.e., 1 mL/min per 1.73 m2 body surface area) was associated with a 0.98 mL/m2 increase in total kidney volume, and this association was significant. Volumes were lower in persons with eGFR-defined chronic kidney disease. The extraction of image-based biomarkers through CNN-based renal sub-segmentation using data from a population-based study yields reliable results, forming a solid foundation for future investigations.

Lunar Farside South Pole‐Aitken Basin Interior: Evidence for More Extensive Central Cryptomaria in the South Pole‐Aitken Compositional Anomaly (SPACA)

AbstractIn the central area of the South Pole‐Aitken (SPA) basin, an intermediate albedo, mafic compositional anomaly (SPA Compositional Anomaly, SPACA) has been documented by previous studies, but its origin remains uncertain. We conducted an investigation of stratigraphic units defined based on morphology and composition and their relative ages, and placed these in the context of basin topography and the observed sequence of geological events, all helping to distinguish between SPACA origins from: (a) SPA impact melt, (b) volcanism induced by the SPA event and (c) lunar cryptomaria. We conclude that SPACA represents extensive traditional cryptomare deposits overlying the SPA impact melt. We interpret the basin center to be filled with cryptomare deposits at least one km thick (&gt;1 × 105 km3 in volume) with ages not younger than Early Imbrian. We attribute the relatively high albedo of SPACA to lateral mixing of ejecta from nearby highlands craters and basins, and conclude that the cryptomaria basalts are likely to be very similar to basalts on the nearside. Our findings imply a 0.5%–1.8% increase in the total volume of global lunar mare and cryptomare deposits. These results show that mare volcanism was common only in areas of thinnest crust on the lunar farside, a factor important in understanding lunar nearside‐farside asymmetries. Despite this significant increase in total cryptomare volume in the SPA basin center, SPA remains underfilled relative to nearside mascon basins. Return of mare basalts from the SPA region by Chang’E‐6 will help determine potential mantle source region differences and petrogenetic pathways.

Postsurgical Volumetric Airway Changes in Class III Patients Receiving Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) changes in class III patients receiving bimaxillary orthognathic surgery and correlate the PAS volume and minimum axial section changes with the magnitude of the surgical movement. This research involved a retrospective sample composed of 38 patients with class III skeletal occlusions. Three-dimensional measurements of the PAS volume and minimum axial section were conducted. Cephalometric points were used to verify the extent of jaw-hyoid bone movement. No significant differences were found between pre and postoperative total PAS volume (P = 0.280), nasopharyngeal volume (P = 0.545), oropharyngeal volume (P = 0.297), and minimum axial section (P = 0.568). Anterior movement of point A and posterior nasal spine were significantly associated with an increase in total PAS volume, oropharyngeal volume, and minimum axial section (P < 0.05). However, the posterior movement of menton was significantly associated with a decrease in total PAS volume, oropharyngeal volume, and minimum axial section (P < 0.05). The results of the present study indicated that PAS is not negatively affected by bimaxillary surgery in class III patients. However, the planning of class III patients who are prone to the development of airway problems should be done carefully.

Metabolic reprogramming of the retinal pigment epithelium by cytokines associated with age-related macular degeneration.

The complex metabolic relationship between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors is essential for maintaining retinal health. Recent evidence indicates the RPE acts as an adjacent lactate sink, suppressing glycolysis in the epithelium in order to maximize glycolysis in the photoreceptors. Dysregulated metabolism within the RPE has been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. In the present study, we investigate the effects of four cytokines associated with AMD, TNFα, TGF-β2, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as a cocktail containing all four cytokines, on RPE metabolism using ARPE-19 cells, primary human RPE cells, and ex vivo rat eyecups. Strikingly, we found cytokine-specific changes in numerous metabolic markers including lactate production, glucose consumption, extracellular acidification rate, and oxygen consumption rate accompanied by increases in total mitochondrial volume and ATP production. Together, all four cytokines could potently override the constitutive suppression of glycolysis in the RPE, through a mechanism independent of PI3K/AKT, MEK/ERK, or NF-κB. Finally, we observed changes in glycolytic gene expression with cytokine treatment, including in lactate dehydrogenase subunit and glucose transporter expression. Our findings provide new insights into the metabolic changes in the RPE under inflammatory conditions and highlight potential therapeutic targets for AMD.

Vitronectin regulates osteoclastogenesis and bone remodeling in a mouse model of osteoporosis.

Vitronectin (VN) is an extracellular matrix protein with a crucial role in regulating bone remodeling. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of VN deficiency in a mouse model of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVX). The findings revealed that the absence of VN led to an increase in the activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), a marker for osteoclasts, in the plasma of OVX-operated mice. TRAP staining further demonstrated that VN deficiency resulted in a higher number of osteoclasts within the femurs of OVX-operated mice. X-ray micro-computed tomography analysis of the femurs in OVX-operated mice indicated that VN deficiency significantly suppressed the OVX-induced increase of marrow area and total volume of bone. Additionally, we assessed structural model index (SMI) and degree of anisotropy (DA) as indices of osteoporosis. The results showed that VN deficiency effectively attenuated the OVX-induced increase in SMI and DA among OVX-operated mice. In summary, our study demonstrates the vital role of VN in regulating osteoclastogenesis and bone remodeling in the mouse model of osteoporosis.

The role of diffusion-weighted MRI in the evaluation of imaging for prostate carcinoma: A systematic review

Abstract Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. In recent times, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have been used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The present systematic review aims to analyze the effectiveness of DWI in diagnosing prostate cancer. Methodology and Results: Publicly available English databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched until 2020. We reviewed 965 research articles, and 10 were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study found that the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value decreases as the total diffusion volume increases. Tumor cells have significantly lower ADC values compared to normal or non-tumor cells. DWI was found to have higher sensitivity and accuracy than the T2W MRI technique. However, Choline-PET/CT was slightly more effective in diagnosing prostate cancer compared to DWI. Conclusion: DWI is a promising MRI technique that can enhance diagnostic performance in conjunction with other conventional MRI techniques to diagnose prostate cancer.