Increase In Total Volume Research Articles

Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on nasomaxillary structure and sleep disordered breathing in children with obstructive sleep apnoea.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of RME on upper airway structure and its relationship to improvements in sleep disordered breathing. The study was carried out in 23 children with malocclusion and OSA. Clinical assessment visits, daytime sleepiness questionnaire, polysomnography and orthognatodontic examination were performed before (T0) and 4 (T1) and 12 (T2) months after RME. CB CT scans with 2D and 3D reconstructions were performed before (T0) and 12 after months (T2) RME. The relationship between airway changes and improvements in sleep disordered breathing were evaluated. In all cases, opening of the mid-palatal suture was successfully achieved. Volume of the total upper airways, nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx increased significantly as well as the nasal osseous width. The increase in posterior suture, pterygoid process, maxillary, nasal cross-sectional width were significantly correlated with total upper airway volume, nasal cavity volume, nasopharyngeal airway volume, and oropharyngeal airway volume. The improvement in AHI was correlated with the increase in total upper airway volume at 12 months. The study provides important details about the effect of RME on upper airway structure, including an enlarged posterior suture, pterygoid process, maxillary width and nasal cross-sectional width and enlarged airway volume.

The influence of astronomical tide phases on urban flooding during rainstorms: Application to Macau

Study regionThe study area is the western part of the Macau Peninsula in China, with an area of 4.06 km2. Study focusThis study developed a coupled hydrological-hydraulic model that simulates the two-dimensional (2D) surface flow and one-dimensional (1D) drain pipe flow of compound inundation. The model was applied to Macau, China, as a study area, and the typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 was used as a case study to validate the model’s performance. Simulating compound inundation scenarios of extreme rainfall and astronomical tide and exploring the influence of astronomical tide on coastal urban inundation. New hydrological insights for the regionUrban flood disasters are profoundly influenced by tidal levels, albeit the height of tides alone does not solely exacerbate the phenomenon. Rather, the phase of astronomical tides during rainfall also plays a crucial role in determining the severity of urban flooding. This research has revealed that when rainfall synchronizes with the recession phase of the spring tide, urban flooding conditions become acute, 17.66 % increase in total surface water volume for the scenario with the highest tidal level impact compared to the scenario with the lowest tidal level impact. This paper presents the response of coastal cities to the flooding process under different combined rainstorm-astronomical tide scenarios, to provide scientific guidance for disaster preparedness planning in coastal areas, and to improve the resilience of disasters.

Exploring the use of biphasic quantitative thoracic computed tomography to evaluate halo-pelvic traction in managing severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Patients diagnosed with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) often experience reduced pulmonary function and lung volume due to deformities in the spine and ribcage. Presurgical halo-pelvic traction (HPT) has been used to treat severe scoliosis before second-stage surgery. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of studies utilizing computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate changes in lung volume post-HPT. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate changes in lung volumes and anatomical parameters using biphasic CT scans following HPT in AIS patients. The hypothesis was that the lung tidal volume, as determined by biphasic CT scans, would exhibit changes in conjunction with pulmonary function. The study comprised a cohort of 24 patients with AIS scheduled for presurgical HPT intervention. Pre- and post-traction radiographs, biphasic CT scans, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were obtained. Then, 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were generated from the CT scans obtained at both end inspiration and end expiration to calculate various measurements of lung volumes, particularly the lung tidal volume. Additionally, various thoracic anatomical parameters and clinical parameters, including PFTs, were assessed and compared. Following an average of 91.7 days of HPT, a significant increase in CT total lung volume (TLV) was noted at both end inspiration (P<0.001) and expiration (P=0.020). Conversely, there was no significant change in lung tidal volume (P=0.115). The traction resulted in significant reductions in the thoracic Cobb angle, kyphosis, and hemithoracic symmetry ratio, with average decreases of 32.9%, 33.0%, and 18.8%, respectively, accompanied by notable enhancements in PFTs. Changes in radiographic and CT parameters, excluding TLV at end expiration and hemithoracic symmetry ratio, were not correlated with PFT changes. Significant correlations were found between HPT duration and changes in the Cobb angle (r=-0.688, P<0.001) and left lung volumes at end inspiration (r=0.518, P=0.010) and expiration (r=0.452, P=0.027). Despite the enhancement in pulmonary function after HPT, CT lung tidal volume remained unchanged. This discrepancy contradicts our initial hypothesis, suggesting that CT lung tidal volume is not a reliable indicator of pulmonary function. Preoperative HPT significantly improved spinal deformity, TLV, and pulmonary function. The alteration in CT lung tidal volume did not correlate with PFTs and was deemed an unreliable predictor of pulmonary function. The use of biphasic thoracic CT for calculating lung tidal volume did not demonstrate substantial benefits over monophasic CT and is not recommended for severe AIS.

Waste Volume Estimation by Surface Changes of Sarimukti Landfill 2010 – 2023

Abstract Sarimukti landfill was established in 2006 and is located in Sarimukti Village, which is 45 km away from Bandung City. This landfill handles trash dumping from nearby areas such as Bandung City, Cimahi City, and West Bandung Regency. In 2010, this landfill underwent a rehabilitation project to optimize its trash handling capability. Several months ago, the Sarimukti landfill experienced a fire crisis which was successfully handled by the local government. After the crisis, speculations emerged regarding the rehabilitation of the landfill once again. In response to that idea, this research will explore several pieces of information that are required for the landfill to undergo another rehabilitation. Two of them are the latest topographic conditions and the latest waste volume. The latest topographic surface is determined by aerial photogrammetry, utilizing a multi-rotor UAV. The output will be used to estimate the waste volume by differentiating the latest topographic surface data with the 2010 topographic surface data, which was acquired from the previous rehabilitation project. Unfortunately, the 2010 data comes with an unknown coordinate system, so these two surfaces cannot be perfectly overlayed. Thus, the 2D coordinate transformation has to be performed. The transformation parameters, derived from multiple common points, exhibit an accuracy of 30 cm. Following this transformation, volumetric calculations reveal that several areas have a total volume increase of 2.3 million m3. Contrary to that, the remaining areas have a total volume decrease of 23,742 m3.

Detecting New Erosions in Rheumatoid Arthritis over One Year — Radiography and High-Resolution Computed Tomography of Finger Joints

Objective: To compare the number of new erosions in two metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints over one year assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and conventional radiography (CR). Furthermore, to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of erosive progression by CR with HR-pQCT as the reference standard.Methods: Paired sets of image data were available from patients with RA (n=310), who underwent HR-pQCT and CR, including the 2nd and 3rd MCP joints only of the dominant hand at baseline and at the one-year follow-up. Erosion number was determined using HR-pQCT and CR. Erosive volume was estimated from segmented HR-pQCT images, and erosion scores were obtained by the Sharp/van der Heijde method from CR. Erosive progression was defined as an increase in total erosion number or a study-specified increase in total erosive volume or total erosion score.Results: At baseline, 250 erosions were identified by CR compared to 1864 erosions by HR-pQCT. After one year, 3 new erosions were detected by CR compared to 66 new erosions by HR-pQCT. Erosive progression was identified in 40 patients using HR-pQCT and in 3 patients using CR. With HR-pQCT as reference, CR had a sensitivity of 2.5% (95% CI: 0.1–13.2%) and a specificity of 99.3% (95% CI: 97.3–99.9%) for detecting erosive progression.Conclusion: HR-pQCT identified more than 20 times the number of new erosions, and more than 10 times as many patients with erosive progression than CR. HR-pQCT is a sensitive tool for monitoring new erosions and erosive progression over one year in RA.

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...

WEEKLY SEMEN PRODUCTION OF MARSHALL BROILER BREEDER COCKS FED DIETARY SALT INCLUSIONS AND SUPPLEMENTAL ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID

The aim of this study is to investigate the weekly semen production of Marshall Broiler breeder cocks fed supplemental acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and dietary salt (NaCl) inclusion. The experiment was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Livestock Section of the Teaching and Research Farm, and Diagnostic Laboratory of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure between November 2021 and March 2022. Semen collection, through the abdominal massage method commenced at the 30th to 35th week of age and was carried out once weekly between 6.00 hours and 8.00 hours. A six-week data on total ejaculate volume (TEV), seminal plasma (SP), spermatocrit (ST), sperm motility (MT), dead sperm cells (DSC), abnormal sperm cells (ASC) and sperm concentration (SC) were collected and subjected to Microsoft excel using scatter with smooth lines and markers chart. Diet T3 showed increase in total ejaculate volume from 30 to 35 weeks of age with peak at 33 weeks of age (0.6ml), highest in sperm motility between the ranges of (98-100%), lowest in abnormal sperm cells (12-17%) and DSC (20-23%) while other treatment diets were lower. Diet T4 was lowest in Seminal plasma which ranged from 87-90%, highest in spermatocrit (11- 13.67%) and SC (1.40×109 mL-1-2.27×109 mL-1 ) were lowest in the same treatment throughout the six-week study. In conclusion, 0.750% NaCl worked synergistically with 0.050% ASA to improve the ejaculate characteristics of this particular breeder cocks from 30 to 35 weeks of age.

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.