Increase In Volume Research Articles

Evaluation of diuretic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Leptadenia pyrotechnica in rats

In traditional Indian medicine, the whole plant of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Asclepiadaceae) is said to have a strong diuretic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (HALPE) in rats. Group I, control (0.5% CMC saline, 10 ml/kg, b.w.), group II, furosemide (10 mg/kg b.w.) as a standard drug, and different concentrations of L.P. (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.) were administered intraperitoneally (n = 5 per treatment group) to hydrated rats, and their urine output was monitored at 6 h, 12 h, and 18 h after drug administration. The diuretic effect of the extract was highly significant compared to control animals. Halpe at a dose of 400 mg/kg shows a significant increase in urine volume with increased urine output. This study suggests that the active component of L.P. had a diuretic effect similar to that of furosemide. These results confirm the traditional use of Leptadenia pyrotechnica as a diuretic agent. Since ancient times, medicinal plants, sometimes called herbs, have been used in various traditional medical procedures. Leptadenia pyrotechnica is a plant commonly known as the chimp. It is traditionally used in rural areas for the treatment of many diseases, such as antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing, anthelmintic, atherosclerosis, hypolipidemia, diuretic, diabetes, and hepatoprotective. In rural areas, this plant is also used as medicine and as a vegetable. First, the plants are dried and turned into powder, which is then used as a paste for ringworm, antifungal, wound treatment, and new plants for many other diseases.

Driving Forces for Outpatient Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols: A Narrative Review.

To explore the recent developments and trends in the anesthetic and surgical practices for total hip and total knee arthroplasty and discuss the implications for further outpatient total joint arthroplasty procedures. Between 2012 and 2017 there was an 18.9% increase in the annual primary total joint arthroplasty volume. Payments to physicians falling by 7.5% (14.9% when adjusted for inflations), whereas hospital reimbursements and charges increased by 0.3% and 18.6%, respectively. Total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty surgeries were removed from the Medicare Inpatient Only in January 2018 and January 2020, respectively leading to same-day TKA surgeries increases from 1.2% in January 2016 to 62.4% by December 2020 Same-day volumes for THA surgery increased from 2% in January 2016 to 54.5% by December 2020. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have revolutionized modern anesthesia and surgery practices. Centers for Medicare Services officially removed total joint arthroplasty from the inpatient only services list, opening a new door for improved cost savings to patients and the healthcare system alike. In the post-COVID healthcare system numerous factors have pushed increasing numbers of total joint arthroplasties into the outpatient, ambulatory surgery center setting. Improved anesthesia and surgical practices in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings have revolutionized pain control, blood loss, and ambulatory status, rendering costly hospital stays obsolete in many cases. As the population ages and more total joint procedures are performed, the door is opening for more orthopedic procedures to exit the inpatient only setting in favor of the ambulatory setting.

Birch distribution and changes in stand structure in Sweden’s young forests

ABSTRACT Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) are the two most common broadleaf species in Sweden, together making up approximately 12% of the standing timber volume. The two birch species are usually not distinguished in practice, although they tend to differ in terms of volume production, timber quality, and site preferences. To map the proportion of the two birch species in Sweden’s young forests, we used survey data from 123 stands 6–7 years after clearfelling, and data from Sweden’s meteorological and hydrological institute. We also examined Sweden’s young forests in terms of area, volume, and stem density between 1983 and 2021, using national forest inventory data. Proportions of the two birch species varied significantly across Sweden, and the average temperature sum over the first five years after clearfelling explained 72% of the variation. There was no significant change in area of forest classified as young forest in Sweden, over the last four decades, although there was a significant increase in volume and stem density in Sweden’s young forests, with birch making up most of the increase in stem numbers.

Enhancing CO2 Injection Efficiency: Rock-Breaking Characteristics of Particle Jet Impact in Bottom Hole

Storing CO2 in oil and gas reservoirs offers a dual benefit: it reduces atmospheric CO2 concentration while simultaneously enhancing oil displacement efficiency and increasing crude oil production. This is achieved by injecting CO2 into producing oil and gas wells. Employing particle jet technology at the bottom of CO2 injection wells significantly expands the bottom hole diameter, thereby improving CO2 injection efficiency and storage safety. To further investigate the rock-breaking characteristics and efficiency, a finite element model for particle jet rock breaking is established by utilizing the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. Specifically, this new model considers the high temperature and confining pressure conditions present at the bottom hole. The dynamic response and fracturing effects of rock subjected to a particle jet are also revealed. The results indicate that particle jet impact rebound significantly influences the size of the impact crater, with the maximum first principal stress primarily concentrated on the crater’s surface. The impact creates a “v”-shaped crater on the rock surface, with both depth and volume increasing proportionally to jet inlet velocity and particle diameter. However, beyond a key particle concentration of 3%, the increase in depth and volume becomes less pronounced. Confining pressure is found to hinder particle impact rock-breaking efficiency, while high temperatures contribute to larger impact depths and breaking volumes. This research can provide theoretical support and parameter guidance for the practical application of particle impact technology in enhancing CO2 injection efficiency at the bottom hole.

Biometric Morpho-Anatomical Characterization and Dating of The Antiquity of A Tridactyl Humanoid Specimen: Regarding The Case of Nasca-Peru

Objective: Report the bioarchaeological case and perform the morpho-anatomical biometric characterization and dating of the antiquity of a tridactyl humanoid specimen found in Nasca-Peru. Method: Qualitative approach study of a bioarchaeological case report of a tridactyl humanoid specimen. The imaging analysis applied the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software version 2024.1 and the age dating technique used radiocarbon 14. Results and Discussion: The tomographic imaging analysis showed that the specimen is a desiccated humanoid body with a biological architecture similar to that of a human, but with many morphological and anatomical structural differences such as the lack of hair and ears, an elongated skull and an increase in cranial volume. (30% greater than humans); maxillary and mandibular protrusion as well as protrusion of the eyeballs, absence of the fifth lumbar vertebra, tridactyly in both hands and feet, in addition to different foci of arthropathies. Carbon-14 dating analysis of the specimen gave an age of 1771 ± 30 years, corresponding to 240 AD-383 AD. (after Christ). Implications of the research: If it is demonstrated with further studies that this is a new humanoid species, it would have a strong impact on biology and science and scientific-historical and socio-cultural implications. Originality/Value: The sui generis theme and the applied scientific methodology grant originality and value is given by the significance of the revealed findings, which ipso facto reveal the non-human humanoid biological existence.

Extravasated contrast volumetric assessment on computed tomography angiography in gastrointestinal bleeding: A useful predictor of positive angiographic findings

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, especially in cases of delayed treatment. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) plays a pivotal role in the early identification of upper and lower GIB and in the prompt treatment of the haemorrhage. AIM To determine whether a volumetric estimation of the extravasated contrast at CTA in GIB may be a predictor of subsequent positive angiographic findings. METHODS In this retrospective single-centre study, 35 patients (22 men; median age 69 years; range 16-92 years) admitted to our institution for active GIB detected at CTA and further submitted to catheter angiography between January 2018 and February 2022 were enrolled. Twenty-three (65.7%) patients underwent endoscopy before CTA. Bleeding volumetry was evaluated in both arterial and venous phases via a semi-automated dedicated software. Bleeding rate was obtained from volume change between the two phases and standardised for unit time. Patients were divided into two groups, according to the angiographic signs and their concordance with CTA. RESULTS Upper bleeding accounted for 42.9% and lower GIB for 57.1%. Mean haemoglobin value at the admission was 7.7 g/dL. A concordance between positive CTA and direct angiographic bleeding signs was found in 19 (54.3%) cases. Despite no significant differences in terms of bleeding volume in the arterial phase (0.55 mL vs 0.33 mL, P = 0.35), a statistically significant volume increase in the venous phase was identified in the group of patients with positive angiography (2.06 mL vs 0.9 mL, P = 0.02). In the latter patient group, a significant increase in bleeding rate was also detected (2.18 mL/min vs 0.19 mL/min, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION In GIB of any origin, extravasated contrast volumetric analysis at CTA could be a predictor of positive angiography and may help in avoiding further unnecessary procedures.

Tumour growth rate predicts overall survival in patients with recurrent WHO grade 4 glioma.

Accurate prognostication may aid in the selection of patients who will benefit from surgery at recurrent WHO grade 4 glioma. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serial tumour volumetric measurements for prognostication at first tumour recurrence. We retrospectively analyzed patients with histologically-diagnosed WHO grade 4 glioma at initial and at first tumour recurrence at a tertiary hospital between May 2000 and September 2018. We performed auto-segmentation using ITK-SNAP software, followed by manual adjustment to measure serial contrast-enhanced T1W (CE-T1W) and T2W lesional volume changes on all MRI images performed between initial resection and repeat surgery. Thirty patients met inclusion criteria; the median overall survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis from second surgery was 10.5 months. Seventeen (56.7%) patients received treatment post second surgery. Univariate cox regression analysis showed that greater rate of increase in lesional volume on CE-T1W (HR = 2.57; 95% CI [1.18, 5.57]; p = 0.02) in the last 2 MRI scans leading up to the second surgery was associated with a higher mortality likelihood. Patients with higher Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) (HR = 0.97; 95% CI [0.95, 0.99]; p = 0.01) and who received further treatment following second surgery (HR = 0.43; 95% CI [0.19, 0.98]; p = 0.04) were shown to have a better survival. Higher rate of CE-T1W lesional growth on the last 2 MRI images prior to surgery at recurrence was associated with increase mortality risk. A larger prospective study is required to determine and validate the threshold to distinguish rapidly progressive tumour with poor prognosis.

Modeling and process optimization of extraction conditions on the quality characteristics of oil from cashew kernel using Response Surface Methodology

The quest for edible oil for consumption could not be over-emphasized and problems encountered during the conventional shelling of cashew kernel are the exposure to extremely high levels of temperature which may affect the quality of the extracted oil. The effects and optimization of extraction conditions on the properties of cashew kernel oil was investigated. The oil was processed from the cashew kernel using varying sample weight (10, 30, 50 g), extraction time (1, 2, 3 h) and solvent volume (75, 200, 325 ml). The extracted oil was evaluated for physicochemical properties and oil yield. Result showed that the physicochemical properties of cashew oil were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the extraction conditions. Increase in extraction time and solvent volume increased the chemical properties (peroxide value, saponification value, iodine value) but decreased free fatty acid. The study optimization of the combined effects of the process conditions was achieved using sample weight of 10 g, extraction time of 2 h and solvent volume of 75 ml. These variables are important consideration for optimal quality of cashew kernel oil with maximum yield of 44.6 % and could therefore be utilized commercially as a source of edible oil for human consumption.

P.129 Canadian neurosurgical healthcare spending trends

Background: Neurosurgical conditions impose a significant burden on the Canadian healthcare system. This study quantifies the economic impact and explores predictive models for postoperative length of stay. Methods: We analyzed data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information National Health Expenditure Trends database for 2015-2019, focusing on case volumes, healthcare costs, and lengths of stay (LOS) across age groups and conditions. Decision tree models were created to predict total LOS from patient age and average acute LOS. Results: There was a modest increase in case volumes from 6,220 ± 3,103 in 2015 to 6,492 ± 3,240 in 2018, with a slight decrease in 2019. The total estimated hospital costs ranged from 2.27 ± 0.38 million CAD in 2015 to 2.23 ± 0.44 million CAD in 2019. The highest costs were seen in the 18-59 age group, at 2.53 ± 0.43 million CAD. Decision tree models showed high accuracy for predicting LOS in cases like spinal injury (F1-score: 0.98) but were less accurate for interventions with trauma or complications (F1-scores from 0.66 to 0.97). Conclusions: The study delineates the financial demands of neurosurgery in Canada and suggests decision tree models as useful tools for predicting hospital stay, with variable accuracy depending on the case complexity.

Automated quantification of photoreceptor outer segments in developing and degenerating retinas on microscopy images across scales

The functionality of photoreceptors, rods, and cones is highly dependent on their outer segments (POS), a cellular compartment containing highly organized membranous structures that generate biochemical signals from incident light. While POS formation and degeneration are qualitatively assessed on microscopy images, reliable methodology for quantitative analyses is still limited. Here, we developed methods to quantify POS (QuaPOS) maturation and quality on retinal sections using automated image analyses. POS formation was examined during the development and in adulthood of wild-type mice via light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To quantify the number, size, shape, and fluorescence intensity of POS, retinal cryosections were immunostained for the cone POS marker S-opsin. Fluorescence images were used to train the robust classifier QuaPOS-LM based on supervised machine learning for automated image segmentation. Characteristic features of segmentation results were extracted to quantify the maturation of cone POS. Subsequently, this quantification method was applied to characterize POS degeneration in “cone photoreceptor function loss 1” mice. TEM images were used to establish the ultrastructural quantification method QuaPOS-TEM for the alignment of POS membranes. Images were analyzed using a custom-written MATLAB code to extract the orientation of membranes from the image gradient and their alignment (coherency). This analysis was used to quantify the POS morphology of wild-type and two inherited retinal degeneration (“retinal degeneration 19” and “rhodopsin knock-out”) mouse lines. Both automated analysis technologies provided robust characterization and quantification of POS based on LM or TEM images. Automated image segmentation by the classifier QuaPOS-LM and analysis of the orientation of membrane stacks by QuaPOS-TEM using fluorescent or TEM images allowed quantitative evaluation of POS formation and quality. The assessments showed an increase in POS number, volume, and membrane coherency during wild-type postnatal development, while a decrease in all three observables was detected in different retinal degeneration mouse models. All the code used for the presented analysis is open source, including example datasets to reproduce the findings. Hence, the QuaPOS quantification methods are useful for in-depth characterization of POS on retinal sections in developmental studies, for disease modeling, or after therapeutic interventions affecting photoreceptors.

Anesthesia blunts carbon dioxide effects on glymphatic cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in mechanically ventilated rats.

Impaired glymphatic clearance of cerebral metabolic products and fluids contribute to traumatic and ischemic brain oedema and neurodegeneration in preclinical models. Glymphatic perivascular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow varies between anesthetics possibly due to changes in vasomotor tone and thereby in the dynamics of the periarterial CSF-containing space. To better understand the influence of anesthetics and carbon dioxide levels on CSF dynamics, we studied the effect of periarterial size modulation on CSF distribution by changing blood carbon dioxide levels and anesthetic regimens with opposing vasomotor influences - vasoconstrictive ketamine-dexmedetomidine (K/DEX) and vasodilatory isoflurane (ISO). End-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) was modulated with either supplemental inhaled carbon dioxide to reach hypercapnia (EtCO2 80 mmHg) or hyperventilation (EtCO2 20 mmHg) in tracheostomized and anesthetized female rats. Distribution of intracisternally infused radiolabeled CSF tracer 111In-diethylamine pentaacetate was assessed for 86 minutes in 1) normoventilated (EtCO2 40 mmHg) K/DEX, 2) normoventilated ISO, 3) hypercapnic K/DEX, and 4) hyperventilated ISO groups using dynamic whole-body single-photon emission tomography. CSF volume changes were assessed with magnetic resonance imaging. Under normoventilation, cortical CSF tracer perfusion, perivascular space size around middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), and intracranial CSF volume were higher under K/DEX compared with ISO (cortical Cmax ratio 2.33 [95% CI 1.35 to 4.04], perivascular size ratio 2.20 [95% CI 1.09 to 4.45], and intracranial CSF volume ratio 1.90 [95% CI 1.33 to 2.71]). Under ISO, tracer was directed to systemic circulation. Under K/DEX, the intracranial tracer distribution and CSF volume were uninfluenced by hypercapnia compared with normoventilation. Intracranial CSF tracer distribution was unaffected by hyperventilation under ISO despite a 28% increase in CSF volume around MCAs. K/DEX and ISO overrode carbon dioxide as a regulator of CSF flow. K/DEX could be used to preserve CSF space and dynamics in hypercapnia whereas hyperventilation was insufficient to increase cerebral CSF perfusion under ISO.

Predicting adverse cardiac remodeling following ST-elevation myocardial infarction through the assessment of endothelin-1 levels

Abstract Adverse cardiac remodeling refers to a complex set of molecular, cellular, and interstitial changes. Cardiac remodeling is linked to an unfavorable prognosis due to its correlation with ventricular dysfunction and the occurrence of malignant arrhythmias. Endothelin-1 is a powerful vasoconstrictor that acts at the level of smooth muscle cells of the vascular wall. In patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), increased circulating endothelin-1 is associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and major complication during the in-patient period. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the role of Endothelin-1 as a possible predictor of pathological remodeling six months after STEMI event. Materials and methods 162 patients with STEMI were initially enrolled into the study according to inclusion criteria (percutaneous coronary intervention performed first 12 hours after the event, age of participants 18 years and above). Blood samples for biomarker analysis were collected at admission (endothelin-1, cardiac troponin I). At the end of six months, patients came to the site for a routine check-up including echocardiography with strain. One year after the event, the patients were contacted to collect information about a primary composite endpoint. The primary endpoint was a combination of all-cause death, new incident of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, heart failure decompensation with or without hospitalization, hospitalization due to any cardiovascular disease deterioration. All these were defined as a single study outcome. Secondary outcomes, measured as the change from baseline to 6 months in left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic volume &amp;gt;10% and / or LV end-systolic volume &amp;gt;10%. 9% of study subjects reached the primary study outcome. Results the study cohort was stratified into two groups: those with high and low endothelin levels, determined by the median of 2.75 pg/ml. In the group of endothelin above 2.75 pg/ml, a statistically significant increase in end-diastolic volume of the LV (p = 0.002), end-diastolic dimension (p = 0.015), left atrium size (p = 0.008), and indicators of diastolic dysfunction (p =0.024) and LV myocardial mass (p=0.015) 6 months after the event. The ROC analysis revealed that endothelin has prognostic potential for LV remodeling. The cut-off was less than 2,97 pg/ml (sensitivity - 83%, specificity - 62%, area under curve (AUC) 0,70, 95% confident interval (CI) 0,516 – 0,847, p=0,03). Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the potential of the Endothelin-1 biomarker as a predictor for LV remodeling. Endothelin showed properties of predicting adverse cardiac remodeling (CI 95% 0.696 - 0.956, AUC - 0.861, χ2=9.03 p=0.43). Conclusion measuring the Endothelin-1 level can enable the implementation of appropriate medical interventions in STEMI patients with an unfavorable cardiac remodeling prognosis, helping to prevent the development of heart failure.

#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.

#510 Evaluating tolvaptan as a protective agent for cardiac insufficiency in peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract Introduction Peritoneal dialysis serves as a highly effective renal replacement therapy, offering prolonged preservation of residual renal function, improved blood pressure regulation, and enhanced quality of life. While diuretics are generally considered safe and beneficial in this context, their efficacy may be limited in certain cases. Background and Aims The rationale behind investigating the potential benefits of tolvaptan in peritoneal dialysis stems from existing studies in Asia, where the use of tolvaptan has been approved in this population. These studies, conducted on patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, indicate notable improvements in urine output and key heart failure indicators such as Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP). Materials &amp; Methods Recognizing the significance of these findings, a recent meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the collective data. The meta-analysis encompassed data from five pertinent studies involving a total of 70 peritoneal dialysis patients, with an average age of 66.1 ± 15 years. Participants received tolvaptan in doses of up to 15 mg, and the mean follow-up period was 8.2 ± 3.9 months. Results Results from the meta-analysis revealed a significant increase in urine volume in two out of four instances (Mean Difference [MD]= +554.5 cc [379,730], I²=61.5). While most studies did not indicate substantial changes in body weight or renal kt/V, a notable reduction in Left Ventricular Mass Index was evident in two studies (MD= -43.28 [-84.9,-1.6], I²=80.6%). Additionally, a substantial reduction in BNP was reported in one study, with no documented adverse events across the studies. Conclusion As an adjunct therapy, tolvaptan exhibits potential benefits in volume control, potentially contributing to improved cardiac function in peritoneal dialysis patients. The findings of this study align with existing research, highlighting the positive impact of tolvaptan on heart failure markers. Nevertheless, further high-quality studies are imperative to consolidate and validate these observed benefits in the peritoneal dialysis population.

#1651 Urinary oxygen partial pressure: closely associated with hourly urine output induced by furosemide in patients with acute renal injury

Abstract Background and Aims Urine oxygen level, an indicator of kidney medullar oxygenation, is promising for predicting the onset of acute kidney injury (AKI). Furosemide, a commonly used diuretic in ICU, significantly increases urine output and is believed to change kidney medullar oxygenation. We monitored the longitudinal change of urinary oxygen partial pressure during bolus or pump administration of furosemide, aiming to describe the reaction pattern in an AKI-susceptible patient population. Method The prospective observational pilot study included seven adult patients in the ICU because of cardiac surgery or sepsis. We monitored the continuous urinary oxygen partial pressure for 8-24 hours through a device placed between the urinary catheter and collecting bag during furosemide administration, recorded hourly urine output simultaneously from a urine bag, and followed the patients in the hospital for the onset and development of AKI. Results We recruited three female patients and four male patients with an average age of 54 years and a medium of 5 days in ICU with an AKIN stage I of AKI during their hospital stay. None of them developed more severe stage AKI or required any kidney replacement therapy. We found a reverse correlation pattern between hourly urine output and urinary oxygen partial pressure. Specifically, the urine oxygen level dropped during urine volume increase caused by furosemide bolus administration and abolished by furosemide administration through a pump with more stable urine output. The paired t-test showed a significant increase in average urine oxygen level (mean difference = 21.2 mmHg, p = 0.044) recorded during the “high hourly urine output” period compared to the “low hourly urine period”. Conclusion We first found a drop in urinary oxygen partial pressure during the high urine output period elicited by bolus furosemide administration. It shed light on the confounding factors in AKI predicating during possible furosemide administration.

Effect of Steel Slag on the Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Material: A Comparative Study with Fly Ash

Slag and fly ash (FA) are mostly used as precursors for the production of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). FA is the waste discharged by power plants, while slag and steel slag (SS) both belong to the iron and steel industry. The effects of SS and FA on the strength, microstructure, and volume stability of alkali-activated slag (AAS) materials with different water glass modulus (Ms) values were comparatively investigated. The results show that adding SS or FA decreases the compressive strength of AAS mortar, and the reduction effect of SS is more obvious at high Ms. SS or FA reduce the non-evaporable water content (Wn) of AAS paste. However, SS increases the long-term Wn of AAS paste at low Ms. The cumulative pore volume and porosity increase after adding SS or FA, especially after adding FA. The hydration products are mainly reticular C-(A)-S-H gels. Adding SS increases the Ca/Si ratio of C-(A)-S-H gel but decreases the Al/Si ratio. However, by mixing FA, the Ca/Si ratio is reduced and the Al/Si ratio is almost unchanged. The incorporation of SS or FA reduces the drying shrinkage of AAS mortar, especially when SS is added. Increasing Ms increases the compressive strength and improves the pore structure, and it significantly increases the drying shrinkage of all samples. This study provides theoretical guidance for the application of steel slag in the alkali-activated slag material.

Evaluation of physicochemical properties of Rohu fish noodles

Functional noodles are considered nutritious and healthy staple food products. This study aimed to develop value-added rohu fish noodles (Labeo rohita) and evaluate their physicochemical properties. Six noodle samples were prepared following several formulations. After a 2-day drying process, the noodles were stored in air-resistant plastic bags. The formulated noodles were investigated based on their physical (water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume increase) and chemical (moisture, ash, protein, fat, and fiber) properties. Statistical analysis revealed that the inclusion of rohu fish mince significantly increased moisture and protein content (p<0.01), while carbohydrate, energy, water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume decreased significantly (p<0.01). Noodles with the highest fish mince content (30%) demonstrated a higher amount of moisture (13.07%), ash (6.7%), fat (1.87%), protein (30.08%), sodium (0.64 mg), and calcium (0.26 mg), accompanied by reduced carbohydrate (48.3%) and energy (330.31 kcal). This formulation also exhibited lower water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume. Notably, no significant differences (p>0.05) were found in ash, fiber, fat, and mineral content among the various fish noodle samples. This study concludes that the incorporation of rohu fish mince can enhance the nutritional properties of traditional noodles.

Optimization research of handwritten digit recognition algorithm based on hardware neural networks

In the modern era of digitization, the widespread application of handwritten numerical data has led to an exponential increase in data volume, necessitating efficient real-time recognition and processing systems. This project is grounded in the foundational structure of neural networks, with a specific focus on integrating these networks into hardware through Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI). The primary objective is to achieve faster processing speeds, lower power consumption, and real-time operations. The central emphasis of this study is the design and implementation of a hardware neural network system tailored specifically for handwritten digit recognition. Drawing from neural network theory, we explore the construction of a hardware-based handwritten digit classifier. The fundamental model employed is the single-layer perceptron neuron model. Upon receiving 28x28 pixel grayscale images, the image classifier utilizes pre-trained weights, activation functions, and a maximum selector to compare and output recognition results for numerical digits. The concrete implementation is realized using the Verilog hardware description language, coupled with algorithm optimization strategies to enhance performance and efficiency. This research endeavor aims to provide an effective hardware solution for real-time handwritten digit recognition in the digital age.

Flexible Ni‐Based Bimetallic Spinel Oxide (NiM2O4, M = Mn, Fe, Co) Electrodes for Supercapacitor Applications

Herein, the single‐phase Ni‐based bimetallic spinel oxide (NiM2O4, M = Mn, Fe, Co) nanoparticles are successfully synthesized by sol–gel method and coated on a carbon cloth substrate to form flexible electrodes for supercapacitor applications. The effects of transition metal activity, calcination temperature, surface, and textural properties on the electrochemical properties of spinel electrode materials are demonstrated. It is found that lowering the calcination temperature results in a decrease in crystallite size and particle size, leading to an increase in surface area and pore volume. X‐Ray absorption spectroscopy reveals the presence of Mn2+/3+, Fe2+/3+, and Co2+/3+ in materials. According to the electrochemical studies, NiMn2O4 electrode in Na2SO4 electrolyte exhibits electrical double‐layer capacitance behavior, while NiFe2O4 and NiCo2O4 electrodes in KOH electrolyte exhibit pseudocapacitive behavior. All electrode materials have low solution resistance and charge transfer resistance. NiCo2O4 provides the highest specific capacitance (85.60 F g−1 at 2.5 A g−1) followed by NiFe2O4 and NiMn2O4. It seems likely that the high electrochemical activity of Co2+/3+ and small particle size of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles play an important role in improving the redox process and charge transfer, which may enhance the electrochemical performance of this electrode material.

A secure and transparent communication mechanism based on blockchain and fuzzy evaluation matrix in metaverse industry 4.0

ABSTRACT Recently, Metaverse is gaining prominence within the field of radiology due to its potential to revolutionize image visualization. Radiologists can harness its capabilities to access dynamic, highly detailed results, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision. Digital twins, at the core of the Metaverse, are digital replicas of real-world objects and entities. They serve as the foundational building blocks, enabling the creation of virtual counterparts for everything within the Metaverse. To ensure the reliability of these digital twins, blockchain technology offers a multi-dimensional data storage solution, reinforcing data integrity and trustworthiness. It is used to ensure a transparent and 3D visualization of each communication and interaction for further looking up any criticality if present in the network. With the rapid increase in value and volume of data, the evolution of the metaverse faces a number of privacy and security concerns. Furthermore, the metaverse in Industry 4.0 is a trending topic that further needs to focus on its security challenges at its initial stage. Fortunately, blockchain is considered as one of the significant solutions. The aim of this paper is to propose a secure and efficient fuzzy evaluation matrix by computing the trust values along with integrating with blockchain mechanism in industry 4.0 enabling metaverse environment. The proposed mechanism is validated against various security concerns such as broken authentication, eavesdropping, personal information leakage, data injection, and unauthorized access. The proposed mechanism showed the validation rate against existing schemes with an improvement of 94% in comparison of several security metrics.