Increase In Diameter Research Articles

Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on the Arteriole-to-Venule Ratio in Patients With Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Trial.

This study aimed to assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the arteriolar-to-venular ratio (AVR) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A prospective, randomized, unblinded, and controlled clinical trial with parallel groups was performed. From a base of 138 patients, 83 were randomized to either CPAP or control. Nonstereoscopic 35º photographs were processed with Sirius software. The intention-to-treat analysis showed no differences in AVR, although the arteriolar diameter increased from baseline in the CPAP group. Per-protocol analysis showed a 12-month increase in AVR (P = 0.035) and arteriolar diameter (P = 0.033) in CPAP versus control group. The venular diameter showed a nonstatistically significant reduction. CPAP is a potentially novel treatment for individuals with DR and concomitant OSA, improving the retinopathy status, reversing the arteriolar narrowing, and therefore increasing the AVR, tending to reduce the venular diameter. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Origin of Basaltic Subplinian Eruption at Shishaldin Volcano (Alaska): A Vigorously Degassing Magma Reservoir Hosting Small Bubbles

AbstractThe 1999 basaltic eruption of Shishaldin volcano (Alaska) displayed a transition between Subplinian and Strombolian activity. Strombolian bubbles indicate the presence of a periodically unstable foam at the top of magma reservoir. In contrast, a long foam, whose rupture led to the eruptive column, was also able to collect in the conduit. Laboratory experiments show that long foams can be produced in a conduit by the spreading of a stable foam accumulated at the top of the reservoir. The existence of a Taylor bubble at the onset of the Subplinian phase, also reproduced by my laboratory experiments, suggests that the foam in the reservoir was just at the transition between stable and unstable. This constrains the bubble diameter prior to the Subplinian phase to be 0.034–0.038 mm when using the foam dimensionless analysis and the underlying gas flux (0.52–0.80 m3/s). The increase in bubble diameter and potentially gas flux prior to the Strombolian activity, 0.81–1.4 m3/s, is sufficient to explain the foam in transition to be unstable. The radius of the magma reservoir is small, 200–210 m, as expected. The bubble diameter is the smallest of those estimated for classical basaltic eruptions (Etna, Kı̄lauea, Erta 'Ale), while the gas flux is among the largest. A dilute suspension of small and isolated bubbles cannot explain the large gas flux at Shishaldin. This implies numerous bubbles with a gas volume fraction ≥0.63−2%, a regime for which the bubbles form bubble clusters. The diameter of these bubble clusters, 3.0–5.4 mm, is sufficient to explain large gas fluxes.

Mechanical response and stress equation of pressure pipe liner passing across circular corrosion

Corrosion is one of the most common forms of damage to pressure pipes. CIPP liner can improve the mechanical properties of the pipe with corrosion. It is very important to study the mechanical response of corrosion pipes rehabilitated by CIPP liner. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of a pressure pipe rehabilitated with CIPP liner under the condition of circular corrosion is established, and the model is evaluated by using the experimental and analytical results. Afterward, the influence of each parameter on the stress and displacement of the liner is analyzed. Finally, the liner stress calculation equation is obtained based on 870 sets of data. The results show that the finite element results are in good agreement with the experimental and analytical results. The maximum stress of the liner first occurs at the center of the corroded circle, and as the corrosion diameter increases, the maximum stress gradually shifts to the edge. The maximum stress of the liner increases first and then tends to be stable with the increase of the corrosion diameter, and the friction coefficient has little effect on the liner stress.

Novel mathematical approach to accurately quantify 3D endothelial cell morphology and vessel geometry based on fluorescently marked endothelial cell contours: Application to the dorsal aorta of wild-type and Endoglin-deficient zebrafish embryos.

Endothelial cells, which line the lumen of blood vessels, locally sense and respond to blood flow. In response to altered blood flow dynamics during early embryonic development, these cells undergo shape changes that directly affect vessel geometry: In the dorsal aorta of zebrafish embryos, elongation of endothelial cells in the direction of flow between 48 and 72 hours post fertilization (hpf) reduces the vessel's diameter. This remodeling process requires Endoglin; excessive endothelial cell growth in the protein's absence results in vessel diameter increases. To understand how these changes in vessel geometry emerge from morphological changes of individual endothelial cells, we developed a novel mathematical approach that allows 3D reconstruction and quantification of both dorsal aorta geometry and endothelial cell surface morphology. Based on fluorescently marked endothelial cell contours, we inferred cross-sections of the dorsal aorta that accounted for dorsal flattening of the vessel. By projection of endothelial cell contours onto the estimated cross-sections and subsequent triangulation, we finally reconstructed 3D surfaces of the individual cells. By simultaneously reconstructing vessel cross-sections and cell surfaces, we found in an exploratory analysis that morphology varied between endothelial cells located in different sectors of the dorsal aorta in both wild-type and Endoglin-deficient zebrafish embryos: In wild-types, ventral endothelial cells were smaller and more elongated in flow direction than dorsal endothelial cells at both 48 hpf and 72 hpf. Although dorsal and ventral endothelial cells in Endoglin-deficient embryos had similar sizes at 48 hpf, dorsal endothelial cells were much larger at 72 hpf. In Endoglin-deficient embryos, elongation in flow direction increased between 48 hpf and 72 hpf in ventral endothelial cells but hardly changed in dorsal endothelial cells. Hereby, we provide evidence that dorsal endothelial cells contribute most to the disparate changes in dorsal aorta diameter in wild-type and Endoglin-deficient embryos between 48 hpf and 72 hpf.

Anatomy of a fossil liana from the Upper Cretaceous of British Columbia, Canada

Summary Fossil woods are preserved as calcareous permineralizations in the Upper Cretaceous Northumberland Formation on Collishaw Point, Hornby Island, British Columbia, Canada. They are well preserved, often including peripheral tissues, and reveal the diversity and structure of vegetation in the region ca. 72 million years ago. We describe a new genus and species based on two specimens. Two specimens were cut using a rock saw to expose the fossil wood in transverse and longitudinal sections. Thin sections were prepared using the cellulose acetate peel technique. Peels were mounted on slides with Eukitt mounting medium. Anatomical description follows the IAWA guidelines. We compared the anatomy of the fossils with that of other plants using data available in the published literature and the InsideWood database. The combination of wide vessels and high vessel frequency given the narrow diameter of the stem, combined with the abrupt increase in vessel diameter near the pith indicates this plant had hydraulic properties typical of a climbing plant (liana). The anatomy of the rays, the arrangement of the vessels and their pitting, and the thickness of the bark are also consistent with the climbing habit, but not diagnostic of any extant family. This is the second species of liana to be described from the Hornby Island assemblage, providing new information about the composition of structurally complex mixed conifer–angiosperm forests in the Late Cretaceous of western North America.

Inferior vena CAVA and lung ultraSound-guided therapy in acute heart failure: A randomized pilot study (CAVAL US-AHF study)

The optimal assessment of systemic and lung decongestion during acute heart failure is not clearly defined. We evaluated whether inferior vena cava (IVC) and pulmonary ultrasound (CAVAL US) guided therapy is superior to standard care in reducing subclinical congestion at discharge in patients with AHF. CAVAL US-AHF was an investigator-initiated, single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. A daily quantitative ultrasound protocol using the 8-zone method was used and treatment was adjusted according to an algorithm. The primary endpoint was the presence of more than 5 B-lines and/or an increase in IVC diameter and collapsibility at discharge. And secondary endpoint exploratory outcome was the composite of readmission for HF, unplanned visit for worsening HF or death at 90 days RESULTS: Sixty patients were randomized to CAVAL US (n = 30) or control (n = 30). The primary endpoint was achieved in 4 patients (13.3%) in the CAVAL US group and 20 patients (66.6%) in the control group (P < .001). A significant reduction in HF readmission, unplanned visit for worsening HF or death at 90 days was seen in the CAVAL US group (13.3% vs 36.7%; log rank P = .038). Other endpoints such as NT-proBNP reduction at discharge showed a nonstatistically significant reduction in the CAVAL US group (48% IQR 27-67 vs 37% -3-59; P = .09). Safety outcomes were similar in both groups. IVC and lung ultrasound-guided therapy in AHF patients significantly reduced subclinical congestion at discharge. CAVAL US-AHF provides preliminary evidence for the potential use of a simple technique to guide decongestive therapy during hospitalization for AHF, which may reduce the composite outcome at 90 days.

Follow-up of non-palpable testicular incidentalomas under 1 cm: does growth rate differentiate malignant and non-malignant lesions?

To determine whether small, incidentally detected testicular lesions can be safely followed up, by assessing growth rate and volume threshold for benign vs. malignant lesions. This retrospective observational study includes a consecutive series of 130 testicular incidentalomas < 1 cm and with negative tumour markers identified from October 2001 to November 2022, which were initially followed up with ultrasound. A total of 39 cases proceeded to surgery during the study period, either due to lesion growth (n = 28) or patient preference/recommendation by the referring urologist (n = 11). For the lesions that were growing, specific growth rate (SGR) and doubling time (DT) were calculated assuming an exponential growth pattern. In addition, the velocity of increase of the average diameter (∆Dav) and of the maximum diameter (∆Dmax) were calculated. Of the 130 nodules that were initially followed up, six disappeared, eight were reduced in size, eighty-eight were stable, and twenty-eight increased in size. For operated nodules all 18 malignant tumours, 8/9 benign tumours, and 2/12 surgically proved non-neoplastic lesions were growing. The best cut-off values of the growth indicators to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant histology were 3.47 × 10-3%volume/day, ≤ 179 days, > 10 × 10-3 mm/day, and > 5 × 10-3 mm/day for SGR, DT, ∆Dmax, ∆Dav, respectively. Malignant and non-malignant small incidentalomas can be effectively differentiated based on growing parameters, even though overlap exists. An increase of the maximum diameter of about 1 mm and 2 mm in three months and in six months, respectively, suggests malignancy. Growing parameters allow an educated assessment of benign and malignant small testicular incidentalomas. Non-aggressive management is justified and safe when follow-up includes self-examination and tumour marker assessment to reduce the risk of interval tumour growth. Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound. Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists. Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.

Effect of Soil Fertility on the Growth Characteristics of Two Young Trees of the Neem Family

To select tree species suitable for growth under Chinese ephedra forests, this study set up three soil fertility treatments: pure sandy soil, V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 3:1, and V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 1:1, to investigate the effects of different soil fertility levels on the growth characteristics of two tree species, Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) and Melia azedarach (chinaberry). The results show that: (1) Under low light conditions and pure sandy soil, the height and basal diameter of neem significantly increased, while chinaberry showed a significant increase in height and basal diameter under the V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 1:1 condition. (2) Under the V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 1:1 condition, both neem and chinaberry exhibited maximum leaf growth characteristics, while there was a decreasing trend under the V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 3:1 condition. These results indicate that neem is more suitable for growth in pure sandy soil and is more tolerant to poor soil conditions, while chinaberry thrives under the V (sand): V (fertilizer) = 1:1 condition. This preliminary selection provides a theoretical basis for the initial screening of tree species for coastal defense forests.

Nonlinear dynamics analysis of hydraulic turbochargers in reverse osmosis desalination plants

The hydraulic turbocharger plays a vital role in harnessing the energy stored in brine within reverse osmosis desalination plants. To optimize the efficiency and durability of this equipment, it is crucial to develop accurate dynamic models of the turbocharger rotor. An improved understanding of rotor dynamics enables the integration of innovative technologies such as Hydraulic Energy Management Integration, effectively enhancing efficiencies in systems characterized by small capacities and high rotational speeds. This study presents a dynamic modeling methodology for the hydraulic turbocharger. The analysis involves approximating the turbocharger rotor with an equivalent finite element shaft line model. Verification of the model’s natural frequency is conducted using three-dimensional finite element analysis, employing the ANSYS modal analysis module. Computational fluid dynamics is employed to evaluate the fluid forces, while the Reynolds equation is utilized to assess the journal bearing forces. The resulting model is employed to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of the rotor, examining the impact of various system parameters, including rotational speed, unbalance forces, and shaft geometrical parameters. The results highlight the significance of balancing the turbine and pump disks for optimal performance. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that increasing the shaft length reduces the rotor’s threshold speed, while increasing the shaft diameter initially raises the threshold speed until it reaches a critical value. Beyond this critical value, further increases in shaft diameter lead to a decrease in the threshold speed.

3D-printed triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures as catalyst carriers

The flow and forced convection heat transfer properties of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices were investigated both experimentally and numerically. The TPMS structures consist of periodically arranged Gyroid (G) unit cells of 81 % porosity and different unit cell sizes (2–4 mm). This is the first study to evaluate the effect of cell diameter on pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics of solid-gyroid structures prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) technique. Moreover, the range of pore-based Reynolds number covered the laminar and turbulent regimes (Rep=11–1700). The results shown that larger cell diameter provides higher heat transfer coefficients and unit pressure drop. An increase of cell diameter from 2 mm to 4 mm can enhance heat transfer coefficient and unit pressure drop of 39 % and 85 %, respectively. New correlations for flow resistance and heat transfer of solid-gyroid structures were developed. It was confirmed that TPMS lattices can be an alternative to conventional catalytic supports, because they provide comparable thermal efficiency index as foam and packed bed.

Inhibition of endothelial to mesenchymal transition in a large animal preclinical arterio-venous fistula model leads to improved remodeling and reduced stenosis.

Vein grafts are used for many indications, including bypass graft surgery and arterio-venous fistula (AVF) formation. However, patency following vein grafting or AVF formation is suboptimal for various reasons, including thrombosis, neointimal hyperplasia and adverse remodeling. Recently, endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was found to contribute to neointimal hyperplasia in mouse vein grafts. We aimed to evaluate the clinical potential of inhibiting EndMT, and developed the first dedicated preclinical model to study the efficacy of local EndMT inhibition immediately prior to AVF creation. We first undertook pilot studies to optimize the creation of a femoral AVF in pigs and verify that EndMT contributes to neointimal formation. We then developed a method to achieve local in vivo SMAD3 knockdown by dwelling a lentiviral construct containing SMAD3 shRNA in the femoral vein prior to AVF creation. Next, in Phase 1, 6 pigs were randomized to SMAD3 knockdown or control lentivirus to evaluate the effectiveness of SMAD3 knockdown and EndMT inhibition 8 days after AVF creation. In Phase 2, 16 pigs were randomized to SMAD3 knockdown or control lentivirus and were evaluated to assess longer-term effects on AVF diameter, patency and related measures at 30 days after AVF creation.In Phase 1, compared to controls, SMAD3 knockdown achieved a 75% reduction in the proportion of CD31+ endothelial cells co-expressing SMAD3 (p<0.001), and also a significant reduction in the extent of EndMT (p<0.05). In Phase 2, compared to controls, SMAD3 knockdown was associated with an increase in the minimum diameter of the venous limb of the AVF (1.56±1.66 versus 4.26±1.71mm, p<0.01) and a reduced degree of stenosis (p<0.01). Consistent with this, neointimal thickness was reduced in the SMAD3 knockdown group (0.88±0.51 versus 0.45±0.19mm, p<0.05). Furthermore, endothelial integrity (the proportion of luminal cells expressing endothelial markers) was improved in the SMAD3 knockdown group (p<0.05). EndMT inhibition in a preclinical AVF model by local SMAD3 knockdown using gene therapy led to reduced neointimal hyperplasia, increased endothelialization and a reduction in the degree of AVF stenosis. This provides important proof-of-concept to pursue this approach as a clinical strategy to improve the patency of AVFs and other vein grafts.

Effect of xylooligosaccharides from rice husks on the pasting and rheological properties of dough and biscuit quality

Rice husks are rich in xylan, which can be hydrolyzed by xylanase to form xylooligosaccharides (XOS). XOS is a functional oligosaccharide with stable physicochemical properties and physiological functions such as improving the structure and nutritional characteristics of flour products. Regarding the application of XOS in flour products, more attention was paid to the research of the characteristics of the product itself. In this study, the effect of adding XOS on the pasting and rheological properties of flours (1 g/100g, 3 g/100g, 5 g/100g) showed that with the increase of XOS content, the pasting temperature of flour increased and the retrogradation value decreased. With the increase of XOS addition, the storage modulus G′ and loss modulus G″ first increased and then decreased, and the dough elasticity decreased, indicating that the addition of XOS inhibited the formation of gluten network structure. The addition of XOS lead to an increase in biscuit diameter, with a maximum diameter of 39.63 mm for 5 g/100g XOS biscuits. The digestion results showed that the eGI value of the control biscuit was 59.27, and the eGI value of the 5 g/100g XOS biscuit was 56.98. Overall, XOS biscuits are the high-value utilization pathways for rice husks.

Dynamic thermal performance analysis and experimental study of cascaded packed-bed latent thermal energy storage integrated solar trough collectors

The instability of the renewable energy significantly impacts the thermal performance of solar thermoelectric systems. In this paper, a coupling system consisting of solar trough collector and double-layer cascaded packed-bed latent heat storage system (PLTES) is constructed to investigate thermal performance and operating parameters under dynamic conditions. Additionally, the experimental platform was upgraded to evaluate the dynamic charging/discharging process of the cascaded PLTES. The results show that under dynamic inlet heat flow, the PLTES exhibits only one peak temperature difference, and the average temperature is lower than that in the steady-state. The cascade-packed structure promotes a more uniform temperature and liquid phase distribution, resulting in a longer heat flow output. Higher mass flow rates of the heat flow increase convective heat transfer and reduce the temperature difference, though they have little effect on the energy efficiency. Conversely, an increase in capsule diameter significantly reduces the energy efficiency. Experimental results indicate that under dynamic conditions, the total charge-discharge capacity of the cascade system decreases by 0.5 MJ and 0.9 MJ, and the energy efficiency decreases by 0.15. Nevertheless, the energy efficiency of the cascaded PLTES (0.57) is higher than that of the single layer (0.5).

Structural implementation of recycled lump prepared from waste concrete after elevated temperatures: Mechanical and environmental performances

To find a sustainable treatment for construction and demolition waste, the utilization of recycled lump (RL) prepared from waste concrete after elevated temperatures as coarse aggregate in concrete was investigated. The mechanical and environmental properties of recycled lump concrete (RLC) and reinforced recycled lump concrete (RRLC) were discussed with three RL replacement ratios and five treatment temperatures. The results show that increasing the RL replacement ratio would reduce the slump, and axial compressive performance of RLC, resulting from the presence of old adhered mortar on RL. The treatment of elevated temperature for RLC would improve the adverse effect of increasing the RL replacement ratio, resulting from the decreasing amount of old adhered mortar and interfacial transition zone on RL. The prediction formulas for the mechanical model of RLC were proposed while the design method for the axial compressive strength for RRLC was modified against the existing standard to conduct the full-range parametric analysis. The environment assessment indicates that the sustainable utilization of RL as coarse aggregate could reduce the environmental impact and global warming from concrete production whilst the RL prepared from waste concrete after 400 °C treatment is an appreciated option for the production of RLC and RRLC products from a mechanical and environmental perspective. In addition, the increase in external diameter would remarkably dwindle the environmental impact caused by the utilization of RL in structural members.

Unloading Technology and Application Research of Variable Diameter Drilling in Dynamic Pressure Roadway

Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are used to study the influence of different parameters of variable diameter borehole pressure relief technology on the surrounding rock and support. A strain-softening model was established to analyze the intrinsic connection between the parameters of variable diameter boreholes and the evolution of surrounding rock stress, deformation law, and support strength. The results show that: (1) With the increase in shallow borehole diameter, it is easy to cause anchor de-anchoring phenomenon. (2) After the deep borehole diameter is more than 250 mm, it transfers the peak of the shallow vertical stress to the deep surrounding rock (about 16 m away from the coal wall). (3) If the position of the variable borehole aperture is set between the anchorage zone and the stress peak of the roadway, the stress transfer effect is better, and the influence and effective binding force on the surrounding rock is smaller. (4) When the spacing is 1.0 m~2.0 m, the vertical stress starts to transfer to the deep surrounding rock, the deformation of the surrounding rock is smaller, and the reduction in the effective binding force of the anchors is smaller. The result can provide a reference for similar production conditions.

Detection of near-surface defects in viscoelastic material based on focused ultrasound thermal effects

Viscoelastic materials will absorb and dissipate energy under stress, resulting in energy loss and heat generation. The conventional non-destructive testing methods have certain limitations when it comes to detecting near-surface defects in viscoelastic materials. In this paper, a detection method of near-surface defects based on focused ultrasonic thermal effect is proposed. Firstly, the difference in thermal effects caused by defective and non-defective regions of the material under ultrasound is analyzed according to the stress response equation of viscoelastic materials, and the detection principle is elucidated. Secondly, the feasibility of this method is verified through finite element simulation with an example of plexiglass material Subsequently, the variations in the surface temperature distribution of defective specimens with varying diameters and depths are analyzed. Finally, experimental validation reveals that ultrasonic waves operating at 1.12 MHz successfully detect artificial defects with a diameter of 1 mm. With the increase of the equivalent diameter of the defect, the width of the low-temperature depression area in the surface temperature field exhibits a linear increase relationship. With the increase of the defect depth, the surface temperature difference between the corresponding position of the defective and the surrounding non-defective area gradually decreases. This method effectively overcomes the half-wavelength limitation and introduces a novel detection approach for near-surface defect identification in viscoelastic materials such as plexiglass.

Leaf Trait Variations and Ecological Adaptation Mechanisms of Populus euphratica at Different Developmental Stages and Canopy Heights

The ability of plants to alter specific combinations of leaf traits during development and in response to abiotic stress is crucial for their success and survival. While there are numerous studies on the variation of leaf traits within the canopies of Populus species, the application of network analysis to understand the variation and combinations of these traits across different growth stages is rare. The leaves of Populus euphratica, a dominant species in arid regions, exhibit notable morphological variations at different developmental stages and canopy heights in response to water scarcity and climate change. In this study, 34 leaf traits (morphological, chemical, photosynthetic, and hydraulic) and their roles in drought adaptation were investigated in 60 Populus euphratica plants at five developmental stages and five canopy heights using leaf trait network (LTN) analysis. The aim was to analyze adaptive strategies to arid environments at different developmental stages and canopy heights through the interdependence of leaf traits. The results showed that the internal coordination capacity of leaf trait networks decreased and then increased with each developmental stage, while the functional modules of leaf trait networks were loosely connected and aggregated with the increase in tree diameter at breast height. With increasing canopy height, the coordination linkage’s ability between leaf traits showed an increasing then decreasing trend, and the traits of the leaves in the canopy at 6 m were more closely connected, less modular, and simpler in topology compared with those in the other layers. Leaves form functional modules by coordinating specific traits that promote growth and resist drought. Leaf photosynthesis, water transport, and nutrient traits were central to different developmental stages, whereas leaf morphology, nutrient metabolism, and drought-resistance-related traits were central to the canopy height. Leaf morphology and osmoregulatory traits play key roles in leaf trait network regulation, including leaf length and width, leaf shape index, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins, which are important “intermediary traits” in the Populus euphratica leaf network. Further analysis revealed that structural traits were important at different developmental stages and canopy heights. When resources are limited, the leaf preferentially maintains a stable connection between structural traits to enhance photosynthesis, and these traits and their combinations might confer drought resistance. During the rapid development stage, the connection between chemical traits becomes important, and the leaf grows by rapidly accumulating nutrients. In summary, this study provides new perspectives and insights into the drought adaptation strategies of P. euphratica at different developmental stages and canopy heights by analyzing leaf trait networks.

Normal M-mode, Pulsed Wave and Tissue Doppler Echocardiographic Studies in Healthy Working Police Dogs

Background: Physical activity alters the cardiovascular system of dogs depending on the exercise characteristics and the animal’s physical conditioning. Little is known about the cardiovascular changes in working police dogs. This study evaluated the cardiovascular responses of working Labradors to regular exercise and various workload. Methods: Twelve working Labradors of Tamil Nadu police department that were regularly trained and exercised 30 minutes morning and evening and twelve normal household pet Labradors brought for regular checkup to Madras Veterinary College Teaching hospital were taken for the study. All the animals were subjected to physical, clinical, hematobiochemical, electrocardiographic examinations and cardiac auscultation before performing echocardiography. Those animals which showed normal recordings in all the above tests were further subjected to M-mode, Pulsed wave and Tissue Doppler echocardiography. In this study, the resting heart rate values of working groups were lesser than that of normal pet dogs. Result: The results of echocardiography showed significant increase in Interventricular septal diameter during diastole, left atrial diameter, aortic artery diameter and the left atrium to aortic diameter ratio without impairing systolic and diastolic cardiac functions in working dogs. The present study indicated that there were few changes in the echocardiographic parameters which might be a response to physiological adaptation and regular exercise.

Effect of organic fertilizer and amino acids on the vegetative growth of young pomegranate trees Punica granatum L. c.v. “Wonderful”

The experiment was conducted on a pomegranate field located in a deciduous fruit orchard at the Agricultural Research and Experimentation Station, which is associated with the College of Agriculture at the University of Kirkuk in the Republic of Iraq. The experiment took place during the 2023 season. The study incorporated 2 variables. The experiment consisted of 2 factors: the first factor included 5 levels of organic fertilization (0, 250 and 500 g tree-1 of residue poultry and 15 and 30 g tree-1 of humic acid) and the second factor involved spraying with 3 concentrations of amino acids (0-, 5- and 10- mL L-1). The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) within factorial experiments, with 2 factors and 3 replicates. The study involved a total of 90 young pomegranate trees, with 2 trees assigned to each experimental unit. The data were analyzed using Duncan's multinomial test at a significance level of 0.05. Applying 500 g of chicken waste per tree resulted in a notable enhancement in vegetative development, namely in stem length. The leaf area and dry weight of the leaves were measured at 6.45 cm2 and 54.67 % respectively. The level of 30 g tree-1 of humic acid resulted in a significant increase in the stem diameter, branch length and branch diameter, which was recorded at 23.16 mm, 39.98 cm and 6.30 mm respectively, compared to the control treatment. The application of a 10 mL L-1 concentration of amino acids led to a notable enhancement in the observed traits (stem length and branches, their diameters, leaf area and dry weight of leaves) in comparison to the control treatment. The mutual influence of organic fertilizer and spraying with amino acids resulted in a noticeable and statistically significant effect. This effect was particularly evident when using a level of 500 g tree-1 of chicken waste for fertilization and a concentration of 10 mL L-1 of amino acids for spraying, as it positively impacted most parameters.

High levels of mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, and apoptosis contribute to stable testicular status in hibernating Daurian ground squirrels

Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) experience various stress states during winter hibernation, but the impact on testicular function remains unclear. This study focused on the effects of changes in testicular autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial homeostasis signaling pathways at various stages on the testes of Daurian ground squirrels. Results indicated that: (1) During winter hibernation, there was a significant increase in seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelium thickness compared to summer. Spermatogonia number and testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were higher during inter-bout arousal, suggesting that the testes remained stable during hibernation. (2) An increased number of mitochondria with intact morphology were observed during hibernation, indicating that mitochondrial homeostasis may contribute to testicular stability. (3) DNA fragmentation was evident in the testes during the hibernation and inter-bout arousal stages, with the highest level of caspase3 enzyme activity detected during inter-bout arousal, together with elevated levels of Bax/Bcl-2 and Lc3 II/Lc3 I, indicating an up-regulation of apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathways during hibernation. (4) The abundance of DRP1, MFF, OPA1, and MFN2 proteins was increased, suggesting an up-regulation of mitochondrial dynamics-related pathways. Overall, testicular autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial homeostasis-related signaling pathways were notably active in the extreme winter environment. The well-maintained mitochondrial morphology may favor the production of reproductive hormones and support stable testicular morphology.