Increase In Mean Diameter Research Articles

Three-dimensional analysis of age and sex differences in femoral head asphericity in asymptomatic hips in the United States.

The sphericity of the femoral head is a metric used to evaluate hip pathologies and is associated with the development of osteoarthritis and femoral-acetabular impingement. To analyze the three-dimensional asphericity of the femoral head of asymptomatic pediatric hips. We hypothesized that femoral head asphericity will vary significantly between male and female pediatric hips and increase with age in both sexes. Computed tomography scans were obtained on 158 children and adolescents from a single institution in the United States (8-18 years; 50% male) without hip pain. Proximal femoral measurements including the femoral head diameter, femoral head volume, residual volume, asphericity index, and local diameter difference were used to evaluate femoral head sphericity. In both sexes, the residual volume increased by age (P < 0.05). Despite significantly smaller femoral head size in older ages (> 13 years) in females, there were no sex-differences in residual volume and aspherity index. There were no age-related changes in mean diameter difference in both sexes (P = 0.07) with no significant sex-differences across different age groups (P = 0.06). In contrast, there were significant increases in local aspherity (maximum diameter difference) across whole surface of the femoral head and all quadrants except the inferior regions in males (P = 0.03). There were no sex-differences in maximum diameter difference at any regions and age group (P > 0.05). Increased alpha angle was only correlated to increased mean diameter difference across overall surface of the femoral head (P = 0.024). There is a substantial localized asphericity in asymptomatic hips which increases with age in. While 2D measured alpha angle can capture overall asphericity of the femoral head, it may not be sensitive enough to represent regional asphericity patterns.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Augmentation With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, Demineralized Bone Matrix, and Suture Tape Shows No Difference in Outcomes—But Faster Functional Recovery—Versus Non-augmented Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PurposeTo compare outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), demineralized bone matrix (DBM), and suture tape augmentation (STA) vs. ACLR without biologic augmentation or STA. MethodsA prospective randomized controlled trial at a single institution was performed to compare ACLR with BMAC, DBM, and STA (Group A) vs. ACLR without biologic or STA (Group NA). One hundred patients were required. Skeletally mature patients <25 years old received quadriceps tendon autografts, while patients ≥25 years old received allograft ACLR with an all-inside technique. Concomitant meniscal pathologies were included. Primary outcomes compared were range-of-motion (ROM), limb symmetry, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Secondary outcomes included radiographic outcomes and surgical complications. Univariate and mixed-model regression analysis were used to compare outcomes. ResultsFifty-nine patients were included (Group A: 29 patients, 11 females, 38%; Group NA: 30 patients, 15 females, 50%). Early range-of-motion at 6 weeks (125° vs 109° flexion, p<0.0001) and limb symmetry testing at 12 weeks (80.6 % vs. 36.7% [Delta 43.9%], p<0.001) were significantly improved in Group A. At two years, International Knee Documentation (IKDC) scores were similar (91.1 ± 12.7 vs. 85.3 ± 10.8, p=0.109). Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS) Quality of Life (QOL) scores were significantly enhanced in Group A (85.2 ± 20.9 vs. 72.1 ± 20.4, p=0.042). Twenty-two patients (12 Group A, 10 Group NA) underwent CT scans at 6-months to compare bone tunnel healing. Overall, the mean increase in bone tunnel diameter was significantly smaller in Group A vs. NA. No difference in graft re-ruptures or re-operations was observed. Seven of 59 patients (11.9%) underwent re-operation for stiffness (A: 3 (10%) vs. NA: 4 (13%), p=1.0). ConclusionThere were no differences in IKDC scores between groups at 2-year follow-up. Functional outcomes including early range-of-motion and limb symmetry were significantly improved in patients who received ACLR with BMAC, DBM, and STA. ACLRACLR.ACLR

A laboratory study of secondary organic aerosol formation in an oxidation flow reactor

Secondary organic aerosol is formed through the atmospheric oxidation of gas-phase organic compounds and primary aerosols. Despite the potential risks that this class of particles poses to human health and climate, how primary emissions contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosols remains largely unknown. This study examines the formation of secondary organic aerosols resulting from the oxidation of soot nanoparticles generated by a premixed laminar ethylene–air-rich flame. The exhaust gases and particles from the flame are conveyed into an oxidation flow reactor to simulate the atmospheric conditions in which secondary aerosol formation reactions occur. The pristine and oxidized aerosols are analyzed online using a scanning mobility particle sizer system to assess their size distributions. Moreover, collected aerosols are chemically characterized using a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer. The secondary aerosol formed exhibits an increase in mean diameter under different oxidation conditions and reveals an enhanced concentration compared to primary aerosols. These changes are accompanied by significant alterations in the chemical composition of the aerosols.

A method for the prediction of the atomization diameter distribution of the spray generated by swirl nozzles

Atomization is an indispensable process for achieving high-efficiency conversion in various energy applications. This study proposes a novel and simplified method to predict the droplet diameter distribution along the spray direction during atomization by swirl nozzles. The method considers the droplet breakup and coalescence and consists of three sub-models, i.e., the primary breakup model, the secondary breakup model, and the velocity model. The prediction method is verified by droplet sizing experiments using typical swirl nozzles. Combining the experimental results, the atomization process from fluid to droplets is analyzed in-depth. Results show that the present method can predict the droplet diameter distribution along the spray direction, with an average error of droplet diameter of approximately 7.7%. The effects of the orifice diameter and water supply pressure of nozzles on droplet diameter distribution are discussed. The droplet diameter decreases in the whole spray field as the water supply pressure rises. When the orifice diameter increases, the mass flow rate and Sauter mean diameter increase in the near-orifice region. However, the droplet diameter difference in nozzles reduces as the position is far away from the orifice. The proposed method can aid the design of some critical energy devices containing the atomization process.

Studies on the Moisture Dependent Physical Properties of Cowpea

Cowpea is a very important legume in Nigeria that is being utilized to Substitute high-cost animal protein for low-income people. The knowledge of some physical properties of various moisture contents is of utmost importance in the design of its handling and processing equipment and machinery, which is the aim of this work, which studied the physical properties of IT99K-573-1-1 (SAMPEA14) variety of Cowpea within 8.77 to 21.58 % db moisture content. The properties studied include Major, Intermediate, and Minor diameters, Sphericity, Surface area, Specific gravity, Volume, Bulk density, 50-tap density, 100-tap density, 1250-tap density, seed mass, Angle of repose, Geometric mean diameter, and Arithmetic mean diameter. The obtained results indicate that the Size, Sphericity, Geometric, Arithmetic diameter, Surface area, and seed mass increase linearly with an increase in moisture content by 13.8%, 27.4%, and 16.1% for the size, respectively. While sphericity rises by 7.5% and geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, surface area, and grain mass increase by 22.2%, 20.7%, 24.9%, and 16.11%, respectively. Specific gravity, density, and repose angle were inversely linearly related to moisture content. Regression equations for each of the properties related to the grains' moisture content were developed.

Significant unfavorable geometrical changes in ascending aorta despite stable diameter at follow-up

ObjectiveThe clinical importance of following up on the ascending aortic diameter lies in the fundamental presumption that wall pathology eventually manifests as a change in shape. However, the diameter describes the vessel locally, and the 55 mm criterion fails to prevent most dissections. We hypothesized that geometric changes across the ascending aorta are not necessarily imprinted on its diameter; i.e. the maximum diameter correlates weakly and insignificantly with elongation, surface stretching, engorgement, and tortuosity. MethodsTwo databases were interrogated for patients who had undergone at least 2 ECG-gated CT scans. The absence of motion artifacts permitted the generation of exact copies of the ascending aorta which then underwent three-dimensional analysis producing objective and accurate measurements of the centreline length, surface, volume, and tortuosity. The correlations of these global variables with the diameter were explored. ResultsTwenty-two patients, 13 male and 9 female, were included. The mean age at the first and last scan was 63.7 and 67.1 y, respectively. The mean diameter increase was approximately 1 mm/y. There were no dissections, while 7 patients underwent preemptive surgery. The yearly change rate of the global variables, normalized to height if applicable, showed statistically insignificant, weak, or negligible correlation with diameter increments at follow-up. Most characteristically, a patient's aorta maintained its diameter, while undergoing 1 mm/y elongation, 151 mm2/(y·m) stretching, 2366 mm3/(y·m) engorgement, and 0.02/y tortuosity. ConclusionMaximum diameter provides a local description of the ascending aorta and cannot fully portray the pathological process across this vessel. Following up the diameter is not suggestive of length, surface, volume, and tortuosity changes.

Property of water-nanoparticle flow and heat transfer in the double-tube heat exchanger with nanofluid

The three-dimensional numerical simulation is conducted to study the impact of Al2O3/water nanofluid on the flow property and heat transfer of a counter flow double-tube heat exchanger where a laminar flow of cold water is in the outer tube, and in the inner tube there is a turbulent flow of hot nanofluid with particle volume concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 3%. The effects of temperature, flow rate, and particle volume concentration on the property of nanofluid flow and heat transfer are explored. The results show that the friction factor decreases with the increase of temperature and flow rate, and the pressure drop increases with increasing particle volume concentration. The temperature of the nanofluid at the outlet first decreases rapidly with time and then increases gradually to a stable value. Along the flow direction, the temperature of nanofluid decreases slowly at x/D < 10, and the axial temperature gradient increases at the full development stage. At a constant Reynolds number, the lower the temperature or the larger the particle volume concentration, the stronger the heat transfer. The local heat transfer coefficient on the wall of the inner tube decreases rapidly after reaching the peak x/D = 2.3, and then increases slowly until the outlet. The particle number density decreases sharply at x/D < 5, and then slowly decreases, while the change of the geometric mean diameter of particles is just the opposite. Increasing the flow rate or the temperature will strengthen particle coagulation, resulting in the decrease of particle number density and the increase of geometric mean diameter of particles.

Astaxanthin encapsulation in soybean protein isolate-sodium alginate complexes-stabilized nanoemulsions: antioxidant activities, environmental stability, and in vitro digestibility.

Nanoemulsions (NEs) have been considered an effective carrier to protect environmentally labile bioactive compounds from degradation during food processing. Among the numerous types of NEs, biopolymer-stabilized NEs have gained much attention to achieve this function because of the extensive sources, biocompatibility, and tunability. Therefore, the antioxidant activities, environmental stability, and in vitro digestibility of astaxanthin (AST)-loaded soybean protein isolate (SPI)-alginate (SA) complexes-stabilized NEs (AST-SPI-SA-NEs) were investigated in this study. The AST-SPI-SA-NEs exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 88.30 ± 1.67%, which is greater than that of the AST-loaded SPI-stabilized NEs (AST-SPI-NEs) (77.31 ± 0.83%). Both AST-SPI-SA-NEs and AST-SPI-NEs exhibited significantly stronger hydroxyl or diphenylpicryl-hydrazyl radical-scavenging activities than the free AST. The formation of SPI-SA complexes strengthened the thermal, light, and storage stability of AST-SPI-SA-NEs with no apparently increasing mean diameter (around 200 nm). AST-SPI-SA-NEs also exhibited a better freeze-thaw dispersibility behavior than AST-SPI-NEs. AST-SPI-SA-NEs were more stable than AST-SPI-NEs were under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion conditions and exhibited a greater bioaccessibility (47.92 ± 0.42%) than both AST-SPI-NEs (12.97 ± 1.33%) and free AST (7.87 ± 0.37%). Hydrogen bonding was confirmed to participate in the formation of AST-SPI-SA-NEs and AST-SPI-NEs based on the molecular docking results. The construction of SPI-SA-NEs is conducive to the encapsulation, protection, and absorption of AST, providing a promising method for broadening the application of AST in processed foods or developing novel ingredients of functional foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effect of moisture contents on the physical properties of both bambara groundnut seeds and pods in South Africa

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L) Verdc) is an indigenous African crop. In South Africa, the crop is grown by rural subsistence farmers. This crop is classified as a drought-tolerant crop and it can produce good yields in poor soil conditions. However, statistics show that Bambara groundnut production is currently neglected by industries due to the lack of research on the crop focused on postharvest technologies, and agro-processing. Current research on the crop is mostly focused on agronomic and growing characteristics. Data on the physical properties and processing equipment for the Bambara groundnuts are limited. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of moisture contents on both Bambara groundnut seeds (shelled) and pods (unshelled). The physical properties of the pods and seeds were measured at three moisture content levels. The finding showed that axial dimensions, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, volume, and weight increase as moisture content increases. The static coefficient of friction of seeds and pods increased from 0.15 to 0.19 and 0.29 to 0.31, respectively. Simirlarly, the bulk density of shelled and unshelled groundnuts increased from 500 to 955, and 355 to 422 kg.m-3, respectively. The results also showed that the true density of seeds rose from 994 to 1832 kg.m-3 and for the unshelled groundnuts it increased linearly from 532 to 655 kg.m-3. The required forces for cracking both bambara groundnut seeds and kernels showed a declining trend as moisture increased from 6 to 20%. The cracking forces required for Bambara groundnuts kernels at 6, 15, and 20 % are 32.5 ±12 N, 29.9 ±15.3 N, and 28.9 ±9 N, respectively. As the moisture increased, the data deviation from the mean decreased from 16.30 to 10.1 N. In terms of designing agro processing eqiupment or machinary such as a shelling machine, the physical properties from the lower moisture content are recommended. Key words: cracking force, physical properties, moisture content, Bambara groundnuts

Assessing the potential of mobile laser scanning for stand-level forest inventories in near-natural forests

Abstract Recent advances in LiDAR sensors and robotic technologies have raised the question of whether handheld mobile laser scanning (HMLS) systems can allow for the performing of forest inventories (FIs) without the use of conventional ground measurement (CGM) techniques. However, the reliability of such an approach for forest planning applications, particularly in non-uniform forests under mountainous conditions, remains underexplored. This study aims to address these issues by assessing the accuracy of HMLS-derived data based on the calculation of basic forest attributes such as the number of trees, dominant height and basal area. To this end, near-natural forests of a national park (NE Türkiye) were surveyed using the HMLS and CGM techniques for a management plan renewal project. Taking CGM results as reference, we compared each forest attribute pair based on two datasets collected from 39 sample plots at the forest (landscape) scale. Diameter distributions and the influence of stand characteristics on HMLS data accuracy were also analyzed at the plot scale. The statistical results showed no significant difference between the two datasets for any investigated forest attributes (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The most and the least accurately calculated attributes were quadratic mean diameter (root mean square error (RMSE) = 1.3 cm, 4.5 per cent) and stand volume (RMSE = 93.7 m3 ha−1, 16.4 per cent), respectively. The stand volume bias was minimal at the forest scale (15.65 m3 ha−1, 3.11 per cent), but the relative bias increased to 72.1 per cent in a mixed forest plot with many small and multiple-stemmed trees. On the other hand, a strong negative relationship was detected between stand maturation and estimation errors. The accuracy of HMLS data considerably improved with increased mean diameter, basal area and stand volume values. Eventually, we conclude that many forest attributes can be quantified using HMLS at an accuracy level required by forest planning and management-related decision making. However, there is still a need for CGM in FIs to capture qualitative attributes, such as species mix and stem quality.

Realization of homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge in atmospheric pressure argon and the effect of beads on its characteristics

This paper describes the realization of a homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in argon at atmospheric pressure. The effect of the morphology of the dielectric surface (especially the dielectric surface covered by hollow ceramic beads (99% Al2O3) with different diameters) on discharge is investigated. With different dielectrics, the argon DBD presents two discharge modes: a filamentary mode and a homogeneous mode. Fast photography shows that the filamentary mode operates in a streamer discharge, and the homogeneous mode operates in a Townsend discharge regime. It is found that a homogeneous discharge can be generated within a certain voltage range. The voltage amplitude range decreases, and the breakdown voltage increases with the increase in the mean diameter of the ceramic beads. Waveforms of the total current and optical emission signal present stochastic pulses per half voltage cycle for the filamentary mode, whereas there is one single hump per half voltage cycle for the homogeneous mode. In the homogeneous mode, the intensity of the optical emission decreases with the mean diameter of the ceramic beads. The optical emission spectrum is mainly composed of atomic lines of argon and the second positive system of molecular nitrogen. It reveals that the electron density decreases with the increasing mean diameter of the ceramic beads. The vibrational temperature increases with the increasing mean diameter of the ceramic beads. It is believed that a large number of microdischarges are formed, and smaller ceramic beads have a larger activation surface area and more point discharge. Electrons liberated in the shallow well and electrons generated from microdischarges can increase the secondary electron emission coefficient of the cathode and provide initial electrons for discharge continuously. Therefore, the breakdown electric field is reduced, which contributes to easier generation of homogeneous discharge. This is confirmed by the simulation results.

Parenteral testosterone therapy’s effect on penile size before hypospadias surgery

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to see the effect of parenteral testosterone injection on penile length, glans diameter, and diameter at the base of the penis in hypospadias patients before surgery. Material and Methods: The study was conducted from September 2019 to March 2021. This study comprised a total of 20 hypospadias patients. At a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight, an injection testosterone propionate was administered deep intramuscularly in three doses with a 3-week gap before reconstructive surgery. Before surgery, the penile length, glans diameter, and penile diameter at the base of the penis were all measured. Results: The mean increase in penile length, glans diameter, and diameter at the base of penis following parenteral testosterone therapy was 1.07 ± 0.23 cm (P &lt; 0.001), 1.01 ± 0.46 cm (P &lt; 0.001), and 0.92 ± 0.12 cm (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. All three measurements were statistically significant. Conclusion: Intramuscular testosterone increased penis size, glans diameter, and penile diameter without causing any notable side effects. Development of fine pubic hair, acne, and aggressiveness is minor adverse effects.

Malignant Nodules Detected on Lung Cancer Screening CT: Yield of Short-Term Follow-Up CT in Showing Nodule Growth.

BACKGROUND. Lung-RADS recommends 3-month follow-up for category 4A nodules and downgrading to category 2 of all category 3 or 4 nodules that are unchanged for 3 months or longer, indicating benign behavior. This guidance may be problematic considering the potential for slow-growing cancers in that lack of nodule growth, particularly at short follow-up intervals, may provide false reassurance. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield of short-term follow-up CT in showing growth among malignant nodules detected on lung cancer screening CT. METHODS. This retrospective study included 76 patients (53 women, 23 men; median age, 68 years) with a positive lung cancer screening CT result (Lung-RADS category ≥ 3) between June 2015 and May 2021 with a subsequent lung cancer diagnosis and at least one follow-up CT examination at least 3 months before diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. Semiautomated software was used for linear and volumetric nodule measurements. Diameter was defined as the mean of short- and long-axis measurements. For solid nodules, growth was defined as an at least 1.5-mm increase in mean diameter or an at least 25% increase in volume; part-solid nodules, an at least 1.5-mm increase in solid-component mean diameter or an at least 25% increase in volume; and ground-glass nodules, an at least 3-mm increase in mean diameter or development of a new solid component within the nodule. RESULTS. Median time to growth was 13 months by linear and 11 months by volumetric measurement. Frequency of growth at 3 months was 5% by linear and 7% by volumetric measurement. By linear measurement, median time to growth and frequency of growth at 3 months were 13 months and 7% (solid nodules), 18 months and 6% (part-solid nodules), not reached and 0% (ground-glass nodules), not reached and 0% (category 3 nodules), 13 months and 6% (category 4A nodule)s, 6 months and 11% (category 4B nodules), and 12 months and 10% (category 4X nodules). CONCLUSION. Malignant nodules manifest growth slowly on follow-up CT, and 3-month follow-up CT has very low yield. Stability at 3-month follow-up should not instill high confidence in benignancy, and downgrading all such nodules to Lung-RADS category 2 may be problematic. CLINICAL IMPACT. This study highlights the possibility of slow-growing malignancy and associated challenges in application of Lung-RADS to management of unchanged nodules on follow-up imaging.

Textural development, martensite lath formation and mechanical properties variation of a super strength AISI4340 steel due to austenitization and tempering temperature changes

In this investigation, the textural development, as well as martensite lath formation on the microstructural changes and mechanical properties variation of a super strength AISI 4340 was studied under different austenitization and tempering conditions. To study the influence of tempering temperature, austenitization temperature of 900 °C was followed by tempering in the range of 200–425 °C on the sheet samples. As well, to investigate the effect of austenitization temperature, austenitization temperature of 850–1200 °C was followed by rapid quenching and tempering at 200 °C. Microstructural investigations were conducted using optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) that was equipped with the electron backscattered (EBSD) as well as energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detectors, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, mechanical properties were evaluated using tensile testing, macro-hardness testing, and Charpy impact testing. Results showed that increasing austenitization temperature up to 950 °C increased ductility which was followed by a sharp drop as the austenitization temperature increased thereafter. Also, it was found that increasing the austenitization temperature from 850 to 1200 °C decreased yield strength (Y.S), and ultimate tensile strength (U.T.S) for about 24%, 26%, respectively. It reduced impact energy by about 35%. Such reductions were related to the increased mean diameter of the prior austenite grain size from 2 μm for the former temperature to 110 μm in the latest temperature. EBSD analysis showed that the steel texture was mostly randomized at high austenitization temperature. (100) pole figure analysis showed that Cube ({100} 〈001〉) and Copper ({112} 〈111〉) components were developed during the optimized heat treatment of 900 °C followed by tempering at 200 °C. PF analysis also indicated that the texture intensity was weakened at lower austenitization temperatures. The presence of the Copper component at the very low austenitization temperature could explain the low ductility of this scenario. Orientation distribution function (ODF) analysis showed that the Cube component was dominant, and the Copper component severely weakened, during the optimum austenitization temperature, which would explain the optimum mechanical properties combinations, particularly ductility. Finally, the mentioned optimized route provided Y.S of 1720 MPa, U.T.S of 1900 MPa, El% of 11%, and Impact energy of 44 J, which confirmed the development of super-strength steel.

EFFECT OF PREOPERATIVE ISOMETRIC EXERCISES ON CEPHALIC VEIN DIAMETER IN AV FISTULA PATIENTS

Purpose: Incidence rate of arteriovenous stula (AVF) is not very high. AVF formation is often not attempted due to small cephalic vein (CV) diameter. We hypothesized that forearm CV diameter can increase by isometric handgrip exercises and gave better results for AVF formation in AVF patients. Methods: All patients with (eGFR&lt;25mL/min/1.73m2; CV&lt;2.5mm) and without prior vascular access were selected. They did regular handgrip exercises in the preferred excercised arm (EA), with the nonexercised arm (NEA) as control. CV diameter was measured at baseline, by ultrasound at four and eight weeks. The primary endpoint was the mean increase in CV diameter. Secondary endpoints were mean CV diameter increase from baseline, increased proportion of potential AVF sites and successful AVF placement. Results: Atotal of 60 patients were selected and 51 nished the study. Mean CVdiameter increased in both the EAand NEAby 0.46-0.75 and 0.45- 0.60 mm, respectively. Compared to baseline, all CV diameters increased signicantly (P&lt;.05) after four weeks. In the EA, mean distal and proximal CV increased from 1.68 to 2.43 mm and from 2.27 to 2.87 mm, respectively. The changes noted in the NEA were not signicant. There were also signicant increases in the number of sites and patients eligible for AVF formation. 16 patients had successful AVF placement. Conclusions: Isometric handgrip exercises resulted in signicant CV diameter increases after eight weeks, in the EAgroup and potentially allows for AVF formation in those not previously deemed patients.

Dimensional changes of CAD/CAM polymer crowns after water aging – An in vitro experiment

Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) polymers can potentially replace traditional materials used for manufacturing indirect restorations. In 2012, Lava Ultimate (LU) was introduced as a highly suitable material for implant-supported single crowns. Three years after its introduction, the manufacturer issued a change in indication for the material, implying that they no longer considered the material to be suitable for crown indications due to debonding issues. A clinical trial with implant-borne Lava Ultimate crowns bonded to zirconia abutments revealed that 80 percent of the LU crowns showed debonding from the abutment within one year, whereas no debonding occurred when an alternative full-ceramic restoration material was used. These results suggest that the material itself had been the cause of the debonding. However, the exact reason for the debonding remained unclear. Water uptake in resin methacrylates like LU is known to cause dimensional changes resulting in mechanical stress on the RelyX Ultimate (RU) cement. The purpose of this study is to quantify the dimensional changes in LU caused by water uptake and relate these dimensional changes to the failure of the RU cement.Twenty-five identical LU-crowns were divided into three groups. 10 LU-crowns with abutment and 10 crowns without abutments were stored in water for 23 days and were only removed for measurement. Five crowns served as a control to calibrate the measurements. The internal diameter was measured eight times with a TS 460 Heidenhain touch probe. For visualization purposes, one crown was also 3D scanned before and after water treatment.The results showed that after 23 days in water the mean increase in diameter for the groups with and without abutment was 36.6 μm (SD = 35,1) and 36.7 μm (SD = 26,5) respectively. Mixed effects modelling indicated no significant between-group differences at any time point.Exposure of LU to water results in dimensional changes causing mechanical stress on the crown-abutment complex. It can be estimated that RU cement fails after an expansion of more than 4 μm. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the dimensional changes induced by water uptake can cause debonding issues. As more CAD/CAM polymers for restorative purposes are expected to be developed, the results of this study should stimulate manufacturers to quantify their products’ dimensional changes in a wet environment before market release.

Identification of pathological subtypes of early lung adenocarcinoma based on artificial intelligence parameters and CT signs.

Objective: To explore the value of quantitative parameters of artificial intelligence (AI) and computed tomography (CT) signs in identifying pathological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma appearing as ground-glass nodules (GGNs). Methods: CT images of 224 GGNs from 210 individuals were collected retrospectively and classified into atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH)/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) groups. AI was used to identify GGNs and to obtain quantitative parameters, and CT signs were recognized manually. The mixed predictive model based on logistic multivariate regression was built and evaluated. Results: Of the 224 GGNs, 55, 93, and 76 were AAH/AIS, MIA, and IAC, respectively. In terms of AI parameters, from AAH/AIS to MIA, and IAC, there was a gradual increase in two-dimensional mean diameter, three-dimensional mean diameter, mean CT value, maximum CT value, and volume of GGNs (all P<0.0001). Except for the CT signs of the location, and the tumor–lung interface, there were significant differences among the three groups in the density, shape, vacuolar signs, air bronchogram, lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, and vascular convergence signs (all P<0.05). The areas under the curve (AUC) of predictive model 1 for identifying the AAH/AIS and MIA and model 2 for identifying MIA and IAC were 0.779 and 0.918, respectively, which were greater than the quantitative parameters independently (all P<0.05). Conclusion: AI parameters are valuable for identifying subtypes of early lung adenocarcinoma and have improved diagnostic efficacy when combined with CT signs.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SEA BUCKTHORN SEED OIL EXTRACT ON ACETAMINOPHEN INDUCED HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES OF HEPATOCYTES IN ADULT ALBINO RATS.

Objective: to reveal the effects of sea buckthorn seed oil on acetaminophen induced variations (Diameter of hepatocytes and vacuolization) in liver of rats.&#x0D; Methods: it was experimental study, conducted at Post Graduate Medical Institute. This study was performed on 24 adult rats, which were then randomly separated into 4 groups A,B,C and D. the experiment lasted for 13 days. Group A was control received normal saline and distilled water. Group B, received acetaminophen750mg/kg as single dose on day 10. Group C and D received acetaminophen at dose of 750mg/kg along with sea buckthorn seed oil extract 2.6mg/kg and 5.2mg/kg. Liver was removed and fixed in 10% formalin. To observe the effect of acetaminophen and sea buckthorn seed oil , slides were prepared for histological examination. The diameter of hepatocytes and vacuolization was observed. The evaluation of results was done by using SPSS 21.&#x0D; Results: In Group B, vacuolization was seen in all animals and significant increase in mean diameter (11.9± 1.5 μm) of hepatocytes was seen. However in Group C, vacuolization was absent in all animals and mean hepatocyte diameter was (6 ± 0.6 μm). In Group D, no vacuolization was seen in all animals and mean hepatocyte diameter decreased to (5.2± 1.5 μm) after administration of SBT seed oil.&#x0D; Conclusion: Administration of SBT( 2.6mg/kg and 5.2mg/kg) exerts a protective effect against damaging effects of ACM ( 750 mg/kg) on hepatocytes in albino rats. This hepatoprotective role becomes greater with increasing dose of SBT.

Screening assessment of trimethoxy flavonoid and - (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate against formalin-induced arthritis in Swiss albino rats and binding properties on NF-\u03baB-MMP9 proteins

BackgroundThe isolated trimethoxy flavonoid 4a,5,8,8a-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxy-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) chromen-4-one (TMF) from methanolic stem extract of T chrysantha (METC) and - (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can be used to suppress acute inflammation and arthritis as an ethical medicine in Ayurveda. The nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) signaling is involved in the expression of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-1β. A successive investigation of NF-κB–MMP9 signaling during the production of inflammatory mediators needs to be developed. The docking studies of compounds TMF and EGCG were carried out using Autodock 4.0 and Discovery studio Biovia 2017 software to find out the interaction between ligand and the target proteins. The anti-arthritic potential of TMF, EGCG, and indomethacin was evaluated against formalin-induced arthritis in Swiss albino rats. Arthritis was assessed by checking the mean increase in paw diameter for 6 days via digital vernier caliper. The blood cell counter and diagnostic kits measured the different blood parameters and Rheumatoid factor (RF, IU/mL). The interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) in serum were determined by ELISA, and the pERK, MMP9, and NF-κB expressions in the inflamed tissue were determined by Western blotting, respectively. The mRNA expression for inflammatory marker enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was determined by qRT-PCR.ResultsBased on grid score, interactions, and IC50 values in molecular docking studies, the TMF and EGCG can be effectively combined with proteins NF-kB and MMP9. The TMF-HD and EGCG-HD better suppressed the acute inflammation and arthritis with marked low-density pERK, MMP9, NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2 levels. The endogenous antioxidant levels were increased in TMF and EGCG treated rats.ConclusionThe TMF and EGCG effectively unraveled acute inflammation and arthritis by suppressing NF-κB mediated MMP9 and cytokines.Graphic abstract

Real-time co-site optical microscopy study on the morphological changes of the dentine’s surface after citric acid and sodium hypochlorite: a single-tooth model

BackgroundTo this day, the effects of sodium hypochlorite and chelating agents on the smear layer and on the dentine’s surface, remain not fully examined. The study is aimed to analyze the dentine's surface treated with 40% citric acid and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite according to two irrigation protocols.Materials and methodsThe study employed a computer-controlled Nikon Eclipse LV100 optical microscope. Ten roots split longitudinally with canals prepared mechanically using the MTwo system to a size of 40/04 were observed. The root halves were divided into two study groups, one half in each of the groups. According to two irrigation protocols, the dentine's surface was irrigated with 40% citric acid and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, separated with water. Dentine surface was observed in a fixed place and photographed in 500 × magnification after each irrigation stage. The obtained images were then analyzed using computer software (NIS-Elements AR, GIMP-2.6, ImageJ 1.45s).ResultsVarious speed of removal of the smear layer and varied morphological changes of the dentine's surface were observed in both examined groups. Double irrigation of the dentine with citric acid for 30 s resulted in complete removal of the smear layer, and double irrigation for 60 s resulted in increased mean diameter of the dentine tubules (degradation of the dentine's surface).ConclusionsDouble alternating irrigation with citric acid and sodium hypochlorite for 30 s yielded satisfactory results, while double irrigation for 60 s resulted in increased mean diameter of the dentine tubules. A real time assessment of the dentine’s surface changes after both tested solutions can improve understanding of the phenomena that occur during the irrigation and as a result it might help to improve clinical outcomes in root canal treatment.