Magnitude Of Recovery Research Articles

Exploring the restoration stability of abandoned open-pit mines by vegetation resilience indicator based on the LandTrendr algorithm

Open-pit mining causes serious damage to the ground surface and vegetation. Remote sensing technology helps assess and monitor the effectiveness of ecological restoration in abandoned open-pit mines, offering vital information for exploring the ecosystem recovery process. However, previous studies have mostly focused on changes in characteristics and lack quantitative characterization of restoration stability and its dynamics. In this study, we applied the vegetation resilience indicator based on the LandTrendr algorithm, which can combine vegetation disturbance and recovery characteristics for abandoned open-pit mines. Eighteen abandoned open-pit mines around Dongting Lake in China were taken as the research areas. Google Earth Engine and all available Landsat remote sensing images for June-September 1984–2022 were utilized. The effectiveness of mine restoration was determined according to the vegetation resilience indicator and recovery magnitude. The results showed that eighteen abandoned open-pit mines had a range of vegetation resilience between 5.06 and 9.45, indicating that the overall open-pit mines around Dongting Lake were well-restored. The recovery curves of the abandoned open-pit mines had an “inverted S-shape” and “S-shape,” indicating that the overall recovery characteristics of the different types of abandoned open-pit mines before and after the implementation of ecological restoration measures differed. Mine type and restoration measures affect the restoration stability of open-pit mines. The average values of vegetation resilience of the three types of mines were 7.73, 6.91, and 5.79, respectively, indicating that the resilience of the abandoned open-pit mines with serious damage was lower, and at the same time, the restoration was more dependent on the degree of input of artificial restoration. This study provides a reference for the selection of measures and the determination of restoration costs in the future ecological restoration of abandoned open-pit mines.

Forensic age estimation by MRI of the knee – comparison of two classifications for ossification stages in a German population

Aim and objectivesIn forensic age estimation e.g. for judicial proceedings surpassed age thresholds can be legally relevant. To examine age related differences in skeletal development the recommendations by the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics (AGFAD) are based on ionizing radiation (among others orthopantomograms, plain x-rays of the hand). Vieth et al. and Ottow et al. proposed MRI-classifications for the epiphyseal-diaphyseal fusion of the knee joint to define different age groups in healthy volunteers. The aim of the present study was to directly compare these two classifications in a large German patient population.Materials and methodsMRI of the knee joint of 900 patients (405 female, 495 male) from 10 to 28 years of age were retrospectively analyzed. Acquired T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE) and T2-weighted sequence with fat suppression by turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) were analyzed for the two classifications. The different bony fusion stages of the two classifications were determined and the corresponding chronological ages assigned. Differences between the sexes were analyzed. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were determined using Cohen’s kappa.ResultsWith the classification of Ottow et al. it was possible to determine completion of the 18th and 21st year of life in both sexes. With the classification of Vieth et al. completion of the 18th year of life for female patients and the 14th and 21st year of life in both sexes could be determined. The intra- and inter-observer agreement levels were very good (κ > 0.82).ConclusionIn the large German patient cohort of this study it was possible to determine the 18th year of life with for both sexes with the classification of Ottow et al. and for female patients with the classification of Vieth et al. It was also possible to determine the 21st year of life for all bones with the classification of Ottow et al. and for the distal femur with the classification of Vieth et al.

Vegetation resilience assessment and its climatic driving factors: Evidence from surface coal mines in northern China

Vegetation resilience is a key concept for understanding ecosystem responses to disturbances and is essential for maintaining ecosystem sustainability. However, assessing vegetation resilience remains challenging, especially for areas with significant disturbances and ecological restoration, such as surface coal mine ecosystems. Vegetation resilience assessment requires a combination of disturbance magnitude, recovery magnitude, and recovery time. In this study, we propose a vegetation resilience assessment method by integrating disturbance magnitude, recovery magnitude and recovery time. Forty-six surface coal mines in northern China were analysed as the study areas. A geographical detector model was used to explore the influence of climatic factors on vegetation resilience. The results indicated that the vegetation resilience curves included three shapes, inverted U-shaped, S-shaped, and monotonically decreasing, and the different disturbance-recovery relationships of the curves indicated that natural and social factors jointly changed the ecological restoration process. The vegetation resilience of the 46 surface coal mines varies widely, ranging from 0.87 to 7.22, showing a spatial decreasing trend from east to west. The explanatory power of different climatic factors on vegetation resilience by indirectly affecting hydrothermal conditions varies, with the effect of atmospheric pressure being the most significant and the superposition of the two climatic factors enhancing the effect on vegetation resilience. This study enriches the understanding of vegetation resilience assessment and provides important information to guide the differentiation of ecological restoration and resource development of surface coal mines in different regions.

Outcomes in patients with aortic stenosis and severely reduced ejection fraction following surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BackgroundPatients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction demonstrate improvement in left ventricular injection fraction (LVEF) after aortic valve replacement (AVR). The timing and magnitude of recovery in patients with very low LVEF (≤ 25%) in surgical or transcatheter AVR is not well studied.ObjectiveDetermine clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve repair (SAVR) in the subset of patients with severely reduced EF ≤ 25%.MethodsSingle-center, retrospective study with primary endpoint of LVEF 1-week following either procedure. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality and delayed postprocedural LVEF. T-test was used to compare variables and linear regression was used to adjust differences among baseline variables.Results83 patients were enrolled (TAVR = 56 and SAVR = 27). TAVR patients were older at the time of procedure (TAVR 77.29 ± 8.69 vs. SAVR 65.41 ± 10.05, p < 0.001). One week post procedure, all patients had improved LVEF after both procedures (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in LVEF between either group (TAVR 33.5 ± 11.77 vs. SAVR 35.3 ± 13.57, p = 0.60). Average LVEF continued to rise and increased by 101% at final follow-up (41.26 ± 13.70). 30-day mortality rates in SAVR and TAVR were similar (7.4% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.91).ConclusionPatients with severe AS and LVEF ≤ 25% have a significant recovery in post-procedural EF following AVR regardless of method. LVEF doubled at two years post-procedure. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality or mean EF recovery between TAVR and SAVR.Trial registrationIndiana University institutional review board granted approval for above study numbered 15,322.

Greenness change associated with construction and operation of photovoltaic solar energy in China

Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is considered as a promising solution to mitigate the environmental costs associated with the use of fossil fuels. However, the environmental impacts of constructing and operating PV solar energy remain unclear. This study assesses the environmental consequences of PV construction and operation by examining changes in vegetation greenness on a national scale in China, where PV solar energy has rapidly expanded. Utilizing 30-m vegetation indices and PV maps, we discover that the construction of PV facilities could significantly reduce greenness, with the magnitude of the impacts varying according to local greenness levels. Forests were found to suffer the greatest adverse impacts, while barrens were less affected. Small and medium-sized PV facilities, often established in regions with high levels of greenness, exhibited a stronger negative influence on greenness compared to larger ones. However, during the operational phase, an increase in vegetation greenness is generally observed in PV facilities, particularly in barrens. The magnitude of green recovery may vary considerably across different facilities, with approximately 21 % of PV facilities showing an improvement in greenness compared to their pre-construction levels. This study provides a reference for guiding the synergistic development of renewable energy and environmental protection.

The complementary use of muscle ultrasound and MRI in FSHD: Early versus later disease stage follow-up

ObjectivesMuscle MRI and ultrasound provide complementary techniques for characterizing muscle changes and tracking disease progression in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). In this cohort study, we provide longitudinal data that compares both imaging modalities head-to-head. MethodsFSHD patients were assessed at baseline and after five years. Standardized muscle MRI and ultrasound images of five leg muscles were assessed bilaterally. Fat replacement was quantified using MRI fat-fraction (FF) and ultrasound Heckmatt and echogenicity z-scores (EZ-score). Muscle edema was evaluated using T2-weighted turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) MRI. ResultsTwenty FSHD patients were included. Muscles with normal baseline imaging showed increases in ultrasound EZ-scores (≥1; in 17%) more often than MRI FF increases (≥10%; in 7%) over time. Muscles with only baseline ultrasound abnormalities often showed considerable FF increases (in 22%), and TIRM positivity at follow-up (44%). Muscles with increased FF at baseline showed stable (80%) or increasing FF (20%) over time. EZ-scores of those muscles either increased (23%), decreased (33%) or remained stable (44%). ConclusionsMuscle ultrasound may capture accelerated pathological muscle changes in FSHD in early disease, while muscle MRI appears better-suited to detecting and monitoring pathology in later stages. SignificanceOur results help establish each techniques’ optimal use as imaging biomarker.

Diagnostic Contribution of Additional Sequences to the Evaluation of Cord Lesions in Patients with Cervical Spinal Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey: A Retrospective Study.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. Spinal cord involvement is observed in 55-75% of patients with MS. To identify the strengths and shortcomings of sagittal phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR), sagittal proton density/T2-weighted (PD/T2W), and axial turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) sequences in the detection of cervical MS plaques by comparing with routine sequences (axial and sagittal T2W, sagittal T1W, sagittal TIRM, fat-suppressed contrast T1W) and therefore determine their diagnostic contributions. A total of 48 patients in whom additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences were obtained for the diagnosis of cervical MS were retrospectively identified and included in the study. A total of 111 MS plaques were analyzed in terms of visibility, number, size, border sharpness, and intensity ratio based on the routine and additional MRI sequences. The evaluation of the images was independently undertaken by two radiologists. The highest visibility was provided by sagittal PSIR, sagittal TIRM, and axial TIRM sequences (P < 0.05 for all additional sequences). Seven lesions in PD/T2W and four lesions in axial T2W sequences were unable to be detected. Lesions seen in sagittal and axial TIRM sequences were larger than the others. The sharpest borders were determined in the axial TIRM sequence, and the most diffuse borders in the PD/T2W sequence. In intensity ratio, the sagittal PSIR sequence revealed the most significant contrast difference. The sagittal PSIR sequence may improve the detection of cervical MS plaques due to the improved visibility and intensity ratios. The axial TIRM sequence may be more useful than routine axial T2W in the evaluation of visibility, border sharpness, and size measurement of MS plaques.

Mechanical properties and scratch recovery of nanoclay/polyester composite coatings for pre-coated metal (PCM) sheets

Scratch resistance is crucial for the polyester coating on pre-coated metal (PCM) used in domestic appliances and automotive parts to prevent aesthetic degradation and corrosion of the steel substrate. Incorporating nanoclay filler into a polyester coating has demonstrated the potential to enhance scratch resistance. In this study, Lucentite™ (LU) nanoclay with hydrophilic surface modification was added into polyester to fabricate LU/polyester nanocomposite coatings. Nanoindentation and scratch were applied to evaluate the hardness and scratch resistance of the polyester-based coatings, respectively. The result showed that as the LU loading increased from 0.0 to 5.0 wt%, the coating hardness decreased from 187 ± 3 MPa to 107 ± 11 MPa. This softening effect is ascribed to the interactions between the modified clay surface and crosslinker, resulting in reduced degree of crosslinking. Despite the decrease in hardness, adding LU resulted in impressive self-healing abilities of the coatings, attributed to both the reduced crosslinking density and the rotation of the LU platelets. The magnitude of recovery increased with the LU loading. When subjected to scratch loads between 5 and 40 mN, coatings with 5.0 wt% LU demonstrated full recovery after 100 min, while the pure polyester only exhibited 80%–63 % recovery 1000 min after scratch. This unique ability can provide a significant advantage for utilizing these polyester-based composite coatings on PCM sheet.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSES OF SECONDARY ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION FOLLOWING WILDFIRES IN THREE DISTINCT FOREST TYPES. A STUDY CASE FROM MOGUER, SPAIN

Wildfires have become increasingly prevalent and destructive in forest ecosystems worldwide, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of post-fire recovery dynamics for effective conservation and management. Remote sensing technology, coupled with vegetation indices such as Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Red Vegetation Index (GRVI), and Red Vegetation Index (RVI), offers a powerful means to investigate these processes. In this study, we utilize remote sensing techniques to conduct a comparative analysis of secondary ecological succession following wildfires in three distinct forest types (Coniferous, Sclerophyll and Mixed) of a forest affected by fire near Moguer, Spain. Through the acquisition and analysis of multispectral satellite imagery, we monitored changes in vegetation health and recovery across the region of interest. The NBR index allowed us to assess the severity and extent of wildfire damage, while NDVI quantified vegetation greenness and regrowth. GRVI and RVI provided insights into subtle variations in vegetation composition and health. We identified distinct temporal and spatial patterns in post-fire recovery among the different forest types by applying these indices for the period between 2017 and 2021. Our findings underscore the significance of understanding the diverse responses of these ecosystems to wildfires. While common recovery patterns emerged, such as an initial decrease in NDVI followed by regeneration, variations were observed in the timing and magnitude of recovery. These distinctions are attributed to differences in species composition, fire adaptations, and ecological processes specific to each forest type. In conclusion, the utilization of NBR, NDVI, GRVI, and RVI indices allows for a more nuanced evaluation of post-fire recovery dynamics.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the musculoskeletal system in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in the pediatric population.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the musculoskeletal system is an examination increasingly performed for suspected juvenile idiopathic arthritis, chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis and juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, as well as other rheumatic diseases of developmental age. T1-, T2- and PD-weighted with or without fat suppression or short tau inversion recovery/turbo inversion recovery magnitude (STIR/TIRM) sequences and post-contrast sequences are evaluated to diagnose pathological changes in the synovial membrane, subchondral bone marrow and surrounding soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging allows detection of synovitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, and enthesitis as well as bone marrow edema and soft tissue edema. Several pediatric-specific MRI scoring systems have been developed and validated to standardize and facilitate the assessment of the extent of the inflammatory process and disease activity in MRI. Early detection of inflammatory changes allows the inclusion of comprehensive pharmacotherapy giving the possibility of permanent remission and objective measurement of the effectiveness of treatment.

Influence of remediation by electrokinetic on the chemical and geotechnical properties of clayey soil contaminated by copper sulfate

The enhanced electrokinetic (EK) technique is an innovative approach and increasingly used in remediation of the fine-grained texture soils contaminated with different types of contaminant. In this study, the EK is enhanced by adding an intermediate compartment and using purging solutions at the electrode’s compartments. The natural clayey soil samples were obtained from Al-Ahadab oil field and artificially contaminated with two ratios of copper sulfate (66666.67 and 26666.67 mg/kg). The feasibility of using EK technique was evaluated by the efficiency of extracting copper from soil and the magnitude of recovery in the geotechnical properties of soil. The duration of remediation was continued for about 240-250 hours depending either on the continuity of electroosmosis flow or reach a constant rate of electrical current. The removal efficiency of copper from contaminated soil samples was ranged from 98.4% to 99.6%. The EK remediation technique proved a marginal impact on the specific gravity and Atterberg’s limits, but it has a significant effect on the shear strength parameters and compressibility of soil. Furthermore, the EK technique can be considered an efficient method for removing the low and high concentrations of copper sulfate from clayey soil of low permeability.

Experimental assessment of the functional fatigue in biocompatible Ti67Zr19Nb11.5Sn2.5 shape memory alloy in the vicinity of drilled holes

Shape memory alloys (SMA) exhibit desirable and unique functionalities that are suitable for a plethora of applications in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical industries. The TiNbZrSn SMA has been specifically developed for biomedical applications owing to its enhanced biocompatibility compared to the widely available and heavily investigated NiTi-based SMA. In this work, the effects of mechanical rolling, heat treatment, and grain size on the functional fatigue properties of TiNbZrSn are investigated under cyclic loading conditions. Superelasticity was observed for samples rolled to reduction levels exceeding 90 %. However, the recovery magnitudes improved significantly following 96.6 % rolling due to the optimization of the grain size. The reduction in grain size, from about 400 μm in the homogenized conditions to 50 μm for the 96.6 % rolled state, increases slip resistance which consequently promotes superelasticity. The functional superelastic properties were also evaluated for samples with geometric stress concentration (drilled hole). Using full-field measurement techniques, the applied, recoverable, irreversible strains, and their evolution under cyclic loading conditions were carefully measured. The use of virtual extensometers located in multiple locations around the geometric stress concentration provides means to not only evaluate the functional degradation of local superelastic properties, but also the transition to structural damage through the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks.

The Characteristics of Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery and Their Relationship With Surgical Outcomes in Patients With Moyamoya Disease: A Combined Head-and-Neck Vessel Wall MR Imaging Study.

The features of intracranial arteries in patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) have been widely investigated. However, the MR characteristics of extracranial internal carotid artery (EICA) and their effect on outcomes of revascularization treatment are not fully understood. To investigate the characteristics of EICA and their relationship with outcomes of revascularization treatment in adult patients with MMD based on higher-resolution MRI (HRMRI). Prospective interventional outcomes. Two hundred eighty-eight consecutive patients with MMD (mean age: 43.7 ± 11.2 years; 140 male). Turbo inversion recovery magnitude T1-weighted imaging and turbo spin echo (TSE) T2-weighted imaging, three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography, T2-fluid attenuated inversion recovery, and 3D T1-SPACE vessel wall imaging at 3.0 T. The HRMRI characteristics of EICA were determined. The relationship between the characteristics of EICA (proximal stenosis, diffuse wall thickening, carotid plaques, and luminal thrombosis) and stroke outcomes of revascularization treatment in patients with MMD was analyzed. The discriminative ability of EICA characteristics in combination with intracranial carotid artery features (involvement of vessel segments, bilateral involvement, and Suzuki stage) to determine stroke outcomes was compared with that of intracranial artery features alone during a mean 8.0 months follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier curves to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) for stroke with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for assessing discriminative performance. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. During a mean 8.0 ± 2.2 months follow-up, of the 288 participants, 137 had proximal stenosis (47.6%), 106 had diffuse wall thickening (36.8%), 60 had carotid plaques (20.8%), and 27 had luminal thrombosis (9.4%) of EICA. Of these features, proximal stenosis (HR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.13-7.29) and diffuse wall thickening (HR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.16-5.94) of EICA were significantly associated with stroke after surgery, before and after adjusting for confounding factors. In discriminating the stroke outcomes after surgery, combining characteristics of EICA with features of intracranial arteries resulted in a significant incremental improvement (DeLong test, P < 0.05) in the AUC over that obtained with features of intracranial arteries alone (AUC: 0.73 vs. 0.60-0.64). Proximal stenosis and diffuse wall thickening of EICA were significantly associated with stroke outcomes after surgery in patients with MMD. Our findings suggest that understanding the characteristics of EICA has added value for intracranial vessels in predicting future events after surgery in patients with MMD. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

Comparison between T2 Turbo Inversion Recovery Magnitude and T2 Frequency Selective Fat Saturation Turbo Spin Echo MRI Sequences in Detection of Perianal Fistula

Fat suppression magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are routinely included in the MRI protocol for patients with perianal fistula to improve the visibility of the abnormal tracts and abscesses against the background of hypo-signal intensity on the image. The objective of this study is to compare the turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) and frequency selective fat saturation turbo spin echo (FSTSE) MRI sequences in detecting perianal fistulas in terms of time and clarity. The MRI protocol included a coronal T2 turbo inversion recovery magnitude sequence, a T2 fat saturation turbo spin echo, and T2 turbo inversion recovery magnitude sequences in the axial plane. The evaluation of sequence image quality involved calculating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Additionally three radiologists assessed the best image using a questionnaire designed to align with the study’s objectives. The T2 TIRM sequence was found to have the highest number of ticked images. The inter-rater kappa agreement showed fair agreement (k = 0.370) between the raters. However, the SNR and CNR values for the T2 FSTSE were higher than those of the T2 TIRM sequence, with a p-value less than 0.001. There is a significant difference in the meantime in that the T2 TIRM sequence has less time than the T2 FSTSE with a p-value &lt; 0.001. Due to its uniform fat suppression in the MR image and shorter acquisition time, the turbo inversion recovery magnitude sequence exhibited superior performance compared to the T2 frequency-selective turbo spin echo sequence.

Creep recovery of stress-annealed Zr-based metallic glass: Investigation based on the dynamic viscoelastic model

An isochronal creep recovery of a Zr-based material is discussed with a constructed dynamic viscoelastic model based on the Maxwell model concerning structural heterogeneity and relaxation. Creep strain retention occurs when elastically deformed and plastically deformed regions with long and short relaxation times, respectively, coexist upon stress-annealing treatment. Subsequently, the residual creep strain is released when relaxation is activated sequentially from the relaxation sites with the lowest activation energy during reheating. Stress-annealing temperature and time can affect the creep strain recovery magnitude and peak temperature for the corresponding strain rate, whereas the stress-annealing stress only affects the creep recovery magnitude. Therefore, this dynamic viscoelastic model offers new perspectives toward the understanding of metallic glasses.

Sensitivity of Diffusion-Weighted Image Combined with T2 Turbo Inversion Recovery Magnitude Sequence and as an Alternative to Contrast-Enhanced MRI in the Detection of Perianal Fistula

Introduction. Perianal fistula rapidly develops an abscess, requiring surgical decompression. However, simple cases must be managed. However, for patients with renal insufficiency, MRI with contrast is contraindicated. It is proposed to use diffusion-weighted images that can diagnose anal fistulae, showing areas of high signal intensity (inflammatory tissues). The aim is to determine sensitivity of diffusion-weighted image combined with T2 turbo inversion recovery magnitude and as an alternative technique to contrast-enhanced MRI using clinical examination as a reference.Materials and Methods. Study included fifty patients with a clinical diagnosis of perianal fistula. MRI sequences were T2 turbo inversion recovery magnitude in oblique coronal and axial planes, diffusion-weighted image, and T1 weighted image turbo spin echo (fat suppression) pre- and post-administration of contrast agents in oblique axial planes. Three radiologists evaluated the MR imaging data using a questionnaire of parameters that necessitated a binary response, “yes” or “no” answer.Results. Diffusion-weighted image combined with axial T2 turbo inversion recovery magnitude sequence had 96.7 %. All raters agreed that it is sensitive enough to correctly identify perianal fistula with a moderate Kappa agreement (k = 0.586) and p-value&lt;0.001. The mean value of rater's responses was 76.7 % represents sensitivity of diffusion-weighted images + T2 turbo inversion recovery magnitude as an alternative technique to T1-enhanced contrast with moderate (k = 0.553) agreement between raters and P-value&lt;0.001.Discussion and Conclusion. Diffusion-weighted images and T2 turbo inversion recovery magnitude sequences exhibit comparable efficacy to T1-enhanced contrast sequences in detecting perianal fistula. This may be an option for patients with renal impairment who cannot receive an MRI contrast.

Evaluation of Tibial Hemodynamic Response to Glucose Tolerance Test in Young Healthy Males and Females.

The relationship between glucose metabolism and bone health remains underexplored despite its clinical relevance. This study utilized the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to probe gender-specific disparities in tibial hemodynamic responses among young healthy adults. Twenty-eight healthy participants (14 males) aged 18-28 years old were recruited for this study. After ingesting a 75 g glucose solution, tibial hemodynamic responses were captured using NIRS in combination with a 5 min ischemic reperfusion technique, both before and at 30 min intervals for two hours post-glucose ingestion. Parameters measured included oxidative metabolic rate (via tissue saturation index [TSI]), immediate recovery slope after occlusion release (TSI10), and total recovery magnitude (ΔTSI). Post-glucose ingestion, both genders demonstrated a surge in blood glucose concentrations at every time point compared to baseline (p < 0.001, 0.002, 0.009, and 0.039 for males; p < 0.001, < 0.001, = 0.002, and 0.017 for females). Baseline tibial metabolic rate, TSI10, and ΔTSI did not significantly differ between males and females (p = 0.734, 0.839, and 0.164, respectively), with no discernible temporal effects in any hemodynamic parameters within each gender (p = 0.864, 0.308, and 0.399, respectively, for males; p = 0.973, 0.453, and 0.137, respectively, for females). We found comparable tibial hemodynamic responses to OGTT between genders. This study demonstrated the utility of NIRS in evaluating tibial hemodynamic responses to glucose ingestion through OGTT, enriching our understanding of the body's metabolic responses to glucose intake.

Magnetic resonance imaging in polymyalgia rheumatica-contrast enhancement is not always needed.

Extracapsular inflammation at entheseal sites in the pelvic girdle as demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was shown to be useful as an additional tool for diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). However, it is unclear whether MRI needs to be performed with contrast enhancement or whether oedema-sensitive sequences are sufficient. To evaluate the performance of T2w TIRM (turbo inversion recovery magnitude) imaging compared to fat-saturated contrast-enhanced (ce) T1w at predefined pelvic sites to detect extracapsular inflammation in patients with PMR. A total of 120 pelvic MRIs of patients with pelvic girdle pain, 40with clinically diagnosed PMR and 80controls, were retrospectively scored by three blinded radiologists separately evaluating the MRI with and without contrast enhancement at 19previously defined pelvic structures. The intra- and interrater reliability and the diagnostic performance of both techniques were statistically analysed and evaluated. The detection of inflammatory MRI signals correlated moderately between both techniques (Cohen'sκ 0.583). With ceT1w imaging 20.7% more sites were detected as inflamed compared to T2w TIRM in PMR patients. Inter- and intrareader reliability was superior with ceT1w imaging. If the inflammatory signal was detected at three sites bilaterally including the origin of the rectus femoris muscle or adductor longus muscle, the sensitivity and specificity was 100% and 97.1% by ceT1w imaging vs. 80.8% and 93.3% by T2w TIRM, respectively. Contrast enhancement is superior to oedema-sensitive MRI in the detection of extracapsular inflammation in PMR. However, using T2w TIRM also detects many but not all PMR cases.

The effect of bradykinin 1 receptor antagonist BI 1026706 on pulmonary inflammation after segmental lipopolysaccharide challenge in healthy smokers

BackgroundBradykinin 1 receptor (B1R) signalling pathways may be involved in the inflammatory pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). B1R signalling is induced by inflammatory stimuli or tissue injury and leads to activation and increased migration of pro-inflammatory cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) lung challenge in man is an experimental method of exploring inflammation in the lung whereby interference in these pathways can help to assess pharmacologic interventions in COPD. BI 1026706, a potent B1R antagonist, was hypothesized to reduce the inflammatory activity after segmental lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in humans due to decreased pulmonary cell influx. MethodsIn a monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase I trial, 57 healthy, smoking subjects were treated for 28 days with either oral BI 1026706 100 mg bid or placebo. At day 21, turbo-inversion recovery magnitude magnetic resonance imaging (TIRM MRI) was performed. On the last day of treatment, pre-challenge bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and biopsies were sampled, followed by segmental LPS challenge (40 endotoxin units/kg body weight) and saline control instillation in different lung lobes. Twenty-four hours later, TIRM MRI was performed, then BAL and biopsies were collected from the challenged segments. In BAL samples, cells were differentiated for neutrophil numbers as the primary endpoint. Other endpoints included assessment of safety, biomarkers in BAL (e.g. interleukin-8 [IL-8], albumin and total protein), B1R expression in lung biopsies and TIRM score by MRI as a measure for the extent of pulmonary oedema. ResultsAfter LPS, but not after saline, high numbers of inflammatory cells, predominantly neutrophils were observed in the airways. IL-8, albumin and total protein were also increased in BAL samples after LPS challenge as compared with saline control. There were no significant differences in cells or other biomarkers from BAL in volunteers treated with BI 1026706 compared with those treated with placebo. Unexpectedly, neutrophil numbers in BAL were 30% higher and MRI-derived extent of oedema was significantly higher with BI 1026706 treatment compared with placebo, 24 h after LPS challenge. Adverse events were mainly mild to moderate and not different between treatment groups. ConclusionsTreatment with BI 1026706 for four weeks was safe and well-tolerated in healthy smoking subjects. BI 1026706 100 mg bid did not provide evidence for anti-inflammatory effects in the human bronchial LPS challenge model. Trial registrationThe study was registered on January 14, 2016 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02657408).

Sustainable solution of sewing thread attributes on seam pucker

Bending rigidity magnitude of sewing thread provides a sustainable solution on the appearance of single needle lock stitched lightweight woven fabrics which are prone to pucker. Comparison of sewing thread bending rigidity with thread count, thread diameter, thread cyclic recovery and their resultant implication in the single lock stitched assemblies were given less consideration for the prediction and reduction of seam pucker severity. The resultant implication of physical and mechanical properties of sewing thread with rising trend of static thread tension magnitude at lock stitched sewing machine has significant impact on lightweight lock stitched fabric assemblies to predict and elude seam pucker. The present research is focused to investigate impact of the thread bending rigidity on count, diameter and cyclic recovery at 4th cycle of four cores spun sewing threads. The study concluded that sewing thread bending rigidity has high coefficient of determination of sewing thread; diameter (R2 =0.81), count (R2 =0.73) and cyclic recovery (R2 =0.77). Single needle 400 lock stitched samples of two cores spun sewing threads (t2 and t4) were prepared with ten plain weave lightweight woven fabric samples prone to pucker at four different static needle thread tensions. It is also established that combined effect of sewing thread static tension and cyclic recovery at sewing machine has significant coefficient of determination (R2&gt;0.85 at low static thread tension and R2&gt;0.73 at very high static thread tension) to predict and elude seam pucker severity. Research finding provides a sustainable solution to select the fine count sewing thread attuned with lightweight woven fabrics prone to pucker severity. It was observed that the Fine count sewing thread has lowest bending rigidity and 4th cyclic recovery magnitudes (R2 close to 1) to reduce or predict pucker severity for prone to pucker plain weave lightweight woven fabrics at minimum static thread tension (25gf ) on single needle lock stitched sewing machine (R2&gt;0.81).