Measurement Of Parameters Research Articles

Ocular surface in patients with different degrees of myopia

AIM: To investigate the clinical features of the ocular surface in patients with different degrees of myopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 122 participants with myopia in Beijing Tongren Hospital from February to June, 2023. After completing the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score scale, measurements were taken for refraction, biometric parameters and ocular surface parameters. The prevalence, severity and related parameters of the dry eye among different groups based on axial length (AL) were compared. Correlation analysis was performed between ocular surface parameters and refraction/biometric measurement parameters. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed in refractive error, corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and subfoveal choroidal thickness among the groups (all P<0.05). With the increase in AL, the incidence and severity of dry eye increased significantly (P<0.05). Moreover, the tear film break-up time (BUT) shortened (P<0.05), and the corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) points increased significantly (P<0.05). OSDI scores were positively correlated with AL and spherical equivalent (SE; both P<0.05); BUT was negatively correlated with AL, SE, and corneal astigmatism (AST; all P<0.05); Schirmer I test (SIT) results were negatively correlated with AL and SE (both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: AL elongation is a risk factor for dry eye onset in myopic participants. The longer the AL, the more severe the dry eye is, with the increased CFS spots and tear film instability. Additionally, SE and AST exhibit negative correlations with dry eye symptom scores and ocular surface parameters.

To Study of Construction wastages on Construction Project

The construction industry is an important cog in the wheel of national economies around the globe. Low productivity, unsafe working conditions, inadequate quality, and poor safety are some of the well-known chronic difficulties in the construction industry. In today's world, the construction sector is confronted with a number of critical issues. These include rising competition from outside, a lack of qualified workers, and the imperative to enhance the quality of building. In order to meet these problems, the sector must immediately increase efficiency, improve quality, and adopt new technology. Over the last several decades, a great deal of research and study has focused on the difficulties encountered by the construction industry. This research has sought to determine the root causes of these problems and, in some cases, has even proposed solutions.The study is to confirm and reevaluate the current state of productivity and performance in the local construction industry's activities and processes. The purpose of this is to gain a better understanding of the existing state of "lean" in the local construction sector by establishing new measurement parameters that are specific to waste and cycle time as they relate to the principles and concepts of Lean Construction.

Network social capital as a subject of research in education

The article contains the results of a comparative analysis of the main approaches, directions and methods for studying network social capital in the social sciences and humanities in order to identify the latest and promising scientific areas in specific scientific disciplines. The article notes the growing interest of scientists from various fields – philosophers, sociologists, political scientists, economists and lawyers, teachers and psychologists in the study of the phenomenon of network social capital as a complex and multifaceted category that generates a plurality of approaches and methods for studying its genesis, types, formation mechanisms and measurement parameters. To achieve this goal, multidisciplinary and integrated approaches to research, methods of comparative analysis and classification of information, bibliographic analysis are used. On the basis of the analysis, the essential methodological foundations of the study of network social capital are revealed, the relationship of the methods used (quantitative, qualitative and mixed) with the profile of the scientific discipline that studies network social capital is shown. It is indicated that each scientific discipline brings unique ideas and methods to the study of social capital, including qualitative and quantitative, mixed methods, network analysis, experiment, etc. The author reveals the urgent need for the integration of methodological approaches and research methods of network social capital as an independent field of research based on the synthesis of ideas, concepts and principles of polydisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity.

Equity auction dynamics: latent liquidity models with activity acceleration

Equity auctions display several distinctive characteristics in contrast to continuous trading. As the auction time approaches, the rate of events accelerates causing a substantial liquidity buildup around the indicative price. This, in turn, results in a reduced price impact and decreased volatility of the indicative price. In this study, we adapt the latent/revealed order book framework to the specifics of equity auctions. We provide precise measurements of the model parameters, including order submissions, cancelations, and diffusion rates. Our setup allows us to describe the full dynamics of the average order book during closing auctions in Euronext Paris. These findings support the relevance of the latent liquidity framework in describing limit order book dynamics. Lastly, we analyze the factors contributing to a sub-diffusive indicative price and demonstrate the absence of indicative price predictability.

Effects of Cataract on Optic Nerve Head and Macular Analysis Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose: To assess the impact of cataract on optic nerve head (ONH) parameters (disc area, rim area, average cup/disc ratio, vertical cup/disc ratio, cup volume), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGC-IPL) thickness in patients with glaucoma and in a control group.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records from January to December 2021 for individuals undergoing cataract surgery. This group included normal, glaucoma suspects, and glaucoma patients, totaling 44 individuals and 63 eyes. Measurements of ONH parameters, pRNFL thickness, and mGC-IPL thickness were taken using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before and after surgery. We analyzed postoperative changes in these parameters and related factors to preoperative segmentation errors.Results: In glaucoma patients, a significant increase in the average thickness of the pRNFL (<i>p</i> = 0.002) was observed after surgery, while no significant changes were seen in ONH parameters and the average thickness of the mGC-IPL (all <i>p</i> > 0.05). Conversely, the control group showed an increase in some areas of mGC-IPL thickness after surgery (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that in glaucoma patients, thinner preoperative pRNFL and mGC-IPL thickness were predictors of increased average thickness after surgery (<i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>p</i> = 0.008, respectively).Conclusions: Cataract significantly impacts the pRNFL and mGC-IPL thickness in glaucoma patients, with less effect on ONH parameters. These findings suggest that ONH parameters can be more reliable for monitoring patients undergoing cataract surgery and assessing glaucoma progression simultaneously.

Use of Impedance Cardiography to Guide Blood Pressure Lowering Medication Selection: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Blood pressure (BP) control can be difficult to attain due to multiple factors, including choosing and titrating antihypertensive medications. Measurement of hemodynamic parameters using impedance cardiography (ICG) at the point of care may allow better alignment of medication with the mechanism(s) underlying an individual's hypertension. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of ICG compared to usual care for attainment of BP control. We searched Medline inclusive of year 1946 to January 31, 2024 using a combination of MeSH terms and key words. English-language articles were eligible for inclusion if they described results of a randomized controlled trial designed to compare ICG-guided BP medication selection to usual care (i.e., clinician judgment/guidelines-based alone) among a sample of hypertensive patients. Of 1952 titles screened, six trials met inclusion criteria. The first was published in 2002 from a specialty clinic in the United States, and the most recent in 2021 from a specialty clinic in China. One trial was conducted in a primary care setting. Sample sizes ranged from 102 to 164. Participants randomized to ICG-guided antihypertensive medication had reduced BP in the short-term to a greater extent than those randomized to usual care, with odds ratios for BP control (<140/90 mmHg) at three months ranging from 1.87 to 2.92. This effect was seen in both specialty clinics and in a primary care setting. Incorporation of ICG in the clinical setting may facilitate medication selection that leads to a greater proportion of patients obtaining BP control in the short-term.

Underway mapping of coastal seawater pH using an automated shipboard analyzer with spectrophotometric detection

The development of field-deployable methods and instruments for the measurement of pH and other carbonate parameters is important for the assessment of the marine carbon cycle, ocean acidification and marine carbon dioxide removal techniques. In this study, a high-precision fully automated integrated syringe-pump-based environmental-water analyzer for pH (iSEA-pH) was developed. The pH is determined spectrophotometrically using purified indicator dye with a high precision (better than ±0.001) and high frequency (3.5min/sample). For the short-term analysis, the measurement frequency was 18 h-1, which revealed pH=7.8148±0.0005 (n=104) for aged surface seawater (S=35) from the western Pacific. For long-term analysis, the measurement frequency was 2 h-1 for 4 days, and the results showed that pH=7.8148±0.0010 (n=200). Three commonly used pH indicators (meta-cresol purple, thymol blue and phenol red) were purified with improved flash chromatography procedures. The autonomous iSEA-pH can automatically correct for the influence of temperature, salinity and other factors on pH measurements to achieve rapid and accurate on-site measurements, which meet the "climate" goal of the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (uncertainty is ±0.003). Three identical iSEA-pH systems were developed and successfully applied in mesocosm experiments and several coastal and open ocean cruises with excellent in field performance.

Traditional radiography versus computed tomography to assess reduced distal radius fractures.

This study compares computed tomography (CT) with plain radiography in its ability to assess distal radius fracture (DRF) malalignment after closed reduction and cast immobilization. Malalignment is defined as radiographic fracture alignment beyond threshold values according to the Dutch guideline encompassing angulation, inclination, positive ulnar variance and intra-articular step-off or gap. After identifying 96 patients with correct alignment on initial post-reduction radiographs, we re-assessed alignment on post-reduction CT scans. Significant discrepancies were found between radiographs and CT scans in all measurement parameters. Notably, intra-articular step-off and gap variations on CT scans led to the reclassification of the majority of cases from correct alignment to malalignment. CT scans showed malalignment in 53% of cases, of which 73% underwent surgery. When there is doubt about post-reduction alignment based on radiograph imaging, additional CT scanning often reveals malalignment, primarily due to intra-articular incongruency.

Traditional radiography versus computed tomography to assess reduced distal radius fractures.

This study compares computed tomography (CT) with plain radiography in its ability to assess distal radius fracture (DRF) malalignment after closed reduction and cast immobilization. Malalignment is defined as radiographic fracture alignment beyond threshold values according to the Dutch guideline encompassing angulation, inclination, positive ulnar variance and intra-articular step-off or gap. After identifying 96 patients with correct alignment on initial post-reduction radiographs, we re-assessed alignment on post-reduction CT scans. Significant discrepancies were found between radiographs and CT scans in all measurement parameters. Notably, intra-articular step-off and gap variations on CT scans led to the reclassification of the majority of cases from correct alignment to malalignment. CT scans showed malalignment in 53% of cases, of which 73% underwent surgery. When there is doubt about post-reduction alignment based on radiograph imaging, additional CT scanning often reveals malalignment, primarily due to intra-articular incongruency.

Solar energy utilization for underfloor heating system in residential buildings

In this paper, the thermal performance of a solar energy system for heating a residential building is experimentally investigated. In this system, the solar thermal energy is supplied via a flat plate solar collector that provides the heated water into a small-scale chamber, that represents the residential building. The experimental setup is installed in Jouf University campus (Latitude: 29° 47′ 1.9” N, Longitude: 40° 2′ 42.2” E) located at Al-Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia. In this experiment, the hot water supplied from solar collector is mixed with water in the storage tank, then extracted from bottom of the tank to be circulated in a copper tube loop located underneath the floor tiles of the chamber and hence increases the chamber’s air temperature. Two circulation pumps are installed in the system, one to circulate the water between solar collector and storage tank and the other to circulate the water between storage tank and chamber. Measurements of several parameters were conducted to evaluate the overall thermal efficiency of the system. The experimental results showed an average efficiency of 51 %, when operating the system for eight-hours duration in the winter season. Additionally, an economic assessment was carried out to confirm the system’s feasibility. This assessment demonstrated that the constructed system is economically feasible, with an estimated benefit-cost ratio of 1.42.

Research on multi-velocity measurement method of solid particles based on interdigital electrostatic sensor

Abstract In gas-solid two-phase flow, the velocities of solid particles will show different distributions as the flow pattern changes, and it is a challenging task to achieve the measurement of different velocity parameters in the flow field. To obtain the velocity information of solid particles in the flow field, a novel method to achieve multi-velocity measurement of solid particles is proposed by using the spatial filtering characteristics of interdigital electrostatic sensor with variational mode decomposition (VMD). Firstly, a three-dimensional model of the interdigital electrostatic sensor is established using COMSOL simulation software. Based on its spatial dynamic sensitivity, a theoretical analysis of its spatial filtering characteristics is conducted to obtain a mathematical relationship for velocity measurement. Subsequently, the VMD decomposition method is applied to an experiment involving charged wires, with the experimental results verifying the effectiveness of VMD in achieving multi-scale decomposition of electrostatic signals. Finally, the proposed measurement method is validated on a gravity feeding device and a pneumatic conveying system. The experimental results demonstrate that the method exhibits good feasibility.

Research on multi-velocity measurement method of solid particles based on interdigital electrostatic sensor

Abstract In gas-solid two-phase flow, the velocities of solid particles will show different distributions as the flow pattern changes, and it is a challenging task to achieve the measurement of different velocity parameters in the flow field. To obtain the velocity information of solid particles in the flow field, a novel method to achieve multi-velocity measurement of solid particles is proposed by using the spatial filtering characteristics of interdigital electrostatic sensor with variational mode decomposition (VMD). Firstly, a three-dimensional model of the interdigital electrostatic sensor is established using COMSOL simulation software. Based on its spatial dynamic sensitivity, a theoretical analysis of its spatial filtering characteristics is conducted to obtain a mathematical relationship for velocity measurement. Subsequently, the VMD decomposition method is applied to an experiment involving charged wires, with the experimental results verifying the effectiveness of VMD in achieving multi-scale decomposition of electrostatic signals. Finally, the proposed measurement method is validated on a gravity feeding device and a pneumatic conveying system. The experimental results demonstrate that the method exhibits good feasibility.

Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7–TiO2 composite solder joints and their influence on thermal parameters of power components

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of composite solder joint preparation on the thermal properties of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and the mechanical strength of the soldered joint. Design/methodology/approach Reinforced composite solder joints with the addition of titanium oxide nanopowder (TiO2) were prepared. The reference alloy was Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7. Reinforced joints differed in the weight percentage of TiO2, ranging from 0.125 to 1.0 Wt.%. Two types of components were used for the tests. The resistor in the 0805 package was used for mechanical strength tests, where the component was soldered to the FR4 substrate. For thermal parameters measurements, a power element MOSFET in a TO-263 package was used, which was soldered to a metal core printed circuit board (PCB) substrate. Components were soldered in batch IR oven. Findings Shear tests showed that the addition of titanium oxide does not significantly increase the resistance of the solder joint to mechanical damage. Titanium oxide addition was shown to not considerably influence the soldered joint’s mechanical strength compared to reference samples when soldered in batch ovens. Thermal resistance Rthj-a of MOSFETs depends on TiO2 concentration in the composite solder joint reaching the minimum Rthj at 0.25 Wt.% of TiO2. Research limitations/implications Mechanical strength: TiO2 reinforcement shows minimal impact on mechanical strength, suggesting altered liquidus temperature and microstructure, requiring further investigation. Thermal performance: thermal parameters vary with TiO2 concentration, with optimal performance at 0.25 Wt.%. Experimental validation is crucial for practical application. Experimental confirmation: validation of optimal concentrations is essential for accurate assessment and real-world application. Soldering method influence: batch oven soldering may affect mechanical strength, necessitating exploration of alternative methods. Thermal vs mechanical enhancement: while TiO2 does not notably enhance mechanical strength, it improves thermal properties, highlighting the need for balanced design in power semiconductor assembly. Practical implications Incorporating TiO2 enhances thermal properties in power semiconductor assembly. Optimal concentration balancing thermal performance and mechanical strength must be determined experimentally. Batch oven soldering may influence mechanical strength, requiring evaluation of alternative techniques. TiO2 composite solder joints offer promise in power electronics for efficient heat dissipation. Microstructural analysis can optimize solder joint design and performance. Rigorous quality control during soldering ensures consistent thermal performance and mitigates negative effects on mechanical strength. Social implications The integration of TiO2 reinforcement in solder joints impacts thermal properties crucial for power semiconductor assembly. However, its influence on mechanical strength is limited, potentially affecting product reliability. Understanding these effects necessitates collaborative efforts between researchers and industry stakeholders to develop robust soldering techniques. Ensuring optimal TiO2 concentration through experimental validation is essential to maintain product integrity and safety standards. Additionally, dissemination of research findings and best practices can empower manufacturers to make informed decisions, fostering innovation and sustainability in electronic manufacturing processes. Ultimately, addressing these social implications promotes technological advancement while prioritizing consumer trust and product quality in the electronics industry. Originality/value The research shows the importance of the soldering technology used to assemble MOSFET devices.

Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7–TiO2 composite solder joints and their influence on thermal parameters of power components

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of composite solder joint preparation on the thermal properties of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and the mechanical strength of the soldered joint. Design/methodology/approach Reinforced composite solder joints with the addition of titanium oxide nanopowder (TiO2) were prepared. The reference alloy was Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7. Reinforced joints differed in the weight percentage of TiO2, ranging from 0.125 to 1.0 Wt.%. Two types of components were used for the tests. The resistor in the 0805 package was used for mechanical strength tests, where the component was soldered to the FR4 substrate. For thermal parameters measurements, a power element MOSFET in a TO-263 package was used, which was soldered to a metal core printed circuit board (PCB) substrate. Components were soldered in batch IR oven. Findings Shear tests showed that the addition of titanium oxide does not significantly increase the resistance of the solder joint to mechanical damage. Titanium oxide addition was shown to not considerably influence the soldered joint’s mechanical strength compared to reference samples when soldered in batch ovens. Thermal resistance Rthj-a of MOSFETs depends on TiO2 concentration in the composite solder joint reaching the minimum Rthj at 0.25 Wt.% of TiO2. Research limitations/implications Mechanical strength: TiO2 reinforcement shows minimal impact on mechanical strength, suggesting altered liquidus temperature and microstructure, requiring further investigation. Thermal performance: thermal parameters vary with TiO2 concentration, with optimal performance at 0.25 Wt.%. Experimental validation is crucial for practical application. Experimental confirmation: validation of optimal concentrations is essential for accurate assessment and real-world application. Soldering method influence: batch oven soldering may affect mechanical strength, necessitating exploration of alternative methods. Thermal vs mechanical enhancement: while TiO2 does not notably enhance mechanical strength, it improves thermal properties, highlighting the need for balanced design in power semiconductor assembly. Practical implications Incorporating TiO2 enhances thermal properties in power semiconductor assembly. Optimal concentration balancing thermal performance and mechanical strength must be determined experimentally. Batch oven soldering may influence mechanical strength, requiring evaluation of alternative techniques. TiO2 composite solder joints offer promise in power electronics for efficient heat dissipation. Microstructural analysis can optimize solder joint design and performance. Rigorous quality control during soldering ensures consistent thermal performance and mitigates negative effects on mechanical strength. Social implications The integration of TiO2 reinforcement in solder joints impacts thermal properties crucial for power semiconductor assembly. However, its influence on mechanical strength is limited, potentially affecting product reliability. Understanding these effects necessitates collaborative efforts between researchers and industry stakeholders to develop robust soldering techniques. Ensuring optimal TiO2 concentration through experimental validation is essential to maintain product integrity and safety standards. Additionally, dissemination of research findings and best practices can empower manufacturers to make informed decisions, fostering innovation and sustainability in electronic manufacturing processes. Ultimately, addressing these social implications promotes technological advancement while prioritizing consumer trust and product quality in the electronics industry. Originality/value The research shows the importance of the soldering technology used to assemble MOSFET devices.

THE SCALE SIMULATION APPLICATION IN THE MILITARY VEHICLES ARMORING

The armoring of the civilian vehicles during martial law requires the search for new parameters selecting methods that provide the required indicators of dynamic properties. The additional armored sheets installation on ordinary civilian vehicles leads to the weight increase, the center of mass position change and dynamic properties deterioration. Therefore, the ordinary civilian vehicles armoring can also be considered from the perspective of large-scale modeling. One of the ways to ensure the necessary dynamic indicators of the ordinary civilian vehicles when armoring is to use the theory of large-scale modeling due to the use of the mass scale as the main scale. In the study, using the theory of similarity, a system of scale coefficients was developed for choosing the main design parameters of armored vehicles. The dependences of engine power, wheel diameter and rigid suspension and tires, engine and transmission torques on the car reservation coefficient are obtained. The value of the indicator of the relevant parameters of the vehicle degree is given. The higher the degree indicator, the higher the sensitivity of the vehicle parameter to increase when armoring. It was determined that different physical (mechanical) quantities have different sensitivity to the increase in the weight of the vehicle. The greatest sensitivity is the value of the engine torque, and the least is the linear dimension. These dependencies can be used in the process of designing a car armoring. In addition, it was determined that there is a relationship between the maximum permissible parameter measurement error during dynamic tests of full-scale models and the maximum permissible parameter measurement error during full-scale machine testing. Іmproved requirements for the dynamic parameters measurement accuracy during armored vehicles tests are considered. During armored vehicles tests, the maximum permissible error of dynamic parameters measuring increases, which makes it possible not to use more complex measuring and recording equipment.

THE SCALE SIMULATION APPLICATION IN THE MILITARY VEHICLES ARMORING

The armoring of the civilian vehicles during martial law requires the search for new parameters selecting methods that provide the required indicators of dynamic properties. The additional armored sheets installation on ordinary civilian vehicles leads to the weight increase, the center of mass position change and dynamic properties deterioration. Therefore, the ordinary civilian vehicles armoring can also be considered from the perspective of large-scale modeling. One of the ways to ensure the necessary dynamic indicators of the ordinary civilian vehicles when armoring is to use the theory of large-scale modeling due to the use of the mass scale as the main scale. In the study, using the theory of similarity, a system of scale coefficients was developed for choosing the main design parameters of armored vehicles. The dependences of engine power, wheel diameter and rigid suspension and tires, engine and transmission torques on the car reservation coefficient are obtained. The value of the indicator of the relevant parameters of the vehicle degree is given. The higher the degree indicator, the higher the sensitivity of the vehicle parameter to increase when armoring. It was determined that different physical (mechanical) quantities have different sensitivity to the increase in the weight of the vehicle. The greatest sensitivity is the value of the engine torque, and the least is the linear dimension. These dependencies can be used in the process of designing a car armoring. In addition, it was determined that there is a relationship between the maximum permissible parameter measurement error during dynamic tests of full-scale models and the maximum permissible parameter measurement error during full-scale machine testing. Іmproved requirements for the dynamic parameters measurement accuracy during armored vehicles tests are considered. During armored vehicles tests, the maximum permissible error of dynamic parameters measuring increases, which makes it possible not to use more complex measuring and recording equipment.

Potential of Pandan anggur (Sararanga Sinuosa Hemsley) as immunomodulator

Background: Pandan Anggur plant is an endemic plant of the Papua archipelago in Indonesia, and the fruit called Pandan Anggur Fruit (PAF) is freshly consumed or prepared as a juice. Based on previous studies on the phytochemical content of PAF, the ethanol and water extract contain flavonoids, which act as immunomodulators, to regulate the response of immunity. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the potential of PAF as an immunomodulator in malnutrition cases, by evaluating six parameters which are phagocytosis capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophage, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 in lymphocyte culture, and intestinal sIgA levels. By proving the potential of PAF as an immunomodulator, this research will lead to significant development of functional food products of Pandan Anggur. Methods: A total of 35 Sprague Dawley rats were used as animal models divided into seven different groups named standard group (healthy standard), malnourished (negative control), malnourished rats given Imboost Force (positive control), as well as PAF ethanol extract doses of I, II, III, and PAF water extract. The treatment lasted for seven weeks in total and the measurement of immunomodulator parameters was carried out at the end of the treatment period. The immunomodulator parameters included phagocytosis capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophage, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 in lymphocyte culture, and intestinal sIgA levels. Result: The results indicated that the administration of PAF ethanol extract at a dose of 3.15 mg/mL provided an optimum immunostimulant effect, by increasing the macrophage phagocytosis capacity, nitric oxide, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-4, and sIgA levels in rat intestine. However, increasing the dose of extract did not produce a better effect, but led to suppression of immunity. Conclusion: PAF extract at a dose of 3.15 mg/mL provides an immunostimulant effect. Keywords: In Vivo, IL-4, IF-γ, sIgA, lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage, Pandan Anggur Fruit

Potential of Pandan anggur (Sararanga Sinuosa Hemsley) as immunomodulator

Background: Pandan Anggur plant is an endemic plant of the Papua archipelago in Indonesia, and the fruit called Pandan Anggur Fruit (PAF) is freshly consumed or prepared as a juice. Based on previous studies on the phytochemical content of PAF, the ethanol and water extract contain flavonoids, which act as immunomodulators, to regulate the response of immunity. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the potential of PAF as an immunomodulator in malnutrition cases, by evaluating six parameters which are phagocytosis capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophage, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 in lymphocyte culture, and intestinal sIgA levels. By proving the potential of PAF as an immunomodulator, this research will lead to significant development of functional food products of Pandan Anggur. Methods: A total of 35 Sprague Dawley rats were used as animal models divided into seven different groups named standard group (healthy standard), malnourished (negative control), malnourished rats given Imboost Force (positive control), as well as PAF ethanol extract doses of I, II, III, and PAF water extract. The treatment lasted for seven weeks in total and the measurement of immunomodulator parameters was carried out at the end of the treatment period. The immunomodulator parameters included phagocytosis capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophage, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 in lymphocyte culture, and intestinal sIgA levels. Result: The results indicated that the administration of PAF ethanol extract at a dose of 3.15 mg/mL provided an optimum immunostimulant effect, by increasing the macrophage phagocytosis capacity, nitric oxide, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-4, and sIgA levels in rat intestine. However, increasing the dose of extract did not produce a better effect, but led to suppression of immunity. Conclusion: PAF extract at a dose of 3.15 mg/mL provides an immunostimulant effect. Keywords: In Vivo, IL-4, IF-γ, sIgA, lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage, Pandan Anggur Fruit

Quantitative measurements of dual-energy CT parameters in the diagnosis of osteoporosis - a highly sensitive and specific technique: An observational study.

With the aging of the population in our society, osteoporosis (OP) has become one of the chronic diseases that seriously threaten the physical health of the elderly, leading to a heavy burden on healthcare. In recent years, with the continuous development of dual-energy CT (DECT) technology, quantitative measurements of DECT parameters, which is highly sensitive to OP, provides accurate results, is convenient and cost-effective, and is expected to be widely used in bone density testing. This study was aimed to explore the value of quantitative measurements of DECT parameters in diagnosing OP, in order to better guide clinical judgments and treatment. A total of 187 patients who underwent dual-energy X-ray and DECT examinations at Tianjin hospital between January 2022 and June 2023 were included as participants in this study. The bone mineral density (BMD) values of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Simultaneously, CT scans of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) were conducted to measure the CT values of contrast media (CM), mixed-energy image CT values (regular CT value [rCT]), calcium concentration (CaD), as well as fat fraction (FF). Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the quantitative measurements of L1 to L4 vertebral bodies obtained from DECT and BMD. The values of CM, rCT, and CaD in the OP group were all lower than those in the non-OP group with statistical significance (P < .001). Conversely, the fat fraction parameter value in the OP group was significantly higher in contrast with the non-OP group (P = .004); there was a positive correlation between CM, rCT, CaD, and BMD values (R = 0.579, P < .001; R = 0.604, P < .001; R = 0.563, P < .001); CM, rCT, and CaD had high diagnostic value for OP, as evidenced by AUCs of 0.935 (95% CI: 0.900-0.971), 0.956 (95% CI: 0.925-0.987), and 0.926 (95% CI: 0.858-0.954), respectively, all with P values < .001. Quantitative measurement of DECT parameters showed a high sensitivity as well as a high specificity in the diagnosis of OP. It is also highly feasible and holds significant clinical diagnostic value, making it a suitable candidate for widespread application.

Progranulin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 May Predict an Increased Risk for Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis.

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), fibrosis of the myocardium along with ongoing autoimmune inflammation can alter the electric function of the cardiac myocytes, which may increase the risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We analyzed the electrocardiographic (ECG) variables describing ventricular repolarization such as QT interval, QT dispersion (QTd), T wave peak-to-end interval (Tpe), and arrhythmogeneity index (AIX) of 26 patients with SSc and 36 healthy controls. Furthermore, echocardiographic and laboratory parameters were examined, with a focus on inflammatory proteins like C-reactive ptotein (CRP), soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and progranulin (PGRN). The CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 levels were positively correlated with the length of the QT interval. Although the serum PGRN levels were not increased in the SSc group compared to the controls, in SSc patients, the PGRN levels were positively correlated with the QT interval and the AIX. According to our results, we conclude that there may be a potential association between autoimmune inflammation and the risk for ventricular arrhythmias in patients with SSc. We emphasize that the measurement of laboratory parameters of inflammatory activity including CRP, PGRN, sVCAM-1, and sICAM-1 could be helpful in the prediction of sudden cardiac death in patients with SSc.