Middle Portion Research Articles

Association of Smoking, Diabetes, and Dialysis with the Presence of Popliteal Lesions in Femoropopliteal Artery Disease.

Although recent advances in endovascular devices have markedly improved clinical outcomes of femoropopliteal endovascular therapy, lesions located in the popliteal artery are still a major challenge. This study aimed to determine the association of cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking, diabetes mellitus, and dialysis-dependent renal failure, with the location of atherosclerotic lesions in femoropopliteal artery disease. We used a multicenter prospective study database registering patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal artery disease undergoing drug-coated balloon treatment. The analysis included 1912 patients with de novo femoropopliteal lesions. The association of clinical characteristics with popliteal lesions was investigated using the logistic regression model. In addition, the femoropopliteal artery was divided into six segments (the proximal, middle, and distal portions of the superficial femoral artery and P1, P2, and P3 segments of the popliteal artery), and the association of clinical characteristics with the presence of atherosclerotic lesions in the respective arterial segments was investigated. Smoking and dialysis-dependent renal failure showed a statistically significant inverse and positive association with the presence of popliteal lesions, respectively (adjusted odds ratio, 0.66 [95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.85] and 2.01 [1.62-2.49]; P=0.001 and P＜0.001), whereas diabetes mellitus did not (P=0.17). The subsequent per-segment analysis presented similar results. Smoking was inversely associated with popliteal lesions, whereas renal failure on dialysis was positively associated in patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal artery disease who underwent drug-coated balloon treatment. Diabetes mellitus was not significantly associated.

The Right to Work and American Inequality

Labor historians describe Right to Work (RTW) as among the most consequential pushbacks against the early twentieth-century ascent of labor unions. Yet research on the economic consequences of RTW remains mixed, with nearly all research centered empirically and theoretically on the time surrounding RTW passage. In the current study, I use 41 waves of longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics between 1968 and 2019 to empirically and theoretically extend the mechanisms that link RTW and economic outcomes. First, following the vast majority of research on RTW, I show the demobilizing effects for labor following RTW passage: mean wages decline, wage inequality increases, and the union premium is halved in the middle and lower portion of the wage distribution. Second, I move theoretical focus beyond the time surrounding law enactment, arguing for a second-order effect whereby RTW institutionalizes a logic of polarized economic distributions and low labor power. To test this mechanism, I develop a novel strategy of comparison across respondents who are differentially mobile across state boundaries. I find individuals who cross RTW contexts experience a unique decline in mean wages and increase in wage variance, but this distinct trend can be explained by state-level institutional variation across RTW and non-RTW states. Thus, RTW is not only consequential in the periods around its passage, but also in establishing a long-standing, high-inequality regime. Results reveal multiple mechanisms by which RTW contributes to the long-run processes of union decline and broadly shared inequality growth.

Paleoenvironmental changes recorded in the Santa Marta Formation (Santonian–Campanian, Upper Cretaceous), James Ross Island, Antarctica, inferred from palynofacies analyses

The Santa Marta Formation (Santonian–Campanian; James Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula) is part of one of the most complete sedimentary sequences in the Southern Hemisphere. Paleoenvironmental changes recorded in the formation are reflected in the stratigraphic distribution of sedimentary organic matter in the Lachman Crags and Herbert Sound members. Fifty-three samples from the Lachman Crags section and ten samples from the Herbert Sound section were prepared using standard non-oxidative methods for palynofacies. Analyses were performed using transmitted white light and fluorescence microscopy to identify the groups and subgroups of sedimentary organic matter: non-opaque non-biostructured and biostructured opaque particles, membrane fragments, degraded and non-degraded cuticles, spores, pollen grains, fungal spores, Botryococcus, Palambages, dinoflagellates cysts, amorphous organic matter, pseudoamorphous (product of disintegration of macrophyte tissues) and resins. Three palynofacies associations are distinguished: terrestrial, opaque, and marine palynomorphs. Based on stratigraphically restricted cluster analysis (CONISS), three intervals have been identified: Interval 1, at the base of the Lachman Crags section, conspicuously dominated by the terrestrial palynofacies association. Interval 2, the middle portion of the Lachman Crags section, is marked by alternating terrestrial and opaque palynofacies associations. Interval 3, which coincides with the Herbert Sound section, is distinguished by an abrupt increase in marine elements. The composite section shows progressive transgression, accompanied by a decrease in continental elements, culminating in an open marine environment towards the top of the section.

A novel quantitative model based on gross tumor volume corresponding to anatomical distribution measured with multidetector computed tomography to determine the resectability of non‑distant metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

It is important to accurately determine the resectability of thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) for treatment decision-making. Previous studies have revealed that the CT-derived gross tumor volume (GTV) is associated with the staging of ESCC. The present study aimed to explore whether the anatomical distribution-based GTV of non-distant metastatic thoracic ESCC measured using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) could quantitatively determine the resectability. For this purpose, 473 consecutive patients with biopsy-confirmed non-distant metastatic thoracic ESCC who underwent contrast-enhanced CT were randomly divided into a training cohort (TC; 376 patients) and validation cohort (VC; 97 patients). GTV was retrospectively measured using MDCT. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the determinants of the resectability of ESCC in the TC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to clarify whether anatomical distribution-based GTV could help quantitatively determinate resectability. Unweighted Cohen's Kappa tests in VC were used to assess the performance of the previous models. Univariate analysis demonstrated that sex, anatomic distribution, cT stage, cN stage and GTV were related to the resectability of ESCC in the TC (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that GTV [P<0.001; odds ratio (OR) 1.158] and anatomic distribution (P=0.027; OR, 1.924) were independent determinants of resectability. ROC analysis revealed that the GTV cut-offs for the determination of the resectability of the upper, middle and lower thoracic portions were 23.57, 22.89 and 22.58 cm3, respectively, with areas under the ROC curves of >0.9. Unweighted Cohen's Kappa tests revealed an excellent performance of the ROC models in the upper, middle and lower thoracic portions with Cohen k-values of 0.913, 0.879 and 0.871, respectively. On the whole, the present study demonstrated that GTV and the anatomic distribution of non-distant metastatic thoracic ESCC may be independent determinants of resectability, and anatomical distribution-based GTV can effectively be used to quantitatively determine resectability.

Deltoid Muscle Tension Alterations Post Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: An Investigation Using Shear Wave Elastography.

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of shear wave elastography (SWE) in assessing changes in deltoid muscle properties following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Our cohort consisted of 18 patients who underwent RSA due to various conditions, including osteoarthritis, cuff arthropathy, and irreducible proximal humeral fractures. Pre- and postoperative muscle elasticity and stiffness were measured using SWE and were compared with functional outcomes and radiological parameters. Our results showed significant changes in deltoid muscle elasticity after RSA, particularly in the anterior and middle portions. However, these alterations were not correlated with postoperative functional outcomes or specific radiological parameters. The study also underscored the potential of SWE for future applications, including the preoperative assessment of deltoid function, postoperative monitoring, and intraoperative use for optimal component positioning during RSA. Further research, involving larger, more homogeneous patient cohorts is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential influence of these changes on the biomechanical design of implants and prosthesis positioning in RSA.

Temperature-dependent voids and their impact on SMA surface course permeability

This study investigates the water permeability characteristics of newly constructed Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) surface course, with a specific focus on the influence of connected voids arising from the compaction temperature during pavement construction. On-site evaluation of the permeability coefficient was performed, followed by core sample extraction from the same locations to investigate the correlation between the permeability coefficient and porosity. Industrial CT scanning was used to identify and separate void regions in the core samples. Three-dimensional digital reconstruction techniques were employed to analyze the morphology and spatial distribution of voids within the core. The connectivity of voids was assessed, providing insights into water infiltration pathways within the SMA course. Additionally, finite element simulation of the pavement temperature field was conducted to investigate the spatially differentiated distribution of voids within the SMA course.The findings reveal that approximately 38.3% of the voids are concentrated within a 1 cm depth below the top surface of the 4 cm-thick SMA course. The aggregation of voids enhances the likelihood of interconnection, facilitating water seepage. Water infiltrates through the open voids on the top surface and flows vertically and horizontally along the interconnected pathways. Notably, at a depth of approximately 2.5 cm, the flow transitions to horizontal spreading, aligning with the primary distribution interval of interconnected voids. The non-uniform distribution of voids is primarily influenced by the compaction temperature. The top and bottom portions exhibit higher void percentages, while the middle portion shows relatively fewer voids, consistent with the observed compaction temperature pattern.

Achieving High Strength and Creep Resistance in Inconel 740H Superalloy through Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing and Thermodynamic-Guided Heat Treatment.

Inconel 740H superalloy is commonly used in advanced ultra-supercritical power plants since it possesses excellent strength and creep resistance. This study investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel 740H superalloy fabricated using wire-arc additive manufacturing. The as-printed microstructure consisted of columnar γ grains with the Laves phase and (Nb, Ti)C carbides as secondary phases. The anisotropy in grain structure increased from the bottom to the top regions, while the hardness was highest in the middle portion of the build. To guide the post-heat treatment design, thermodynamic and kinetic simulations were employed to predict the temperature and time. Complete recrystallization with the Laves phase dissolution occurred throughout the build after homogenization at 1200 °C for 2 h. The peak hardness was achieved after aging at 760 °C for 12 h with the M23C6 carbides decorating the grain boundaries and γ' precipitates in the grain interior. The yield strength (655 MPa) and ductility (29.5%) in the post-heat treated condition exceeded the design targets (620 MPa, 20%). Stress rupture tests at 750 °C showed that the high-temperature performance was at par with the wrought counterparts. The fracture mode after rupture was identified to be intergranular with the presence of grain boundary cavities along with grain boundary sliding.

Evidence of enteritis, hepatic steatosis and jaundice in juvenile pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) fed high levels of soybean meal

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of replacing dietary fishmeal with increasing levels of soybean meal (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% corresponding to 0, 11, 22, 33 and 44% inclusion in the formulated diet) on the intestine and liver histomorphology of juvenile pirarucu Arapaima gigas (233 ± 12 g; mean ± SD) fed for 120 days. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed diets with higher soybean levels (45 and 60%) presented clinical signs such as appetite loss, cachexia and jaundice. In addition, fish fed on 45% and 60% soybean meal had histomorphological alterations in the middle and posterior portions of the intestinal mucosa (enteritis) and high liver lipid deposition (steatosis). Therefore, 45% or 60% of soybean meal is not recommended; however, a replacement of fishmeal by soybean meal of up to 30% (22% inclusion) can be used in diets to feed juvenile pirarucu for long periods.

Interactive effects of locus coeruleus structure and catecholamine synthesis capacity on cognitive function.

The locus coeruleus (LC) produces catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) and is implicated in a broad range of cognitive functions including attention and executive function. Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approaches allow for the visualization and quantification of LC structure. Human research focused on the LC has since exploded given the LC's role in cognition and relevance to current models of psychopathology and neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear to what extent LC structure reflects underlying catecholamine function, and how LC structure and neurochemical function are collectively associated with cognitive performance. A partial least squares correlation (PLSC) analysis was applied to 19 participants' LC structural MRI measures and catecholamine synthesis capacity measures assessed using [18F]Fluoro-m-tyrosine ([18F]FMT) positron emission tomography (PET). We found no direct association between LC-MRI and LC-[18F]FMT measures for rostral, middle, or caudal portions of the LC. We found significant associations between LC neuroimaging measures and neuropsychological performance that were driven by rostral and middle portions of the LC, which is in line with LC cortical projection patterns. Specifically, associations with executive function and processing speed arose from contributions of both LC structure and interactions between LC structure and catecholamine synthesis capacity. These findings leave open the possibility that LC MRI and PET measures contribute unique information and suggest that their conjoint use may increase sensitivity to brain-behavior associations in small samples.

On de novo Bridging Paired-end RNA-seq Data.

The high-throughput short-reads RNA-seq protocols often produce paired-end reads, with the middle portion of the fragments being unsequenced. We explore if the full-length fragments can be computationally reconstructed from the sequenced two ends in the absence of the reference genome-a problem here we refer to as de novo bridging. Solving this problem provides longer, more informative RNA-seq reads, and benefits downstream RNA-seq analysis such as transcript assembly, expression quantification, and splicing differential analysis. However, de novo bridging is a challenging and complicated task owing to alternative splicing, transcript noises, and sequencing errors. It remains unclear if the data provides sufficient information for accurate bridging, let alone efficient algorithms that determine the true bridges. Methods have been proposed to bridge paired-end reads in the presence of reference genome (called reference-based bridging), but the algorithms are far away from scaling for de novo bridging as the underlying compacted de Bruijn graph (cdBG) used in the latter task often contains millions of vertices and edges. We designed a new truncated Dijkstra's algorithm for this problem, and proposed a novel algorithm that reuses the shortest path tree to avoid running the truncated Dijkstra's algorithm from scratch for all vertices for further speeding up. These innovative techniques result in scalable algorithms that can bridge all paired-end reads in a cdBG with millions of vertices. Our experiments showed that paired-end RNA-seq reads can be accurately bridged to a large extent. The resulting tool is freely available at https://github.com/Shao-Group/rnabridge-denovo.

Effect of softening duration on physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of flattened densified Bambusa bambos

The half-split Bambusa bambos culms were flattened after subjecting them to different steaming durations in the range of 20–40 min. The flattened bamboos from bottom, middle and top sections were further subjected to the densification process using a hot press. Various physical and mechanical properties of the flattened and densified bamboo (FDB) were evaluated and compared with control. Analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to study the microstructure and chemical changes due to flattening and densification. The results showed that softening duration had significant effect on all the properties of the FDB. The flattened sheets prepared from the bottom, middle and top portions of bamboo showed different properties. The density of the FDB was observed to increase significantly compared to untreated bamboo. The significant density improvements lead to relatively uniform distribution of the vascular bundles through the radial direction of the culm wall. Although the water absorption of the FDB boards was significantly reduced compared to control, no improvement was observed in the dimensional stability after water submersion for 24 h. With the increase in softening duration, various mechanical properties such as flexural strength, flexural stiffness and tensile strength parallel to fibre direction of FDB were improved significantly. The SEM observations showed that the microstructure of parenchyma and vessel elements changed significantly while fibre microstructure was undisturbed. FTIR analysis showed that hemicellulose content was slightly reduced while other chemical constituents of bamboo were not much affected. The crystallinity of the bamboo was found to be increased after flattening and densification leading to improvement in strength properties. These findings may be of practical importance for efficient utilization of bamboo in production of value-added FDB composites.

Prominent myocardial bridging as a first clue to recognize haemorrhagic shock during percutaneous coronary intervention: a case report

Abstract Background Haemorrhage at the puncture site is a serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Case summary A 73-year-old man underwent transfemoral intervention because of stable angina pectoris. After a rotational atherectomy, an everolimus-eluting stent was implanted from the left main trunk to the proximal site of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. We also recognized that myocardial bridging was significantly induced at the middle portion of the LAD, which was not evident before the PCI. We suspected puncture-related haemorrhage and immediately performed lower limb arteriography. As a result, contrast media extravasation was observed at the branch of the right inferior epigastric artery. Finally, we performed coil embolization into the left common femoral artery, and the extravasation successfully disappeared. Four months later, he underwent coronary angiography. There were no findings of myocardial bridging. Discussion Myocardial bridging during a PCI procedure may indicate hypercontraction because of haemorrhage.

A Case Series on Tens Nailing in Fracture Clavicle

Introduction: One of the most frequently fractured bones, the clavicle accounts for 2.6–4% of all fractures. 73% of these are displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, and 69 to 82% of these occur in the middle portion of the clavicle. For displaced clavicle fractures, including one with NV compromise and skin tenting, surgery has been recommended. Peroni published the first description of intramedullary treatment for clavicular fractures in 1950. The adoption of a TENS nail has benefits such as less soft tissue damage, a shorter surgical procedure, better cosmetic outcomes, load sharing fixation with relative stability, and abundant callus production.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A prospective study of 20 patients who had TENS nailing treatment after presenting to our institute between January 2022 and June 2023 with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures was conducted. Constant Murley and DASH scores were completed for each patient at 6 and 12 weeks.&#x0D; Results: All the patients achieved clinical and radiological union at a mean of 7.6 ± 2.89 weeks and 18.8 ± 5.87 weeks respectively.85% of the patient had excellent Constant Murley score on follow up. Based on the assessment parameters (Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand) Score, the mean DASH score was 24.90 ± 3.21and16.45 ± 3.33at the end of 6 and 12 weeks respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Midshaft clavicle fractures can be safely fixed intramedullarily utilising TENS, and in our experience, this procedure yields both good functional and aesthetic benefits.&#x0D; Keywords: Clavicle, Intramedullary, Tens, Fracture

The Neoproterozoic Agudos Grandes granitic batholith, SE Brazil: Inferences on source areas from elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry

I-type, K-rich calc-alkaline hornblende-biotite granitoids (HKCA) suites are typical of both pre- and post-collisional tectonic settings, and their petrogenesis is challenging, since they are dominated by rocks with intermediate composition (e.g., 60–68 wt% SiO2; 10–20 vol % mafic mineral) that are neither typical products of crust nor of mantle partial melting. These granitoids are particularly abundant as the main components of Ediacaran batholiths intruding the Neoproterozoic Ribeira Fold Belt in SE Brazil, e.g. constituting ∼70% of the exposition of the Agudos Grandes Batholith, where they were emplaced at 620-610 Ma, as indicated by U–Pb zircon dating from our previous work and new data presented here. Two types of coeval granitoids comprise an expanded suite of mafic to felsic titanite and allanite-rich biotite granitoids (Itapevi-type) and a single occurrence of biotite-muscovite leucogranite (Turvo-type). Elemental and isotope whole-rock data indicate that different sources were involved in the genesis of their parent magmas, with crust with old residence predominating for the HKCA and Itapevi types, as indicated by very negative (−16 to −20) εNd(t) and low initial 206Pb/204Pb (16.4–16.7), and younger metasedimentary rocks as the source of the Turvo leucogranite (εNd(t) (∼-14); initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.717). This “syn-orogenic” magmatism was immediately followed, as demonstrated by field and geochronological data, by ∼605-600 Ma circumscribed plutons dominated by more fractionated (±muscovite)-biotite granites that derive from melts generated in the middle crust from sources that are slightly younger than those of the HKCA granitoids, as indicated by slightly less negative (εNd(t) (similar to those of the Turvo leucogranite) and higher 206Pb/204Pb (17.1–17.3). After a ∼15 Myr lull, A-type plutons were emplaced in a post-orogenic setting, probably from mantle and crust sources. The syn-to late-orogenic (620-600 Ma) magmatism of the Agudos Grandes was produced by a thermal anomaly, probably associated with a continental arc. A combination of elemental and isotope geochemistry and inherited zircon data suggests that crustal melting was probably induced by ascension of mantle-derived basic magmas, and initiated in hot zones at the lower portions of a previously thickened crust, formed by old Paleoproterozoic to Archean material (the basement of the Apiaí-São Roque Domain of the Ribeira Belt?), and progressed to the middle portions of the crust, where it provoked partial melting of a different crustal domain with younger age and crustal residence (Embu Complex orthogneisses and metasediments).

Influence of ultrasound machine settings on quantitative measures derived from spatial frequency analysis of muscle tissue

BackgroundUltrasound is a powerful tool for diagnostic purposes and provides insight into both normal and pathologic tissue structure. Spatial frequency analysis (SFA) methods characterize musculoskeletal tissue organization from ultrasound images. Both sonographers in clinical imaging and researchers may alter a minimized range of ultrasound settings to optimize image quality, and it is important to know how these small adjustments of these settings affect SFA parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of making small adjustments in a typical default ultrasound machine setting on extracted spatial frequency parameters (peak spatial frequency radius (PSFR), Mmax, Mmax%, and Sum) in the biceps femoris muscle.MethodsLongitudinal B-mode images were collected from the biceps femoris muscle in 36 participants. The window depth, foci locations, and gain were systematically adjusted consistent with clinical imaging procedures for a total of 27 images per participant. Images were analyzed by identifying a region of interest (ROI) in the middle portion of the muscle belly in a template image and using a normalized two-dimensional cross-correlation technique between the template image and subsequent images. The ROI was analyzed in the frequency domain using conventional SFA methods. Separate linear mixed effects models were run for each extracted parameter.ResultsPSFR was affected by modifications in focus location only (p < 0.001) with differences noted between all locations. Mmax% was influenced by the interaction of gain and focus location (p < 0.001) but was also independently affected by increasing window depth (p < 0.001). Both Mmax and Sum parameters were sensitive to small changes in machine settings with the interaction of focus location and window depth (p < 0.001 for both parameters) as well as window depth and gain (p < 0.001 for both) influencing the extracted values.ConclusionsFrequently adjusted imaging settings influence some SFA statistics. PSFR and Mmax% appear to be most robust to small changes in image settings, making them best suited for comparison across individuals and between studies, which is appealing for the clinical utility of the SFA method.

Ecological habitat quality assessment of a highly urbanized estuary using macroinvertebrate community diversity and structure

Urban estuaries are subject to a variety of ecological crises caused by humans as a result of rising shore-based human activities. In this study, environmental variables, community composition, structure and diversity indices of benthic macroinvertebrate were studied to assess the ecological health status of an urbanized estuary, Karnaphuli river estuary. The results revealed that dissolved oxygen (DO) was very low, and organic matter was much higher in the estuary. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences among the environmental variables across the sites. 31 taxa were identified yielding a total of 49167 Ind./m2 with overall mean density (±SD) of 159 (±327) Ind./m2. Annelida (61.8%) were the most abundant taxonomic group followed by Polychaeta (34.88%) and Oligochaeta (26.92%). The high abundance of pollution indicator taxa (Tubificidae, Capitellidae) and low abundance of pollution sensitive taxa (Lumbrinidae, Sabellidae, Maldanidae, Nephtyide) indicated detrimental ecological condition. The values of Shannon-Wiener diversity index (1.95–2.63), Pielou’s evenness index (0.60–0.81) and the Margalef diversity index (1.03–2.12) suggested moderate pollution status with extremely low species richness and low abundance in polluted areas. A PERMANOVA showed significant differences in faunal assemblages (F = 2.189, p < 0.001) among sites. Species abundance and density were higher (p = 0.32) at the upper estuary (where pH and salinity were low) and reduced in the middle and lower portion of the estuary which reflected the gradient of pollution level. Cluster analysis (CA) demarcated three distinct communities in terms of species similarity. SIMPER identified the highest average dissimilarity value (66.66%) across all the stations. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) results suggested benthic macroinvertebrate community was influenced by environmental variables, for instance, salinity, dissolve oxygen, soil and water pH, total dissolved solids, and sediment texture.

Hemodynamic Characteristics of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis: A Pilot Study of Contrast Enhancement Time-Density Curves Based on Regions of Interest.

The present study aimed to analyze the hemodynamic characteristics of occluded vessels responsible for acute ischemic stroke and to diagnose the occlusion types. Multimodal computed tomography (CT) was used to accurately identify the range of occlusion of large intracranial vessels. Regions of interest (ROI 1-3 ) were manually delineated at sites 2 mm away from the proximal, middle, and distal portions of each occlusion, generating 3 contrast enhancement time-density curves. The peak CT attenuation values, or Hounsfield units (H 1-3 ), and time-to-peak values (T 1-3 ) were extracted from each curve. H 0 and T 0 of the time-density curve, based on ROI 0 of the automatically recognized input artery, were used as the baseline values with which the odds ratios of each parameter, H 1-3/0 and T 1-3/0 , were obtained. The present study aimed to establish prediction models for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) based on each ROI's time-density curve. Among the 33 acutely occluded intracranial vessels, 10 were found to have ICAS, whereas 23 did not, based on the diagnostic criteria. Significant differences were observed in patient sex, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio upon admission, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 24-48 hours after reperfusion therapy, and H 1/0 , H 3/0 , and T 3/0 between the ICAS and non-ICAS groups ( P < 0.05). The prediction model (model 3) based on the ROI 3 time-density curve showed the best performance for the diagnosis of ICAS (area under the curve, 0.944; 95% confidence interval, 0.854-1.000). The prediction models based on ROI 1 (model 1) and ROI 2 (model 2) showed moderate diagnostic performance (area under the curve, 0.817 vs 0.822, respectively). The best visualization for proximal occlusions was in the first phase (arterial phase) of multiphase CT angiography, and in the second phase (early venous phase) for distal occlusions. The contrast enhancement time-density curves of the ROIs at all evaluated portions of the acute ischemic stroke occlusions provided a visual display of the blood flow characteristics of the responsible vessels. The time-density curve of the ROI placed 2 mm from the distal occlusion was a combined effect of residual blood flow and collateral establishment, thus providing good performance for the diagnosis of ICAS.

Experimental demonstration of high-temperature (>1000 °C) heat extraction from a moving-bed oxidation reactor for thermochemical energy storage

Previously developed reduction-oxidation (redox) thermochemical energy storage technologies must store their products at high temperatures, complicating handling and transportation. This work describes a countercurrent, tubular, moving bed oxidation reactor at laboratory scale that produces high grade heat and allows solids to enter and exit the system at ambient temperatures. The particles implemented in the system consist of a novel magnesium‑manganese-oxide material well-suited for thermochemical energy storage. Output heat is obtained via a separate extraction gas flow, which exits from the middle portion of the main reactor tube. With this design, reactor temperatures in excess of 1000 °C and extraction temperatures above 950 °C were achieved. Deviation between the two measurements is a result of extraction thermocouple placement and losses in the reactor extraction arm; improvements to these parameters would bring the extraction temperature closer to the bed temperature. The reactor produces enough energy via oxidation to sustain both heat extraction and continued chemical reaction. During one representative steady state experiment at a particle flow rate of 1.5 g/s, an average of 447 W was extracted from the reactor out of an estimated 1083 W of released chemical energy for a duration of 70 min. Among the four experiments, the maximum bench-scale oxidation reactor energy efficiency of 36.2% and corresponding round-trip efficiency of 13.7% considering both redox reactors were demonstrated. Characteristics of an ideal system are considered and future improvements are proposed.

Experience of Endoscopic Transcapsular Axillary Nerve Decompression

INTRODUCTION Posttraumatic axillary nerve neuropathy is a widely spread pathology, more often seen after shoulder joint trauma. It can also occur as a complication after orthopaedic surgeries, for example, after Latarjet procedure for shoulder stabilization. The technique of open axillary nerve decompression is very popular but has a number of disadvantages: large trauma of soft tissue, severe bleeding, high rate of complications, poor cosmetic effect. Endoscopic surgical technique of decompression is an effective, less traumatic alternative to open procedures.AIM To improve the outcomes of treatment of patients with axillary nerve neuropathy.MATERIAL AND METHODS We present the outcomes of endoscopic transcapsular axillary nerve decompression in 5 patients with a clinical picture of neuropathic pain syndrome, hypoesthesia in the deltoid area, hypotrophy of the deltoid muscle, who were operated from 2018 to 2021. The mean age of the patients was 44.4±14.9. An original surgical technique of decompression, which included arthroscopy of the shoulder joint with diagnostic and treatment components and transcapsular endoscopic axillary nerve decompression in the beach-chair position, was developed and applied to all the patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the MannWhitney U test.RESULTS According to VAS-scale, the severity of pain syndrome before the surgery was 6±4.6 points, 6 months after surgery it decreased to 1.4±0.5 points (p&lt;0.05). According to DASH scale, the function of the of shoulder joint before surgery was 77,6±6,9 points, 6 months after surgery it increased to 12±5,2 points (p&lt;0.05). According to BMRC scale (M0–M5), strength of the deltoid muscle before surgery was 2±0,4 points, after surgery it increased to 4,4±0,5 points (p&lt;0.05). Range of motion in the shoulder joint before surgery was as follows: flexion 107±45,6°, extension 102±49°, external rotation 22±13,6°; 6 months after surgery: flexion 154±25,6°, extension 156±22,4°, external rotation 50±8° (p&lt;0,05). The thickness of the middle portion of the deltoid muscle according to ultrasound examination before the surgery was 7.2±1.04 mm, after surgery 11.8±1.44 mm (p&lt;0.05). All the patients (100%) during long follow-up noticed complete relief of pain and regression of neurological symptoms.CONCLUSION The achieved results allow us to characterize the method of endoscopic transcapsular decompression as a reproducible, minimally invasive and highly effective technique providing pain relief to patients, curing neurological and intraarticular pathology, thus promoting early restoration of the upper limb function in the treated group of patients.

ESEM-EDX Mineralization and Morphological Analysis of Human Retrieved Maxillary Sinus Bone Graft Biopsies before Loading.

This study aimed to analyze the morphology of bone graft granules, the presence of granule demineralization, and bone morphology in retrieved human maxillary sinus bone graft biopsies. Healthy patients underwent sinus bone augmentation using lateral access. Two different dimensions of the antrostomy were performed, a 4 mm or 8 mm height. After 6 months, all sites received one implant using a flap technique, crestal positioning, and submerged healing. Implant biopsies were retrieved after 3 months and were histologically processed. The ESEM analysis was performed on the entire portion of the peri-implant bone (up to 750 µm from the implant thread). Three different regions of interest (ROIs) were selected: the coronal, middle, and apical portions of the implant. In these areas, EDX was performed, and calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), nitrogen (N), and their atomic ratios (Ca/P, Ca/N, and P/N) were calculated. Different bone tissue electron-dense areas were detected through grayscale intensity quantification of ESEM images with different organic (N) or inorganic (Ca,P) compositions. A total of 16 biopsies from 16 healthy patients were analyzed. Bone graft granules were mostly detected in the apical ROI. New bone tissue bridges were detected in the apical and middle ROI. These structures, with lower Ca/N and P/N ratios, were connected and enveloped the bone graft granules. Cortical ROI revealed the most mineralized bone tissue. Conclusions: After 9 months, bone graft resorption was only partially completed and new bone tissue appeared less mineralized in the middle and apical ROI than in the coronal ROI.