Normal Pressure Values Research Articles

Milrinone in pediatric heart failure

Introduction. Heart failure is one of the most dangerous life-threatening conditions in children, requiring complex pathogenetically based treatment aimed at increasing cardiac output.The objective was to analyze publications devoted to assessing the effectiveness and safety of the use of milrinone in critical conditions in children.Materials and methods. The analysis included 60 publications from the PubMed and e-library abstract databases for the period from 2018 to 2023. The search was carried out using the keywords: milrinone, pediatric, neonate, heart failure, acute renal injury, and outcome. After the initial review of the abstracts, 18 articles were excluded from the analysis, if full text was not available or if they did not contain relevant information from a clinical perspective.Results. A significant part of the work is devoted to a comparative analysis of the therapeutic effects of milrinone and levosimendan in the early postoperative period after cardiac surgery in children, the authors of which in most cases believe that these drugs are comparable both in terms of treatment outcomes and side effects. At the same time, the results of a number of studies indicate significant advantages of milrinone, the use of which helps to reduce the level of lactate in the blood, is not accompanied by hypervolemia of the pulmonary circulation, helps to maintain optimal values of average blood pressure and reduce the duration of treatment in the ICU. On the other hand, there is evidence that the use of milrinone in the perioperative period may be associated with an increased need for additional fluid supplementation and an increase in the frequency of deaths after surgery in young children with complex congenital heart defects (CHD). Conclusion. Milrinone is the drug of choice for the treatment of acute heart failure in children with CHD in the early postoperative period and in newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension.

Clinical outcome of lung transplantation for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a type of pulmonary hypertension with a low incidence. Despite pulmonary endarterectomy(PEA) being the preferred treatment for CTEPH, for patients who failed medical therapy and who are not suitable candidates for PEA, lung transplantation (LT) is still the only effective treatment for end-stage CTEPH; however, there are currently very few reports on the efficacy of LT for CTEPH.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of seven patients diagnosed with CTEPH between July 2019 and July 2021. The follow-up deadline was March, 2022.ResultsThe mean age at admission was 54 ± 12 years. The average value of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 40 ± 5 mmHg. The mean preoperative oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2) was 203 ± 56 mm Hg. After evaluation, one patient underwent left LT and the rest underwent bilateral LT. Three patients received intraoperative veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, and four patients received intraoperative veno-arterial ECMO support. The average postoperative mPAP was 19 ± 4 mmHg. The mean postoperative oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2) was 388 ± 83 mmHg. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative mPAP and oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2). All patients recovered well and were discharged 37 ± 19 days postoperatively. The mean follow-up duration was 19 ± 8 months. There was no recurrence of CTEPH.ConclusionsLT is an effective treatment for end-stage CTEPH, which can improve cardiopulmonary function and quality of life and prolong survival. Patients who are unable to tolerate PEA should be considered for LT as early as possible when internal medicine failed.

Data-model Interactive Health Condition Assessment for Hydropower Unit

Abstract The health condition assessment (HCA) of hydropower unit plays an important role in enhancing safe operation of hydropower stations and reducing maintenance costs. Due to the harsh environment, there are some problems of sensor data during the unit operations, including abnormal data, missing data and high-noise data. Also, it is difficult to obtain complete monitoring data during run-to-failure maintenance. These issues definitely cause the low-confidence HCA. Thus, a data-model-interactive HCA for hydropower unit was proposed. First, a high-fidelity 3D mechanism simulation model, interacting with the actual unit, was built using unit drawing data provided by manufacturers. Average values of the volute inlet pressure and draft tube outlet pressure were fed into the dynamics simulation model to obtain the simulated pressure pulsation data under working conditions (water head H and power P). Then, a long short-term memory based healthy condition model was constructed using the power parameters, simulation and normal pressure pulsation. After model construction, difference values between simulated pressure pulsation dataset and degradation state pressure pulsation dataset were calculated to build the performance degradation index (PDI), describing the HCA of units. Finally, the PDI was fed into the convolutional neural networks and long short-term memory model to achieve degradation trend prediction. Validation experiment was conducted to verify the effectiveness of proposed method using actual monitoring data and operating parameters of 6# unit in the hydropower station.

#1784 The potential impact of chronic subclinical hypervolemia on left ventricular hypertrophy in children on dialysis: a prospective longitudinal study

Abstract Background and Aims Hypervolemia poses a significant challenge in pediatric patients undergoing dialysis, potentially leading to severe complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cardiac dysfunction. Accurately assessing fluid status in growing children on dialysis could be particularly difficult, and although several non-invasive methods are emerging, each individual measurement has its own strengths and diagnostic limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. To date, only a few studies in children have compared the use of different methods simultaneously to detect fluid status, and none of these have evaluated the potential cardiovascular impact of a prolonged subclinical hypervolemia. The latter can be defined as a condition of euvolemia at clinical assessment but hypervolemia at technical evaluation. We evaluated the role of three methods—lung ultrasound (LUS), bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), and ultrasound assessment of inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI)—in detecting subclinical hypervolemia and examined the cardiac implications. Method In this prospective observational longitudinal study, we included 23 children (<18 years) who were receiving chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis at the regional pediatric nephrology center of Meyer University Children's Hospital IRCSS, Florence, Italy, between 01/06/2018 and 01/11/2020. We excluded patients with clinical signs of fluid overload. Each patient underwent a multiparametric evaluation of their fluid status (physical examination, LUS, IVC-CI, BIS) every 2 months, and an echocardiography every six months starting from a baseline evaluation. The LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of ≥ 95th percentile or a left ventricular wall-thickness z-score > 2 z-score. We divided the patients into two groups and arbitrarily assigned them to the subclinical hypervolemia (SH) group if they had at least two out of three parameters of fluid overload at different methods (≥5 B-lines at LUS, overhydration normalized to extracellular water “OH/ECW” > 7% at BIS, and/or IVC-CI < 40%) in the absence of clinical signs of fluid overload. The others were included in the euvolemic (EU) group. The overload rate by weight (clinical OH), prescribed by the physician clinically, was calculated as the proportional increase from the dry weight (kg of fluid overload / dry weight in kg × 100). Results The two analyzed groups did not differ regarding gender, age and BSA (Table). The clinical OH was significantly higher in the SH population than in the EU group (2.2 ± 1.84 vs 1.30 ± 2.16%, p < 0.01). In the correlation analysis, we found that clinical OH positively correlated with the number of B-lines by LUS (R = 0.2923, p < 0.001) and OH/ECW by BIS (R = 0.4144, p < 0.001), while there was a negative correlation with IVC-CI (R = −0.2597, p = 0.019). However, each method taken individually (LUS, BIS, and IVC-CI) appeared to be inaccurate in predicting fluid status in several individual cases. Although the frequency of hypertension did not differ between the SH and EU groups, uncontrolled hypertension, treatment-resistant hypertension, and hospital admission for hypertensive crises were more frequent in the SH group, with the latter being statistically significant (67% vs 0%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, in the entire cohort, we observed a significant linear correlation between LVMI values and the average values of pre-HD systolic blood pressure recorded in the prior six months (R2 = 0.16, p = 0.002). It is worth noting that the presence of LVH at the last follow-up was significantly more prevalent in the SH group (75% vs 27%, p = 0.04). Conclusion Chronic subclinical hypervolemia, detected with a multi-method evaluation (including LUS, BIS, and IVC-CI), was significantly correlated with clinical OH and associated with a higher risk of LVH. To mitigate the intrinsic limitations of each technique, adopting two or more methods simultaneously can bypass and minimize the risk of evaluative error in assessing fluid status, and help reduce cardiovascular risk.

Analysis and Reflection on the Green, Low-Carbon, and Energy-Saving Design of the Super High-Rise Building

Shanghai Tower has become a new landmark of Shanghai. In the current trend advocating green building and energy efficiency, considerations of wind loads and thermal characteristics of the perimeter structure of Shanghai Tower are crucial. This paper conducts comparative simulation studies on the wind environment of Shanghai Tower using Ecotect software, and stress analyses and thermal simulations of the perimeter structure using ANSYS software. The study compared three buildings’ surface wind pressure distributions using models with equal-volume and circular cross-sections. We found that the unique exterior design of the Shanghai Tower results in a more regular and uniform distribution of wind pressure on its surface compared to both circular and square planar models, with a lower average wind pressure value. In addition, the stress analysis results indicate significant differences in deformation and stress distribution between the windward and leeward sides. Enhancing the bending moment detection of the peripheral structure and optimizing the layout of detection points are recommended. Thermal simulation results show excessive heat conduction flux in winter conditions, suggesting optimization using passive energy-saving methods such as light-sensitive thermal insulation materials during winter. This research is a reference for designing other super-tall buildings prioritizing low-carbon energy efficiency and structural safety.

Headache and Other Factors Modifying Cerebrospinal Fluid Opening Pressure in Pediatric Patients.

Cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure values are associated with various neurologic diseases; however, numerous factors can modify this measurement. This study aims to describe factors related to modifications in opening pressure measurements in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of lumbar punctures in pediatric patients conducted by the neuropediatrics group with institutional standardization. Bivariate and linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between opening pressure and variables included in the study. Results: 544 events, median age 107 months, median opening pressure 19.7 cm H2O. Bivariate analysis found no association with medication use; anesthetics that increased opening pressure were remifentanil (P = .02) and propofol (P = .05), along with a positive linear correlation between opening pressure and age (P < .0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, BMI, male gender, and remifentanil use were associated with an increase in opening pressure, whereas corticosteroid withdrawal was associated with a reduction in opening pressure. There is an interaction between age and headache, with an association with increased opening pressure up to around 140 months. Conclusion: This study identifies factors associated with changes in opening pressure, crucial for estimating normal opening pressure values in children. Headaches, anesthetic use, and corticosteroid withdrawal are confirmed as significant factors.

Exploring the performance of protected areas in alleviating future human pressure.

Protected areas (PAs) are effective in mitigating human pressures, yet their future pressure alleviating effects remain unclear. In this study, we employed the ConvLSTM model to forecast the future human footprint and analyzed human pressure trends using Theil-Sen median and Mann-Kendall tests. We further evaluated the mitigating effects of PAs within their buffer zones (1-10 km) and the contributions of different IUCN categories of PAs to mitigating human pressure using linear regression models. The results indicate that by 2035, the average human pressure value is expected to increase by 11%, with trends exhibiting a polarized pattern. Furthermore, PAs also effectively mitigate human pressure within their 1 km buffer zones. Different categories of PAs vary in their effectiveness in mitigating human pressure, and stricter conservation areas are not always the most effective. This study can offer insights for evaluating the effectiveness of PAs in reducing human pressure and advocate for their targeted management in urban areas.

Analytic representative element rate decline models for naturally fractured reservoir depletion

Representative single anisotropic matrix block 2D Green’s function models for depletion through fully-penetrating, vertical fractures through different numbers of fracture faces are constructed that analytically capture both fracture and block depletion with fracture-matrix mass transfer. The 1D Green’s function for a fracture system is likewise solved in terms of the time evolution of average fracture pressure. While transient average pressure values are not inherently measurable, they are transformed into cumulative production or instantaneous flowrate values, thus producing new rate decline model functional forms. Primary variables in assembling the interacting systems model are the volume ratio, Vf /Vm, permeability ratio, kf /kx, and geometry, (a/b)(ky/kx), with the last term accounting for both block shape and permeability anisotropy. We construct interacting systems models in terms of various ratios of Vf /Vm, and kf /kx for three fracture architecture prototypes: representative matrix blocks depleted by 4, 2, or 1 contacting fractures. The single matrix block models can be migrated to ones for heterogeneous systems using superposition and matrix block distributions, as demonstrated with a binary distribution of block sizes with variable fractions. Analytic solutions for rate decline problems can be used to understand the production signatures of naturally fractured reservoirs and interpretation of fracture volume fraction, permeability ratio, average matrix block size, and measures of heterogeneity.

Experimental investigation on the discharge and suction gas performance in the multilayer insulation microchannels

The use of cryogenic propellants is prioritized for powering Mars lander propulsion systems. To provide thermal protection for these cryogenic propellants, a combination of multilayer insulation (MLI) and foam is commonly employed. However, during the Mars lander ascent, space travel, and reentry, unique phenomena such as transient venting and suction of gas occur within the MLI, significantly compromising its insulation performance. In the current study, an experimental platform was developed to investigate the discharge and suction of rarefied gas in MLI microchannels. Based on the perforation MLI results, the residual gas pressure in the innermost layer reaches below 10 Pa after over 100 h of evacuation. Baked MLI exhibits favorable discharge gas performance, with an average pressure value (the sum of the interstitial pressure in MLI divided by the total number of layers) 30.85% lower than that of the original MLI. Evacuation rates are improved by 11.87% when the MLI is flushed with nitrogen (N2). The baking condition does not significantly affect suction gas properties. The thermal conductivity of residual helium (He) is much higher than that of air and N2. These findings offer valuable insights for the design of cryogenic propellant tanks, aiding in optimizing their insulation performance.

Long-term results of combined surgery in patients with cataract and glaucoma

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of femtolaser-assisted phacoemulsification in combination of cataract and glaucoma in combination with NPDS in long-term follow-up.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the results of the surgical treatment of patients with combined pathology of cataract and glaucoma was carried out. The groups of patients differed according to the method of surgical intervention: 1) phacoemulsification with NPDS and implantation of the Xenoplast drainage (49 eyes, 43 patients); 2) femtolaser-assisted phacoemulsification with NPDS and Xenoplast drainage implantation (27 eyes, 23 patients).&#x0D; Results. Before surgery, the average values ​​of corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOP cc), pressure equated to Goldman pressure (IOP g) and corneal hysteresis (CH) in group 1 were 27.99.9 mm Hg. Art., 27.78.9 mm Hg. Art., 7.03.0 mm Hg. Art.; in group 2 - 25.98.4 mm Hg. Art., 24.77.7 mm Hg, 7.72.1 mm Hg Art. 5 years after the surgical treatment, the average values ​​of IOP cc, IOP g and CH of the 1st group were 17.13.8 mm Hg. Art., 14.52.8 mm Hg. Art., 8.52.6 mm Hg. Art.; 2nd group - 15.13.3 mm Hg. Art., 15.34.7 mm Hg, 8.31.0 mm Hg Art. In both groups, normalization of IOP and CH was noted in the late postoperative period.&#x0D; Conclusion. Combined phacoemulsification with femtolaser accompaniment and non NPDS with Xenoplast drainage implantation is an effective and safe way to improve visual functions and normalize IOP with subsequent stabilization of the glaucoma process in the late postoperative period.

Positive kidney profile of dogs with Leishmania sp. and treated with miltefosine

Canine leishmaniasis has a wide variety of clinical signs, and, depending on the stage of the disease, the kidneys are the organs most affected. To stage the disease and carry out treatment, kidney assessment is of great importance, along with drug interactions and the deposition of immune complexes. In this study, we evaluated the renal morphology and function by means of B-mode ultrasonography and vascular Doppler, biochemical, urinalysis, and blood pressure tests, correlating the findings in dogs positive for leishmaniasis and treated with miltefosine. For this, 38 dogs were used, 12 healthy (G1) ones and 26 naturally infected with Leishmania sp.; of these, 12 animals were not treated (G2), and 14 were treated with miltefosine (G3). Evaluations were performed twice, with an interval of 30 days, before and after treatment with miltefosine. The average values of blood pressure as well as biochemical and urinary parameters were within the normal ranges for the species. In the volumetric Doppler measurement, no statistical differences were observed for systolic velocity, diastolic velocity, and resistivity index between the kidneys and the treated and untreated groups. According to the results obtained, treatment with miltefosine does not influence the renal parameters evaluated.

Development of personalized non-invasive ventilation masks for critically ill children: a bench study

BackgroundObtaining a properly fitting non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mask to treat acute respiratory failure is a major challenge, especially in young children and patients with craniofacial abnormalities. Personalization of NIV masks holds promise to improve pediatric NIV efficiency. As current customization methods are relatively time consuming, this study aimed to test the air leak and surface pressure performance of personalized oronasal face masks using 3D printed soft materials. Personalized masks of three different biocompatible materials (silicone and photopolymer resin) were developed and tested on three head models of young children with abnormal facial features during preclinical bench simulation of pediatric NIV. Air leak percentages and facial surface pressures were measured and compared for each mask.ResultsPersonalized NIV masks could be successfully produced in under 12 h in a semi-automated 3D production process. During NIV simulation, overall air leak performance and applied surface pressures were acceptable, with leak percentages under 30% and average surface pressure values mostly remaining under normal capillary pressure. There was a small advantage of the masks produced with soft photopolymer resin material.ConclusionThis first, proof-of-concept bench study simulating NIV in children with abnormal facial features, showed that it is possible to obtain biocompatible, personalized oronasal masks with acceptable air leak and facial surface pressure performance using a relatively short, and semi-automated production process. Further research into the clinical value and possibilities for application of personalized NIV masks in critically ill children is needed.

Impact of Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure on Hospitalizations of Patients Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

This study aims to investigatethe impact of temperature and atmospheric pressure on hospitalizations of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This is a retrospective, observational, analytical study conducted in a single center, University Hospital Center "Mother Teresa," Tirana, Albania, in the period January-December 2018. This study included 1,165 patients with ACS, who performed urgent coronary angiography, from January 2018 to December 2018. Patients were diagnosed withACS based on clinical and examination findings. The data were collected retrospectively using patient files. Baseline demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics were collected. Data on atmospheric parameters, measured at the weather monitoring station, were obtained from the National Meteorological Service database. Measurements from the meteorological service provided values ​​for each parameter: average daily temperature and atmospheric pressure in each country district. Atmospheric data measurements were taken for the day under review. The number of inhabitants for the respective districts is taken from the National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The study involved 1,165 patients, with a mean age of 63.1 years, ranging from 27 years to 89 years old. The majority of patients (78.6%) were male, while 21.4% were female. A statistically significant relationship was observed between seasonal changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure concerning the number of cases with ACS; the autumn season prevails with 27.9% of the total cases, followed by the spring season with 25.6%, the summer season with 24.2%, and winter season with 22.3% (p = 0.04). Additionally, significant changes in the average monthly values ​​of temperature and atmospheric pressure were accompanied by a statistically significant increase in the number of cases as occurred in March-April and October-November (p ≤ 0.05). Most cases in the cold period (November-March) occurred on days with a change in temperature or atmospheric pressure with a statistically significant value of p < 0.05. An important relationship between seasonal, monthly, and daily changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure concerning the frequency of cases with ACS was observed.

District metered areas determination for water distribution networks using improved Girvan-Newman algorithm

In general, partitioning networks into district metered areas (DMA) is known as a practical method to manage the pressure and reduce water leakage in Water Distribution Networks (WDNs). Different methods such as engineering judgment, optimization techniques, and graph theory are proposed to determine the DMA. The graph theory is a traditional method for partitioning networks including several algorithms. One of these algorithms is the Girvan-Newman (GN) algorithm which is based on the mathematical parameters without considering the characteristics of networks. In other words, the hydraulic quality and quantity condition of WDNs are not used for DMA determination. Therefore, in this research, a new method is proposed to improve the performance of the GN algorithm for DMA determination considering the quantities of water networks. For this purpose, the average values of nodal pressure and residual chlorine concentration are calculated and used simultaneously for the junction’s weight determination. Then, the edge scores are calculated based on the junction’s weights, and the edges with the maximum scores are removed until to reach the desired number of DMAs. For comparison purposes, here, the Demand-Driven Simulation Method (DDSM) and Head-Driven Simulation Method (HDSM) analyses are used for the analysis of the Poulakis WDN, selected as a case study. A comparison of the results shows that by using the proposed method, the average pressure values are decreased and the average residual chlorine concentration values are increased. In other words, the pressure values are decreased from 16.32% to 26.23% and the average residual chlorine concentration values are increased from 2.5% to 18.37% in comparison with the results of the standard form of the GN algorithm using both DDSM and HDSM analyses. Furthermore, by using the proposed method, in all scenarios, the hybrid reliability values increase in comparison with the GN algorithm. The results indicate the unique performance of the proposed method in comparison with the standard form of the GN algorithm for DMA determination of WDNs.

Intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in a healthy student population

Introduction/Objective. Intraocular pressure is an important parameter of eye health, especially when glaucoma is suspected. So far, few studies have been published that aimed to determine the average value of intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in a healthy population aged 20?30 years. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of the values of intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in healthy student population. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness were measured on a sample of a healthy population, aged 22?37 years. Intraocular pressure was measured using the Goldmann applanation tonometry method, while central corneal thickness was measured using ultrasound pachymetry. The analysis of numerical values was done using the methods of descriptive statistics. Results. By measuring intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in 641 subjects (1282 eyes), the average value of intraocular pressure was determined to be 14.79 ? 2.31 mmHg, and central corneal thickness was 553.92 ? 25.56 ?m. By comparing two groups of subjects, one male group and the other one female, we determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the average value of intraocular pressure (t-test, p &gt; 0.05), and the average value of central corneal thickness (t-test, p &gt; 0.05) between the sexes. Conclusion. The determined average value of intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness is similar to those determined in other cross-sectional studies of this type. No statistically significant difference was found in the intraocular pressure values and the central thickness of the cornea by sex.

Obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Aim: To perform an overall assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) adults with central obesity. Materials and Methods: We enrolled HFpEF patients with central obesity (n =73, mean age 52.4 ± 6.3 years) and without obesity (n =70, mean age 51.9 ± 7.1 years) and compared with an age-matched healthy subjects who had not suffered from HF (n = 69, mean age 52.3 ± 7.5 years). Physical examination, routine laboratory tests such as fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA) index, serum lipids, haemoglobin, creatinine, ALT, AST, uric acide, hs CRP, TSH, N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and standard transthoracic echocardiogram (2D and Doppler) examinations were performed and assessed. Results: The average values of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glucose and lipid profiles, uric acide, hs CRP were found to be significantly higher among obese patients with HFpEF than non-obese. Despite more severe symptoms and signs of HF, obese patients with HFpEF had lower NT-proBNP values than non-obese patients with HFpEF (129±36.8 pg/ml, 134±32.5 pg/ml vs 131±30.4 pg/ml, 139±33.8 pg/ml respectively; p < 0.05). However, it was found that patients with high central (visceral) adiposity have more pronounced obesity-related LV diastolic dysfunction, lower E/e' ratio, lower mitral annular lateral e' velocity, an increased LV diastolic dimension and LV mass index. Compared with non-obese HFpEF and control subjects, obese patients displayed greater right ventricular dilatation (base, 35±3.13 mm, 36±4.7 mm vs 33±2.8 mm, 34±3.2 mm and 29±5.3 mm, 30±3.9 mm; length, 74±5 mm, 76±8 mm vs 67±4 mm, 69±6 mm and 60±3 mm, 61±5 mm respectively; p < 0.05), more right ventricular dysfunction (TAPSE 16±2 mm, 15±3 mm vs 17±2 mm, 17±1 mm and 19±2 mm, 20±3 mm respectively; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Obese patients with HFpEF have higher diastolic BP, atherogenic dyslipidemia, insulin resistance index values and greater systemic inflammatory biomarkers, despite lower NT-proBNP values, which increase the risk of cardiovascular events in future. Echocardiography examination revealed not only significant LV diastolic dysfunction, but also displayed greater RV dilatation and dysfunction.

Changes in body balance due to exposure to trauma – multi-center studies

Aim. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of a traumatic event experienced by the subject on postural balance and biomechanical parameters of gait. Research methodology. The study involved 31 people (n = 100%), including 22 women (nk% = 70.97%), 9 men (nm% = 29.03), aged 29-60. People with diseases and dysfunctions affecting body balance and gait pattern were excluded from the study. Balance and gait tests were performed using pedobarography (pedobarograph mod. EPS R2, Biomech Studio v2 software). The balance test was performed while standing, for 20 seconds, with sampling every 1 ms (millisecond) – the number of samples during one test is 20,000. The balance and gait assessment tests were performed twice. Test I included testing in neutral conditions, Test II included testing in conditions in which the subject was exposed to a traumatic event he or she had experienced in the past (so-called exposure to “experienced trauma”). Results. The obtained results of studies on the impact of exposure to experienced trauma on body balance while standing showed significant differences in body fluctuations in the most important parameters of stabilometric assessment. The obtained results of research on the impact of exposure to trauma on the subject’s gait showed no significant differences between the test in neutral conditions and the test during exposure. Conclusions. (1) Exposure to the trauma experienced by the subject significantly affects the body’s balance in a standing position. (2) The research showed no influence of exposure to the experienced trauma on the subject’s gait in the area of the time of contact of the feet with the ground and on the values of maximum and average pressure; The area of the plane where the feet are placed on the ground changes significantly before and after exposure to the trauma experienced by the subject. (3) In research on the impact of trauma on body posture, detailed results of studies on the range of COP fluctuations in each plane should be taken into account – the study showed that the analysis of only average results may significantly indicate an incorrect result in the assessment of body balance.

Tactics of treatment the children with pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy in combination with otitis media with effusion

Actual tactics of treatment for children with otitis media with effusion in combination with pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy involve medical treatment and observation for 3 months. The next step is to resolve the issue of surgical treatment, however, there are differences in its scope: adenotomy, tympanopuncture/myringotomy, ventilation tubes introduce may be performed. The modern method of adenotomy (endoscopic power assisted adenotomy) has advantages over the classical one due to precision and better possibilities of removal of lymphoid tissue in the peritubar and perichoanal parts of the nasopharynx. The aim of our study was to increase the effectiveness of surgical treatment of children with otitis media with effusion and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy. Prospective results of treatment for 47 children with otitis media with effusion in combination with pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy were studied. In 47 children with otitis media with effusion in combination with pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy, endoscopic energy adenotomy with tympanopuncture with intratympanic administration of dexamethasone was performed. At the time of adenotomy, all children had been suffering from otitis media with effusion for 3 months or more, and medical treatment had no effect. The examination 1 month after the intervention established, the secretion in the tympanic cavity in 6.4% of children who subsequently require insertion of ventilation tube. In 80.8% of cases, normalization of intratympanic pressure was observed in one month after adenotomy with tympanopuncture. The average values of intratympanic pressure in patients in 2 and 4 weeks after the simultaneously intervention was (76.5±7.8) dPa and (51.3±8.5) dPa, respectively. Power assisted adenotomy with simultaneous tympanopuncture is an effective method of treating children with otitis media with effusion and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy and can be recommended for use in clinical practice. Keywords: otitis, otitis with effusion, tonsils hypertrophy, tonsil pharyngeal, adenotomy, inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory ways.

Fluid analysis of the cavitation of the microsegment gear pump operating at high-pressure condition

To investigate the cavitation of the microsegment gear pump and its effect on the performance of the gear pump, the gear equations of the microsegment gear for the pump were given, the cavitation mechanism was described, and the dynamic cavitation model was derived. The fluid analysis of the microsegment gear pump was carried out using the computational fluid dynamics software (Fluent), and the evolution of cavitation and its effect on the outlet flow characteristics were investigated. The results show that: the vortex occurred at the back edge of the microsegment gear pump suction chamber teeth and the top of the teeth, thus producing cavitation; the cavitation presented periodic formation-development-disappearance of the process; cavitation led to increased outlet flow fluctuations and pressure pulsations, and also led to a decrease in the average value of outlet flow and average value of outlet pressure. The periodic cavitation led to the periodic fluctuation in outlet flow and pressure. At the same time, cavitation also caused a decrease in the total head of the microsegment gear pump. Cavitation in the microsegment gear pump increased with increasing the speed and decreasing the suction pressure.

Knowledge and Awareness of Glaucoma Among People Living in Taif City in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background Glaucoma represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by progressive and irreversible optic nerve damage, visual field impairment, and potential blindness. Limited awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and increased healthcare burden. This research explored glaucoma awareness in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. It delved into the influence of demographics, socioeconomic factors, and cultural beliefs on awareness. The study aimed to inform tailored awareness campaigns and policy decision-makers about regional awareness, ultimately contributing to effective healthcare initiatives in the region. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif City including adults (>18 years) using a community-based approach. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire. Results This study included 1,000 participants. Most participants were males, aged 18-29 years, with 51.1% (n = 511) having at least a bachelor's education. The media (n = 341, 34.1%) and relatives/friends (n = 336, 33.6%) were common sources of glaucoma information. Among all participants, 58.5% (n = 585) had heard of glaucoma, and many were uncertain about glaucoma's definition and normal eye pressure values. About 63.1% (n = 631) believed in a cure, and 43.1% thought vision loss could be restored. Gender, education, and family history significantly influenced awareness. Closed-angle glaucoma (n = 297, 29.7%) and open-angle glaucoma (n = 231, 23.1%) were recognized types, with surgery (n = 371, 37.1%) and laser treatment (n = 274, 27.4%) perceived as potential cures. Conclusions This study revealed glaucoma awareness among adults in Taif City. Gender, education, and family history played significant roles in shaping awareness levels. There is a need for targeted educational efforts to improve knowledge about glaucoma in the community.