Resistance Index Values Research Articles

Firing variables and strain sensitivity of Bi2Ru2O7 thick resistive films

In order to provide accurate and semi-real-time information about performances and conditions of various civil engineering structures thick-film resistors are often being used as strain sensors. For that purpose, Ba2Ru2O7 thick resistive films based on compositions with sheet resistivities of 1 kOhm/sq, 10 kOhm/sq and 100 kOhm/sq were evaluated. Resistors were fired at three different peak temperatures (825oC, 850oC and 875oC) and with three different dwelling times (5 min, 10 min and 15 min) in order to correlate influence of firing variables and thick resistive film strain sensitivity by tracking structure-related changes in resistance, gage factor and noise index values. For 10 kOhm/sq composition values of resistance change vs. temperature and temperature coefficient of resistance were measured and calculated.

Retrobulbar Short Posterior Ciliary Artery Hemodynamics in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Purpose:To investigate retrobulbar blood flow changes in the short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods:In this prospective study, there were 22 eyes in the PEG group, 28 eyes in the POAG group, and 28 eyes with senile cataract in the control group. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), mean velocity (Vm), and resistivity index (RI) parameters of the temporal and nasal SPCAs were compared between the study groups.Results:Mean temporal PSV, EDV, and Vm value were significantly lower in both the POAG group and the PEG group (P = 0.049, P = 0.004, P = 0.020), respectively. Temporal SPCA RI values were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.115).Conclusion:There are retrobulbar blood flow changes in glaucomatous compared to nonglaucomatous eyes. However, SPCAs blood flow characteristics are similar between PEG and POAG subtypes.

Non-Alkolik Yağlı Karaciğer Hastalığı Olan ve Olmayan Obez Çocuklarda Hepatik Vasküler Akım Değişikliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Objective: To evaluate hepatic vascular flow alterations using Doppler ultrasound in obese children with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Material and Methods: Ninety-one obese and 30 healthy lean (control) children were enrolled in this study. Obese children were divided into two groups: children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and children without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; according to hepatic fatty changes on ultrasound, and blood serum alanine aminotransferase levels above 30 IU/L. Portal vein diameter, portal blood flow volume and hepatic artery resistive index were calculated using Doppler ultrasound.Results: Portal vein diameter and portal blood flow volume values in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were found close to the controls. However, the values of portal vein diameter and portal blood flow volume were lower in children without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease group than the other groups (p<0.001). Hepatic artery resistive index was higher in children without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease group than children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease group (0.64±0.1 and 0.60±0.1, respectively) (p=0.03), whereas hepatic artery resistive index was found to be close in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and controls. These findings were similar to the differences in hepatic vascular changes observed during the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which were described in physio-pathological studies.Conclusion: Portal vein diameter, portal blood flow volume and hepatic artery resistive index values in obese children show significant differences according to the presence or absence of fatty liver. These differences are consistent with hepatic physio-pathological changes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, hepatic vascular Doppler indices may be a new tool that can be used to monitor the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children.

Canopy Cover Temperature & Drought Tolerance Indices in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Genotypes under Semi-arid Condition in Algeria

This experiment was carried out at Setif Agricultural Experimental Station in Algeria during 2017–2018 crop season using five cultivars (Triticum durum Desf.) to determine differences in the relationship between (CT and drought resistance indices values based on their difference in yielding under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions and sown in a random block design with three replications. Our study aim to determine differences in the relationship between CT and drought resistance indices values and grain yield GY under both conditions to evaluate the effect of canopy temperature in drought tolerance of durum wheat. Five durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes were studied based on their difference in yielding under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions in conception of a random block design with three replications. The following measurements were applied: GY, CT canopy cover temperature depression CTD and seven drought tolerance indices (HM-SSI-GMP-STI-YSI-MP-TOL). ANOVA showed that genotype effect and irrigation regime effect were highly and significantly on CT and CTD under both stressed (s) and watered (i) conditions. The interaction Genotype×irrigation regime was significant for CT and CTD. PCA showed that CTDs was related with HM, GMP, STI, and MP in indication of drought tolerance, where CTDi was related with TOL and SSI in indication of drought sensitivity. A negative correlation showed between CT and CTD, higher values ​​of CT compared to environmental temperature implies negative values ​​of CTD which indicates drought sensitivity; on the other hand, CT values ​​lower than environmental temperature implies positive CTD values ​​indicating drought tolerance.

Results of ultrasound dopplerography of the penis in patients with before and after transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND: The development of modern technologies for the surgical treatment of urological diseases poses new questions for urologists. One of them is to evaluate the effect of transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia on the erectile function of patients.
 AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the state of erectile function in patients before and after transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia using Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the penis.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 102 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia aged 50 to 80 years (average 65 years) with complaints of erectile dysfunction and urinary disorders. All patients underwent transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia: 55 patients with the laser method (HoLEP, group 1) and 47 patients with the bipolar method (TUEB, group 2). The severity of ED was assessed using the IIEF-5 questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function). To assess the state of blood flow in the penis, ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the penis was performed using a vasoactive erection stimulator. The studies were carried out before surgery and 24 weeks after it.
 RESULTS: The results of ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the penis before surgery revealed the arteriogenic type of ED in 18 (17.6%) patients, the venous type in 45 (44.2%) patients, the mixed arteriovenogenic type in 22 (21.6%) patients. In 17 (16.7%) patients ED was regarded as psychogenic. 24 weeks after the operation in patients of both the 1st and 2nd groups, according to the data of the IIEF-5 questionnaire, positive dynamics of the severity of erectile function was noted, regardless of the type of ED. For patients with vasculogenic types of ED, similar trends were noted regardless of the type of surgery. Thus, in patients with arteriogenic and arteriovenogenic ED a significant increase in the maximum systolic blood flow velocity (Vmax) in the cavernous arteries was recorded, while the values of the resistance index (RI) did not change significantly. At the same time, the Vmax values in these patients were initially low before the operation, and after the operation did not reach the reference values. In patients with venogenic ED, there was no significant improvement in penile blood flow, as evidenced by the absence of significant differences in Vmax and RI values. At the same time, the RI in these patients before the operation was reduced, and the Vmax values were in the range of normal values.
 CONCLUSIONS: The erectile function of patients after transurethral enucleation of benign prostatic hyperplasia improves regardless of the type of operation and the type of erectile dysfunction. Ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the penis is a minimally invasive and highly informative diagnostic method that makes it possible to detect circulatory disorders in the penis and assess its state in dynamics during treatment.

Color Doppler Evaluation of Arterial Resistive Index in Infantile Hemangioma: A Useful Parameter to Monitor the Response to Oral Propranolol?

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign vascular tumor in childhood. In more than 85% of all cases, IHs undergo spontaneous involution, but nearly 10–12% of IHs develop complications and require immediate therapy. Oral propranolol is currently the first-line treatment for IHs. Color Doppler ultrasound is the gold standard in the diagnosis of deep IH, and it is used to evaluate the morphological change and the modification of vascularization that occur during its evolution and treatment. To date, only few data in the literature described the changes of intralesional arterial resistive index (RI) during treatment with propranolol; particularly, some authors have shown an increase of intralesional arterial RI in IHs with clinical regression during treatment with propranolol. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the changes of RI of the intralesional arteries of the IHs during the treatment with oral propranolol. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 64 IHs in 60 patients treated with oral propranolol with a good clinical response. Gray-scale ultrasonography and color Doppler imaging were performed before and during the therapy. The intralesional RIs were measured before and during the treatment. For each lesion, we recorded the RI values, and then we calculated the mean RI value for any single lesion. We compared the mean RI value observed at the baseline with the mean RI value of the last detectable sampling at color Doppler. We also compared between them the mean RI values observed during intermediate ultrasound. The RI values were compared in 44 lesions, with at least two significant samplings of RI. In the 44 lesions compared, we did not find statistically significant variations in the mean RI values between the baseline control and the values recorded at the last post-treatment control. The time trend of mean RI values of the intermediate color Doppler analysis performed between the first pre-treatment control and the last measurable control did not show any statistically significant variation in the trend of mean RI values. Contrarily to what has been described by some authors, in our experience, we have not observed an increase of RI in IHs treated with oral propranolol.

Comparison of Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin and Renal Resistive Index as Acute Kidney Injury Predictor in Critically Ill Patients at ICU H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complication found in critically ill patients. Current consensus explains that diagnosis of AKI based on increased serum creatinine and decreased urine output. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) level is increased a few hours after tubular damage occurred and can predict AKI more significantly than serum creatinine. Renal resistive index (RRI) is also a good marker in predicting the early stage of AKI. AIM: This study aimed to compare RRI and NGAL level as marker to predict incidence of AKI in critically ill patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. METHODS: This was an observational prospective cohort study and conducted in ICU at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in April-May 2021. This study had been approved by the Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine, Sumatera Utara University and H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. Inclusion criteria are critical patients aged 18–65 years with 1st and 2nd priority level. Consecutive sampling was used. Resistive Index (RI) measured using USG Doppler by researcher and the results confirmed by ICU supervisors, while urine NGAL level measured within 3 h after ICU admission. Plasma urea and creatinine level measured after 24h after ICU admission. RESULTS: A total of 40 samples were collected; percentage of men and women are 66–35%, respectively (p = 0.001). There was a significant difference RI between AKI-group and non-AKI group (0.719 ± 0.060 and 0.060 ± 0.077, respectively) (p = 0.001). RI has a sensitivity of 71%, specificity of 84%, and accuracy of 87% in predicting occurrence of AKI with AUROC = 0.873. Meanwhile, NGAL has a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (66%, 89%, 78%, respectively) in early prediction of AKI incidence in critically ill patients. CONCLUSION: RI value was higher in AKI group than non-AKI group. RRI has better sensitivity than NGAL in predicting incidence of AKI.

Salidroside Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Remodeling via the miR-323-3p/SOCS5 Axis in Asthmatic Mice

Introduction: Salidroside (Sal) a bioactive component extracted from Rhodiola rosea is remarkable for its anti-asthmatic effects. The study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of Sal in airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice and provide a novel theoretical basis for asthma treatment. Methods: An asthmatic mouse model was established via ovalbumin (OVA) treatment, followed by injection of Sal and transfection of miR-323-3p-mimic and sh- suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5). Expressions of miR-323-3p, SOCS5 mRNA, collagen (COL)-I, and COL-III were detected via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. SOCS5 protein level was detected via Western blot. Levels of IgE, IL-13, IL-4, and IL-5 were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory cell infiltration was observed via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Collagen disposition was observed via Masson staining. Resistance index (RI) of airway hyperresponsiveness, and the number of total cells, inflammatory cells (eosinophil, macrophage, neutrophil, and lymphocyte) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were observed. The binding relationship between miR-323-3p and SOCS5 was predicted through the RNA22 website and verified via dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: miR-323-3p was highly expressed in OVA-treated mice. Sal treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, COL disposition, miR-323-3p expression, and IgE, IL-13, IL-4, IL-5, COL-I, and COL-III levels, RI value, and the number of total cells and inflammatory cells in BALF. miR-323-3p inhibited SOCS5 transcription. miR-323-3p overexpression or SOCS5 downregulation reversed the protecting role of Sal in asthmatic mice. Conclusion: Sal inhibited miR-323-3p expression to promote SOCS5 transcription, thereby attenuating airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice.

Evaluation of ocular blood flow by Doppler ultrasound in patients with essential blepharospasm.

Benign essential blepharospasm (EB) is a focal facial dyskinesia that occurs with the involuntary contraction of muscles around the eyes. In the literature, studies on blepharospasm focus on elucidating the pathophysiology of this condition in the brain. To the best of our knowledge, there is no research evaluating the orbital imaging findings of patients with EB. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine whether there was any change in the blood supply of muscles around the eye or ocular blood flow in patients with blepharospasm and investigate flow changes that may be caused by spasm. Thirty patients with EB and 30 controls were included in the study. Orbital Doppler ultrasound was performed in all cases to measure ophthalmic and temporal artery peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity and calculate resistive index values. Superior ophthalmic vein blood flow velocity (SOVBFV) was also measured. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender distribution (P = 0.345 and 0.870, respectively). SOVBFV was found to be significantly higher in the EB group (P = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the remaining investigated parameters. In conclusion, our study suggested that ocular spasm in patients with EB had no effect on blood flow other than SOVBFV. When SOVBFV was compared between the EB and control groups, it was found to be increased in the EB group. We consider that this statistical difference may be clinically and pathophysiologically significant.

Electroacupuncture to Improve Endometrial Receptivity and Folliculogenesis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting folliculogenesis and endometrial receptivity. PCOS causes low fertility due to failures in folliculogenesis and ovulation. Electroacupuncture (EA) may help improve folliculogenesis and endometrial receptivity. EA can decrease tonic activity in the sympathetic vasoconstrictor pathway to the uterus. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the addition of EA therapy on folliculogenesis and endometrial receptivity in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, in Jawa Tengah, Indonesia. The subjects were women with PCOS, ages 20-45, who were infertile. They were divided into a control group (17 women) and an experimental group (17 women). The control group received letrozole therapy, and the experimental group received EA + letrozole therapy. Folliculogenesis is determined by measuring the growth of follicle diameter on days 2, 6, 8, 10, and 12 of the menstrual cycle. Endometrial receptivity is determined by resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) examinations on days 19 and 21; endometrial thickness is measured on day 12. Results: There was a significant difference in folliculogenesis on days 2, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Folliculogenesis with letrozole versus EA + letrozole, respectively, were: day 2 = 5.59 ± 1.06 versus 7.01 ± 1.53, P = 0.004; day 6 = 6.71 ± 1.59 versus 9.11 ± 1.23, P < 0.001; day 8 = 9.51 ± 2.68 versus 12.44 ± 1.49, P < 0.001; day 10 = 11.30 ± 3.08 versus 15.53 ± 2.34, P < 0.001; and day 12 = 13.92 ± 3.61 versus 19.86 ± 0.75, P < 0.001. RI value with letrozole versus EA + letrozole were, respectively, day 19 = 0.91 ± 0.07 versus 0.88 ± 0.07, P = 0.150; day 21 = 0.88 ± 0.07 versus 0.79 ± 0.09, P < 0.001. PI value with letrozole versus EA + letrozole were respectively, day 19 = 3.00 ± 0.89 versus 2.30 ± 0.65, P = 0.009; and day 21 = 2.72 ± 0.88 versus 2.02 ± 0.55, P = 0.009. Endometrial thickness with letrozole versus EA + letrozole were, respectively, day 12 = 6.95 ± 1.82 versus 8.22 ± 1.76, P = 0.005. Conclusions: The addition of EA to letrozole therapy improved folliculogenesis, RI, PI, and endometrial thickness in patients with PCOS. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the dosage and timing of this therapy and its potential synergy with other current treatments.

The value of renal color Doppler ultrasound in evaluating the severity and prognosis of patients with acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning complicated by acute kidney injury

Objective: To analyze the value of renal color Doppler ultrasound examination and clinical indicators in evaluating the severity and prognosis of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP) complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) . Methods: In November 2019, 86 AOPP patients complicated by AKI who were admitted from May 2018 to May 2019 were selected as the observation group, and they were divided into AKI stage 1 group (n=37) , AKI stage 2 group (n=32) and AKI stage 3 group (n=17) . 40 healthy people were selected as the control group. The differences in power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) score, renal interlobular artery resistance index (RI) value and related clinical indicators of each group were measured and analyzed, and the correlations between the indicators were analyzed. At the same time, binary logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of death in AOPP patients complicated by AKI. Results: There were statistically significant differences in Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱscore, mean arterial pressure (MAP) , serum creatinine (SCr) and the length of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) between different groups (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the APACHE Ⅱscores and SCr of patients in the AKI stage 2 and resistance index AKI stage 3 groups increased, while the MAP decreased (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, AKI stage 1 group and AKI stage 2 group, the PDU score of patients in the AKI stage 3 group was significantly decreased, and the renal interlobular artery RI value was significantly increased (P<0.05) . SCr was positively correlated with the RI value of renal interlobular arteries and CRRT days (r=0.435, 0.713, P<0.05) , and was negatively correlated with renal PDU score (r=-0.643, P<0.05) . The renal PDU score was negatively correlated with the RI value of renal interlobular arteries and CRRT days (r=-0.350, -0.556, P<0.01) . Binary logistic regression analysis showed that SCr (OR=1.017, 95%CI: 1.004-1.041) and APACHE Ⅱ score (OR=1.289, 95%CI: 1.019-1.827) were risk factors for death in patients with AOPP complicated by AKI (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Both PDU score and the RI value of renal interlobular artery can reflect the severity and stage of patients with AOPP complicated by AKI to a certain extent, but neither of them is a key factor affecting the death of patients.

Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Antimalarial Activity of Hybrid 4-Aminoquinoline-pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole Derivatives.

Widespread resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to current artemisinin-based combination therapies necessitate the discovery of new medicines. Pharmacophoric hybridization has become an alternative for drug resistance that lowers the risk of drug–drug adverse interactions. In this study, we synthesized a new series of hybrids by covalently linking the scaffolds of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole with 4-aminoquinoline via an ethyl linker. All synthesized hybrid molecules were evaluated through in vitro screenings against chloroquine-resistant (K1) and -sensitive (3D7) P. falciparum strains, respectively. Data from in vitro assessments showed that hybrid 4b displayed significant antiplasmodial activities against the 3D7 strain (EC50 = 0.0130 ± 0.0002 μM) and the K1 strain (EC50 = 0.02 ± 0.01 μM), with low cytotoxic effect against Vero mammalian cells. The high selectivity index value on the 3D7 strain (SI > 1000) and the K1 strain (SI > 800) and the low resistance index value from compound 4b suggested that the pharmacological effects of this compound were due to selective inhibition on the 3D7 and K1 strains. Molecular docking analysis also showed that 4b recorded the highest binding energy on P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase. Thus, P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase is considered a potential molecular target for the synthesized compound.

Can spectral doppler high specificity and gray scale nail assessment suggest inflammation in psoriatic arthritis patients and control groups?

Introduction: The use of high resolution ultrasonography (US) has become a very important tool in nail assessment. This study evaluated nails clinical and ultrasound measurements in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed with a total of 60 patients, PSA patients, 10 healthy individuals and 6 hand osteoarthritis patients (OA). Only PsA patients meeting the CASPAR criteria were included in the study. Results: Spectral Doppler (sD) was used to analyze 208 nail beds. Nail plates on the gray scale (GS) showed loss of the normal three-layered pattern in 89 nails (45.9%). Power Doppler (PD) signal was detected in 189 nail beds (92.2%), showing inflammatory activity in most of the patients and nails assessed. Resistance index (RI) was significantly lower in PsA patients as compared to control groups in both the longitudinal and transverse planes (p&lt;0.001).Nail enthesitis was observed when RI values were below 0.4, characterizing 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity (p&lt;0.01). Conclusions: Nail US scanning presented statistical significance in PsA patients. Future studies could show many inflammatory situations, requiring treatment assessment.

Bioefficacy, Phytotoxicity and Economics of Post-emergence Herbicides in Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia) in Hot Arid Regions

Background: Weed infestation is the major cause of yield loss to Kharif pulses in arid regions. Post-emergence herbicide application is a promising weed management option for pulses in these areas. Therefore, the current study was aimed to find an effective and economic post-emergence herbicide molecule for weed control in moth bean. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during 2017-2019 with different herbicides, hand weeding, weed-free and unweededs in Kharif mung bean in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Result: Among the herbicide treatments, post-emergence application of propaquizafop + imazethapyr @ 125 g a.i. ha-1 being statistically at par with clodinafop-propargyl + sodium acifluorfen @ 312.5 g a.i. ha-1 and hand weeding recorded the highest reduction in total weed dry matter (73.9%), highest weed control efficiency (73.8%) and lowest weed persistence index (1.03) compared to the unweeded. The reduction in seed yield in unweeded compared to weed-free and hand weeding was 50.8% and 42.1%, respectively. As the imazethapyr-containing herbicides caused crop phytotoxicity, significantly higher crop dry weight (513 g m-2), seed yield (5.53 q ha-1), stover yield (18.0 q ha-1), gross returns and net benefits of moth bean were recorded with clodinafop-propargyl + sodium acifluorfen (312.5 g a.i. ha-1) over other herbicide treatments. Clodinafop-propargyl + sodium acifluorfen (@312.5 g a.i. ha-1) registered the minimum value of weed index (20) and highest values of herbicide efficiency index (3.9) and crop resistance index (4.70).

Индекс резистентности внутренних сонных артерий и нейросети мозга при хронической церебральной ишемии

Quantitative assessment of cerebral hemodynamics is important for patients with chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI), as it helps to reveal the pathogenesis of the disease and set the course for effective prevention and treatment. The study was aimed to assess the correlation of the left carotid artery (ICA) resistive index (RI) with cognitive functions and brain network organization based on fMRI data in patients with CCI (51 males and 105 females). The listed above indicators were studied in patients with the left ICA RI values below and above the average (0.54 ± 0.013). The lower, normal physiological ICA resistance levels corresponded to the more successful realization of verbal cognitive functions. In the first group, RI was within normal range (RI = 0.42 ± 0.007), and in the second group RI exceeded normal levels (RI = 0.61 ± 0.01). Variation of the right ICA RI did not correlate with the characteristics of verbal cognitive functions. FMRI data analysis was used to assess the differences in connectivity between various brain regions in the groups with low and high RI. The normal physiological and elevated RI values of the left ICA correlated with differences in the organization of brain networks: normal physiological RI values corresponded to a better organization of hemispheric connections in the basal ganglia and brainstem, and high RI values corresponded to a better organization of connections between the frontal regions and the cerebellum as well as occipital areas of the cerebral cortex. The left ICA RI can be considered as a biomarker of cognitive decline and brain networks reorganization in patients with CCI.

“Simplified” Cracking Tests: Evaluation of the IDEAL-CT Performed Using a Marshall Testing Platform

Abstract In considering the implementation of a cracking test for asphalt mixes, attention should be given to both the accuracy and the practical implications of equipment cost and ease of use. This study evaluated the applicability of the indirect tensile asphalt cracking test (IDEAL-CT) performed using a Marshall frame with an in-house-assembled data acquisition instrumentation, compared with the Illinois flexibility index test (I-FIT) protocol using a modern asphalt materials performance test (AMPT). Both flexibility index (FI) and cracking resistance index (CRI) values were obtained from the I-FIT tests. Mixes representing five in-service pavements exhibiting different levels of cracking performance are included. Despite an unstable (and out of specification) loading rate on the Marshall testing frame, IDEAL-CT test results compared favorably with those of the I-FIT performed on the AMPT. The CTIndex exhibited less variability than the FI but more variability than the CRI. The CTIndex appears to discriminate cracking-related behavior in a manner consistent with the FI and CRI. This study indicates the potential for using the IDEAL-CT on a Marshall frame—offering laboratories potentially significant savings in both equipment and specimen preparation costs.

Doppler Ultrasound Imaging Combined with Fetal Heart Detection in Predicting Fetal Distress in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension under the Guidance of Artificial Intelligence Algorithm.

This study was to improve the feasibility and economic benefits of intelligent medical system Doppler ultrasound (DUS) imaging technology combined with fetal heart detection to predict the fetal distress in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), so as to reduce the risk of deterioration of the patient's condition. The characteristics of DUS images were analyzed, and a diffusion filter reducing the specificity was adopted to improve the smooth speckle noise of DUS images. 120 pregnant women in hospital were the subjects of the study, all of whom received ultrasound cord blood flow testing and fetal heart monitoring. 88 PIH patients with fetal distress were diagnosed and included in the observation group, and 32 healthy pregnant women tested during the same period were identified as the control group. Clinical data were reviewed and analyzed. The diagnostic rates of fetal distress by simple fetal heart monitoring and DUS detection combined with fetal heart monitoring were compared. The results showed that 26.7% of fetal distress were diagnosed by fetal heart monitoring alone, and 73.3% of fetal distress were diagnosed by combined testing, so the diagnostic accuracy of the combined detection method was greatly higher than the single fetal heart detection (P < 0.05). The Pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and S/D values detected by the umbilical artery in the observation group were 1.48, 0.85, and 4.31, respectively. The PI, RI, and S/D values detected by the umbilical artery in the control group were 0.96, 0.64, and 3.59, respectively. The results of arterial detection were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the difference was of significant scientific significance (P < 0.05). In summary, the PI and RI values of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) detected by DUS diagnosis can effectively reflect the current status of the fetus in the uterus and reduce the mortality of the fetus. The images guided by DUS imaging technology can clearly show the current status of the fetus in the uterus, effectively improve the medical diagnostic efficiency, and have important reference value for the development of intelligent medical equipment.

Epidemiology and Management of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension in Greece. Real-World Data from the Hellenic Pulmonary Hypertension Registry (HOPE).

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare disease with poor prognosis if left untreated, characterized by pulmonary vascular bed obstruction due to unresolving thromboembolic material. The Hellenic pulmonary hypertension registry (HOPE) was launched in Greece in early 2015 and enrolls patients from all pulmonary hypertension subgroups in Greece. In total, 98 patients with CTEPH were enrolled from January 2015 until November 2019. Of these patients, 55.1% represented incident population, 50% were classified in the World Health Organization functional class II and 49% had a history of acute pulmonary embolism. The median values of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and cardiac index were 7.4 (4.8) WU and 2.4 (1.0) L/min/m2, respectively, the mean diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was 74.8 ± 20.6%, the median 6-minute walk distance was 347 (220) meters and the median value of N Terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide was 506.0 (1450.0) pg/mL. In total, 60.2% of the patients were under pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted therapy at the time of enrolment; specifically, riociguat was received by 35.7% of the patients and combination therapy was the preferred strategy for 16% of the patients. In total, 74 patients were evaluated for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), 34 (45.9%) were assessed as operable but only 23 of those (31.1%) finally underwent PEA. The remaining 40 patients were ineligible for PEA according to the operability assessment and 13 (17.6%) of them underwent balloon pulmonary angioplasty. The age of the non-operable patients was significantly higher than the operable patients (p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference with regard to the history of coagulopathies between the operable and non-operable patients (p = 0.33).

Resistive Renal Index of the Recipient and its Correlation With the Outcome of Kidney Transplantation at the End of the First Year: Preliminary Results

Renal resistive index (RRI) of ultrasonography is a useful and potent tool for the assessment of patients who have undergone transplantations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of RRI with renal function 1 year after transplant. We retrospectively evaluated 93 kidney allograft recipients. Data were collected from transplantations performed in our medical center between January 2014 and September 2018. Patients with acute loss of the renal function and renal survival <1 year were excluded from the study. We longitudinally compared the RRI at the first week after transplant and the third month, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) at the end of the first year of transplantation. RRI was divided into 2 groups (RRI ≤0.80 or >0.80). From the total of 86 recipients, 59 (68.6%) were male recipients and 27 female recipients with a mean age of 48.3 ± 12.1 years. No correlations were found between the first week's RRI with sex and age of both donors and recipients (P > .05). Similarly, the first week's RRI was not correlated with delayed graft function (DGF) and 1-year eGFR after transplant (P > .05). On the contrary, RRI performed at the third month was strongly correlated to DGF and eGFR at the end of the first year. Last but not least, neither higher recipient age nor sex affects the value of resistive index in the third month after transplantation (P < .05). RRI values <0.80 in the third month after kidney transplantation were related to better annual renal function and a lower incidence of DGF.

Herbicide-Resistant Invasive Plant Species Ludwigia decurrens Walter.

Ludwigia decurrens Walter is a dicotyledonous plant belonging to the family Onagraceae. It is native to Central Eastern USA but has been spreading quickly and has naturalized in aquatic and riparian ecosystems (including rice paddy fields) in many countries; therefore, it is now considered an invasive noxious weed. L. decurrens is highly competitive with rice and causes a significant reduction in rice production. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the herbicide penoxsulam for the control of L. decurrens in rice fields. The seeds of L. decurrens were collected from four villages in Indonesia, and penoxsulam was applied to L. decurrens in seven dosages (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 g a.i. ha−1) 3 weeks after seed sowing. The plant populations from Hegarmanah, Jatisari, and Joho showed complete mortality at the recommended dosage of penoxsulam (10 g a.i. ha−1). However, the plants from Demakan grew, flowered, and produced seeds 56 days after treatment with 40 g a.i. ha−1 of penoxsulam. The resistance index value of the population was 36.06. This is the first report of a penoxsulam-resistant weed from a dicotyledonous plant species and also the first report of a herbicide-resistant population of L. decurrens. The appearance of herbicide-resistant L. decurrens is a serious issue from both an environmental and an economic perspective, especially since protected forest and freshwater ecosystems are located at a short distance from the study area. Further research is needed to evaluate herbicide mixtures and/or the rotation of herbicide action sites. The identification of the penoxsulam-resistance mechanism in L. decurrens is also necessary to develop a herbicide resistance management strategy.