Rib Cage Research Articles

A 3D printed esophageal atresia–tracheoesophageal fistula thorascopy simulator for young surgeons

We developed a 3D-printed thoracoscopic surgery simulator for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) and assessed its effectiveness in educating young pediatric surgeons. Prototype production and modifications were repeated five times before producing the 3-D printed final product based on a patient’s preoperative chest computed tomography. A 24-item survey was used to rate the simulator, adapted from a previous report, with 16 young surgeons with an average of 6.2 years of experience in pediatric surgery for validation. Reusable parts of the thoracic cage were printed to combine with replaceable parts. Each structure was fabricated using diverse printing materials, and subsequently affixed to a frame. In evaluating the simulator, the scores for each factor were 4.33, 4.33, 4.27, 4.31, 4.63, and 4.75 out of 5, respectively, with the highest ratings in value and relevance. The global rating was 3.38 out of 4, with ten stating that it could be used with slight improvements. The most common comment from participants was that the esophageal anastomosis was close to the actual EA-TEF surgery. The 3D-printed thoracoscopic EA-TEF surgery simulator was developed and reflected the actual surgical environment. It could become an effective method of training young pediatric surgeons.

Beyond the Rib Cage: Unraveling Abernethy Syndrome as a Rare Cause of Cyanosis

Beyond the Rib Cage: Unraveling Abernethy Syndrome as a Rare Cause of Cyanosis

Anatomical variations and embryological basis of arch of aorta and aortic valve.

Variations in the arch of the aorta and aortic valves among fetal, cadaveric, and post-mortem specimens present a spectrum of anatomical configurations, posing challenges in establishing a standard norm. While some variations hold surgical significance, many bear little functional consequence but provide insights into embryological origins. The aortic arch exhibits diverse branching patterns, including common trunks and different orders, relevant for endovascular surgeries. Meanwhile, malformations in the aortic valve, affecting the aorta, may lead to ischemia and cerebral infarction, warranting understanding of coexisting arch and valve anomalies to predict complications like aortic dissection. Studies in the Indian population mirror global variations, underscoring the need to explore embryological, clinical, and surgical implications for safer vascular surgeries involving the aortic arch and valves. The study's objectives included examining branching patterns, diameters, and distances between arch branches and exploring aortic valve variations. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study was conducted across Anatomy, Forensic Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology departments. A sample of 100, comprising cadavers, fetuses, and postmortem specimens, were gathered. Specimens ranged from 14weeks of intrauterine life to 85years, with intact thoracic cages as inclusion criteria. Methodology involved dissection, specimen fixation, and macroscopic examination for variations and morphological parameters. Results showed aortic diameter increase with age, with significant gender differences. A statistically significant association between arch variations and anomalous valves was observed, suggesting mutual predictability. Individuals with valve anomalies should undergo comprehensive cardiology evaluation to avert complications like aortic dissection during endovascular surgeries. While atheromatous plaques were prevalent in younger groups, their frequency rose with age, necessitating vigilant vascular monitoring. Careful handling during surgeries is paramount, given potential adverse outcomes resulting from variations. Overall, the study underscores the importance of comprehensive anatomical understanding in clinical contexts, guiding effective management strategies and ensuring patient safety in vascular surgeries.

Extracorporeal closed-loop respiratory regulation for patients with respiratory difficulty using a soft bionic robot.

Respiratory regulation is critical for patients with respiratory dysfunction. Clinically used ventilators can lead to long-term dependence and injury. Extracorporeal assistance approaches such as iron-lung devices provide a noninvasive alternative, however, artificial actuator counterparts have not achieved marvelous biomimetic ventilation as human respiratory muscles. Here, we propose a bionic soft exoskeleton robot that can achieve extracorporeal closed-loop respiratory regulation by emulating natural human breath. For inspiration, a soft vacuum chamber is actuated to produce negative thoracic pressure and thus expand lung volume by pulling the rib cage up and outward through use of external negative pressure. For expiration, a soft origami array under positive pressure pushes the abdominal muscles inward and the diaphragm upward. To achieve in vitro measurement of respiratory profile, we describe a wireless respiratory monitoring device to measure respiratory profiles with high accuracy, validated by quantitative comparisons with spirometer as gold-standard reference. By constructing a human-robot coupled respiratory mechanical model, a model-based proportional controller is designed for continuous tracking of the target respiratory profile. In experiments with ten healthy participants and ten patients with respiratory difficulty, the robot can adjust its assistive forces in real time and drive human-robot coupling respiratory system to track the target profile. The biomimetic robot can achieve extracorporeal closed-loop respiratory regulation for a diverse population. The soft robot has important potential to assist respiration for people with respiratory difficulty, whether in a hospital or a home setting.

The dynamic response of human lungs due to underwater shock wave exposure.

Since the 19th century, underwater explosions have posed a significant threat to service members. While there have been attempts to establish injury criteria for the most vulnerable organs, namely the lungs, existing criteria are highly variable due to insufficient human data and the corresponding inability to understand the underlying injury mechanisms. This study presents an experimental characterization of isolated human lung dynamics during simulated exposure to underwater shock waves. We found that the large acoustic impedance at the surface of the lung severely attenuated transmission of the shock wave into the lungs. However, the shock wave initiated large bulk pressure-volume cycles that are distinct from the response of the solid organs under similar loading. These pressure-volume cycles are due to compression of the contained gas, which we modeled with the Rayleigh-Plesset equation. The extent of these lung dynamics was dependent on physical confinement, which in real underwater blast conditions is influenced by factors such as rib cage properties and donned equipment. Findings demonstrate a potential causal mechanism for implosion injuries, which has significant implications for the understanding of primary blast lung injury due to underwater blast exposures.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on thoracoabdominal volume regulation in older adults: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesWe investigated the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and respiratory muscle kinematics during exercise in healthy older adults. Methods24 adults were randomised into an IMT or SHAM-IMT group. Both groups performed 30 breaths, twice daily, for 8 weeks, at intensities of ∼50 % maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax; IMT) or <15 % PImax (SHAM-IMT). Measurements of PImax, breathing discomfort during a bout of IMT, six-minute walk distance, physical activity levels, and balance were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Respiratory muscle kinematics were assessed via optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) during constant work rate cycling. ResultsPImax was significantly improved (by 20.0±11.9 cmH2O; p=0.001) in the IMT group only. Breathing discomfort ratings during IMT significantly decreased (from 3.5±0.9–1.7±0.8). Daily sedentary time was decreased (by 28.0±39.8 min; p=0.042), and reactive balance significantly improved (by 1.2±0.8; p<0.001) in the IMT group only. OEP measures showed a significantly greater contribution of the pulmonary and abdominal rib cage compartments to total tidal volume expansion post-IMT. ConclusionsIMT significantly improves inspiratory muscle strength and breathing discomfort in this population. IMT induces greater rib cage expansion and diaphragm descent during exercise, thereby suggesting a less restrictive effect on thoracic expansion and increased diaphragmatic power generation.

Variation in thoracic inlet measurements and its correlation with pulmonary dysfunction in kyphoscoliotic deformities: a prospective case-control study.

Pulmonary dysfunction in thoracic kyphoscoliosis has been correlated with chest wall distortion, uneven trunk growth and restrictive pattern. The study aims to analyse the variation in thoracic inlet measurements on pulmonary dysfunction with varying curve magnitude and thoracic cage parameters. In a non-randomised, prospective case-control study, 80 consecutive patients with thoracic kyphoscoliosis were divided into 3 groups based on Cobb angle: Group 1 (31-50), Group 2 (51-80) and Group 3 (> 80). Thoracic inlet measurement was calculated by thoracic inlet index (TI) on MRI at the sternal level. Pulmonary function and thoracic cage parameters [hemi thorax height, rib-apex distance, AP chest diameter at sternal level and transverse thoracic diameter] were documented. TI values were compared with 20 age-matched asymptomatic controls. Multivariate correlation and regression analysis were performed to investigate the correlations. The mean age of the study cohort was 14.1 ± 4.4years, including Group 1 (6 patients), Group 2 (55 patients) and Group 3 (19 patients) versus 12.9 ± 2.2years in controls. The mean TI was 2.8 ± 0.56 in Group 1, 3.7 ± 0.9 in Group 2 and 4.0 ± 1.12 in Group 3 versus 2.6 ± 0.43 in controls. Pulmonary dysfunction was severe with TI > 7.1 (p < 0.001) in Group 3 patients with thoracic hypokyphosis. Multivariate regression for thoracic parameters and TI > 5.6 showed significant correlation of pulmonary dysfunction in Group 2 and 3 curves with apex between T1 and T4, whereas transverse thoracic diameter, rib-apex distance and hemi thorax height were weakly associated. Thoracic inlet index (TI), a neglected pre-operative variable associated with pulmonary dysfunction in thoracic kyphoscoliosis, can be evaluated on MRI without an additional cost and radiation.

Aesthetic Rib Cage Remodeling with Osteosynthesis: Body Structural High-Definition Reshaping (RIBOSS).

Rib cage remodeling has shown promising aesthetic results as a new technique for body contouring yet risks and complications associated with the procedure have not been well established. The aim of our study is to assess safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction rate associated with a new surgical technique for waistline definition. We looked into our records for patients who underwent waist narrowing through a new rib remodeling procedure with osteosynthesis of the 11th and 12th ribs; from October 2022 to June 2023. Follow up was carried out at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Outcomes were evaluated based on waist and hip measures, body images, pain and a patient satisfaction survey. A total of 27 consecutive patients were included in the analysis. Our technique resulted in a significant reduction in waist circumference, as evidenced by a decrease of 12.1 cm and 13.0 cm at the first and third month respectively (p<0.005). A reduction of hip circumference of 6.2 cm and 8.7 cm was also reported. A high patient satisfaction rate was reported. Postoperative complications included only one case of wound dehiscence and one case of mild pain. Pain levels were also reduced, with a mean pain score of 2.4 at week 1 and 0.26 at month 1. Rib osteotomy with osteosynthesis emerges as an innovative, safe, and reliable approach for waist narrowing. Our results suggest that this technique can be applied to a wide variety of patients and presents might entail significant advantages compared to those from other techniques. Retrospective cohort. Level of Evidence: III.

43 Evaluating the effects of HiPhorius phytase added in diets at or below the P requirement on nursery pig growth performance and bone mineralization

Abstract A total of 297 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initial body weight = 8.64 ± 0.181 kg) were used in a 21-d trial to evaluate the effects of HiPhorius phytase (dm-firmenich, Parsippany, NJ) on pig growth performance and bone mineralization. All pigs were fed P depletion diets (0.09% aP) for a 3-d period before the start of the study (d 14 after weaning). Pens of pigs were then assigned to 1 of 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design with 5 pigs per pen and 12 replications per treatment. The first three diets were formulated to contain 0.09% aP; without added phytase (control), or control with 600 or 1,000 FYT/kg of added phytase (considering a release of 0.15 or 0.18% aP, respectively). The remaining two diets were formulated to contain 0.27% aP, one without added phytase and the other with 1,000 FYT/kg. One pig per pen was euthanized on d 21 and the right fibula, 10th rib, and metacarpal were collected to determine bone density, bone ash, and bone Ca and P. From d 0 to 21, increasing phytase in diets containing 0.09% aP increased (linear, P ≤ 0.002) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) and increased percentage bone ash in metacarpals and 10th ribs (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.001; quadratic, P = 0.004, respectively), and increased grams of Ca and P in all three bones (linear, P ≤ 0.027; Table). Adding 1,000 FYT/kg in diets with 0.27% aP did not impact growth performance, but increased percentage bone ash (P ≤ 0.038) in all bones and grams of Ca and P in fibulas and 10th ribs (P ≤ 0.023) compared with pigs fed 0.27% aP without added phytase. Increasing aP from 0.09% to 0.27% in diets without added phytase increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) ADG, ADFI, and G:F and increased bone density (P ≤ 0.002) in fibulas and metacarpals, percentage bone ash in all bones (P ≤ 0.074), and increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) grams of Ca and P in fibulas and 10th ribs. Increasing aP from 0.09 to 0.27% aP in diets with 1,000 FYT added phytase increased bone density (P ≤ 0.008) in fibulas and metacarpals, percentage bone ash in all bones (P ≤ 0.002), and grams of Ca and P in fibulas and 10th ribs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). For growth performance (average of ADG and G:F), aP release was calculated to be 0.170% for 600 FYT/kg and 0.206% for 1,000 FYT/kg. For the average of all 3 bone measurements (average of 3 bones for bone density and percentage bone ash), aP release was calculated to be 0.120% and 0.125% for 600 and 1,000 FYT/kg, respectively.

269 Influence of herbal active D on nursery pig growth performance, bone characteristics and blood measures

Abstract Pigs [n = 2.268; L337×1050 PIC; initial body weight (BW) = 5.5 ± 0.17 kg] were used in a 42-d growth study to evaluate the effects of herbal active D (a source of calcitriol) on growth performance, bone characteristics, and serum criteria of nursery pigs. Pigs were weaned at approximately 21-d of age and randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were 27 pigs/pen and 28 replications/treatment across 2 rooms with pens blocked by BW and weaning date. Treatment diets were corn-soybean meal-based and consisted of a control diet (1,650 IU/kg of vitamin D3), or the control diet with 120 or 200 mg/kg of herbal active D (Phytobiotics, St. Louis, MO). Blood samples were collected from 25 gilts/treatment on d 21 and 42 to assess 25(OH)D3 and cytokine concentrations. At the end of the study, 10 pigs/treatment were euthanized and the right fibula, metacarpal, 2nd rib, and 10th rib were collected to determine bone density, bone breaking strength, and percentage bone ash by utilizing the de-fatted processing method. Overall (d 0 to 42), there was a marginally significant (P = 0.067) reduction in gain to feed ratio (G:F) as herbal active D increased, but no effect on final BW, average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), or mortality (P &amp;gt; 0.10; Table). For bone breaking strength and bone ash, there was no evidence of a treatment × bone interaction (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Percentage of bone ash increased linearly across all bones as herbal active D increased (P = 0.026). Treatment did not affect bone ash weight and breaking strength (P &amp;gt; 0.10). However, metacarpals and 10th ribs had the greatest bone ash weight followed by the fibula with 2nd rib having the least (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Metacarpals had greater breaking strength compared with all other bones, followed by the fibula and 10th rib, with the 2nd rib having the least (P &amp;lt; 0.001). There was a bone × treatment interaction for bone density, where increasing herbal active D increased bone density for the 2nd rib (P = 0.012), but there were no treatment differences for other bones (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Additionally, there was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.10) between treatments for porcine circovirus type 2 S/P ratio, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, 25(OH)D3 status or circulating cytokine concentrations except for IL-8 concentrations which increased linearly (P = 0.027) as herbal active D increased. Antibodies and cytokine concentrations were greater on d 21 compared with d 42 (P &amp;lt; 0.001), except for IL-1ra and IL-8 having no significant (P &amp;gt; 0.10) day effect. In summary, herbal active D had minimal impact on growth or serum parameters; however, increasing herbal active D increased percentage bone ash.

Effects of non-uniform wavy ribs on flow and heat transfer characteristics of turbine blade cooling channel

Aiming at the problem of reduced heat transfer performance and uneven distribution along the ribbed channel in aero-engine turbine blades, the influence mechanism of rib height, rib angle and fillet radius on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of wavy rib cooling channel under different inlet Reynolds numbers is analyzed by experimental and numerical methods. The research illustrates that the non-uniform change of the rib height has the most profound influence on the heat transfer performance of the ribbed channel. Schemes featuring larger initial and final rib heights demonstrate superior heat transfer performance and uniformity, with the friction factor primarily determined by the maximum rib height. The optimal rib height variation scheme shows a 22.6 % increase in overall Nu/Nu0, with only a 6 % reduction in heat transfer evenness. The non-uniform variation of rib angle and fillet radius mainly affects the local heat transfer and friction factor. Increasing Reynolds number, the distribution of friction factor of the large rib height scheme changes more drastically. At a large Reynolds number (Re = 40000), the enhanced heat transfer in the middle and rear sections of the channel due to the larger rib angle and fillet radius comes at the cost of increased pressure loss.

Are the Spinal Changes in the Course of Scoliogeny Primary but Secondary?

In this opinion article, there is an analysis and discussion regarding the effects of growth on the spinal and rib cage deformities, the role of the rib cage in scoliogeny, the lateral spinal profile in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the genetics and epigenetics of AIS, and the interesting and novel field investigating the sleep impact at nighttime on AIS in relation to the sequence of the scoliogenetic changes in scoliotics. The expressed opinions are mainly based on the published peer-reviewed research of the author and his team of co-authors. Based on the analysis noted above, it can be postulated that the vertebral growth changes in the spine during initial idiopathic scoliosis (IS) development are not primary-intrinsic but secondary changes. The primary cause starting the deformity is not located within the vertebral bodies. Instead, the deformations seen in the vertebral bodies are the secondary effects of asymmetrical loads exerted upon them, due to muscular loads, growth, and gravity.

Pectus excavatum. Tratamiento quirúrgico: ¿estructural o estético?

IntroductionPectus excavatum is a wall deformity that often warrants medical evaluation. In most cases, it's a purely visual aesthetic alteration, while in others, it comes with symptoms. Several surgical techniques have been described, but their outcomes are difficult to assess due to the heterogeneity of presentations and the lack of long-term follow-up. We present our experience as thoracic surgeons, assessing correction as either structural (remodeling of the thoracic cage through open surgery) or aesthetic (design and implantation of a customized 3D prosthesis). Material and methodsRetrospective observational study of the indication for surgical treatment of pectus excavatum carried out by a team of thoracic surgeons and the short- to mid-term results. ResultsBetween 2021 and 2023, we treated 36 cases surgically, either through thoracic cage remodeling techniques or with 3D prostheses. There were few minor complications, and the short- to mid-term results were positive: alleviation of symptoms or compression of structures when present, or aesthetic correction of the defect in other cases. ConclusionsSurgery for pectus excavatum should be evaluated for structural correction of the wall or aesthetics. In the former, thoracic cage remodeling requiring cartilage excision and possibly osteotomies is necessary. In the latter, the defect is corrected with a customized 3D prosthesis.

Ultrasound Evaluation and Guided Injection of the Subscapularis and Serratus Anterior Muscles Between the Scapula and the Thoracic Cage: A Technical Note.

Most subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles lie between the scapula and the thoracic cage. Evaluation of this area in patients with scapulothoracic dyskinesis, snapping scapular syndrome, or interscapular pain can provide valuable information to clinicians. However, ultrasound scanning of pathologies in this area is hindered by anatomical limitations. In this study, we described a simple patient setup position and scanning method for ultrasound evaluation and guided intervention of the subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles between the scapula and thoracic cage.

Study on Sunlight Temperature Field of Steel Box Arch Ribs in Irregular Arch Bridges

Due to their excellent thermal conductivity and sensitivity to temperature changes, special attention should be paid to the influence of temperature on steel-structure bridges. The temperature effect is complex, especially for unstable steel arch bridges with complex structural forms. This paper proposes an approximate method that measures the three-dimensional temperature field of the symmetrical arch rib with the two-dimensional temperature field of multiple sections. In addition, it converts the complex radiant intensity calculation of the special-shaped steel box arch rib into the calculation of numerous planar radiant intensities. It uses the ANSYS Workbench to establish the three-dimensional transient thermal analysis finite element model of the No. 2 steel box arch rib. The influence of seasons and arch rib direction on the temperature field of steel box arch ribs and the stress and deformation of steel box arch ribs under non-linear temperature effects were analyzed. The results show that the temperature changes in different seasons significantly impact the temperature changes in the arch ribs. The change in the azimuth angle of the arch rib has a significant impact on the temperature difference between the web plates on both sides of the arch rib; under the influence of the temperature field at the most unfavorable time in summer and winter, symmetrical stress concentration occurs in the arch foot area. Furthermore, the maximum vertical displacement is 13.9 mm and 10.8 mm, respectively. Finally, when the angle is 40°, the maximum temperature difference between the web plates on both sides is 6.9 °C.

Trunk kinematic analysis of ascent and descent stairs in college students with idiopathic scoliosis: a case-control study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTTraditional 3D motion analysis typically considers the spine as a rigid entity. Nevertheless, previous single-joint models have proven inadequate in evaluating the movement across different spinal segments in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Scoliosis significantly impairs movement functions, especially during activities such as ascending and descending stairs. There is a lack of research on the patterns of stair movement specifically for patients with IS. PURPOSEThis study aims to investigate trunk kinematics in college students with IS during stair ascent and descent tasks. A total of 56 participants, 28 with IS and 28 with healthy controls, were recruited for this case-control study. The trunk movements were analyzed using a motion analysis system that incorporated a multisegment spine model. Understanding the multi-segment spine kinematics during stair tasks can contribute to the development of effective rehabilitation programs for individuals with IS. STUDY DESIGNCase-control study. SAMPLE SIZE28 IS and 28 controls. OUTCOME MEASURESCobb angle, spinal curvature, spinal active range of motion (ROM), Kinematics METHODSThe Qualisys system (Gothenburg, Sweden) was utilized in this study with a sampling frequency of 150 Hz. It recorded the kinematics in the thoracic, lumbar, thoracic cage, and pelvis while ascending and descending stairs for both the 28 IS individuals and the 28 control participants. Additionally, clinical parameters such as the Cobb angle, curvature of the spine, spinal range of motion (ROM), and other relevant factors were concurrently assessed among the subjects. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82205306). The authors declare no conflict of interest in preparing this article. RESULTSThe findings of this study revealed that IS individuals exhibited reduced kyphotic curvature in the sagittal plane (p<.05) when compared to the control group. In contrast, these IS patients displayed greater coronal curvature (Cobb angle) in the frontal plane and a more substantial difference in thoracic side bending range of motion in comparison to the control group (p.05). Moreover, during the ascending stair activity, IS patients showed reduced thoracic cage flexion-extension range of motion (p<.05), while displaying increased lumbar rotation range of motion and anterior-posterior pelvic tilt range of motion (p<.05) in contrast to the control group. Notably, the kinematic analysis during the descent of stairs indicated that IS patients exhibited a larger range of motion in thoracic flexion-extension, thoracic side bending, thoracic cage side bending, thoracic rotation, and thoracic cage rotation when compared to the control group (p<.05). CONCLUSIONSThe results showed significant differences in trunk kinematics between the two groups during both stair ascent and descent tasks. The utilization of the "multisegment spine model" facilitates the acquisition of motion information across multiple segments of the spine in patients diagnosed with IS, effectively enhancing the assessment outcomes derived from imaging information. The three-dimensional structural deformity in the trunk affects both static and dynamic activity patterns. In different activity states, IS patients demonstrate stiff movements in certain segments while experiencing compensatory instability in others. In the future, clinical rehabilitation programs for IS should prioritize stair-related activity training.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Liver Size and its Association to Selected Morphometric Parameters of Domestic Dogs in Accra, Ghana

Introduction: The global unpopularity of linear ultrasonographic measurement, due to its inherent subjectivity, contrasts with the safety, portability, low cost, and real-time capabilities of this imaging modality. The increased availability of ultrasounds in veterinary practice in Ghana presents an opportunity to provide ultrasonographic liver size reference ranges to aid the diagnosis of hepatopathies in domestic dogs. Therefore, this study sought to establish ultrasonographic liver size reference ranges of dogs in Accra, Ghana. It also aimed to to investigate the correlation between liver size and selected morphometric parameters in these domestic dogs. Materials and methods: A total of 60 dogs from different domestic breeds, sexes (27 males and 33 females), age ranges (2.82 ± 2.12 years), weights (28.83 ±9.98kg), and body conformation were sampled. Purposive sampling of dogs was performed based on presenting history, clinical signs, physical exam, and blood analysis. Blood samples were collected for serum biochemistry to distinguish between those classified as healthy and those presenting with clinical illness. Additionally, all dogs were subjected to linear ultrasonographic liver size measurements in longitudinal and transverse planes. Results: The findings indicated a strong positive correlation of mean longitudinal sonographic liver measurement with body height, body girth (the widest point of the chest and the rib cage), the distance between the last rib and the tuber coxa, and the distance between the xiphoid and the tuber ischium. Equations were derived from the mean longitudinal sonographic measurement and these body parameters for deep and non-deep-chested breeds. This study helped to establish equations that can be used to estimate the longitudinal liver measurement. Conclusion: This information can be used in clinical settings to help veterinarians (even with basic knowledge of hepatic ultrasonography) to have a fair idea of hepatopathies relating to size.

Numerical analysis of jet impingement cooling with elongated nozzle holes on a curved surface roughened with V-shaped ribs

Numerical studies were performed in this study to analyze the effect of dimensionless elongated injection holes (G/d = 0.5, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0) on heat and flow characteristics on rib-roughened surfaces with an array of inclined impingement jets. Experimental and numerical data from existing literature were used to validate the numerical solution procedure’s heat transfer and flow characteristics in the semicircular test section. The turbulence equations were solved using the SST k-ω turbulence model by varying the Reynolds number from 5000 to 25,000. The curvature effect and staggered array pattern created an additional stagnation region between adjacent impinging jets on smooth surfaces, leading to a low heat transfer zone. Rectangular cross-sectional V-shaped ribs (VSR) were placed in regions where the stagnation point occurs to eliminate this disadvantage. The effect of different normalized rib heights (Hr/d = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) and rib angles (α = 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) on the curved surface was also investigated to increase convective heat transfer performance and achieve more homogenous heat transfer distribution by relatively reducing the effect of thermal stresses. Flow properties, area-averaged and local Nusselt number variations on smooth and ribbed surfaces, and the thermal performance criterion (TPC) were investigated in detail. The results indicated an increase in overall heat transfer and a more evenly distributed measurement region compared to the conventional (unextended jet and smooth surface) jet impingement configuration. The most significant heat transfer enhancement from combining the elongated jets with VSR was 47.23% at Hr/d = 0.2 by reducing the G/d to 0.5. In addition, the highest TPC was determined as 1.07 on the proposed model with G/d = 2.0 and Hr/d = 0.2 at Re = 25,000.

Paintable Decellularized-ECM Hydrogel for Preventing Cardiac Tissue Damage.

The tissue-specific heart decellularized extracellular matrix (hdECM) demonstrates a variety of therapeutic advantages, including fibrosis reduction and angiogenesis. Consequently, recent research for myocardial infarction (MI) therapy has utilized hdECM with various delivery techniques, such as injection or patch implantation. In this study, a novel approach for hdECM delivery using a wet adhesive paintable hydrogel is proposed. The hdECM-containing paintable hydrogel (pdHA_t) is simply applied, with no theoretical limit to the size or shape, making it highly beneficial for scale-up. Additionally, pdHA_t exhibits robust adhesion to the epicardium, with a minimal swelling ratio and sufficient adhesion strength for MI treatment when applied to the rat MI model. Moreover, the adhesiveness of pdHA_t can be easily washed off to prevent undesired adhesion with nearby organs, such as the rib cages and lungs, which can result in stenosis. During the 28 days of in vivo analysis, the pdHA_t not only facilitates functional regeneration by reducing ventricular wall thinning but also promotes neo-vascularization in the MI region. In conclusion, the pdHA_t presents a promising strategy for MI treatment and cardiac tissue regeneration, offering the potential for improved patient outcomes and enhanced cardiac function post-MI.

Study of the Impact of Varying Inclination Angles of Arch Ribs on the Seismic Behavior of Half-Through Steel Basket-Handle Arch Bridge

In the present study, multiscale finite element (FE) models of half-through steel basket-handle arch bridges were established. The eigenvalue analyses were conducted to explore the dynamic characteristics of the arch bridges based on the FE models. In addition, a parametric analysis was carried out to investigate the impact of the inclination angle of the arch rib (0°, 4°, and 7°) on the longitudinal and transverse seismic performances of arch bridges. The results show that with the increase in inclination angle, the out-of-plane stiffness of half-through steel basket-handle arch bridges increases, resulting in the natural period of the structure becoming shorter from 3.09 s to 2.93 s. Adjusting the inclination angle appropriately has a beneficial impact on the overall seismic performance of the structures, affecting both displacement and internal forces, in which the most significant improvements include a 42.8% decrease in displacement and a 62.6% reduction in internal forces. Adjusting the inclination angle can cause the arch springing and transverse brace to undergo larger plastic deformation. It is advisable to judiciously enlarge the sectional dimensions and enhance the material strength of both the arch springing and the transverse bracing in seismic designs.