Standard Methods Research Articles

Ultrasound-Defined Sarcopenia Independently Predicts Acute Decompensation in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease.

It has been shown that in patients with liver cirrhosis, sarcopenia is a predictor of acute decompensation (AD), acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and death. However, computer tomography (CT), as a suggested standard method for diagnosing sarcopenia, is resource intensive and involves radiation exposure. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate the muscle thickness of quadriceps femoris measured by ultrasound (US) as a prognostic parameter for AD and all-cause mortality in chronic liver disease. Sixty-three patients with chronic liver disease and signs of portal hypertension were analysed in this prospective monocentric study for the occurrence of acute decompensation such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, haemorrhage and liver-related death within 1 year. We assessed muscle thickness at three different heights in terms of suitability as a predictor. Among all 63 patients, 15 patients experienced acute decompensation, and 9 patients died due to liver-related death. We found the upper third of the muscle, measured without applying pressure with the transducer, to be the most significant for predicting AD/ACLF [AUC 0.739 (confidence interval (CI) 0.604-0.874, p = 0.006]. A cut-off value of US-defined muscle thickness standardized per height for identifying sarcopenia was determined (1.83 cm/m). Patients with US-defined sarcopenia showed significantly higher rates of AD (38.9% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.001) and all-over 1-year mortality (27.8% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.013). The mean AD free survival time is 8.3 months (95% CI 6.6-9.9) for sarcopenic patients and 11.8 months (95% CI 11.0-12.6) for the non-sarcopenic cohorts. Corresponding CT analysis displayed similar results for AD free survival for both groups (40% AD rate in the sarcopenic group vs. 7% AD rate in the non-sarcopenic group, p = 0.001). The risk for AD was significantly higher in the sarcopenic cohort compared with those without sarcopenia in both US and CT (US: HR 16.6; p = 0.009; 95% CI 2.0-136.0; CT: HR 8.7; p = 0.017; 95% CI 1.5-51.0). CT and US displayed a moderate agreement (p = 0.006; κ = 0.379). Sarcopenia classification based on US measurements is shown to be an independent predictor of AD occurrence within 1 year. This pilot study is the first to suggest that screening for sarcopenia by ultrasonography may be useful for risk assessment in patients with chronic liver disease and signs of portal hypertension.

Deep Learning Methods in Soft Robotics: Architectures and Applications

The area of soft robotics has been subject to intense research efforts in the past two decades and constitutes a paradigm for advanced machine design in future robotic applications. However, standard methods for industrial robotics may be difficult to apply when analyzing soft robots. Deep learning, which has undergone rapid and transformative advancements in recent years, offers a set of powerful tools for analyzing and designing complex soft machines capable of operating in unstructured environments and interacting with humans and objects in a delicate manner. This review summarizes the most important state‐of‐the‐art deep learning architectures classified under supervised, unsupervised, semisupervised, and reinforcement learning scenarios and discusses their main features and benefits for different soft robotic applications, including soft robot manipulators, soft grippers, soft sensors, and e‐skins, as well as bioinspired soft robots. Specific properties of recent deep learning architectures and the usefulness of their features in addressing various types of issues found in soft robotics are analyzed. The existing challenges and future prospects are identified and discussed in view of the enhanced integration of both areas, which improves the performance of next‐generation soft machines operating in real‐world conditions.

Effect of Geometric Parameters of High-Speed Helical Gears on Friction Flash Temperature and Scuffing Load Capacity in Electric Vehicles

High-speed reducers in electric vehicles, characterized by high rotation speeds, heavy loads, large helix angles, and high contact ratios, are prone to tooth surface scuffing due to high sliding speeds. This scuffing is caused by adhesion wear from excessive instantaneous friction flash temperatures. The prevailing approach to gear scuffing analysis relies on the standard formula method, which is a relatively rudimentary technique. This method lacks the precision required to accurately assess the intricate distribution of tooth surface flash temperature (TSFT), limiting its efficacy in targeted tooth optimization. This study introduces an enhanced semi-analytical method to calculate TSFT and analyzes its variation under different conditions: increased tooth number and reduced module, altered pressure angle, and varied helix angle. The aim is to understand how these geometric parameters affect TSFT and the scuffing load capacity of high-speed reducer gears. This study calculates load distribution and TSFT under peak operating conditions and shows that increasing the tooth number, pressure angle, and helix angle can reduce maximum TSFT by more than 30%, improving scuffing safety and load capacity. However, these improvements must consider the gear’s allowable bending safety factor and bearing service life. The research concludes that optimizing these geometric parameters can significantly enhance the scuffing load capacity of gearsets.

Uncovering functional lncRNAs by scRNA-seq with ELATUS

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play fundamental roles in cellular processes and pathologies, regulating gene expression at multiple levels. Despite being highly cell type-specific, their study at single-cell (sc) level is challenging due to their less accurate annotation and low expression compared to protein-coding genes. Here, we systematically benchmark different preprocessing methods and develop a computational framework, named ELATUS, based on the combination of the pseudoaligner Kallisto with selective functional filtering. ELATUS enhances the detection of functional lncRNAs from scRNA-seq data, detecting their expression with higher concordance than standard methods with the ATAC-seq profiles in single-cell multiome data. Interestingly, the better results of ELATUS are due to its advanced performance with an inaccurate reference annotation such as that of lncRNAs. We independently confirm the expression patterns of cell type-specific lncRNAs exclusively detected with ELATUS and unveil biologically important lncRNAs, such as AL121895.1, a previously undocumented cis-repressor lncRNA, whose role in breast cancer progression is unnoticed by traditional methodologies. Our results emphasize the necessity for an alternative scRNA-seq workflow tailored to lncRNAs that sheds light on the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs.

Evaluation of Nutritional Composition of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf Extract

Vegetables are known to be vital sources of nutritive foods. This study evaluates the nutritional composition of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract vis-a-vis proximate, minerals and vitamins analyses. Fresh leaves of O. gratissimum were purchased from a local market in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria and were washed, destalked, oven-dried at 40 0C, pulverized, and sieved through 2.0 mm mesh prior to analysis. Proximate, minerals, and vitamin analyses were carried out, using standard methods. Results indicated that O. gratissimum contained high levels of carbohydrate (51.78 ± 0.50 %), protein (10.50 ± 0.04 %), and fiber (9.38 ± 0.05 %), with minute quantity of crude fat (4.94 ± 0.03 %). Analysis of the mineral compositions showed that the vegetable contained considerable quantity of minerals that is sufficient to improve general well-being, while the vitamin analysis revealed that the leaves of O. gratissimum was sufficiently rich in Vitamin E and could, therefore, act as antioxidant and consequently help to improve health status of its consumers.

Challenges of preanalytical variables in erythrocyte sedimentation rate: a CUBE 30 touch evaluation

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a widely used diagnostic test, influenced by all physiological and pathological conditions that can bias blood rheology by interfering factors. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the CUBE 30 touch ESR analyzer in samples with preanalytical variables, as lipemia, hemolysis, and icterus or in presence of fibrinogen., Moreover we focused to define the maximum time limits to ensure a reliable ESR measure. Accuracy, intra-run and inter-run precision, and stability studies were performed. Moreover, hemolytic, jaundiced, lipemic samples and fibrinogen sensitivity were analyzed for interference study. Statistical analyses were performed. CUBE 30 touch and Westergren method comparison showed no statistical differences (Spearman Coefficient, R2=0,95). In the intra-run precision, the CV% mean obtained on samples with normal ESR level was 8,9%; with middle ESR level was 5,9% and with high ESR level the CV% was 4,3%. Inter-run precision test showed CV% of for single samples and overall samples in the range (12,3% for normal level and 4,8% for abnormal level). The samples stored at 4 °C showed good stability up to 3 h from collecting time. ESR samples showing lipemia, hemolysis or jaundice showed good correlations with the gold standard method (R2 0,901, 0,940, 0,911; p < 0,0001), however, Westergren tests were more sensitive than CUBE 30 touch to fibrinogen additions. The high comparability with the Westergren method, both in normal and interfering samples, and the good precision, support the usefulness of CUBE 30 touch in the clinical routine laboratory.

Characterization of Plant based spray dried powders using oil seed proteins and chokeberry extract from wine byproduct

Spray drying is a standard method for preserving bioactive ingredients and enhancing their storage stability. This study aimed to produce entirely plant-based spray-dried powders by using hemp, canola, and flax seed proteins, combined with maltodextrin, as wall material, while chokeberry extract from wine waste served as core material. We conducted a thorough analysis of the oil-seed proteins, examining their nitrogen solubility index, emulsification, and foaming capacities. The encapsulation process was evaluated based on its yield and efficiency. The spray-dried powders were further assessed through colour analysis, particle morphology and size distribution, hygroscopicity, and storage stability measurements. The encapsulation yield with oil-seed proteins ranged from 75.0 ± 6.2 to 78.5 ± 1.3%, and the efficiency from 58.4 ± 0.8 to 77.5 ± 1.9%. These plant-based spray-dried powders exhibited similar colour parameters, morphology, and stability to those of whey protein powders. The study highlights the significant potential of oil-seed proteins in producing plant-based spray-dried powders.

Nanomotion technology: an innovative method to study cell metabolism in Escherichia coli, as a potential indicator for tolerance.

Introduction. Antibiotic tolerance corresponds to the bacterial ability to survive a transient exposure to antibiotics and is often associated with treatment failure. Current methods of identifying tolerance based on bacterial growth are time-consuming. This study explores the use of a growth-independent method utilizing nanomotion technology to detect antibiotic-tolerant bacteria.Hypothesis. The nanomotion signal obtained from a nanomechanical sensor measures real-time metabolic activity and cellular processes and could provide valuable information about the tolerance of bacteria to antibiotics that cannot be detected by standard antibiotic susceptibility tests.Aim. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of nanomotion technology to record antibiotic-tolerant bacteria.Methodology. We generated a slow-growing Escherichia coli strain by manipulating mazF expression levels and confirmed its viability by several standard methods. We subsequently measured its nanomotion and the nanomotion of the WT E. coli in the presence or absence of antibiotics. Supervised machine learning was employed to distinguish slow-growing from exponentially growing bacteria. Observations for bacterial nanomotions were confirmed by standard kill curves.Results. We distinguished slow-growing from exponentially growing bacteria using specific features from the nanomotion signal. Furthermore, the exposition of both growth phenotypes to polymyxin decreased the nanomotion signal indicating cell death. Similarly, when exponentially growing cells were exposed to ampicillin, an antibiotic whose efficacy depends on the growth rate, the nanomotion signal also decreased. In contrast, the nanomotion signal remained unchanged for slow-growing bacteria upon exposure to ampicillin. In addition, antibiotic exposure can cause bacterial elongation, in which the biomass of a cell increases without cell division. By overexpressing sulA, we mimicked antibiotic-induced elongation. Differences in the nanomotion signal were observed when comparing elongating and non-elongating phenotypes.Conclusion. This work shows that nanomotion signals entail information about the reaction to antibiotics that standard MIC-based antibiotic susceptibility tests cannot detect. In the future, nanomotion-based antibiotic tolerance tests could be developed for clinical use in chronic or relapsing infections.

Comparison of ante- and postmortem ventricular wall thickness using echocardiography and autopsy findings.

In autopsy practice, the thickness of ventricular walls is one of the parameters used to identify cardiac hypertrophy. The presented study aimed to compare ante- and postmortem measurements of ventricular wall thickness, (i) to determine a postmortem standardized localization and dissection method for ventricular wall measurements, and (ii) to determine the ability of postmortem measurements in recognition of antemortem hypertrophy. A single-center prospective study was conducted at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Hamburg, Germany. Sixty hearts were dissected alternating by the inflow-outflow or short-axis method, and the ventricular walls were measured at different locations and compared with the echocardiographic values of the end-diastolic phase during life of these individuals. The results showed measurement differences between the autoptic and echocardiographic values-for the left ventricle between 3.3 and 5.2mm, for the right ventricle between 0.2 and 1.1mm, and for the septum between 1.3 and 1.4mm. Diagnostic performance of recognizing antemortem hypertrophy with postmortem measurement was poor, except for measuring the right ventricle and septum with the short-axis method (area under the ROC curve of 0.72 and 0.82, respectively). According to the results, cardiac changes may occur postmortem and need to be considered when used for diagnosing cardiac pathology. The postmortem diagnosis of left or right ventricular hypertrophy should always be made in conjunction with other, particularly cardiac, autopsy findings. An autoptic diagnosis of hypertrophy solely by a ventricular wall thickness > 15mm or > 5mm alone is not sufficient.

Climate Sensitivity and Tree Growth Patterns in Subalpine Spruce-Dominated Forests of the North-Western Dinaric Alps

The mountain forests in Europe, especially the ecosystems dominated by Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst], are facing major challenges due to climate change. Climatic stress factors such as increased temperatures and drought contribute to reduced growth and increased mortality, especially at lower altitudes. In this study, which was conducted in the northern Velebit region, the growth dynamics and climate sensitivity of Norway spruce were analyzed using standard dendrochronological methods. The focus was on samples collected at altitudes between 1135 and 1545 m. The results show two different growth trends: a positive trend from 1950 to 1977, followed by a negative trend from 1977 to 2013. Precipitation proved to be a key factor for the stability of spruce growth, while the high summer temperatures of the previous year correlated negatively with growth increment. In addition, trees at higher altitudes showed greater resistance to climatic stress. These results underline the crucial role of precipitation and site-specific conditions in maintaining the vitality of spruce forests in mountainous regions, and suggest that climate change could further destabilize spruce ecosystems in the Dinaric Alps.

Comparying two methods of disparity analysis of the anterior portion of m1 in the gray voles (Rodentia, Arvicolini) in a model sample: frequency analysis of morphotypes and geometric morphometrics

An analysis of disparity of the anterior portion of m1 shape in the gray voles in an artificial sample consisting of 5 groups with different frequency distributions of 5 morphotypes was carried out. Two main approaches were applied: (a) traditional analysis of frequency distribution of discrete morphotypes and (b) geometric morphometrics (GM) based on a strictly quantitative description of the shape of anterior portion of m1. The groups were compared quantitatively: Cavalli-Sforz–Edwards’ coefficient was applied in the first case, while the thin plate spline and Procrustes analyses in the second; their results were analyzed using a number of standard statistical methods (dispersion analysis, discriminant analysis, multidimensional scaling). Disparity within the groups was assessed using Shannon entropy index and averaged Procrustes distance. Traditional and GM approaches were shown to provide very similar results, with GM having a number of important advantages by being strictly quantitative. The second approach is recommended as the basic to replace the traditional one for explorations in disparity of tooth crown shape in the voles.

A comprehensive instrument for evaluating advanced volleyball techniques in sport science students: design, reliability, and validity

Background: The enhancement of sports performance, particularly in volleyball, relies on the use of valid and well-developed measurement tests. Numerous studies have thus developed tests tailored to different skill levels to accurately assess athletes' abilities. However, the existing instruments for measuring volleyball techniques have yet to fully address the needs of advanced levels, especially in assessing technical skills among sports science students at the advanced stage. Purpose: This study aims to develop a comprehensive volleyball skill assessment instrument for advanced-level sports students, focusing on four key techniques: serving, underhand passing, overhand passing, and spiking. The instrument underwent rigorous testing to ensure its validity and reliability, with particular attention to construct validity across different phases and indicators. Methods: The study used a development research design based on the Plomp model, involving 51 male students from the Advanced Volleyball Course at Universitas Negeri Padang. Five expert judges assessed the instrument's feasibility before implementation. The research process included preliminary research, prototyping, and assessment phases. Expert opinions were collected using a Likert scale questionnaire via the Delphi technique. Validity and reliability were analyzed using SPSS version 25, focusing on internal and external validity coefficients and Cronbach's Alpha. Results: The instrument showed high reliability, with Cronbach's Alpha values consistently above 0.87. Construct validity tests confirmed the assessment's validity, with scores indicating a strong correlation between evaluated indicators and overall skill proficiency. Conclusion: The developed instrument is a reliable and valid tool for assessing advanced volleyball skills, offering a standardized method for educators and coaches to evaluate and enhance sports science students' performance. The study highlights the importance of phase-by-phase analysis in skill assessment for more effective volleyball training programs.

Variability of Loa loa microfilarial counts in successive blood smears and its potential implication in drug-related serious adverse events

BackgroundThe standard method to diagnose Loa loa infection and quantify microfilarial density (MFD) is the microscopic examination of calibrated thick blood smears (TBSs). In 1950, it was noticed that successive L. loa MFD samples from a single capillary puncture could exhibit up to 20% variation. Although loiasis treatment allocation is based on MFD to prevent serious adverse events (SAEs), data on this variability are scarce. There are also no guidelines supporting the collection and analysis of one or two TBSs.MethodsWe assessed the variability of two successive L. loa MFD samples (MFD1 and MFD2), collected from 255 patients. We analyzed the influence of sex, age, weight, heart rate, arterial pressure, body temperature, and sampling time on MFD variability, as well the impact of MFD variability on MFD thresholds relevant to loiasis treatment protocols.ResultsThe MFD2 was found to have increased in 63% (1145/1826) of TBS pairs and to have decreased in 37% (681/1826) of TBS pairs. The MFD2 were on average 28% higher than the MFD1. These variations drove a total of 333 (17.4%) changes in MFD classes according to loiasis treatment protocol, including 210 (11.3%) class increases. TBSs generated from blood samples from subjects with lower MFD (1–1000 mf/ml) or lower mean arterial pressure (MAP; 55–80 mmHg), or from blood samples collected at an earlier hour time-point (10:00–10:59 a.m.) were more subject to MFD2 variability in a multivariate analysis. The MFD relative change was not constant over time for a given person.ConclusionsWe observed a trend towards an increase in MFD2 with an important variability between samples that may impact loiasis treatment allocation. We suggest that systematically sampling at least two successive TBSs might allow better MFD assessments to prevent post-treatment SAEs. Further studies are needed to verify this variability in larger samples as well as confirm the potential explanatory variables identified.Graphical

Improved infiltration rate determination method for interlocking-block permeable pavements using standard ASTM test apparatus

ABSTRACT Current standard methods of measuring permeability of interlocking-block permeable pavements (IBPPs) do not correctly measure the actual infiltration rates of IBPPs. The test results vary with test area size and location. In this study, employing the standard ASTM-1781 test apparatus, an improved procedure that adopts an experiment-based numerical approach is developed to overcome the problem. It involves the following steps: (i) Perform falling-head infiltration tests using ASTM-1781 apparatus to obtain infiltration flow data; (ii) Develop computational fluid dynamic (CFD) finite-volume models for different infiltration test conditions; and (iii) Apply appropriate finite-volume model to calculate the effective IBPP infiltration rate under any given surface water depth on the IBPP. Experimental tests were conducted to validate the proposed method.

AI in Aesthetic/Cosmetic Dermatology: Current and Future.

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly impacted dermatology, particularly in diagnosing skin diseases. However, aesthetic dermatology faces unique challenges due to subjective evaluations and the lack of standardized assessment methods. This review aims to explore the current state of AI in dermatology, evaluate its application in diagnosing skin conditions, and discuss the limitations of traditional evaluation methods in aesthetic dermatology. Additionally, the review proposes strategies for future integration of AI to address existing challenges. A comprehensive review of AI applications in dermatology was conducted, in both diagnostic and aesthetic fields. Traditional methods such as subjective surveys and hardware devices were analyzed and compared with emerging AI technologies. The limitations of current AI models were evaluated, and the need for standardized evaluation methods and diverse datasets was identified. AI has shown great potential in diagnosing skin diseases, particularly skin cancer. However, in aesthetic dermatology, traditional methods remain subjective and lack standardization, therefore limiting their effectiveness. Emerging AI applications in this field show promise, but they have significant limitations due to biased datasets and inconsistent evaluation methods. To develop the potential of AI in aesthetic dermatology, it is crucial to create standardized evaluation methods, collect diverse datasets reflecting various ethnicities and ages, and educate practitioners on AI's utility and limitations. Addressing these challenges will improve diagnostic accuracy, better patient outcomes, and help integrate AI effectively into clinical practice.

Surgical aspects of treatment a patient with choledocholithiasis after gastropancreatoduodenectomy resection

Cholelithiasis is a common problem in surgery. The pathological basis of the disease is a imbalance between cholesterol, bilirubin and bile acid metabolism. There are several risk factors for cholelithiasis, both modifiable and non-modifiable. Complications of this pathology most often require surgical intervention: either planned or emergency. One of such complications is choledocholithiasis. Most often, choledocholithiasis occurs as a result of migration of stones from the gallbladder, less often of stones form in the bile ducts. In the world and Russian literature, many works are devoted to the etiology, pathogenesis and the treatment of patients with choledocholithiasis. The diagnosis is confirmed using advanced imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A widely used method of treatment is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in combination with endoscopic papillosphincterotomy. However, in case of severe choledocholithiasis, including with an altered anatomical picture, standard methods do not always allow to achieve the desired result. This article describes a clinical case of successful treatment of a patient with choledocholithiasis that developed two years after gastropancreatoduodenal resection for adenocarcinoma of the major duodenal papilla.

Challenges and Prospects of DNA-Encoded Library Data Interpretation.

DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology is a powerful platform for the efficient identification of novel chemical matter in the early drug discovery process enabled by parallel screening of vast libraries of encoded small molecules through affinity selection and deep sequencing. While DEL selections provide rich data sets for computational drug discovery, the underlying technical factors influencing DEL data remain incompletely understood. This review systematically examines the key parameters affecting the chemical information in DEL data and their impact on hit triaging and machine learning integration. The need for rigorous data handling and interpretation is emphasized, with standardized methods being critical for the success of DEL-based approaches. Major challenges include the relationship between sequence counts and binding affinities, frequent hitters, and the influence of factors such as inhomogeneous library composition, DNA damage, and linkers on binding modes. Experimental artifacts, such as those caused by protein immobilization and screening matrix effects, further complicate data interpretation. Recent advancements in using machine learning to denoise DEL data and predict drug candidates are highlighted. This review offers practical guidance on adopting best practices for integrating robust methodologies, comprehensive data analysis, and computational tools to improve the accuracy and efficacy of DEL-driven hit discovery.

Multimedia-Based Education Led to Improvement in Disease Knowledge Among Patients with Cirrhosis.

Current evidence shows limited patient understanding of liver disease, coupled with no standard guidelines or methods to offer patient education in a busy clinical environment. We developed multimedia-based education (MBE) for those with cirrhosis & tested its effectiveness in improving patient knowledge from baseline to 1 month. This prospective study enrolled cirrhotic patients who had a scheduled visit with a hepatologist at an ambulatory academic practice or were admitted to the liver inpatient service. Once consented, patients completed a baseline knowledge questionnaire, and were given a link to watch the videos (text or email). Four videos were developed by the study team with input from clinicians and patients (liver function, symptoms and complications, medical management and preventive actions & nutrition). At month 1, the study coordinator confirmed with the patient that they had watched the videos at least once, and patients completed the same knowledge questionnaire. The scores between pre- and post-intervention were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Of the 120 enrolled, 113 completed baseline and 75 completed follow-up. 48% had alcohol-related liver disease as the underlying cause of cirrhosis. Mean MELD score at enrollment was 14.7 ± 8.14. There was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores across all domains from baseline to month 1 (p < 0.05). The overall knowledge score improved from 65 to 83% (p < 0.001), with highest improvement by 40% in the domain of liver function and causes of cirrhosis. MBE can help improve patients' knowledge about liver function, management, and prevention and can be used in both ambulatory and inpatient hepatology practice.

Impact of fluid abrasive viscosity on machining performance

ABSTRACT Abrasive Flow Machining is widely employed for machining complex internal surfaces, with the fluid abrasive being crucial to machining quality. However, research on fluid abrasive performance is limited, and no standardized evaluation method exists. This paper developed a siloxane-based fluid abrasive and analyzed the impact of its viscosity on material removal. Through processing experiments, the effects of abrasive grain size and content on machining quality were explored. And the viscosity curve of the fluid abrasive was fitted. Results showed that reducing abrasive content from 60% to 40% increased surface roughness by 15.567% and decreased material removal depth by 56.623%. In contrast, increasing particle size from 80μm to 700μm decreased surface roughness by 47.057% and boosted material removal depth by 115.350%. The Cross equation provides the best fit for the viscosity curve (R² > 0.990). Finally, a novel method for evaluating fluid abrasive performance was proposed and validated.

DIAGNOSTIC EFFICACY OF FNAC IN THYROID LESIONS, CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO BETHESDA SYSTEM WITH CYTOHISTOLOGICAL CORRELATION

Objective: The objective of the study is to estimate the diagnostic accuracy (DA) of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in thyroid lesions with cytohistological correlation. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study which was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Rabindranath Tagore Medical College, M.B.G. Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, from December 2022 to December 2023. A total of 201 thyroid aspirations were performed, and the smears were classified according to The Bethesda system. Cytological and histopathological findings were compared in 132 cases that proceeded to surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value, and DA were calculated using standard statistical methods. Results: The distribution of thyroid lesions on cytology was as follows: Non-diagnostic (1%), benign (92%), atypia of unknown significance (1%), follicular neoplasia (3%), suspicious for malignancy (2%), and malignant (1%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, NPV, and DA in our study were 78.94%, 100%, 100%, 96%, and 96.9%, respectively. Conclusion: FNAC’s cost-effectiveness, patient-friendly nature, swift results, and high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy render it a primary diagnostic tool for assessing patients with thyroid swelling preoperatively. The Bethesda system categorizes thyroid lesions cytologically, aiding in their diagnosis and subsequent management. Histopathological correlation facilitates the assessment of DA and ensures quality assurance.