Rate Of Change In Thickness Research Articles

The Effect of Blood Pressure on Rates of Progression in Focal Ischemic versus Generalized Cup Enlargement Glaucoma Phenotypes.

To investigate the impact of blood pressure (BP) on rates of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning in glaucomatous eyes with focal ischemic (FI) versus generalized enlargement (GE) optic disc phenotypes. Prospective cohort study. The study included 122 eyes from 101 patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma. Eyes were classified as FI (n=31, 25%) or GE (n=91, 75%) based on masked grading of stereophotographs at baseline. Subjects underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans, every 6 months for an overall mean follow-up of 4.2 years ± 1.5 years. Brachial artery BP was measured concurrently, and mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) were calculated. Rates of global RNFL thickness change over time were assessed using linear mixed models, evaluating the impact of BP parameters in each optic disc phenotype, adjusting for IOP and other confounders. Interaction terms were used to test for differences in the effects of BP and IOP between the FI and GE phenotypes. Effect of MAP, SAP and DAP on rates of RNFL loss over time in FI and GE optic disc phenotypes. In the adjusted FI group models, each 10-mmHg decrease in MAP, SAP, and DAP was associated with -0.397 μm/year (p=0.006), -0.211 μm/year (p=0.029), and -0.471 μm/year (p=0.005) faster RNFL thinning, respectively. In contrast, BP parameters were not significantly associated with RNFL loss in the GE group. In the multivariable model with interaction terms, the interaction between DAP and phenotype was statistically significant (p=0.019), indicating the FI phenotype exhibited greater sensitivity to lower diastolic pressure compared to GE eyes. In contrast, interaction terms between IOP and optic disc phenotype were not significant in any of the models, suggesting a similar effect of IOP in both phenotypes. Lower systemic BP levels were associated with faster RNFL thinning in the FI optic disc phenotype, but not in the GE phenotype. These findings highlight the importance of considering both IOP and systemic BP when managing patients with the FI optic disc phenotype.

Number of macula optical coherence tomography scans needed to detect glaucoma progression

BackgroundTo evaluate the impact of testing frequency on the time required to detect statistically significant glaucoma progression for ganglion cell complex (GCC) with optical coherence tomography (OCT).Materials and methodsFrom multicentre...

Effects of abdominal muscle strengthening and pelvic control exercises on trunk control and pelvic movement in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit abnormal movements due to atypical pelvic movements and weakness of trunk muscles. We investigated the effects of abdominal muscle strengthening and pelvic control exercises on trunk control, abdominal muscle thickness change rate, and pelvic movement in children with unilateral CP. Fourteen children with unilateral CP were randomly divided into two groups, and abdominal muscle strengthening and pelvic control exercises were applied to the experimental group, and general physical therapy was applied to the control group, 30 min per session, twice a week, for a total of 8 weeks, respectively. The trunk control measurement scale (TCMS) was used to measure trunk control, ultrasonography was used to measure abdominal muscle thickness change rate, and a wearable gait analysis system was used to measure pelvic movement. As a result, in the experimental group, TCMS showed a significant increase within the group, and the rotation range of the pelvis significantly decreased within the group on the affected and nonaffected sides. There was a significant difference between the groups in the abdominal muscle thickness change rate of the internal oblique on the affected side. Improving trunk control through abdominal strengthening and pelvic control exercises affected the deep muscles on the affected side and contributed to a reduction in excessive pelvic rotation range. Therefore, abdominal muscle strengthening and pelvic control exercises may be suggested as intervention methods to improve function in unilateral CP.

Clinical efficacy of optical coherence tomography parameters to predict the visual field outcome following pituitary adenoma surgery.

To investigate the factors affecting visual field recovery in patients with pituitary adenoma following surgical removal, both eyes of 35 patients with pituitary adenoma who had been followed up for > six months post-surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and post-operative visual acuity, visual field test, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness were investigated. The average age of the 35 patients was 58.3 ± 11.5 years. Preoperatively, 30 eyes (mean average RNFL thickness, 99.73 ± 5.89 μm) and 40 eyes (mean average RNFL thickness, 77.55 ± 8.35 μm) were included in the thick (≥ 90 μm) and thin RNFL group (< 90 μm), respectively. In the thick RNFL group, pre- and post-operative mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) were favorable (all p < 0.001), and the proportion of eyes of postoperative MD change which were stable or improved was greater than in the thin RNFL group (p = 0.042). Preoperative MD, RNFL (except nasal quadrant) and GCIPL thickness were positively correlated to postoperative MD values (all, p < 0.05). Preoperative MD and temporal RNFL thickness were significantly correlated with postoperative MD change rate (p = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Preoperative GC IPL thickness and postoperative MD change rate were not significantly correlated (p = 0.61). Using univariate regression analysis, preoperative best corrected visual acuity (Odds ratio [OR], 0.050; p < 0.001), tumor volume (OR, 1.110, p = 0.002), higher preoperative MD values (OR, 0.858; p < 0.001), lower preoperative PSD values (OR, 1.169, p = 0.002), thick RNFL (OR, 0.215; p = 0.003) and thick GCIPL (OR, 0.305, p = 0.018) were significantly associated with a good visual field outcome following surgery. According to multivariate analysis, any other parameters were not significant. In patients with thick RNFL, postoperative MD values were better than in the thin RNFL group. Eyes with preoperative higher MD and thick temporal RNFL showed more improvement in their visual fields postoperative. Preoperative thick RNFL could be a potential predictor of visual field recovery following TSA-TR, while macular GCIPL thickness does not appear to be a reliable predictor.

Change in Tear Layer Thickness under Scleral Contact Lenses in Keratoconus Patients and Normal Cornea Volunteers

Objective: To quantify rate of post-lens tear thickness change under scleral contact lenses in keratoconus patients and normal cornea volunteers. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study where semi-scleral lenses were fitted to 20 eyes (5 subjects, 10 eyes in each group). After insertion, post-lens tear thickness was measured at 0, 30 minutes and every hour up to 6 hours using Anterior Segment OCT. To analyze post-lens tear thickness and its rate of change at each time point, both within and between groups, a linear mixed model was used. Results: The initial mean post-lens tear thickness (µm) was 742 ± 50 and 440 ± 50 in keratoconus and normal cornea group, respectively. The mean rate of change (µm/hr) was highest in the first 30 minutes in both groups (80.8 ± 8.7, 132.2 ± 8.8 in keratoconus and normal cornea group). Following the first four hours in keratoconus and the first hour in normal cornea group, the reduction rate in post-lens tear thickness exhibited no statistically significant difference from the rate of change observed during the 5-6 hour period. The mean percentage of total change over 6 hours after lens insertion was higher in normal cornea compared to keratoconus group (36.6% vs 22.5%). Conclusion: The reduction in post-lens tear thickness follows a nonlinear pattern. The mean rate of change was highest after insertion and remained stable after four hours in keratoconus and one hour in normal cornea group. The percent change over the 6-hour period was greater in normal cornea group.

Study on expansion characteristics of Al–Al2O3 composite seals for intermediate‐temperature solid oxide fuel cell

AbstractAl2O3‐based composite seal with 10 wt% Al powder addition (A10) possesses excellent plastic and mechanical performance under wide temperature range of solid oxide fuel cell. The thickening phenomenon of A10 seal between 250°C–400°C and 600°C–750°C is caused by the thermal expansion of organic additives and the volume expansion when solid–liquid Al react with oxygen to form Al2O3. The thickness change rate reaches the maximum which is about 5% at 300°C and is about 4.46% at 650°C. The Gibbs free energy for reaction between Al and Al2O3 in the temperature range of 523–1 023 K is all less than 0, which is proved by the fact that A10 exhibits excellent self‐expansion and thermodynamic properties in the solid oxide fuel cell operating temperature.

A thorough analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the protein changes in the human cerebral cortex affected by Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a diverse condition with an intricate pathobiology. Cortex plays a role in regulating body movements, executive function, and cognitive control and serves as a hub for replaying information in the auditory and visual systems. There is a correlation between the rate of change in cortical thickness, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma neurofilament light levels, and cognitive function. However, cognitive impairment is typically closely associated with the decline of neurons and synapses in different regions of the cortex. Thus, more endeavor has been made to understand the pathophysiology of AD involved in the perturbation in the cortex, but fundamental molecular mechanisms related to protein changes that happen in the cortex region remain unanswered. We aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms implicated in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease in eight distinct regions of the human cortex. Using mass-spectrometry-based proteomic data from 29 published studies until March 15, 2022, hub proteins and protein-protein interactions, signaling pathways, miRNAs, and transcription factors were analyzed. Nine proteins—GFAP, APP, HSPB1, CD44, CLU, RPH3A, VGF, CAPG, and CORO1A—were prevalent in all of the studies. APP, ALB, and HSP90AA1 were found in 4/8, 3/8, and 3/8 regions of the cortex, respectively. Although the putative proteins obtained from various areas of cortex differed, important molecular pathways were identified, including impaired neuronal systems, mitochondrial and ribosomal functions, activated innate immune systems and microglia, and activated NMDA receptors. The primary microRNA (hsa-miR-16-5p) and transcription factor (CREB3L3) were the main factors responsible for the etiology of AD related to protein changes. Focusing on the proteins, miRNAs, transcription factors, and molecular processes in the cortex plays a crucial role in managing AD.

Factors influencing the reduction in quadriceps muscle thickness in the paretic limbs of patients with acute stroke

Background & AimsMuscle atrophy is an early event that occurs after stroke, but there are few reports on the changes in skeletal muscle thickness in acute stroke. This study aimed at investigating the factors contributing to reduced muscle thickness in patients with acute stroke. MethodsIn total, 51 patients with stroke and NIHSS >3 were included in our study. They were admitted to our hospital between July 2017 and May 2020.The quadriceps muscle thickness was measured with an ultrasound device on admission and 14 days later.The collected data included age, sex, BMI, disease type, NIHSS, and Japan Coma Scale on admission, hematoma removal, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, endovascular thrombectomy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, comorbidities, C-reactive protein and serum albumin levels on admission, start date of enteral nutrition, start date of oral intake, start date of weaning, start date of ambulation, and number of physiotherapy and occupational therapy units. These data were retrospectively retrieved from medical documents. Energy intake, protein intake, and energy adequacy were calculated by a dietician. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with reduced quadriceps muscle thickness. The independent variables were NIHSS, start date of enteral therapy, start date of oral intake, start date of mobilization, and start date of ambulation. ResultsThe rate of change in quadriceps muscle thickness of the paretic limb was -15.3% (interquartile range, -46.1–14.8%). Multiple regression analysis showed that the factors responsible for the decrease in muscle thickness on the paretic side were the start date of oral intake (β: -0.437; 95% Cl, -11.82 to -3.547) and the start date of ambulation (β: -0.342; 95% Cl, -2.405 to -0.445), with a multiple correlation coefficient of 0.615. ConclusionThe date of initiation of oral intake and the date of initiation of ambulation after acute stroke were related to the rate of reduction in muscle thickness on the paretic side. Thus, starting oral intake and ambulation training as early as possible could be important to prevent muscle atrophy. Furthermore, acquisition of swallowing ability and active ambulation training are effective in maintaining muscle mass in acute stroke.

Short‐term intraocular pressure fluctuation in primary angle closure glaucoma

Purpose: To identify the most sensitive period for detecting significant circadian and ultra‐short‐term intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation associated with disease progression in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG).Methods: PACG eyes, which had been followed up for over 2 years under the CUHK PACG Longitudinal (CUPAL) Study, were recruited. Eyes with or without functional or structural glaucomatous progression were classified into ‘progressive’ or ‘stable’ groups based on serial visual field (VF) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness documentations, respectively. Circadian and ultra‐short‐term IOP fluctuations were recorded by Sensimed Triggerfish® sensors with 288 readings over 30 s, at 5‐min intervals, over a 24‐h period. The circadian IOP fluctuation was represented by smoothed sensor output signals using B‐spline smoothing transform and described by functional data analysis. In each of seven activity‐related 1‐h periods during the examining day, the mean value of the amplitude‐frequency profiles of the signal fluctuations in twelve 30‐s intervals, which represent the ultra‐short‐term IOP fluctuation, was calculated by semi‐variogram/semi‐variance. The signals were compared between ‘progressive’ and ‘stable’ groups by permutation tests on functional t‐statistics.Results: Among the 25 recruited PACG eyes, 16 eyes were classified as RNFL ‘progressive’ group (the mean rate of change in global RNFL thickness: −0.199 ± 0.128 μm/month). Statistically significant differences were found during the time periods from 22:00 to 23:00 and from 07: 00 to 08:00 in gradients that reflected by the first derivative of the IOP fluctuation curve, as well as from 23:00 to 24:00 and 08:00 to 09:00 in curvatures that reflected by the second derivative of the IOP fluctuation curve, between the VF progressive and the VF stable groups (p &lt; 0.05). Gradients differences were also found during the time periods from 24:00 to 01:00 and 02:00 to 03:00 between structural progressive and stable groups (p &lt; 0.05). Higher signal fluctuations, in terms of amplitude‐frequency, were found during the first 1‐h period of sleeping in the RNFL ‘progressive’ group, compared to the RNFL ‘stable’ group (p = 0.028).Conclusions: Between RNFL ‘progressive’ and ‘stable’ PACG eyes, significant differences in circadian IOP fluctuation and ultra‐short‐term IOP fluctuation at the 1‐h period after falling asleep were identified. Large circadian IOP fluctuations may be associated with disease progression in PACG eyes. The first hour of sleeping may be the most sensitive period for detecting significant short‐term IOP fluctuation in PACG eyes.

Effectiveness of warm-up and dynamic balance training in preventing anterior cruciate ligament injuries in college gymnasts: a 3-year prospective study for one team.

The effect of trunk stability and dynamic balance warm-up exercises on physical functional improvement remains unelucidated. This study examined whether exercises could prevent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and improve trunk muscle activation and dynamic balance in gymnasts. This comparison study, involving gymnastics practice sessions, included 31 university gymnasts and was conducted in two periods: 1 year of observation followed by 2 years of intervention. Participants performed a trunk and dynamic balance warm-up exercise program during the intervention. The effect of exercise on the incidence of ACL injury was evaluated. In addition, the paired t-test was used to compare the Y-balance distance and the changes in muscle thickness associated with trunk muscle activation at rest and during plank. ACL injury risk during the intervention was significantly lower, with a relative risk of 0.23 (P=0.02, 95% CI: 0.06-0.88). Changes in muscle thickness with activation of the transversus abdominis (P<0.01, mean difference 4.1, 95% CI: 9.97-28.07, Cohen's d=0.52), internal oblique (P<0.01, mean difference 5.2, 95% CI: 9.72-21.55, Cohen's d=0.65), and external oblique (P<0.01, mean difference 5.5, 95% CI: 20.44-39.09, Cohen's d=0.71) muscles were significantly higher during the intervention. The Y-balance distance was also significantly greater in the posterior medial reach (P<0.01, mean difference 3.3, 95% CI: 1.56-6.26, Cohen's d=0.46) during the intervention. Exercise-based warm-up programs may decrease ACL injuries. It can improve physical functions, such as the rate of change in trunk muscle thickness and the posterior medial distance during Y balance.

Analysis of Geometric Surface Structure and Surface Layer Microhardness of Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy after Vibratory Shot Peening.

This article presents an analysis of the impact of vibratory shot peening on the surface roughness and physical properties of the Ti6Al4V titanium alloy surface layer after milling. The elements of machine parts and structures made of titanium alloys are often exposed to variable loads during operation. Therefore, it is advisable to apply methods that enhance functional properties and increase the durability of interacting components. Increasing the operational durability of such elements can be achieved by vibratory shot peening. Variable amplitudes A = 24; 33; 42; 51; 60 mm and times t = 1; 7; 13; 19; 25 min were applied. It has been demonstrated that it is possible to achieve a threefold reduction in the roughness parameter, Sa = 0.344 µm, compared with milling, Sa = 0.95 µm. An increase in Smr(c) areal material ratio was observed after vibratory shot peening compared with milling. It has been shown that amplitude has a greater impact on the increase in hardening of the surface layer gh compared with time. The highest rate of change in surface roughness and thickness of the hardened layer was achieved at a vibratory shot-peening time of t = 13 min. The greatest thickness of the hardened layer, exceeding 200 µm, was obtained after shot peening with an amplitude of A = 60 mm.

Assessment of recent changes (2011–2020) in glacier thickness and runoff variability in Gangotri glacier, India

ABSTRACT Recent evidence shows a noticeable reduction in the glacier mass in the Himalaya due to increasing temperatures, and therefore the downstream water availability is becoming uncertain. This study analyse the effect of changes in the Gangotri glaciers (i.e. thickness), including Raktavaran and Chaturangi regions, on the melt runoff (2011–2020) by coupling two models: Glacier Bed Topolology (GlabTop2) and Spatial Process in Hydrology (SPHY). This study performs the two-step calibration approach utilizing the observed discharge and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover data. The R2 values for SPHY-modelled runoff (Q) and observed Q at Bhojwasa are found comparable (~0.73 on a daily scale) and the proportions of glacier Q and snow Q in total Q are computed as 22.11% and 66.91%, respectively. In comparison to Chaturangi and Raktavaran, Gangotri glaciers experienced a higher rate of change in thickness, and a reduction of ~9.40% in the mean glacier thickness is calculated during 2011–2020.

Puberty differentially predicts brain maturation in male and female youth: A longitudinal ABCD Study

Research has demonstrated associations between pubertal development and brain maturation. However, existing studies have been limited by small samples, cross-sectional designs, and inconclusive findings regarding directionality of effects and sex differences.We examined the longitudinal temporal coupling of puberty status assessed using the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based grey and white matter brain structure. Our sample consisted of 8896 children and adolescents at baseline (mean age = 9.9) and 6099 at follow-up (mean age = 11.9) from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study cohort.Applying multigroup Bivariate Latent Change Score (BLCS) models, we found that baseline PDS predicted the rate of change in cortical thickness among females and rate of change in cortical surface area for both males and females. We also found a correlation between baseline PDS and surface area and co-occurring changes over time in males. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analyses revealed correlated change between PDS and fractional anisotropy (FA) for both males and females, but no significant associations for mean diffusivity (MD).Our results suggest that pubertal status predicts cortical maturation, and that the strength of the associations differ between sex. Further research spanning the entire duration of puberty is needed to understand the extent and contribution of pubertal development on the youth brain.

Orthogonal Experimental Optimization of Preparation and Microstructural Properties of a Diffusion Barrier for Tantalum-Based Silicide Coatings.

To solve the problem of silicide coatings on tantalum substrates failing due to elemental diffusion under high-temperature oxidation environments and to find diffusion barrier materials with excellent effects of impeding Si elemental spreading, TaB2 and TaC coatings were prepared on tantalum substrates by the encapsulation and infiltration methods, respectively. Through orthogonal experimental analysis of the raw material powder ratio and pack cementation temperature, the best experimental parameters for the preparation of TaB2 coatings were selected: powder ratio (NaF:B:Al2O3 = 2.5:1:96.5 (wt.%)) and pack cementation temperature (1050 °C). After diffusion treatment at 1200 °C for 2 h, the thickness change rate of the Si diffusion layer prepared using this process was 30.48%, which is lower than that of non-diffusion coating (36.39%). In addition, the physical and tissue morphological changes of TaC and TaB2 coatings after siliconizing treatment and thermal diffusion treatment were compared. The results prove that TaB2 is a more suitable candidate material for the diffusion barrier layer of silicide coatings on tantalum substrates.

Intraocular Pressure and Rates of Macular Thinning in Glaucoma

To evaluate the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) on the rates of macular thickness (ganglion cell layer [GCL] and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer [GCIPL]) change over time measured by spectral-domain (SD) OCT. Retrospective cohort study. Overall, 451 eyes of 256 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Data were extracted from the Duke Ophthalmic Registry, a database of electronic medical records of patients observed under routine clinical care at the Duke Eye Center, and satellite clinics. All records from patients with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up and at least 2 good-quality Spectralis SD-OCT macula scans were included. Linear mixed models were used to investigate the relationship between average IOP during follow-up and rates of GCL and GCIPL thickness change over time. The effect of IOP on the rates of GCL and GCIPL thickness loss measured by SD-OCT. Eyes had a mean follow-up of 1.8 ± 1.3 years, ranging from 0.5 to 10.2 years. The average rate of change for GCL thickness was-0.220 μm/year (95% confidence interval [CI],-0.268 to-0.172 μm/year) and for GCIPL thickness was-0.231 μm/year (95% CI,-0.302 to-0.160 μm/year). Each 1-mmHg higher mean IOP during follow-up was associated with an additional loss of-0.021 μm/year of GCL thickness (P= 0.001) and-0.032 μm/year of GCIPL thickness (P= 0.001) after adjusting for potentially confounding factors, such as baseline age, disease severity, sex, race, central corneal thickness, and follow-up time. Higher IOP was significantly associated with faster rates of GCL and GCIPL loss over time measured by SD-OCT, even during relatively short follow-up times. These findings support the use of SD-OCT GCL and GCIPL thickness measurements as structural biomarkers for the evaluation of the efficacy of IOP-lowering therapies in slowing down the progression of glaucoma. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Progressive Macular Vessel Density Loss Observed on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Glaucoma Patients With Single-Hemifield Visual Field Defects.

Faster hemispheric mVD loss was found in the affected hemifield of POAG patients without significant changes in hemispheric thickness. The progression of mVD loss was associated with the severity of VF damage. To evaluate the changes in macular vessel density (mVD) loss in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with visual field (VF) defects confined to 1 hemifield. This longitudinal cohort study used linear mixed models to evaluate the changes in the hemispheric mean total deviation (mTD), mVD, macular ganglion cell complex, macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, and retinal nerve fiber layer between affected hemifields, unaffected hemifields, and healthy controls. Twenty-nine POAG eyes and 25 healthy eyes were followed for an average of 29 months. In POAG eyes, the rates of decline in hemispheric mTD and hemispheric mVD in the affected hemifields were significantly faster than those in the unaffected hemifields (-0.42±1.24 vs. 0.02±0.69dB/year, P =0.018 and -2.16±1.01 vs. -1.77±0.90% / year, P =0.031, respectively). There were no differences in the rate of hemispheric thickness change between the 2 hemifields. The rate of hemispheric mVD decline in both hemifields of POAG eyes was significantly faster than that of the healthy controls (All P <0.05). An association between the reduced mTD of the VF and the rate of hemispheric mVD loss in the affected hemifield was observed (r=0.484, P =0.008). Faster rates of mVD loss (β=-1.72±0.80, P =0.050) were significantly related to reduced hemispheric mTD in the multivariate analysis. Faster hemispheric mVD loss was found in the affected hemifield of POAG patients without significant changes in hemispheric thickness. The progression of mVD loss was associated with the severity of VF damage.

Calibration procedure for ultrasonic sensors for precise thickness measurement

The conveyor belt, the most expensive element of the conveyor, during many years of operation is subject to complex wear processes related to the processes of its friction against the debris and structural elements, fatigue processes related to its bending on drums and idler sets, and repeated changes in tension when starting the conveyor and passing through the driving drums. The rate of wear processes is proportional to the time and intensity of the belt operation (the number of cycles of the belt loop around the conveyor). Another character, sudden and random, is the belt damage that occurs during the fall of the spoil onto the belt. Smaller lumps accelerate the friction processes by damaging the surface of the covers (rubber cracks, small tears) and intense friction caused by the acceleration of the excavated material. Larger lumps with energy exceeding the limit values cause the belt to puncture through, tearing out parts of the cover or rim, and damage to the core. As the belt wears off, the energy limits decrease (due to the decreasing belt thickness), which significantly accelerates the rate of its degradation processes. Identifying the rate of change in belt thickness over the entire surface is therefore critical to estimating the remaining life of the belt. The implementation of non-invasive diagnostics of conveyor belts to assess the condition of its core and the degree of abrasion allows for a significant reduction in belt operating costs. It can contribute to the extension of its life by reducing uneven wear and damage to the core. The decision to replace the belt at the right moment allows it to be regenerated. Regular control of the condition of damage and abrasions of the belt can prevent the occurrence of major failures and plan the moments of preventive replacements, which are much cheaper than expensive emergency replacements that can additionally cause enormous production losses. Prediction of the replacement of belt sections and their length allows for proper management of the budget allocated to repair and replacement of belts. Thanks to the obtained detailed information on the degree of belt wear, it is possible to take ad hoc corrective actions to extend the life of the belts and to predict the remaining time of its failure-free operation in the adopted replacement strategy. In Poland, at the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, as a result of many years of research work financed by the National Center for Research and Development, diagnostic systems have been developed to assess the technical condition of conveyor belts. One of such devices is the ultrasonic system for continuous belt thickness measurement, which is being built under the LIDER X project, called BeltSonic. This article presents the method of calibrating this device and the obtained measurement accuracy. Accurately measuring the thickness of the strip over its entire surface is critical to forecasting its remaining life.

Structural and vascular changes in glaucoma with single-hemifield defect: predictors of opposite hemifield visual field progression.

To investigate longitudinal changes in optic nerve head (ONH) superficial vessel density (VD), macular VD, circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness, and their associations with future VF defects in unaffected hemifields of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes with baseline VF defect confined to a single hemifield. This retrospective observational study included 61 POAG eyes with VF defect confined to a single hemifield monitored over a mean follow-up time of 2.7years. Development of VF defect in opposite hemifield was defined based the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trail criteria. Each eye was classified into either "conversion" or "no conversion" groups according to development of VF defect in the unaffected hemifield. The rates of longitudinal changes in VD and structure parameters in each hemiretina were compared between the two groups. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify potential risk factors for VF conversion in the unaffected hemifield. Among 61 eyes, 17 eyes (27.9%) were classified as "conversion" and 44 eyes (72.1%) were classified as "non-conversion" groups. The conversion group exhibited significantly greater rates of both VD and structural changes in both hemiretinas. In Cox proportional hazard model, greater rate of change in GCIPL thickness, ONH superficial VD, and macular VD of both hemiretinas and greater rate of change in RNFL thickness of the unaffected hemiretina were identified as risk factors for VF conversion in the unaffected hemifield. Monitoring progressive changes in VD and structural parameters effectively predict future VF defect in the opposite hemifields of POAG eyes with single-hemifield defects.

Cerebral cortical thickness and cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease.

In Parkinson's disease (PD), reduced cerebral cortical thickness may reflect network-based degeneration. This study performed cognitive assessment and brain MRI in 30 PD participants and 41 controls at baseline and 18months later. We hypothesized that cerebral cortical thickness and volume, as well as change in these metrics, would differ between PD participants who remained cognitively stable and those who experienced cognitive decline. Dividing the participant sample into PD-stable, PD-decline, and control-stable groups, we compared mean cortical thickness and volume within segments that comprise the prefrontal cognitive-control, memory, dorsal spatial, and ventral object-based networks at baseline. We then compared the rate of change in cortical thickness and volume between the same groups using a vertex-wise approach. We found that the PD-decline group had lower cortical thickness within all 4 cognitive networks in comparison with controls, as well as lower cortical thickness within the prefrontal and medial temporal networks in comparison with the PD-stable group. The PD-decline group also experienced a greater rate of volume loss in the lateral temporal cortices in comparison with the control group. This study suggests that lower thickness and volume in prefrontal, medial, and lateral temporal regions may portend cognitive decline in PD.

Ultrasonography Comparison of Diaphragm Morphological Structure and Function in Young and Middle-Aged Subjects with and without Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study.

It is reported that impaired postural control in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) was associated with "core" trunk muscle incoordination. However, as the diaphragm is an important component of the "core" deep trunk muscle group, we still know little about the potential relationship between diaphragm dysfunction and NCLBP. This case-control study is intended to investigate the changes of diaphragm morphological structure and function in young and middle-aged subjects with and without NCLBP by ultrasound evaluation and its possible validity in predicating the occurrence of NCLBP. 31 subjects with NCLBP (NCLBP group) and 32 matched healthy controls (HC group) were enrolled in this study. The diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiration (T ins) or expiration (T exp) during deep breathing was measured through B-mode ultrasound, and the diaphragm excursion (T exc) was estimated at deep breathing through M-mode ultrasound. The diaphragm thickness change rate (T rate) was calculated by the formula: T rate=(T ins - T exp)/T exp × 100%. Compared with the HC group, the NCLBP group had a significant smaller degree of Tins (t = -3.90, P < 0.001), T exp (Z = -2.79, P=0.005), and T rate (t = -2.03, P=0.047). However, there was no statistical difference in T exc between the two groups (t = -1.42, P=0.161). The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that T rate (OR = 16.038, P=0.014) and T exp (OR = 7.714, P=0.004) were potential risk factors for the occurrence of NCLBP. The diaphragm morphological structure and function were changed in young and middle-aged subjects with NCLBP, while the diaphragm thickness change rate (T rate) and diaphragm thickness at the end of expiration (T exp) may be conductive to the occurrence of NCLBP. Furthermore, these findings may suggest that abnormal diaphragm reeducation is necessary for the rehabilitation of patients with NCLBP.