Thickness Parameters Research Articles

Research on the Mechanical Properties and Structural Optimization of Pipe String Joint under Deep Well Fracturing Operation

In order to reduce the failure accidents caused by the insufficient strength of fracturing string joints, theoretical calculation and string design methods were adopted to conduct finite element calculations on commonly used long circular threads. The distribution laws of stress and contact pressure of long round threads were obtained, a non-standard special thread was designed, and a finite element model of the joint of the casing was established. Considering different make-up torques, tensile loads, and tensile torque loads within a certain range, the stress variation law of the special casing threaded joint under this design size was analyzed. Finally, the stress and contact pressure variation law on the threaded tooth was analyzed under different structures, working conditions, and wall thickness parameters. The thread strength and sealing function were compared under various parameters. The results showed that the smaller the wall thickness of the joints, the greater the contact pressure at the threaded tooth. Among them, the contact pressure of the external threaded tooth is too high, and is prone to the sticking phenomenon. The distribution of contact pressure in the middle section is relatively reasonable. Compared with the original structure, the new structure significantly reduces the contact pressure at the head and tail ends of the threaded connection, reducing the risk of sticking.

Quantitative assessment of choroidal parameters and retinal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy using ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveIn this study, we used ultra-wide field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF SS-OCTA) to assess changes in retinal thickness (RT) and choroidal parameters in individuals who had received a diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).MethodsThe study encompassed the evaluation of 59 eyes from 47 patients with a diagnosis of CSC, alongside 33 fellow eyes and 31 eyes from healthy individuals (controls). The parameters assessed included RT, choroidal thickness (CT), choriocapillaris density, vascular density of the large choroidal vessel layer, three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (3D-CVI), choroidal vessel volume per unit area (mCVV/a), and choroidal stroma volume per unit area (mCSV/a).ResultsMetrics including mCVV/a, mCSV/a, 3D-CVI, CT, and RT exhibited significantly elevated values in the eyes affected by CSC compared to those of the control group across nine subfields. Moreover, a substantial number of the subfields in both CSC-affected and fellow eyes exhibited increased values for mCVV/a, mCSV/a, 3D-CVI, CT, and RT when compared with the control group. Additionally, acute and chronic CSC subfields demonstrated significantly elevated values for mCVV/a, mCSV/a, 3D-CVI, CT, and RT in comparison to healthy control eyes. Notably, specific subfields associated with complex and atypical forms of CSC revealed higher metrics compared to those of the control group.ConclusionIn conclusion, the UWF SS-OCTA proved to be a valuable tool for exploring the anatomical etiology and clinical classification and diagnosis of CSC.

Changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer and ocular parameters in acute anterior uveitis

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) can lead to the thickening of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and induce refractive changes during its active phase. Background AAU is a common form of uveitis characterised by inflammation in the anterior chamber. A notable prevalence of optical coherence tomography – defined pRNFL thickening was observed among patients with AAU. The alterations in pRNFL thickness and their associations with other relevant ocular parameters in patients with AAU were investigated. Methods A retrospective, consecutive case series was conducted at a specialised uveitis referral clinic in Taiwan. This study gathered data on various demographic characteristics and various ocular parameters, namely anterior chamber cell grading, refractive error, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and optical coherence tomography measurements. A comparative analysis of baseline and subsequent follow-up data was conducted. Additionally, this study examined the correlations between alterations in pRNFL thickness and various ocular parameters. Twenty-one patients with AAU (21 affected eyes/21 unaffected eyes) were examined. Results Initial measurements revealed pRNFL thickening in 20 patients. Treatment led to significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure recovery, and pRNFL thickening (p < 0.01). The correlation between changes in pRNFL thickness and best-corrected visual acuity was weak (r = 0.20, p = 0.41). By contrast, a significant negative correlation was identified between changes in pRNFL thickness and refractive error alterations (r = −0.71, p = 0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrated that AAU is associated with pRNFL thickening, which in turn is inversely correlated with changes in refractive error alterations throughout the disease course. Monitoring changes in pRNFL thickness can be effective in assessing ocular inflammation status.

Norm-Resolvent Convergence for Neumann Laplacians on Manifold Thinning to Graphs

Norm-resolvent convergence with an order-sharp error estimate is established for Neumann Laplacians on thin domains in Rd, d≥2, converging to metric graphs in the limit of vanishing thickness parameter in the “resonant” case. The vertex matching conditions of the limiting quantum graph are revealed as being closely related to those of the δ′ type.

Nata De Coco Quality Development Model from Different Inoculum Sources

The results of the study "Nata De Coco Quality Development Model from Different Inoculum Sources", aim (1) to utilize wasted coconut water from the coconut industry and home industry, (2) to obtain a Nata de Coco quality development model from different inoculum sources (inoculum from pineapple flesh and inoculum that are already available on the market. The methodology used is quantitative (laboratory experiments) with Complete Randomized Design (RAL). This research includes stages, as follows, namely: Phase I, using coconut water media sources with the maturity level of ripe coconuts, with Treatment A = basic ingredients of fresh Coconut Water (0 storage), B = basic ingredients of Coconut Water with storage for 1 week, C = basic ingredients of coconut water with storage for 2 weeks, and treatment D = basic ingredients of coconut water with storage for 3 weeks. Phase II, fermenting coconut water which becomes a substrate as a fermentation medium using inoculum sources, namely: liquid inoculum sources from natural ingredients of pineapple flesh and liquid inoculum sources available on the market in producing cellulose pellicle. The results of the study can be concluded as follows: (1) Coconut water waste wasted from the coconut industry and coconut home industry in the North Minahasa Regency area of North Sulawesi from ripe coconuts can be utilized by Acetobacter xylinum bacteria in producing Nata de Coco pellicle, (2) IN treatment (Natural Acetobacter xylinum liquid inoculum from pineapple fruit) provides the best treatment results from several quality parameters of Nata de Coco produced such as: parameters of Layer Thickness, Water Content, Fiber Content, and Color, than IP treatment (liquid inoculum Acetobacter xylinum on the market).

Bark thickness and related parameters of tree species along an elevation transect leading to treeline in Central Himalaya.

Since treelines are generally fire-free, the trees growing there are expected to have thin bark, unless adaptation to other factors than fire results in the selection of a thick bark. Related to this is also higher proportional investment in inner bark in such an environment of infrequent fire. This study has considered stem bark thickness both in absolute and relative terms and also in the frame of the composition of outer and inner bark components of 20 tree species along an elevation transect (2100-3300m) in high ranges of the Central Himalaya leading to treelines. The study species varied from 2.1 to 16.2mm for total bark thickness and from 1.2 to 18.85% for relative bark thickness. The average absolute total bark thickness across the tree species decreased with elevation from forest to treeline, both when trees of all diameters (10.2 ± 0.84mm for forest and 6.9 ± 1.79mm for treeline) and those of the same stem diameter range (18-20m) were compared (9.10 ± 1.30mm for forest species and 6.38 ± 1.31mm for treeline species). Nevertheless, the treeline bark thickness was similar to those of several forest communities considered to have comparatively thick bark. Like many other biological structures, bark carries out multiple functions; therefore, its thickness could be affected by more than one environmental factor. We suggest that the requirement of mechanical resistance to the snowfall, rainstorms, wind and adaptation to a high sunlight and UV radiations or storage of water, and non-structural carbohydrates could affect total, outer and inner bark thickness. Studies on these aspects in similar ecosystems may help understand the multi-functional attributes of the bark. For trees of comparable sizes (trees with 18-20cm diameter at breast height) treeline species also had lower relative bark thickness (< 6%) than trees of forest below it (> 7%). The median proportion of inner bark of the total bark (70.5%) for our 20 species was more than that for savannas (~ 50%), exposed to frequent fire regime and similar to those of in cool sclerophyllous forests and temperate rain forests where fire return time is > 100years. However, it was lower than the inner bark proportion reported for tropical rain forests. To conclude, in spite of a fire-free environment, the Himalayan treeline and adjoining forest species show mixed bark characters.

Средства реализации языкового смысла «признак предмета» в профессиональной сфере «военное строительство»

&lt;p&gt;The article examines the linguistic means of expressing the linguistic meaning of the &amp;laquo;feature of the subject&amp;raquo; in the military engineering sublanguage. Relative adjectives describing various properties of building materials and their single-root nouns are relevant for the construction sector. Adjectives denoting hydrophysical, thermophysical, physico-chemical, mechanical, chemical, technological, operational and special properties are used to characterize building materials. Quantitative numerals are less likely than ordinal adjectives to participate in the expression of the linguistic meaning of the &amp;laquo;feature of the object&amp;raquo; and are inconsistent, non-morphologized definitions, however, in the military engineering field they are active in characterizing the quantitative parameters of temperature, thickness, depth, height and other characteristics of construction objects. The onomasiological correlation between relative adjectives and participles in the construction sector is observed in constructions, &amp;laquo;adjective name&amp;raquo; is &amp;laquo;an object with a certain quality&amp;raquo;; &amp;laquo;adjective name is an object made of a certain material&amp;raquo;; &amp;laquo;adjective name is an object built of a certain material&amp;raquo;. It was revealed that speakers prefer the use of relative adjectives to denote the construction materials used; participles &amp;mdash; to denote construction technological processes; quantitative numerals &amp;mdash; to denote the nomenclature of construction mechanisms. Adjectives and participles as part of terminological combinations represent a contamination of the linguistic meanings of &amp;laquo;subject attribute&amp;raquo; and &amp;laquo;subject&amp;raquo;.&lt;/p&gt;

Analysis of the thickness characteristics of the left atrial posterior wall and its correlation with the low and no voltage areas of the left atrial posterior wall in patients with atrial fibrillation

ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between the thickness of the left atrial posterior wall and the low and no voltage zones in the left atrial posterior wall in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods61 patients admitted to our cardiology department for AF and radiofrequency ablation of AF from January 1, 2020 to May 30, 2022 were enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The atrial wall thickness was measured by CT scan. Baseline data, preoperative cardiac ultrasound data, preoperative biochemical parameters, low voltage zone (fibrotic zone) and no voltage zone (scar zone) in the left atrial posterior wall area, and various parameters of posterior left atrial wall thickness were collected.ResultsThe differences of the thickness between the upper, middle and lower mean levels of the left atrial posterior wall were statistically significant (P = 0.004). The results showed that body mass index was weakly positively correlated with the mean level of total left atrial posterior wall thickness (r = 0.426, P = 0.001) and was statistically significant. The remaining indices were positively or negatively correlated with the mean level of total left atrial posterior wall thickness, but none were statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsBoth left atrial posterior wall low-voltage zone and voltage-free zone were positively correlated with the mean total left atrial posterior wall thickness, and left atrial posterior wall low-voltage zone and voltage-free zone were significantly positively correlated. Body mass index was weakly positively correlated with total left atrial posterior wall thickness.

Assessment of water shortage in underground aquifer in Abuja during dry season

Water shortage is a complex issue with severe implications for human well-being, agriculture, and ecosystems. Climate change, population growth, and inadequate water management practices contribute to this global problem. This study is to identify the causes of ground water scarcity and determine groundwater potential zones in the Abuja community. The research area's borehole coordinates, Landsat 8 satellite imagery, AsterDEM 30m resolution DEM data, and vertical electrical sounding (VES) data were all used to do this. Unsupervised classification of Landsat imagery was used to create a layer of land use and cover, image filtering techniques were used to improve the visualization of lineament extraction, and density analysis was used to quantify lineament density. AsterDEM data was subjected to surface analysis to acquire elevation data, while VES data were interpolated to produce spatial distributions of the resistivity and thickness parameters. To identify groundwater potential zones, multiple criterion analysis using the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) was utilized to reclassify variables such as land use, elevation, lineament density, resistivity, and thickness. To create the zones, these characteristics were weighted and layered. According to the findings, resistivity levels varied from 6.25 m to 676 m, and the geologic ground structure's thickness ranged from 0.27 m to 92.37 m. Elevation varied from 41 meters to 720 meters, while lineament density ranged from 0 to 0.04. 74% of the land was categorized as vegetated, 21% as built up, 2.7% as water bodies, and 2.3% as rock formations. Within Abuja, zones of groundwater potential were identified as being very low (5%), low (26.7%), marginally high (26.3%), moderately high (28.5%), and very high (13.4%)

Study on the biomechanical properties of 3D printed blended esophageal stents with different structural parameters based on patient CT

Introduction: Esophageal stenting is a widely used treatment for esophageal diseases, which can also be used for adjuvant therapy and feeding after chemotherapy for esophageal cancer. The structural parameters of the stent have a significant impact on its mechanical properties and patient comfort.Methods: In the present work, we reconstructed the esophagus model based on the patient’s computed tomography (CT) data, and designed stents with different structural parameters. We used 3D printing technology to achieve rapid production of the designed stents by using Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) blends as the materials. The mechanical properties and effects on the esophagus of polymer stents with four different structural parameters of diameter, wall thickness, length and flaring were investigated by in vitro tests of radial compression and migration of the stents, as well as by finite element simulations of the stent implantation process in the esophagus and of the stent migration process. An artificial neural network model was established to predict the radial force of the stent and the maximum equivalent stress of the esophagus during implantation based on these four structural parameters.Results: The results show that wall thickness was the structural parameter that had the greatest impact on the radial force of the stent (statistically significant, p &amp;lt; 0.01), and flaring was the structural parameter that had the greatest impact on the maximum equivalent stress of the esophageal wall after stent implantation (statistically significant, p &amp;lt; 0.01). No. 6 stent had a maximum radial force of 18.07 N, which exceeded that of commercial esophageal stents and had good mechanical properties. And the maximum equivalent force on the esophagus caused by its implantation was only 30.39 kPa, which can improve patient comfort. The predicted values of the constructed back propagation (BP) neural network model had an error of less than 10% from the true values, and the overall prediction accuracies were both above 97%, which can provide guidance for optimizing the design of the stent and for clinical research.Discussion: 3D printing technology presents a wide range of applications for the rapid fabrication of personalized TPU/PCL blend stents that are more suitable for individual patients.

Supplementation with Lactiplantibacillus brevis GKEX Combined with Resistance Exercise Training Improves Muscle Mass, Strength Performance, and Body Fat Condition in Healthy Humans.

In addition to maintaining good exercise and dietary habits, recent studies have shown that probiotics may have potential benefits for muscle mass and strength. It is worth noting that the effects may vary depending on the specific strains used. To date, no studies have analyzed the effects of Lactiplantibacillus brevis in this context. Here, we combine the L. brevis strain GKEX with resistance training to further understand its effects on muscle mass, thickness, performance, and fat loss. In a six-week intervention for a double-blind randomized trial, 52 healthy subjects were divided into two groups (10 male and 16 female participants in each group): a placebo group (two capsules/day, containing 0 CFU of GKEX per capsule) and a GKEX group (two capsules/day, containing 1 × 1010 CFU of GKEX per capsule). Before the intervention, no differences were observed between the two groups in any of the tests (body composition, muscle thickness, exercise performance, and blood parameters). However, supplementation with GKEX significantly improved muscle mass and thickness, as well as grip strength, muscle strength, and explosive performance, when compared to the associated parameters before the intervention. Additionally, GKEX supplementation promoted a reduction in the body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Through analysis of the change amount, we observed that GKEX supplementation yielded significantly improved benefits when compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). In summary, our findings support the notion that a six-week resistance exercise training program combined with L. brevis GKEX supplementation has superior additive effects that enhance muscle mass and strength performance, while also reducing body fat percentage. This intervention can promote muscle gain and fat loss.

The Allen–Cahn model with a time-dependent parameter for motion by mean curvature up to the singularity

In this article, we investigate the temporal evolution of arbitrary, simple, closed two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) interfaces under motion driven by mean curvature up to a singularity. To facilitate this investigation, we propose a novel Allen–Cahn (AC) model with a time-dependent interfacial thickness parameter. The original AC equation was developed to model the phase separation of a binary mixture. It is well known that a level set or interface of the solution of the AC equation obeys the dynamics of motion by curvature as the interfacial thickness parameter approaches zero. Generally, it is difficult to find a closed-form analytic solution of the AC equation with any initial condition. Therefore, we need to estimate the solution of the AC equation through computational approaches such as finite difference method (FDM), finite element method (FEM), Fourier-spectral method (FSM), and finite volume method (FVM). Any simple, closed curves and convex surfaces eventually shrink to a point due to motion by mean curvature. Therefore, it becomes necessary to use adaptive mesh techniques to resolve this small size problem. However, even though we use adaptive mesh techniques, we still confront the relatively thick interfacial transition layer when the curves or interfaces become very small. To avoid this problem, we can start with a very small mesh size for a small value of the interfacial parameter, which results in an extremely high computational cost even when using adaptive mesh techniques. To resolve these issues, we present the AC equation with a time-dependent interfacial parameter and develop an adaptive mesh refinement system. To show the superior performance of the proposed mathematical equation and its computational algorithm, we present various numerical experiments and investigate the motion by mean curvature up to the singularity of curves in 2D space and interfaces in 3D space.

Impact of Arrhenius activation energy on magnetic nanofluid flow over a slendering stretchable sheet with nonlinear radiative heat transfer: A machine learning algorithm

Thermal systems in the contemporary world need effective cooling and heating methods. Heat transfer technology plays a vital role in various industries, including aerospace, electronic equipment, automobiles, and transportation. Considering the importance of effective cooling and heating processes, this framework explores the hydromagnetic stagnation point flow with binary chemical reactions, ohmic heating, Arrhenius activation energy, nonlinear thermal radiation, thermophoresis, and Brownian motion. At first, the flow equations are determined in a formal way as dimensional partial differential equations. Then, they are transformed into simpler, dimensionless ordinary differential equations using self-similar variables. The present study describes a novel approach to intelligent numerical computing, utilizing a Levenberg-Marquard algorithm-based MLP (Multi-Layer Perceptron) feed-forward back-propagation ANN (Artificial Neural Networks) implementation. The collection of data was conducted to facilitate the evaluation, validation, and instruction of the artificial neural network model. The utilization of appropriate self-similarity variables has facilitated the conversion of fluid transport equations into ordinary differential equations. The Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg (RKF) technique was used to solve these equations. The numerical results are presented visually for numerous constraints of the governing parameters. The increased values of the velocity ratio enhanced the fluid velocity. The nonlinear thermal radiation and temperature differential characteristics significantly raise the temperature of the fluid. Increasing the nonlinear radiation and magnetic field parameters improves the rate of heat transfer. The temperature of the fluid decreases as the size of stagnation increases. The skin friction coefficients decrease as the wall thickness and magnetic parameters increase.

THE ROLE OF INTIMA-MEDIA-THICKNESS, ANKLE BRACHIAL-INDEX, AND INFLAMMATORY BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS FOR STROKE RISK PREDICTION: AN UPDATE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity. The capacity to precisely estimate a person's risk of having a stroke is critical for early intervention and prevention stretegies. Researchers are exploring novel predictors beyond traditional risk factors, such as Intima-Media Thickness (IMT), Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), and inflammatory biochemical parameters, to accurately predict stroke risk. The aim: This study aims to determine the role of intima-media-thickness, ankle-brachial-index, and inflammatory biochemical parameters for stroke risk prediction. Methods: By comparing itself to the standards set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, this study was able to show that it met all of the requirements. So, the experts were able to make sure that the study was as up-to-date as it was possible to be. For this search approach, publications that came out between 2014 and 2024 were taken into account. Several different online reference sources, like Pubmed, SAGEPUB, and ScienceDirect, were used to do this. It was decided not to take into account review pieces, works that had already been published, or works that were only half done. Results: In the PubMed database, the results of our search brought up 1,004 articles, whereas the results of our search on SAGEPUB brought up 651 articles, and our search on ScienceDirect brought up 4,254 articles. In the end, we compiled 12 papers, 8 of which came from PubMed, 1 of which came from SAGEPUB, and 3 of which came from ScienceDirect. We included twelve research that met the criteria. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of our study strongly support that Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) and Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) hold significant promise as predictors of stroke risk. This can be helpful to improve stroke prevention and management strategies. However, further research is warranted to clarify the role of inflammatory biochemical parameters in the context of stroke risk prediction.

Comparison of focal loss volume, global loss volume, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and corneal epithelial thickness in eyes with glaucoma and suspicious optic discs

Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to study the role of the focal loss volume (FLV), global loss volume (GLV), and other spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) parameters in early diagnosis of glaucomatous damage. METHODS: A retrospective study included records of 34 eyes with early glaucoma (Group A) and 17 eyes with suspicious optic discs (Group B). Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), and corneal thickness parameters were assessed by the SD OCT (RTVue SD-OCT). These included the FLV, GLV, in addition to RNFL thickness, cup/disc ratio, GCC thickness, and anterior segment OCT for assessment of central corneal thickness and central corneal epithelial thickness. Data from both groups were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The FLV and GLV had the highest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve in Group A eyes. FLV had higher (97.2%) specificity and was the earliest parameter to be affected by glaucomatous damage, followed by GLV. Moreover, Group A eyes had significant thinning of the RNFL (91.59 μm) compared to Group B (118.18 μm), and GCC thickness was also significantly thinner in Group A (92.07 μm) than in Group B (110.54 μm). Interestingly, Group A eyes had thinner corneal epithelium (nonsignificant) than Group B. CONCLUSION: FLV and GLV were of the greatest value in the assessment of early glaucomatous GCC degeneration.

Ring-like partially nonlocal extreme wave of a (3+1)-dimensional NLS system with partially nonlocal nonlinearity and external potential

This paper aims to study extreme waves localized in (3+1)-dimensional space based on a (3+1)-dimensional nonautonomous partially nonlocal NLS system under the linear and parabolic potentials, which is simplified into a (2+1)-dimensional autonomous equation via a converting formula. Based on solutions of the autonomous NLS system, an approximate solution of ring-like extreme wave is found. Characteristics and evolution of ring-like extreme wave are explored in an exponential system. The influence of the magnitude and exponential parameters of diffraction on ring-like extreme wave is studied. Moreover, the impact of the Hermite polynomial parameter q, the radius parameter R and the thickness parameter w on ring-like extreme wave is also discussed.

Biomarkers of endothelial glycocalyx damage are associated with microvascular dysfunction in resuscitated septic shock patients

BackgroundMicrovascular dysfunction plays a central role in organ dysfunction during septic shock. Endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) damage could contribute to impaired microcirculation. The aim was to assess whether several eGC-damaged biomarkers are associated with microvascular dysfunction in resuscitated septic shock patients. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included resuscitated septic shock patients (N = 31), and a group of healthy individuals (N = 20). The eGC damage biomarkers measured were syndecan-1 (SDC-1), soluble CD44 (CD44s), hyaluronic acid (HYAL) in blood sample; sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in urine sample; and thrombomodulin (TBML) in blood sample as biomarker of endothelial cell damage. Microcirculation was assessed through sublingual videocapillaroscopy using the GlycoCheck™, which estimated the perfused vascular density (PVD); the perfused boundary region (PBR), an inverse parameter of the eGC thickness; and the microvascular health score (MVHS). We defined a low MVHS (<50th percentile in septic patients) as a surrogate for more impaired microvascular function. ResultsThe SDC-1, CD44s, TBML and GAGs levels were correlated with impaired microvascular parameters (PVD of vessels with diameter < 10 μm, MVHS and flow-adjusted PBR); p < 0.05 for all comparisons, except for GAGs and flow-adjusted PBR. The SDC-1 [78 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR) 45–336) vs. 48 ng/mL (IQR 9–85); p = 0.052], CD44s [796ρg/mL (IQR 512–1995) vs. 526ρg/mL (IQR 287–750); p = 0.036], TBML [734ρg/mL (IQR 237–2396) vs. 95ρg/mL (IQR 63–475); p = 0.012] and GAGs levels [0.42 ρg/mg (IQR 0.04–1.40) vs. 0.07 ρg/mg (IQR 0.02–0.20); p = 0.024]; were higher in septic patients with more impaired sublingual microvascular function (low MVHS vs. high MVHS). ConclusionSDC-1, CD44s, TBML and GAGs levels were associated with impaired microvascular function in resuscitated septic shock patients.

Computational characterisation of the heat flow meter method applied to moist bio-based insulating building materials

This paper investigates the role of moisture content on the measurement of the thermal conductivity of wood-based low-density fibreboards (LDFs) used for building insulation. To that purpose, a computational code of coupled transfers was used to simulate the widely used Heat Flow Meter (HFM) method. To widen the range of study, the thermal conductivity is obtained with a mixing law model to account for the properties and fractions of the constitutive phases. This mix law model was fitted from thermal conductivity values reported for commercial LDFs. The prediction of the heat flow density during the HFM test was compared with the measurements for dry and wet LDF. Through a series of case studies, the simulations showed that, in the case of moist products, the thermal conductivity determined by the HFM method was overestimated by up to 20%. This overestimate depends on the density distribution, thickness, moisture content, and measurement parameters such as time and the equilibrium criterion. Recommendations are made to limit this error.

Potential of Ciplukan Leaf (Physalis Angulate L.) Infusion as A Bronchodilator in Pulmonary Histopathology of Sprague Dawley White Rats

Ciplukan leaves contain alkaloid compounds and exhibit pharmacological activity as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are utilized in chronic inflammatory respiratory conditions such as asthma, involving various cell types such as mast cells, eosinophils, and epithelial cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of administering Ciplukan leaf infusion as a bronchodilator. A total of 24 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups: normal control (K1), negative control (K2), positive control (K3), 200 mg/kg BW dose (K4), 400 mg/kg BW dose (K5), and 800 mg/kg BW dose (K6). On days 1 and 8, rats were sensitized with 0.35 mg OVA + 1 mg AlOH3 in 0.9% NaCl (i.p). On days 15, 17, and 19, rats were re-sensitized with inhaled OVA. From day 20 to 28, K1 and K2 received no treatment, K3 received 2 mL/day of salbutamol, and the dose groups were administered 2 mL/day of Ciplukan leaf infusion; all treatments were carried out simultaneously. On day 29, rats were dissected, and their lung organs were collected for histopathological preparation. Research findings revealed a reduction in bronchiolar epithelial thickness across groups in the following order: 495.05; 584.95; 334.69; 421.70; 482.81; 484.95 µm. The sequential lung eosinophil counts were 19; 44; 37; 23; 17; and 27, and mast cell counts were 9; 22; 13; 15; 13; and 7. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences at the 200 mg/kg BW dose for the parameters of bronchiolar epithelial thickness and eosinophil count, as well as significant differences in mast cell counts at the 800 mg/kg BW dose and negative control group.

Quantitative evaluation of morphological and functional changes in meibomian glands and lipid layer thickness in patients with and without keratoconus.

To quantitatively evaluate the morphological parameters of meibomian glands (MGs) and lipid layer thickness (LLT) in patients with keratoconus (KC). In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 164 eyes of 164 keratoconus patients and 64 eyes of 64 age-matched control subjects were included. An advanced automatic MG analyzer was used to quantitatively measure the morphological and functional parameters of MGs. Morphological and functional parameters of MGs, LLT, and other ocular surface parameters were compared between the control and KC groups. The mean meibomian gland diameter, length, square, and gland area ratio (GA) were all significantly decreased in the KC group (all P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in the gland tortuosity index (TI) and gland signal index (SI) between the KC and control groups (all P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of total and incomplete blinking among patients with different stages of keratoconus (all P > 0.05). The gland diameter, square, and TI were all negatively associated with KC severity (all P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed among all stages of KC in gland length, GA, and SI (all P > 0.05). Moreover, the LLTs were positively correlated with the gland diameter, square, GA, and TI and negatively correlated with anterior corneal curvature or KC severity (all P < 0.05). Atrophic morphological changes in the meibomian glands were closely correlated with the severity of keratoconus. Gland diameter may be a sensitive functional morphology metric of meibomian glands in patients with keratoconus.