Total Volume Research Articles

Reduced Tumor Volume and Increased Necrosis of Human Breast Tumor Xenograft in Mice Pretreated by a Cocktail of Three Specific Anti-HER2 scFvs.

We aimed to assess the effects of a cocktail comprising three specific anti- HER2 scFvs on breast tumor formation in a xenograft mouse model and to evaluate quantitative changes in the tumor using stereological analysis. Three specific anti-HER2 phage antibodies were produced from a scFv-library using phage display technology. The cell binding capacities of the antibodies were assessed via FACS analysis. Soluble forms of the antibodies were prepared by infecting HB2151-E. coli cells and purified using a centrifugal ultrafiltration method. The purification process was evaluated by SDSPAGE analysis. Two forms of scFv cocktails were prepared, soluble scFv and phage-scFv cocktail, which contained an equal amount/phage of each of the three antibodies. Inbred female BALB/c mice were pretreated with 5 and 20 mg/kg of the soluble scFv cocktail and 1011 phage-scFv cocktail/ kg. The mice were then injected with 2×106 SKBR-3 human breast cancer cells. Total tumor, inflammatory and non-inflammatory volumes were estimated using the Cavalieri principle after preparing photomicrograph slides. The anti-HER2 scFvs showed significantly higher binding to SKBR-3 cells compared to the isotype control. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the high purification of the scFvs. Stereological analysis revealed that the group pretreated with 20 mg/kg of the soluble scFv cocktail exhibited the highest reductions in total tumor volume, non-inflammatory volume, and inflammatory volume, with reductions of 73%, 78%, and 72%, respectively, compared to PBS-pretreated mice (P-value < 0.0001). The volumetric ratio of necrotic tissue to total tumor volume increased by 2.2-fold and 2- fold in the 20 mg/kg of soluble scFv cocktail and phage-scFv cocktail groups, respectively, compared to the PBS-treated mice (P-value < 0.05). Pre-treatment with a 20 mg/kg anti-HER2 scFv cocktail resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume and increased necrotic area in a human breast cancer xenograft model, indicating the remarkable anti-tumor effect of the cocktail in vivo.

Association between the change in the job facilitating and inhibiting factors of care staff due to the employment of older assistant workers and the emotional exhaustion among care staff

Objectives The mental health condition of care staff in Japan is becoming problematic. Older assistant workers are currently being employed to assist care staff with their jobs and alleviate their job burden. This employment of older assistant workers is drawing attention; however, their influence on the job facilitating and inhibiting factors of care staff and the association with the care staff's emotional exhaustion remains unclear. In this study, we aim to examine how the employment of older care assistant workers relates to the job-facilitating and job-inhibiting factors of care staff and explore that association with the care staff's emotional exhaustion.Methods Data from a mail survey of geriatric health services facilities with older assistant workers were analyzed. Among the answers obtained from the care staff, answers from 5,185 who reported working in facilities that employ older assistant workers (over the age of 60) were analyzed. The Emotional Exhaustion subscale of the Japanese Version of the Burnout Questionnaire was used as the dependent variable. The change in job-facilitating and job-inhibiting factors of care staff due to the employment of older assistant workers (improve, maintain/exacerbate) was explored for nine contents.Results Care staff reported a decrease in the total volume of the task (63.6%), less stress during daily tasks (39.8%), and more concentration on the tasks that require expert care knowledge (38.0%). The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the emotional exhaustion score of care staff was low when the total volume of tasks decreased (β=－0.383, 95%CI=－0.719, －0.047), when less stress was perceived during daily tasks (β=－0.432, 95%CI=－0.796, －0.068), when concentration on tasks that required expert care knowledge increased (β=－0.574, 95%CI=－0.937, －0.210), and when human relationships among staff improved (β=－0.871, 95%CI=－1.263, －0.480). Conversely, an increase in tasks requiring work with regional personnel and organizations (β=0.800, 95%CI=0.162, 1.437) was associated with a high emotional exhaustion score.Conclusion The employment of older care workers was related to the job-facilitating or job-inhibiting factors of care staff, and the change in these factors was associated with lower emotional exhaustion. The employment of older personnel may lower the risk of burnout among care staff.

Herbicide runoff from a soil with different levels of sugarcane straw coverage in Brazil

This study evaluates the effects of different levels of sugarcane straw on the soil surface on the transport by runoff water of four herbicides: ametryn, diuron, hexazinone, and sulfentrazone. Two runoff experiments were conducted in a set of nine experimental plots. In the first experiment, sugarcane was cultivated and no straw was applied to the soil. In the second experiment, sugarcane was cultivated with straw levels of 0, 9, or 18 Mg ha-1 on the soil surface. The runoff water from natural rainfall was collected in reservoirs at the lower end of each plot on different occasions following the application of the herbicides to the plots. The total volume of runoff water collected from the plots was dependent on the coverage of the soil by straw, in the sequence: 0 &gt; 9 &gt; 18 Mg ha-1. For the herbicides hexazinone and sulfentrazone, which are molecules of high solubility in water, increasing the amount of straw on the soil produced an increase in the fraction of the applied dose appearing in the collected runoff water. However, for diuron and ametryn, which have low solubility in water, the presence of straw did not influence the amount found in the collected runoff water.

Optimal techniques of ultrasound-guided superficial and deep parasternal intercostal plane blocks: a cadaveric study

IntroductionThe optimal techniques of a parasternal intercostal plane (PIP) block to cover the T2–T6 intercostal nerves have not been elucidated. This pilot cadaveric study aims to determine the optimal injection...

Associations Between Intersecting Sociodemographic Characteristics and Device-Measured Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents Living in the United States.

Despite robust evidence demonstrating sociodemographic characteristics may underly some of the disparities in physical activity observed among children and adolescents, the often-overlooked nexus of potential interactions between these characteristics warrants further exploration. This study explored the intersectionality of gender, race/ethnicity, parental education, and household income in relation to device-measured physical activity volume and intensity in a nationally representative sample of US children and adolescents. Cross-sectional data from 3 cycles of the US National Health and Nutrition Survey (2011-2012; 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey; and 2013-2014) were used. A total of 6116 participants (49% female) between 3 and 17years of age wore an accelerometer on their nondominant wrist for 7days. Monitor-independent movement summary units were used to represent physical activity volume and intensity. A Social Jeopardy Index was created to represent increasing levels of intersecting social disadvantages based on combinations of gender, race/ethnicity, parental education, and household income-to-poverty ratio tertiles. Generalized linear regression models were computed. The results showed social disadvantages become increasingly evident among children and adolescents during the most intense 60minutes of daily physical activity (B = -48.69 [9.94] SE, P < .001), but disparities in total volume were not observed (B = 34.01 [44.96] SE, P = .45). Findings suggest that patterns of physical activity behavior may differ based on intersecting sociodemographic characteristics-more socially disadvantaged children and adolescents appear to accumulate activity at lighter intensities. Collecting contextual information about device-measured physical activity represents an important next step for gaining insight into these sociodemographic differences.

Placement of an artificial urethral sphincter for treatment of passive urinary incontinence after inadvertent prostatectomy and balloon dilation treatment for stricture formation in a 5-month-old dog.

Describe the management of incontinence with several therapies, culminating with the apparently successful treatment utilizing artificial sphincter placement following an inadvertent prostatectomy. 5-month-old 7.5-kg male neutered Miniature Schnauzer. The patient was referred for dysuria and persistent stranguria following an iatrogenic total prostatectomy and urethrectomy. An extra pelvic urethral anastomosis was performed, followed by hospitalization for 2 weeks with a urinary catheter. The patient was further investigated for persistent stranguria, and a contrast urethrogram revealed a urethral stricture at the anastomosis site, which was treated with fluoroscopic balloon dilation. The stranguria resolved, but an acute nocturnal grade 3 passive urinary incontinence occurred, which was nonresponsive to medical management of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride and estriol. An artificial urethral sphincter was placed, leading to continence after 5 top-ups to a total volume of 0.9 mL. The patient remained continent for 5.5 weeks before abrupt incontinence recurred, which was resolved by another 0.1-mL top-up. No further signs of incontinence occurred in the 11 months following. The placement of an artificial urethral sphincter successfully managed urinary incontinence in this patient. Continence was achieved with no significant complications other than a transient loss of continence. Long-term follow-up 14 months after sphincter placement revealed that the patient had remained continent since the final sphincter top-up. The owner reported a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life following successful incontinence management. This case highlighted the benefits of placing an artificial urethral sphincter in managing urinary incontinence after select cases of prostatectomy in dogs that are unresponsive to medical management.

Influence of sedimentary architecture on static connectivity and geothermal doublet performance (Mezőberény, SE Hungary)

Although the Pannonian Basin in Hungary boasts significant geothermal potential, most geothermal wells in the region suffer from reinjection issues. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the sedimentary architecture of a paralic lacustrine succession on the static connectivity of a geothermal aquifer. This problem was examined for a case-study geothermal doublet drilled in Mezőberény, southeast Hungary, which experienced injectivity problems shortly after commencing operations in 2012, ultimately leading to shut-in of the wells. A characterization of the architecture of the deltaic aquifer has been undertaken through a novel workflow that combines sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic analysis of the well-doublet and stochastic 3D modelling techniques to assess the likely static connectivity between the production and injection wells. Planform dimension of aquifer-forming mouth-bar elements and fluvial channel bodies were estimated from geological analogues, selected based on the thickness values of such sedimentary bodies interpreted on the gamma-ray logs of the well doublet and nearby hydrocarbon wells. In total five mouth-bar and two fluvial channel input geometry groups were selected, and fifty object-based realizations were constructed to analyse the static connectivity of different geological scenarios. The internal lithology of mouth-bar and fluvial-channel elements were modelled by sequential indicator simulations (ten realizations). Results of connected volume analysis indicate that the sandstone content of the aquifer is located within vertically segmented fluvial-channel and mouth-bar elements separated by mud-prone prodelta and lower delta-front deposits. This architectural configuration, in combination with low net-sandstone content suggests limited connectivity between the wells. Across the set of stochastic realizations, the volume of sandstone connecting the injection and production wells is ∼4% of the total aquifer volume, on average. Results of this study shows that simplified reservoir models can lead to over-estimation of connectivity of geothermal doublets. The proposed workflow combines sedimentological analysis and 3D modelling supported by geological analogues to predict sandstone reservoir connectivity of deltaic geothermal reservoirs. The described workflow can be carried out in target areas using existing boreholes to assist borehole planning.

Improved recovery of antioxidants from aronia juice processing residue via optimization of extraction variables based on multi-prediction models

Aronia melanocarpa, which has attracted attention for its outstanding antioxidant activity, is usually consumed as a juice, leaving considerable residue after processing into beverages. Recycling these by-products as feedstock for biorefineries is an important strategy for achieving a sustainable circular economy through biowaste management. In this study, the optimal extraction conditions for efficient antioxidant recovery from A. melanocarpa juice-processing residue (AJPR) were determined using statistical methods. Based on the Plackett-Burman design (PBD), four variables (shaking speed, solid loading, ethanol concentration, and total volume) were found to have significant effects on antioxidant extraction. The optimum points of the selected four variables were calculated by multi-regression models from response surface methodology (RSM), and the determined conditions were as follows:196.2 rpm, 71.3 g/L, 54.3% ethanol, and 137.8 mL of total volume. The DPPH• IC50 and ABTS•+ TEAC value of AJPR extracts were determined to be 2.02 mg/mL and 11.49 mg/mL, respectively, exhibiting promising potential as an antioxidant. The recovered polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents were 80.4, 42.5, and 14.1 mg/g-biomass, respectively. We show that bioengineering technologies can be used to achieve a circular economy by recycling discarded biowaste into value-added substances.

Abstract 2401: Changes in skeletal muscle mass after gastrointestinal cancer surgery by body composition

Abstract Background: Previous studies have extensively explored the correlation between preoperative skeletal muscle mass and long-term survival in gastrointestinal cancers. However, investigations into postoperative skeletal muscle mass alterations are limited. In gastrointestinal cancers, factors such as the tumor and surgical interventions can significantly impact dietary intake, nutritional status, and skeletal muscle mass, affecting postoperative body composition. This study aimed to examine these postoperative changes in skeletal muscle mass across different gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, and colorectum. Methods: This study encompassed 969 patients with Stage I-III esophageal (307 cases), gastric (278 cases), and colorectal (384 cases) cancers who underwent radical resection between 2005 and 2019. Skeletal muscle mass was quantified as the total psoas volume (TPV), measured using Ziostation2® imaging software from preoperative and postoperative CT scans at 1, 2, and 3 years. The study compared postoperative TPV trends across the different cancer types. Results: The study cohort comprised patients with esophageal (median age 66 years, 85% male), gastric (65 years, 60%), and colorectal cancers (67 years, 55%). Median BMIs were 21.5, 19.4, and 22.6 kg/m2, and median TPVs were 352.0, 305.8, and 309.5 cm3 for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers, respectively. Esophageal cancer patients had significantly higher TPV and male predominance, while gastric cancer patients had notably lower BMI. Relative to preoperative TPV, the postoperative TPV at three years was 0.92, 0.91, and 0.96 for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers, respectively. A year-by-year decrease in TPV was observed for each cancer type, with colorectal cancer demonstrating a less pronounced decrease compared to esophageal and gastric cancers (p&amp;lt;0.01). Stage-wise analysis revealed no significant differences among the cancer types. Regarding gender, no significant differences were noted between gastric and colorectal cancers, but esophageal cancer showed a more marked decrease in TPV in males compared to females. In recurrent cases, no significant TPV differences were observed in esophageal cancer, while recurrent gastric and colorectal cancers exhibited significant TPV decreases. Conclusions: The study indicates a general decline in TPV following gastrointestinal cancer surgery, with the extent of reduction varying according to the type of tumor and treatment. Citation Format: Yuto Maeda, Yuji Miyamoto, Mayuko Ohuchi, Yukiharu Hiyoshi, Naoya Yoshida, Hideo Baba. Changes in skeletal muscle mass after gastrointestinal cancer surgery by body composition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2401.

Influence of Infarct Morphology and Patterns on Cognitive Outcomes After Endovascular Thrombectomy.

To assess the association of qualitative and quantitative infarct characteristics and 3 cognitive outcome tests, namely the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) for mild cognitive impairment, the Boston Naming Test for visual confrontation naming, and the Sunnybrook Neglect Assessment Procedure for neglect, in large vessel occlusion stroke. Secondary observational cohort study using data from the randomized-controlled ESCAPE-NA1 trial (Safety and Efficacy of Nerinetide in Subjects Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke), in which patients with large vessel occlusion undergoing endovascular treatment were randomized to receive either intravenous Nerinetide or placebo. MOCA, Sunnybrook Neglect Assessment Procedure, and 15-item Boston Naming Test were obtained at 90 days. Total infarct volume, gray matter, and white matter infarct volumes were manually measured on 24-hour follow-up imaging. Infarcts were also visually classified as either involving the gray matter only or both the gray and white matter and scattered versus territorial. Associations of infarct variables and cognitive outcomes were analyzed using multivariable ordinal or binary logistic regression models. Of 1105 patients enrolled in ESCAPE-NA1, 1026 patients with visible infarcts on 24-hour follow-up imaging were included. MOCA and Sunnybrook Neglect Assessment Procedure were available for 706 (68.8%) patients and the 15-item Boston Naming Test was available for 682 (66.5%) patients. Total infarct volume was associated with worse MOCA scores (adjusted common odds ratio per 10 mL increase, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.04-1.06]). After adjusting for baseline variables and total infarct volume, mixed gray and white matter involvement (versus gray matter-only adjusted common odds ratio, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.37-2.69]), white matter infarct volume (adjusted common odds ratio per 10 mL increase 1.36 [95% CI, 1.18-1.58]) and territorial (versus scattered) infarct pattern (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.15-2.38]) were associated with worse MOCA scores. Results for Sunnybrook Neglect Assessment Procedure and 15-item Boston Naming Test were similar, except for the territorial infarct pattern, which did not reach statistical significance in multivariable analysis. Besides total infarct volume, infarcts that involve the white matter and that show a territorial distribution were associated with worse cognitive outcomes, even after adjusting for total infarct volume.

Quantitative anatomy of the extensor digiti minimi muscle in the growing human fetus.

Introduction Age-specific reference intervals for the extensor digiti minimi muscle (EDMM) in the human fetus may be relevant in the detailed evaluation of the musculoskeletal systems with potential relevant aspects for surgical treatment. The aim of the study was to examine the age-specific reference intervals and growth dynamics of the EDMM in relation to its length, width, projection surface area and volume. Material and methods The examined material included 70 human formalin-fixed fetuses of both sexes (37♀, 33♂) aged from 17 to 29 weeks. With the use of anatomical dissection every EDMM was visualized, recorded in a form of JPG formats and analyzed by the digital image analysis system and statistical methods. Results No variability of the EDMM was found. All the morphometric parameters of the EDMM revealed neither sex nor laterality differences. With fetal age most linear parameters of the EDMM concerning its examined lengths and widths increased in accordance with natural logarithmic functions. The only two exceptions to this referred to the belly width of EDMM measured at its mid-length and the tendon width of EDMM measured proximal to the extensor retinaculum of wrist, which both followed square root functions. The projection surface areas of the EDMM followed natural logarithmic functions, while the volumetric growth of the EDMM was proportionate to fetal age. Conclusions The variability of the EDMM in the human fetus is minimal. The morphometric data of the EDMM represents age-specific reference intervals of clinical significance. Morphometric parameters of the EDMM reveal neither sex nor laterality differences. The EDMM displays three different growth dynamics: from gradual growth deceleration according to both natural logarithmic functions (total length of the muscle and its tendons, belly length, tendon lengths, belly width at its origin, tendon width at its insertion, and projection surface areas) and square root functions (belly width at its mid-length and tendon width in the pre-retinacular segment) to a proportionate growth (total volume).

Sex estimation of frontal sinus volume from computed tomography scans in a Western Australian adult population.

With the increasing use of radiological three-dimensional imaging, different metric and morphological aspects of the frontal sinuses (FS) have been examined relative to their potential to aid human identification, including sex estimation. The aim of this study is to assess the validity of the metric analysis of the FS volume for estimating sex in a Western Australian (WA) adult population, following the Michel et al. (2015) method. The right, left and total frontal sinus volume (TFSV) from 99 computed tomography scans (47 males and 52 females) of WA individuals aged 18-40 years were three-dimensionally reconstructed using OsiriX® and their volumes acquired in mm3. Sexual dimorphism in the TFSV was tested, and the accuracy of the Michel et al. (2015) formulae was calculated. Population-specific regression equations were also produced. There was a significant difference between the mean TFSV in males and females. The classification accuracy derived from the Michel et al. (2015) formulae was 59.6%. The WA-specific logistic regression analysis yielded an accuracy of 57.2%. The low accuracy rates preclude the use of the sex estimation method in the WA population, but the volume analysis confirmed the individual variability of the frontal sinuses, which may be useful for personal identification.

Effects of organic trace minerals chelated with oligosaccharides on growth performance, blood parameters, slaughter performance and meat quality in sheep.

The present study assessed the effects of oligosaccharide-chelated organic trace minerals (OTM) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, blood parameters, slaughter performance, and meat quality indexes of mutton sheep. A total of 60 East Ujumuqin × small-tailed Han crossbred mutton sheep were assigned to two groups (10 duplicates per group) by body weight (26.12 ± 3.22 kg) according to a completely randomized design. Compared to the CON group, the results of the OTM group showed: (1) no significant changes in the initial body weight, final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05); (2) the activities of trypsin, lipase, and amylase in the jejunum were significantly increased (p < 0.05); (3) serum total protein, albumin, and globulin of the blood were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the growth factor interleukin IL-10 was significantly higher (p < 0.05), while IL-2, IL-6, and γ-interferon were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulins A, M, and G were significantly higher (p < 0.05); (4) the live weight before slaughter, carcass weights, dressing percentage, eye muscle areas, and GR values did not differ significantly (p > 0.05); (5) shear force of mutton was significantly lower (p < 0.05), while the pH45min, pH24h, drip loss, and cooking loss did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05). The content of crude protein was significantly higher (p < 0.05), while the ether extract content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was detected between moisture and ash content; (6) the total amino acids, essential amino acids, semi-essential amino acids, and umami amino acids were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Although umami amino acids were not significant, the total volume increased (p > 0.05). Among these, the essential amino acids, threonine, valine, leucine, lysine in essential amino acids and arginine were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Also, non-essential amino acids, glycine, serine, proline, tyrosine, cysteine, and aspartic acid, were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The content of alanine, aspartate, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, and tyrosine in umami amino acids was significantly higher (p < 0.05).

Diagnostic and prognostic value of parameters of erector spinae in patients with uremic sarcopenia

This study aimed to investigate whether computed tomography (CT)-measured erector spinae parameters (ESPs) have diagnostic, severity assessment, and prognostic predictive value in uremic sarcopenia (US). A total of 202 uremic patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: a control group and a sarcopenia group. Sarcopenia was classified into two types: severe and nonsevere. The area, volume, and density of the erector spinae (ES) were measured using chest CT images, and the relevant ESP, including the erector spinae index (ESI), total erector spinae volume (TESV), erector spinae density (ESD), and erector spinae gauge (ESG) were calculated. The occurrence of adverse events was followed-up for 36 months. The diagnostic value and severity of US were determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Survival curves diagnosed using CT were plotted and compared with the curve drawn using the gold standard. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors associated with survival in US. With an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.840 and 0.739, the combined ESP has diagnostic value and the ability to assess the severity of US. There was no significant difference in the survival curve between the combined ESP for the diagnosis of US and the gold standard (P > 0.05). ESI is a standalone predictor of survival in patients with US. ESP measured by CT has diagnostic values for US and its severity, as well as being a predictive value for the prognosis of US.

Reproducibility of artificial intelligence-enabled plaque measurements between systolic and diastolic phases from coronary computed tomography angiography.

Current coronary CT angiography (CTA) guidelines suggest both end-systolic and mid-diastolic phases of the cardiac cycle can be used for CTA image acquisition. However, whether differences in the phase of the cardiac cycle influence coronary plaque measurements is not known. We aim to explore the potential impact of cardiac phases on quantitative plaque assessment. We enrolled 39 consecutive patients (23 male, age 66.2 ± 11.5 years) who underwent CTA with dual-source CT with visually evident coronary atherosclerosis and with good image quality. End-systolic and mid- to late-diastolic phase images were reconstructed from the same CTA scan. Quantitative plaque and stenosis were analyzed in both systolic and diastolic images using artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled plaque analysis software (Autoplaque). Overall, 186 lesions from 39 patients were analyzed. There were excellent agreement and correlation between systolic and diastolic images for all plaque volume measurements (Lin's concordance coefficient ranging from 0.97 to 0.99; R ranging from 0.96 to 0.98). There were no substantial intrascan differences per patient between systolic and diastolic phases (p > 0.05 for all) for total (1017.1 ± 712.9 mm3 vs. 1014.7 ± 696.2 mm3), non-calcified (861.5 ± 553.7 mm3 vs. 856.5 ± 528.7 mm3), calcified (155.7 ± 229.3 mm3 vs. 158.2 ± 232.4 mm3), and low-density non-calcified plaque volume (151.4 ± 106.1 mm3 vs. 151.5 ± 101.5 mm3) and diameter stenosis (42.5 ± 18.4% vs 41.3 ± 15.1%). Excellentagreement and no substantial differences were observed in AI-enabled quantitative plaque measurements on CTA in systolic and diastolic images. Following further validation, standardized plaque measurements can be performed from CTA in systolic or diastolic cardiac phase. Quantitative plaque assessment using artificial intelligence-enabled plaque analysis software can provide standardized plaque quantification, regardless of cardiac phase. • The impact of different cardiac phases on coronary plaque measurements is unknown. • Plaque analysis using artificial intelligence-enabled software on systolic and diastolic CT angiography images shows excellent agreement. • Quantitative coronary artery plaque assessment can be performed regardless of cardiac phase.

Root Architectural Adaptations to Phosphorus Deficiency: Unraveling Genotypic Variability in Wheat Seedlings

Understanding the changes in the root system architecture of bread wheat under phosphorus (P)-limited conditions is critical for identifying specific traits contributing to improved P uptake. Phenotypic variability in root, biomass, and P index-related traits among 204 diverse wheat genotypes at the seedling stage was examined under low and optimum P treatments. Strong genotypic and phenotypic associations between P utilization efficiency (PUtE) and total root volume, dry weight of root and shoot, total P uptake, and total plant biomass were observed under optimum P. Under low P, strong positive correlations between PUtE and total root length, total root volume, total surface area, and total biomass were observed, while it was negatively correlated with average diameter. These traits exhibited medium to high heritability. Under low P, average root diameter, primary root length, root mass ratio, total root tips, and surface area showed high Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H’) values (&gt;0.79). The agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis grouped the genotypes into four distinct clusters. The best performing genotypes in Clusters I and II indicated their strong relationship with P use efficiency due to higher percent increases in total root length, total surface area, total root volume, total root tips, total biomass, P efficiency ratio, specific root length, and PUtE under low P as compared to optimum P conditions. The present study identified specific root system architectural traits and P use-efficient genotypes (SHANGHAI, Pavon F76, BWL 5233, SONALIKA, KHARCHIA LOCAL, WH 102, BWL 4425, HD 2888.2, CBW 12, MN75136/PGO, KRL 19, and WH 1022) associated with efficient P uptake and utilization. These identified genotypes and traits may be useful in wheat breeding programs to develop P-efficient varieties with better adaptations for sustainable agriculture.

Subcutaneous air entrapment after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation evaluated by computed tomography.

Inappropriate shock (IAS) caused by subcutaneous air entrapment (AE) in an early period after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation has been reported, however, no detailed data on air volume are available. We evaluated the subcutaneous air volume after implantation and its absorption rate one week after implantation. Patients who underwent S-ICD implantation in our hospital received chest CT scans immediately after implantation and followed up 1 week later. The total subcutaneous air volume, air around the generator, the distal electrode, and the proximal electrode within 3cm were calculated using a three-dimensional workstation. Fat areas at the level of the lower edge of the generator were also analyzed. Fifteen patients received CT immediately after implantation. The mean age was 45.6±17.9 (66.7% of men), and the mean body mass index was 24.3±3.3. The three-incision technique was applied in seven patients and two-incision technique was in the latter eight patients. The mean total subcutaneous air volume was 18.54±7.50mL. Air volume around the generator, the distal electrode, and the proximal electrode were 11.05±5.12, 0.72±0.72, and 0.88±0.87mL, respectively. Twelve patients received a follow-up CT 1 week later. The mean total subcutaneous air was 0.25±0.45mL, showing a 98.7% absorption rate. Although subcutaneous air was observed in all patients after S-ICD implantation, most of the air was absorbed within 1 week, suggesting a low occurrence of AE-related IAS after a week postoperation.

In-hospital initiation of a PCSK9 inhibitor in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to be effective and safe in patients with stable angina and previous myocardial infarction. However, evidence for initiating their use in patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to provide more clinical evidence. PubMed, Embase, OVID, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for eligible randomized controlled trials up to March 20, 2023. The risk ratios, standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for primary and secondary outcomes. The bias risk of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 criteria. About 8 randomized controlled trials involving 1255 inpatients with ACS were included. PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD -1.28, 95% CI -1.76 to -0.8, P = .001), triglycerides (TG) (SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.82 to -0.05, P = .03), total cholesterol (SMD -1.36, 95% CI -2.01 to -0.71, P = .001), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.52, P = .001) within approximately 1 month. PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the total atheroma volume (TAV) (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.07, P = .012). It also significantly increased minimum fibrous cap thickness (FCT) (SMD 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.59, P = .001) in long-term follow-up (>6 months). PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the risk of readmission for unstable angina (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.91, P = .032) in short-term follow-up (<6 months). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization or heart failure. Only nasopharyngitis (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01-2.91, P = .047) adverse events were significantly observed in the PCSK9 inhibitor group. Application of a PCSK9 inhibitor in hospitalized patients with ACS reduced lipid profiles and plaque burdens and was well tolerated with few adverse events.

Potential of Decentral Nature-Based Solutions for Mitigation of Pluvial Floods in Urban Areas—A Simulation Study Based on 1D/2D Coupled Modeling

Urban drainage systems are generally designed to handle rainfall events only up to a certain intensity or volume. With climate change, extreme events that exceed the design storms and consequently result in flooding are occurring more frequently. Nature-based solutions (NBSs) have the potential to reduce the pressure on urban drainage systems and to increase their resilience. This study presents an approach to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of NBSs for flood mitigation using a coupled 1D/2D model of surface and sewer flow. The study analyzes the effect of infiltration systems (dimensioned to return periods of T = 5 and 100 years), various green roofs, and tree pits considering the different degrees of implementation. The NBSs are represented as LID elements according to SWMM. As expected, the mitigation effect of NBSs declines with increasing rainfall intensities. However, infiltration systems dimensioned to T = 100 years achieve almost three times the flood reduction compared to systems dimensioned to T = 5 years, even during extremely heavy rainfall events (100 mm), resulting in a reduced total flood volume of 15.1% to 25.8%. Overall, green roofs (excluding extensive green roofs) provide the most significant flood reduction (33.5%), while tree locations have the least effect.

Understanding the impact of network structure on air travel pattern at different scales.

This study examines the global air travel demand pattern using complex network analysis. Using the data for the top 50 airports based on passenger volume rankings, we investigate the relationship between network measures of nodes (airports) in the global flight network and their passenger volume. The analysis explores the network measures at various spatial scales, from individual airports to metropolitan areas and countries. Different attributes, such as flight route length and the number of airlines, are considered in the analysis. Certain attributes are found to be more relevant than others, and specific network measure models are found to better capture the dynamics of global air travel demand than others. Among the models, PageRank is found to be the most correlated with total passenger volume. Moreover, distance-based measures perform worse than the ones emphasising the number of airlines, particularly those counting the number of airlines operating a route, including codeshare. Using the PageRank score weighted by the number of airlines, we find that airports in Asian cities tend to have more traffic than expected, while European and North American airports have the potential to attract more passenger volume given their connectivity pattern. Additionally, we combine the network measures with socio-economic variables such as population and GDP to show that the network measures could greatly augment the traditional approaches to modelling and predicting air travel demand. We'll also briefly discuss the implications of the findings in this study for airport planning and airline industry strategy.