Number Of Voids Research Articles

Did nocturia, in hypertension, correlate with dipping status?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The association between nocturia and hypertension has been widely reported yet remains poorly characterized, precluding a more refined understanding of blood pressure as it relates to the cardiovascular setting. Nocturia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality (1,2,3) which is thought to be mediated in large part by the fact that nocturia is a potential manifestation of systemic disease (4). Previous studies have reported that heart failure and uncontrolled hypertension were responsible for clinically significant nocturia (5,6). However, it remains unclear the relationship with any hypertension mechanism and the effect on circadian blood pressure rhythm. Purpose To investigate characteristics of hypertensive patients in who complain for nocturia. Methods We prospectively recruit 49 patients among outpatients attending the Hypertension Centre of Hospital San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano. Physical examination, standard routine blood tests, urine analysis for microalbuminuria, 24-hour sodium excretion, 24-hour urinary cortisol levels, 24-hour urinary metanephrine/normetanephrine and a standard 24h ABPM has been performed. We asses in every patients the presence of nocturia (≥2 nightly voids) then we compare sub mentioned features between patients with nocturia or not. Results The population recruited demonstrate a mean age of 62 years old, it is made by a majority of men (M 61%, F 39%). We found nocturia in 13 patients on the 49 recruited. Demographic, anthropometrical and hematochemical features of the population recruited is described in Table 1. We compare patients who complain nocturia with patients with a normal number of nocturnal voids. Only height and hemoglobin demonstrate significative difference in the population. In a second analysis we compare ABPM results of patients with nocturia with patients who don’t have this symptom. The results are described in Table 2. Differently to what we expect no difference is demonstrated between the two group in dipping status, we found a significative difference in overall heart rate, this difference is evident only the day period but not in the night period. Conclusion These preliminary data suggest that patients with nocturia than patient with normal number of nocturnal voids i) have lower height and hemoglobin level, this in support to nocturia is a potential manifestation of systemic disease (4);) have both a lower overall and diurnal cardiac frequency. No dipping correlation have been found in our study, more study are needed to clarify a potential relationship with sleep disorder.

Structural Behaviour of Voided Flat Slab With Various Void Ratios Under Vertical Loading

Abstract In recent modern buildings, voided slabs have been implemented because of the high reduction of their weight up to 35 %. Also, CO2 emission takes place which was developed from mass concrete. Due to percentage reduction of concrete, it leads to help the pollution free environment, eco-friendly and also more sustainable. On voided flat slabs, a minimal study has been recorded. In this current study, an approach has been made to study the effect of the position of voids in the voided flat slabs. Two groups of seven specimens each, one slab in each group was a controlled flat slab specimen with zero number of voids kept as a reference specimen, while the others were voided slabs. In each group, the number of voids were used based on the positions. The designation of the specimens is made depending on the number of voids placed and the diameter of the rebar used in the specimens. Group-A was reinforced with 8 mm diameter rebars, and Group-B was reinforced with 6 mm diameter rebars. The parameters of the study are the void positions and the rebar diameter. The specimens were subjected to a gradually concentrated load through the short column up to failure. The load carrying capacity of both voided and controlled flat slabs tested have almost same. It indicates that, the inactive concrete below the neutral axis where high density polyethylene (HDPE) recycled hollow spheres have been provided in the flat slab has shown no impact on load carrying capacity of the test specimens. However, the presence of the punching shear can be seen in the specimens where the voids are positioned near the columns and supports. Besides, ABAQUS program (A finite element based software) was used to perform the finite element analysis for profoundly illustrating the experimental findings and performing a parametric study. It is concluded that the concrete has no role at below the neutral axis of structural voided flat slab cross-section for all specimens including controlled specimens (0VS6, 0VS8). Also, it is noticed that the finite element analysis obtained results have shown more or less same as experimental results. From the present study, it is evident that behaviour of voided flat slabs are different from simply supported voided flat slabs.

Flexural behavior, porosity, and water absorption of CO2-cured amorphous metallic-fiber-reinforced belite-rich cement composites

The present study aims to scrutinize the flexural behavior and engineering properties of beams reinforced with amorphous metallic fiber (AMF) at varying dosages (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% AMF according to the volume of mortar) and lengths (5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm). A total of fourteen mortar mixes, i.e., seven mixes for water curing (immersed in fresh tap water) and seven mixes for carbonation curing (60% relative humidity, 20 °C, and 10% CO2 concentration) were considered. The load–deflection behavior, flexural strength, pore structures, voids, and water absorption of the beams were investigated. The outcomes were justified with the mix containing 0.5% steel fiber (SF) and a length of approximately 20 mm. The results reveal that the load–deflection behavior and flexural strength were dramatically augmented for the beams with AMF as compared to the control beam (fiber-free beam), and the difference was more pronounced with an increase in both the dosage and the length of the AMF. Greater flexural strength with a lower deflection at failure was registered for the beam with AMF compared to that with SF. The voids and water absorption increased with an increase in the dosage and length of the AMF compared to the control specimen. It was also revealed that the carbonation-cured beams exhibited lower load–deflection behavior and lower flexural strength than those cured in water due to the substantially increased number of voids and greater water absorption driven by the better-connected pores. This study demonstrates that 0.50% AMF with a length of 20 mm can be used in cement-based materials due to the outstanding performance among all mixes.

Quantitative analysis of layered re-crushing of crushed coal particles during compression based on CT scanning

Due to the compaction of the overburden strata, the crushed coal in caved zone will be re-crushed. The compaction and re-crushing degree of crushed coal differ at different heights, which is called layered re-crushing. Quantitatively revealing the layered re-crushing characteristics of crushed coal particles is the key to elucidating pore structure evolution of caved zone and coalbed methane enrichment pattern in the gob. In this paper, quantitative characterization of layered re-crushing of coal particles during compression is achieved using self-designed CT visual compacting apparatus. The results showed that: (1) the degree of particle re-crushing decreased from the loaded side (the upper layer) to the fixed side (the lower layer). In the early stage of compression, the overall skeletal structure is looser, which is not conducive to the transfer of force chains. Thus, the stress has the greatest effect on the particles in the upper layer, with the proportion of particle increase reaching 49.3% from 0 Mpa to 2.14 Mpa. There was a pattern of becoming larger first and then smaller in the difference of average diameter among different layers, and the final average diameter decreased by about 60% in three layers. (2) The particle diameter distribution transferred to a smaller diameter fastest in the upper layer and slowest in the lower layer, which is due to the gradual transfer of external load from the top to the bottom. After compression, the number of particles smaller than 4 mm predominated in the upper layer (40.3%) and the number of particles larger than 5 mm predominated in the lower layer (47.1%). (3) With the increase of stress, the void volume gradually decreases regardless of the whole sample or the three layers, while the void number increases instead. And at both 2.14 MPa and 23.24 MPa, the void volume shows the law of upper layer < middle layer < lower layer.

Study on dynamic adsorption characteristics of gangue to heavy metals in goaf and its water purification mechanism under leaching condition

Arid and semi-arid mining areas in Western China are faced with the problems of water shortage, large water inflow of mines and high-salinity of mine water. When the broken gangue is backfilled to the goaf by the solid backfilling mining technology, a large number of voids between the blocks is generated, which can store groundwater and purify water quality. In this study, the real void structure of the gangue backfilling body in the goaf was obtained through CT scanning. By using the COMSOL numerical simulation software, a coupling model of Free and Porous Media Flow and Transport of Diluted Species in Porous Media was established. From the mesoscopic void scale, the effects of particle size distribution, inflow velocity and ion concentration on the flow field characteristics, ion migration and dynamic adsorption characteristics of gangue in the leaching column were explored, and the purification mechanism of broken gangue to heavy metals in mine water was revealed. The results show that: (1) The larger the gangue particle size gradation, the larger the void size, the higher the velocity in the void, and the more significant the average flow velocity difference between the void area and the gangue area. With the increase of inflow velocity, the average velocity in the gangue area and void area also increases, but the average flow velocity in the void area is 5.36 times that in the gangue area; (2) Both the larger particle size gradation of gangue, higher inflow velocity and inlet concentration can improve the velocity of the ion migration in gangue leaching column; (3) The greater the inlet concentration, the faster the flow velocity, the higher the total adsorption rate of gangue in the leaching column; (4) Both decreasing the particle size gradation of the gangue and increasing the inlet concentration can increase the total adsorption capacity of gangue in the leaching column; (5) The removal of heavy metals by gangue is the result of physical adsorption, ion exchange and other reactions. The research results can provide theoretical reference and data support for the treatment of high-salinity mine water in mining areas of Western China.

The fatigue mechanism of asphalt mixture with an interlayer under the combined effect of multiple factors

As a common method of asphalt pavement maintenance, thin overlays performance is easily affected by interlayer bonding performance because of their thinness. To study the effects of immersion, freeze–thaw, stress ratio and loading frequency on the interlayer bonding performance and reveal the interlayer failure mechanism, an asphalt mixture with interlay (AMI) was prepared for direct shear strength test, direct shear fatigue test (DSFT) and CT scanning test. The results verify that the interlay shear fatigue performance of AMI was sensitive to immersion, freeze–thaw, stress ratio and loading frequency. With the increased of immersion days and freeze–thaw cycles the interlay shear fatigue life (ISFL) was decreased. The interlayer shear strength was affected by the tack coat oil and the aggregate inlay and extrusion, and the shear strength provided by the two was basically the same. The interlayer bonding performance was affected significantly more by water than freeze–thaw action, and the main reason for increased void numbers was immersion days, and the main reason for void size expansion was freeze–thaw action. ISFL decreased with the increase of stress ratio, but increased with enhancing of loading frequency; and the fatigue life at high frequency was more susceptible to the alter of stress ratio. Based on Grey Relational Analysis, the influence of the four factors on ISFL was loading frequency > stress ratio > freeze–thaw cycles > immersion days; based on the prediction model of stress ratio obtained by the phenomenological method, the ISFL prediction model under the influence of the four factors was obtained by coefficient correction of loading frequency, freeze–thaw cycles and immersion days.

Mechanical and Structural Properties of Polyhydroxybutyrate as Additive in Blend Material in Additive Manufacturing for Medical Applications.

Today, additive manufacturing (AM) is considered one of the vital tenets of the industry 4.0 revolution due to its high productivity, decentralized production and rapid prototyping. This work aims to study the mechanical and structural properties of polyhydroxybutyrate as an additive in blend materials and its potential in medical applications. PHB/PUA blend resins were formulated with 0 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 12 wt.% and 18 wt.% of PHB concentration. Stereolithography or an SLA 3D printing technique were used to evaluate the printability of the PHB/PUA blend resins. Additionally, from FESEM analysis, a change was observed in PUA's microstructure, with an additional number of voids spotted. Furthermore, from XRD analysis, as PHB concentration increased, the crystallinity index (CI) also increased. This indicates the brittleness properties of the materials, which correlated to the weak performance of the tensile and impact properties. Next, the effect of PHB loading concentration within PHB/PUA blends and aging duration towards the mechanical performance of tensile and impact properties was also studied by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a two-way method. Finally, 12 wt.% of PHB/PUA was selected to 3D print the finger splint due to its characteristics, which are compatible to be used in finger bone fracture recovery.

Effect of hard magnetic ferrite (Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19) nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of the (Bi, Pb)-2223 phase

To manifest the effect of hard magnetic Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19 nanoparticles on the mechanical performance of the (Bi,Pb)-2223 superconducting phase, nano-(Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19)x/Bi1.8Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3.2O10+δ, with x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 wt%, were synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed that adding nano-(Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19) to the host (Bi,Pb)-2223 phase preserved the orthorhombic structure. The porosity (P%) calculations revealed a decrease until x = 0.04 wt%, which suggests that the addition of nano-(Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19)x reduces the number of voids and improves inter-grain connections, as confirmed by SEM micrographs. The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) increased to 112 K with the inclusion of nano-(Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19) up to x = 0.04 wt%. Vickers microhardness (HV) measurements were conducted at various applied loads (0.245–9.800 N) and a duration time of 45 s. The HV number increased with the addition of x up to x = 0.04 wt% but then decreased with further addition. Various models were employed for analysis and modelling of Vickers hardness (HV) versus test load (F), including Meyer’s law, Hays–Kendall (H–K) model, the elastic/plastic deformation (EPD) model, the proportional sample resistance (PSR) model, the modified proportional sample resistance (MPSR), and indentation-induced cracking (IIC) model. It was found that the PSR model was the most appropriate theoretical model for describing the microhardness of nano-(Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19)x/(Bi,Pb)-2223 composites. Moreover, the elastic modulus (E), yield strength (Y), fracture toughness (K), brittleness index (B), and elastic stiffness coefficient (C11) were estimated as a function of the inclusion of nano-(Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe12O19)x. Furthermore, the indentation creep test (time-dependent Vickers microhardness) revealed that the dislocation creep mechanism exists in composite samples with low concentrations (x < 0.05 wt%), whereas the dislocation climbs creep mechanism was observed for x ≥ 0.05 wt%.

Specifics of the use of bovine blood serum in the technology of cultivation of avian metapneumovirus

When obtaining virus-containing material of avian metapneumovirus infection (MPVI) on Vero cell culture, special attention should be paid to the composition of growth and supporting nutrient media, since their components directly affect the proliferation and viability of the cell culture, and hence the quality of the resulting target product.For Vero cell culture, the main nutrient medium is the DMEM medium, into which various additional components are added. It is customary to add up to 10% of fetal bovine serum (FBS) to the growth medium, as for the supporting medium, the question of the need to add blood serum of cattle (cattle) to it does not have an unambiguous solution. Since the financial costs of nutrient media have a significant impact on the cost of the final product, it is necessary to analyze the economic feasibility of using one or another component, in connection with which we have studied the role of blood serum of cattle (FBS and blood serum of adult cattle) in the technology of obtaining the MPVI virus.As a result of the conducted studies, it was revealed that in the growth medium for Vero cell culture, it is possible to replace FBS with blood serum of adult cattle with no more than two consecutive passages. However, if the Vero cell culture is replanted more than twice, then such a replacement is impossible, since already in the 3-4 passage there are signs of a decrease in the rate of cell division and cell culture degeneration. A large number of voids and rounded cells are noted in the cell layer, which makes it impossible to use it further for the cultivation of viruses or further replanting.It was also found that when cultivating the MPVI virus on a Vero cell culture, the DMEM maintenance medium containing 2% of cattle blood serum is optimal for use, since it ensures the production of virus-containing material with higher infectious activity compared to the DMEM medium, which does not contain or contains 10% of cattle blood serum at all.

Five-year Results from the Prospective, Multicenter, Observational SOUNDS Study of Patients with Overactive Bladder Treated with the InterStim System for Sacral Neuromodulation

BackgroundAlthough sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for overactive bladder (OAB) is an established therapy, there is a lack of high-quality, long-term data on real-life practice. ObjectiveTo report on real-life therapeutic effectiveness, quality of life (QoL), disease severity, and safety as well as patient-reported symptom bother after approximately 5 yr of follow-up. Design, setting, and participantsA total of 291 OAB patients were enrolled at 25 French sites according to local standard of care. Sacral neuromOdUlation with InterStim therapy for intractable lower uriNary tract DySfunctions (SOUNDS) enrolled both de novo and replacement patients, and a total of 229 patients were permanently implanted. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisOver the course of the study, patients were followed up six times with two follow-ups in the year after implantation and annually thereafter. Of the patients, 154 completed the final follow-up after a mean of 57.7 ± 3.9 mo. Results and limitationsThe mean number of daily leaks in urinary urge incontinence (UI) patients was reduced from 4.4 ± 3.3 at baseline to 1.8 ± 2.6 after 5 yr in de novo and from 5.4 ± 4.9 to 2.2 ± 3.0 in replacement patients (both p < 0.001). Likewise, the number of voids in urinary frequency patients was reduced compared with baseline (de novo: reduced from 12.6 ± 4.0 [baseline] to 9.6 ± 4.3 [5 yr]; replacements: reduced from 11.5 ± 4.3 [baseline] to 9.2 ± 3.1 [5 yr]; both p < 0.05). Complete continence rates after 5 yr were 44% (25/57) in de novo and 33% (5/15) in replacement UI patients, and 68% (39/57) and 67% (10/15) of UI patients were categorized as therapy responders by showing a >50% improvement in leaks. Disease severity (Urinary Symptom Profile domain 2), Numeric Rating Scale–based symptom bother, and disease-specific QoL (Ditrovie) improved significantly in both groups at all visits (p < 0.001). Adverse events related to device or procedure occurred in 51% (140/274) of patients, with 66% (152/229) of the events being classified as minor (Clavien-Dindo grade I and II). Surgical revisions were reported in 39% (89/229), which include permanent explants in 15% (34/229) of patients. ConclusionsSOUNDS demonstrates the sustained effectiveness and QoL improvements of SNM in OAB patients after 5 yr in real-world conditions while maintaining an acceptable safety profile consistent with literature. Patient summaryThis study confirmed that French overactive bladder patients had a sustained symptom and bother reduction, and improvements in quality of life up to 5 yr after sacral neuromodulation device implantation.

Exploring the cosmological synergy between galaxy cluster and cosmic void number counts

ABSTRACTGalaxy clusters and cosmic voids, the most extreme objects in our Universe in terms of mass and size, trace two opposite sides of the large-scale matter density field. By studying their abundance as a function of their mass and radius, respectively, i.e. the halo mass function (HMF) and void size function (VSF), it is possible to achieve fundamental constraints on the cosmological model. While the HMF has already been extensively exploited, providing robust constraints on the main cosmological model parameters (e.g. Ωm, σ8, and S8), the VSF is still emerging as a viable and effective cosmological probe. Given the expected complementarity of these statistics, in this work, we aim at estimating the costraining power deriving from their combination. To this end, we exploit realistic mock samples of galaxy clusters and voids extracted from state-of-the-art large hydrodynamical simulations, in the redshift range 0.2 ≤ z ≤ 1. We perform an accurate calibration of the free parameters of the HMF and VSF models, needed to take into account the differences between the types of mass tracers used in this work and those considered in previous literature analyses. Then, we obtain constraints on Ωm and σ8 by performing a Bayesian analysis. We find that cluster and void counts represent powerful independent and complementary probes to test the cosmological framework. In particular, the constraining power of the HMF on Ωm and σ8 improves with the VSF contribution, increasing the S8 constraint precision by a factor of about 60 per cent.

PD23-02 LONG LASTING IMPACT OF EARLY LIFE VOIDING DYSFUNCTION ON LOWER URINARY TRACT FUNCTION IN A MURINE MODEL

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD23-02 LONG LASTING IMPACT OF EARLY LIFE VOIDING DYSFUNCTION ON LOWER URINARY TRACT FUNCTION IN A MURINE MODEL Nao Iguchi, Duncan Wilcox, Anna Malykhina, and Dan Wood Nao IguchiNao Iguchi More articles by this author , Duncan WilcoxDuncan Wilcox More articles by this author , Anna MalykhinaAnna Malykhina More articles by this author , and Dan WoodDan Wood More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003296.02AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate long term outcome of voiding dysfunction during early childhood in mice. Despite the association between childhood dysfunctional voiding and lifelong bladder dysfunction with or without renal failure, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Neonatal maternal separation (NMS) disturbs the physiological voiding cycle in mouse pups; which is normally maintained by perigenital-bladder reflex via their mother licking the perineum. METHODS: Newborn mouse pups were divided into control and NMS groups after birth. NMS pups were removed from their dam and housed individually (6 h/day) from postnatal day 2 to 14. Pups in the control group stayed with their dam all the time. Long-term effects of early life voiding dysfunction on LUT were assessed in vivo by void spot assay at 3-, 6-, and 12-months old, and in vitro by detrusor contractility studies using bladder strips at 12 months old. RESULTS: NMS male mice showed urinary frequency with small voids by 1.6 to 2.2-fold through middle-age (12mo≈40yr-old human) (Figure 1). There was a trend towards increased number of small voids in females experienced NMS compared to the control group, however, the change was statistically insignificant (1.2 to 1.5-fold, p>0.05). A significant increase in nerve-mediated (electric field stimulation, EFS) and purinergic agonist (ATP)-induced detrusor contractility was observed in NMS group compared to the control group (1.4-fold, p<0.05). There were no changes in contractility in response to carbachol or substance-P (SP), however, preincubation of the bladder strips with SP induced a 1.6-fold larger decrease in nerve-mediated contractility (TmaxEFS) in NMS group than that in the control group (p<0.005, Figure 2). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that the early life disturbance of normal voiding cycle had prolonged impacts on LUT function accompanied with an enhanced involvement of purinergic and peptidergic neurons/signaling in detrusor contractility in later of life. Source of Funding: Ponzio Family Endowment Fund (D.W.) © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e670 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Nao Iguchi More articles by this author Duncan Wilcox More articles by this author Anna Malykhina More articles by this author Dan Wood More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

MP52-13 IMPROVED LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED CHANGES IN MICTURITION-ASSOCIATED BRAIN ACTIVITY IN STROKE SURVIVORS FOLLOWING TRANSCUTANEOUS SPINAL CORD STIMULATION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP52-13 IMPROVED LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED CHANGES IN MICTURITION-ASSOCIATED BRAIN ACTIVITY IN STROKE SURVIVORS FOLLOWING TRANSCUTANEOUS SPINAL CORD STIMULATION David Chapman, Luis Alejandro Morales Ojeda, Veronica Stefania Montero Arcila, Sarah Ponce, Rita Jen, Nhi Ha, Parag Gad, Reggie Edgerton, David Ginsberg, Aidin Abedi, Kay Jann, and Evgeniy Kreydin David ChapmanDavid Chapman More articles by this author , Luis Alejandro Morales OjedaLuis Alejandro Morales Ojeda More articles by this author , Veronica Stefania Montero ArcilaVeronica Stefania Montero Arcila More articles by this author , Sarah PonceSarah Ponce More articles by this author , Rita JenRita Jen More articles by this author , Nhi HaNhi Ha More articles by this author , Parag GadParag Gad More articles by this author , Reggie EdgertonReggie Edgerton More articles by this author , David GinsbergDavid Ginsberg More articles by this author , Aidin AbediAidin Abedi More articles by this author , Kay JannKay Jann More articles by this author , and Evgeniy KreydinEvgeniy Kreydin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003300.13AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Stroke survivors often experience lower urinary tract dysfunction that can be difficult to treat and profoundly impacts their quality of life. After a stroke, micturition-associated brain activity (MABA) has been shown to rely on activation of primitive brain regions including the cerebellum and periaqueductal gray with less activation of cortical regions. Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS), a novel technique of neuromodulation, is emerging as a powerful tool with growing clinical evidence in neuro-restoration potential. The objective was to evaluate changes in brain activity using functional MRI (fMRI) and patient reported outcome measures (PROM) following twelve weeks of TSCS. METHODS: Twelve patients with de novo lower urinary tract symptoms following a stroke prospectively underwent TSCS for 24 sessions. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) brain activity changes detected with fMRI were collected during maximum urgency, measured 10 seconds prior to detrusor contraction. Patients completed a voiding diary, ICIQ-OAB questionnaire, and underwent fMRI+UDS before and after TSCS. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test were used when appropriate. RESULTS: Twelve patients (5 males, 7 females) with a mean age of 52.8±9.8 years old completed the study. After completion of TSCS, patients reported a decreased perception of urge per void (1.83±0.34 vs 0.92±0.21: p<0.05), number of urge incontinence episodes (6.96±2.12 vs 4.15±1.58: p><0.05), and an increased number of urge-free voids per 24 hours (0.27±0.09 vs 2.29±0.91; p<0.05). ICIQ-OAB scores were significantly lower post stimulation (9.6 vs 4.1; p=0.001). Functional MRI detected an increase in BOLD signal in the cerebellum, cuneus, and multiple frontal areas including the inferior, medial, and middle frontal gyri following TSCS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients that completed twelve weeks of TSCS experienced a significant reduction in perceived urge per void and urgency incontinence episodes and an increase in urge-free voids per 24 hours. ICIQ-OAB scores were significantly lower in patient’s post-spinal neuromodulation. TSCS resulted in a restoration of activation of several cortical brain regions. Source of Funding: Urology Care Foundation © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e707 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information David Chapman More articles by this author Luis Alejandro Morales Ojeda More articles by this author Veronica Stefania Montero Arcila More articles by this author Sarah Ponce More articles by this author Rita Jen More articles by this author Nhi Ha More articles by this author Parag Gad More articles by this author Reggie Edgerton More articles by this author David Ginsberg More articles by this author Aidin Abedi More articles by this author Kay Jann More articles by this author Evgeniy Kreydin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

MP71-19 ADDITION OF ACE INHIBITORS/ARBS TO HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE THERAPY ALLEVIATES NOCTURIA IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP71-19 ADDITION OF ACE INHIBITORS/ARBS TO HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE THERAPY ALLEVIATES NOCTURIA IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION Claire Sunha Choi, Alexander Fang, Connelly Miller, Thomas Monaghan, Jude Appiah, Lauren Fink, and Jeffrey Weiss Claire Sunha ChoiClaire Sunha Choi More articles by this author , Alexander FangAlexander Fang More articles by this author , Connelly MillerConnelly Miller More articles by this author , Thomas MonaghanThomas Monaghan More articles by this author , Jude AppiahJude Appiah More articles by this author , Lauren FinkLauren Fink More articles by this author , and Jeffrey WeissJeffrey Weiss More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003339.19AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The association between nocturia and hypertension (HTN) is well-documented. Although recent studies suggest an increased risk of nocturia in patients with treated but uncontrolled hypertension, there is a lack of drug-specific data. With this in mind, we studied the effect of two common antihypertensive agents – hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (Ace-I)/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) – on nocturia in patients with hypertension. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of voiding diaries from adult males who were diagnosed with HTN and treated for lower urinary tract symptoms at Brooklyn Veterans Affairs urology clinic. After excluding patients with comorbidities (obstructive sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes insipidus and mellitus), subjects were divided into four groups: (1) untreated, (2) HCTZ only, (3) Ace-I/ARB only, and (4) HCTZ and Ace-I/ARB. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test was performed to compare bladder diary parameters and nocturnal urge perception grade (UPG). RESULTS: A total of 234 diaries of adult males with hypertension (mean age±standard deviation=69.3±10.4, systolic BP=129.3±16.6, diastolic BP=76.1±11.0) were analyzed. Amongst 4 subgroups, hypertensive patients on HCTZ only had the most severe nocturia symptoms with highest actual number of voids (ANV) and nocturia index (Ni) with increased mean nocturnal UPG. This was associated with reduced maximum voided volume (MVV) and increased nocturnal bladder capacity index (NBCi), suggesting diminished bladder capacity in patients on HCTZ only. Interestingly, when Ace-I/ARBs were added to HCTZ, there was a reduction in ANV (p=0.014), NBCi (p=0.001) and UPG (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study imply that HCTZ worsens nocturia in hypertensive patients likely via diminished nocturnal functional bladder capacity, and addition of ACE Inhibitors/ARBs is associated with reduced nocturia severity. Given that thiazide diuretics and Ace-I/ARBs are frequently prescribed in combination, these results suggest a potential for personalized therapies on treatment of nocturia in patients with hypertension. Source of Funding: None. © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1022 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Claire Sunha Choi More articles by this author Alexander Fang More articles by this author Connelly Miller More articles by this author Thomas Monaghan More articles by this author Jude Appiah More articles by this author Lauren Fink More articles by this author Jeffrey Weiss More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials addressing efficacy and safety of desmopressin for females with nocturia

Aim:To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy and safety of desmopressin versus placebo among females with nocturia. Methods:PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception until 15-November-2022. The included studies were evaluated for risk of bias (Cochrane Tool). The endpoints were summarized as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis based on the dose of desmopressin ( ≤50μg and >50μg) was conducted. In addition, meta-regression was performed to examine the impact of age and body mass index (BMI) on the endpoints. Results:Nine RCTs with 2852 patients (desmopressin=1110, placebo=1742) were analyzed. The overall risk of bias was low. Compared with placebo, desmopressin significantly reduced the mean number of nocturnal voids (MD=-0.51, 95% CI [-0.70, -0.31], p<0.001), prolonged the duration of the first sleep period (MD=69.06 min, 95% CI [46.54, 91.59], p<0.001), and increased the 33% responder rate (RR=1.30, 95% CI [1.13, 1.50], p<0.001). Subgroup analyses according to desmopressin dose ( ≤50μg and >50μg) showed similar significant differences compared with placebo. Meta-regression showed less improvement in the number of nocturnal voids with the increased age and BMI. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding the rate of overall adverse events (RR=1.11, 95% [0.94, 1.32], p=0.22). Conclusion:Desmopressin was safe and effective in improving nocturia among females. Higher dose of desmopressin (>50μg) correlated with better efficacy. Age and BMI impacted the mean number of nocturnal voids.

Using High-Resolution X-Ray Computed Tomography to Test the Preparation of Stalagmites for Paleo-Climate Reconstruction

Stalagmites being prepared for paleoclimate analysis should typically be slabbed along the central growth axis. This is an important first step because it allows for the highest resolution of sampling with minimal over- or under-sampling of the growth layers. Further, stable isotope ratios and trace element concentrations along the central growth axis most closely record climate variability. Choosing how to slab to best expose the central growth axis for geochemical sampling is challenging based on external morphology alone. High-resolution X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) can provide the ability to discern the internal growth morphology of stalagmites non-destructively, inexpensively, and rapidly. These data can inform selection of optimal slabbing plane(s) and can help identify locations for preliminary U-series dating. We develop a conceptual screening model to assess rapidly the internal morphologies of uncut stalagmites. The specifics of screening the internal morphologies through XRCT scans include investigating the internal porosity of the sample, the number and size of voids and hiatuses, and the presence and absence of growth layers and growth axes. We demonstrate that XRCT scans capture the migration of center of growth in uncut stalagmites of both simple and complex internal morphologies. XRCT scanning facilitates the investigation of stalagmites with complex internal growth banding, opening up avenues to work on such samples when stalagmites with simpler internal morphologies are not available. Further, screening stalagmites for paleoclimate reconstructions using XRCT improves the sustainability of speleothem science by helping researchers select which stalagmites should be returned to caves without destructive slabbing, thereby minimizing impact on caves.

Synthesis of FeS/Fe2O3 hollow fibers derived from Fe-alginate fibers as anodes for high performance sodium-ion batteries

Search for anode materials for sodium ions batteries (SIBs) attracts researchers around the world because of their high-rate capability and excellent capacity. However, their stability needs to be improved. Thus, this work demonstrates a controllable method for the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) hollow microfibers using “egg-box-structured” Fe-alginate fibers. The goal was to obtain an SIBs anode material with the optimal number of voids for efficient Na+ storage. An optimized micro and pore structures were designed to obtain the shortest Na+-diffusion distance. The novel FeS2/Fe2O3-HF composite was able to withstand volume expansion during charge/discharge processes and showed high specificity and rate capacity (483 mAh/g at 100 mA/g, 241 mAh/g at 2000 mA/g). The capacity retention of this cell was excellent: it maintained 245 mAh/g over four hundred 1000 mA/g cycles. Thus, FeS2/Fe2O3-HF composite is a very promising active anode material for SIBs.

Effect of Screw Rotation Speed on Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Abs/Mcc Composites

&lt;p&gt;Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer is an example of a thermoplastic polymer that requires heat in its production process. ABS polymer also can be modified to increase strength against resistance, toughness, and heat resistance by adding MCC as a reinforcement to ABS composites. Extrusion is one of the established methods of polymer processing with filler and consequently disperses filler inside the polymer. Different speed shows different behavior of filler dispersion. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the effect of extruder screw speed variations on the mechanical, physical, and thermal stability of ABS/MCC composites. The compositions used in producing ABS/MCC composites are 96% for ABS and 4% for MCC. The production process uses screw extruder speed variations of 10 rpm, 15 rpm, and 20 rpm. ABS/MCC composite in the barrel and hot press use 160 °C for the temperature process. The highest tensile strength was obtained at 10 rpm variation for 14.2 MPa. Increasing the speed of the extruder screw causes a decrease in MCC content attached to ABS which reduces the mechanical strength. ABS/MCC composite density value decreased with the increased extruder speed, as evidenced by the increasing number of voids formed based on SEM testing.&lt;/p&gt;

Nickel Nanoparticle/Carbon Films as an Interlayer To Improve the Stability of Solder Joints

The growth of brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs) generated between a solder and a substrate is crucial for the reliability of solder joints. Therefore, it is necessary to control the growth of IMCs at the interface. Herein, we propose a strategy with the nickel nanoparticle/carbon (Ni&C) films as an interlayer to improve the stability of the solder joint. After adding the interface with the Ni&C film and reflowing for 450 s, the growth of IMCs decreased by 41.05%. After reflowing for 450 and 2100 s, the grain size in the 300 s-Ni&C/Cu substrate decreased by 14.34 and 20.50%, respectively, compared with the pure Cu substrate. Furthermore, the Ni&C film changes the microstructure of the interface and the diffusion pattern of elements, thus reducing the number of Kirkendall voids. As the reflow time increases, the scalloped IMCs are transformed to be prismatic, which can be well explained by the Gibbs–Thomson effect. The synergistic effect between Ni and carbon in Ni&C can jointly control the interface reaction and the growth of IMCs, with the Ni&C film acting as an inert barrier to inhibit the growth of IMCs.

Состояние хориокапилляров у пациентов с парацентальной острой срединной макулопатией

Purpose. To evaluate with optical coherence tomography angiography the status of the choriocapillaris in the eyes of patients with resolved paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM). Method. Nine patients with unilateral resolved PAMM, 14 age-matched healthy individuals, and 16 age-matched patients with unilateral retinal vein occlusion (RVO) were included. The choriocapillaris flow area, and the number of choriocapillaris flow voids was compared between the eyes of healthy individuals, both eyes of the PAMM patients, and the fellow eyes of unilateral RVO patients. Results. The number of choriocapillaris flow voids in the unaffected eyes of PAMM patients was statistically significantly higher than in the eyes of healthy individuals (p &lt; 0.001) and in the fellow eyes of unilateral RVO patients (p = 0.022). The choriocapillaris flow area in the unaffected eyes of PAMM patients was statistically significantly lower than in the eyes of healthy individuals (p &lt; 0.001) and in the fellow eyes of unilateral RVO patients (p = 0.019). There was no difference in the status of the choriocapillaris between two eyes of PAMM patients. Conclusion. Eyes of patients with resolved PAMM have a substantial decrease of choriocapillaris perfusion. Keywords: paracentral acute middle maculopathy; choriocapillaris; vessel density; optical coherence tomography angiography; retinal vein occlusion