Volume Displacement Research Articles

Protective Effects of Lantana camara (aculeata) in Rheumatoid arthritis using in vitro and in vivo Complete Freund’s Adjuvant induced arthritis in rats

The main objective of the present work is to evaluate the potential of Lantana camara (aculeata) for anti-arthritic activity using in vitro and in vivo study. L. camara is an important medicinal, ornamental, and essential oil-producing herb from family Verbenaceae. Different parts of L. camara have been used for the treatment of various human ailments such as itches, cuts, ulcers, swellings, bilious fever, eczema, tetanus, malaria, tumor, rheumatism, and headache. The anti-arthritic activities of pet ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of L. camara were initially evaluated using in vitro model of arthritis. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts were found to be better among all the extract in in vitro study and hence subjected for further in vivo anti-arthritic study using complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model in rats for 28 days. Both the extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg were evaluated in rats for different parameters. The paw volume displacement, changes in body weight, arthritic index, alteration in serum biomarker, alteration in hematological parameters, secondary lesions changes as noticed from the radiograph, and histopathology study were measured as a mark of antiarthritic activity. The results indicate that L. camara protects rats remarkably against the primary and secondary arthritic lesions, body weight changes, serum biomarker changes, radiological, histopathological, and hematological perturbations induced by CFA in dose-dependent manner. However, the effect of the ethanolic extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg was more significant, superior, and pronounced than aqueous extract and also it is comparable to the standard drug.

Correcting rotational error in rectal cancer radiation therapy: Can planning target volume margins be safely reduced?

The magnitude and impact of rotational error is unclear in rectal cancer radiation therapy. This study evaluates rotational errors in rectal cancer patients, and investigates the feasibility of planning target volume (PTV) margin reduction to decrease organs at risk (OAR) irradiation. In this study, 10 patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively selected. Rotational errors were assessed through image registration of daily cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and planning CT scans. Two reference treatment plans (TPR ) with PTV margins of 5 mm and 10 mm were generated for each patient. Pre-determined rotational errors (±1°, ±3°, ±5°) were simulated to produce six manipulated treatment plans (TPM ) from each TPR . Differences in evaluated dose-volume metrics between TPR and TPM of each rotation were compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Clinical compliance was investigated for statistically significant dose-volume metrics. Mean rotational errors in pitch, roll and yaw were -0.72 ± 1.81°, -0.04 ± 1.36° and 0.38 ± 0.96° respectively. Pitch resulted in the largest potential circumferential displacement of clinical target volume (CTV) at 1.42 ± 1.06 mm. Pre-determined rotational errors resulted in statistically significant differences in CTV, small bowel, femoral heads and iliac crests (P < 0.05). Only small bowel and iliac crests failed clinical compliance, with majority in the PTV 10 mm margin group. Rotational errors affected clinical compliance for OAR dose but exerted minimal impact on CTV coverage even with reduced PTV margins. Both PTV margin reduction and rotational correction decreased irradiated volume of OAR. PTV margin reduction to 5 mm is feasible, and rotational corrections are recommended in rectal patients to further minimise OAR irradiation.

Review of 107 Oncoplastic Surgeries Using an Acellular Dermal Matrix with the Round Block Technique.

The round block technique (RBT) is an oncoplastic surgery method that uses volume displacement techniques after partial mastectomy. However, cosmetic problems occur after tissue rearrangement in patients with small breasts or those in whom a large amount of breast tissue is excised. Therefore, we used an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) when the volume was insufficient after tissue rearrangement. Patients who underwent breast reconstruction using the ADM with the RBT after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) were included. The ADM graft was performed in two layers. First, it was placed on the glandular flap, and the patient was then seated to ascertain the degree of deformity. If the volume was insufficient, a graft was also performed under the skin flap. Overall, 107 oncoplastic surgeries were performed. Tumors were most commonly located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, and the mean resected breast tissue was 27.1 g. Seroma was the most common complication, but it improved with several aspirations. There were no major complications or cosmetic problems requiring reoperation. Therefore, if the ADM was used for defects that could not be reconstructed with the RBT alone, safe and cosmetically good results could be obtained.

Equation for Egg Volume Calculation Based on Smart’s Model

In the egg industry, it is necessary to estimate the egg volume accurately when estimating egg quality or freshness in a non-destructive method. Egg volume and weight could obtain egg density and could be used to determine egg freshness. Therefore, the egg geometric must be obtained first to establish a volume equation with a geometric shape. This research proposes an innovative idea to derive the mathematical model and volume equation of egg shape, calculate its volume, and verify the accuracy of the mathematical equation proposed using the volume displacement method. Using the proposed equation, the minimum error between the calculated egg volume) and actual egg volume is 0.01%. The maximum volume error does not exceed 2%. The egg shape equation can accurately draw the outer contour curve of the egg by the half-length of the maximum long axis and maximum breadth of the short axis, and the distance from the center point of the egg to the maximum breadth (xm).

Angiographic Pulse Wave Coherence in the Human Brain.

A stroke volume of arterial blood that arrives to the brain housed in the rigid cranium must be matched over the cardiac cycle by an equivalent volume of ejected venous blood. We hypothesize that the brain maintains this equilibrium by organizing coherent arterial and venous pulse waves. To test this hypothesis, we applied wavelet computational methods to diagnostic cerebral angiograms in four human patients, permitting the capture and analysis of cardiac frequency phenomena from fluoroscopic images acquired at faster than cardiac rate. We found that the cardiac frequency reciprocal phase of a small region of interest (ROI) in a named artery predicts venous anatomy pixel-wise and that the predicted pixels reconstitute venous bolus passage timing. Likewise, a small ROI in a named vein predicts arterial anatomy and arterial bolus passage timing. The predicted arterial and venous pixel groups maintain phase complementarity across the bolus travel. We thus establish a novel computational method to analyze vascular pulse waves from minimally invasive cerebral angiograms and provide the first direct evidence of arteriovenous coupling in the intact human brain. This phenomenon of arteriovenous coupling may be a physiologic mechanism for how the brain precisely maintains mechanical equilibrium against volume displacement and kinetic energy transfer resulting from cyclical deformations with each heartbeat. The study also paves the way to study deranged arteriovenous coupling as an underappreciated pathophysiologic disturbance in a myriad of neurological pathologies linked by mechanical disequilibrium.

Potential Sex Differences in Bone Strength: A Cadaveric Study

This study was conducted to determine if there was a difference in bone strength between men and post‐menopausal women. Prior research suggests that women are four times more likely to be affected by osteoporosis and experience fractures twice as often as men. Bone mass loss found in osteoporosis increases in women after menopause due to marked estrogen deficiency. However, it is unclear whether this bone mass difference between men and women contributes to a reduction in bone strength. Therefore, the hypothesis of this study was that men will have a higher bone density than women and will therefore have stronger bones when tested to failure. To test this hypothesis, eight cadavers (four men, four women) from the Wayne State University Willed Body Program were used (age: 81±16, range: 51‐104). The bone density of the ulna was calculated via a volume displacement test and its mass. The ulna was then secured and weight was added incrementally until failure. There was no significant difference found in ulna bone density between men and women (p=0.776); however, the weight required to break the ulnas in men was greater (p=0.0001). Once normalized by the mass of the ulna this effect was reduced (p&gt;0.05). These data suggest potential sex differences in bone strength, independent of bone density, indicating future investigation is needed at different locations in the body.

Evaluation of correlation between intrafractional residual setup errors and accumulation of delivered dose distributions in single isocenter volumetric modulated arc therapy for multiple brain metastases

PurposeTo evaluate the displacement of gross tumor volume (GTV) positions caused by intrafractional residual setup errors (RSEs) and to accumulate delivered dose distributions considering intrafraction RSEs in fractionated-stereotactic radiotherapy (f-SRT) with single isocenter volumetric modulated arc therapy (SI-VMAT) for multiple brain metastases. MethodsOverall, 72 consecutive patients who underwent f-SRT with SI-VMAT for multiple brain metastases were included. For all patients, 6D correction was performed using the ExacTrac X-ray (ETX) system. GTV displacement (ΔD) was calculated considering the intrafractional RSEs measured by the ETX system during irradiation. The correlation between ΔD and the distance from the isocenter to each GTV (d) was analyzed. Computed tomography (CT) images considering the intrafractional RSEs were generated for five patients with ΔD > 1 mm. The delivered dose distributions for all fractions were reconstructed on the corresponding CT, followed by their accumulation. ResultsThe 95th percentile of ΔD from 7,270 resultant center positions of 417 GTVs was 0.92 mm. No correlation was observed between ΔD and d. For 53 GTVs from five patients with ΔD > 1 mm, the difference of GTV D99.5% and D0.5% between the planned and accumulated values was −0.4 ± 2.5% and −1.0 ± 0.8%, respectively. There was no correlation between d and the difference of GTV D99.5% and D0.5%. ConclusionsWe found no significant difference in GTV D99.5% and D0.5%, despite the location of GTVs far from the isocenter. However, it should be noted that this result was because the intrafractional RSEs were reduced to a clinically acceptable level.

Decarbonizing Vehicle Transportation with Hydrogen from Biomass Gasification: An Assessment in the Nigerian Urban Environment

Tailpipe emissions from vehicles consist of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, which contribute immensely to the rise in global temperatures. Green hydrogen produced from the gasification of biomass can reduce the amount of CO2 emissions to zero. This study aims to provide a modelling framework to optimize the production of hydrogen from biomass waste obtained from different cities, for use in the road transport sector in Nigeria. A gasification model with post-treatment shift conversion and CO2 removal by adsorption is proposed. In this study, six cities are simulated based on technical and environmental considerations, using the Aspen Plus software package. The results revealed that Kaduna has the highest hydrogen generation potential of 0.148 million metric tons per year, which could reduce CO2 emissions to 1.60 and 1.524 million metric tons by the displacement of an equivalent volume of gasoline and diesel. This amounts to cost savings of NGN 116 and 161.8 billion for gasoline and diesel, respectively. In addition, the results of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the steam-to-biomass ratio and the temperature of gasification are positively correlated with the amount of avoided CO2 emissions, while the equivalence ratio shows a negative correlation.

Oncoplastic breast reconstruction: Principles, current techniques, and future directions.

Oncoplastic breast reconstruction has improved esthetic results after breast-conserving surgery with low complication rates and stable oncologic outcomes. Basic principles can be applied across different volume displacement and replacement techniques including restoration of breast shape and symmetry through esthetic incisions while eliminating dead space. Technique selection is guided by several factors including breast size, resection-to-breast ratio, and patient desires. A surgeon familiar with all techniques will allow individualization of treatment and optimization of outcomes.

Two hundred and fifty-one right hepatectomies for living donation: Association between preoperative risk factors, hepatic dysfunction, and complications

BackgroundDonor safety is essential in living donor liver transplantation. In this study we assessed the association among perioperative factors, liver dysfunction, and complications in 251 consecutives right hepatectomies for living donation. MethodsRetrospectively collected data from a prospectively assembled cohort of 251 consecutive living donors who underwent right hepatectomy between 1999 and 2020 were evaluated. ResultsMedian age was 36 years; 54% were men. There was a statistically significant relationship between standardized liver volume by body surface area and the volumes calculated by imaging, weighting, and volume displacement. (r2 = 0.40, r2 = 0.34, and r2 = 0.34, respectively), with the relationship between standardized liver volume and liver volume by imaging being the strongest. The median remnant liver volume was 35%. Fifty-eight donors (23%) developed postoperative hepatic dysfunction, which was associated with increased length of stay (P = .04), and complications (P < .01). Men had a 2.5 times higher chance of developing postoperative hepatic dysfunction. Age >50 years was an independent predictor of increased bilirubin at postoperative day 4 (P < .01), and remnant liver volume was inversely associated with higher peak international normalized ratio (P < .01). Eighty-one donors (32%) experienced complications. Postoperative hepatic dysfunction was associated with 2.4 times higher chances of complications (odds ratio = 2.4, P < .01). ConclusionEarly postoperative hepatic dysfunction is associated with the development of post-live liver donor complications. A thoughtful balancing of preoperative risk factors for postoperative hepatic dysfunction may indeed and by association reduce postoperative complications.

Finite-Element Simulation of a Resonant Frequency-Tunable Vibration Isolator Based on Shape Memory Alloy Wire

BackgroundThe resonant-frequency-tunable vibration isolator based on Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) combines the priority of passive and active vibration isolators, expands its engineering application, and improves the efficiency of vibration isolation. However, the special characteristics of SMAs and the complexity of the resonant-frequency-tunable vibration isolator result in the difficulty in finite-element analysis.MethodsThis article employs the ABAQUS subroutine and presents the finite-element analysis for this resonant-frequency-tunable vibration isolator, which simulates the thermomechanical responses of SMA wires and the mechanical behaviors of the vibration isolator.ResultsThe pseudoelasticity characteristics of SMA wires were simulated and validated. The mechanical characteristics of the vibration isolator, such as the temperatures, martensitic volume fractions, displacements, and equivalent stresses, were obtained and verified.ConclusionsThe results show that the finite-element analysis method presented is appropriate for simulating mechanical behaviors of the resonant-frequency-tunable vibration isolator. The analysis results reveal in detail the mechanical characteristics of the vibration isolator.

Embroidered wearable Antenna-based sensor for Real-Time breath monitoring

In this paper we present the design and the validation of a novel fully embroidered meander dipole antenna-based sensor integrated into a commercially available T-shirt for real-time breathing monitoring using the technique based on chest well movement analysis. The embroidered antenna-based sensor is made of a silver-coated nylon thread. The proposed antenna-sensor is integrated into a cotton T-shirt and placed on the middle of the human chest. The breathing antenna-based sensor was designed to operate at 2.4 GHz. The sensing mechanism of the system is based on the resonant frequency shift of the meander dipole antenna-sensor induced by the chest expansion and the displacement of the air volume in the lungs during breathing. The resonant frequency shift was continuously measured using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) to a remote PC via LAN interface in real-time. A program was developed via Matlab to collect respiration data information using a PC host via LAN interface to be able to transfer data with instrumentation over TCP/IP. The measurements were carried out to monitor the breathing of a female volunteer for various positions (standing and sitting) with different breathing patterns: eupnea (normal respiration), apnea (absence of breathing), hypopnea (shallow breathing) and hyperpnea (deep breathing). The measured resonance frequency shift to 2.98 GHz, 3.2 GHz and 2 GHz for standing position and 2.84 GHz, 2.95 GHz and 2.15 GHz for sitting position, for eupnea, hyperpnea and hypopnea, respectively. The area of the textile sensor is 45 × 4.87 mm2, reducing the surface consumption significatively with regard to other reported breath wearable sensors for health monitoring.

Hydrodynamic and axial mixing studies in asymmetric rotating impeller column at high dispersed to continuous phase ratios

In the present work, hydrodynamics characteristics such as dispersed phase holdup (εD), Sauter mean diameter (d32), drop size distribution (DSD), and continuous phase axial mixing was investigated in an asymmetric rotating impeller column (ARIC). Water – heavy normal paraffin (HNP) liquid system was used in ARIC to carry out the experiments. The effect of operating parameters such as impeller speed (N), superficial velocity of the continuous phase (Vc) was investigated. Experiments were performed at several dispersed to continuous phase (O/A) ratios. Volume displacement method and an image analysis technique were utilized to investigate the εD and d32, respectively. The pulse tracer technique was used to study the axial mixing in the continuous phase. The εD and d32 were strongly influenced by the impeller speed. More than 50% increase in εD was noticed when impeller speed increases from 100 to 350 rpm. The increase in dispersion coefficients (Dc) is observed with impeller speed. Whereas, it was noticed that O/A has a significant impact on Dc. About 80% decrease in Dc was observed when O/A increases from 5 to 25. The generalize equations have been developed for the prediction εD, d32, and Pec.

Anterior intercostal artery perforator flap for immediate reconstruction following breast conservation surgery.

Oncoplastic breast surgery following breast conservation surgery (BCS) utilizes aesthetic breast reduction techniques, and these reconstructions entail either volume displacement or volume replacement depending on the size and location of the excised tumor. The anterior Intercostal flap (AICAP) for immediate reconstruction after BCS is scarcely described in the literature. In this study, we present our experience with the Anterior Intercoastal Artery Perforator flap in 16 patients with small breast sizes. Sixteen patients underwent lumpectomy followed by immediate reconstruction with Anterior ICAP flap between 2019 and 2021 at Hadassah University Hospital. Median age was 49 (range 28-67). Breast cup size, lumpectomy to breast size ration, defect measurements and location are provided. Flap design and flap in-setting was planned and executed according to the size and location of the defect determined at the time of surgery. Surgical technique is described. Diagram of proposed reconstruction according to defect location is proposed. Flap dimensions clinically matched the defect size or were slightly larger due to anticipated shrinkage of tissue post radiation with mean of 5.4×3.9×3.75cm (range of 2.5-13×2-13.2×0.8-4.5cm). Complications, namely one seroma and one mild infection, were seen in two patients. Median follow up was 3months after completion of radiation. All reconstructions were satisfactory by both surgeon and patient at last post-operative follow-up visit. The anterior ICAP flap is an important addition to the armamentarium of immediate reconstruction options after BCS, particularly in patients smaller size breast sizes.

Oral and intravenous hydration in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension and postural tachycardia syndrome.

Hydration with water and salt is the mainstay of treatment for autonomic nervous system disorders that impair orthostatic tolerance. The goal is to expand intravascular volume to compensate for the downward displacement of blood volume that occurs when standing and thereby sustain cerebral perfusion and restore quality of life. Despite strong consensus recommendations for salt supplementation as standard treatment of these disorders, published evidence of benefit is relatively weak, and no randomized clinical trials have occurred. This review summarizes the physiological rationale for hydration and evaluates the literature on oral and intravenous hydration in the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, postural tachycardia syndrome, and recurrent vasovagal syncope. We conclude that oral salt replacement is indicated for treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension because these patients have excessive renal sodium excretion, and for treatment of chronic orthostatic intolerance because these patients are often hypovolemic. As not all patients are able to tolerate sufficient oral hydration, there is also a role for intravenous volume-loading in severe cases of postural tachycardia syndrome. We offer guidance, based on review of the literature and the clinical judgment of a cardiologist and neurologist with experience treating autonomic disorders, regarding the option of ongoing intravenous hydration for treatment of severe, refractory cases of postural tachycardia syndrome.

Slope position and biochar influence soil properties and seed displacement in a tropical agroecosystem

AbstractSoil erosion due to land use change is a major concern in agricultural areas. There is an urgent need to develop appropriate agricultural practices that promote higher biodiversity and improve soil properties. Little is known about the processes of natural vegetation recovery after disturbance by human activities in tropical humid climates. This is particularly the case for dispersion by water (hydrochory) that affects seeds. The displacement of native plant seeds on the soil surface by runoff may be influenced by soil properties and by the use of biochar in agriculture. As these effects have not been documented in tropical agroecosystems and on steep slopes, we present here an in‐field experiment on a steeply sloping maize field affected by rainfall and tillage erosion in Northern Thailand. Our objectives were to test the effect of catena position and biochar use on seed displacement, soil loss and nutrient losses. We used 24 plots of 1 m2 located at four positions in the catena. Two treatments were tested: (1) conventional system with tillage and (2) biochar incorporated into the soil. We measured the displacement of plastic beads (to imitate round seeds), runoff volume, soil and nutrient losses and soil surface features during in‐situ rainfall simulations. After two simulated rainfall events and four natural rainfall events, total bead exportation was 7.2%. We found that catena position and biochar had an impact on runoff, soil and nutrient losses. In this study, previously incorporated biochar reappeared at the soil surface after 8 months under natural conditions and acted like a crust at the soil surface. This biochar crust increased runoff, increased potassium concentration and decreased phosphorus concentration in runoff, decreased bead displacement and had no effect on soil loss. This study, under tropical climate and steep slope conditions, highlights differences in soil surface features and runoff along the catena. We should consider catena position for improving soil management and using appropriate agroecological practices.Highlights The effect of catena position and biochar use on seed displacement, soil loss and nutrient losses were tested. These effects have not been documented in tropical agroecosystems and steep slopes. Catena position and biochar use had an impact on runoff, soil and nutrient losses. Catena position for improving soil management and using agroecological practices should be considered.

A multiobjective discrete combination optimization method for dynamics design of engineering structures

AbstractThis paper presents a new multiobjective discrete optimization method for the engineering design of dynamic problems. A discrete combinatorial optimization problem is solved using a particle swarm optimization algorithm coupled with a stair‐form interpolation model. To address multiobjective optimization issues, a weighted average approach is implemented to convert the multiobjective optimization problem into an equivalent single‐objective optimization problem. Design constraints are taken into consideration by using the penalty function strategy. The proposed method is first verified with a 10‐bar truss structure design problem, where the cross‐sectional area of each bar is optimized to minimize both volume and node displacement. Second, the dynamic issue for hybrid composite laminates is investigated by maximizing the fundamental frequency and minimizing the cost. The results reveal that the optimized results generated by the proposed method agree well with those from other approaches.

Reliability of Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery for Management of Early Breast Cancer in Yemeni Patients

Background: Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery is limited in treatment of Yemeni breast cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and safety of oncoplastic breast surgery in Yemeni patients with early breast cancer. Material &amp; Methods: Patients with early breast cancer who underwent oncoplastic breast conserving surgery from July 2014 to July 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Data on the patient’s demographic, tumor characteristics, the type of oncoplastic technique performed, surgical margin involved, re-excision rate, complications, satisfaction, follow up and local recurrence rate were included to evaluate the results. Results: A total of 50 breast cancer patients underwent oncoplastic surgery by using different techniques. Volume displacement technique was the commonest technique used in 92% of the patients (local glandular flap in 64%, reduction mammoplasty in 22%, Grissoti flap in 4% and bat-wing in 2%) While the volume replacement (Latissmus dorsi flap) technique was used in 8 % of the patients with small breasts. 70% of the patients were less than 40 years old. The mean tumor size was 3.4cm. Most of the tumors (84%) was invasive ductal carcinoma. The overall postoperative complication was 14% [wound infection (4%), wound dehiscence (8%) and fat necrosis (2%)]. Re excision rate was 12% and complete mastectomy was performed for 2 patients. Patient satisfaction was 96%. Local recurrence rate was 4% with mean follow up of 23.1 (SD:16) months.Conclusion: The oncoplastic breast conserving surgery is reliable and safe with good oncological and aesthetic outcomes for treatment of early breast cancer in Yemeni patients.

Periareolar (Benelli) mammoplasty – single centre 5-year experience

Background: A recent international therapeutic mammoplasty (TeaM) multicentre cohort study demonstrated that therapeutic mammoplasty using all methods was a safe and effective alternative to mastectomy or conventional breast conserving surgery. Periareolar (Benelli) Mammoplasty is a round block oncoplastic volume displacement technique confining the scar to the areolar. This study explores the oncoplastic safety and complications over a 5-year period in a single institution.

Assessment of Volume Displacement as an Oncoplastic Technique in Management of Early Breast Cancer

Assessment of Volume Displacement as an Oncoplastic Technique in Management of Early Breast Cancer