Water Manometer Research Articles

Demonstration of Energy Loss Due to Specific Plumbing Variables, in the Hydraulics Laboratory, of UMA (SDG)

Objective: This study investigates energy losses in various pipe fittings such as bends, contractions, enlargements, and control valves, with the goal of determining the loss coefficients for each fitting. The aim is to analyze pressure drops across different fittings and evaluate how these energy losses influence the design and efficiency of hydraulic systems. Theoretical Framework: The experiment is grounded in fluid dynamics, focusing on the principles of Bernoulli’s equation, pressure drops, and the impact of various pipe fittings on energy loss in hydraulic systems. The Reynolds number, as a dimensionless measure of inertial to viscous forces, is also considered in understanding flow behavior and energy dissipation during fluid movement through pipes. Method: The research employs the F1-22 Energy Losses in Bends and Fittings apparatus attached to a hydraulic bench. Pressure drops are measured across the pipe fittings using a series of water manometer tubes, and the flow rate is controlled by a gate valve. The procedure includes recording piezometric head readings, volume, and drainage velocity to calculate the loss coefficients for each fitting. Results and Discussion: The experiment’s results reveal significant variations in energy losses across different fittings. These findings highlight the influence of fitting configurations on fluid flow and energy efficiency. The loss coefficients derived from the data provide insights into the factors that contribute to energy dissipation, helping engineers optimize hydraulic system designs. Research Implications: The study’s results are critical for optimizing the selection and design of hydraulic fittings. By understanding energy losses, engineers can design more energy-efficient systems, reducing overall operational costs and enhancing the sustainability of hydraulic infrastructure. Originality/Value: This research contributes new empirical data on energy losses in hydraulic systems, offering a deeper understanding of fluid behavior in different pipe configurations. The findings are valuable for improving the design of energy-efficient and sustainable hydraulic systems, particularly in industrial applications.

Intra-abdominal pressure: a predictor of severity in acute pancreatitis

Background: Acute pancreatitis is a multisystem disease which has an unpredictable course. The major consequence of severe acute pancreatitis is usually intra-abdominal hypertension. So, abdominal compartment syndrome occurs with serve increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) with organ failure. If conservative measures fail, some early interventional procedures have to be performed to reduce mortality in those patients. Methods: The ethics committee clearance was obtained. The study included 50 patients who were admitted in our institution with acute pancreatitis (diagnosed based on clinical, radiological, biochemical parameters) from December 2022 to August 2023. Intravesical route was used to measure IAP and it was performed by bladder catheterization using a Foley's catheter which was then connected with a three-way stopcock, which further attached with a water manometer and on that same day APACHE scores was calculated, compared and analyzed. Results: IAP was >25 cm H2O in 48% of patients and 28% of patients developed MODS and they did not survive. The mean IAP among the survivors was 13.56 cm H2O and in non-survivors it was 24.94 cm H2O. Correlation studies between IAP & the clinical severity of acute pancreatitis was significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: IAP seems to be a simple, reliable and single mortality predictor and helps to assess organ failure in acute pancreatitis and it also well correlates with other pancreatic prognostic scores. It also serves as a selective prognostic marker in acute pancreatitis and found to have a direct correlation between IAP and clinical severity of acute pancreatitis.

Accuracy, precision, and interobserver and intraobserver agreements related to pressure-measurement devices.

To evaluate the accuracy, precision, and observer agreement of three pressure measurement devices. In vitro model study. Water manometer with built-in gauge (WMg), arterial pressure transducer (APT), and Compass CT (CCT). The model was set to five predetermined pressures (4, 8, 13, 17, and 24 cm H2O) using a water manometer with a ruler (WMr) as the gold standard. Each device was tested at each pressure in a randomized order by three investigators. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess agreement between devices. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for interobserver and intraobserver agreements. The mean differences (cm H2O) ± SEM in comparison with the set pressure were -0.020 ± 0.010 (WMg), -0.390 ± 0.077 (APT), and -1.267 ± 0.213 (CCT). Pressures measured by WMg did not differ from those measured by WMr. Pressures measured by all devices did not differ from each other (p > .062 for all comparisons). Interobserver agreement was excellent (1.000), and intraobserver agreement was excellent (0.985, 0.990, 0.998 for each observer). Compared to the WMr, the WMg was the most accurate and precise, followed by the APT; the CCT was the least accurate and precise. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements for all three devices were excellent. The largest mean difference of all devices was within 1.3 cm H2O of the set pressure, indicating possible clinical utility of any of the devices. However, WMr or WMg should be considered first due to their high precision and accuracy.

A proposed improvised pleural drainage system for veterinary use.

Active pleural suction devices may be required for continuous drainage of pleural fluid or air. Such devices may not always be available or economical to stock at all veterinary hospitals. Three designs of pleural drainage systems adapted from standard suction canisters are proposed. The designs were constructed from readily available materials from the veterinary hospital and consist of (1) a 1-bottle system intended for use with pneumothoraces, (2) a 2-bottle system, which can be used for draining air and fluid, and (3) an abbreviated 2-bottle system. The suction pressure was tested using a water manometer for each design. The suction pressure was consistently accurate with designs 1 and 2, with mild fluctuations, intermittently increasing suction pressure in design 1 due to bubbling through the air vent. Design 3 demonstrated a greater degree of pressure fluctuations, which was attributed to having the least water volume, reaching suction pressures up to 1cm H2 O above what was set. The improvised devices appear effective, allow accurate delivery of a set suction pressure, and can be rapidly constructed from inexpensive and readily available equipment.

Fluorescence-coupled micropipette aspiration assay to examine calcium mobilization caused by red blood cell mechanosensing

Mechanical stimuli such as tension, compression, and shear stress play critical roles in the physiological functions of red blood cells (RBCs) and their homeostasis, ATP release, and rheological properties. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) mobilization reflects RBC mechanosensing as they transverse the complex vasculature. Emerging studies have demonstrated the presence of mechanosensitive Ca2+ permeable ion channels and their function has been implicated in the regulation of RBC volume and deformability. However, how these mechanoreceptors trigger Ca2+ influx and subsequent cellular responses are still unclear. Here, we introduce a fluorescence-coupled micropipette aspiration assay to examine RBC mechanosensing at the single-cell level. To achieve a wide range of cell aspirations, we implemented and compared two negative pressure adjusting apparatuses: a homemade water manometer (− 2.94 to 0 mmH2O) and a pneumatic high-speed pressure clamp (− 25 to 0 mmHg). To visualize Ca2+ influx, RBCs were pre-loaded with an intensiometric probe Cal-520 AM, then imaged under a confocal microscope with concurrent bright-field and fluorescent imaging at acquisition rates of 10 frames per second. Remarkably, we observed the related changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels immediately after aspirating individual RBCs in a pressure-dependent manner. The RBC aspirated by the water manometer only displayed 1.1-fold increase in fluorescence intensity, whereas the RBC aspirated by the pneumatic clamp showed up to threefold increase. These results demonstrated the water manometer as a gentle tool for cell manipulation with minimal pre-activation, while the high-speed pneumatic clamp as a much stronger pressure actuator to examine cell mechanosensing directly. Together, this multimodal platform enables us to precisely control aspiration and membrane tension, and subsequently correlate this with intracellular calcium concentration dynamics in a robust and reproducible manner.

Pathophysiology of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome and relevance to veterinary critical care.

Increased intraabdominal pressure, termed intraabdominal hypertension (IAH), is reported as an independent cause of morbidity and mortality in the human ICU but, until recently, has been rarely described in veterinary species outside of experimental models. Failure to identify severe IAH leads to organ dysfunction, termed abdominal compartment syndrome, and rapidly becomes fatal without therapeutic intervention. Although the veterinary community has been slow to address the concept of IAH and associated comorbidities, recent companion and large animal case series and experimental studies suggest IAH may also be common in veterinary species and correlates well with risk factors and grading systems already described in the human literature. Increasing abdominal pressures exert deleterious local effects through visceral ischemia and reperfusion injury as well as systemic effects on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and central nervous systems. Even mild grades of IAH increase systemic vascular resistance, impede venous return, increase pulmonary wedge pressure, and decrease pulmonary function. More severe grades cause azotemia, oliguria, decreased coronary blood flow, hypoxia, increased intracranial pressure, and death. Many of the common diseases in veterinary patients are associated with IAH, including gastric dilatation-volvulus, colon volvulus, closed pyometra, hemoperitoneum, ascites, uroperitoneum, and hydrops. Monitoring of the veterinary patient is difficult, but several experimental studies validate both the presence of IAH and the ability to monitor abdominal pressures in large and small animal species. Moreover, prompt recognition of IAH and subsequent treatment is feasible in the veterinary ICU. Increasing abdominal pressures exert deleterious local effects through visceral ischemia and reperfusion injury as well as systemic effects on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and central nervous systems. Increases in central venous pressure, systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary wedge pressure, and a decreased cardiac output by way of both decreased preload and increased afterload have been documented as a result of intraabdominal hypertension (IAH). Direct diagnosis of IAH is achieved by blind or ultrasound-guided abdominal needle puncture attached to a water manometer or direct pressure monitoring transducer. Transvesicular measurement of intraabdominal pressure (IAP) is relatively noninvasive, and many patients that would benefit from rapid diagnosis of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome already have indwelling bladder catheters. Recommendations for interventions are based on the assigned grade of IAH (mild, moderate, severe). If IAH is strongly suspected or diagnosed, abdominal wall compliance may be improved through judicious use of neuromuscular blockers and sedation. Decompression, either minimally invasive or surgical, is absolutely recommended for IAPs consistently above 20mm Hg, especially in the presence of signs attributed to secondary organ dysfunction.

Comparison of central vein pressure between distal, medial, and proximal lumens with water manometer method

ABSTRACT Catheter Vein Pressure in ward-cared patients is rarely measured and considered invalid. The two catheter vein pressure postulates contradict, making confusion among health workers. Dr Russo said the distal-medial-proximal Catheter Vein Pressure has no difference but were denied by Susan S. Scott. Proof of postulate is needed as a solution to inward care. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the central vein pressure between distal, medial, and proximal lumens with the water manometer method. Forty-nine samples retrospective study were taken from the distal - medial - proximal Catheter Vein Pressure of the until fifth days. The differences are analyzed with Statistical Paired t Test with p-Value < 0.05 from SPSS ver. 26 to prove the right postulate. 49 samples were concluded to represent of population. Catheter Vein Pressure from day becomes zero difference, the fifth day 91.8% are no difference while the rest have difference of 0.2 - 1.0 cm H2O and the conclusion are no significant difference with 95% CI. The correlation scale of 0.998 and 0.999 proves that the three lumens tend to produce no differences. In conclusion, the distal - medial - proximal Catheter Vein Pressure values in this study have no significant differences and consistent from until fifth days. This is formulated as P distal = P medial = P proximal (cm H2O). Keywords : Central Vein Pressure, Pressure, distal - medial - proximal, no differences, ward patient. Correspondence : sumantrie_medicalgp@yahoo.com

Comparison of right lateral versus left lateral versus sternal recumbence intra-abdominal pressure measurements in normal dogs.

To determine if there is a difference in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) among 3 anatomic body positions (right lateral, left lateral, and sternal recumbence) in apparently healthy dogs. Prospective, observational study. University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Fourteen apparently healthy male dogs. After mild sedation with dexmedetomidine, a water manometer attached to a Foley urinary catheter was used to measure IAP in 3 different body positions in each dog. There was no significant difference in IAP between right lateral (3.87± 3.16cm H2 O), left lateral (4.45 ± 3.22cm H2 O), and sternal recumbence (4.04 ± 3.57cm H2 O). Based on data from these 14 apparently healthy dogs, these 3 body positions can be used interchangeably for monitoring an individual dog. However, more research in dogs is needed to see if this conclusion holds true when IAP is abnormal.

Maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures in the pre and postoperative periods of patients with incisional abdominal hernia corrected by Lázaro da Silva technique.

To verify the effect of longitudinal abdominal incisional herniorrhaphy on respiratory muscle pressure. The technique of incisional herniorrhaphy used was proposed by Lázaro da Silva. To measure the pressure, we used a water manometer in 20 patients, median age 48.5 years (range 24 70). We analyzed the maximum inspiratory pressure at the level of residual volume (IP-RV) and functional residual capacity (IP-FRC) and the maximum expiratory pressure of functional residual capacity (EP-FRC) and total lung capacity (EP-TLC) in the preoperative and late postoperative (40 90 days) periods, in 13 patients with large incisional hernias and in 7 patients with medium incisional hernias. There was a significant increase in IP-FRC (p = 0.027), IP-RV (p = 0.011) and EP-TLC (p = 0.003) in patients with large incisional hernias. EP-FRC increased, but not significantly. In patients with medium incisional hernias, the changes were not significant. Surgical correction of large incisional hernias improves the function of the breathing muscles; however, surgery for medium incisional hernias does not alter this function.

The Effect of Changes in Postural Position Angle Degree on Central Venous Pressure Measurement

Background: Central venous pressure is often used in intensive care, especially in patients who ex­pe­rience impaired fluid balance, heart failure, evaluation of therapeutic response and media for the­­rapy or hypertonic fluid. The patient's hemodynamic condition during treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) is con­­stantly changing (unstable), therefore, serial monitoring of central venous pressure is needed and the patient's position must be constant. Changing the position of the patient in a place is some­ti­­mes something that cannot be avoided when the patient is in intensive room. This study aimed to examine the effect of changing the position of patients in bed at 0 0 , 15 0 , 30 0 , and 45 0 on central venous pressure (CVP) va­lues. Subjects and Method: This was quasi-experimental study, using a post test with­out control group with repeated measures. This study was conducted in the ICU/ICCU Room at Tarakan Ho­s­pital, No­rth Kalimantan, from May to June 2019. A total of 30 patients was selected by acci­den­­­tal sampling. The dependent variable was central venous pressure. The independent variable was the position of the patient when a central venous pressure examination was carried out, with the degree of positions which were 0 0 , 15 0 , 30 0 , and 45 0 . The data was obtained from observation she­et. CVP was measured by water manometer. The data were analyzed by Anova. Results: The lowest mean CVP was achieved at 0o (Mean=15.13; SD= 5.79). The highest mean CVP was achieved at 45o (Mean=18.18; SD=5.35). The different mean between 0o and 45o was sta­tis­tically significant (p=0.001). The mean CVD at 15o was mean=16.35; SD=5.73. The mean CVD at 30o was mean=17.07; SD=5.42). The different mean between 15o and 30o was statistically sig­ni­fi­cant (p=0.047). Conclusion: The best position for perform central venous pressure is 45 o . Keywords: central vein pressure, intensive care, patient position Correspondence: Hendy Lesmana. Nursing Department, Faculty of Health, Universitas Borneo Tarakan. Email: damayanti.titha@gmail.com. Indonesian Journal of Medicine (2019), 4(3): 192-200 https://doi.org/10.26911/theijmed.2019.04.03.01

Intra-pelvic pressure changes after pelvic fracture: A cadaveric study quantifying the effect of a pelvic binder and limb bandaging over a bolster

IntroductionUnstable pelvic fractures can be life-threatening due to catastrophic haemorrhage. Non-invasive methods of reducing and stabilising these injuries include pelvic binder application and also lower limb bandaging over a knee-flexion bolster. Both of these methods help close the pelvic ring and should tamponade bleeding. This study aimed to quantify the intra-pelvic pressure changes that occurred with 3 different manoeuvres: lower limb bandaging over a bolster; a Trauma Pelvic Orthotic Device (T-POD) pelvic binder, and a combination of both. MethodsFollowing a pilot study with 2 soft embalmed cadavers, a formal study with 6 unembalmed cadavers was performed. For each specimen an unstable pelvic injury was created (OA/OTA 61-C1) by dividing the pelvic ring anteriorly and posteriorly. A 3–4cm manometric water-filled balloon was placed in the retropubic space and connected to a 50ml syringe and water manometer via a 3-way tap. A baseline pressure of 8cmH2O (equating to the average central venous pressure) was used for each cadaver. Steady intra-pelvic pressures (more reliably reflecting the pressures achieved following an intervention) were used in the subsequent statistical analysis, using R statistical language and Rstudio. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon’s rank sum test were used (depending on the normality of the dataset) to determine the impact of each intervention on the intra-pelvic pressure. ResultsThe mean steady intra-pelvic pressures were significantly greater than the baseline pressure for each intervention. The binder and limb bandaging over a bolster alone increased the mean steady pelvic pressures significantly to 24 (SE=5) (p<0.036) and 15.5 (SE=2) (p<0.02)cmH2O respectively. Combining these interventions further increased the mean steady pressure to 31 (SE=7)cmH2O. However, this was not significantly greater than pressures for each of the individual interventions. DiscussionBoth lower limb bandaging over a bolster and pelvic binder application significantly increased intra-pelvic pressure above the baseline pressure. This was further increased through combining these interventions, which could be useful clinically to augment haemorrhage control in these fractures. ConclusionLower-limb bandaging over a bolster, and pelvic binder application, both significantly increased intra-pelvic pressures, and were greatest in combination. These findings support the use of these techniques to facilitate non-surgical haemorrhage control.

基于GPS的矿山排土场滑坡监测预警技术

排土场滑坡是矿山的重大灾害之一，威胁矿山的安全生产。本文在现场调研和文献分析的基础上，确定了合理的矿山排土场边坡综合监测系统，其中包括GPS、固定式测斜仪、雨量计、孔隙水压力计等仪器。根据排土场预警的需求，建立包括单一预警指标和综合预警指标的排土场滑坡预警指标体系，单一预警指标为地表位移、内部位移、降雨量，综合预警指标包括综合预警主指标和修正指标。根据排土场滑坡事故的实际情况，确定科学、实用的排土场滑坡预警等级和预警准则。本研究成果有助于加强矿山排土场的安全管理和事故预防。 Dump landslide is one of the major disasters for opencast mines, threatens the work safety of mine. Based on field research and literature analysis, this paper determined the reasonable comprehensive monitoring system for dump slope, that includes GPS, Stationary inclinometer, Rain gauge, Pore water manometer, Earth pressure cell etc. According to the request of dump early warning, early warning index systems of dump landslide were established that including single early warning indexes and comprehensive early warning indexes. Single early warning indexes include surface displacement, internal displacement, rainfall, while the comprehensive early warning indexes include main indexes and correction indexes of comprehensive early warning. According the practical situation of dump landslide accidents, scientific and practical early warning level and criteria of dump landslide were decided. The research results have contributed to strengthen safety management and accident prevention for mine dump.

Correlation Between Maximum Inspiratory Pressure and Hand-Grip Force in Healthy Young and Middle-Age Individuals.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between hand-grip force and maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) in healthy young and middle-age individuals. All individuals underwent assessment of inspiratory muscle strength by maximum inspiratory pressure using a U-type water manometer and evaluation of hand-grip force by a hydraulic hand dynamometer. The correlation of PImax and hand-grip force was strong (r = 0.76). A multilinear regression model was built to investigate the ability of various parameters, such as hand-grip force, sex, and body mass index measurements, to predict PImax. PImax can be accurately predicted by 80% (r = 0.76) with a simple equation of easily evaluable factors, such as hand-grip force, body mass index, and sex. The results showed significant correlation between hand flexors' force and strength of inspiratory muscles in healthy individuals. This appears to be an easy way to evaluate the results indirectly and can help to assess the relationship between hand flexor and inspiratory muscle capacity, especially the diaphragm. Our study should be viewed as a hypothesis-generating one, and further studies are required in the population of critically ill or difficult-to-wean patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02423616.).

Pelvic pressure changes after a fracture: A pilot cadaveric study assessing the effect of pelvic binders and limb bandaging

Pelvic pressure changes after a fracture: A pilot cadaveric study assessing the effect of pelvic binders and limb bandaging

Biophysical Validation of Intra- Abdominal Pressure and Transurethral Method

Biophysical Validation of Intra- Abdominal Pressure and Transurethral Method Objective: The increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is a well-documented phenomenon, directly associated with pathophysiological changes in all organic systems, increasing morbidity and mortality. The gold standard for its determination is the transurethral method (TM), which still today is surrounded by controversy. The purpose of the study is to, through physical principles, demonstrate IAP, validate TM and explain the variables that influence IAP. Materials and Methods: Development of a biophysical formulation, based on mechanics of fluids, to explain IAP, TM and its variables. Validation of the principles formulated in a non-living animal model, where all components that generate the IAP were determined. Determination of: IAP by TM, intragastric and direct method; gastric, bladder and abdominal areas and volumes; weight of all abdominal structures. Results: IAP values obtained by the several methods are within the limits described for the species with average values between 2.31 and 7.14 mmHg. Determination of the areas and strength of all anatomical structures allowed the replacement of values in the biophysical formulation and calculation of IAP. The mathematically calculation of IAP confirms the theoretical definition of IAP. This value when compared with the direct readings per sensor showed no statistical differences (P<0.05). IAP determination by direct method also showed no differences in the five body positions (P=0.765). Indirect methods revealed statistically significant differences from the direct method only in the Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg. Breathing, muscle contraction, body position and water manometer position influence IAP measurement by indirect methods. Using digital treatment of images and using pixels analysis algorithms, it is also possible to determine bladder and gastric surface area, in average 6.17*10-3 ± 5.05*103 m2 and 3.55*10-2 ± 1.65*10-2 m2 respectively. Conclusion: This study improves the knowledge of the application of the direct and indirect methods to accesses IAP. The biophysical principles explain the formation of IAP and prove the accuracy of TM, explaining the variables which affect it.

Training in Brain Retraction Using a Self-Made Three-Dimensional Model

A hollow brain model was created using soft urethane. A tube passing through the hollow was attached for use as a water inlet and manometer. Water sufficient in quantity to realize the intended initial pressure was infused through the tube. The brain model was retracted with a brain spatula and the surgical corridor was opened. By measuring local force with a sensor set on the brain spatula, the model could be used for training in brain retraction. At the same time, the water column of the manometer was measured and the relationship with the force of the brain spatula was investigated. A positive correlation between the water column and local force was confirmed. This indicated that it was possible to use this model without a force sensor for the same training using water column measurements.

Experimental Investigation on the Performance of NACA 4412 Aerofoil with Curved Leading Edge Planform

Aircraft wings are the lifting surfaces with the chosen aerofoil sections. The efficiency as well as the performance of an aircraft mostly depends on the aerodynamic characteristics e.g. lift, drag, lift to drag ratio, etc of wings. Besides many factors, the effects of wing shape are also crucial to aircraft performance. This paper represents the experimental investigation to explore better aerodynamic performance by incorporating curvature at the leading edge of a wing. A wooden model with straight leading and trailing edge i.e. rectangular planform and another model with curved leading edge and straight trailing edge are prepared with NACA 4412 aerofoil in equal length (span) and surface area. Both the models are tested in a closed circuit wind tunnel at air speed of 85.35 kph (0.07 Mach) i.e. at Reynold's number 1.82×105. The static pressure at different angles of attack (-4°, 0°, 4°, 8°, 12°, 16°, 20° & 24°) are measured from both upper and lower surfaces of the wing models through different pressure tapings by using a multi-tube water manometer. From the static pressure distribution, lift coefficient, drag coefficient and lift to drag ratio of both the models are analyzed. After analyzing the data, it is found that the curved leading edge wing planform is having higher lift coefficient and lower drag coefficient than the rectangular wing planform. Thus, the curved leading edge planform is having higher lift to drag ratio than the rectangular planform.

Comparison of Pleural Pressure Measuring Instruments

The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of a handheld digital manometer (DM) and U-tube (UT) manometer with an electronic transducer (ET) manometer during thoracentesis. Thirty-three consecutive patients undergoing thoracentesis were enrolled in the study. Pleural pressure (Ppl) measurements were made using a handheld DM (Compass; Mirador Biomedical), a UT water manometer, and an ET (reference instrument). End-expiratory Ppl was recorded after catheter insertion, after each aspiration of 240 mL, and prior to catheter removal. Volume of fluid removed, symptoms during thoracentesis, pleural elastance, and pleural fluid chemistry were also evaluated. A total of 594 Ppl measurements were made in 30 patients during their thoracenteses. There was a strong linear correlation coefficient between elastance for the DM and ET (r = 0.9582, P < .001). Correlation was poor between the UT and ET (r = 0.0448, P = .84). Among the 15 patients who developed cough, recorded ET pressures ranged from -9 to +9 cm H2O at the time of symptom development, with a mean (SD) of -2.93 (4.89) cm H2O. ET and DM measurements among those patients with cough had a low correlation between these measurements (R2 = 0.104, P = .24). Nine patients developed chest discomfort and had ET pressures that ranged from -26 to +6 cm H2O, with a mean (SD) of -7.89 (9.97) cm H2O. The handheld DM provided a valid and easy-to-use method to measure Ppl during thoracentesis. Future studies are needed to investigate its usefulness in predicting clinically meaningful outcomes.

Alternative Energy Biogas from Chocolate Rind

The development of alternative energy fuel technology at present many are produced from biological resources, eg the manufacture of biodiesel and biodiesel as a fuel substitute for gasoline. This study aims to obtain biogas from chocolate rind that can be used as an alternative energy and find operating conditions that produce appropriate levels of CH4 in the standard Indonesian. The first stage is done by preparing 1 liter of raw materials chocolate rind and water are then mixed with a starter (cow dung) 10% of the volume of raw materials and the addition of yeast and grass after it is mixed until blended. Then put into containers/bottles that have been fitted hose, water manometer, and the gas holder. The research was done in stages with the conditions that you run. Variables that run is a comparison of raw material (1:1; 1:1.5; 1:2; 1.5:1; 2:1), observation time (5 days, 10 days, 15 days, 20 days, 25 days, 30 days), and the variable addition of grass (50 gr, 100 gr, 150 gr, 200 gr). From the results of this reasearch found the greatest level of 74.22% in comparison 1 (water): 1.5 (chocolate rind) with the addition of 150g of grass while low levels of 60.04% in comparison 2 (water): 1 (chocolate rind) with the addition of 200g of grass.

Pre- and post-shunting observations in adult sheep with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to examine host-shunt interactions in sheep with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus.MethodsForty-two sheep (29–40 kg) were utilized for this study. In 20 animals, various kaolin doses were injected into the cisterna magna including 10 and 50 mg/kg as well as 2–4 ml of a 25% kaolin suspension. Based on animal health and hydrocephalus development, 3 ml of a 25% kaolin suspension was chosen. In 16 animals, kaolin was administered and 6–8 days later, the animals received a custom made ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. In 8 animals ventricular CSF pressures were measured with a water manometer before kaolin administration and 7–8 days later. The sheep were allowed to survive for up to 9–12 weeks post-kaolin or until clinical status required euthanasia. Brains were assessed for morphological and histological changes. Ventricle/cerebrum cross sectional area ratios (V/C) were calculated from photographs of the sliced coronal planes immediately anterior to the interventricular foramina.ResultsIntraventricular pressures increased from 12.4±1.1 cm H2O to 41.3±3.5 cm H2O following kaolin injection (p < 0.0001, n = 8). In all animals, we observed kaolin on the basal surface of the brain and mild (V/C 0.03-0.10) to moderate (V/C >0.10) ventricular expansion. The animals lost weight between kaolin administration and shunting (33.7±1.2 kg versus 31.0±1.7 kg) with weights after shunting remaining stable up to sacrifice (31.6±2.2 kg). Of 16 shunted animals, 5 did well and were sacrificed 9–12 weeks post-kaolin. In the remainder, the study was terminated at various times due to deteriorating health. Hydrocephalus was associated with thinning of the corpus callosum, but no obvious loss of myelin staining, along with reactive astroglial (glial fibrillary acidic immunoreactive) and microglial (Iba1 immunoreactive) changes in the white matter. Ventricular shunts revealed choroid plexus ingrowth in 5/16, brain tissue ingrowth in 1/16, problems with shunt insertion in 3/16, occlusion by hemorrhagic-inflammatory material in 5/16, or no obstruction in 2/16. Free flowing CSF indicated that the peritoneal catheter was patent.ConclusionsCerebrospinal fluid shunts in hydrocephalic sheep fail in ways that are reminiscent of human neurosurgical experience suggesting that this model may be helpful in the development of more effective shunt technology.