Dental and composite resin discoloration induced by different hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements: two-year in vitro assessment

Abstract Few long-term studies assess the discoloration induced by hydraulic calcium silicate-based cement on dental structures. In addition, as far as we know, no long-term study has assessed the discoloration induced by these cement on composite resin. Objective This in vitro study aimed to assess, during a period of two years, the discoloration potential of different hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements (hCSCs) on the enamel/dentin structure and composite resin restoration. Methodology A total of 40 enamel/dentin discs were obtained from bovine incisors, and 40 composite resin discs (10 mm in diameter × 2 mm thick) were fabricated. A 0.8 mm-deep cavity was made in the center of each disc and filled with the following hCSCs (n=10): Original MTA (Angelus); MTA Repair HP (Angelus); NeoMTA Plus (Avalon); and Biodentine (Septodont). An initial color measurement was performed (T0 - baseline). After 7, 15, 30, 45, 90, 300 days, and two years, new color measurements were performed to determine the color (ΔE00), lightness (ΔL'), chroma (ΔC'), hue differences (ΔH'), and whiteness index (WID). Results For enamel/dentin, the ΔE00 was significant among groups and periods (p<0.05). NeoMTA Plus had the greatest ΔE00. The NeoMTA Plus group had the greatest ΔE00 after two years for composite resin. Significant reduction in lightness was observed for all groups after two years (p<0.05). The most significant WID values were observed after 30 days for Biodentine (enamel/dentin) and MTA Repair HP groups (composite resin) (p<0.05). Conclusions The hCSCs changed the colorimetric behavior of both substrates, leading to greater darkening over time. The Bi2O3 in the Original MTA seems relevant in the short periods of color change assessment.

Evaluación de la movilidad del ácido 2,4-diclorofenoxiacético en suelos ándicos del departamento del Cauca, Colombia

El herbicida ácido 2,4 - diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) es un ácido selectivo y sistémico que, desde 1940, es ampliamente utilizado en suelo agrícolas, de todo el mundo. Su uso radica a su selectividad entre la vegetación de hoja ancha y cultivos de gramíneas y como regulador del crecimiento vegetal; sin embargo, este herbicida se puede acumular en el ambiente y, adicionalmente, puede ser transportado por lixiviación, a través del suelo, llegando a contaminar aguas subterráneas, lo que genera un alto riesgo para el ambiente y la salud del ser humano. El estudio de la movilidad del 2,4-D en suelos con alto contenido de materia orgánica permitió conocer, que no solo la materia orgánica se correlaciona indirectamente con la movilidad de este compuesto, sino que, también, influye la humedad, al reducir la lixiviación y el potencial de contaminación del recurso hídrico subterráneo, mientras que la conductividad hidráulica se relaciona, de manera directa, con la lixiviación de este herbicida.

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a selective and systemic acid that has been widely used in agricultural soils since 1940. Its use lies in its selectivity between broadleaf vegetation and grass crops, and as a regulator of plant growth. However, this herbicide can accumulate in the environment, and additionally, it can be transported by leaching through the soil, contaminating groundwater, which generates a high risk for the environment and human health. In this study, the mobility of 2,4-D in organic-matter-rich soils was assessed. The results revealed that not only the organic material is indirectly correlated with the mobility of this compound but also influences humidity and reduces leaching and potential pollution of groundwater resources, whereas hydraulic conductivity is directly related to herbicide leaching.

Does the ultrasonic activation of calcium silicate-based sealers affect their physicochemical properties?

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation (UA) on the physicochemical properties of hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers. Nine experimental conditions were created based on the hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers (Bio-C Sealer, Sealer Plus BC and Bio Root RCS) and the ultrasonic activation (no activation [NA], 10 seconds, and 20 seconds). Then the experimental groups were BC-NA, BC-10, BC-20, SPBC-NA, SPBC-10, SPBC-20, BR-NA, BR-10, and BR-20. Activation was performed with an ultrasonic insert 20/.01. The mold for the physicochemical analysis was filled and evaluated according to the ANSI/ADA specification nº. 57: initial and final setting time, flow, radiopacity and solubility. Tests were also performed to evaluate pH and calcium ion release with experimental periods of 1, 24, 72, and 168 hours with a pH meter and colorimetric spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey tests. The significance level was set at 5%. The time of UA progressively delayed the initial setting time for all hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers (p < 0.05). Twenty seconds of UA increased the mean flow values of Sealer Plus BC and Bio-C Sealer compared to NA (p < 0.05). UA did not influence the radiopacity and solubility of the tested sealers (p > 0.05). UA for 20 seconds enhanced the pH levels and the calcium ion release of Sealer Plus BC and Bio-C Sealer at 168h (p < 0.05). UA for twenty seconds interferes with some physicochemical properties of hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da ativação ultrassônica nas propriedades físico-químicas de cimentos de silicato de cálcio. Nove condições experimentais foram criadas com base nos cimentos de silicato de cálcio (Bio-C Sealer, Sealer Plus BC e Bio Root RCS) e na ativação ultrassônica (sem ativação [SA], 10 segundos e 20 segundos). Os grupos experimentais foram BC-SA, BC-10, BC-20, SPBC-SA, SPBC-10, SPBC-20, BR-SA, BR-10 e BR-20. A ativação foi realizada com um inserto ultrassônico 20/.01. O molde para a análise físico-química foi preenchido e avaliado de acordo com a especificação ANSI/ADA nº. 57: tempo de presa inicial e final, escoamento, radiopacidade e solubilidade. Também foram realizados testes para avaliação de pH e liberação de íons cálcio com períodos experimentais de 1, 24, 72 e 168 horas com pHmetro e espectrofotômetro colorimétrico. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variância one-way e testes post-hoc de Tukey. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em 5%. O tempo de AU aumentou progressivamente o tempo de presa inicial para todos os cimentos de silicato de cálcio (p < 0,05). Vinte segundos de AU aumentaram os valores médios de escoamento de Sealer Plus BC e Bio-C Sealer em comparação com SA (P < 0,05). A AU não influenciou a radiopacidade e a solubilidade dos cimentos testados (P > 0,05). AU por 20 segundos aumentou os níveis de pH e a liberação de íons cálcio de Sealer Plus BC e Bio-C Sealer em 168h (P < 0,05). AU por vinte segundos interfere em algumas propriedades físico-químicas dos cimentos de silicato de cálcio.

Combining hydraulic dilatation with extracorporeal shock waves relieves scapulohumeral periarthritis / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any curative effect of combining hydraulic dilatation with radial extracorporeal shock waves on scapulohumeral periarthritis.Methods:A total of 132 patients with scapulohumeral periarthritis were randomly divided into a hydraulic dilatation group, a shock wave group and a combination group. The three treatments were applied for 3 weeks, before and after which shoulder range of motion was evaluated. Shoulder function was quantified using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association′s (JOA′s) shoulder function scoring, pain was reported using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was also quantified. Serum prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), β-endorphin (β-EP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were assayed.Results:The treatment response rate of the combination group (95%) was significantly higher than those of the hydraulic dilatation group (70%) and the shock wave group (82%). After the treatment, the average shoulder range of motion, JOA and ADL scores, and β-EP level in all 3 groups had improved significantly, while the average VAS score, and the PGE2, IL-6 and TNF-α levels had decreased significantly, but in each case the improvement in the combination group′s average was significantly greater than those of the other 2 groups. During the treatment there were no such adverse events as intra-articular infection, skin redness, numbness or palpitations.Conclusions:Combining hydraulic dilatation with radial extracorporeal shock waves significantly improves the treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis. It can effectively promote the recovery of shoulder function and improve quality of life. Its greater effectiveness may be related to improving levels of PGE2, β-EP, IL-6 and TNF-α, and relieving pain and inflammation.

Modelación dinámica del comportamiento hidrológico de un humedal urbano bajo condiciones del fenómeno ENSO / Dynamic modeling of the hydrological behavior of an urban wetland under conditions of ENSO phenomenon

RESUMEN El estado actual y las continuas alteraciones que aquejan a los humedales ubicados en la ciudad de Bogotá (Colombia), motiva el desarrollo de instrumentos y herramientas, que permitan explicar su comportamiento hidrológico bajo tensiones climáticas, como lo es el fenómeno ENSO. Este artículo presenta la formulación de un modelo de las condiciones hidrológicas del humedal urbano de Torca. La simulación, se realizó con el software Vensim® y la validación estadística del modelo, se efectuó mediante un análisis de sensibilidad multivariable (MVSS), a partir del método Montecarlo. Se evidenció que en los años de ocurrencia del fenómeno climatológico ENSO (2001) y (2011), el patrón de comportamiento de la precipitación y del flujo de entrada (Qi) de la cuenca aferente del humedal fueron paralelos. El tiempo hidráulico de retención (THR) sugirió un comportamiento inverso con relación a la precipitación. En efecto, la precipitación promedio mensual fue de 47,8mm y 158,7mm y el THR promedio fue de 55 días y 33 días, para los años El Niño y La Niña, respectivamente. El flujo de entrada y de salida presentaron un comportamiento paralelo durante el período de estudio, debido, probablemente, a que el cuerpo de agua se convirtió en un cauce de salida. Durante El Niño, cuatro meses registraron desbordamiento del humedal (junio, septiembre, octubre y diciembre), con volúmenes de agua superiores a 130.645m3. Durante La Niña, todos los meses registraron desbordamiento del humedal, a excepción de agosto y septiembre, en donde se observaron volúmenes de agua de 100.018m3 y 109.166m3, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT The current state and the continuous changes that affect the wetlands located in the city of Bogotá (Colombia), motivates the development of instruments and tools that illustrate their hydrological behavior under climatic stresses such as the ENSO phenomenon. This article presents the formulation of a model of the hydrological conditions of the urban wetland of Torca. The simulation was carried out with the Vensim® software and the statistical validation of the model was carried out by means of a multivariate sensitivity analysis (MVSS) using the Montecarlo method. It was evidenced that in the years of occurrence of the ENSO climatological phenomenon (2001) and (2011), the behavior pattern of precipitation and inflow (Qi) of the afferent basin of the wetland were parallel. Hydraulic retention time (THR) suggested an inverse behavior in relation to precipitation. Indeed, the average monthly rainfall was 47,8mm and 158,7mm, and the average THR was 55 days and 33 days for the El Niño and La Niña years, respectively. The inflow and outflow presented a parallel behavior during the study period, probably due to the fact that the body of water became an outlet channel. During El Niño, the wetland overflowed for four months (June, September, October and December), with volumes exceeding 130,645m3. During La Niña, the wetland overflowed every month; except for August and September, where volumes of 100.018m3 and 109.166m3 were observed, respectively.

Otimização multiobjetivo da operação de sistemas de distribuição de água com bombas de rotação variável / Multiobjective optimization of the operation of water distribution systems with variable speed pumps

RESUMO Ante o crescimento populacional urbano e a importância da água como recurso natural limitado, verifica-se a necessidade de implementar técnicas com a finalidade de reduzir os custos operacionais dos sistemas de distribuição de água e garantir abastecimento adequado. A otimização da operação de bombas pode ser utilizada com o propósito de atender às demandas de consumo com menor custo energético, além de maximizar a confiabilidade hidráulica. Neste trabalho, um modelo híbrido de otimização/simulação foi desenvolvido tendo como suporte os algoritmos genéticos multiobjetivo e o simulador hidráulico EPANET. O método Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA II) foi utilizado para a otimização da operação de bombas de rotação variável, ou seja, as variáveis de decisão do problema foram as rotações das bombas para cada hora ao longo do dia. Uma modificação do simulador hidráulico EPANET original, que não computa corretamente o rendimento de bombas de rotação variável, foi empregada para que as potências de cada bomba e, consequentemente, o custo da energia elétrica fossem calculados corretamente. Conjuntos de soluções não dominadas (frente Pareto) foram obtidos considerando-se, primeiramente, a penalidade de pressão negativa nos nós e, posteriormente, as penalidades de pressão negativa nos nós e o fechamento/desligamento de tubos e/ou bombas. Aplicou-se o método à rede hipotética denominada Anytown, e custos menores, considerando tarifas brasileiras, foram obtidos.

ABSTRACT Faced with the urban population growth and the importance of water as a limited natural resource, there is a need to implement techniques to reduce the operational costs of water distribution systems and ensure adequate supply. The optimization of pump operation can be used to meet the demands of consumption with a lower energy cost, in addition to maximizing hydraulic reliability. In this work, a hybrid optimization/simulation model was developed based on the multiobjective genetic algorithms and the EPANET hydraulic simulator. The NSGA II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II) method was used to optimize the operation of variable rotation pumps, that is, the decision variables of the problem were the rotation of the pumps for each hour throughout the day. A modification of the original EPANET hydraulic simulator, which does not correctly compute the efficiency of variable-speed pumps, was employed so that the power of each pump, and consequently the cost of electric power, was calculated correctly. Non-dominated solution sets (Pareto Front) were obtained considering first the negative pressure penalty at the nodes and, subsequently, the negative pressure penalties at the nodes and the closure/shutdown of tubes and/or pumps. The method has been applied in the hypothetical network called ANYTOWN and lower energy costs were obtained considering Brazilian energy tariffs.

Determinação da despesa com energia elétrica na lavagem de filtro rápido de estação de tratamento de água / Electricity cost of rapid filter backwashing in a water treatment plant

RESUMO O estudo teve por objetivo determinar a despesa com energia elétrica na lavagem de filtro rápido de uma estação de tratamento de água (ETA), cuja vazão é de 45 L/s. Para isso, foi realizado monitoramento hidroenergético para a análise do desempenho no bombeamento de água de lavagem. Adicionalmente, foi monitorada a qualidade da água do efluente de três lavagens no filtro 4 e realizado um levantamento das informações tarifárias de energia elétrica da unidade de tratamento. Com os resultados obtidos, observou-se que os valores de turbidez do efluente, ao final das três lavagens, no caso, 31, 30 e 27 UNT, não atingiram os limites mínimos recomendados na literatura técnica, que é de, pelo menos, 15 UNT. Foi observada também a dificuldade de prolongamento do tempo de lavagem, a fim de alcançar o padrão da literatura, pois o reservatório elevado (REL) de água de lavagem (água tratada), também alimenta a rede de distribuição, e poderia esvaziar completamente. Levando em conta essas limitações e a qualidade final do efluente de lavagem, observou-se que as lavagens devem ser finalizadas aos 380 segundos (6,3 minutos), tempo que consome um volume de 23,36 m3/lavagem. A despesa de água de lavagem foi calculada em 1,36 R$/m3, o que resultou no valor de 31,83 R$/lavagem. Para as lavagens de todos os filtros da estação, as despesas foram de 254,64 R$/dia, 7.639,20 R$/mês e 91.670,4 R$/ano. Esses valores são considerados elevados para o sistema de tratamento estudado.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to determine the cost of electricity for rapid filter backwashing procedures at water treatment plants, whose flow rate is 45 L/s. Flow and electricity consumption were monitored in order to analyze the performance of the pumping systems. Additionally, the effluent water quality of three washes was monitored in filter 4 and a survey of the electricity fare data of the treatment unit was carried out. With the results obtained, it was observed that the effluent turbidity values at the end of the three washes, in this case 31, 30, and 27 NTU, did not reach the minimum values recommended in the technical literature, which is at least 15 NTU. It was also observed the impossibility of prolonging the backwashing time in order to reach the standard of the literature, due to the double function of the elevated washing water reservoir (treated water), whose main purpose is to provide treated water to the water distribution network. Taking into account these limitations and the final quality of the wash effluent, it was observed that the duration of backwashing procedures should be around 380 seconds (6.3 minutes), consuming 23.36 m3/wash. The backwashing procedure cost was estimated at R$ 1.36/m3, which resulted in R$ 31.83/wash. Considering the whole filtration unit, the backwashing procedure cost was R$ 254.64/day, R$ 7,639.20/month, and R$ 91,670.4/year. This value can be classified as too expensive considering the treatment plant studied.

Success and survival rate of the implant with crestal sinus lift using S-reamer and gel-type graft material: A retrospective study by more 5-years follow check up / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the method using the S-reamer and gel-type graft material by the success rate and survival rate.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implantation period was from 2008 to 2014, Follow check up year is 2019. There were 59 patients and 117 implants. All implants were placed in the posterior maxilla with the sinus lift. The patients population consisted of 34 men and 25 women, ranging from 19 to 75 years. The residual bone heights were from 1 mm to 6 mm. Sinus was perforated with S-reamer without membrane tearing and gel type bone graft material was used for membrane lifting and filling the space. all implants were placed simultaneously. Panoramic X-ray was taken. After 5 – 6 months healing period, final prostheses were restored. After more 5-years implant surgery, Panoramic X-ray was obtained and X-ray analysis and clinical examination were performed. Success criteria was referred to a Buser's success critera. All implants were classified to success implant, survival implant, failed implant. A success implant was satisfying success criteria, a survival implant was a implant that was acute infection with suppuration and bone loss, a failed implant was a implant that was mobile, removed.RESULTS: Five implants were removed, and 4 implants had infected with bone loss. Survival rate was 95.7% and success rate was 92.3%.CONCLUSION: This retrospective study presented that this method with S-reamer and gel-type graft material was a successful treatment without membrane tear in the condition of 1-6 mm residual bone height.

Numerical simulation and performance analysis of mixed flow blood pump / 生物医学工程学杂志

The high rotational speed of the axial flow blood pump and flow separation of the centrifugal blood pump are the main causes for blood damage in blood pump. The mixed flow blood pump can effectively alleviate the high rotational speed and the flow separation. Based on this, the purpose of this study is to explore the performance of the mixed blood pump with a closed impeller. A mixed flow blood pump with closed impeller was studied by numerical simulation in this paper. The flow field characteristics and the pressure distribution of this type of blood pump were analyzed. The hydraulic performance of the blood pump and the possible damages to red blood cells were also discussed. At last, pump performance was compared with the mixed flow blood pump with semi-open impeller. The results show that the mixed flow blood pump with close impeller studied in this paper can operate safely and efficiently with a good performance. The pump can reach the pressure head of 100 mmHg at 5 L/min mass flow rate. Flow in the blood pump is uniform and no obvious separation or vortex occurs. Pressure distribution in and on the impeller is uniform and reasonable, which can effectively avoid the thrombosis of blood. The average mean value of hemolysis index is 4.99 × 10 . The pump has a good biocompatibility. Compared with the mixed flow blood pump with semi-open impeller, the mixed flow blood pump with closed impeller has higher head and efficiency, a smaller mean value of hemolysis index prediction, a better hydraulic performance and the ability to avoid blood damage. The results of this study may provide a basis for the performance evaluation of the closed impeller mixed flow blood pump.

Analysis of Physico-chemical and Hydraulic Characteristics of Soil in Forest Area of Southwestern, Nigeria

In this area of agricultural transformation by the government of Nigeria, every opportunity in order to achieve food security should not be ignored. Most studies on soil characteristics had centered on the suitability of the soil for agricultural production and it is observed that any soil that does not support crop production refers to as poor and unproductive. Achieving efficient production and high yield requires adequate knowledge of the soil and climatic conditions that are favorable to the crops. The study was conducted to investigates physico-chemical and hydraulic properties of forest soils in southwestern, Nigeria in latitude 7o5’3’’N and 7o 21’57.6’N and longitude 5o 10’31’’E and 5o56’6.3’’E. The soil samples were randomly taken from four (4) forest locations in Ondo State, Nigeria. The soils were taken at different depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm) and the samples were taken to the laboratory in order to determine their pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable cations, and texture. The results of the soil test were then subjected to appropriate statistical analyses. Results show that sandy soil had the highest percentage in the forest at kajola oju-irin (70%). The bulk density is high in Ijare with 1.6 g/cm3 which could allow easy penetration of water and nutrient. Also, the soil pH, electrical conductivity and exchangeable cations range from 4.65 to 6.99,78.28 to 89.20 mS/cm and 0.40 cmol/kg to 2.60 cmol/kg respectively. The soils are described as light and falls under sandy loam soil. This study provides information on the suitability of the soils in the forest areas in south west Nigeria.

Simulation of the length of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. ) crop rows in the operational management of spraying / Simulação do comprimento das fileiras de cultivo de cana-de- açúcar ( saccharum spp. ) no gerenciamento operacional da pulverização

O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de cana-de-açúcar destinada às usinas e tem produtividade média, superior aos demais países produtores dessa matéria-prima. A aplicação de defensivos agrícolas em canaviais das agroindústrias é realizada em extensas áreas de cultivo, com pulverizadoreshidráulicos autopropelidos, tratorizados e aéreo. Para tanto é necessário sistematizar as áreas de cultivo, tornando os talhões com longo comprimento de fileiras de cultivo, a fim de diminuir as manobras de cabeceira das máquinas. O objetivo do trabalho é avaliar o impacto causado pelo comprimento das fileiras de cultivo no custo operacional de pulverizadores hidráulicos para os tratos culturais de cana-de-açúcar. Pela dificuldade que existe em realizar o trabalho e atender o objetivo nas condições de campo, optou-se em desenvolver um modelo computacional denominado TratoCana, em planilha eletrônica e em linguagem de programação. O modelo foi verificado quanto a possíveis erros de rotina, validado, utilizado na análise dos fatores e na geração de cenários. Os resultados evidenciaram que o comprimento das fileiras de cultivo, impacta positivamente no desempenho operacional e econômico dos equipamentos.

Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugarcane destined for mills and has average productivity, higher than the other countries producing this raw material. The application of pesticides in sugar cane fields in agribusinesses is carried out in extensive cultivation areas, with self-propelled, sprayed and aerial hydraulic sprayers. Therefore, it is necessary to systematize the cultivation areas, making the plots with a long length of cultivation rows, in order to reduce the machines' headboard maneuvers. The objective of the work is to evaluate the impact caused by the length of the cultivation rows on the operational cost of hydraulic sprayers for the sugarcane crop treatments. Due to the difficulty in carrying out the work and meeting the objective in the field conditions, it was decided to develop a computational model called TratoCana, using an electronic spreadsheet and programming language. The model was checked for possible routine errors, validated, used in the analysis of factors and in the generation of scenarios. The results showed that the length of the cultivation rows has a positive impact on the operational and economic performance of the equipment. is Veja também be

Structural and Functional Features on Quantitative Chest Computed Tomography in the Korean Asian versus the White American Healthy Non-Smokers

OBJECTIVE: Considering the different prevalence rates of diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Asians relative to other races, Koreans may have unique airway structure and lung function. This study aimed to investigate unique features of airway structure and lung function based on quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-imaging metrics in the Korean Asian population (Koreans) as compared with the White American population (Whites). MATERIALS AND METHODS: QCT data of healthy non-smokers (223 Koreans vs. 70 Whites) were collected, including QCT structural variables of wall thickness (WT) and hydraulic diameter (Dh) and functional variables of air volume, total air volume change in the lung (ΔVair), percent emphysema-like lung (Emph%), and percent functional small airway disease-like lung (fSAD%). Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare the two groups. RESULTS: As compared with Whites, Koreans had smaller volume at inspiration, ΔVair between inspiration and expiration (p < 0.001), and Emph% at inspiration (p < 0.001). Especially, Korean females had a decrease of ΔVair in the lower lobes (p < 0.001), associated with fSAD% at the lower lobes (p < 0.05). In addition, Koreans had smaller Dh and WT of the trachea (both, p < 0.05), correlated with the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (R = 0.49, 0.39; all p < 0.001) and forced vital capacity (R = 0.55, 0.45; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Koreans had unique features of airway structure and lung function as compared with Whites, and the difference was clearer in female individuals. Discriminating structural and functional features between Koreans and Whites enables exploration of inter-racial differences of pulmonary disease in terms of severity, distribution, and phenotype.

Study on the effect of hydraulic delivery vertebroplasty on vertebral morphology and bone cement diffusion / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of different bone cement injection methods during percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) on vertebral morphology and cement diffusion.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 52 patients with single-segment osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture treated from January 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into hydraumatic group (28 cases) and pusher group (24 cases) according to bone cement injection method during PVP. By comparing visual analogue scale(VAS), height of anterior vertebral body, compression ratio, kyphosis angle before and after operation and analyzing filling ratio of bone cement in the first 1/3, median line and back 1/3 of the vertebral body in lateral X-rays and the conditions of bone cement diffusion in AP X-rays were to evaluate the effect of different bone cement injection methods on vertebral morphology and cement diffusion.@*RESULTS@#Postoperative VAS was obviously improved in all patients and hydraumatic group was better than pusher group(0.05). There was no significant difference in filling ratio of bone cement in the first 1/3 and median line of the vertebral body by lateral X-ray films between two groups(>0.05), but in the back 1/3 of the vertebral body filling ratio of bone cement in hydraumatic group was better than in pusher group(<0.05). The distribution of bone cement from AP X-ray films were more significant in hydraumatic group(<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hydraulic delivery vertebroplasty (HDVP) has better clinical efficacy and it can guarantee sufficient distribution of bone cement into the fractured vertebra and preferably restore the morphology of vertebral body, which is worthy of clinical application.

Hydraulic System Onboard Monitoring and Fault Diagnostic in Agricultural Machine

Abstract Agricultural Machinery as an off-road vehicle is the backbone of the World agricultural industry. Its main function is to operate as a prime mover and support the power requirements to function the various type of draft implements. In this regards, the hydraulic system is an important part and is controlled by the propagated oil which is cleaned by impurities and debris using a filter system. Once it blocks, the bypass opens to avoid any pressure burst of the system, and the particles find their way into the hydraulic system and get lodged in the gears, pumps, valves, and drive train to hinder the performance of the Agricultural Machinery. This research presents an onboard Multiple Signal Classification Algorithm (MUSIC) and pseudo-spectrum analysis as a computational tool used by cellphones to analyze the particle pollution level of the hydraulic filter. This analysis is carried out on the soundtracks recorded from different cell phones in different incremental stages of fluid contamination to the particles until it being choked, based on the standard of ISO4406.

Clinical comparison between a percutaneous hydraulic pressure delivery system and balloon tamp system using high-viscosity cement for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) affect the elderly population, especially postmenopausal women. Percutaneous kyphoplasty is designed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures for which conservative therapy has been unsuccessful. High-viscosity cement can be injected by either a hydraulic pressure delivery system (HPDS) or a balloon tamp system (BTS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the safety and clinical outcomes of these two systems. METHODS: A random, multicenter, prospective study was performed. Clinical and radiological assessments were carried out, including assessments of general surgery information, visual analog scale, quality of life, cement leakage, and height and angle restoration. RESULTS: Using either the HPDS or BTS to inject high-viscosity cement effectively relieved pain and improved the patients' quality of life immediately, and these effects lasted at least two years. The HPDS using high-viscosity cement reduced cost, surgery time, and radiation exposure and showed similar clinical results to those of the BTS. In addition, the leakage rate and the incidence of adjacent vertebral fractures after the HPDS treatment were reduced compared with those after treatment using the classic vertebroplasty devices. However, the BTS had better height and angle restoration abilities. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous HPDS with high-viscosity cement has similar clinical outcomes to those of traditional procedures in the treatment of vertebral fractures in the elderly. The HPDS with high-viscosity cement is better than the BTS in the treatment of mild and moderate OVCFs and could be an alternative method for the treatment of severe OVCFs.

Effect of gender of the operator and application mode of adhesives on dentin hydraulic conductance in an in vitro model

ABSTRACT: Aim: To compare the hydraulic conductance of human dentin disks which have been treated with an adhesive by operators of different genders and by active or passive modes of application. 60 third molars of healthy adults were included in resin blocks. These were cut to obtain 60 dentin disks of 1mm +/- 0.1 mm thick. Group 1 and 2, the adhesive was applied by 15 male operators passively (group 1) and vigorously (group 2). Groups 3 and 4, the adhesive was applied by 15 female operators passively (group 3) and vigorously (group 4). The flow rate was measured with a diffusion chamber and the hydraulic conductance of the disks was determined. Results: Mean for hydraulic conductance of each group was: 1 (0.01752), 2 (0.00355), 3 (0.01215), 4 (0.00877) in μl/minxcm2. There was statistically significant difference in the hydraulic conductance between experimental and control groups. There was no difference in dentin hydraulic conductance between genders. There was statistically significant difference in hydraulic conductance between the different modes of application. There was a moderate association between the pressure exerted when applying the adhesive and the values of dentin hydraulic conductance in vitro.

Avaliação do desempenho hidráulico de um sistema de drenagem de águas pluviais urbanas / Evaluation of the hydraulic performance of an urban stormwater drainage system

RESUMO A ausência de planejamento e da integração entre as entidades responsáveis pelo gerenciamento da infraestrutura urbana associada à ocupação inadequada do espaço da cidade ocasiona sobrecargas em determinados trechos da rede pluvial. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho hidráulico do sistema de drenagem de águas pluviais urbanas do Campus Universitário "Professor Zeferino Vaz", de tal forma que sejam identificados quais trechos apresentam sobrecarga e eventualmente inundações locais. Normalmente, em áreas urbanas, os dados hidrológicos disponíveis restringem-se aos dados pluviométricos. Dessa forma, são necessários métodos de transformação de chuva-vazão para o cálculo das vazões afluentes à rede de drenagem. Após a determinação das vazões afluentes, foram avaliadas as condições hidráulicas de operação em regime permanente variado. Por meio de índices de desempenho hidráulico reportados na literatura, foram avaliados graus de sobrecarga em cada trecho da rede de drenagem urbana. Além disso, a elaboração da matriz da contribuição hidráulica da rede de drenagem possibilitou identificar as causas das sobrecargas em cada trecho. As avaliações das redes do campus realizadas com período de retorno de 5 anos mostraram que o campus possui pelo menos 12 pontos de alagamento. Nesse sentido, o índice de desempenho hidráulico e a matriz de contribuições poderão constituir um importante instrumento também para uma eventual reabilitação dessas redes.

ABSTRACT The lack of effective planning and integration between the urban infrastructure administrations associated with the widespread soil development provokes surcharge over the storm sewer pipe network. This work aimed to assess the hydraulic performance of an urban stormwater sewer pipe network located at the main campus of the State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, in such a manner that it is possible to identify those surcharged reaches and eventually local floods. Since flow rates are not available in urban watersheds, the overland flow was estimated by rainfall-runoff transformation methods. Next, the steady state hydraulic analysis was used to estimate the hydraulic heads in the pipe network. Hydraulic performance index, the ratio of overcharge in each pipe network segment and the hydraulic contribution matrix showed what segments cause each manhole surge. The results for the five-years return period rainfall show that there are at least 12 manhole surge locations in the area, which are vulnerable to local floods. In this sense, the hydraulic performance index and the contribution matrix may be important instruments also for an eventual rehabilitation work to the stormwater sewer pipe network in this area.

An Inexpensive Microfluidic PDMS Chip for Visual Detection of Biofilm-forming Bacteria

Aims: Design and assembly of an inexpensive microfluidic PDMS chip for visual detection of cell adhesion and biofilm formation. Study Design: Three different styles of microchannels (2.6, 5.0, and 11.5 µl volumes) were designed, fabricated and tested for adhesion and biofilm formation in a microfluidic system. The pressure drop measurements system includes a bio-Ferrograph connected to the PDMS microchannel via a syringe and a pressure transducer. Methodology: Microfluidic chips were fabricated using Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by means of soft lithography. Different cell densities of E.coli K12 cells were introduced to investigate adhesion and biofilm formation at different time intervals. Stabilization time and hydraulic resistance were obtained via a Bio-Ferrograph connected to a pressure transducer. Results: PDMS microfluidic volume (2.6 µl) failed to generate noticeable biofilm, while slight and greatest yield occurred with PDMS microchannels (5.0, and 11.5 µl), respectively, and could detect as low as 26 cells in 11.5 µl microchannel. As incubation time and/or initial cell density increases, cell adhesion increased, illustrated by crystal violet color intensity. High stabilization time (3 h) didn’t allow for bacterial attachment and cultivation inside the microchannel (2.6 µl) while lower stabilization time (10 min) yielded the highest capacity of cell adhesion in microchannel (11.5 µl).  Conclusions: We developed a microfluidic chip with low stabilization time and hydraulic resistance, thus offering more volume for adhesion of bacterial cells and biofilm formation. It allowed bacterial cultivation without any addition of nutrients. The microfluidic chip provides a platform to monitor biofilm growth and can be integrated in situ investigations for biological systems, food biotechnology and other industrial biotechnology applications. This would allow a non-destructive and non-invasive monitoring of the biofilm-forming bacteria inside the PDMS microfluidic chip. This work opens opportunities for further investigations of pressure drop phenomena in microchannels that would otherwise go unnoticed in macro scale measurements.

The Therapeutic Effect of Hydraulic Distension with Pumping Technique on the Patient with Frozen Shoulder: Case Report

Frozen shoulder is a disease characterized by shoulder pain and limited range of motion. Conservative treatment is preceded by surgical treatment to reduce pain and recover range of motion. Hydraulic distention is a procedure in which a sufficient amount of solution is injected into the shoulder joint to rupture the rigid joint capsule. Recently, the method of continuously maintaining the expanded capsular state after injection without the process of rupturing the rigid joint has also been used. However, in order to obtain the maximal stretching effect, we proposed a ‘pumping technique’ that inflates and shrinks the rigid joint capsule by repeating the process of infusion and regurgitation of the injection fluid into the capsule. Our proposed ‘pumping technique’ was shown to be more effective in increasing range of motion than the conventional hydraulic distension. This ‘pumping technique’ can be suggested as an effective therapeutic option for frozen shoulder.

Understanding Qi Running in the Meridians as Interstitial Fluid Flowing via Interstitial Space of Low Hydraulic Resistance / 中国结合医学杂志

Qi, blood and the meridians are fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine (CM), which are components of the human body and maintain physiological function. Pathological changes of qi, blood and meridians may lead to discomfort and disease. Treatment with acupuncture or herbal medicine aims to regulate qi and blood so as to recover normal function of the meridians. This paper explores the nature of qi as well as compares and correlates them with the structures of the human body. We propose a conceptualization of qi as being similar to the interstitial fluid, and the meridians as being similar to interstitial space of low hydraulic resistance in the body. Hence, qi running in the meridians can be understood as interstitial fluid flowing via interstitial space of low hydraulic resistance.