Volumetric fluid analysis of fixed monthly anti-VEGF treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

·AIM:To evaluate visual outcomes and changes in fluid after administering monthly anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)injections to treat neovascular agerelated macular degeneration(n AMD)with subretinal fluid(SRF)and pigment epithelial detachment(PED).·METHODS:This prospective study included eyes with n AMD previously treated with as-needed anti-VEGF injections.The patients were treated with six monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.Quantitative volumetric segmentation analyses of the SRF and PED were performed.The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),and SRF and PED volumes.·RESULTS:Twenty eyes of 20 patients were included in this study.At the 6-month follow-up,BCVA and PED volume did not change significantly(P=0.110 and 0.999,respectively)but the mean SRF volume decreased from 0.53±0.82 mm3 at baseline to 0.08±0.23 mm3(P=0.002).The absorption rate of the SRF volume was negatively correlated with the duration of previous antiVEGF treatment(P=0.029).Seven of the 20 eyes(35%)showed a fluid-free macula and significant improvement in BCVA(P=0.036)by month 6.·CONCLUSION:Quantifying the SRF can precisely determine the patient’s responsiveness to anti-VEGF treatment of n AMD.

Sensor design and implementation for a downhole NMR fluid analysis laboratory

This paper tries to build a multi-functional downhole nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） fluid analysis laboratory that can evaluate fluid information in real time at reservoir conditions at a depth of several thousand meters. The aim is to monitor the pollution of the formation fluids and quantitatively evaluate NMR characteristics of the fluids. It focuses on the design of the structure and parameters of a sensor with zero stray fields. Two separate coils are designed to measure NMR characteristics of flowing or static fluids. A method is proposed to use the Bloch equation, to guide the optimization of the NMR sensor. Finally, the measured results confirm that the design is reasonable. There is a homogeneous static field （perpendicular to the axial direction） in the center of the sensor, and there are no stray external fields. The novel design of pre-polarization magnet improves the signal to noise ratio, while shortening the sensor length.

Fluid Analysis and Structure Optimization of Impeller Based on Surrogate Model

The surrogate model technology has a good performance in solving black-box optimization problems,which is widely used in multi-domain engineering optimization problems.The adaptive surrogate model is the mainstream research direction of surrogate model technology,which can realize model fitting and global optimization of engineering problems by infilling criteria.Based on the idea of the adaptive surrogate model,this paper proposes an efficient global optimization algorithm based on the local remodeling method(EGO-LR),which aims at improving the accuracy and optimization efficiency of the model.The proposed algorithm firstly constructs the expectation improvement(EI)function in the local area and optimizes it to get the update points.Secondly,the obtained update points are added to the global region until the global accuracy of the model meets the requirements.Then the differential evolution algorithm is used for global optimization.Sixteen benchmark functions are used to compare the EGO-LR algorithm with the existing algorithms.The results show that the EGO-LR algorithm can quickly converge to the accuracy requirements of the model and find the optimal value efficiently when facing complex problems with many local extrema and large variable spaces.The proposed algorithm is applied to the optimization design of the structural parameter of the impeller,and the outflow field analysis of the impeller is realized through finite element analysis.The optimization with the maximum fluid pressure(MP value)of the impeller as the objective function is completed,which effectively reduces the pressure value of the impeller under load.

The Pattern of Seminal Fluid Analysis among Male Partners Attending an Infertility Clinic in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution

Background: Semen analysis has remained an objective, inexpensive and readily available means of assessing male factor infertility. Aim and Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of male infertility, the types and semen quality among infertile couples attending infertility clinic at UDUTH, Sokoto. Materials and Method: This is a retrospective study carried out between January, 2012 to December, 2016. All case notes of infertile patients managed were retrieved The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 20 and the results were presented in text, tables and charts. Results: Eight hundred and seventy-six out of 11,938 total gynaecological consultations over the study period were due to infertility, giving a prevalence of 7.3%. Among them, 34.4% (320) accounted for male factor infertility. The age ranged between 22 to 75 years with a mean of 37.44 years ± 7.44. Majority, 50.2% were within the ages of 35 - 44 years and up to 73.8% of them had at least secondary education and were mostly, 39.7% civil servants. Up to 75.4% had sperm abnormalities, among which 65% (196/301) had primary infertility while, 35% (105/301) had secondary infertility. About half of them (47.5% (153/301)) had Azoospermia, 22.3% (67/301) Oligospermia and only 30.3% (91/301) had a normal sperm count. More than half of them, 121/227 (53.3% had multiple abnormalities). Conclusion: Male factor infertility contributes significantly to the burden of infertility in our environment. Therefore, there is the need to create awareness so that males fully participate in the evaluation, as the blames are mainly on the females.

Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis (MRH): First Case Report with Tenosynovial Fluid Analysis and Tenosynovial Histology Demonstrating the Classic Histologic Findings

Multicent ricreticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare systemic disease of unclear etiology characterized by destructive, deforming arthritis, nodules in the skin, mucous membrane and internal organs and can be associated with malignancy. The tenosynovial fluid and tenosynovium histologic findings have not been reported in any case reports of MRH in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of tenosynovial fluid and tenosynovium demonstrating the classic histologic findings of histiocytes with a foamy eosinophilic cytoplasm. This case also demonstrates a non-deforming arthritis.

Ascitic Fluid Analysis in the Differential Diagnosis of Ascites:Focus on Cirrhotic Ascites

Ascites is the pathologic accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity.Because many diseases can cause ascites,in particular cirrhosis,samples of ascitic fluid are commonly analyzed in order to develop a differential diagnosis.The concept of transudate versus exudate,as determined by total protein measurements,is outdated and the use of serumascites albumin gradient as an indicator of portal hypertension is more accurate.Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),and other tumor markers can be helpful in distinguishing between malignant and benign conditions.Glucose and adenosine deaminase levels may support a diagnosis of tuberculous disease,and amylase level may indicate a diagnosis of pancreatitis.Given the specificity and sensitivity of laboratory results,accurate diagnosis should be based on both laboratory data and clinical iudgment.

The Nest of Torquigener Albomaculosus:Fluid-Dynamic Aspects and Potential for Bio-Inspired Engineering

Torquigener albomaculosus,also known as the white-spotted pufferfish,is known for creating circular nests in the underwater sand as part of the mating ritual.The nests are built by the males to attract females through the nest’s impressive design and related ability to gather fine sand particles.As the fluid-dynamic processes associated with these unique nests are still almost completely unknown,in the present study,an analysis has been conducted to investigate how the geometric parameters related to the nest design influence the fluid velocity in its center.For this reason,a geometric model of the nest consisting of 24 channels,where each unit channel can be described by three strips of broken lines,has been introduced,and a multivariate analysis has been implemented to determine the relative weight of each considered parameter.In particular,the“optimal”combination of parameters has been obtained by means of an orthogonal design approach.We show that these bio-nest structures also display a potential for significant application in marine litter collection,or for use as a buffer against the waves in offshore areas.

A multiscale 3D finite element analysis of fluid/solute transport in mechanically loaded bone

The transport of fluid, nutrients, and signaling molecules in the bone lacunar-canalicular system （LCS） is critical for osteocyte survival and function. We have applied the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching （FRAP） approach to quantify load-induced fluid and solute transport in the LCS in situ, but the measurements were limited to cortical regions 30-50 μm underneath the periosteum due to the constrains of laser penetration. With this work, we aimed to expand our understanding of load-induced fluid and solute transport in both trabecular and cortical bone using a multiscaled image-based finite element analysis （FEA） approach. An intact murine tibia was first re-constructed from microCT images into a three-dimensional （3D） linear elastic FEA model, and the matrix deformations at various locations were calculated under axial loading. A segment of the above 3D model was then imported to the biphasic poroelasticity analysis platform （FEBio） to predict load-induced fluid pressure fields, and interstitial solute/fluid flows through LCS in both cortical and trabecular regions. Further, secondary flow effects such as the shear stress and/or drag force acting on osteocytes, the presumed mechano-sensors in bone, were derived using the previously developed ultrastructural model of Brinkman flow in the canaliculi. The material properties assumed in the FEA models were validated against previously obtained strain and FRAP transport data measured on the cortical cortex. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of this computational approach in estimating the fluid flux in the LCS and the cellular stimulation forces （shear and drag forces） for osteocytes in any cortical and trabecular bone locations, allowing further studies of how the activation of osteocytes correlates with in vivo functional bone formation. The study provides a promising platform to reveal potential cellular mechanisms underlying the anabolic power of exercises and physical activities in treating patients with skeletal deficiencies.

Association of neuroelectrophysiology and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin with pathogenetic conditions of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome

BACKGROUND： Guillain-Barre syndrome （GBS） is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by demyelination of peripheral nerve and nerve root, and inflammatory reaction of lymphocyte and macrophage. Neuroelectrophysiological examination and cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） analysis are of significance for its diagnosis. OBJECTIVE： To study the association of neuroelectrophysiology and cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin （CSF-lg） with pathogenetic conditions of patients with GBS. DESIGN： Case control study SETTING： Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Municipal Shekou Group Hospital; Department of Neuroelectrophysiology, People＇s Hospital of Guangdong Province. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 32 GBS patients including 18 males and 14 females who aged from 17 to 72 years were selected as experimental group from the Department of Neurology, People＇s Hospital of Guang- dong Province from January 2004 to December 2005. All cases conformed with GBS diagnostic criteria established by Asbury in 1990 and they were divided into three types according to neurological criteria established by Chinese Neurology and Psychology Journal in 1993： mild, moderate and severe types. Another 30 patients with vascular headache were selected as control group from the same hospital including 14 males and 16 females who aged from 17 to 79 years. METHODS： ① Neuroelectrophysiological examination： Multiple-functional electromyography device provided by Nicolet Company, USA was used to measure nerve conduction velocity （NCV）, including motor nerve conduction velocity （MCV） and sensory nerve conduction velocity （SCV）; meanwhile, electromyologram （EMG）, somatosensory evoked potential （SEP） and electroencephalogram （EEG） were also measured. ② Detection of CSF-lg： Concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM were measured with immunofixation electrophoresis. ③Follow-up： Among 32 GBS patients, 14 cases received follow-up after treatment and the longest fol- low-up time was 1 year after onset. Among them, 8 cases were reexaminined with neuroelectrophysiological and CSF examinations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Results of NCV, EMG, SEP and EEG; comparison of CSF-lg content; results of follow-up examinations. RESULTS： All 32 GBS cases and 30 patients with vascular headache were involved in the final analysis. ① Abnormal rate of neuroelectrophysiological test： 75% of NCV, 88% of F-wave, 53% of MCV, 25% of SEP, 47% of EMG and 31% of EEG. There were no significant differences among various types （P 〉 0.05）. ② Results of CSF-lg test： There were no significant differences among various types （P 〉 0.05）; however, abnormalities in experimental group was higher than those in control group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION ： Results of follow-up study suggest that improvement of clinical symptom is earlier than neuroelectrophysiological recovery; MCV and EMG recoveries are faster than that of NCV; the earlier the abnormality of EMG, the poorer the recovery. CSF4g recovers normally along improvement of clinical symptoms. It is of significance for neuroelectrophysiology and abnormality of CSF-Ig to determine degree of peripheral nerve demyelination and prognosis.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF KR-008 IN BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of KR-008 and its metabolite in biological fluids was developed The samples were injected directly without further treatment,the compounds were separated and analysed on a reversed- phase column under isocratic conditions,including ion pairing.Concentrations in urine and bile were determined by an external standard method.The detection limit was 0.8μg/ml in urine.Preliminary data showed that,following i.p.administration(120mg/kg)of KR-008 to rats,approximately 2.8% of the dose was excreted in urine as unchanged compound and more than 8.9% was as a metabolite;in bile it was 0.73% excreted as unchanged form and above 0.29% as the metabolite.The peak biliary concentration of KR-008 was 0.39mg/ml at 20min after dosing.

A WEIGHTED PENALTY FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR THE ANALYSIS OF POWER-LAW FLUID FLOW PROBLEMS

In this paper, a new finite element method for the flow analysis of the viscous incompressible power-law fluid is proposed by the use of penalty-hybrid/mixed finite element formulation and by the introduction of an alternative perturbation, which is weighted by viscosity, of the continuity equation. A numerical example is presented to exhibit the efficiency of the method.

The Diagnostic Value of Oligoclonal Band Detection in Viral Encephalitis

Objective: This study aims to explore the differences in cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal band (CSF-OCB) expression among different age groups in viral encephalitis and its reference value for diagnosis. Methods: Forty-two patients with viral encephalitis were divided into two groups: 25 adults and 17 children. The presence of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was detected using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and CSF routine analysis was conducted for comparative analysis. Results: The CSF-OCB positivity rate was higher in the adult group (48%) compared with the pediatric group (11.76%), with a statistically significant difference (P Conclusion: 1) The expression of CSF-OCB positivity in patients with viral encephalitis is age-related, with higher positivity rates observed in adults compared to children. 2) Although CSF oligoclonal band detection is not a specific diagnostic marker for viral encephalitis in adults, it still holds certain reference value.

Biliary fistula and late recurrence of liver hydatid cyst:Role of cystobiliary communication:A prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND Hydatid cyst disease(HCD)is common in certain locations.Surgery is associated with postoperative biliary fistula(POBF)and recurrence.The primary aim of this study was to identify whether occult cysto-biliary communication(CBC)can predict recurrent HCD.The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD.AIM To identify whether occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD.The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and ALP levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD.METHODS From September 2010 to September 2016,a prospective multicenter study was undertaken involving 244 patients with solitary primary superficial stage cystic echinococcosis 2 and cystic echinococcosis 3b HCD who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy with omentoplasty.Univariable logistic regression analysis assessed independent factors determining biliary complications and recurrence.RESULTS There was a highly statistically significant association(P≤0.001)between cystic fluid biochemical indices and the development of biliary complications(of 16 patients with POBF,15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels),where patients with high bilirubin-ALP levels were 3405 times more likely to have biliary complications.There was a highly statistically significant association(P≤0.001)between biliary complications,biochemical indices,and the occurrence of recurrent HCD(of 30 patients with recurrent HCD,15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP;all 16 patients who had POBF later developed recurrent HCD),where patients who developed biliary complications and high bilirubin-ALP were 244.6 and 214 times more likely to have recurrent hydatid cysts,respectively.CONCLUSION Occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD.Elevated cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels predicted POBF and recurrent HCD.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms:a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms present a complex diagnostic scenario encompassing low-and high-grade malignancies.Their prevalence varies widely,notably increasing with age,reaching 75%in individuals older than 80 years.Accurate diagnosis is crucial,as errors occur in approximately one-third of resected cysts discovered incidentally.Various imaging modalities such as computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and endoscopic techniques are available to address this challenge.However,risk stratification remains problematic,with guideline inconsistencies and diagnostic accuracy varying according to cyst type.This review proposed a stepwisemanagement approach,considering patient factors,imaging results,and specific features.This patient-centered model offers a structured framework for optimizing the care of individuals with pancreatic cystic neoplasms.

Pancreatic cyst dilemma: Between physical and biochemical markers

Physical analysis of the pancreatic cystic lesions(PCLs)fluid as expressed by the rheological behavior(“string sign”)can improve the diagnostic yield and should be integrated in every multimodal PCLs workup.

Seminal fluid changes in the COVID-19 era:During infection and Post-vaccination

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)predilection for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)receptors allows its entrance and replication;however,they are not biochemically required for viral fusion into the cell membrane.Testicular tissue has abundant ACE2 receptors,making it a target for the COVID-19 virus.Seminal fluid pa-rameters are measures of male fertility.Changes in semen parameters have been caused by coronavirus disease and vaccines.Some attribute that effect to direct hematogenic spread to the testis;others propose that the excessive immunological response triggered by the infection causes a deleterious effect.An unsubstantiated claim questioned whether the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could trigger an unintentional immunological response that would impair male fertility once receiving the vaccine.Extensive research confirms the transient nature of those changes that affect sperm motility and count with full recovery post-COVID-19 infection and after vaccination.The vac-cine's safety was reaffirmed;however,there are currently no recommendations for screening sperm donors.Research is warranted to guarantee the safety of couples undergoing assisted reproduction.

弱碱三元复合驱采出液处理系统运行效果分析

结合弱碱三元复合驱采出液处理系统运行中出现的采出液成分复杂、处理难度大、脱水系统运行不平稳等问题,通过采取适时合理的指标调整、药剂优化、运行优化、工艺完善等措施,对运行效果进行了分析,也保障了集输系统平稳运行。

Fracture development and hydrocarbon accumulation in tight sandstone reservoirs of the Paleogene Huagang Formation in the central reversal tectonic belt of the Xihu Sag, East China Sea

By using thin section identification, cathodoluminescence, major and trace elements and fluid inclusion tests and authigenic illite dating, based on observation of core cracks, combined with the microscopic characteristics and imaging logging characteristics of fractures, the stages of the fractures in the Huagang Formation of the central reversal tectonic belt of the Xihu Sag in the East China Sea, and the matching relationship between the fracture development stages and the oil and gas charging stages are clarified. There are diagenetic fractures and tectonic fractures in the reservoirs of the Huagang Formation in the study area. The diagenetic fractures developed during the diagenetic stage of the reservoirs and have less effect on oil and gas migration and transport. The tectonic fractures are divided into three stages based on tectonic movements controlling the fractures and their relationships with hydrocarbon charging: The first stage of fractures was generated in the early stage of the Himalayan Movement–Longjing Movement(12–13 Ma ago), when the tectonic stress caused the sutures and shale strips to twist, deform, and break. Tectonic microfractures generated in this period had short extension, narrow width, and poor effectiveness, and had little effect on oil and gas migration and transport. The second stage of fractures came up during the middle-late period of Himalayan Movement–Longjing Movement(9–12 Ma ago), when tectonic movements caused the development of tectonic fractures in the central reversal tectonic belt, these fractures are of large scale, long extension, and good effectiveness, and matched with the first stage of large scale oil and gas charging(9–12 Ma ago), so they play an important role in oil and gas migration, transportation, and accumulation. The third stage of fractures were created from Himalayan Movement–Okinawa Trough movement to the present day(0–3 Ma ago), the fractures are tectonic ones developing successively;matching with the second stage(0–3 Ma ago) of large-scale oil and gas charging, they created conditions for continuous natural gas migration and transportation. All these prove that the development of reservoir fractures in the Huagang Formation of Xihu Sag can provide seepage space and continuous and effective channels for efficient migration and accumulation of oil and gas.

Endosonographic diagnosis of advanced neoplasia in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate with minimal proven interventions.Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms(IPMNs) are known precursor lesions for pancreatic cancer. Identification of pancreatic cysts has improved from advances in abdominal imaging. Despite multiple revisions of the international consensus recommendations and various guidelines by other major societies,successful risk stratification of the malignant potential of mucinous pancreatic cysts remains challenging. Specifically, detection and accurate classification of advanced neoplasia(high-grade dysplasia and/or adenocarcinoma) in IPMNs is suboptimal with current diagnostic strategies. Development of interventional techniques utilizing endoscopic ultrasound include-through-the-needle microforceps biopsy, next-generation or whole genome molecular analysis of cyst fluid, and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy. These techniques suffer from a series of limitations in technical success, diagnostic yield, and clinical feasibility, but a combination approach may offer a solution that optimizes their cyst evaluation and risk stratification. Assessment and comparison of these techniques is restricted by lack of adequate surgical specimens for testing of diagnostic accuracy, resulting in a possible sample bias. Additional large-scale multicenter studies are needed to accumulate evidence for the utility and feasibility of their translation into clinical practice. Great strides have been made in pancreatic cyst evaluation, but further research is required to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical management of IPMNs.

THE DECAY OF SWIRLING FLOWS IN A TYPE OF CROSS-SECTION-VARYING PIPES

The decay of weakly swirling flows in a type of cross-section-varying pipes was discussed analytically. For laminar swirling flow, the feature of exponential decay was demonstrated. For turbulent swirling flow, in spite of the decay of circulation flux, a necessary condition for local circulation to amplify along downstream was obtained under the Boussinesq's hypothesis.