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Flow cytometric sorting is a vital tool in biological research and clinical diagnostics. Theoretically, a high‐speed jet‐in‐air sorter is a fluorescent‐activated cell sorting sorter that ideally processes cells with high purity, yield, and viability. However, high‐speed jet‐in‐air sorting is a complex process due to its inherent requirements for high fluidic stability and electronic and timing precision. Here, we report that an additional manual correction of drop delay leads to improved cell yield. Adding 2% FBS to the loading buffer had no significant effect on the fate of sorted cells in 4 h. However, the addition of a suitable concentration of FBS/BSA in the collecting buffer resulted in a notable increase in cell count and proliferation and a significant decrease in cell apoptosis for cell lines and primary cells. Moreover, the level of gene expression remained steady in the 5% FBS collecting buffer. In summary, here we demonstrate techniques that can be easily followed to refine sorted yields of healthy cells., Flow cytometric sorting is a vital method in biological research and clinical diagnostics. Obtaining high‐quality sorted cells is an ongoing problem. Here, we demonstrate that a certain concentration of FBS helps to increase cell yield and cell viability and keep gene expression stable. Our work provides an effective sorting strategy.

High levels of hatching failure in artificially incubated ostrich eggs cause considerable loss in income for the industry. During the 2015 - 2016 breeding seasons, between 846 and 1 549 egg records were used to determine the effect of various setting positions during artificial incubation. Fresh eggs were placed in trolleys to be turned automatically through a 60-degree or a 90-degree angle hourly in the setter. Additional treatments in a factorial design consisted of eggs set in the horizontal position for the total period of five weeks in the setter; eggs set horizontally for three weeks and vertically for two weeks; and eggs set vertically for five weeks in the setter. These treatments were repeated over two production years to represent various seasons, namely winter (June to August), spring (September to November) and summer (December). Late embryonic mortalities were improved significantly in eggs set in trolleys to turn through an angle of 90 degrees (0.16 ± 0.02) compared with eggs set in trolleys to turn through 60 degrees (0.28 ± 0.02), regardless of season and setting position. The preferred way of setting ostrich eggs would thus be in the vertical position in a trolley that turns hourly through an angle of 90 degrees with the air cell upwards to utilize incubator space optimally. Keywords: chick weight, embryonic mortalities, moisture loss, ostrich, pipping time

Hyperpneumatization of the temporal bone (HPTB) is a rare finding, and its clinical impact is poorly described in literature. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with no previous otologic condition, complaining of paroxysmal vertigo and right pulsatile tinnitus shortly after a first scuba diving session. Clinical neurotologic assessment found a right vestibular impairment. Cranial tomodensitometry showed a bilateral hyperpneumatization of the petrosal air cell system. Brain magnetic resonance imaging to rule out any retrocochlear pathology was normal, although the cochleo-vestibular nerve (CVN) appeared to be over lengthened in a narrowed internal auditory canal (IAC), especially on the right-hand side. Pain was alleviated by administration of a low-dose anti-epileptic drug. The clinical, neurological, and radiological findings evoked a right vestibulopathy generated by a limited compression of the CVN; HPTB appeared to contribute to the narrowing of the IAC, especially on the right-hand side.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate petrous apex pneumatisation in children, as an understanding of petrous apex pneumatisation is useful in the diagnosis and surgical management of middle-ear disease.MethodsComputed tomography head scans from 1700 patients aged 0–16 years were assessed. Petrous apex bone and air cell volumes were calculated to determine the degree of petrous apex pneumatisation. Scans were analysed for communicating tracts between the middle ear and petrous apex.ResultsPetrous apex pneumatisation was found in 21.0 per cent of patients. Positive relationships were found between age and petrous apex pneumatisation prevalence (rs = 0.990, p < 0.001), and between age and degree of petrous apex pneumatisation (rs = 0.319, p < 0.001). Petrous apex pneumatisation prevalence did not significantly differ by sex or ethnicity. Communicating tracts were identified in 84.3 per cent of patients with petrous apex pneumatisation, most commonly anterior to the otic capsule.ConclusionIn children, the prevalence and degree of petrous apex pneumatisation increases with age, but prevalence is not affected by sex or ethnicity.

Introduction High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) magnifies the role of preoperative imaging for detailed inner and middle ear anatomical information and enhances more efforts for better dependent correlation and measurements of round window (RW). Objectives The aim of this study was to find an appropriate way by HRCT imaging for the prediction of the visibility of the round window during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. Methods The study was conducted using hospital information from patients referring the Khuzestan Cochlear Implant Center (2017–2018). 87 patients underwent cochlear implant surgery, 56 patients with high resolution CT scans were included in the study. All patients underwent surgical treatment via posterior tympanotomy approach. Results 56 patients were examined. Patients were divided into three groups: children (0–12 years) and adolescence (18-13 years) and adults (19–59 years), of whom 45 patients (80.4%) were children, and 3 patients were adolescence (5.4%) and 8 patients (14.3%) were adults. 22 patients (39.3%) were fully visible and 13 patients (23.2%) were partially visible and 21 (37.5%) patients were difficult to visualize. In high-resolution imaging studies, mastoid 2 cases (3.6%) were poorly aerated and 8 cases (14.3%) were moderately aerated and 46 (86.1%) were well aerated. The amount of round window overhanging in 43 patients (76.8%) was 4.4 and in 12 patients (21.4%) was 3.4%. Conclusion The presence of the air cell around the facial recess may provide easier access to the facial recess. There was a significant relationship between the RW in the operation and the angle between the RW and the facial nerve and the coronal axis. There is no significant relationship between the visibility of the RW and the facial recess, Vertical height RW and facial nerve (FN), the distance between the FN and the posterior canal in the axial, the angle between the FN and inner margin of RW, and the angle between the FN and the tympanic annulus with the inner margin RW in the Axial and FRL was not found.

The objective of this study is to determine the quality of quail eggs stored at room temperature and refrigerated. The variables evaluated are weight loss, shape index, air cell size, and the height of both the albumen and the yolk. Several factors, such as storage time and temperature could affect the quality of quail eggs. Therefore, we investigated the impact of both factors. The samples used for this experiment include 360 quail eggs. This research uses a completely randomized factorial design with two treatments. The treatments consisted of storage time (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) and temperature (room temperature and refrigerator). Each treatment was replicated 9 times. Analyses of variance had been applied to analyze the data and followed with Duncan’s test to see whether there was a significant difference between treatments. The result showed that storage time and temperature have significant effects on weight loss of the eggs, air cell size, and albumen and yolk height. The interaction between treatments had a significant impact on air cell size and yolk height. Refrigerated storage for 21 days showed the best result.

The aim of the study was to determine daily changes in some egg quality parameters, indirectly reflecting egg freshness, and to assess the possibility of predicting time from laying using mathematical methods. The study material consisted of 365 table eggs of medium (M, ≥53 g and &lt, 63 g) and large (L, ≥63 g and &lt, 73 g) weight classes (commercial stock, cage system, brown-shelled eggs) collected on the same day. Eggs were numbered individually and placed on transport trays and stored (14 °C, 70% RH). Every day, for 35 days, egg quality characteristics were analyzed (10 eggs per group). The change of traits in time was analyzed on the basis of linear and polynomial regression equations, depending on the trait. Based on model fitting, eight traits were selected as those most affected by storage time: egg weight and specific weight, Haugh units, albumen weight, air cell depth, yolk index, albumen and yolk pH. These traits, excluding those related to the weight, were then used in a multiple linear regression model to predict egg age. All regression models presented in this study were characterized by high predictive efficiency, which was confirmed by comparison of the observed and estimated values.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chick pipping location on live broiler performance. A total of 1,350 hatching eggs were collected from a commercial flock of Ross 308 at 38 wk of age. Eggs were incubated with either their large end up (LEU) or small end up (SEU). After transfer on d 19, the air cell area of each fertile egg was marked with a marker pen on the egg surface with a candling light and monitored every 6 h during the hatching period to accurately determine the location of the pip hole. Chicks were classified into 3 groups: 1) egg position LEU and pipped through the air cell (LAC); 2) egg position SEU and pipped through the air cell (SAC); and 3) egg position SEU and pipped through the small end of the egg, not through the air cell (SSE). Individual BW was recorded at placement and at 7, 21, and 35 d of age. Feed consumption was also determined at 7, 21, and 35 d of age. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated on a pen basis for the same time periods. Mortality was recorded twice a day, and percent mortality was calculated throughout the study. The European production efficiency index (EPEI) was also calculated.All chicks that hatched from LEU eggs emerged from the egg at the region of the air cell; however, only 10.3% of chicks from the SEU position hatched through air cells. Pipping location greatly affected the hatch time. Chicks pipped through the air cell location hatched earlier than the chicks pipped without using air cell (P < 0.001). The initial BW at placement was higher in the LAC and SAC groups than in the SSE group (P < 0.001). This BW difference was still evident in the subsequent growing period, and the chicks that pipped the SSE exhibited a lower (P = 0.059) BW at 35 d. Additionally, the SSE group had a poorer FCR and numerically higher mortality than the other two groups at 35 d. Overall, the EPEI values in the LAC and SAC groups were higher than that in the SSE group at 35 d (P < 0.001). We concluded that broiler performance was negatively affected when the chicks pipped and hatched without using air cells.

This paper presents an experimental research on test method of heat transfer coefficient for refrigerator gasket. An experimental apparatus based on Reverse Heat Loss Method (RHLM) was established. Tests were carried out on three distinct refrigerators to develop a high accuracy and repeatability test method. To ensure the accuracy of test, heat flux test zones of cabinet walls were divided strictly in conformity with the thermal resistance distribution. It was observed that the deviations of the heat transfer coefficient were less than ±5%, by using small volume size refrigerator as the test box and the characteristic heat flux method to simplify the test zones. Through testing gaskets with the different structures, the heat transfer coefficient of common gasket was about 0.045 W/m·°C. The results also indicate that the auxiliary air cell, multi-air cells, stiffener and auxiliary edge can reduce the heat leakage of gasket. The fan in the cabinet contributed to an increase of about 17% to heat leakage of gasket.

The aim of this study was to analyze the biological components of eggs as well as lysozyme activity in relation to the age of hens. The research material consisted of eggs from parent stock of Ross 308 meat chickens. The eggs were evaluated at peak laying, i.e. eggs from 30-week-old hens, and after peak laying, i.e. from hens aged 60 weeks. Ninety eggs were evaluated in each period (180 eggs in total). Egg quality traits were divided into destructive and nondestructive traits. In addition, lysozyme activity in the albumen of the eggs was assessed. The quantitative characteristics of the eggs were found to increase with the age of the hens, with a smaller proportion of albumen and a larger of yolk. Egg weight, egg shape index, albumen and yolk weight, and air cell depth were increased with the hen?s age. The eggshell qualitative traits were changed with the hen?s age. Analyses showed that the shell weight and color of shells increased with the decrease of the density and strength of this element. In eggs from older hens marbled shells and pimples were found significantly more frequently. The lysozyme activity in the egg albumen also changed with the age of the hens. The activity of this enzyme was higher in the eggs of older hens.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate changes in selected quality traits of chicken table eggs during their storage under standard storage conditions and in refrigeration. Design/methodology/approach The sample consisted of 570 eggs from Hy-Line hens. The eggs were placed on trays of 30 pieces each, and then group C (control) eggs were stored at 14°C temperature and 70 per cent humidity and group F (experimental) eggs were refrigerated at 5°C and 30 per cent humidity. Changes in egg mass and air cell depth were measured on the laying day and, then, after every 7 days for 5 weeks for group C and for up to 24 weeks for group F. Initially for every week and then after every four weeks, the quality of 30 eggs from each group was evaluated. The following traits were analysed: whole egg (mass, specific gravity), shell (conductivity, strength, mass, thickness, and density) and content (proportions, pH, albumen quality and yolk colour). Findings It was shown that due to a significant limitation of qualitative changes (lower water loss, higher specific mass, lower shell conductivity, better albumen quality, lower pH content, more favourable proportions of morphological elements) in eggs stored in refrigeration despite prolonged time, reduced temperature should be considered as a factor allowing for a significant prolongation of egg shelf life during storage. Originality/value The unusually elongated time of the experiment allows for a practical implementation of the results, especially in the case of eggs intended for processing.

Patients with advanced- or terminal-stage cancer and persons receiving palliative care are at high risk for pressure ulcers (PUs). Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the rate of PU development and levels of comfort of a dual-fit, air-cell mattress compared with an alternating, 2-layer overlay air-cell mattress in patients with advanced- or terminal-stage cancer receiving palliative care. Methods From January 2011 to December 2013, hospitalized patients with advanced- or terminal-stage cancer who were referred to a palliative care team, at least 20 years of age, able to communicate, experiencing pain, and did not have a PU were recruited to participate. Patients who consented were alternately placed on the intervention (dual-fit, air-cell) or control (2-layer air) mattress until hospital discharge or death. Demographic and clinical data, pain scores, performance status, Palliative Performance Scale scores, Braden Scale scores, tissue interface pressure, and comfort were assessed via interview using closed-end questions. If a PU developed, clinical characteristics were assessed using DESIGN-R. Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U, chi-squared, and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the data. Results Of the 123 eligible patients, 73 were randomized and 52 completed the study (23 intervention patients, median age 63 [range 27-80] years; and 29 control group patients, median age 61.0 [range 27-82] years). Mattresses were used a median of 17 (range 4-113) days in the intervention group and a median of 32 (range 3-270) days in the control group. The incidence of PUs did not significantly differ between the 2 groups (13% in the intervention and 17.2% in the control group). Interface pressures were significantly higher in the intervention group (27.0 mm Hg vs. 24.3 mm Hg). Comfort scores at rest were significantly better in the intervention than in the control group (sinking into bed [3 vs. 14, respectively]; slipping on bed [o vs. 16, respectively]; and feel pressure of air cell [2 vs. 14, respectively]), as were scores with movement (instability during movement [4 vs. 18, respectively] and feeling of floating of the buttocks [6 vs. 21, respectively]) (P Conclusion Dual-fit, air-cell mattresses may help prevent PUs and improve comfort at rest and during activity among patients with end-stage cancer receiving palliative care. Further research regarding mattress selection protocols for this patient population is warranted.

Background: The mastoid air cells are considered to develop better in children with congenital cholesteatoma but only a few quantitative studies have examined. Aims/objectives: The present study was undertaken in order to clarify the relationships between the development of the mastoid air cells in children with congenital cholesteatoma and clinical factors. Materials and methods: Mastoid air cell development was evaluated in 53 children with congenital cholesteatoma. The sizes of the mastoid air cells were measured on computed tomography scans of the temporal bone, and clinical factors, including age, the extent of invasion, and whether it was located close to the eustachian tube were evaluated. Results: The cross-sectional area of the mastoid air cells was significantly smaller on the affected side than on the unaffected side, especially in the older patients. The cases involving invasion into the mastoid portion also had smaller mastoid cells. Whether the cholesteatoma was located close to the eustachian tube had no effect. Conclusions and significance: The mastoid air cells on the affected side were less well developed. Our findings indicate that a high age and the presence of cholesteatoma in the mastoid region might be associated with suppressed mastoid pneumatization.

A rectangular waveguide equipped with a network analyzer was used to assess the quality indices of shell egg. The scattering parameters of the eggs were acquired in the range of 0.9–1.7 GHz and they were then used to calculate microwave spectra of the samples. PLS and ANN regression methods were implemented to predict the egg quality indices and SIMCA and ANN classification methods were applied to classify the eggs based on their storage time. The best predictive models, however, obtained from ANN analysis where the yolk coefficient, air cell height, thick albumen height, Haugh unit, and albumen pH could be predicted with the residual predictive deviation (RPD) values of 3.500, 3.000, 2.411, 2.033, and 1.829, respectively. To classify the eggs according to their storage time, both SIMCA and ANN analyses resulted in the total accuracy of 100% when return loss spectra were used as the input.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of reducing changes in the quality of consumer hen eggs by storing them in various package type and under various temperature conditions (room and refrigeration). The material consisted of 960 chicken eggs packed in cardboard or plastic boxes, 10 pcs in each. Half of the packages were stored at room temperature (21 °C), the rest in the refrigerator (5 °C). The eggs were stored for 28 days qualitatively evaluated at 14-day intervals. The characteristics of whole egg (weight, specific weight, proportion of morphological elements, air cell depth) as well as of shell (weight, color, crushing strength, thickness, density, water conductivity), albumen (height, Haugh units, weight, pH) and yolk (weight, color, pH) were analyzed. The fatty acids profile of yolks was also evaluated as a freshness indicator. Packaging types available on the market, apart from its marketing and eggs protection function, can also influence the quality and stability of the product during storage. The use of plastic boxes can help to maintain higher eggs quality during the storage period, even after a significant extension of the storage time. Eggs stored in plastic boxes at room temperature had very similar results to those stored under refrigeration using conventional cardboard boxes. This effect is probably related to the lower permeability of plastic boxes in comparison to cardboard ones, but detailed research work in this direction is necessary to verify this relation.

This paper discusses the development of an alternating pressure overlay designed with miniaturized air cells for the treatment of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can be identified as a skin deformity due to application of prolonged pressure on the skin causing improper blood circulation. The alternating behaviour of the air cells aid in pressure relieving, thus provide better blood circulation to carry vital nutrients to the tissues while reducing formation of pressure ulceration. The proposed design miniaturizes the air cell sizes and establish an optimum air cell size to provide high-resolution pressure therapy in comparison to existing designs. This optimum air cell size, geometry along with its 3D deformation profiles were analysed using finite element method. The findings of the numerical simulations concluded that individual cell design should contain a minimum cell membrane thickness of 5mm and an overlay height of 185mm to withstand a maximum pressure of 60mmHg. Optimum pressure pattern of the alternating pressure therapy was selected as 1-in-4 pressure pattern, where the pressure overlay was divided into five pressure zones to actuate and map the interface pressures required. The control system was designed to provide required alternating pressure for patients by detecting the high pressure zones.

Concha bullosa (CB) is a pneumatized air cell within the nasal turbinates, often in the middle turbinate. CB is one of the most common anatomical variations found in the middle turbinate. It generally tends to be asymptomatic but can cause symptoms such as nasal obstruction, facial pain, and a decrease in the sense of smell. Moreover, CB can be involved in chronic rhinosinusitis, which can lead to its confusion with other lesions, as the radiographic picture might mimic other nasal pathologies. Here, we report a case of massive CB involved with allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) and mimicking a bony tumor in order to highlight the diagnostic challenge of this clinical entity.

Mastoid air cell fluid is a commonly seen, but often dismissed finding. Given the location of the mastoid portion of the temporal bone and its location adjacent to vital structures, a careful evaluation is important for the emergency radiologist. While occasionally benign, fluid within the mastoid air cells can be an early sign of more severe pathology, and familiarity of regional anatomy allows for early identification of disease spread. This article describes the important anatomy, the common pathologies, and a radiologic approach to assessing the mastoid air cells in order to guide referring clinicians.

Very sparse information is available regarding quality of commercial Table eggs marketed in Riyadh city. The objective of the current study was to evaluate egg quality by determining the internal and external traits of commercial Table eggs marketed in different marketing channels during the summer and winter. Commercial eggs (n = 1440) were bought from four different supermarkets and groceries during the winter and summer season 2018- 2019. A total of 30 eggs were collected monthly from each marketing channel in the winter and summer. Then, individually numbered, weighed and randomly broken down into three empirical groups and stored for 0, 7 or 14 days. The outcomes show that seven and fourteen days of storage led to significant decrease in Haugh unit values, yolk index, specific gravity, shell thickness and shell weight per unit of surface area, and increase in yolk color grade, yolk albumin ratio, yolk and albumin pH and air cell depth. Eggs acquired from supermarkets had significantly higher Haugh unit values and yolk index, and lower yolk color grades, shell density and air cell depth, than those bought from groceries. Eggs that were collected in winter season are found to have significantly higher Haugh unit values, yolk index, specific gravity, shell thickness, shell density, shell weight per unit of surface area and yolk color, and lower, yolk albumin ratio, air cell depth, albumin and yolk pH than those acquired in the summer season eggs. This study showed that the storage period, marketing channels and season play a significant role in affecting quality traits of Table eggs, also those procured from supermarkets and in the winter presented better quality than those found in groceries or in the summer, respectively.

Guidelines for pressure injury prevention consider the use of pressure-redistributing pads to prevent tissue deformation. However, limited research exists to assess the pressure distribution provided by the operating tables and the effectiveness of pressure-redistributing pads in preventing pressure injuries. In this study, we compared the pressure distribution properties of two surgical table pads and identified parameters influencing pressure injury outcomes after a lengthy surgical procedure. Twenty-seven patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation surgery participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to use either an air cell-based pad or a gel pad. Interface pressure was recorded during the surgery. We analyzed the effect of surgical table pad type, interface pressure distribution and pressure injury outcomes and analyzed what characteristics of the patients and the interface pressure are most influential for the development of pressure injuries. Comparing the interface pressure parameters between the air-cell group and the gel group, only the peak pressure index x time was significantly different (p 0.05). We used univariate logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors for the pressure injury outcome. The support surface was not significant. And, among patient characteristics, only age and BMI were significant (p ≤ 0.05). Among the interface pressure parameters, pressure density maxima, peak pressure index x time, and coefficient of variation were significant for pressure injury outcome (p ≤ 0.05). Peak pressure index, average pressure, and the surgery length were not statistically significant for pressure injury outcomes.

In order to find out the main factors influenced the hatchability and improve the hatchability of the windowed chicken eggs at stage X, several experiments were made on the basis of the former patent of eggshell windowing methods on equatorial plane, such as cutting and sealing techniques, air cell recovering, laying position immediately after sealing, as well as the injection volumes into the subgerminal cavity of the blastoderm. The result showed that:1) the best sealing material combination was straw powder (SP) and instant glue (IG); 2) there was a highly positive correlation between air cell rate and hatchability; 3) the highest hatchability increased to 71.6% when the eggs were windowed and sealed with IG dropped firstly and then SP sprinkled, finally lay down with the blunt end upward immediately after being sealed; 4) the hatchability was significantly reduced as injection volume (DMEM) was increased (p

In order to find out the main factors influenced the hatchability and improve the hatchability of the windowed chicken eggs at stage X, several experiments were made on the basis of the former patent of eggshell windowing methods on equatorial plane, such as cutting and sealing techniques, air cell recovering, laying position immediately after sealing, as well as the injection volumes into the subgerminal cavity of the blastoderm. The result showed that:1) the best sealing material combination was straw powder (SP) and instant glue (IG); 2) there was a highly positive correlation between air cell rate and hatchability; 3) the highest hatchability increased to 71.6% when the eggs were windowed and sealed with IG dropped firstly and then SP sprinkled, finally lay down with the blunt end upward immediately after being sealed; 4) the hatchability was significantly reduced as injection volume (DMEM) was increased (p

Raw egg freshness indexes mainly include sensory indicators, air cell height, Haugh unit, pH value, yolk index, specific gravity of eggs and total volatile basic nitrogen content. Traditional methods can test only part samples with low efficiency. This paper reviews the application of visible/near infrared spectroscopy, machine vision, electronic nose, dielectric properties and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) for new non-destructive testing of egg freshness. We analyze advantages and disadvantages of each technology, and focus on the application of LF NMR technique in this field. Finally, existing problems and future directions are proposed to provide useful information for further research.

There are various surgical techniques for cochlear implantation, classical one being mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy which has some disadvantages and complications like extensive bone work, violation of mastoid air cell system and fear of injury to vital structures like facial nerve. To minimize these problems, various modifications in cochlear implantation surgery has been done which includes introduction of Veria technique which also has certain disadvantages like extensive dissection and prolonged surgical time. In this article we are introducing an innovative technique of cochlear implantation where we have modified the pre-existing Veria technique that has been described in detail in the coming sections. Total 9 cases have been done so far with this modified Veria technique. This technique includes postaural approach with minimal soft tissue and bone work, making the cochlear implantation simple, easily doable, with less operating time, with minimal morbidity, faster healing due to smaller incision and avoiding facial nerve injury.

Aim of the study A robotic mattress equipped with an interface pressure mapping system and an automatic inner air-cell pressure adjustment function had been developed to aid in the management of pressure ulcers, but its effects on comfort remained unclear. The present study aimed to investigate whether use of the mattress with continuous, automatic, interface pressure mapping-based regulation of inner air-cell pressure (i.e., robotic mattress) improves comfort over that provided by body weight-based pressure regulation (traditional approach) in healthy volunteers. Materials and methods A robotic mattress was used with two settings (i.e., interface pressure-vs. body weight-based regulation). First, 20 healthy volunteers were recruited, and the level of comfort, interface pressure distribution, body immersion, and tissue oxygenation were measured and compared between the two settings. Results The level of comfort (20.5 vs 47.5, p = 0.014), contact area (2263.9 vs 2145.2 cm2, p = 0.002), and body immersion for healthy participants were significantly larger when using the interface pressure-based setting. Conclusion The robotic mattress provided improved comfort, which might be caused by increased contact area, and improved body immersion. The robotic mattress is expected to be effective both for managing pressure ulcers and increasing comfort.

La microlitiasis alveolar pulmonar es una enfermedad rara cuya principal característica es la acumulación de sales de calcio dentro del alvéolo pulmonar, esto debido a la presencia de una mutación genética autosómica recesiva. Esta entidad se encuentra dentro del grupo de enfermedades pulmonares difusas y el diagnóstico principal es un reto para los profesionales de la salud. No existe un tratamiento hasta la fecha; se ha planteado el uso de bisfosfonatos, los esteroides y lavado bronco alveolar sin llegar a resultados concluyentes. Se prefiere llevar a cabo el trasplante pulmonar, para mejores resultados, antes de que se haya establecido el desarrollo de la insuficiencia ventricular derecha. El diagnóstico definitivo es histopatológico. De acuerdo con la literatura nacional publicada, a nuestro alcance, en Perú se ha reportado esta enfermedad tan solo con sospecha radiológica, sin publicar el diagnóstico histopatológico definitivo. Presentamos un caso diagnosticado en el Departamento de Cirugía de Tórax y Cardiovascular del Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue de Lima., Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis a rare disease whose main characteristic accumulation of calcium salts within the air cell, this due to the presence of a genetic mutation autosomal recessive. This entity is within the group of diffuse lung diseases and primary diagnosis is a challenge for health professionals. There is no treatment to date, has raised the use of bisphosphonate, steroids and bronchoalveolar lavage without reaching conclusive results. It is preferred to perform the transplant before the development of right ventricular failure for best results. The definitive diagnosis is histopathological. In Peru it has been poorly described this disease as the only report found no definitive histopathological diagnosis. We report a case diagnosed in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Hipolito Unanue National Hospital in Lima, Peru.

Low-cost, high-energy-density, and highly efficient devices for energy storage have long been desired in our society. Herein, a novel high-energy-density hybrid sodium–air cell was fabricated successfully on the basis of acidic catholytes. Such a hybrid sodium–air cell possess a high theoretical voltage of 3.94 V, capacity of 1121 mAh g–1, and energy density of 4418 Wh kg–1. First, the buffering effect of an acidic solution was demonstrated, which provides relatively long and stable cell discharge behaviors. Second, the catholytes of hybrid sodium–air cells were optimized systematically from the solutions of 0.1 M H3PO4 + 0.1 M Na2SO4 to 0.1 M HAc + 0.1 M NaAc and it was found that the cells with 0.1 M H3PO4 + 0.1 M Na2SO4 displayed a maximum power density of 34.9 mW cm–2. The cell with 0.1 M H3PO4 + 0.1 M Na2SO4 displayed higher discharge capacity of 896 mAh g–1. Moreover, the fabricated acidic hybrid sodium–air cells exhibited stable cycling performance in ambient air and they delivered a low voltage ga...

Acute otitis media is a localized infection. Advanced cases demonstrate local spread and abscess formation in the mastoid, temporomandibular joint, and zygomatic root if anatomy allows. We present a case of acute otitis media complicated by an abscess of a pneumatized zygomatic root extending into the temporomandibular joint treated by incision and drainage.

Sugar replacement, and/or reduction, in cereal products is important in relation to consumer appeal for nutritionally balanced, calorie reduced, products. However, when using sugar replacers, product structure can be negatively altered. The effect on air cell development and microstructure with the use of Stevianna®, or inulin, as sugar replacer was evaluated using muffins as a model food. The total replacement of sugar using Stevianna® or inulin resulted in the development of non-uniform air cells leading to poor muffin microstructure. However, formulations involving partial sugar replacers gave similar air cell characteristics and hence microstructural characteristics, to that of the control sample. The results indicated that sugar is an important factor for the development of muffin microstructure and is difficult to replace completely. Keywords:: Stevianna®, Inulin, Muffin microstructure, Air cell, Scanning electron microscopy

Posterior tympanotomy is the avenue to the facial recess of the middle ear from mastoid antrum. The entry into the facial recess in many cases is heralded by a distinct air cell before approaching the facial-chordal plane. The current study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of this 'Herald Cell' in an adult cadaveric population. It was a human cadaveric temporal bone dissection study. The bones were dissected to carry out cortical mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy using standard otologic drills under microscopic visualization (Leica M320 F12). Appropriate snapshots were taken to document the presence or absence of Herald cell. A total of 51 temporal bones were dissected (26 right, 25 left sided). The Herald cell was found to be present in 22 bones (43.1%). Herald cell, when present, is a convenient and reliable landmark to carry out a safe posterior tympanotomy.

Osteoma of EAC is a rare tumour. Cholesteatoma of EAC associated with osteoma is consequence of osteoma of EAC. Its incidence is rare and very few cases have been reported in the literature. Its association with exuberant granulation tissue in the mastoid air cell system without extension of Cholesteatoma into middle ear cleft is even rare. This association has been reported for the first time as evident from review of literature.

The aim of this study was to compare mastoid air cell volumes in patients with or without a pneumatized articular tubercle (PAT) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.The CBCT images of 224 patients were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of PAT. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data of 30 patients with PAT and 30 individuals without PAT were transferred to 3D Doctor Software. Mastoid air cell volumes were measured using semi-automatic segmentation on axial sections. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.The patients with PAT and those without PAT had a mean mastoid volume of 6.31±2.86 cmThe detection of PAT on routine dental radiographic examinations might be a potential prognostic factor that could be used to detect extensive pneumatization in the temporal bone. Clinicians should be aware that there may be widespread pneumatization of mastoid air cells in patients in whom PAT is detected. Advanced imaging should be performed in these cases, and possible complications due to surgical interventions should be considered.

This study was carried out to investigate the cytogenetic effect of Levofloxacin after In-ovo inoculation. Forty eight fertilized eggs were used, divided equally into eight groups and inoculated through shell puncture above air cell with materials in equestion and incubated for two different periods three and seven days. They were assigned as group one and group two 10 µg Levofloxacin, group three and group four 20µg levofloxacin, group five and group six considered positive control 0.05 µg Mitomycin-C, group seven and group eight (Phosphate Buffer Saline) considered negative control groups. All eggs from in-ovo experiments were subjected to cytogenetic tests, such as Mitotic Index, Replicative Index and Sister Chromatid exchange. Eighty fertilized eggs were handled with the same manner of in-ovo inoculation and used for calculation Hatchability index and weekly body weight. The results revealed significant (P˂0.05) increases in Mitotic Index and Replicative Index of all groups treated with levofloxacin compared to positive control, but there were significant (P˂0.05) decreases compared to control negative. There were no significant changes in Sister Chromatid exchange of all treated levofloxacin in–ovo. The hatchability index revealed significant (P˂0.05) decreases in group three which was inoculated 20 µg levofloxacin after three days of incubation compared to all Levofloxacin treated groups and both positive and negative control groups. In conclusion, levofloxacin in–ovo inoculation has no substantial cytogenetic effects.

Ice cream is a multiphase frozen food containing ice crystals, air cells, fat globules, and partially coalesced fat globule clusters dispersed in an unfrozen serum phase (sugars, proteins, and stabilizers). This microstructure is responsible for ice cream's melting characteristics. By varying both formulation (emulsifier content and overrun) and processing conditions (dasher speed), the effects of different microstructural elements, particularly air cells and fat globule clusters, on ice cream melt‐down properties were studied. Factors that caused an increase in shear stress within the freezer, namely increasing dasher speed and overrun, caused a decrease in air cell size and an increase in extent of fat destabilization. Increasing emulsifier content, especially of polysorbate 80, caused an increase in extent of fat destabilization. Both overrun and fat destabilization influenced drip‐through rates. Ice creams with a combination of low overrun and low fat destabilization had the highest drip‐through rates. Further, the amount of remnant foam left on the screen increased with reduced drip‐through rates. These results provide a better understanding of the effects of microstructure components and their interactions on drip‐through rate. Manipulating operating and formulation parameters in ice cream manufacture influences the microstructure (air cells, ice crystals, and fat globule clusters). This work provides guidance on which parameters have most effect on air cell size and fat globule cluster formation. Further, the structural characteristics that reduce melt‐down rate were determined. Ice cream manufacturers will use these results to tailor their products for the desired quality attributes.

The potential for sugarcane, grape or raisin molasses as a partial sucrose substitute in chocolate ice cream was studied. Sucrose substitution by molasses reinforced the macroviscosity and increased consistency coefficient. The air incorporating capacity was enhanced resulting in narrower air cell size distributions. The textural and thermophysical profile, as well as the melting behaviour of the sugarcane molasses ice creams, was similar to that of the sucrose based analogues. Sucrose replacement by raisin or grape molasses was accompanied by a significant improvement of melting resistance, but induced a significant increase in the instrumentally and sensory assessed hardness. According to quantitative descriptive analysis findings, sugarcane ice creams exhibited the highest coarseness, wateriness, iciness, astringency and sourness sensation stimuli, the grape-based ice creams exerted the best chocolate colour and mouth-coating ability whilst the raisin molasses analogues were perceived as highly creamy, sweet, gummy and well balanced in terms of chocolate flavour.

A method to detect the shell cracks in translucent images of duck eggs and salted duck eggs is presented. The method consists of a sequenced wave signal extraction algorithm to extract the sequenced wave signals from the translucent images of duck eggs. Furthermore, the characteristic parameters of the extracted sequenced wave signals are calculated and analyzed. The analysis results showed that, the sequenced wave signals extracted from egg translucent images are caused by three factors: (i) egg cracks; (ii) air cell membrane of eggs; and (iii) shell texture. The sequenced wave signals caused by egg air cell membrane and shell texture are eliminated by using characteristic parameters of the sequenced wave signals. After the elimination, a classification algorithm is used on the translucent images of eggs. In the conducted experiments, the classification algorithm achieved an accuracy of 92.5% and 93.1% for duck eggs and salted duck eggs, respectively.

The corrosion of lead in methanesulfonic acid solution in the presence of a MnO2 air cathode in a primary lead-air cell is in-vestigated. The highest power density of the lead-air cell is 2.8 mW cm-2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction results demonstrate the formation of lead (II) oxide and lead (IV) dioxide on the air cathode after continuous discharge. Field emission scanning electron microscopy image shows that the surface coverage of lead (II) oxide and lead (IV) dioxide on the air cathode is only partial and will allow oxygen reduction.

Aluminum-air cell, with trivalence redox couples, attracts a lot of interest to break the capacity limitation of conventional batteries in pursuit of higher mobility for portable devices. In order to overcome the self-discharge issue of aluminum, a microfluidic aluminum-air cell working with methanol-based anolyte was developed in this work. The operation feasibility of this membraneless cell was first proved. Then, the influences of electrolyte concentration and water content in the methanol-based anolyte on cell performances were investigated. Experimentally, a high discharge capacity density of 2507 mAh/g was achieved at a low current of 0.015 mA.

Background: Mastoid development, tympanic sinus depth, and residual disease after surgery for congenital cholesteatoma are probably related, but these relationships have not been examined in detail...