ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In the circulatory system, the vessel branching angle may have hemodynamic consequences. We hypothesized that there is a hemodynamically optimal range for the renal artery's branching angle. METHODS: Data on the posttransplant kinetics of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed according to the donor and implant sides (right-to-right and left-to-right position; n = 46). The renal artery branching angle from the aorta of a randomly selected population was measured using an X-ray angiogram (n = 44). Computational fluid dynamics simulation was used to elucidate the hemodynamic effects of angulation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Renal transplant patients receiving a right donor kidney to the right side showed faster adaptation and higher eGFR values than those receiving a left donor kidney to the right side (eGFR: 65 ± 7 vs. 56 ± 6 mL/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.01). The average branching angle on the left side was 78° and that on the right side was 66°. Simulation results showed that the pressure, volume flow, and velocity were relatively constant between 58° and 88°, indicating that this range is optimal for the kidneys. The turbulent kinetic energy does not change significantly between 58° and 78°. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there is an optimal range for the renal artery's branching angle from the aorta where hemodynamic vulnerability caused by the degree of angulation is the lowest, which should be considered during kidney transplantations.
Subject(s)
Kidney Transplantation , Renal Artery , Humans , Kidney , Aorta , HemodynamicsABSTRACT
Additive manufacturing technologies based on metal melting use materials mainly in powder or wire form. This study focuses on developing a metal 3D printing process based on cold metal transfer (CMT) welding technology, in order to achieve enhanced productivity. Aluminium alloy test specimens have been fabricated using a special 3D printing technology. The probes were investigated to find correlation between the welding parameters and geometric quality. Geometric measurements and tensile strength experiments were performed to determine the appropriate welding parameters for reliable printing. The tensile strength of the product does not differ significantly from the raw material. Above 60 mm height, the wall thickness is relatively constant due to the thermal balance of the welding environment. The results suggest that there might be a connection between the welding parameters and the printing accuracy. It is demonstrated that the deviation of ideal geometry will be the smallest at the maximum reliable welding torch movement speed, while printing larger specimens. As a conclusion, it can be stated that CMT-based additive manufacturing can be a reliable, cost-effective and rapid 3D printing technology with enhanced productivity, but without significant decrease in mechanical stability.
ABSTRACT
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to visualize the tumor propagation and surrounding mucosal field in radiography-based 3D model for advanced stage HNSCC and combine it with HPV genotyping and miRNA expression characterization of the visualized area. 25 patients with T1-3 clinical stage HNSCC were enrolled in mapping biopsy sampling. Biopsy samples were evaluated for HPV positivity and miR-21-5p, miR-143, miR-155, miR-221-5p expression in Digital Droplet PCR system. Significant miRNA expression differences of HPV positive tumor tissue biopsies were found for miR-21-5p, miR-143 and miR-221-5p compared to the HPV negative tumor biopsy series. Peritumoral mucosa showed patchy pattern alterations of miR-21-5p and miR-155 in HPV positive cases, while gradual change of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p was seen in HPV negative tumors. In our study we found differences of the miRNA expression patterns among the HPV positive and negative tumorous tissues as well as the surrounding mucosal fields. The CT based 3D models of the cancer field and surrounding mucosal surface can be utilized to improve proper preoperative planning. Complex evaluation of HNSCC tissue organization field can elucidate the clinical and molecular differentiation of HPV positive and negative cases, and enhance effective organ saving therapeutic strategies.