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Infrared thermography (IRT) is a competitive method for nondestructive testing; yet it is susceptible to errors when testing objects with complex geometries. This work investigates the effects of regulating different thermographic testing parameters to optimize the IRT outcomes when testing complex shaped geometries, particularly cylindrical coupons. These parameters include the scanning routine, feed-rate, and heat intensity. Fine-tuning these parameters will be performed with respect to three different variables consisting of workpiece density, defect size, and defect depth. The experimental work is designed around 3D-printed cylindrical coupons, then the obtained thermal images are stitched via image processing tool to expose defects from different scans. The analysis employs a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) metric in an orthogonal tabulation following a Taguchi Design of Experiment. Moreover, test sensitivity and the best combination of factor levels are determined using Analysis of Means (ANOM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The outcomes show that the heating intensity factor is the most dominant in exposing flaws with close to 40% mean shift and up to 47% variance fluctuation. The paper introduces the tools employed in the study, and then explains the methodology followed to test one sample quadrant. The results for running the testing on all the scenarios are presented, interpreted, and their implications are recommended.

Background: Fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation is a good treatment option of cartilage defects. However, this treatment option is not available in all countries due to limited graft availability and tissue banks limitations. The purpose of this study is to assess the short term functional and imaging outcomes of fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation in the knee using the femoral head of living donors., Hypothesis: Fresh osteochondral allografts from the femoral heads of living donors is a valid graft source for management of distal Femur cartilage defects. This technique can improve functional knee scores with good radiological outcomes., Study Design: Prospective case series., Methods: Fifteen patients with full thickness cartilage defects of the distal femur underwent osteochondral allograft transplantation from the femoral heads of living donors. Grafts were transplanted by both shell and multiple dowels techniques. The average follow up duration was 18.3 months (range, 12-25 months). Patients were evaluated by Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, radiography and MR imaging using Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS)., Results: There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in both Lysholm and IKDC average scores at 6 months and 12 months postoperative. Postoperative MRI was done at an average 6.8 months (range, 5-11 months) postoperative. The mean total OCAMRISS score was 3.4 (range, 1-7). A second look arthroscopy was done in four patients and showed intact articular cartilage in all three patients., Conclusion: Femoral head of living donors is a valid new source for fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation of knee osteochondral lesions. Short term results showed improvement in clinical assessment scores. Follow up imaging showed graft incorporation and good MRI scores., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-ɑ) is one of the most important cytokines that manage the host defense mechanism, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 patients. The work aims to study the association of TNF-ɑ G-308 A gene polymorphism with the course and outcome of COVID-19 patients in Mansoura University Hospital., Methods: 900 patients with COVID-19 infection and 184 controls were tested for TNF-ɑ G-308 A promoter polymorphism. Different genotypes of TNF-ɑ G-308 A were compared as regards the severity and prognosis of the disease., Results: No statistically significant difference was found between patients and controls as regards the demographic data. The AA genotype of TNF-ɑ showed a higher incidence of the disease in comparison to the other genotypes. As regards the demographic and laboratory characters, no statistically significant difference was found between the different genotypes except for age, lymphopenia, CRP, and serum ferritin levels. In 336(80.0%) cases of the AA genotype, the disease was severe in comparison to 90(41.7%) cases in the GA genotype and no cases in the GG genotype with P = .001., Conclusion: People who carry the A allele of TNF-ɑ polymorphism are more prone to COVID-19 infection. The AA genotype of TNF-ɑ is associated with a more aggressive pattern of the disease. In those patients, the use of anti - TNF therapy may be promising.

Background: Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children. Few studies have explored the predictive value of copeptin in pediatric pneumonia., Aim: This study aimed to assess the role of copeptin as a marker of severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)., Methods: This prospective case-control study was carried out at Minia University Children's Hospital in Minia (Egypt) from January to December 2016. Eighty children aged from 2 months to 42 months were enrolled in this study and were classified into group 1 (40 children with clinical, laboratory and radiological evidence of pneumonia) and group 2 (40 apparently healthy control). Serum copeptin level was assayed for all enrolled children., Results: Mean serum copeptin level was significantly higher in pneumonic patients (985.7±619) pg/ml compared to controls (519±308.2) pg/ml (p<0.001). Serum copeptin was significantly elevated in survivors of pneumonia more than non-survivors (p=0.001). Also, copeptin was significantly higher in the group of non-survivors (1811.8±327.1) compared to 745.4±472.5 for survivors (p=0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between serum copeptin levels and the degree of respiratory distress (p=0.02)., Conclusion: Copeptin seems a reliable and available predictor marker for assessing the severity and prognosis of pediatric community acquired pneumonia., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest to be declared.