AP Ratio Research Articles

SPGAN Optimized by Piranha Foraging Optimization for Thyroid Nodule Classification in Ultrasound Images.

In this research work, Semantic-Preserved Generative Adversarial Network optimized by Piranha Foraging Optimization for Thyroid Nodule Classification in Ultrasound Images (SPGAN-PFO-TNC-UI) is proposed. Initially, ultrasound images are gathered from the DDTI dataset. Then the input image is sent to the pre-processing step. During pre-processing stage, the Multi-Window Savitzky-Golay Filter (MWSGF) is employed to reduce the noise and improve the quality of the ultrasound (US) images. The pre-processed output is supplied to the Generalized Intuitionistic Fuzzy C-Means Clustering (GIFCMC). Here, the ultrasound image's Region of Interest (ROI) is segmented. The segmentation output is supplied to the Fully Numerical Laplace Transform (FNLT) to extract the features, such as geometric features like solidity, orientation, roundness, main axis length, minor axis length, bounding box, convex area, and morphological features, like area, perimeter, aspect ratio, and AP ratio. The Semantic-Preserved Generative Adversarial Network (SPGAN) separates the image as benign or malignant nodules. Generally, SPGAN does not express any optimization adaptation methodologies for determining the best parameters to ensure the accurate classification of thyroid nodules. Therefore, the Piranha Foraging Optimization (PFO) algorithm is proposed to improve the SPGAN classifier and accurately identify the thyroid nodules. The metrics, like F-score, accuracy, error rate, precision, sensitivity, specificity, ROC, computing time is examined. The proposed SPGAN-PFO-TNC-UI method attains 30.54%, 21.30%, 27.40%, and 18.92% higher precision and 26.97%, 20.41%, 15.09%, and 18.27% lower error rate compared with existing techniques, like Thyroid detection and classification using DNN with Hybrid Meta-Heuristic and LSTM (TD-DL-HMH-LSTM), Quantum-Inspired convolutional neural networks for optimized thyroid nodule categorization (QCNN-OTNC), Thyroid nodules classification under Follow the Regularized Leader Optimization based Deep Neural Networks (CTN-FRL-DNN), Automatic classification of ultrasound thyroids images using vision transformers and generative adversarial networks (ACUTI-VT-GAN) respectively.

Are glenoid retroversion, humeral subluxation, and Walch classification associated with a muscle imbalance?

IntroductionThe etiology of humeral posterior subluxation remains unknown, and it has been hypothesized that horizontal muscle imbalance could cause this condition. The objective of this study was to compare the ratio of anterior to posterior rotator cuff muscle and deltoid volumes as a function of humeral subluxation and glenoid morphology when analyzed as continuous variable in arthritic shoulders. MethodsThree hundred and thirty-three (273 arthritic and 60 healthy controls) CT-scans of shoulders were included in this study and were segmented automatically. For each muscle, the volume of muscle fibers without intra-muscular fat was then measured. The ratio between the volume of the subscapularis and the volume of the infraspinatus + teres minor (AP ratio) and the ratio between the anterior and posterior deltoid (APdeltoid) were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether a correlation could be found between these ratios and glenoid version/ humeral subluxation/glenoid type in the Walch classification. ResultsWithin the arthritic cohort, no statistically significant difference was found between the AP ratio between A and type B glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.03 ± 0.16 p=0.09), between A and D type glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.12 ± 0.27, p=0.77) nor between the A and C type glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.10 ± 0.19, p=1). No correlation was found between AP ratio and glenoid version/humeral subluxation (rho =-0.0360, p=0.55; rho = 0.076; p=0.21). The APdeltoid ratio of type A glenoids was significantly greater than that of type B glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.35 ± 0.16, p< 0.01), and type C glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.21±0.10, p < 0.01) but not significantly different from the APdeltoid ratio of type D glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.64 ± 0.34, p=1). When evaluating both healthy control and arthritic shoulders, moderate correlations were found between APdeltoid ratio and glenoid version/humeral subluxation (rho=0.55, p<0.01; rho=-0.61, p<0.01). ConclusionThis in vitro study supports the use of a software for fully automated 3D reconstruction of the four rotator cuff muscles and the deltoid. Compared to previous two-dimensional CT-scan studies, we did not find any correlation between AP muscle volume ratio and glenoid parameters in arthritic shoulders. However, once deformity occurred, the observed APdeltoid ratio was lower with Type B and C glenoids. These findings suggest that rotator cuff muscle imbalance may not be the precipitating etiology for the posterior humeral subluxation and secondary posterior glenoid erosion characteristic of Walch B glenoids.

The use of laser radiation to assess the bowel viability in an experiment

Aims: To investigate the possibility of using laser rays scattering indicators to assess the bowel viability. Methodology: 30 white rats. A loop of the middle part of the small bowel (SB) with the mesentery was ligated in 10 rats. A loop of the middle part of the large bowel (LB) with the mesentery was ligated in 10 rats. The width of the laser rays at wavelengths λ=0.63 and λ=0.4 μm scattering zone (WLRSZ) was measured (in millimeters) on the afferent (AP), efferent (EP) and ligated (LP) parts of the bowel’s walls in the in 6 hours. Sections of bowels were taken for histological examination. The data obtained by measurements in 10 healthy animals were the control. Results: In AP revealed morphological disorders without signs of necrosis, in EP revealed minor changes, in LP revealed necrosis. We used the ratio of the WLRSZ at wavelengths λ=0.63/λ=0.4 μm. Control ratio on SB and LB didn’t differ significantly. AP ratio on SB and LB was not significantly different, but was significantly different from the control. EP ratio on SB and LB was not significantly different and did not differ significantly from the control, but differed significantly from the indicators on the AP. LP ratio indicators on SB and LB was not significantly different, but significantly different from the control, indicators on AP and EP. Conclusion: 1. The ratio of the laser rays at the wavelengths λ=0.63/λ=0.4 μm scattering zone width is statistically significantly different in the bowel parts without deviated viability, with morphological deviations without signs of necrosis, and with necrosis. 2. Ratio indicators &gt; 1.58 units indicate preserved viability, indicators in the range of 1.4-1.35 units indicate morphological deviations without necrosis, indicators &lt; 1.2 units indicate bowel necrosis. 3. The determination of this ratio should be used in patients to assess its informativeness. Aims: To investigate the possibility of using laser rays scattering indicators to assess the bowel viability. Methodology: 30 white rats. A loop of the middle part of the small bowel (SB) with the mesentery was ligated in 10 rats. A loop of the middle part of the large bowel (LB) with the mesentery was ligated in 10 rats. The width of the laser rays at wavelengths λ=0.63 and λ=0.4 μm scattering zone (WLRSZ) was measured (in millimeters) on the afferent (AP), efferent (EP) and ligated (LP) parts of the bowel’s walls in the in 6 hours. Sections of bowels were taken for histological examination. The data obtained by measurements in 10 healthy animals were the control. Results: In AP revealed morphological disorders without signs of necrosis, in EP revealed minor changes, in LP revealed necrosis. We used the ratio of the WLRSZ at wavelengths λ=0.63/λ=0.4 μm. Control ratio on SB and LB didn’t differ significantly. AP ratio on SB and LB was not significantly different, but was significantly different from the control. EP ratio on SB and LB was not significantly different and did not differ significantly from the control, but differed significantly from the indicators on the AP. LP ratio indicators on SB and LB was not significantly different, but significantly different from the control, indicators on AP and EP. Conclusion: 1. The ratio of the laser rays at the wavelengths λ=0.63/λ=0.4 μm scattering zone width is statistically significantly different in the bowel parts without deviated viability, with morphological deviations without signs of necrosis, and with necrosis. 2. Ratio indicators &gt; 1.58 units indicate preserved viability, indicators in the range of 1.4-1.35 units indicate morphological deviations without necrosis, indicators &lt; 1.2 units indicate bowel necrosis. 3. The determination of this ratio should be used in patients to assess its informativeness.

WITHDRAWN: Are glenoid retroversion, humeral subluxation and Walch classification associated with a muscle imbalance

IntroductionThe etiology of humeral posterior subluxation remains unknown, and it has been hypothesized that horizontal muscle imbalance could cause this condition. The objective of this study was to compare the ratio of anterior to posterior rotator cuff muscle and deltoid volumes as a function of humeral subluxation and glenoid morphology when analyzed as continuous variable in arthritic shoulders. MethodsThree hundred and thirty-three (273 arthritic and 60 healthy controls) CT scans of shoulders were included in this study and were segmented automatically. For each muscle, the volume of muscle fibers without intra-muscular fat was then measured. The ratio between the volume of the subscapularis and the volume of the infraspinatus + teres minor (AP ratio) and the ratio between the anterior and posterior deltoid (APdeltoid) were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether a correlation could be found between these ratios and glenoid version/ humeral subluxation/glenoid type in the Walch classification. ResultsWithin the arthritic cohort, no statistically significant difference was found between the AP ratio between A and type B glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.03 ± 0.16 p=0.09), between A and D type glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.12 ± 0.27, p=0.77) nor between the A and C type glenoids (1.09 ± 0.22 versus 1.10 ± 0.19, p=1). No correlation was found between AP ratio and glenoid version/humeral subluxation (rho =-0.0360, p=0.55; rho = 0.076; p=0.21). The APdeltoid ratio of type A glenoids was significantly greater than that of type B glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.35 ± 0.16, p< 0.01), and type C glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.21±0.10, p < 0.01) but not significantly different from the APdeltoid ratio of type D glenoids (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.64 ± 0.34, p=1). When evaluating both healthy control and arthritic shoulders, moderate correlations were found between APdeltoid ratio and glenoid version/humeral subluxation (rho=0.55, p<0.01; rho=-0.61, p<0.01). ConclusionAs opposed to previous two-dimensional CT scan studies, we did not find any correlation between AP muscle volume ratio and glenoid parameters in arthritic shoulders. Therefore, rotator cuff muscle imbalance does not seem to be associated with posterior humeral subluxation leading to posterior glenoid erosion and subsequent retroversion characteristic of Walch B glenoids. However, our results could suggest that a larger posterior deltoid pulls the humerus posteriorly into posterior subluxation, but this requires further evaluation as the deltoid follows the humerus possibly leading to secondary asymmetry between the anterior and the posterior deltoid.

Digit ratio and the femoral circumflex artery perforator: A sex-dependent association between the vascular system of the thigh and prenatal sex hormones?

BackgroundThe anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) is a type of free flap which is commonly used in reconstructive surgery procedures and is based on the perforator from femoral circumflex artery. Some authors found that the location of the perforator differs between sexes. ObjectiveTo verify the influence of prenatal sex hormones (as measured by 2D:4D) on the morphology of the perforator of the descending branch of the femoral circumflex artery. Methods88 participants (43 women) of a mean age of 28.5 years (SD 8.1 years) had the following measurements performed: height and weight; right and left-hand 2nd and 4th fingers' lengths; and distance from anterior superior iliac spine to the perforator from descending branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery related to the thigh length (right and left) (AP ratio). ResultsRight 2D:4D and Dr-l (right minus left 2D:4D) were dimorphic, similarly to AP ratio (right and left), which in women was significantly higher than in men. A significant correlation was found between right and left 2D:4D and location of the perforator of the left thigh in men. The higher right and left 2D:4D (more feminine) the higher the left AP ratio (more feminine). ConclusionOur findings suggest that the location of perforator of femoral circumflex artery may be influenced by prenatal sex steroids such that low prenatal testosterone and high prenatal oestrogen are correlated to high AP (lower branching of the artery).

An operational approach for large-scale mapping of water clarity levels in inland lakes using landsat images based on optical classification

Water clarity is a critical parameter of water, it is typically measured using the setter disc depth (SDD). The accurate estimation of SDD for optically varying waters using remote sensing remains challenging. In this study, a water classification algorithm based on the Landsat 5 TM/Landsat 8 OLI satellite was used to distinguish different water types, in which the waters were divided into two types by using the ad(443)/ap(443) ratio. Water type 1 refers to waters dominated by phytoplankton, while water type 2 refers to waters dominated by non-algal particles. For the different water types, a specific algorithm was developed based on 994 in situ water samples collected from Chinese inland lakes during 42 cruises. First, the Rrs(443)/Rrs(655) ratio was used for water type 1 SDD estimation, and the band combination of (Rrs(443)/Rrs(655) - Rrs(443)/Rrs(560)) was proposed for water type 2. The accuracy assessment based on an independent validation dataset proved that the proposed algorithm performed well, with an R2 of 0.85, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 25.98%, and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.23 m. To demonstrate the applicability of the algorithm, it was extensively evaluated using data collected from Lake Erie and Lake Huron, and the estimation accuracy remained satisfactory (R2 = 0.87, MAPE = 28.04%, RMSE = 0.76 m). Furthermore, compared with existing empirical and semi-analytical SDD estimation algorithms, the algorithm proposed in this paper showed the best performance, and could be applied to other satellite sensors with similar band settings. Finally, this algorithm was successfully applied to map SDD levels of 107 lakes and reservoirs located in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plain (MLYP) from 1984 to 2020 at a 30 m spatial resolution, and it was found that 53.27% of the lakes and reservoirs in the MLYP generally show an upward trend in SDD. This research provides a new technological approach for water environment monitoring in regional and even global lakes, and offers a scientific reference for water environment management of lakes in the MLYP.

Preoperative excessive lateral anterior tibial subluxation is related to posterior tibial tunnel insertion with worse sagittal alignment after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether preoperative lateral anterior tibial subluxation (LATS) measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can influence tibial insertion and postoperative sagittal alignment after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs).Methods84 patients who underwent single-bundle ACLRs were retrospectively investigated. Among them, 39 patients (LATS of <6 mm) 23 patients (LATS of ≥6 mm and <10 mm) and 22 patients (excessive LATS of ≥10 mm) were defined as group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. LATS, the position of graft insertion into tibia as ratio of anterior-posterior width (AP ratio) and the sagittal graft angle (SGA) were postoperatively assessed from MRI at 2-year follow-up. Following linear regression analyses were employed.ResultsThe group 3 exhibited the largest preoperative LATS and remained the most postoperative LATS. Moreover, the group 3 possessed the most posteriorly located tunnel insertion with the largest AP ratio and the most vertical graft orientation. Of all included patients, a moderate correlation was demonstrated between pre- and postoperative LATS (r = 0.635). A low correlation was observed between preoperative LATS and AP ratio (r = 0.300) and a moderate correlation was displayed between AP ratio and SGA (r = 0.656).ConclusionFor ACL injuries with excessive LATS (≥10 mm), most posteriorly located tibial insertion was found out, and worse sagittal alignment containing high residual LATS was associated with more vertical graft orientation following ACLRs.

Low paraspinal lean muscle mass is an independent predictor of adjacent vertebral compression fractures after percutaneous kyphoplasty: A propensity score-matched case-control study.

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between paraspinal lean muscle mass and adjacent vertebral compression fracture (AVCF) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).MethodsThe data of 272 patients who underwent two consecutive single-level PKP in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were collected. 42 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as AVCF group, and 42 propensity score-matched patients were selected as control group. There were 10 males and 32 females in each group; the ages were 75.55 ± 5.76 years and 75.60 ± 5.87 years, respectively. All patients underwent preoperative lumbar MRI. The total cross-sectional area (CSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA), cross-sectional area of vertebra index (CSA-VI), functional cross-sectional area of vertebra index (FCSA-VI) of the multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), psoas (PS), and paravertebral muscles (PVM) were measured. Other related parameters included preoperative bone mineral density (BMD), kyphotic angle (KA), anterior-to-posterior body height ratio (AP ratio), vertebral height restoration, and cement leakage into the disc. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find independent risk factors for AVCF using the parameters that were statistically significant in univariate analysis.ResultsAt L3 and L4 levels, the mean CSA, FCSA, and FCSA-VI of MF, ES, PVM and PS were significantly lower in the AVCF group. DeLong test indicated that the AUC of ES (0.806 vs. 0.900) and PVM (0.861 vs. 0.941) of FCSA-VI at L4 level were significantly greater than L3 level. In the AVCF group, patients had a significantly lower BMD (93.55 ± 14.99 HU vs. 106.31 ± 10.95 HU), a greater preoperative KA (16.02° ± 17.36° vs. 12.87° ± 6.58°), and a greater vertebral height restoration rate (20.4% ± 8.1% vs. 16.4% ± 10.0%, p = 0.026). Logistic regression analysis showed that PVM with lower FCSA-VI at L4 level (OR 0.830; 95% CI 0.760–0.906) and lower BMD (OR 0.928; 95% CI 0.891–0.966) were independent risk factors for AVCF after PKP.ConclusionsLow paraspinal lean muscle mass is an independent risk factor for AVCF after PKP. Surgeons should pay attention to evaluate the status of paraspinal muscle preoperatively. Postoperative reasonable nutrition, standardized anti-osteoporosis treatment, and back muscle exercise could reduce the incidence of AVCF.

ANALYSIS OF CORNEAL ANTEROPOSTERIOR RATIO OF OPTICAL POWER USING OCT.

The aim of the study was to analyse the values of the anteroposterior corneal optical power ratio (AP ratio), to compare the resulting values with those of theoretical models of the eye, and to define the effect of using an individual ratio value on the approximation of the total corneal power. A total of 406 eyes were included. Each patient underwent an OCT (RTVue XR) examination, according to which the AP ratio of the cornea was determined, as well as the biometric parameters of the eye (Lenstar LS900). The correlation between the biometric parameters of the eye and the individual AP ratio values was evaluated using Pearsons correlation coefficient. In the analysis, the AP ratio results were compared with selected schematic models of the eye. Using Gaussian equations, a theoretical calculation of the total corneal optical power (KG) was performed, by fitting the AP ratio value and comparing it with the actually measured total corneal power (TCP). The mean value of the individually determined AP ratio was 1.17 ±0.02. The most frequently represented interval (33.74 %) was 1.17 to 1.18 AP ratio values, with the vast majority of eyes (79.56 %) in the range of 1.15 to 1.20. Individual values of total corneal optical power were statistically significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) from the theoretical values of TCP (except in the Liu-Brennan eye model, where p = 0.06). The lowest mean difference of values was found for the Navarro schematic model. The dependence of the measured AP ratio values and biometric parameters reached a moderate negative correlation (r = -0.50 for p &lt; 0.05) with the parameter corneal posterior surface curvature (Rp), as well as a weak negative correlation with limbal diameter WtW (r = -0.26 for p &lt; 0.05) and a weak positive correlation with central corneal thickness CCT (r = 0.17 for p &lt; 0.05). The assumption of a constant value of the AP ratio according to the selected schematic models of the eye is statistically significantly different from the actual measured values and was defined to have only a negative weak correlation with the size of the limbus diameter. Using the resulting average value of the determined AP ratio (1.17 ±0.02), a lower difference between real and calculated total corneal optical power was achieved.

Initial assessment of hemorrhagic shock by trauma computed tomography measurement of the inferior vena cava in blunt trauma patients.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) collapse is related to hypovolemia. Sonography has been used to measure the IVC diameter, but there is variation depending on the skill of the operator and it is difficult to obtain accurate measurements in patients who have a large amount of intestinal gas or are obese. As a modality to obtain accurate measurements, we measured the diameters of the IVC and aorta on trauma computed tomography scans and investigated the correlation between the IVC to aorta ratio and the shock index in blunt trauma patients. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 588 trauma patients who were transferred to the regional trauma center (level 1) of Wonkang University Hospital from March 2020 to February 2021. We included trauma patients 18 years or older who met the trauma activation criteria and underwent trauma computed tomography scans with intravenous contrast within 40 minutes of admission. The shock index was calculated from vital signs before trauma computed tomography scan, and measurements of the anteroposterior diameter of the IVC (AP), the transverse diameter of the IVC (T), and aorta were made 10 mm above the right renal vein in the venous phase. Overall, 271 patients were included in this study, of whom 150 had a shock index ≤0.7 and 121 had a shock index >0.7. The T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio were significantly different between groups. Cutoffs were identified for the T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio (2.37 and 0.62, respectively) that produced clinically useful sensitivity and specificity for predicting a shock index >0.7, demonstrating moderate accuracy (T to AP ratio: area under the curve, 0.71; sensitivity, 59%; specificity, 87% and AP to aorta ratio: area under the curve, 0.70; sensitivity, 55%; specificity, 91%). The T to AP ratio and AP to aorta ratio are useful for predicting hemorrhagic shock in trauma patients.

Quantitative determination of skeletal age using cervical vertebral dimensions

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to compare skeletal age determination by using the ratio of third and fourth cervical vertebral dimensions (CVDs) versus the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method in an Iranian population. Materials and methods Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 240 patients were evaluated in this cross sectional study. The samples were classified into three groups (n = 80) of pre-peak of mandibular growth period (group 1), peak of mandibular growth period (group 2), and post-peak of mandibular growth period (group 3) according to the CVM stage. The dimensions of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae were measured. The anterior vertebral body height (AH) was divided by the anteroposterior vertebral body length (AP). The summation of the AH:AP ratio of C3 and C4 was calculated and reported as the SV. The correlation of SVs of 240 patients with their CVM stage was investigated. P-value less than 0.05 is statistically significant. Results SVs had a significant correlation with the CVM groups (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) was high for discrimination of group 1 from group 2 (AUC = 0.9776; 95% CI = 0.9448–0.9960), and also group 2 from group 3 (AUC = 0.9848; 95% CI = 0.9539–0.9984). The Youden index specified SVs of 1.29 and 1.61 as the best cut-off points for discriminating group 1 from group 2, and group 2 from group 3, respectively. Conclusions The two determined cut-off points could discriminate the groups with high sensitivity and specificity. Accordingly, we can use the CVD to determine the patients’ mandibular growth status.

The accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosis of palpable breast lumps

Objective: To find the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of ultrasound in detection of palpable breast lumps and to correlate the findings of ultrasound with the findings of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), or histopathology.Materials and Methods: Ultrasonagraphic evaluation of 100 palpable breast lumps was done in Alkhansaa hospital in the department of breast clinic. Diagnosis was made considering four features of the lumps i.e. shape, margins, width: AP ratio and echogenicity. Diagnosis was confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology or histopathology.Results: The sensitivity of ultrasound in detection of palpable breast lumps was 95%. The incidence of breast lumps was highest in the age group of 20-29 years. Lump alone was the presentation in 75% of the cases. 60% of the lumps were present in outer upper quadrant of the breast. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of ultrasound in fibroadenoma of the breast was 82%, 94% and 90% respectively. The sensitivity for carcinoma of the breast was 67% and for cystic masses it was 92%. The ultrasound features that most reliably characterized breast masses as benign were round or oval shape (97% were benign), circumscribed margins (81% were benign) and width: AP ratio > 1.4 (90% were benign). Features that characterised masses as malignant were irregular shape (48% were malignant), non-circumscribed margins (36% were malignant) and width: AP ratio 1.4 (31% were malignant).Conculation: Ultrasound is a useful tool in differentiation of cystic from solid masses of the breast. It is useful in young females and pregnant women where mammography is not advisable. However its role in diagnosis of carcinoma of the breast needs further evaluation before it can be used for screening of carcinoma breast.

Body weight of young broilers fed with declining calcium and phosphorus contents during the starter period is irresponsive to changes in the skeleton.

To evaluate the effect of reduced calcium (Ca) and available P (aP) levels in starter diets on growth performance and tibia, sternum and serum characteristics, and to assay the association between Ca and P (aP) intakes and these variables, 600 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a 21-days trial. Broilers were randomly allotted to five treatments with five replicate pens. Chicks were fed on one of the five starter diets that were formulated with a 10% reduction in the Ca and aP contents, starting from the control diet and hence, named as C (0.96% Ca, 0.45% aP), L1 (0.85% Ca and 0.42% aP), L2 (0.77% Ca and 0.38% aP), L3 (0.68% Ca and 0.34% aP) and L4 (0.61% Ca and 0.31% aP). Declining dietary Ca and aP levels did not affect body weight and levels of Ca, P and alkaline phosphatase in serum, but reduced linearly feed intake, the feed conversion ratio and the bone weight and ash content. The Ca and aP intakes and Ca:aP ratio displayed a positive correlation with both tibia and sternum weights, and the mass of the bones were equally sensitive to dietary Ca and aP levels. In conclusion, the body weight of young broilers was irresponsive to changes in the skeleton when exposed to early dietary Ca and aP restrictions (up to 0.61% Ca and 0.31% aP) and the mechanostat had limits due to the association between Ca and aP intakes, and bone properties.

The association between sarcopenia and osteoporotic vertebral compression refractures.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between osteoporotic vertebral compression refractures (OVCRFs) and sarcopenia, and to identify other risk factors of OVCRFs. We evaluated 237 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in our hospital from August 2016 to December 2017. To diagnose sarcopenia, a cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) image at the inferior aspect of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) was selected for estimating muscle mass. Grip strength was used to assess muscle strength. Possible risk factors, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), location of the treated vertebra, anterior-posterior ratio (AP ratio) of the fractured vertebra, cement leakage, and vacuum clefts, were assessed. The multivariable analysis was used to determine the risk factors of OVCRFs. During the follow-up period, OVCRFs occurred in 64 (27.0%) patients. Sarcopenia was present in 48 patients (20.3%), including 21 OVCRFs and 27 non-OVCRFs patients. Sarcopenia was significantly correlated with advanced age, lower BMI, lower BMD, and hypoalbuminemia. Compared with non-sarcopenic patients, sarcopenic patients had higher OVCRFs risk. In univariate analysis, sarcopenia (p = 0.003), female (p = 0.024), advanced age (≥ 75years; p < 0.001), lower BMD (p < 0.001), lower BMI (p = 0.01), TL junction (vertebral levels at the thoracolumbar junction) (p = 0.01), cardiopulmonary comorbidity (p = 0.042), and hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.003) were associated with OVCRFs. Multivariable analysis revealed that sarcopenia (OR 2.271; 95% CI 1.069-4.824, p = 0.033), lower BMD (OR 1.968; 95% CI 1.350-2.868, p < 0.001), advanced age (≥ 75years; OR 2.431; 95% CI 1.246-4.744, p = 0.009), and female sex (OR 4.666; 95% CI 1.400-15.552, p = 0.012) were independent risk predictors of OVCRFs. Sarcopenia is an independent risk predictor of osteoporotic vertebral compression refractures. Other factors affecting OVCRFs are low BMD T-scores, female sex, and advanced age.

175 Effects of increasing calcium to available phosphorus ratios in diets containing phytase on growth performance and bone mineral content of nursery pigs

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the growth performance of nursery pigs in response to increasing total calcium to available phosphorus (aP) ratios in diets containing phytase (250 FTU/kg, Natuphos E, BASF, Florham Park, NJ). A total of 480 nursery pigs (BW=5.74 ± 0.62 kg; L337 X Camborough, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) with 10 pigs/pen and 7 pens per treatment (6 pens fed 2.75:1 diet) were allotted to 7 treatments consisting of increasing ratios of calcium to available phosphorus: 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75. From d-7–0, pigs were fed a common diet. They were then fed the treatment diets during two experimental phases from d1–14, and d15–28, respectively. Available P was formulated to 0.33 and 0.27% (about 90% of requirement) in dietary phases 1 and 2, respectively. Body weight, ADG, ADF and G:F were determined. Mineral content of the femur was measured on d 35 on 1 pig per pen using DXA procedures. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS, 9.3). Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine linear and quadratic effects of increasing the Ca:aP ratio. Increasing Ca:aP resulted in a linear decrease in ADG (353, 338, 328, 304, 317, 291, 280 g/d; P &lt; 0.01), ADFI (539, 528, 528, 500, 533, 512, 489 g/d; P &lt; 0.05) and G:F (0.68, 0.66, 0.64, 0.62, 0.61, 0.59, 0.58; P &lt; 0.01). Increasing Ca:aP also resulted in decreased BW on days 14 and 28 (P &lt; 0.01). Bone mineral content (BMC) decreased with increasing Ca:aP ratio (6.2, 6.3, 5.7, 5.9, 5.5, 5.6, 5.3 g; P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, all outcomes indicated that any level of calcium above the minimum used in this experiment impaired growth performance and skeletal development. Additional, longer term studies are required as these results were unexpected.

Effects of the Level and Relationship of Calcium and Available Phosphorus on the Growth and Tibia Mineralization of Broiler Starter Chickens

SUMMARY The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth performance and tibia measurements in broilers from 8 to 21 d of age fed diets with increasing levels of aP at adjusted or variable levels of Ca. A total of 168 chicks from 8 to 19 d of age were allocated in pairs per cage and randomly assigned to 6 dietary levels of aP (0.13%, 0.23%, 0.33%, 0.43%, 0.53%, and 0.63%) and 2 Ca:aP ratios, adjusted (adjCa:aP) or variable (varCa:aP). In the AdjCa diets, the Ca:aP ratio was kept at 2:1; in the varCa diets the Ca:aP ratio varied from 7.69 to 1.59. Chicks were weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment. At the last day of the trial, all chicks were killed to determine the tibia ash and Ca and P content in the ash. Data was subjected to ANOVA and linear regression analysis. In broilers fed the adjCa:aP diets, the maximum WG, weight of tibia ash, and weight of P in tibia ash (P

Combined Minimum-Run Resolution IV and Central Composite Design for Optimized Removal of the Tetracycline Drug Over Metal⁻Organic Framework-Templated Porous Carbon.

In this study, a minimum-run resolution IV and central composite design have been developed to optimize tetracycline removal efficiency over mesoporous carbon derived from the metal-organic framework MIL-53 (Fe) as a self-sacrificial template. Firstly, minimum-run resolution IV, powered by the Design–Expert program, was used as an efficient and reliable screening study for investigating a set of seven factors, these were: tetracycline concentration (A: 5–15 mg/g), dose of mesoporous carbons (MPC) (B: 0.05–0.15 g/L), initial pH level (C: 2–10), contact time (D: 1–3 h), temperature (E: 20–40 °C), shaking speed (F: 150–250 rpm), and Na+ ionic strength (G: 10–90 mM) at both low (−1) and high (+1) levels, for investigation of the data ranges. The 20-trial model was analyzed and assessed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) data, and diagnostic plots (e.g., the Pareto chart, and half-normal and normal probability plots). Based on minimum-run resolution IV, three factors, including tetracycline concentration (A), dose of MPC (B), and initial pH (C), were selected to carry out the optimization study using a central composite design. The proposed quadratic model was found to be statistically significant at the 95% confidence level due to a low P-value (<0.05), high R2 (0.9078), and the AP ratio (11.4), along with an abundance of diagnostic plots (3D response surfaces, Cook’s distance, Box-Cox, DFFITS, Leverage versus run, residuals versus runs, and actual versus predicted). Under response surface methodology-optimized conditions (e.g., tetracycline concentration of 1.9 mg/g, MPC dose of 0.15 g/L, and pH level of 3.9), the highest tetracycline removal efficiency via confirmation tests reached up to 98.0%–99.7%. Also, kinetic intraparticle diffusion and isotherm models were systematically studied to interpret how tetracycline molecules were absorbed on an MPC structure. In particular, the adsorption mechanisms including “electrostatic attraction” and “π–π interaction” were proposed.

Ileal digestibility of calcium and phosphorus in broilers fed diets with different phytases and Ca:available P ratios

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the apparent ileal digestibility of calcium and phosphorus in broilers fed diets with different phytases and calcium:available phosphorus (Ca:aP) ratios. Two experiments were carried out: one with broilers with 22 to 33 days of age, and the other with broilers with 35 to 42 days. The Ca:aP ratios used were 4.5:1.0, 6.0:1.0, and 7.5:1.0 in the first period, and 3.5:1.0, 5.0:1.0, and 6.5:1.0 in the second. All diets were supplemented with 1,500 units of phytase activity per kilogram of six different sources of microbial phytase. At the end of each experiment, two broilers per replicate were slaughtered to collect the ileal content. In the samples of digested food, the Ca and P contents were determined for later calculation of the apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of these minerals. The Ca:aP ratio influenced the activity of phytases, and the highest digestibility was observed with lower ratios, in both experiments. The phytases that provided greater digestibility coefficients were A, D, and E. In both ages evaluated, the inclusion of phytases in the feed improved the digestibility of Ca and P, which was also affected by the content of calcium and by the phytase source used.

Terminal position of a tibial intramedullary nail: a computed tomography (CT) based study.

The purpose of this study is to characterize the distal anatomic end-point of a tibial intramedullary nail placed using modern surgical techniques. The goal is to improve reduction of distal tibia fractures. An intramedullary nail was placed in 14 skeletally mature legs. This included 8 patients with mid-shaft tibial fractures and 6 intact cadaveric legs. Each nail was a titanium cannulated tibial nail, size 10- or 11-mm. The nails were placed using a suprapatellar or transpatellar approach with an ideal starting point. All legs received post-nail insertion CT scans and fluoroscopy. The main outcome measure was the terminal location of the nail just proximal to the distal tibial physeal scar, as seen on axial CT and fluoroscopic views of the ankle (mortise and lateral). The end-point was measured as the (1) ratio of medial-lateral tibial width (ML ratio) and (2) ratio of anterior-posterior tibial width (AP ratio). Two-tailed Welch's t tests were used to compare the actual, observed position of the nail to the hypothesized center-center position (H0 = ML and AP ratio of 0.5). All enrolled patients (n = 8) and cadaveric legs were included (n = 6). On axial CT, the average distance from the medial tibial cortex to the nail center as a ratio of medial-lateral tibial width was 0.63, 95% CI 0.60-0.67, p < 0.001 (Patient = 0.60, 95% CI 0.55-0.64, p = 0.001) (Cadaver = 0.68, 95% CI 0.64-0.73, p < 0.001). On fluoroscopic mortise views, the distance from the medial cortex to the nail center as ratio of medial-lateral tibial width was 0.64, 95% CI 0.60-0.67, p < 0.001 (Patient = 0.61, 95% CI 0.56-0.65, p < 0.001) (Cadaver = 0.67, 95% CI 0.63-0.72, p < 0.001). The AP ratio was not significantly different from 0.5 on either axial CT or fluoroscopic mortise views (p > 0.05). The distal end-point of a tibial intramedullary nail is lateral (ML plane) and center (AP plane) in both cadaveric legs and patients with midshaft tibia fractures. These results suggest that the treatment of distal tibia fractures with intramedullary nails may be improved by positioning the nail slightly lateral in the distal segment. Diagnostic level I.

Impact of the anterior-posterior corneal radius ratio on intraocular lens power calculation errors.

PurposeTo evaluate the distribution of the anterior–posterior corneal radius ratio (AP ratio; anterior corneal radius/posterior corneal radius) in patients before cataract surgery, and investigate which parameters can affect this ratio. We also investigated the impact of the AP ratio on the intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation error in cataract surgery.MethodA total of 501 eyes of 501 consecutive patients who had no history of corneal diseases and had undergone cataract surgery were enrolled in this study. The patients’ AP ratio was measured before surgery using anterior segment optical coherence tomography; using these data, we evaluated the correlation between the AP ratio and various parameters that can affect the corneal radius. For subgroup analyses, we investigated the correlation between the AP ratio and IOL power calculation error in 181 eyes of 181 patients. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed with the IOL power calculation errors of the SRK/T, Haigis, Holladay 1, and Hoffer Q formulas as the dependent variables and various parameters that can affect the postoperative IOL power calculation error as the independent variables.ResultsThe mean AP ratio was 1.19±0.02, and it weakly correlated with corneal thickness, horizontal corneal diameter, and posterior corneal radius. The correlations between the AP ratio and IOL power calculation errors in the 4 calculation formulas were not statistically significant. Stepwise multiple regression analysis could not detect any significant parameters affecting this ratio.ConclusionThe AP ratio has no major influence on IOL power calculation error in patients with any history of corneal disease.