Trunk Area Research Articles

Clear cell sarcoma at D12-L1 paraspinal region: A reported case and review of the literature.

BackgroundClear cell sarcoma is a very rare malignant tumor originating from neural crest cells, the tumor most commonly affects the lower limbs but there have been few cases reported to affect the trunk and para spinal area. Patients with Para spinal sarcoma have a variety of clinical presentations and a variable prognosis depending on several prognostic factors including tumor size.Case presentationA 14-year-old male patient presented with paraplegia for one month duration and he was diagnosed later on to have a paraspinal clear cell sarcoma at D12-L1 level. A wide local excision was made and patient was referred for oncology treatment. However, the patient came back to the same hospital after two months due to the recurrence of the tumor at the same site.ConclusionClear cell sarcoma, although rare, can affect the spine and present with weakness, paraplegia and backache. It also affects people from all age groups and can have a high metastatic rate and a high recurrence rate.

Genetic Factors Associated With Tardive Dyskinesia: From Pre-clinical Models to Clinical Studies.

Tardive dyskinesia is a severe motor adverse event of antipsychotic medication, characterized by involuntary athetoid movements of the trunk, limbs, and/or orofacial areas. It affects two to ten patients under long-term administration of antipsychotics that do not subside for years even after the drug is stopped. Dopamine, serotonin, cannabinoid receptors, oxidative stress, plasticity factors, signaling cascades, as well as CYP isoenzymes and transporters have been associated with tardive dyskinesia (TD) occurrence in terms of genetic variability and metabolic capacity. Besides the factors related to the drug and the dose and patients’ clinical characteristics, a very crucial variable of TD development is individual susceptibility and genetic predisposition. This review summarizes the studies in experimental animal models and clinical studies focusing on the impact of genetic variations on TD occurrence. We identified eight genes emerging from preclinical findings that also reached statistical significance in at least one clinical study. The results of clinical studies are often conflicting and non-conclusive enough to support implementation in clinical practice.

Haptic Information Improvement on Postural Sway is Information-Dependent But Not Influenced by Cognitive Task

Young adults reduce their sway in both light touch (LT) and anchor systems (AS), however, the cognitive involvement in these tasks is unknown. This study investigated postural control in young adults standing upright using either LT or AS, concomitantly with a cognitive task (counting). Nine adults (26 ± 7.4 years) stood in the upright tandem stance with eyes closed, with/without LT, AS (force <2 N), and a cognitive task. The mean sway amplitude of the trunk, right wrist, and shoulder ellipse area, as well as the mean force during LT and AS were obtained. The cognitive task did not influence the magnitude of trunk sway or the mean force in the LT and AS conditions. The trunk sway magnitude was reduced in the AS and even further in LT. Wrist and shoulder variability was larger in the AS than in the LT. Based on these results, we conclude that enhanced sensory cues provided by LT and AS reduce trunk sway with little or no attentional demands.

Cutaneous Manifestations in COVID-19-Positive African American Patients.

Background: The United States of America is the leading country in confirmed cases of and deaths from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In April and May 2020, respectively, 0.2% of patients in a Chinese COVID-19–positive cohort and 20.4% of patients in an Italian COVID-19–positive cohort developed cutaneous abnormalities. Cutaneous abnormalities associated with COVID-19 are not well documented or discussed, and investigation of cutaneous manifestations is necessary to determine if they have any clinical value.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of COVID-19–positive patients who were admitted to Ochsner–Louisiana State University-Shreveport and Ochsner–Louisiana State University-Monroe facilities in Louisiana. Cutaneous manifestations were determined from clinical notes, descriptions in medical records, and a billing code for skin rashes.Results: Of 1,086 COVID-19–positive patients investigated, 871 were African American and 130 were Caucasian. Only 10 patents exhibited probable COVID-19–induced cutaneous abnormalities: 6 (0.7%) of the 871 African American patients and 4 (3.1%) of the 130 Caucasian patients. Dermatologic abnormalities included pruritic or erythematous rash and hypopigmentation of the face, upper chest, abdomen, and trunk areas. Our data are consistent with the smaller percentage of patients in the Chinese cohort study vs the larger percentage in the Italian cohort study.Conclusion: Our data provide evidence that cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19, especially in African American patients, are rare, but documentation of more cases is necessary to establish a cause and effect for COVID-19–induced skin manifestations.

Evaluation of Vegetative Growth Parameters of Almond Varieties (Prunus Amygdalus L.) at Holleta, Central Highlands of Ethiopia

The study's goal was to evaluate almond cultivars' vegetative growth performance and adaptability under Holetta conditions. The trial was carried out at the Holetta Agricultural Research Center with four almond varieties arranged in RCBD and three times replicated. Ferraduel had the highest tree height of 129.58 cm in the first growing season of 2011, followed by Desmayo (108.75 cm), Ferragnes (96.17 cm), and Marcona (95.56 cm). The Ferraduel variety has the highest recorded height except in 2014 and 2015. Annual growth differed significantly between years, with 2015 recording the most (42.7 cm) and 2013 following closely after (32.8 cm). The cross-sectional area of a tree trunk increased in general as the growth season progressed. In 2011, Marcona had the lowest TCSA (2.04 cm 2 ), whereas Ferragnes (86.58 cm 2 ) had a much lower TCSA in 2016. The exponential canopy stretch was somewhat limited from 2012 to 2013. The growing season 2016 has the most main branches, followed by the growing season 2013, with the values of 3.44 and 3.14, respectively. While the 2014 growing season had the fewest major branches, followed by the 2015 growing season with values of 2.19 and 2.58, respectively. Across all growing seasons, the Desmayo variety exhibited the highest branching height. With increasing tree height, TCSA and canopy stretch grow linearly. It also shows non-linear positive correlations of 0.43 and 0.35 with yearly growth rate and branching height, respectively. Keywords: almond, variety, year, vegetative, TCSA DOI: 10.7176/ALST/91-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2022

Ayurveda multimodal treatment approach for the management of generalized plaque psoriasis: a case report

Background: Plaque psoriasis typically presents with large, oval-circular plaques over the scalp, trunk, and extensor body surface. In Ayurveda, all the skin diseases depict under the heading “Kustha” (skin diseases). Among them, “Ekakustha” (psoriasis) is further explained under the title “Kshudra Kustha” (minor skin diseases). It is characterized by the hyperproliferation of the epidermal cells resulting in plaque formation over the lesions and may get severe and progress into the pustular subtype. Aim: Plaque psoriasis is compared with Ekakushtha in Ayurveda because of its resemblance to disease condition that is described in the Ayurveda classics. The aim of this study was to treat a patient with Ayurveda multimodal treatment approach. Materials and Methods: We, herein, reported a case of a woman aged 29 years complaining about reddish lesions over the scalp, peripheral area of eyes, trunk, back, and upper and lower extremities with intense pruritus since the last 8 months. Itching leads to scaling and trickling of blood from lesions. The patient was diagnosed with generalized plaque psoriasis. This case was treated by internal as well as topical medicament with the cessation of known etiological factors. Results: A significant reduction in the symptoms within 98 days of treatment without reported relapse manifestation of previous symptoms. The scores of 18, 10, and 2 were observed before treatment, after treatment, and after follow-up period, respectively, on the symptomatic relief in signs and symptoms of Ekakushtha. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score was adopted as the assessment of severity of case. The PASI score is zero after the treatment and 12.2 before the treatment. The Ayurveda multimodal treatment approach gives miraculous result in this type of complex nature of psoriasis disease.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious, superficial bacterial infection of the skin. Over 140 million people are suffering from impetigo, globally at any given time. Impetigo is the most common skin infection in children aged two to five, but it can occur at any age. The incidence decreases with growing older. Infection generally occurs in warm, humid conditions, and risk factors include poor hygiene, poverty, and scabies. There are two clinical forms of impetigo: non-bullous and bullous. Non-bullous impetigo is more common form. It usually occurs on the face, predominantly on the nose or the extremities after trauma. The change begins as an erythematous macula that rapidly evolves into a vesicle or pustule. After the vesicle or pustule ruptures, erosion occurs, covered with a honey-colored crust on an erythematous basis. The causative agents of non-bullous impetigo are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Bullous impetigo mostly occurs in newborns and children aged 2 to 5 years. It is characterized by the appearance of a flabby bulla, initially filled with serous contents, which burst easily and erosions are formed covered with brownish-yellow crusts. The changes most often occur on the trunk, extremities and wet intertriginous areas. Bullous impetigo is exclusively caused by strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Skin lesions, which occur in patients with impetigo, should be kept clean, washed with soap and warm water, and secretions and crusts removed. The use of systemic antimicrobial agents is indicated when they are affected by an infection of a deeper structure (subcutaneous tissue, muscle fascia). The use of systemic antibiotics is also indicated if fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, infections near the oral cavity, scalp infections and/or multiple lesions occur. The use of topical antibiotics in the treatment of localized impetigo has shown high efficacy. The advantages of using topical antibiotics are that they minimize the development of antibiotic resistance and avoid gastrointestinal and other systemic side effects. The duration of local treatment varies depending on the product itself, but clinical trials have shown that the duration of therapy of seven days is effective. Potential disadvantages of topical antibiotics include local allergic reactions, skin hypersensitivity, and difficulty applying to parts of the body such as the eyelids, lips and back. There are a number of topical antibiotics used to treat impetigo. The most commonly used today are mupirocin, fusidic acid, neomycin, bacitracyn, retapamulin and gentamicyn sulfate. Patients should be educated about the mode of transmission, clinical course, hygiene and precautions in case of infection. It is especially important to emphasize the need of hygienic measures in order to prevent the spread of infection. These measures include washing hands, cleaning minor injuries with soap and water, bathing regularly and avoiding close contact with infected people.

Emerging lignocellulosic ionic liquid biomass pretreatment criteria/strategy of optimization and recycling short review with infrared spectroscopy analytical know-how

• Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) using ionic liquid solvent review in general. • Pretreatment optimization with recycling technique on LCB review information. • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) shift and change of FTIR peaks/curve prediction/relationship comparing the untreated to the pretreated lignocellulosic biomass sample of oil palm source of oil palm frond (OPF), empty fruit bunch (EFB), oil palm trunk (OPT) and micro crystalline (MCC) biomass analytical area under the curve data. Pretreatment of various types of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) being shortly reviewed as criteria concerning emerging pretreatment solvents, recycling strategies and optimization. Review findings presented include pretreatment methods, recycling techniques, ionic liquid types, optimization parameters (dependent/independent), optimization model and references. In this article, original investigated research Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) pretreatment data on oil palm frond (OPF), empty fruit bunch (EFB), oil palm trunk (OPT) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were also presented, aiding the indirect indicator strategy of the effect of pretreatment via FTIR analysis to support the criteria analysis. The strategy covers certain spectroscopy changes when 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [EMIM]Ac and electron beam irradiation (EBI) pretreatments on untreated and treated LCB samples, predicting shift in peaks or change of shape of the FTIR curve at specific wavenumber spectral region. Fundamentally, the obvious decrease of area under the curve values relationship with the pretreatment effects for three (3) spectroscopy FTIR functional groups representing stretching and vibration of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon combinations within the range of 3125 to 3600, 2850 to 2950 and 890 to 1200 cm −1 on four (4) different microcrystalline cellulose conditions of being untreated together with ionic liquid pretreatments of 50% (v/v) and 100% (v/v) [EMIM]Ac and finally with radiation pretreatment of 1000 kGy EBI conditions, can be useful for the criteria analytical understanding spectroscopically.

Clinical presentation and gross appearance of diffuse axonal injury in the early post-injury period

The objective of the study was to investigate and characterize the clinical presentation, and establish macroscopic diagnostic signs of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in the early (up to 3 days) post-injury period. In DAI, coma develops immediately after head injury and persists for 3 days post-injury until death. The coma is accompanied by dominant primary stem neurological symptoms, hemodynamic and respiratory disturbances and does not progress to a vegetative state. Lifetime computed tomography reveals cerebral hemorrhage in 40.5% of cases. We established the macroscopic signs of head injury in DAI. For the postmortem diagnosis of DAI, a detailed macroscopic appearance of pathognomonic cerebral hemorrhages is given, which are most frequently (67.5%) localized in the corpus callosum (CC), namely in the area from its genu to the middle of the trunk (97%). A rational, improved scheme of excision of CC trunk areas for the histological study is proposed.

Multi-System Histiocytosis of Langerhans Cells in Boys Aged 2 Years (Histopathology Review)

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (HSL) or histiocytosis X, eosinophilic granuloma, letterer siwe disease, hand schuller christian disease and hashimoto pritzker disease is a disorder caused by the accumulation and proliferation of langerhans cells in various organs of the body that causes tissue damage. The highest prevalence of HSL occurs in children less than 3 years old, with a ratio of 2:1 for boys and girls. The classic appearance of skin manifestations is an eruption resembling seborrheic dermatitis in the folds, axillae, scalp, retroauricular and trunk areas. The appearance of the lesion is yellow to brownish red papules, purpuric and crusted papules that can occur together with erosion. Histopathological examination with staining with S100 or cluster of differentiation 1a (CD1a) revealed Langerhans cell infiltration. The results of immunohistochemistry with IHC S-100 staining, CD1a showed a picture of Langerhans cells and histiocytes. The purpose of this paper is to study the histopathological features of HSL to better than to diagnosis and treatment of HSL. A 2-year-old boy was consulted with the chief complaint of itchy red nodules on the head, chest and back area. Complaints accompanied by diarrhea, often feel thirsty and hungry and lose weight. Dermatological status in the facial region, the anterior and posterior trunks showed lenticular papules with umbilication (pin points) with erosions covered with necrotic tissue above, on the scalp, facial, retroauricular and trunk regions, yellow to brownish papules were crusted with erosions. Histopathology with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed the presence of small fragments of skin tissue, the epidermis was partially composed intact, the dermis was filled with histiocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, mast cell impressions and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Immunohistochemical examination with staining IHC S-100 and CD1a showed positive. Histiocytosis is a group of disorders characterized by the accumulation of cells derived from dendritic cells accompanied by inflammation and causing tissue damage. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations serve to establish the diagnosis. The results of immunohistochemical examination with IHC S-100 staining, CD1a will show a picture of Langerhans cells and histiocytes

A clinical case of Barraquer-Simons syndrome

Barraquer-Simons syndrome (SBS) belongs to the groupof lipodystrophy with complex etiology and pathophysiology and is characterized by progressive loss of subcutaneous fat, presumably related to autoimmune destruction of adipocytes. SBS is frequently associated with autoimmune disorders. Its first signs are found in childhood or puberty. It is characterized by gradual onset from the face with subsequent extension of the pathological process downwards without the involvement of the lower extremities. At the same time, there is a clear delimitation between the lipodystrophic and unaffected zones. The diagnosis of SBS is mainly based on clinical manifestations. Laboratory work-upis needed mostly to clarify any concomitant disorders.&#x0D; We describe a rare clinical case of the Barraquer-Simons syndrome in a 61-year-old woman, associated with chronic glomerulonephritis and C3-hypocomplementemia. The disease manifested at the age of 11 years with the fat loss in the face area. No familial history of SBS could be identified. Among the concomitant diseases, chronic glomerulonephritis and bilateral retinal angiopathy are of particular interest. The laboratory assessments showed proteinuria and microhematuria in the urine analysis and decreased C3 component of the complement in blood chemistry analysis. The skin pathology was represented by atrophy of the skin and soft tissues in the face, neck, upper limbs and trunk areas, with a clear delimitation in the upper third of the thighs, where normal subcutaneous fat was preserved. There was pronounced skin hypotrophy in the face area, with face disfiguration resembling a "dead man's face". To diagnose the Barraquer-Simons syndrome, in addition to the assessment of clinical manifestations, we used non-invasive diagnostic methods and the results of histological examination of a skin biopsy samples (the description of the specimen is given).&#x0D; Patients with SBS should be followed upwith the monitoring of their clinical and biochemical profiles and need an in-depth comprehensive examination by medical specialists to identify and treat their concomitant disorders.

Assessment of dwarf genotypes in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) based on some trunk and leaf characteristics

Studying the relationship between trunk quantitative parameters and tree growth and vigour in litchi is crucial for estlablishing the basis of dwarfing in different genotypes. Observation on plant height, trunk girth, bark area of trunk, xylem diameter, xylem area, xylem transversal area, bark transversal area, trunk transversal area, bark:wood ratio, rachis length, leaf blade length, dry weight of leaf were recorded on 30 litchi genotypes, having diverse growth habit. Data were subjected to correlation analysis. A positive correlation of plant height was found with trunk girth, rachis length, leaflet blade length and dry weight of leaf which was observed which also exhibited strong positive correlation with xylem diameter, xylem area and xylem transversal area. Similarly, bark area had a very strong positive correlation with bark:wood ratio but was negatively correlated with plant height, trunk girth, xylem diameter, xylem area and xylem transversal area. In litchi, dwarf genotypes have higher bark area and bark:wood ratio compared to vigorous ones. Using these parameters as criteria for screening the dwarfing genotypes would be useful to generate the information for differentiating between genotypes with varying growth and vigour.

Surgical treatment and long-term outcomes of low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma: a single-center case series of 15 patients

BackgroundLow-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a poorly studied, rare, soft tissue sarcoma. LGMS is characterized by a low malignancy potential, tendency for local recurrence, and low likelihood of distant metastases. However, no studies have reported on the surgical treatment method and its long-term outcomes.MethodsWe included all patients treated for LGMS at our institution between March 2010 and March 2021. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed to collect demographic information, as well as information about the clinical course, tumor characteristics, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the recurrence rate.ResultsFifteen patients who underwent surgical treatment were enrolled in this study. There were seven cases in the upper extremities, four in the trunk area, three in the lower extremities, and one in the head and neck area. There were no metastatic cases and two cases of local recurrence.ConclusionsThe incidence of LGMS in the extremities or trunk may be higher than expected based on the current literature. Univariate analysis showed that local tissue invasion and surgical method could be associated with local recurrence. Although further large studies are needed to establish risk factors of local recurrence or extent of resection margins, based on our study, wide local excision under the proper diagnosis is the most important treatment.

Pulmonary Infantile Hemangioma: Clinical and Histopathological Review of Eight Cases

IntroductionInfantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign vascular tumor of childhood. It typically appears as a single cutaneous mass in the head, neck, and trunk area. IH that does not arise in the skin most commonly presents in the liver. The lesion emerges shortly after birth, rapidly enlarges within the first six months of life, and then spontaneously involutes by 5-10 years of age. Risk factors associated with IH complications include lesional size, location, and growth characteristics. Pulmonary IH is rare with limited reports of clinical presentations and outcomes.MethodsAn IRB-approved, retrospective review of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary IH was conducted. Cases were identified within the Department of Pathology at Boston Children's Hospital from surgical or autoptic specimens evaluated between 1918 and 2021. Analysis of histopathological slides confirmed pulmonary IH in eight infants. We describe the diagnostic workup, radiological, and histopathological findings of these eight patients.ResultsAll patients presented with symptoms of respiratory distress, including tachypnea, subcostal retractions, and hypoxia. The median age at initial symptoms was 1.5 months (range, birth to 12 months). Five patients had a single pulmonary hemangioma ranging in size from 0.2 to 8.0 cm; three patients had multiple pulmonary hemangiomas. Four patients had co-occurrence of multifocal hepatic IH. The median age at histologic diagnosis of pulmonary IH was 6.5 months (range, 5 weeks to 16 months). Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) immunostaining was positive in seven cases. Chest radiography demonstrated nonhomogeneous, mass-like consolidative opacities or rounded nodules. Treatment was primarily supportive. Three patients received medical therapy; two were treated with interferon, and one received propranolol. The infant treated with propranolol responded well with decreased lesional size and resolution of respiratory symptoms. Half of the patients in the cohort died; causes of death included cardiac failure from hepatic involvement, sepsis, hemorrhage, and liver failure.ConclusionsAlthough IH is a common childhood tumor, IH of the lung is rare. Most (80%) IHs are focal, with hepatic co-involvement in 50-60% cases (Zavras et al. Eur J Pediatr, 2020; Hinen et al. Front Pediatr, 2020). Given that all patients who had concomitant hepatic hemangiomas died-albeit before the widespread availability of medical therapy-the presence of hepatic hemangiomas may confer high risk of complications. Patients with hepatic hemangiomas presented with pulmonary symptoms. Biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary IH and inform treatment. In this series, only treatment with propranolol or surgical resection was curative. Pulmonary IH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants with unexplained pulmonary masses, especially when accompanied by hepatic IH. Early recognition is critical for patients to receive proper and potentially life-saving treatment. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Relationships between trunk morphology and strength with non-contact lower limb injuries in elite rugby league and Australian football players

Background: Non-contact lower limb injuries (NCLLI) are common within the National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL). Smaller lumbar multifidus at L5 (LM L5) cross-sectional area (CSA) and lower levels of trunk and hip extension and knee flexion strength have been associated with increased NCLLI risk in AFL players. However, such associations have not been reported in the NRL. This study aims to explore relationships between NCLLI, trunk morphology and isometric trunk and hip extension strength in NRL and AFL players. Methods: NRL and AFL players had their LM L2-L5 and quadratus lumborum (QL) CSA (n=238), and isometric trunk and hip extension strength (n=153) measured using ultrasonography and a novel field-based test in preseason. Isometric trunk and hip extensor strength were measured using a 65s maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) protocol (5s MVIC, 5s off, 45s MVIC, 5s off, 5s MVIC). Team medical staff reported all NCLLIs sustained in the subsequent competitive season. The associations between LM and QL CSA, 5s and 45s MVIC, age, and previous injury, and prospectively occurring NCLLI were analysed using univariable and then multivariable logistic regression. Logistic regression analysis was also performed for the most sustained NCLLI (hamstring and knee). Results: Seventy-two players sustained a NCLLI in the 2020 competitive seasons (51 NRL, 21 AFL). From univariable logistic regression previous injury increased the risk of any NCLLI in NRL (OR=2.43, 95%CI=1.16-5.09, p=0.019). Reduced 5s MVIC (OR=1.00, 95%CI=1.00-1.01, p=0.012), increased QL CSA (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.05-2.38, p=0.033) and lower ratio between LM and QL CSA (OR=0.03, 95%CI=0.01-0.60, p=0.02) increased NCLLI risk in AFL. Pooled hamstring injuries (n=28) were most common and were associated with lower 5s MVIC (OR=0.99, 95%CI=0.99-1.00, p=0.02) and 45s MVIC (OR=0.99, 95%CI=0.99-1.00, p=0.001). Pooled knee injuries (n=21) were associated with both reduced LM CSA (OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.08-1.70, p=0.018) and LM to QL ratio (OR=3.62, 95%CI=1.41- 9.66, p=0.043). Conclusions: Larger QL CSA and reduced levels of trunk and hip extension strength are observed in AFL players in preseason who sustain a NCLLI in the subsequent playing season. Only previous NCLLI was associated with future risk of NCLLI for NRL players. These results suggest that risk factors for NCLLI are football code specific, and prevention strategies should be tailored accordingly. Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest relevant to the submission of this abstract.

Evolving Scalp Lesions in an 8-day-old Infant

Evolving Scalp Lesions in an 8-day-old Infant

Micro-tomographic analysis of the root trunk and pre-furcation area of the first mandibular molars.

This study analyzed the root trunk (RT) and the pre-furcation area (PFA) of mandibular first molars. Thirty lower first mandibular molars extracted due to advanced periodontal disease were evaluated in a high-energy spiral computerized micro-tomography. Two gutta-percha markings on the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and at the furcation entrance (FE) at buccal and lingual surfaces served as reference points for measurements of RT length, and PFA width and depth, at the levels of CEJ, 1mm apical to CEJ, 2mm apical to CEJ, and at the FE. The mean RT length was 2.49mm at buccal and 3.18mm at lingual sides. The mean widths of the PFA at CEJ, at 1 and 2mm apical to CEJ, and at FE were 2.9, 3.4, 3.9 and 4.3mm, respectively, while the mean depths were 0.19, 0.32, 0.57 and 1.1mm, respectively. The PFA coincided with CEJ in 10 buccal and 10 lingual surfaces, representing 33.33% of the sample. There was a negative correlation between RT length and PFA dimensions. This study concludes that the RT length was smaller than previous studies. From the CEJ up to the furcation entrance, the PFA showed a progressive increase in width and depth. The coincidence of the PFA area beginning at the CEJ in 1/3, and the negative correlation between RT length and PFA dimensions may represent greater risk factor for the early development of furcation lesions.

Impact of multiple lymphatic basin drainage in truncal melanoma patients

In many patients with cutaneous melanoma that affects the trunk area, there is lymphatic drainage to multiple basins (MLBD). This study aimed to examine whether MLBD is associated with disease outcomes. Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy were performed in 161 patients with truncal melanoma. The number and location of draining nodal basins were established during the preoperative lymphoscintigraphy using technetium-99m rhenium sulphide nanocolloid. MLBD was present in 59 (37%) patients, and single lymphatic basin drainage (SLBD) in 102 (63%) patients. Patients with MLBD showed no increased risk for SLN metastasis compared to patients with SLBD (27% versus 29%, respectively). There was no significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between patients with MLBD and those with SLBD. Five-year DFS was 64% for patients with MLBD and SLBD. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of ulceration (p=0.01) was an independent predictor of SLN metastasis, while melanoma thickness (p=0.01) and SLN metastasis (p=0.01) were independent predictors of DFS. In patients with a negative SLN, five-year DFS was 74% for patients with MLBD and 73% for those with SLBD. Multivariate analysis showed that melanoma thickness (p=0.00) was an independent predictor of DFS. MLBD does not negatively impact the disease outcome in patients with truncal melanoma.

Study of Obesity and Fat Distribution in Young Medical Students

The Body Mass Index (BMI) and body weight do not give enough information about a person’s body composition. Measuring the fat free mass gives us the extra information we need. The body composition can be measured in several ways. Unfortunately none of these techniques is a gold standard. That is why different techniques are combined in a full body composition assessment. This study aims to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity and the fat distribution in medical students. Two hundred (200) preclinical, 100 male and 100 female age matched students (mean 18.93 ± 0.75 years) were included in the study. BMI, waist hip ratio, body fat, skeletal muscle mass and their bodily distribution were recorded by using an electronic body composition analyzer. The subjects were divided into undernourished (UN=BMI&lt;18.5 kg/m2), normal (N=BMI&gt;18.5–22.9 kg/m2), overweight (OW=BMI&gt;23-27.99 kg/m2) and obese (OB=BMI &gt;28 Kgm2) groups based on BMI cut off values for Asians. The data analyzed showed that 32% of the Male (mean BMI = 25.41 ±1.46 kg/m2) 33% of the Female (mean BMI =25.03 ± 1.44 kg/m2) were over weight and 16% of Males (mean BMI =31.08 ±1.91) 8% Females(mean BMI= 30.73 ± 1.66) were obese. The average total body fat in males was 20.75 ± 6.69% and 28.55 ± 5.86% in females. The total body fat was high in obese males and females 26.67±4.37, 36.73 ±0.46% respectively as compared to other groups. The visceral fat was high in obese males (14.40 ± 2, 27%) and whereas obese females had normal levels at (9.5 ± 1.0%). The subcutaneous fat was more in the lower limbs than in the trunk area in both males and females. The skeletal muscle mass was about 34.5 ± 3.44% in males and 26.98 ± 2.55% in females which was slightly less than the recommended values. The leg area had more muscle mass than other areas. The findings clearly indicate increase in total body fat increases with BMI and WHR.

Factors influencing mangrove forest recruitment in rehabilitated aquaculture ponds

Aquaculture development was the major reason for mangrove loss in many Asian countries during the previous century. With increasing recognition of the importance of mangroves, rehabilitating aquaculture ponds back to mangrove forests has become a popular initiative. However, factors influencing mangrove recruitment, in particular natural recruitment in pond rehabilitation remain unclear. Here we surveyed the vegetation, elevation thresholds of mangroves, soil properties and the distance to open water in 17 rehabilitated ponds across different geomorphologic settings in Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan, China five years after the rehabilitation project was initiated. We found that mangroves colonized within an elevation range from 10 cm to 161 cm above mean sea level. The lower and higher elevation thresholds for mangrove recruitment varied greatly across ponds and were positively correlated. The thresholds were not related to the distance to open water, salinity or soil properties. Natural mangrove recruitment occurred in all ponds and non-planted species dominated in 14 ponds, among which non-planted exotic Sonneratia apetala dominated or co-dominated with other species in ten ponds. Total ground trunk area of mangroves and the relative dominance of non-planted mangroves were negatively related to soil salinity and positively related to soil nitrogen and the fraction of soil clay+silt (particles < 0.02 mm). These results suggest that elevation may not be a good proxy for hydrological conditions at restored sites and there are no unique elevation thresholds for mangrove recruitment within the same area due to the spatial heterogeneity of hydrodynamics or the varying inundation tolerance of mangroves along environmental gradients. Natural recruitment is a cost-effective way of mangrove rehabilitation at fluvial sites with more favorable soil properties, but planting is helpful to speed up mangrove rehabilitation and increase species diversity at oceanic sites with less favorable conditions. However, invasion of exotic species should be taken into consideration during pond rehabilitation.