Morphological Correlates Research Articles

Correlation of root canal morphology of endodontically treated premolar and molar teeth with procedural errors using cone-beam computed tomography in an Iranian population

Correlation of root canal morphology of endodontically treated premolar and molar teeth with procedural errors using cone-beam computed tomography in an Iranian population

Benchmarking of Sensor Configurations and Measurement Sites for Out-of-the-Lab Photoplethysmography.

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is used for heart-rate monitoring in a variety of contexts and applications due to its versatility and simplicity. These applications, namely studies involving PPG data acquisition during day-to-day activities, require reliable and continuous measurements, which are often performed at the index finger or wrist. However, some PPG sensors are susceptible to saturation, motion artifacts, and discomfort upon their use. In this paper, an off-the-shelf PPG sensor was benchmarked and modified to improve signal saturation. Moreover, this paper explores the feasibility of using an optimized sensor in the lower limb as an alternative measurement site. Data were collected from 28 subjects with ages ranging from 18 to 59 years. To validate the sensors' performance, signal saturation and quality, wave morphology, performance of automatic systolic peak detection, and heart-rate estimation, were compared. For the upper and lower limb locations, the index finger and the first toe were used as reference locations, respectively. Lowering the amplification stage of the PPG sensor resulted in a significant reduction in signal saturation, from 18% to 0.5%. Systolic peak detection at rest using an automatic algorithm showed a sensitivity and precision of 0.99 each. The posterior wrist and upper arm showed pulse wave morphology correlations of 0.93 and 0.92, respectively. For these locations, peak detection sensitivity and precision were 0.95, 0.94 and 0.89, 0.89, respectively. Overall, the adjusted PPG sensors are a good alternative for obtaining high-quality signals at the fingertips, and for new measurement sites, the posterior pulse and the upper arm allow for high-quality signal extraction.

Microbleeds within Mitochondrial Stroke-Like Lesion Rather Result from Their Vulnerability Than from Microangiopathy

MELAS syndrome (mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episode) is one of the most common syndromic mitochondrial disorders (MID) and is due to the variant m.3243A>G in MT-TL1 in approximately 80% of cases. MELAS is a multisystem disorder with stroke-like episodes (SLEs) as a pathognomonic feature. The morphological correlate of SLEs in cerebral imaging are stroke-like lesions (SLLs). SLLs present on cerebral MRI with a T2, FLAIR, DWI, and PWI-hyperintense and OEF-hypointense lesion that is not confined to a vascular territory and extends to a nadir before disappearing or terminating as a structural lesion. Occasionally, these features are accompanied by microbleeds within the SLL, usually along the cortex. These microbleeds are thought to result from laminar cortical necrosis, and end-stage of a SLL or seizures, a common manifestation of SLEs.

Visualization of deglutition and gastroesophageal reflux using real-time MRI: a standardized approach to image acquisition and assessment

This study aims to develop a standardized algorithm for gastroesophageal image acquisition and diagnostic assessment using real-time MRI. Patients with GERD symptoms undergoing real-time MRI of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction between 2015 and 2018 were included. A 10 ml bolus of pineapple juice served as an oral contrast agent. Patients performed Valsalva maneuver to provoke reflux and hiatal hernia. Systematic MRI assessment included visual presence of achalasia, fundoplication failure in patients with previous surgical fundoplication, gastroesophageal reflux, and hiatal hernia. A total of 184 patients (n = 92 female [50%], mean age 52.7 ± 15.8 years) completed MRI studies without adverse events at a mean examination time of 15 min. Gastroesophageal reflux was evident in n = 117 (63.6%), hiatal hernia in n = 95 (52.5%), and achalasia in 4 patients (2.2%). Hiatal hernia was observed more frequently in patients with reflux at rest (n = 67 vs. n = 6, p < 0.01) and during Valsalva maneuver (n = 87 vs. n = 8, p < 0.01). Real-time MRI visualized a morphologic correlate for recurring GERD symptoms in 20/22 patients (90%) after fundoplication procedure. In a large-scale single-center cohort of patients with GERD symptoms undergoing real-time MRI, visual correlates for clinical symptoms were evident in most cases. The proposed assessment algorithm could aid in wider-spread utilization of real-time MRI and provides a comprehensive approach to this novel imaging modality.

Correlation of symphysis morphology with different vertical growth patterns

Correlation of symphysis morphology with different vertical growth patterns

Correlation of Whole Blood Cell Morphology on Electrical Impedance Spectroscopic Characteristics on the Severity Level of Ischemic Stroke Patients

This paper discusses the influence of peripheral blood smear morphology methods on the electrical impedance spectroscopic characteristics of blood samples from ischemic stroke patients. In this study, there were 26 blood samples, consisting of a control group with 5 blood samples and a group of ischemic stroke patients with 21 samples with varying degrees of severity. The methods used are electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and whole blood cell morphology methods. The EIS method was carried out using the BISDAQ tool and application, and results were obtained in the form of Bode Plot, Bode Phase Plot, Nyquist Plot, and measurement data values in the form of Ms. Excel. Meanwhile, the Morphological method is carried out by making a peripheral blood smear, then viewing and obtaining an image using a digital microscope, and then counting the number of cells using the Image Raster application. Based on the results of the method carried out, the correlation can be seen to conclude that whole blood cell morphology greatly influences the characteristics of EIS and determines the severity of ischemic stroke patients.

Demography, behavior, and morphology of the Northern Barrens tiger beetle, Cicindela patruela patruela (Coleoptera: Carabidae), on Île-aux-Allumettes, Quebec

Abstract The Northern Barrens tiger beetle (Cicindela patruela patruela, Dejean 1825) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is globally rare and endangered in Canada. We know very little about this species’ behavioral ecology and despite there being only 2 remaining populations in Canada, we know very little about either’s demography. Here, we use capture–mark–recapture methods to estimate population size and movement of individuals on Île-aux-Allumettes (Quebec, Canada). We found that the population on Île-aux-Allumettes is small—approximately 102 individuals—but this appears to be typical for this species and tiger beetles in general. Beetles on Île-aux-Allumettes traveled approximately 33 m per day with no observed difference between the sexes in mobility. We did not find any morphological correlates of mobility, but we did find that females are significantly wider, but not longer, than males. Because the number of C. p. patruela on Île-aux-Allumettes is small and the population is isolated, we recommend that managers continue to monitor the population and consider translocations to augment population numbers and to reduce the negative consequences of demographic and genetic stochasticity, such as inbreeding.

Characterization of the microRNA408-LACCASE5 module as a regulatory axis for photosynthetic efficiency in Medicago ruthenica: implications for forage yield enhancement

Medicago ruthenica is closely related to Medicago sativa, a commonly cultivated forage. Characterized by its high tolerance to environmental stress, M. ruthenica is a valuable genetic resource. However, low yield limits its large-scale utilization. Leaf morphology, an important agronomic trait, is closely related to forage yield and photosynthetic efficiency. In the presented study, “Correlation of Leaf Morphology and Photosynthetic Performance with Forage Yield in Medicago ruthenica: The Underlying Molecular Mechanisms,” comprehensive data analysis revealed a significant positive association between leaf width and leaf area with forage yield in Medicago ruthenica (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The specific cultivar “Mengnong No.1 (MN No.1) had a large leaf area, and its physiological parameters related to photosynthetic characteristics were superior. Anatomical examination revealed that the leaves of MN No.1 had strong palisade tissue and compact cell structure. Subsequent investigations, utilizing small RNA and transcriptome sequencing, discerned critical miRNA-target gene networks that underpin the high photosynthetic efficiency in M. ruthenica. A total of 63 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified, inclusive of several well-characterized miRNAs such as miR408, miR171, and miR398. These miRNAs were predicted to target 55 genes (mRNAs), of which 6 miRNA-target gene pairs, particularly those involving miR408and miR171, exhibited inverse expression patterns. Among the six postulated miRNA-target gene pairs, the targeted cleavage of LACCASE5 (LAC5) by miR408 was conclusively validated through degradome sequencing, with the cleavage site pinpointed between the 9th and 10th nucleotides from the 5′end of miR408 via the 5′-RLM-RACE assay. Therefore, it is posited that the miR408-MrLAC5 module constitutes a central mechanism in fostering high photosynthetic efficiency in M. ruthenica. Moreover, these findings also provide valuable information for further study of the regulatory genes and miRNA functions of forage yield in legume forage.

Evaluation of Novel Minimal Screening Antibody Panel for Immunophenotypic Detection of Hematological Malignancies in a Resource-Constrained Setting: A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION Immunophenotyping of abnormal cells by flow cytometer enabled this technology in diagnosing, prognostication and guiding therapy for blood malignancies. International consensus exist for diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma and plasma cell neoplasm (PCN) 1-3 using flow cytometer, but it is seldom used for screening these diseases. In clinical setting, including our tertiary care center in India, we come across patients whose peripheral blood (PB) smear examination does not hint towards the type of blood-related disorder. We identified the need to screen these patients by flow cytometry before channelling them towards established diagnostic work-up for malignancies. The aim of this study is to evaluate a flow cytometry screening assay, designed in-house, to detect blood malignancies in a resource-limited (sample, time, cost, infrastructure) clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective double-blinded study was conducted between November 2022 and June 2023 with institutional ethical approval. Remainder of samples sent for routine clinical tests that met our inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected (n=221). Symptomatic patients with blood-related disorder, whose PB did not show any abnormal cells were included. All patients who had blast, lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes, lymphadenopathy, B-symptoms, splenomegaly or found to have plasmacytoma/amyloidosis/CRAB features were excluded. Three tube 8 colour 19 antibody panel (Table1) was designed. Immaturity markers and lineage specific markers are combined in a single tube to detect leukemias. CD5, CD10, CD19, CD20, kappa and lambda were put together to identify B-CLPD. A lyse-wash-stain protocol was followed and the samples were analysed in BD FACSCantoII flowcytometer with autofluroscence and compensation correction done for each sample. The findings of our screening assay were validated with morphological and clinical correlation and GraphPad Prism version 8.0.2 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Our antibody panel targeted only cell surface antigens, which reduced the cost of the test and permitted the analysis of the sample within 1 hour. During the study period, out of the 396 discard samples obtained, 221 patients met our inclusion criteria (Figure1). We analysed these samples with our screening assay and detected 51 patients with blood malignancies that included 19 acute leukemias, 11 lymphomas and 21 PCN and 167 samples with no evidence of leukemia, lymphoma or PCN which were subsequently diagnosed with anemias, platelet disorders, drug- or disease-induced leukocytosis/leukopenias and organ dysfunction not involving blood or bone marrow. The number of samples studied and the computed statistical parameters are given in Table2. Representative bivariate dot plots are given in Figure2. Out of the 221 test results, 214 had clinical, morphological and screening test concordance. One case of PCN could not be identified by morphological examination, where screening assay could identify clonal plasma cell population. Another one case was clinically diagnosed as PCN, but missed on screening panel because we did not see a definite cluster of CD38 + cells showing light chain kappa/lambda restriction. The remaining 5 samples were dilute in nature. In 3 out of 5 dilute samples, screening panel could identify the abnormality which was concordant with clinical diagnosis (based on clinical, biochemical, imaging, molecular and cytogenetics) where morphology failed. The other 2 cases were identified morphologically on bone marrow imprint. This flow cytometry screening assay was found to have overall 94.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 98.2% negative predictive value, delineating the efficacy of this minimal antibody screening panel in detecting blood malignancies. CONCLUSION Compared to the existing screening panels, this novel screening test has comprehensive set of antibodies (19 only) to detect leukemia, lymphoma and PCN simultaneously within 1 hour and at a lower cost. In patients screened negative, further blood malignancy-related testing may be avoided, thereby reducing the total cost incurred to the patient. The usefulness of this screening test is limited with dilute sample. However, the present study shows that this screening panel can be used in small resource-constrained and remote settings with a trained flow cytometry technologist alone.

Radiologists' Rating for Comparative Qualitative Assessment of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Using Novel Analysis Methods.

The objective was to assess qualitative interpretability and quantitative precision and reproducibility of intravoxel incoherent motion ( IVIM) parametric images evaluated using novel IVIM analysis methods for diagnostic accuracy. Intravoxel incoherent motion datasets of 55 patients (male/female = 41:14; age = 17.8 ± 5.5 years) with histopathology-proven osteosarcoma were analyzed. Intravoxel incoherent motion parameters-diffusion coefficient ( D ), perfusion fraction ( f ), and perfusion coefficient ( D* )-were estimated using 5 IVIM analysis methods-(i) biexponential (BE) model, (ii) BE-segmented fitting 2-parameter (BESeg-2), (iii) BE-segmented fitting 1-parameter (BESeg-1), (iv) BE model with total variation penalty function (BE + TV), and (v) BE model with Huber penalty function (BE + HPF). Qualitative scoring in a 5-point Likert scale (uninterpretable: 1; poor: 2; fair: 3; good: 4; excellent: 5) was performed by 2 radiologists for 4 criteria: (a) tumor shape and margin, (b) morphologic correlation, (c) noise suppression, and (d) overall interpretability. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using Spearman rank-order correlation ( rs ). Precision and reproducibility were evaluated using within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV) and between-subject coefficient of variation (bCV). BE + TV and BE + HPF produced significantly ( P < 10 -3 ) higher qualitative scores for D (fair-good [3.3-3.8]) than BE (poor [2.3]) and for D* (poor-fair [2.2-2.7]) and f (fair-good [3.2-3.8]) than BE, BESeg-2, and BESeg-1 ( D* : uninterpretable-poor [1.3-1.9] and f : poor-fair [1.5-3]). Interobserver agreement for qualitative scoring was rs = 0.48-0.59, P < 0.009. BE + TV and BE + HPF showed significantly ( P < 0.05) improved reproducibility in estimating D (wCV: 24%-31%, bCV: 21%-31% improvement) than the BE method and D* (wCV: 4%-19%, bCV: 5%-19% improvement) and f (wCV: 25%-49%, bCV: 25%-47% improvement) than BE, BESeg-2, and BESeg-1 methods. BE + TV and BE + HPF demonstrated qualitatively and quantitatively improved IVIM parameter estimation and may be considered for clinical use further.

Controlling carbon nanostructure synthesis in thermal plasma jet: Correlation of process parameters, plasma characteristics, and product morphology

Thermal plasma has emerged as an effective approach for producing carbon nanostructures without the need for specific catalysts nor substrates. While efforts have focused on the effect of process parameters such as reaction pressure, input power or carbon source, the intricate role and relationship with plasma characteristics like density and temperature are often overlooked due to the complexity of the environment. This study addresses this gap by establishing a correlation between process parameters, plasma characteristics, and product morphology, essential for controlling the growth of carbon nanostructures. We explored the impact of carbon precursor type (CH4 and C2H2), hydrogen, pressure, and flow rate on nanostructure formation. Using in situ optical emission spectroscopy (OES), we mapped the distribution of both temperature and dicarbon molecule (C2) density within the plasma jet. We demonstrate that the growth of low-density nanostructures, such as carbon nanohorns (CNHs), is favoured at dilute C2 local densities and high temperatures, while denser nanostructures, such as onion-like polyhedral graphitic nanocapsules (GNCs), are favoured at higher C2 densities and lower temperatures. The carbon density can be controlled by the flow rate and the pressure, which in turn significantly influence the nanostructure morphology, evolving from graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) to GNCs as either parameter increases. Increasing the H/C ratio from 1 to 8 resulted in a morphological transition from CNHs to GNFs. During the synthesis, the plasma jet temperature surpassed 3000 K, with crystalline growth occurring 50–100 mm below the nozzle.

Self-esteem and cortical thickness correlate with aggression in healthy children: A surface‐based analysis

Aggressive behavior can have serious physical, psychological, and social consequences. However, little is known about the personality and neurological antecedents underlying aggressive behavior in children. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-esteem, aggression, and brain structure (i.e., cortical thickness and surface area) in a population of healthy children (N = 78; 9–12 years; mean age: 9.95 ± 0.90 years). The results revealed that self-esteem showed a negative association with aggression and significantly predicted aggressive behavior. No gender differences were found in aggression and its neural correlates. We performed the cortical parcellation method to further explore the neural foundations underlying the association of self-esteem with aggression. Children with higher aggression had increased cortical thickness in four clusters after multiple comparison correction: right medial orbitofrontal cortex, right lateral orbitofrontal cortex, right superior frontal gyrus, and left insula. In a mediation analysis, cortical thickness in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex contributed to the effect of self-esteem on aggression. These findings extend our understanding of morphological correlates of aggression in children, suggesting that an increased cortical thickness in childhood is a potential mechanism linking low self-esteem to aggression.

Molten Salt-Derived RuO2 Nanocrystals and Nanowires: Unveiling Correlations of Morphology, Microstructure, and Electrocatalytic Performance.

Ruthenium oxide (RuO2), due to its comparable binding energy with *H and cost-effectiveness against Pt, has emerged as a pivotal electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In the present study, RuO2 nanocrystals (NCs) and nanowires (NWs) were obtained by a molten salt process and the morphology, crystal structure, and local bonding features were examined by using electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. From the electrochemical measurement, both RuO2 NCs and NWs exhibit favorable stability and activity toward oxygen evolution reaction in an alkali medium, althought NCs exhibit higher activity, which is likely attributed to the larger surface area and the high local structural disorder. The theoretical calculation reveals that RuO2 NWs with a primary (110) orientation show a higher overpotential due to its d-band center's proximity to the Fermi level versus (101). The present work suggests that the molten salt process could be an efficient method for producing metal oxide catalysts with tailorable geometry and performances.

Quantitative interpretation of bone marrow biopsies inMPN-What's the point in a molecular age?

The diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) requires the integration of clinical, morphological, genetic and immunophenotypic findings. Recently, there has been a transformation in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease initiation and progression in MPN. This has been accompanied by the widespread application of high-resolution quantitative molecular techniques. By contrast, microscopic interpretation of bone marrow biopsies by haematologists/haematopathologists remains subjective and qualitative. However, advances in tissue image analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) promise to transform haematopathology. Pioneering studies in bone marrow image analysis offer to refine our understanding of the boundaries between reactive samples and MPN subtypes and better capture the morphological correlates of high-risk disease. They also demonstrate potential to improve the evaluation of current and novel therapeutics for MPN and other blood cancers. With increased therapeutic targeting of diverse molecular, cellular and extra-cellular components of the marrow, these approaches can address the unmet need for improved objective and quantitative measures of disease modification in the context of clinical trials. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art in image analysis/AI of bone marrow tissue, with an emphasis on its potential to complement and inform future clinical studies and research in MPN.

Vocal tract shape variation contributes to individual vocal identity in African penguins.

Variation in formant frequencies has been shown to affect social interactions and sexual competition in a range of avian species. Yet, the anatomical bases of this variation are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the morphological correlates of formants production in the vocal apparatus of African penguins. We modelled the geometry of the supra-syringeal vocal tract of 20 specimens to generate a population of virtual vocal tracts with varying dimensions. We then estimated the acoustic response of these virtual vocal tracts and extracted the centre frequency of the first four predicted formants. We demonstrate that: (i) variation in length and cross-sectional area of vocal tracts strongly affects the formant pattern, (ii) the tracheal region determines most of this variation, and (iii) the skeletal size of penguins does not correlate with the trachea length and consequently has relatively little effect on formants. We conclude that in African penguins, while the variation in vocal tract geometry generates variation in resonant frequencies supporting the discrimination of conspecifics, such variation does not provide information on the emitter's body size. Overall, our findings advance our understanding of the role of formant frequencies in bird vocal communication.

Novel Mechanisms Underlying Rubber Accumulation and Programmed Cell Death in Laticiferous Canals of Decaisnea insignis Fruits: Cytological and Transcriptomic Analyses.

Natural rubber is one of the most important industrial raw materials, and its biosynthesis is still a fascinating process that is still largely unknown. In this research, we studied Decaisnea insignis, a unique rubber-producing plant that is different from other rubber-producing species due to the presence of lactiferous canals in its pericarp. The present study aims to provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying rubber accumulation and PCD by subjecting the Decaisnea insignis laticiferous canals to light microscopy, TUNEL assay, and DAPI staining, as well as viability analysis, cellular ultrastructure analysis, and molecular analysis using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence labeling, transmission electron microscopy, and transcriptome sequencing. At the cellular level, the origin of small rubber particles in the laticiferous canals had no morphological correlation with other organelles, and these particles were freely produced in the cytosol. The volume of the rubber particles increased at the sunken and expanding stage, which were identified as having the characteristics of programmed cell death (PCD); meanwhile, plenty of the rubber precursors or rubber particles were engulfed by the vacuoles, indicating a vacuole-mediated autophagy process. The accumulation of rubber particles occurred after the degeneration of protoplasts, suggesting a close association between rubber biosynthesis and PCD. The molecular analysis revealed the expression patterns of key genes involved in rubber biosynthesis. The upstream genes DiIPP, DiFPP, and DiGGPPS showed a decreasing trend during fruit ripening, while DiHRT, which is responsible for rubber particle extension, exhibited the highest expression level during the rubber particle formation. Moreover, the transcription factors related to PCD, DiLSD1, and DiLOL2 showed a negative correlation with the expression pattern of DiHRT, thus exhibiting strict rules of sequential expression during rubber biosynthesis. Additionally, the expression trends of DiXCP1 and DiCEP1, which act as proteases during PCD, were positively correlated with DiGGPPS expression. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the autophagic PCD may play a crucial role in rubber accumulation in D. insignis. Further research is still needed to fully understand the complex regulatory network underlying rubber biosynthesis in plants.

Relationship of the Morphology and Size of Sella Turcica with Dental Anomalies and Skeletal Malocclusions.

This study aimed to assess the relationship of the morphology and size of the sella turcica (ST) with dental anomalies and skeletal malocclusions. This cross-sectional study was conducted on records of fixed orthodontic patients treated between 2013 and 2022. Cephalometric analysis was performed to determine the anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns. Preoperative panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms, intraoral photographs, and primary dental casts of patients were used to detect dental anomalies. Gender, sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, dental anomalies, and dimensions (length, depth, and diameter), and morphology of the ST were all recorded according to the lateral cephalograms of patients. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way and two-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and log rank test (alpha = 0.05). The depth and diameter of the ST had no significant correlation with gender (p > 0.05); however, the length of the ST was significantly longer in males than females (p < 0.05). The morphology of the ST had a significant correlation with gender (p < 0.05). The ST morphology had a significant correlation with the anteroposterior skeletal pattern, microdontia, and tooth impaction as well (p < 0.05). The present results revealed a significant correlation of the ST morphology with the anteroposterior skeletal pattern, microdontia, and tooth impaction.

Synchronic development of hydrocele and groin hernia during pregnancy: a case report

IntroductionHydroceles of the canal of Nuck are rare, and have not been described in relation to pregnancy.Case presentationA 34-year-old Caucasian female patient had bilateral groin swelling debuted during her pregnancy. A preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan found bilateral hydroceles of the canal of Nuck. Operative findings and histological examinations revealed a left-sided inguinal hernia and a right-sided hydrocele. The patient was discharged well and without signs of postoperative complications or hernia recurrence.DiscussionIn this case, a hydrocele and a hernia sac were morphologically identical in terms of preoperative appearance and development. Given the morphological correlation, it was surprising to find different operative findings confirmed by the histopathological examination.ConclusionThis is the first ever report of the synchronic development of two morphologically identical cystic processes, with one being a hydrocele and the other a hernia sac. In addition, the hydrocele developed during pregnancy, making this case even more unique.

Striatal and thalamic automatic segmentation, morphology, and clinical correlates in Parkinsonism: Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy

Parkinson's disease (PD), multisystem atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) present similarly with bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and cognitive impairments. Neuroimaging studies have found differential changes in the nigrostriatal pathway in these disorders, however whether the volume and shape of specific regions within this pathway can distinguish between atypical Parkinsonian disorders remains to be determined. This paper investigates striatal and thalamic volume and morphology as distinguishing biomarkers, and their relationship to neuropsychiatric symptoms. Automatic segmentation to calculate volume and shape analysis of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and thalamus were performed in 18 PD patients, 12 MSA, 15 PSP, and 20 healthy controls, then correlated with clinical measures. PSP bilateral thalami and right putamen were significantly smaller than controls, but not MSA or PD. The left caudate and putamen significantly correlated with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory total score. Bilateral thalamus, caudate, and left putamen had significantly different morphology between groups, driven by differences between PSP and healthy controls. This study demonstrated that PSP patient striatal and thalamic volume and shape are significantly different when compared with controls. Parkinsonian disorders could not be differentiated on volumetry or morphology, however there are trends for volumetric and morphological changes associated with PD, MSA, and PSP.

Correlation of Acromial Morphology With Risk and Direction of Shoulder Instability: An MRI Study

Background: The influence of bony morphology on the development of posterior shoulder instability is not well known. Purpose: To determine if acromial morphology, as measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is associated with posterior or anterior shoulder instability. Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: MRI measurements of posterior acromial coverage (PAC), posterior acromial height (PAH), posterior acromial tilt (PAT), and anterior acromial coverage (AAC) were completed for 3 separate matched groups who underwent surgical intervention: posterior instability, anterior instability, and a comparison group of patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for snapping scapula. Inclusion criteria were patients with recurrent instability <40 years of age without multidirectional instability, glenoid bone loss >13.5%, or glenoid retroversion >10%. Results: Overall, 37 patients were included in each group. PAC was significantly less in the posterior instability group than in the anterior instability and comparison groups (68.3° vs 88.7° vs 81.7°; P < .001). PAH was significantly greater in the posterior group than in the anterior instability group (11.0 mm vs −0.1 mm; P < .001) and comparison group (0.7 mm; P < .001). There was no difference between the posterior and anterior groups in terms of PAT or AAC (P = .45 and P = .05, respectively). PAT was significantly smaller in the posterior instability group than the comparison group (55.2° vs 62.2°; P = .026). The anterior and comparison groups were not significantly different in PAH or PAT (P = .874 and P = .067, respectively) but were significantly different in AAC (P = .026). Conclusion: A higher and flatter posterior acromion, as measured on preoperative MRI, appears to be associated with patients who require arthroscopic capsulolabral repair due to posterior shoulder instability. This information may help clinicians to both diagnose and predict the need for operative intervention for patients with posterior labral tears.