Degree Of Protrusion Research Articles

Pilot analysis of magnetic resonance imaging-based contributors to patient-centred optimization of mandibular advancement devices in obstructive sleep apnea.

Mandibular advancement devices are an effective treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. While their efficacy depends on the degree of mandibular protrusion, other contributing factors influencing the optimal outcome are not fully understood. This magnetic resonance imaging-based pilot study aimed at investigating whether there are promising planimetric parameters that may be related to the optimal therapeutic position. A second aim was to assess possible sex-specific differences. Planimetric data from magnetic resonance imaging taken in the habitual position and four protrusion grades were collected from 11 female and 14 male patients with obstructive sleep apnea (age 45 ± 13.3 years; body mass index 27.6 ± 4.5 kg m-2). Data were correlated with outcome as substantiated by polygraphic data obtained at the habitual position and at each of two protrusion positions considered to reveal the highest treatment effect. Protrusion degree and lateral widening of the retropalatal region correlated most strongly (R = 0.56, p < 0.001). Relationships between planimetric data and treatment success were most pronounced at the level of the smallest cross-section, expressed, for example, by a correlation between oxygen desaturation index and lateral diameter (R = -0.4, p = 0.012). Female participants appeared to show improved polygraphic values at a lower protrusion degree than males. Data from magnetic resonance imaging allow for a comprehensive analysis combining insights from planimetric velopharyngeal measurements at different individual protrusion grades and correlation with outcome. The results of this pilot work encourage further evaluation in large-scale studies. These should focus on the velopharyngeal region and investigate the influence of sex more closely.

Evaluating the efficacy of curcumin in the management of oral potentially malignant disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) not only harbour the risk of malignant transformation but can also affect patients' quality of life owing to severe symptoms. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies to improve patients' quality of life. The objective of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively assess the efficacy of curcumin in the management of OPMDs. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of OPMDs from inception until March 2024. RevMan 5.4 software was used to perform statistical and subgroup analyses. Sixteen randomised controlled trials (1,089 patients) were selected. Curcumin exhibited comparable efficacy to conventional controls in alleviating pain (I2 = 98%, P = 0.49) and improving tongue protrusion (I2 = 94%, P = 0.51) in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Additionally, topical use of curcumin had an efficacy equivalent to that of conventional therapy in reducing pain (I2 = 83%, P = 0.31) and facilitating clinical remission (I2 = 67%, P = 0.38) of oral lichen planus (OLP). The topical use of curcumin may palliate pain and promote clinical healing in OLP patients. Systemic curcumin can ameliorate the degree of pain and tongue protrusion in OSF. Therefore, our study suggests that curcumin could serve as an alternative treatment for managing OPMDs with lower medical toxicity than steroids, especially when steroids are not suitable. Further studies with larger sample sizes and adequate follow-up periods are required to validate our results.

Assessing the Correlation Between the Lumbar Disc Herniation Degree and Multifidus Muscle Fatty Degeneration in Chronic Low Back Pain.

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a common condition primarily associated with lumbar disc herniation. Fatty degeneration of the multifidus muscle is also observed in the majority (>80%) of patients with LBP. This retrospective study included 140 patients (72 females and 68 males) with chronic LBP. 3T lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1- and T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences were used for radiological evaluation. Disc herniations were graded according to the degree of bulging, protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration. Multifidus fatty infiltration was semiquantitatively graded from grade 1 (normal) to grade 4 (severe). Multifidus fatty degeneration was more common in females compared to males at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels (p-values <000.1 and <000.1, respectively). There was no correlation between disc herniation at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels and fatty degeneration of the multifidus muscle (p values 0.426 and 0.170). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between multifidus fatty degeneration at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels and increasing age (p<000.1, r-values 0.462 and 0.357, respectively). In contrast, there was no correlation between age and L4-L5 and L5-S1 herniation grades (p values 0.167 and 0.723, respectively). Fatty degeneration grades were generally higher in females and increased with age at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels in both genders (p<0.001). The frequency and degree of fatty degeneration of the multifidus muscle increasewith age, especially in women, and donot correlate with the presence of a herniated disc.

Visualization of the Postoperative Position of the Hydrus® Microstent Using Automatic 360° Gonioscopy.

Introduction: Glaucoma, one leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, is primarily caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Recently, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs) have become popular due to their shorter surgical times, tissue-sparing nature, and faster recovery. One such MIGS, the Hydrus® nickel-titanium alloy Microstent, helps lower IOP by improving aqueous humor outflow. The NIDEK GS-1 automated 360° gonioscope provides advanced imaging of the chamber angle for evaluation and documentation. The aim of this study was to test automated 360° gonioscopy for the detection of postoperative positional variations after Hydrus® Microstent implantation. This study is the largest to date to evaluate post-op positioning of the Hydrus® Microstent using the NIDEK GS-1. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed postoperative outcomes and stent location in eyes diagnosed with mild to moderate glaucoma that underwent Hydrus® Microstent implantation with or without phacoemulsification. Patients with prior IOP-lowering surgery or vitrectomy were excluded. Analyses of the postoperative Hydrus® Microstent position were based on the evaluation of automated 360° gonioscopy images. Results: Twenty-three eyes were included in the study, and all showed a reduction in IOP and a decrease in antiglaucomatous drop use postoperatively. Postoperative gonoscopic images showed variations in implant position. In all cases, the proximal inlet was clearly visible in the anterior chamber. The degree of protrusion into the anterior chamber was variable. The distal tip of the stent was visible behind the trabecular meshwork in Schlemm's canal in five cases, in the anterior chamber in one case, and not visible in seven cases. In no case did postoperative alterations in the position of the implant lead to explantation. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the Hydrus® Microstent can effectively lower IOP even in the presence of postoperative positional variations. Automated 360° gonioscopy was found to be a useful tool to verify and document the postoperative position of the implant. Positional changes did not require device explantation in any of the cases evaluated.

The Influence of Male Biostimulation on Cloacal Anatomy and Egg-Laying Behavior in Young Female Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata forma domestica).

The importance of Muscovy ducks in industrial poultry production is growing; however, little is known about the physiology of their reproductive cycles. This study investigated the influence of male biostimulation on female ducks before the commencement of the laying phase. A total of 30 muscovy ducks, hatched in the same year at 289-341 days of age, were divided into two groups of 15 birds each and kept with and without contact with a male duck until the day of first egg-laying-319 ± 14 and 335 ± 13, respectively. Before reaching egg-laying maturity, the cloacae of 29 adult ducks were subjected to daily clinical assessments. The evaluations yielded four unique categories of outcomes, determined by assessing factors such as the degree of redness and protrusion of the mucous membrane, the moisture level, and swelling of the cloacal sphincter muscle. The results of this study on biostimulation revealed that, on average, female ducks that had contact with males laid their first egg 16 days earlier, weighing 78.7 ± 3.0 g, compared to the isolated female ducks, weighing 79.1 ± 7.0 g. Furthermore, there was no significant difference observed in the mean initial egg weight between the groups (p = 0.841). The cloacal morphology indicated significant morphological changes 25-26 days before laying. Efforts to improve Muscovy production and develop biotechnological techniques to modify these ducks' reproductive cycle will benefit from these advancements.

Application of Urethral Contrast Computed Tomography Three-Dimensional Imaging in the Postoperative Assessment of Prostate Hyperplasia.

This study assesses the morphological effectiveness of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery using multislice spiral computed tomography three-dimensional imaging (CT3D) with urethral contrast. Twenty-five male patients with BPH and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) who underwent bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate were selected. Preoperative and postoperative CT3D indicators of retrograde and voiding cystourethrography, including bladder neck diameter, length of the posterior urethra, and degree of prostate protrusion into the bladder and upper and lower diameter of the prostate were used to assess bladder neck and posterior urethra morphology and BOO severity. In addition, preoperative and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Scores and maximum urine flow rates were compared. Postoperative CT3D was used to evaluate changes following obstruction relief postsurgery. Preoperative CT3D indicated significant BOO, whereas postoperative imaging showed improved patency but with irregular posterior urethral lumens and varying degrees of residual glandular tissue. Comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative bladder outlet metrics revealed significant changes (p < .05). Urethral contrast CT3D effectively visualizes the prostate, bladder neck, and prostatic urethra. It quantifies changes in the urethral lumen postsurgery, correlating the extent of posterior urethral lumen spaciousness with urinary flow rates.

Experimental and numerical pressure drop investigation of a protruding tube microchannel heat exchanger

An experimental and numerical fluid flow study in a micro heat exchanger (microHEX) is conducted in this work to investigate its pressure drop characteristics. The microHEX sample presents a high degree of protrusion of the microchannels inside the inlet and outlet manifolds (Lprot /Dm =0.7), a large manifold-to-branch area aspect ratio (Am/As =37), and a very small flow division in each microchannel (β=1/34). These features configure T-junctions that differ completely from the conventional ones in the literature. Experimental measurements of the microHEX pressure drop were performed for the Reynolds range of 300-2200. The numerical methodology combines a 1D model to evaluate the pressure drop of a single microchannel, adding minor entrance and exit losses due to the change of section and direction. A CFD numerical simulation evaluates the particular pressure loss associated with the dividing T-junction towards the protruded microchannel. The numerical simulation pressure drop results compared well with the experimental measurements, reporting a difference of 3.11% for an initial case. An extension of the work will soon cover all the collected experimental cases.

Morphometric Variations of Sphenoidal Air Sinuses in Human Cadavers

Background: The sphenoid sinuses are difficult to approach directly, so a transnasal approach is preferred. Due to the variable extent of pneumatization, there are variations in the size and shape of sphenoid ostium. These sinuses are related to many important structures, and they produce surface impressions on sinus walls. There are very few cadaveric studies that describe sphenoid sinuses morphometrically and their relation to nearby important structures. Hence, this study was undertaken to study the morphological variations of sphenoid sinuses; to measure the dimensions of the sphenoid sinuses; to classify the sphenoid sinuses and to study the variations of relation of important structures along the walls of the sphenoid sinuses. Methodology: The present study was performed on 25 formalin-fixed cadavers (50 hemisections). The morphometric anatomy of the sphenoid sinuses was studied by taking midline sagittal sections of the head, neck, and face regions in cadavers. Anteroposterior depth (infrasellar) and vertical height (presellar) of the sinus were measured. Based on the morphology of the sinus, they were grouped into conchal, presellar, sellar, and postsellar types. Surface impressions made by the carotid artery and optic nerve on the lateral wall of the sinus were observed. Results: The most common type of sphenoid sinuses was the sellar variety (68%), with conchal being the least common (0%). Most of the sinuses (88%) were divided by the intersinus septa. A round-shaped ostium of the sphenoid air sinus was found to be common (56%). Impressions of the internal carotid artery and optic nerve into the lateral wall of the sinus were prominent in highly pneumatized sphenoid sinuses. Conclusions: Variations observed are mainly due to variable pneumatization of the sphenoid bone. The degree of pneumatization will result in protrusion of the surrounding structures such as internal carotid artery and optic nerve into the sinus wall. The extent of pneumatization will determine the degree of protrusion of surrounding structures.

Characteristics and Prevalence of Staphyloma Edges at Different Ages in Highly Myopic Eyes.

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of staphyloma edges in highly myopic eyes and how they progress. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data and a longitudinal study with follow-up data from 256 patients (447 eyes) with high myopia, with a mean (SD) follow-up of 3.79 (0.78)years. Participants were divided into four age groups: children (<13), youth (13-24), mature (25-59), and elderly (>60). Ultrawide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography was used to analyze staphyloma edges, which were divided into four areas: nasal to the optic disc (OD), superior to the macula, inferior to the macula, and temporal to the macula. Staphylomas were significantly more prevalent in the mature (42.49%) and the elderly (51.35%) groups than in the children (13%) and youth (9%) groups. Staphyloma edges were predominantly superior to the macula in the mature and elderly groups. In contrast, staphylomas were rare in children and youth, with their edges mainly located nasal to the OD. The edges of staphylomas located superior and temporal to the macula were more likely to be associated with myopic traction maculopathy. During the follow-up period, 11 new staphyloma edges developed primarily in the mature group (64%). Additionally, 12 edges had an increased degree of protrusion over time, with most cases occurring in the mature (75%) group. The prevalence and location of staphyloma edges show significant variations depending on age. As time progresses, staphyloma edges manifest at distinct sites and increase their protrusion, potentially playing a role in the emergence of fundus complications.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in pediatric progressive restrictive strabismus

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, imaging manifestations, histopathological characteristics, and surgical outcomes in pediatric progressive restrictive strabismus. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted, including data from 9 cases (9 eyes) of pediatric progressive restrictive strabismus treated at Tianjin Eye Hospital from June 2017 to October 2022. The study compared the degree of globe protrusion in both eyes, changes in eyelid fissure height during internal and external rotation in the primary gaze, summarized clinical characteristics, and analyzed intraoperative conditions, surgical outcomes and postoperative histopathological results of strabismus correction surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman two-way analysis of variance. Results: All 9 cases involved unilateral onset, with 4 males and 5 females. Three cases affected the right eye, and six affected the left eye. Onset age ranged from 2 to 40 months. The degree of globe protrusion in the affected eyes was 13.00 (12.00, 13.00) mm for the right eye and 12.00 (12.00, 13.50) mm for the left eye, with no statistically significant difference (Z=-1.00, P=0.317). There were no significant changes in eyelid fissure height during internal rotation [8.00 (7.25, 8.00) mm], primary gaze [7.50 (7.00, 8.00) mm], and external rotation [8.00 (7.75, 8.00) mm] in the affected eyes (χ²=1.00, P=0.607). No apparent abnormalities were observed in head CT or MRI scans, serum, or immunological tests. However, orbital CT or MRI scans indicated thickening of different extraocular muscle bellies. Six out of nine cases underwent strabismus correction surgery, and postoperative examination revealed restriction in eye movement despite achieving orthophoria in the primary gaze. Tissue pathology of three cases showed increased collagen fiber proliferation in one, scattered bundles of smooth muscle fibers amid diffuse collagen fiber proliferation in another, and abnormal proliferation of striated muscle fibers with varying diameters, increased paired box (PAX)7-positive satellite cells expressing slow muscle myosin in the third case. Conclusions: Pediatric progressive restrictive strabismus presents with restrictive changes, without significant alterations in globe protrusion and eyelid fissure height. Imaging examinations reveal thickening of the extraocular muscle bellies in the affected eye. Although strabismus correction surgery improves eye position, postoperative eye movement remains restricted. Histopathological findings in some cases show abnormal proliferation of skeletal muscle fibers or collagen fibers.

Magnetic resonance imaging-based classification of the myodural bridge complex and its influencing factors

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation is considered the third circulation of the human body. Recently, some scholars have proposed the myodural bridge (MDB) as a novel power source for CSF flow. Moreover, the suboccipital muscles can exert a driving force on the CSF via the MDB. This hypothesis is directly supported by head rotation and nodding movements, which can affect CSF circulation. The MDB has been validated as a normal structure in humans and mammals. In addition, the fusion of MDB fibers of different origins that act in concert with each other forms the MDB complex (MDBC). The MDBC may be associated with several CSF disorder-related neurological disorders in clinical practice. Therefore, the morphology of the MDBC and its influencing factors must be determined. In this study, T2-weighted imaging sagittal images of the cervical region were analyzed retrospectively in 1085 patients, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typing of the MDBC was performed according to the imaging features of the MDBC in the posterior atlanto-occipital interspace (PAOiS) and posterior atlanto-axial interspace (PAAiS). The effects of age and age-related degenerative changes in the cervical spine on MRI staging of the MDBC were also determined. The results revealed four MRI types of the MDBC: type A (no MDBC hyposignal shadow connected to the dura mater in either the PAOiS or PAAiS), type B (MDBC hyposignal shadow connected to the dura mater in the PAOiS only), type C (MDBC hyposignal shadow connected to the dura mater in the PAAiS only), and type D (MDBC hyposignal shadow connected to the dura mater in both the PAOiS and PAAiS). The influencing factors for the MDBC typing were age (group), degree of intervertebral space stenosis, dorsal osteophytosis, and degenerative changes in the cervical spine (P < 0.05). With increasing age (10-year interval), the incidence of type B MDBC markedly decreased, whereas that of type A MDBC increased considerably. With the deepening of the degree of intervertebral space stenosis, the incidence of type C MDBC increased significantly, whereas that of type A MDBC decreased. In the presence of dorsal osteophytosis, the incidence of type C and D MDBCs significantly decreased, whereas that of type A increased. In the presence of protrusion of the intervertebral disc, the incidence of type B, C, and D MDBCs increased markedly, whereas that of type A MDBC decreased considerably, with cervical degenerative changes combined with spinal canal stenosis. Moreover, the incidence of both type C and D MDBCs increased, whereas that of type A MDBC decreased. Based on the MRI signal characteristics of the dural side of the MDBC, four types of the MDBC were identified. MDBC typing varies dynamically according to population distribution, depending on age and cervical degeneration (degree of intervertebral space stenosis, vertebral dorsal osteophytosis formation, simple protrusion of intervertebral disc, and cervical degeneration changes combined with spinal canal stenosis, except for the degree of protrusion of the intervertebral disc and the degree of spinal canal stenosis); however, it is not influenced by sex.

Analysis of nanobubble collapse process by molecular simulation method

This study employs molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the process of nanobubble gradual indentation and eventual collapse. The research primarily focuses on the mechanisms by which impact velocity and bubble size influence the dynamic characteristics of nanobubble collapse. The results indicate that nanobubble collapse generally proceeds through three stages. Initially, there is a compression phase of water molecules surrounding the bubble, followed by a phase where the shock wave disrupts the stable structure of the liquid film, and finally, the complete collapse of the bubble. At higher impact velocities, smaller bubbles collapse more rapidly due to stronger shock effects. Post-collapse, a high-speed jet forms a protrusion on the right end of the velocity contour. The degree of protrusion increases with bubble size and impact velocity. Water molecules converge towards the bubble center, forming vortex structures above and below the bubble, effectively enhancing internal mass transfer. As bubble size and impact velocity increase, the density around the bubble gradually rises, reaching approximately 1.5 g/cm³ in localized areas upon complete collapse. When the bubble system decays to half its original size, a water hammer effect occurs. This effect becomes more pronounced with increasing bubble size and impact velocity. For a nanobubble structure with &lt;i&gt;u&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; = 3.0 km/s and &lt;i&gt;D&lt;/i&gt; = 10 nm, the local pressure formed by the water hammer impact of the jet after collapse can reach 30 GPa.

Autopercepción sobre la apariencia genital en pacientes con diferentes grados de protrusión de labios menores

Objective: To evaluate the self-perception of genital appearance, in patients with different degrees of protrusion of the labia minora in the Gynecology Service of the Central Hospital of Maracay, between June-November 2021. Methods: This is a descriptive and correlational study, with a field design, cross section and prospective. The sample was deliberate non-probabilistic, made up of 132 patients whose gynecological examination showed protrusion of the labia minora. Self-perception was measured using the Modified Lip Cosmetic Procedures Screening Scale (COPS-L). Results: a mean age of 36.67 years ± 1.02 was recorded. Mostly housewives (59.09%); with symmetrical vaginal lips (78.03%) and with protrusion of the labia minora grade II (70.45%). A maximum lip length of less than 3.22 cm ± 0.07 was recorded. A moderate disagreement was found with the appearance of the genitals (42.42%); the sample did not consider a surgical treatment necessary to correct your labia minora (41.67%). Functional (16.67%) and aesthetic (15.91%) reasons are among the reasons why surgical treatment is justified. Conclusion: A statistically significant association was found between conformity with the appearance of the genitalia and symmetry, with the degree of protrusion and with the need for surgical treatment (p &lt; 0.05).

Oral appliance therapy for the management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults: an umbrella review protocol.

The objective of this review is to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of oral appliance therapy compared with other therapeutic approaches (continuous positive airway pressure, maxillomandibular and upper airway surgeries, behavioral techniques) for the management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. For primary snoring, mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and patients with a severe condition who are intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure therapy, an oral appliance is the treatment of choice among conservative procedures. The effectiveness of these appliances is largely determined by a variety of parameters, including the severity of sleep apnea (mild, moderate, severe), materials and methods used to fabricate the appliance, and the degree of mandibular protrusion. Thus, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of oral appliances in the reduction of sleep apnea. This review will include systematic reviews of quantitative studies reporting on the effectiveness of oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea of any severity, confirmed using polysomnography. The primary outcome will be measured by reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index. A search will be conducted of MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Shodhganga Dissertations and Theses from database inception until the present, with no language restrictions. Google Scholar will be searched manually. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles and perform data extraction. Quality assessment will be conducted using the standard JBI critical appraisal tool. Data will be extracted from systematic reviews and a synthesis of the findings will be presented. The certainty will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). PROSPERO CRD42021258515.

The Variability Role of the Membrane of Spicular Sheath in Identification of Trichocephalus Species

In Azerbaijan, previously reported species Trichocephalus globulosa, T. infundibulus, T. baskakowi, T. indicus were not confirmed. Upon comprehensive research, frequent variability of the membrane of spicular sheath was detected and it was assumed that these indicated species are just different forms of T. ovis. It was also established that distal end of the membrane of specular vagina of T. ovis T. skrjabini change its forms depending on the degree of protrusion and extrusion. Due to reduction and expansion, transformation of various forms (globe-shaped, funnel-shaped, glass-shaped, etc.) in membrane of distal end of the specular vagina T. ovis takes place. Form of end of spicule changes (ends sharply, bluntly or with rounded ends). It again serves as a proof that membrane of distal end of specular vagina and form of end of spicules are volatile. In the process of microscopy study of separate body parts of the T. skrjabini, the membrane of spicule vagina in the form of light bulbs, vase and pomegranate seeds were detected. Based on numerous studies of Trichocephalus, it was concluded that in Azerbaijan two species of Trichocephalus are existed: T. ovis and T. skrjabini. Accordingly, on the basis of aforementioned, it is considered important to provide a more comprehensive image and description of morphological structure of helminths studied. The presented images allow you to easily determine the species and achieve an accurate diagnosis of the highlighted helminths.

Does the aesthetic perception of protrusion correction change if the face is evaluated from the frontal or profile perspectives?

Objective: verify if reduction of facial convexity obtained with dental extractions promotes changes that are noticeable in frontal view. Compare whether the correction of different degrees of protrusion promotes distinct aesthetic perception in frontal and profile analysis. Methods: two brown female patients with dental class I malocclusion, incisors protrusion and convex profile were selected. Patients displayed initially different protrusion magnitude (moderate x excessive) and were both treated with premolars extraction and anterior teeth retraction. Two sets of images were composed enclosing frontal and lateral records at before and after treatment. Sample of 194 laypeople evaluated the images and answered following questions: (1) Can you notice any differences between the correspondent images presented? (yes or no). (2) Which image do you find most attractive? (3) Assign a score for each image from 0 to 10. Results: position of face had an influence on the perception of the moderate protrusion. In this case, less negative impact on aesthetics was evidenced when protrusion was evaluated frontally. In addition, changes resulting from treatment were more noticeable when analyzed from the profile perspective. Regarding excessive protrusion, no significant differences were observed when comparing frontal and profile views, indicating that protrusion and treatment effects can be perceived equally in both views. Conclusions: treatment with dental extractions in patients with moderate protrusion generates impacts that can be more easily noticed in the profile analysis. However, in patients with excessive protrusion, changes promoted by treatment are noticed in frontal analysis in the same way as in profile.

Study on characteristics gases of metal protrusions partial discharge in 10‐kV air‐insulated switchgear

AbstractAir‐insulated switchgear plays an important role in distribution network and partial discharge (PD) is one of the common faults in its operation. The method of gas component analysis, which is to detect chemical gas products, is a novel one to discover PD. In order to study the feasibility of the method, the monitoring experiment of characteristic gases, comprising carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3), of metal protrusion PD is carried out. This paper conducts the comparative experiments on three main factors affecting PD: voltage, air humidity and degree of protrusion, as well as studies how they affect the formation of characteristic gases. According to the experimental result, higher applied voltage promotes the formation of characteristic gases in the same conditions. In addition, with the increase of humidity from 40% to 75%, the generation of gases is inhibited. Furthermore, when the needle–plate distance is 30 mm, the gas concentration has almost no change within 6 h, which is different from that of 10 mm. In conclusion, the difference in gases concentration reveals the influence of three main factors on the generation of characteristic gases and provides an analytical basis for PD detection by gas composition analysis.

Simulation of lutetium metal evaporation with considering atomic metastable state

Lutetium-177, one of the current global research hotspots for medical isotopes, can be produced by reactor irradiation of lutetium-176, which can be produced and processed with the assistance of the electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD). The metal evaporation process is an important part of EB-PVD, which aims to convert solid metal into metal atomic vapor. The distribution of each macroscopic characteristic quantity, such as thermal population distribution, density distribution, velocity distribution, and temperature distribution of metal atomic vapor, will directly affect the utilization of metal vapor atoms, the subsequent deposition process, and coating process. In this paper, two-dimensional model and three-dimensional model of the metal evaporation process are established based on the direct simulation Monte Carlo method, and atomic metastable state is introduced into the collision assumption. The macroscopic characteristic quantities, such as the number density of metal atomic vapor, the motion velocity and the discrete degree of the total motion velocity in the evaporation process with or without considering the lutetium atomic metastable state, are analyzed and compared. The spatial distribution characteristics of each energy level of metal atomic vapor are observed, and the variation characteristics of the macroscopic characteristic quantities in the center with the slit opening size and the evaporation source surface temperature are discussed. The study results show that the number density of metal vapor passing through the beam flow device decreases, the average velocity in the &lt;i&gt;x&lt;/i&gt;-direction and &lt;i&gt;z&lt;/i&gt;-direction and the discrete degree of the total motion velocity increase, with the atomic metastable state taken into consideration. The beam flow device intensifies the transformation of the atomic energy level of the metal vapor and changes the physical parameters of the metal atomic vapor. At the same time, the slit opening size and the evaporation source surface temperature trigger off the change of the macroscopic characteristic quantity distribution of the metal vapor, including the degree of anomalous protrusion of each macroscopic characteristic quantity above the slit. The results of the three-dimensional simulation based on the two-dimensional model are consistent with the changes in the order of magnitude of data distribution and spatial distribution pattern, which can serve as a reference and guidance for the experimental study of the electron beam metal evaporation process.

Do Anatomical Differences of the Volar Rim of the Distal Radius Affect Implant Design? A Three-Dimensional Analysis of Its Anatomy and Need for Personalized Medicine

The distal radius, one of the frequent sites of upper extremity fractures, includes unique anatomy referred to as the volar rim. Few studies have addressed its interindividual differences. Additionally, implants for osteosynthesis must match the anatomical structures to prevent soft tissue invasion, but no implants have focused on that so far. In this study, three-dimensional surface models were created from CT images of 101 cases. Analysis of the distal radius, including the volar rim anatomy, was performed to design plates to minimize the discrepancy between the bone anatomy and the implant. The results showed that there were considerable interindividual differences in the morphology of the distal radius, particularly in the degree of palmar protrusion of the volar rim. A moderate correlation between the width of the distal radius and the shape of the volar rim was demonstrated. Considering that variations in plate width are available for treatment of normal distal radius fractures and that the shape of the volar rim changes in correlation with the width of the bone, we infer that simply adding volar rim shape information to the current variations should suffice in preventing complications. We conclude that individualized design according to the shape of the volar rim is unnecessary in fracture surgery.

Comparative Evaluation of Usability Between Men’s Wearable Urine Collector and Incontinence Underwear

남성 요실금의 유병률은 나이에 따라 증가하는 양상을 보이며, 최근 보고에 의하면 40세 이상 남성 의 17.3% 가 요실금 증상을 가지고 있다. 노인 와상 환자 및 선천적 혹은 사고로 인한 중증 요실금 환자들의 경우, 요도카테타, 콘돔 카테타, 착용형 소변 수집기, 요실금용 팬티 등을 요실금 관리를 위하여 사용한다. 본 연구는 최근남성 활동형 요실금 환자를 위해서 개발된 착용형 소변 수집기와 남성 요실금용 팬티의 사용적합성을 비교 평가하여 남성 요실금 환자들에게 배뇨용품 선택의 정보를 제공하기 위한 목적으로 수행하였다. 소변 수집기는 실리콘으로 제작되어 팬티에 고정되며 수집된 소변은 소변 튜브를 통하여 소변백에 저장되는 형태이다. 남성 요실금 팬티는 일회용 팬티에 소변 흡수 패드가 박음질된 형태이다. 요실금 제품을 바지 속에 착용하고 찍은 사진을 비교하였을 때 두 제품 간에는 미관상의 큰 차이는 없었다. 배뇨용품을 착용한 상태에서 소변이 배출되기 전의 불편감의 정도는 서있을 때와 걷는 상태에서는 소변 수집기의 경우가 더 크며, 앉은 상태에서는 요실금용 팬티의 불편감이 더 컷다. 소변 배출 후의 불편감은 앉은 상태에서는 소변 수집기가 더 컷으며, 걷는 상태에서는 소변 수집기의 불편감이 더 컸다. 소변 수집기의 경우, 소변이 배출되는 과정에서 약간의 누출이발생하나 외부로 표시날 정도는 아니었다. 경제성 평가에서, 소변 수집기는 요실금 패드보다 훨씬 비용이 저렴한것으로 계산되었다. 본 연구는 5명의 대학생이 참여한 시범 연구이었으며, 착용형 소변 수집기와 일회용 요실금 팬티 사용의 장단점을 잘 보여주고 있어 남성 요실금 환자들의 배뇨용품 선택에 유용한 정보를 제공해 준다The prevalence of male incontinence increases with age, and it is reported that 17.3 % of men over 40 have urinary incontinence symptoms. In the case of elderly bed-ridden patients and the patients with severe congenital or accidental incontinence, urinary catheters, condom catheters, wearable urine collectors, and incontinence underwears are used for incontinence management. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the selection of incontinence products to male patients by comparing and evaluating the usability of a wearable urine collector and male incontinence underwear developed for male active incontinence patients. The urine collector is made of silicone and is attached to a specially designed underwear, and the collected urine is stored in a urine bag through a urine tube. Men's incontinence underwear is a disposable one with a urine absorbent pad sewn inside the underwear. When the degree of protrusion to the outside was compared through the photos taken, there was no significant difference in aesthetics between the two products. The degree of discomfort before the urine discharge was greater with the urine collector in standing and walking states, and it was greater with the incontinence underwear in the sitting state. The degree of discomfort after urination was greater with the urine collector in the walking state, and it was greater with the incontinence underwear in the sitting state. In the case of the urine collector, some leakage occurred during the discharge of urine, but it was not visible from the outside. In economic evaluation, the use of urine collector was calculated to be significantly less costlythan the incontinence underwear. This study was a pilot study in which 5 college students participated, and showed the merits and demerits of using the wearable urine collector or the disposable incontinence underwear, and thus providing significant information in selecting proper incontinent product for male incontinence patients.