Detailed Scanning Research Articles

Ultrasound diagnosis of placental and umbilical cord anomalies in singleton pregnancies resulting from in-vitro fertilization

Introductionplacental anomalies can affect fetal and maternal outcome due to severe maternal hemorrhage potentially resulting in hysterectomy and cord accident including abruption that can determine fetal damage or death. The aims of our study are to determine if the rate of placental and umbilical cord anomalies are more common in IVF singleton pregnancies compared to spontaneous pregnancies; to evaluate the role of ultrasound in screening for these anomalies and to investigate if oocyte donor fertilization is an additional risk factor for the development of these anomalies. Methodsthis was a prospective cohort study involving two tertiary centers. Patients with a singleton pregnancy conceived with IVF and patients presenting with a spontaneous conception were recruited between 1st May 2019 to 31st March 2021. A total of 634 pregnancies were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent similar antenatal care, which included ultrasound examinations at 11–14, 19–22 and 33–35 weeks. Ultrasound findings of placental and/or umbilical cord abnormalities were recorded using the same protocol for both groups and confirmed after birth. ResultsIVF pregnancies had a significantly higher risk of low-lying placenta, placenta previa, bilobed placenta and velamentous cord insertion (VCI) compared with spontaneous pregnancies. In the heterologous subgroup there was a significant increased incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders than in spontaneous pregnancies. All these anomalies were identified prenatally on ultrasound imaging and confirmed at birth. DiscussionIVF pregnancies in general and those resulting from donor oocyte in particular are at higher risk of placental and umbilical cord abnormalities compared to spontaneous pregnancies. These anomalies can be diagnosed accurately at the mid-trimester detailed fetal anomaly scan and our findings support the need for a targeted ultrasound screening of these anomalies in IVF pregnancies.

Nanoscale crystal growth processes triggered by captured solid impurity particles

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the influence of solid neutral particles on dynamics and kinetics of surface growth on nanoscale. The experiment involved real-time observations of the hydroxymethylquinoxalinedioxide (C10H10N2O4) surface capturing micrometer tourmaline particles of no particular shape and with low adhesiveness to the material of the host crystal. It was made possible to visualize in detail a hillock formation on a screw dislocation triggered by a captured particle, as well as dislocation propagation through the overgrowing macrostep.Out of the multitude of similar size particles, only one of them generated a long-term screw dislocation – that was the particle in whose area a Frank-Read dislocation had been triggered even before the particle cavities were sealed. A detailed scanning showed that the wellknown phenomenon of a dislocation propagating through the overgrowing layers manifests itself as creation of a new screw hillock with monomolecular steps exactly above the lower hillock axis.The author’s method of statistical processing of AFM data was used to compile an array of average tangential and average normal growth rates and their fluctuations. In spite of the matter in the solution not being refilled, the normal and tangential rates showed constant and significant increase.The results were compared with the data from several earlier experiments with and without special impact during the growth process. It was established that the growth rate in the experiment with incorporation of impurities has small and almost stable fluctuations just like in the experiments without any impact.

Effect of Al addition on the corrosion behavior of the VCoNi medium-entropy alloys

The Al addition has presented promising application in tailoring the mechanical properties of VCoNi medium-entropy alloys. However, as far as its real application was concerned, the effect of Al addition on the corrosion behavior of VCoNi alloy should also be taken into account, which, however, has not been reported so far. In this paper, Al0.23VCoNi MEA was designed, and its corrosion behavior was investigated by electrochemical and immersion test in 1 M H2SO4 solution at room temperature. The results in the present work suggested that the Al addition worsens the corrosion resistance of VCoNi alloy. Detailed microstructural and Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy analysis displayed that the refined grains and Al-enriched BCC phase formed in the Al0.23VCoNi alloy, the high-density grain boundaries and the potential difference between the BCC phase and FCC phases accelerate the dissolution of Al0.23VCoNi alloy in the initial stage of corrosion. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that the V-depleted and (Al3+, Ni2+)-enriched corroded specimen surface decreased the stability of the passive layer, and hence decreased its resistance to pitting corrosion. Therefore, the degradation of the corrosion resistance of VCoNi MEA after the addition of Al is due to the synergic effects of component segregation, increase in grain boundary and deterioration of the stability of the passive layer.

Identifying Organic Matter (OM) Types and Characterizing OM Pores in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Shales.

Organic matter (OM) pores are considered to be an important pore type in the Ordovician Wufeng-Silurian Longmaxi Formation shales in the Sichuan Basin, China, because they have a high capacity to store natural gas. However, to the best of our knowledge, research on the characterization and quantitation of different OM pore characteristics is insufficient. In this study, detailed optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and the pores/particles and cracks analysis system (PCAS) were applied to identify the OM pores and obtain quantitative information on pores such as pore size, surface porosity, form factor, and probability entropy. Moreover, CO2 and N2 adsorption experiments were performed to study the properties of pores for samples with different TOC and mineral compositions. The results show the following. (1) Pyrobitumen and kerogen can be distinguished under an optical microscope and SEM; the former can be further divided into pyrobitumen without a fixed shape and pyrobitumen with a certain shape, and the latter contains algal fragments, bacteria-like aggregates, graptolite, and micrinite. The overwhelming number of SEM-visible OM pores are mainly observed in pyrobitumen without a fixed shape, whereas pores in other OM types are complex. A PCAS analysis showed that meso-macropores are developed in pyrobitumen without a fixed shape, whereas pores in algal fragments and bacterial-like aggregates are mainly mesopores. (2) Quartz-rich brittle shale will provide more visible SEM pores compared to clay-rich ductile shale, and carbonates are unfavorable for pore development because they can block the pore as cements. Moreover, the rigid mineral framework, including that constructed by quartz recrystallization and pyrite cementation, and the pore-fluid pressure are favorable for the development of OM pores. (3) Adsorption experiments showed that pyrobitumen makes a great contribution to pore development, including micropores and meso-/macropores. Finally, we propose that the pore parameters (e.g., pore diameter, pore form factor, and deformation) of pyrobitumen without a fixed shape may characterize the enrichment condition of shale gas.

Investigation on the characteristics of fracture process zone under cyclic loading: Insights from macro-mesoscopic analysis

Cyclic disturbance is common in engineering which accounts for the main reason for fractures and plays an important role in the fracture process zone (FPZ), leading to unclear characteristics at the macro-mesoscopic level. It is thus essential to focus on the macro-mesoscopic analysis of fracture characteristics in FPZ subjected to cyclic loading. In this paper, a series of tests are conducted on sandstone to quantify the macro-mesoscopic features of FPZ. The experimental results indicate that the cyclic loading has an important effect on fracture toughness, the correction of nonlinear fracture toughness based on FPZ is reduced at different amplitude levels. Detailed scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation revealed the scenario of the damage zone indicating the connection between macroscopic fracture properties and mesoscopic mechanism. Additionally, it is found that more intergranular cracks were produced on the cycling failed surface, which is opposite to static rupture. A cohesive zone model (CZM) was introduced to characterize the constitutive relationship of tensile fracture, combined with digital image correlation (DIC) method, the evolution law of FPZ can be divided into three stages. Moreover, 3D laser scanning technology was applied to calculate and analyze the parameters of failed surfaces, namely, fractal dimension D, asperity height, and slope angle which were positively correlated with surface roughness. Furthermore, the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) increases almost linearly with decreasing amplitudes.

Scan-to-BIM technique in building maintenance projects: practicing quantity take-off

PurposeIn Hong Kong, over 20,000 private residential buildings will be 50 plus years old by 2039. However, building maintenance has not been owners’ popular interest because of the high cost as well as the complexities in justifying whether the quantities and prices of the maintenance works are reasonable. This paper therefore aims to validate the practicality of adopting Scan-to-BIM: Terrestrial Laser Scan (TLS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to perform quantity take-offs (QTO) for estimating building maintenance costs.Design/methodology/approachA 64-year-old tenement building was selected to conduct a case study. In this instance, the building had undergone a Scan-to-BIM survey approach to generate QTO for the bills of quantities for external painting works. The Scan-to-BIM approach includes site visit, positioning of scanning equipment, assignment of circular scan routes, point cloud registration and identification of residual error. After that, time, cost and quality data were logged into contrast with QTO on as-built plans for external wall plastering works.FindingsThe “time”, “cost” and “quality” of the Scan-to BIM practice were then examined and compared with the prevailing practices of manual measurements on as-built drawings. As noted from the results, the initial cost of Scan-to BIM is high, owing to the cost of equipment, software and capable available operators. However, the authors identified that the time and cost can be significantly minimised by developing and implementing efficient practices such as preparing a detailed scan plan, equipping modeller with quantity surveying knowledge, using automated object recognition and 5D BIM software packages such as Vico Office and CostX.Practical implicationsThe upshot is that Scan-to-BIM could be one of the measures to advance the clarity in the QTO and estimated price of the maintenance projects.Originality/valueThe practicability of Scan-to-BIM has received limited attention on existing building maintenance project. The Scan-to-BIM approach was examined using a case building of a 64-year-old tenement building. The approach demonstrated in this research study is promised to advance the clarity in the QTO and estimated price of maintenance project.

Testing the earthquake damage and vulnerability of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge, Kairouan (Tunisia) with discrete element modeling

The Cherichira aqueduct, originating from Roman times, supplied the city of Kairouan, Tunisia, with water and has had alternating phases of damage and repair after the Roman and during the Aghlabid and Fatimid era. A crucial section of the lifeline is the Cherichira aqueduct bridge (CAB), and scholars have discussed the possibility that earthquake ground motions caused damage which disrupted the water supply of Kairouan. However, little was known about the dynamic behavior of the bridge and its vulnerability to earthquake ground motions. Computer-aided design based on a detailed laser scan model of the remains of the bridge and published data were used to reconstruct the CAB of the Aghlabid period. Subsequently converted into a discrete element model, the digital version of the CAB was subjected to analytic ground motion signals and full 3D simulations of local earthquakes. The CAB model shows a fundamental eigenfrequency close to 1 Hz in the direction transverse to its trend, and single-component ground motions in this direction with peak particle velocities above 1.0 m/s cause damage to the top of the CAB. Among the earthquake scenarios with full 3D ground motions applied, only the activation of a nearby thrust fault caused distinct damage. While fractures in the ruins of the CAB cutting through the upper part of the bridge which includes the water canal are a likely cause for disrupting the water flow and are similar to the damage pattern produced in the model calculations, a solely seismogenic cause of the total collapse of some parts of the CAB cannot be verified by the simulations.

Techniques and pitfalls of coronary arterial reimplantation in anatomical correction of transposition.

We assessed the anatomical variations in coronary arterial patterns relative to the techniques of reimplantation in the setting of the arterial switch operation, relating the variations to influences on outcomes. We reviewed pertinent published investigations, assessing events reported following varied surgical techniques for reimplantation of the coronary arteries in the setting of the arterial switch procedure. The prevalence of reported adverse events, subsequent to reimplantation, varied from 2% to 11%, with a bimodal presentation of high early and low late incidence. The intramural pattern continues to contribute to mortality, with some reports of 28% fatality. The presence of abnormal course relative to the arterial pedicles in the setting of single sinus origin was associated with a three-fold increase in mortality. Abnormal looping with bisinusal origin of arteries was not associated with increased risk. The techniques of transfer of the coronary arteries can be individually adapted to cater for the anatomical variations. Cardiac surgeons, therefore, need to be familiar with the myriad creative options available to achieve successful repair when there is challenging anatomy. Long-term follow-up will be required to affirm the superiority of any specific individual technique. Detailed multiplanar computed-tomographic scanning can now reveal all the variants, and elucidate the mechanisms of late complications. Coronary angioplasty or surgical revascularization may be considered in selected cases subsequent to the switch procedure.

Highlights from the International Twins Congress 2021

Highlights from the International Twins Congress 2021

G-C3N4-based materials functionalized with Au, Ag, and Au-Ag: An XPS study

In the present contribution, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the surface composition and elemental chemical states of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) materials decorated with highly dispersed noble metals (Au, Ag, or Au + Ag). Samples were prepared through electrophoretic deposition of g-C3N4 on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and annealed at 500 °C in Ar. The resulting systems were subsequently functionalized by radio frequency-sputtering and finally annealed again under an Ar atmosphere. Material’s structural and morphological characterization revealed an intimate contact of the introduced noble metals with the underlying g-C3N4 matrix. Survey spectra as well as detailed scans for C 1s, N 1s, O 1s, Au 4f, Ag 3d, and Sn 3d regions are presented and critically discussed. The obtained results evidence the presence of highly defective carbon nitride matrices functionalized by low-sized Au nanoaggregates, atomically dispersed Ag, or partially alloyed Au-Ag core/shell nanoparticles.

Hydro-Volcanism in the Longgang Volcanic Field, Northeast China: Insights from Topography, Stratigraphy, Granulometry and Microtexture of Xidadianzi Maar Volcano

Hydro-volcanism in the Longgang volcanic field (LVF) of Northeast China has produced a dozen maars with features of complex sequences. To better understand the formation mechanism of maar volcanos in the LVF, this study focuses on the Xidadianzi (XDDZ) maar volcano, located in the Jinchuan valley of the LVF. Based on detailed stratigraphy analysis, 14C geochronology, grain-size distribution, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, the eruptive sequence of the XDDZ volcano, including the South Crater and the North Crater, was constructed. The whole sequence was formed after four eruptive phases, including a wet phreatomagmatic eruption, an explosive magmatic eruption, a dry and hot phreatomagmatic eruption, and a small explosive magmatic eruption. 14C geochronology indicates that the formation age of XDDZ is 15,900 ± 70 years, BP. Topographic and stratigraphic characteristics show that the landforms of two craters were damaged and buried because of the destruction of lava flows and agricultural modification. The NE- trending fissure in the hard rock area is thought to participate in the formation of the XDDZ maar volcano.

Evolution of carbonate studies in the Rocky Mountain region over the past century

Just as the world’s population, knowledge in general, and the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG) have changed in major ways during the past 100 years, so too has the study and interpretation of carbonate rocks and reservoirs. The RMAG, a century old in 2022, has evolved from just 50 original charter members who held the organization’s first “meeting” in 1922, to its approximately 1800 members today. Thus, RMAG’s publications have helped document the evolution of carbonate rock studies, particularly those in the Rocky Mountain region. Key contributions have been made through RMAG’s hundreds of luncheon talks, through its quarterly technical publication, The Mountain Geologist, initiated in 1964, and the exceptionally comprehensive Geologic Atlas of the Rocky Mountain Region, published 50 years ago in 1972. In addition, since 1953 the RMAG has published field guides and symposia volumes focused on specific basins, types of reservoirs, and structural geology among other things. Many of these books contain papers focused on carbonate rock units in the Rockies. Analysis of the papers published in The Mountain Geologist each year from 1964 through 2021 reveals that a fairly consistent 10 to 15% of that journal’s articles each year deal directly with some aspect of carbonate rocks. Earlier papers in the 1960s and 1970s dealt mainly with outcrop studies and the correlation of specific carbonate units based on measured sections or the use of fossils to define facies and biostratigraphic units. During the 1980s emphasis shifted to refining carbonate depositional models and focusing more on carbonate diagenesis through detailed petrographic studies, isotopic analyses, cathodoluminescence, and scanning electron microscopy. The 1990s brought a shift to papers focused more on specific carbonate hydrocarbon reservoirs ranging from the peritidal dolomites in Cottonwood Creek Field to relatively deepwater Waulsortian mudmounds in the Mississippian Lodgepole Formation and the “basinal” chalks of the Niobrara Formation. The focus of carbonate studies shifted again in the early 2000s to the use of 3-D seismic data to better understand specific carbonate reservoirs and the increased interpretation of carbonate deposits within the context of sequence stratigraphy. The tools used to study carbonate rocks expanded even further over the past decade with more refined isotopic data, improved SEM studies, and the use of elemental data obtained with X-ray fluorescence analyses. No doubt the next decade will bring even more improvements in data collection methods and the interpretation of depositional and diagenetic processes that have impacted all Rocky Mountain carbonate deposits.

SIRENOMELIA, THE FETAL MERMAID - A RARE CASE REPORT

Sirenomelia or mermaid syndrome is a rare congenital condition. Condition is characterised by fusion of lower limbs to form one single lower limb and is associated with bilateral renal agenesis, severe pulmonary hypoplasia, genitourinary abnormalities, anomalies of lumbosacral spine and pelvis, anorectal defect, gastrointestinal anomalies, single umbilical artery. It affects 1 in 100,000 live births worldwide, with the male to female gender ratio being 3:1. We report a case of sirenomelia type-III in a multigravida female reported to our hospital at term gestation. Her medical history was unremarkable, no associated risk factors, no history of drug abuse. No family history of congenital anomalies. Condition is fatal due to associated visceral anomalies. Prenatal diagnosis is difcult in late second and third trimester as severe oligohydramnios limits the visualisation of anomalies. Early diagnosis in rst or early second trimester is recommended when the normal amount of amniotic uid allow detailed sonographic scanning.

Staurophora ouniangaensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae, Anomoeoneidaceae), a new diatom from the Ounianga Lakes in the Sahara, Chad

Modern diatom assemblages were investigated in the Ounianga Lakes located in the driest part of the Chadian Sahara. These lakes still exist today due to groundwater seepage. They contain a variety of diatom species, one of which could not be identified. Here we describe a new species of Staurophora, S. ouniangaensis sp. nov. based on detailed light and scanning electron microscopy observations. The new taxon presents all morphological characters attributed to this genus and differs from other Staurophora species mainly by its specific valve outline and the slightly twisted frustules along the transapical axis. We compared this new species with the morphologically resembling Cymbella obtusa which was reported from Chad. The latter taxon has a much coarser stria density than our newly described species. Staurophora ouniangaensis sp. nov. supports that Staurophora species prefer inland saline environments. Indeed, in the Ounianga lakes, the new species was mainly observed in mesosaline to hypersaline waters.

Has the COVID-19 delayed the diagnosis of fetal anomalies and reduced in the follow-up of high-risk pregnancies?

Objective: COVID-19 has deeply affected our lives in terms of social, economic, education and health issues. Pregnant women have had concerns about routine antenatal care visits and decreased follow-up numbers due to concern of COVID-19 transmission. We aimed to evaluate whether there is a delay in the diagnosis of fetal anomaly during the COVID-19 pandemic period and whether patients diagnosed with fetal anomaly attend antenatal care regularly or not, and to investigate the factors that prevent them from regular follow-up. Methods: Pregnant women diagnosed with fetal anomaly during pandemic period (March 1, 2020 to September 1, 2020) and diagnosed with fetal anomaly before pandemic period (September 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020) were compared with a questionnaire in terms of antenatal follow-up frequency and gestational age of fetal anomaly diagnosis. Results: In the during pandemic period group, regular pregnancy follow-up was decreased from 87% to 51% because of maternal anxiety, fear of virus transmission in hospital and the anxiety of passing it on to baby. Attending a detailed ultrasound scan for detecting fetal anomaly at 18–22 weeks was significantly lower in the during pandemic group. In the pandemic period, the most commonly diagnosed fetal anomalies were central and peripheral nervous system, and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system anomalies similar to the before pandemic period group. The mean frequency of follow-ups in the third trimester in the before pandemic period group and during pandemic period group was 6.02 (±2.36) times and 4.02 (±1.97) times, respectively, and it was a considerable and statistically significant decrease. In addition, the mean week of fetal anomaly diagnosis was 23±6 weeks in during pandemic group, while it was 22±5 weeks in before pandemic group, and there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Antenatal follow-up of the patients has been decreased significantly during the pandemic period, although it does not seem to cause delay in the diagnosis of fetal anomaly. In experienced perinatal centers, if the concerns of patients are relieved and they are examined under suitable conditions for the pandemic, there will be no delay in diagnosis of fetal anomalies.

Ultrasound features of placental chorioangioma detected by SMI technology before and after thrombosis of feeding vessels: analysis of a clinical case

Objective: Placental chorioangioma is the most common non-trophoblastic vascular benign tumor of the placenta, with an estimated incidence of 1% of all pregnancies. Most chorioangiomas are small asymptomatic lesions that are found incidentally only postnatally during histologic examination of the placenta. Voluminous chorioangiomas (>4–5 cm), however, are less common and are more often diagnosed prenatally, through ultrasound imaging. Color Doppler demonstrates either a single blood vessel feeding the lesion or substantial vascularity within the mass. Large tumors have been associated with multiple adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, polyhydramnios, fetal congestive heart failure, fetal anemia, fetal hydrops and intrauterine death. Case(s): A 35-years-old primigravida woman with uncomplicated pregnancy was referred to the Ultrasound Centre of Obstetric and Gynecologic of Sant’Anna Hospital, Turin, due to a suspect placental mass seen during the ultrasound performed at 32 weeks of gestation. In this case, detailed ultrasound scans with grey scale and Doppler examination were performed (using Aplio 550; Canon Medical Systems Europe BV, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands). We also decided to study the vascularization of the mass with SMI (superb microvascular imaging) technology. In particular, with the use of SMI, it was possible to visualize the vascularization of the mass more completely which was conspicuous at first but disappeared after thrombosis of feeding vessels with favorable pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: SMI is a new vascularity imaging method that can visualize vessels that exhibit slow flow rates. It uses a system to reduce artifacts by greatly reducing interference from tissue movement.

Effect of grey relational optimization of process parameters on surface and tribological characteristics of annealed AISI P20 tool steel machined using wire EDM

AbstractTo increase the productivity and quality of the machined components, wire electro-discharge machine parameters such as cutting speed, kerf width, and surface roughness are often optimized. The Wire-electro discharge machining process generates a much higher temperature at the wire-work piece interface which can potentially change the metallurgical characteristics of the machined surface. This paper studies the changes in the tribology of surface and sub-surface of the workpiece due to the initial and optimized wire-electro discharge machine parametric setting using grey relational analysis while machining sub-cooled AISI P20 tool steel. It is concluded that the optimum parametric setting to obtain a better cutting speed, kerf width, and surface roughness using grey relational analysis, which improves the productivity and quality of the component, also produces a thicker recast layer. The wear test revealed that the surface machined with an optimized parametric setting gives higher wear resistance. Detailed scanning electron microscopy explains the characteristics of the recast layer and micro-hardness explains the surface hardenability of tool steel, which is a result of martensitic transformation through rapid cooling, formed heat affected zone, and increase in oxygen content on the surface. The wear test proved that the recast layer helps in improving the wear resistivity of tool steel. The methodology of the hardening of the surface and the sub-surface layer can strengthen the application of components.

Prenatal Diagnosis, Associated Findings, and Postnatal Outcome in Fetuses with Double Inlet Ventricle (DIV).

To assess the spectrum of associated cardiac anomalies, the intrauterine course, and postnatal outcome of fetuses with double inlet ventricle (DIV). Retrospective analysis of prenatal ultrasound of 35 patients with DIV diagnosed between 2003 and 2021 in two tertiary referral centers in Germany. All fetuses underwent fetal echocardiography and a detailed anomaly scan. Postnatal outcome and follow-up data were retrieved from pediatric reports. 33 cases of DIV were correctly diagnosed prenatally. 24 fetuses (72.7%) had a double inlet ventricle with dominant left (DILV), 7 (21.2%) with dominant right ventricular morphology (DIRV), and 2 cases (6%) with indeterminate morphology (DIIV). 4 (16.6%) were Holmes hearts. 5 of the 7 fetuses (71.4%) with DIRV had a double outlet right ventricle (DORV). Malposition of the great arteries was present in 84.8%. Chromosomal abnormalities were absent. Termination of pregnancy was performed in 8 cases (24.2%). 24 fetuses (72.7%) were live-born. 5 (20.8%) were female and 19 (79.2%) were male. The median gestational age at birth was 38+2.5 weeks. All but one child received univentricular palliation. The median follow-up time was 5.83 years with an adjusted survival rate of 91.6% (22 of 24 live-born children). There was one case of Fontan failure at 15.7 years. DIV remains a major cardiac malformation although both prenatal diagnostics and cardiac surgery have improved over the years. The course of pregnancy is commonly uneventful. All children need univentricular palliation. The children are slightly physically limited, develop a normal intellect, and attend school regularly.

Diagnostics and treatment of orbital myositis

Objective: Orbital myositis is a rare clinical condition that involves idiopathic inflammation mostly of extraocular muscles. The purpose of this study was to present a diagnostic and treatment plan of orbital myositis. Methods: A 60-year-old female presented with decreased visual acuity on her left eye, ocular hypertension, restricted and painful left abduction, diplopia, swollen eyelids, and orbital discomfort. MRI, as well as ultrasound, showed enlargement in width of medial rectus muscle. After other diagnoses were excluded, the diagnosis of left orbital myositis was established. Results: She was started on systemic corticosteroid treatment, but each time the steroid dose was tapered she experienced a relapse. Immunosuppressive therapy was introduced and the steroid dose was gradually tapered and excluded. One year after immunosuppressive therapy, the clinical findings improved. Conclusion: The diagnosis of orbital myositis requires detailed examination, laboratory testing and MRI scans of the orbits in order to exclude other diseases with similar clinical findings. The first line treatment option is systemic corticosteroid therapy with additional immunosuppressive therapy if needed.Abbreviations: MRI = magnetic resonance imaging, BCVA = best corrected visual acuity, ENT = ear, nose, throat specialist, CBC = complete blood count, WBC = white blood cell, ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP = C reactive protein, HM = hand motion, TED = thyroid eye disease, SLE = systemic lupus erythematosus, ECG = electrocardiogram, CT = computed tomography

Mechanical Properties and a Brittle-to-Ductile Fracture Transition in 3D Boron Nitride Foams.

We uncover the fracture characteristics of a boron nitride foam (BNF): a highly promising nanomaterial with a large band gap, superelastic behavior, and high surface area. By applying tension tests to BNF samples and characterizing them using image-processing tools and detailed scanning and transmission electron microscopies, we demonstrate a transition from brittle to a ductile fracture. Complementary mechanical analyses revealed that constraints originating from the synthesis process induce significant prestresses in the BNF and that wall thickness variations explain the fracture transition. We also show that BNF has a nearly zero Poisson's ratio and a high (>200 MPa) shear strength and that it absorbs a significant amount of energy before the fracture occurs. Thus, our findings shed light on the fundamental microscopic-scale mechanics of BNF, paving the way toward its integration into advanced applications, such as wearable electronics and energy absorbers.