Diameter Measurements Research Articles

Optimizing thrombectomy in medium vessel occlusion: Focus on vessel diameter.

Mechanical thrombectomy for medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) is a challenging field with limited results. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of a procedural strategy beginning with occluded vessel diameter measurement and matched aspiration catheter selection. We retrospectively analyzed all sequentially treated patients by mechanical thrombectomy at two comprehensive stroke centers between May 2020 and April 2023, focusing on the occluded vessel diameter. We included patients who underwent thrombectomy for MeVO based on the matching strategy (a procedural approach involving vessel diameter assessment, matching aspiration catheter selection, and firm clot engagement with or without a stent retriever). We evaluated efficacy and safety using the modified Thrombolysis in the Cerebral Infarction Scale (mTICI) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and procedure-related complications. Seventy patients fulfilled the final inclusion criteria. The median occluded vessel diameter was 1.71 mm. We achieved mTICI 2b/2c/3 in 82.9% and mTICI 2c/3 in 51.4% of the cases and did not observe any symptomatic ICH. We detected asymptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in 24.3% of the cases, that is, 5.6%, 20.0%, and 45.5% in the vessel diameter groups ≥2.0, 1.5-2.0, and ≤1.5 mm, respectively. The SAH incidence was significantly higher in narrower vessel groups. The occluded vessel diameter and the contact method with clots predicted clinical outcomes. Matching strategy-based thrombectomy yields acceptable efficiency and safety results. In narrower vessels, it is optimal to engage matched aspiration catheters and clots without the assistance of conventional stent retrievers.

Developmental three-dimensional examination of the pelvic cavity of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses (Ovis aries) in the last two periods of gestation.

Türkiye is a country in the world ranking in terms of sheep breeding. Hamdani crossbred sheep breed is one of the sheep breeds that can adapt to the difficult conditions in our country. In addition, the sentence may be corrected as 'Especially in the southeastern part of the Türkiye, crossbreeding is preferred by breeders to increase the yield characteristics of sheep'. In our study, it was aimed to perform a pelvimetric analysis of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses in the second and third trimesters by three-dimensional modelling method. For this purpose, a total of 40 second-trimester (10 females, 10 males) and third-trimester (10 females, 10 males) fetuses were used. The pelvises of the fetuses were imaged with CT and 3D models were created. Sixteen pelvimetric measurements were performed from the models. The results obtained were evaluated statistically. The study found statistically significant differences between male and female fetuses in terms of vertical diameter (VD) and foramen obturatum width (FOW) measurement parameters in the second trimester. In the third trimester, there were statistically significant differences between genders in acetabulum (AC) (p < 0.01), medial ischial tuberosities (MIT), and ischiatic arch (IA) (p < 0.05) parameters. As a result of the correlation analysis, it was determined that the pelvis length (PL) measurement parameter was positively correlated with different parameters in varying degrees in both periods, while the IA parameter did not show significant correlations with the other parameter in the last two periods of pregnancy. In conclusion, the data obtained will be useful in pelvimetric evaluations of human and animal fetuses, anatomy education, zooarchaeology and taxonomy studies.

Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement using ultrasonography: associations with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 intensive care unit admissions.

Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement using ultrasonography: associations with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 intensive care unit admissions.

Radiological signs of stone impaction add no value in predicting spontaneous stone passage

Stone size and location are key factors in predicting spontaneous stone passage (SSP), but little attention has been paid to the influence of radiological signs of stone impaction (RSSI). This research aims to determine whether RSSI, alongside stone size, can predict SSP and to evaluate the consistency of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) measurements among observers. In this retrospective study, 160 patients with a single upper or middle ureteral stone on acute non-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT) were analysed. Patient data were collected from medical records. Measurements of RSSI, including UWT, ureteral diameters, and average attenuation above and below the stone, were taken on NCCT by four independent readers blind to the outcomes. The cohort consisted of 70% males with an average age of 51 ± 15. SSP occurred in 61% of patients over 20 weeks. The median stone length was 5.7 mm (IQR: 4.5–7.3) and was significantly shorter in patients who passed their stones at short- (4.6 vs. 7.1, p < 0.001) and long-term (4.8 vs. 7.1, p < 0.001) follow-up. For stone length, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting SSP was 0.90 (CI 0.84–0.96) and only increased to 0.91 (CI 0.85–0.95) when adding ureteral diameters and UWT. Ureteral attenuation did not predict SSP (AUC < 0.5). Interobserver variability for UWT was moderate, with ± 2.0 mm multi-reader limits of agreement (LOA). The results suggest that RSSI do not enhance the predictive value of stone size for SSP. UWT measurements exhibit moderate reliability with significant interobserver variability.

Changes in optic nerve sheath diameter and its correlation with degree of consciousness, pupil diameter, and light reflex in children with central nervous system infection after osmotherapy.

High intracranial pressure (ICP) is one of the most common complications of central nervous system (CNS) infection. Failure to control high intracranial pressure results in brain herniation and death. One of the treatments for high ICP involves the administration of osmotherapy in the form of 3% NaCl or 20% mannitol with observation during administration. Observation of ICP during administration of osmotherapy is possible through measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), which could be correlated with degree of consciousness, pupil diameter, and light reflex. Previous studies have not correlated ONSD with degree of consciousness, pupil diameter, and light reflex during the administration of osmotherapy. To provide insights of incorporating ONSD measurement as a form of non-invasive bedside method for ICP monitoring by correlating it with degree of consciousness, pupil diameter, and light reflex at several time points. This study is a prospective cohort study, performed at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Central Hospital Bandung, Cibabat General Regional Hospital, and General Regional Hospital Bandung Kiwari on children aged 2-18 years with decreased consciousness and CNS infection, from June 2023. Inter-rater reliability was performed with a correlation coefficient of 0.90. Measurement of ONSD, degree of consciousness, pupil diameter, and light reflex simultaneously up to 48 h after initiation of osmotherapy to 30 patients. Correlational analyses were performed using Spearman's rank. Observation for 48 h after administration of osmotherapy showed changes in ONSD. A significant positive correlation was found between ONSD and degree of consciousness (r = 0.621 for the right eye and r = 0.602 for the left eye, p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between ONSD and light reflex (r = 0.801 for the right eye and r = 0.812 for the left eye, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found with changes of pupil diameter (r = -0.136 for the right eye and r = -0.141 for the left eye, p > 0.05). A significant correlation was found between ONSD and degree of consciousness and light reflex in children aged 2-18 years with CNS infection during administration of osmotherapy.

New tree height allometries derived from terrestrial laser scanning reveal substantial discrepancies with forest inventory methods in tropical rainforests.

Tree allometric models, essential for monitoring and predicting terrestrial carbon stocks, are traditionally built on global databases with forest inventory measurements of stem diameter (D) and tree height (H). However, these databases often combine H measurements obtained through various measurement methods, each with distinct error patterns, affecting the resulting H:D allometries. In recent decades, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has emerged as a widely accepted method for accurate, non-destructive tree structural measurements. This study used TLS data to evaluate the prediction accuracy of forest inventory-based H:D allometries and to develop more accurate pantropical allometries. We considered 19 tropical rainforest plots across four continents. Eleven plots had forest inventory and RIEGL VZ-400(i) TLS-based D and H data, allowing accuracy assessment of local forest inventory-based H:D allometries. Additionally, TLS-based data from 1951 trees from all 19 plots were used to create new pantropical H:D allometries for tropical rainforests. Our findings reveal that in most plots, forest inventory-based H:D allometries underestimated H compared with TLS-based allometries. For 30-metre-tall trees, these underestimations varied from -1.6 m (-5.3%) to -7.5 m (-25.4%). In the Malaysian plot with trees reaching up to 77 m in height, the underestimation was as much as -31.7 m (-41.3%). We propose a TLS-based pantropical H:D allometry, incorporating maximum climatological water deficit for site effects, with a mean uncertainty of 19.1% and a mean bias of -4.8%. While the mean uncertainty is roughly 2.3% greater than that of the Chave2014 model, this model demonstrates more consistent uncertainties across tree size and delivers less biased estimates of H (with a reduction of 8.23%). In summary, recognizing the errors in H measurements from forest inventory methods is vital, as they can propagate into the allometries they inform. This study underscores the potential of TLS for accurate H and D measurements in tropical rainforests, essential for refining tree allometries.

Inhibition of nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells and cytokines IL-1β in osteoarthritis rat models of 70 % ethanol extract of Arcangelisia flava (L.) merr stems

IntroductionOne of the most frequent types of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also referred to as a degenerative joint disease. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) are essential factors in the pain response; IL-1β and NO are responsible for increasing the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMS) in chondrocytes. Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr. Has been traditionally used to treat jaundice, liver disease, diarrhea, fever, and inflammation. MethodsThis study used in vitro and in vivo models to determine the effect of a 70 % ethanol extract of Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr. stems on the inhibition of NO production in RAW 264.7 cells induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-1β in osteoarthritis rats induced with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). The NO inhibition test was determined by the NO colorimetric assay using Griess reagent and measured by the ELISA plate reader. The measurement of joint diameter and hyperalgesia in osteoarthritis rats was carried out once a week for 7 weeks, and then the IL-1β levels were measured at weeks 3 and 7. ResultThe viability of cell line this extract was greater than 80 %, and the extract at 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL significantly inhibited NO production (p < 0.0001) in RAW 264.7 cells induced with LPS. Meanwhile, this extract at 10, 30, and 90 mg/200g BW increased latency time, reduced joint swelling, and reduced IL-1β levels in the serum in the osteoarthritis rat model. Conclusion70 % ethanol extract of Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr. Has the potential to be an anti-osteoarthritis drug.

Morphometry of the proximal humerus and the relationship to global offset

BackgroundPrevious research has consistently identified the medial and posterior offset of the native humeral head in relation to the intramedullary canal. These anatomic parameters and others such as humeral head and intramedullary diameter provide valuable insight for prosthesis development. However, it is critical to understand the relationship of morphometry to the native center of rotation. Our objective was to use 3-dimensional analysis to demonstrate the native morphometry of the proximal humerus and those relationships to global offset. MethodsFourteen cadaveric humeri were manually measured then digitally analyzed following 3-dimensional scanning. Pearson’s r was used to determine the relationship between variables. ResultsThe mean digital humeral head diameter (Hdd) was 46.5 (± 4.67) mm and the mean manual humeral head diameter was 46.8 (± 4.42) mm. The mean global offset (GO) was 6.36 (± 2.21) mm, and the mean best fit sphere diameter was 46.5 (± 4.63) mm. Pearson’s r = 0.58 (95% confidence interval 0.07-0.84, P = .021) for GO and Hdd which indicates a moderate correlation. Pearson’s r = 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.89-0.99, P < .001) for Hdd and manual humeral head diameter which indicates a strong correlation. DiscussionNative GO demonstrated a moderately positive correlation to humeral head diameter. The manual measurement of head diameter was strongly correlated to the 3-dimensional software value which reinforces the importance of intraoperative measurement. These data contribute to further understanding of shoulder morphometry which is integral to prosthesis design which impacts postoperative function and complications.

Analysis of agreement between specialists for the evaluation of radiological findings of necrotizing enterocolitis

ObjectiveThe analysis of abdominal radiography is essential for the diagnosis and management of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns (NB). Studies, however, show a lack of agreement among physicians in the interpretation of images. This study aims to evaluate the agreement in the radiological interpretation of the NEC between examiners from different specialties (interexaminer analysis) and between the same examiner at different times (intraexaminer analysis). MethodsCross-sectional study for concordance analysis using plain radiographs of the abdomen of NB with suspected or confirmed NEC. The study included two neonatologists (Neo), two surgeons (SU), and two radiologists (RD). The participants filled out a form with questions about the radiographic findings; regarding the presence of intestinal loop distension, the specialists answered subjectively (yes or no) and objectively (calculation of the ratio between loop diameter and lumbar vertebrae measurements). Kappa coefficients were calculated for agreement analysis. ResultsA total of 90 radiological images were analyzed. For the interexaminer evaluation, the agreement was low (kappa<0.4) in 30 % of the answers (Neo versus SU), 38 % (Neo versus RD), and 46 % (SU versus RD). In the intraexaminer evaluation, the neonatologist and the surgeon presented substantial or almost perfect agreement in 92 % of the answers, and the radiologist in 77 %. In the evaluation of intestinal loop distention, the greatest agreement between the specialties occurred when done objectively. ConclusionThe results confirmed the low intra- and interexaminer agreement in the radiological analysis of the NEC, reinforcing the importance of standardizing the methods of radiological interpretation of the disease.

Radio continuum emission from planetary nebulae in the Small Magellanic Cloud

We report 11 new radio continuum measurements of established planetary nebulae (PNe) in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) that we observed at 5.5 and 9 GHz with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). These new radio detections are PNe with catalogued names: SMP SMC 2, SMP SMC 3, SMP SMC 5, SMP SMC 8, SMP SMC 13, SMP SMC 14, SMP SMC 19, MGPN SMC 8, SMP SMC 22, SMP SMC 26 and SMP SMC 27. We supplement our data with available high-resolution radio observations from MeerKAT and construct the spectral energy distribution (SED) in the radio regime for each PN. We determine the angular diameters of four of the eleven PNe from radio flux density alone using SED modelling, which are compared to the corresponding Hubble Space Telescope (HST) optical diameters. Our results are in good agreement with the optically-derived angular diameters from independent HST observations. We plot our new diameter estimates against a larger sample of Galactic PNe and compare diameters obtained via the SED method to those found in the literature. Our sample diameters, when compared to the Galactic PNe, suggest that the angular diameter measurement methods are comparable independent of the distance.

Targeted and Therapeutic Efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Polylactic Acid Nanocomplexes in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC), arising from gastric mucosal cells, necessitates innovative treatment strategies beyond conventional surgical approaches. While 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has demonstrated efficacy in various cancers, its lack of selectivity for cancer cells and limited half-life pose challenges. This study focuses on assessing the therapeutic potential of 5-FU-loaded L-polylactic acid (PLLA) nanofibers (NFs) for targeted GC treatment. The preparation of 5-FU/PLLA NFs involved refining the drug delivery approach to enhance drug impact on GC cell proliferation and apoptosis. Utilizing an organic phase separation methodology, 5-FU was incorporated into PLLA NFs, and the NF morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy, with optical microscopy used for diameter measurement. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) explored binding state and PLLA crystallinity. Drug loading (DL) capacity and in vitro release characteristics were evaluated by UV-visible spectrophotometry, while NF degradation and stability were assessed. The human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell line was employed in cell experiments, with three groups: normal culture (Normal group), single drug treatment with 5-FU (5 μmol/L, 5-FU group), and 5-FU-loaded PLLA group (5-FU/PLLA group) containing 5 μmol/L 5-FU. Cell Counting Kit-8 gauged cell proliferation and viability, and Annexin V-FITC/PI assay determined cell apoptosis. Results revealed a (1,230.8±18.9) nm diameter for 5-FU/PLLA NFs with 18.3% crystallinity. FTIR and DSC analyses indicated a simple physical mixture of 5-FU and PLLA in 5-FU/PLLA. DL capacity was (18.1±2.3)%, with a DL efficiency of (92.5±9.4)%. in vitro release performance of 5-FU/PLLA surpassed that of raw 5-FU. The mass loss rate of 5-FU/PLLA was consistent across different pH buffer solutions, with a stable drug release (DR) rate over various storage times. In cell experiments, both 5-FU and 5-FU/PLLA groups exhibited reduced proliferation and viability compared to the Normal group, with higher apoptosis rates (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the 5-FU/PLLA group showed decreased proliferation and viability compared to the 5-FU group, accompanied by higher apoptosis rates (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, 5-FU-loaded PLLA NFs, with excellent DR properties, demonstrated significant inhibitory and cytotoxic effects on GC cells.

The Orbit and Dynamical Mass of Polaris: Observations with the CHARA Array

The 30 yr orbit of the Cepheid Polaris has been followed with observations by the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array from 2016 through 2021. An additional measurement has been made with speckle interferometry at the Apache Point Observatory. Detection of the companion is complicated by its comparative faintness—an extreme flux ratio. Angular diameter measurements appear to show some variation with pulsation phase. Astrometric positions of the companion were measured with a custom grid-based model-fitting procedure and confirmed with the CANDID software. These positions were combined with the extensive radial velocities (RVs) discussed by Torres to fit an orbit. Because of the imbalance of the sizes of the astrometry and RV data sets, several methods of weighting are discussed. The resulting mass of the Cepheid is 5.13 ± 0.28 M ⊙. Because of the comparatively large eccentricity of the orbit (0.63), the mass derived is sensitive to the value found for the eccentricity. The mass combined with the distance shows that the Cepheid is more luminous than predicted for this mass from evolutionary tracks. The identification of surface spots is discussed. This would give credence to the identification of a radial velocity variation with a period of approximately 120 days as a rotation period. Polaris has some unusual properties (rapid period change, a phase jump, variable amplitude, and unusual polarization). However, a pulsation scenario involving pulsation mode, orbital periastron passage, and low pulsation amplitude can explain these characteristics within the framework of pulsation seen in Cepheids.

Stand growth and carbon stocks of community-based mangrove rehabilitation in Singkawang City, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Astiani D, Roslinda E, Widiastuti T, Ekamawanti HA, Ekyastuti W, Dwianto W, Alfikri F, Ngidu EY. 2024. Stand growth and carbon stocks of community-based mangrove rehabilitation in Singkawang City, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2799-2805. The ability of tropical mangrove ecosystems to store carbon in the form of biomass is well-founded. The mangrove forest in Setapuk Besar Village, Singkawang City, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia has been managed by community members in response to the development of alluvial sediment land in recent years. The community's efforts in Setapuk Besar Village to rehabilitate and manage mangrove forests illustrate how essential mangrove forests are to the local ecology and should be applauded for their success. This study aims to investigate the growth and development, carbon stored and sequestered in mangrove forests planted by community in Setapuk Besar between 2015 and 2020. Field survey was conducted from July to November 2022 by mapping the sediment land that had expanded since 2015 and continued with the measurement of density and diameter of mangrove stands that were systematically planted in each planting year using sampling plot method. In addition, site factors such as pH, carbon content, nitrogen, phosphorus, CEC, and soil solution salinity were investigated. Our findings indicate that due to alluvial sedimentation, the coastline in Setapuk village is expanding by 3.3 to 4.6 ha annually, accumulating 24 ha throughout a six-year period. The mangroves planted in 2015-2016 are now thriving on the new land. The six-year-old trees diameter achieved an average of 6.80±0.13 cm, averaged 5.1 m in height, and increased from 0.45 to 2.2 cm in diameter. The total biomass (above and below-ground) of plants aged 4, 5 and 6 years was 250, 303 and 430 tons ha-1, with a potential to absorb carbon of 28-33 tons ha-1 year-1, correspondingly. Given that this mangrove area plays a crucial role in CO2 capture in nature and has a relatively high ability to absorb and store carbon, conservation efforts and best practices are necessary for this forest.

In Situ Pipe Prover Volume Measurement Method.

To improve the accuracy of in situ measurement of the standard volumes of pipe provers and to shorten the traceability chain, a new method of in situ pipe prover volume measurement was developed alongside a supporting measurement device. This method is based on the geometric dimension approach, which measures the inner diameter and length of a pipe prover to calculate its volume. For inner diameter measurement, a three-probe inner-diameter algorithm model was established. This model was calibrated using a standard ring gauge of Φ313 mm, with the parameters calculated through fitting. Another standard ring gauge of Φ320 mm was used to verify the inner diameters determined by the algorithmic model. A laser interferometer was employed for the segmented measurement of the pipe prover length. The comprehensive measurement system was then used for in situ measurement of the standard pipe prover. The newly developed system achieved an expanded uncertainty of 0.012% (k = 2) in volume measurement, with the deviation between the measured and nominal pipe prover volumes being merely 0.007%. These results demonstrate that the proposed in situ measurement method offers ultra-high-precision measurement capabilities.

Inhibition of endothelial to mesenchymal transition in a large animal preclinical arterio-venous fistula model leads to improved remodeling and reduced stenosis.

Vein grafts are used for many indications, including bypass graft surgery and arterio-venous fistula (AVF) formation. However, patency following vein grafting or AVF formation is suboptimal for various reasons, including thrombosis, neointimal hyperplasia and adverse remodeling. Recently, endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was found to contribute to neointimal hyperplasia in mouse vein grafts. We aimed to evaluate the clinical potential of inhibiting EndMT, and developed the first dedicated preclinical model to study the efficacy of local EndMT inhibition immediately prior to AVF creation. We first undertook pilot studies to optimize the creation of a femoral AVF in pigs and verify that EndMT contributes to neointimal formation. We then developed a method to achieve local in vivo SMAD3 knockdown by dwelling a lentiviral construct containing SMAD3 shRNA in the femoral vein prior to AVF creation. Next, in Phase 1, 6 pigs were randomized to SMAD3 knockdown or control lentivirus to evaluate the effectiveness of SMAD3 knockdown and EndMT inhibition 8 days after AVF creation. In Phase 2, 16 pigs were randomized to SMAD3 knockdown or control lentivirus and were evaluated to assess longer-term effects on AVF diameter, patency and related measures at 30 days after AVF creation.In Phase 1, compared to controls, SMAD3 knockdown achieved a 75% reduction in the proportion of CD31+ endothelial cells co-expressing SMAD3 (p<0.001), and also a significant reduction in the extent of EndMT (p<0.05). In Phase 2, compared to controls, SMAD3 knockdown was associated with an increase in the minimum diameter of the venous limb of the AVF (1.56±1.66 versus 4.26±1.71mm, p<0.01) and a reduced degree of stenosis (p<0.01). Consistent with this, neointimal thickness was reduced in the SMAD3 knockdown group (0.88±0.51 versus 0.45±0.19mm, p<0.05). Furthermore, endothelial integrity (the proportion of luminal cells expressing endothelial markers) was improved in the SMAD3 knockdown group (p<0.05). EndMT inhibition in a preclinical AVF model by local SMAD3 knockdown using gene therapy led to reduced neointimal hyperplasia, increased endothelialization and a reduction in the degree of AVF stenosis. This provides important proof-of-concept to pursue this approach as a clinical strategy to improve the patency of AVFs and other vein grafts.

Correlation of Gestational Age with Anterior-Posterior Thigh Diameter Measured by Two-Dimensional Sonography

Background: Anterior-posterior thigh diameter measurement via two-dimensional sonography (2D-US) correlates with fetal gestational age and reflects the growth and development of fetal thigh muscles and bones. This measurement, alongside estimated gestational age, offers valuable insights into fetal well-being and growth during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of gestational age with anterior-posterior thigh diameter measured by two-dimensional sonography and estimated gestational age. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College &amp; Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2010 to January 2012. As the study subjects, a total of 250 healthy women between the 24th and 38th weeks of normal pregnancy were enrolled by using a purposive sampling technique. For data analysis, SPSS version 23.0 was used. Results: The mean age of the participants was 24.79 ± 4.71 years with a range from 18 to 35 years. More than one-third (34.0%) of the women were in the age range of 21-25 years. The mean gestational age of all participants was 30.93 ± 4.32 weeks. Primigravida accounted for more than half (56.4%) of them. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between fetal anterior-posterior thigh diameter and gestational age (p&lt;0.001. Conclusion: There is a statistically significant positive correlation between fetal anterior-posterior thigh diameter and gestational age.

Unenhanced computed tomography as a diagnostic tool in suspected pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective cross-sectional pilot study.

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has been proposed to be diagnostic for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in multiple studies. However, the utility of the unenhanced CT measurements diagnosing PH has not been fully assessed. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility and reproducibility of cardiac and great vessel parameters on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) in suspected pulmonary hypertension (PH). In total, 42 patients with suspected PH who underwent unenhanced CT thorax and right heart catheterization (RHC) were included in the study. Three observers (a consultant radiologist, a specialist registrar in radiology, and a medical student) measured the parameters by using unenhanced CT. Diagnostic accuracy of the parameters was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Inter-observer variability between the consultant radiologist (primary observer) and the two secondary observers was determined by intra-class correlation analysis (ICC). Overall, 35 patients were diagnosed with PH by RHC while 7 patients were not. Main pulmonary arterial (MPA) diameter was the strongest (AUC 0.79 to 0.87) and the most reproducible great vessel parameter. ICC comparing the MPA diameter measurement of the consultant radiologist to the specialist registrar's and the medical student's were 0.96 and 0.92, respectively. Right atrial area was the cardiac measurement with highest accuracy and reproducibility (AUC 0.76 to 0.79; ICC 0.980, 0.950) followed by tricuspid annulus diameter (AUC 0.76 to 0.79; ICC 0.790, 0.800). MPA diameter and right atrial areas showed high reproducibility. Diagnostic accuracies of these were within the range of acceptable to excellent, and might have clinical value. Tricuspid annular diameter was less reliable and less diagnostic and was therefore not a recommended diagnostic measurement.

Effect of Saga Leaf Extract (Abrus precatorius Linn) in Inhibiting Enterococcus faecalis Bacteria Growth as an Alternative Root Canal Irrigation Material

Abstract Objective This study aims to examine the antibacterial effect of saga leaf extract on Enterococcus faecalis bacteria, which causes root canal treatment failure. Materials and Methods This research was conducted using a laboratory experimental method with saga leaf extract at 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% concentrations. Two percent chlorhexidine acts as the positive control, and 100% dimethyl sulfoxide as the negative control. The diameter of the inhibition zones was measured using the well diffusion test method. Statistical Analysis Data from the measurement of inhibition zone diameter were obtained and tested statistically using the normality test (Shapiro–Wilk), homogeneity test (Levene), parametric test (one-way analysis of variance), and further test (post hoc test). Results The largest inhibition zone diameter observed in this study was 9.46 mm at 100% concentration; however, it was not bigger than the positive control, which was measured at 16.55 mm. The research data were analyzed based on the classification of Davis and Stout inhibition zones. Conclusion This study concludes that saga leaf extract has an antibacterial effect on the growth of E. faecalis bacteria.

Facile Synthesis of Sodium Alginate (SA)-Based Quaternary Bio-Nanocomposite (SA@Co-Zn-Ce) for Antioxidant Activity and Photocatalytic Degradation of Reactive Red 24

This study introduces a new strategy for the environmentally friendly catalytic degradation of Reactive Red 24 (RR24) dye using sunlight. We developed a cost-effective quaternary nanocomposite by immobilizing a sodium alginate biopolymer over bioengineered Co-Zn-Ce nanoparticles, forming an SA@Co–Zn–Ce nanocomposite (where SA means sodium alginate). This composite also demonstrated an exceptional antioxidant potential of approximately 89%, attributed to the synergistic effect of sodium alginate and green-synthesized Co–Zn–Ce nanoparticles (biosynthesized using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract as a reducing agent). Scanning electron microscopy revealed grain sizes of 28.6 nm for Co–Zn–Ce NPs and 25.59 nm for SA@Co–Zn–Ce nanocomposites (NCs). X-ray diffraction showed particle sizes of 16.87 nm and 15.43 nm, respectively. Co–Zn–Ce NPs exhibited a zeta potential of 1.99 mV, whereas the sodium alginate-anchored Co–Zn–Ce showed −7.99 mV. This indicated the entrapment of negatively charged ions from sodium alginate, altering the surface charge characteristics and enhancing the photocatalytic degradation of RR24. Dynamic light scattering revealed an average particle size of approximately 81 nm for SA@Co–Zn–Ce NCs, with the larger size due to the influence of water molecules in the colloidal solution affecting hydrodynamic diameter measurement. The SA@Co–Zn–Ce NCs exhibited a CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.29 mmol/g at 25 °C and 4.76 mmol/g at 40 °C, indicating temperature-dependent variations in adsorption capabilities. The specific surface area of Co–Zn–Ce oxide NPs, measured using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, was found to be 167.346 m2/g, whereas the SA@Co–Zn–Ce oxide nanocomposite showed a surface area of 24.14 m2/g. BJH analysis revealed average pore diameters of 34.60 Å for Co–Zn–Ce oxide NPs and 9.26 Å for SA@Co–Zn–Ce oxide NCs. Although the immobilization of sodium alginate on Co–Zn–Ce oxide NPs did not increase the adsorption sites and porosity of the composite, as evidenced by the N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, the SA@Co–Zn–Ce oxide NCs still demonstrated a high photocatalytic degradation efficiency of RR24.

Efficacy of colchicine and melatonin in the treatment of rat endometriosis model: An animal study

ObjectiveThis study investigates the therapeutic effects of colchicine and melatonin on endometriotic implants in an experimentally created endometriosis model in rats. Study designForty-four adult female Wistar albino rats weighing between 260 and 300 g, 8 weeks old, were selected for the study. The unilateral uterine horn of rats with a bicornuate uterus was excised for 1 cm, washed with sterile saline, incised longitudinally, and the endometrium was exposed. A 0.5*0.5 cm endometrial tissue sample taken with a scalpel was implanted with suturing (4/0 Vicryl) to the abdominal wall. Forty-four rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was randomized as the endometriosis group (control), Group 2 as endometriosis + colchicine treatment, Group 3 as endometriosis + melatonin treatment, and Group 4 as the endometriosis + melatonin + colchicine treatment group. The colchicine (Sigma Chemical Co., St Louis, Missouri) group was administered orally at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg, and the Melatonin group orally at a dose of melatonin (20 mg/kg per day). Treatment continued daily for 30 days. ResultsIn the post-treatment focal diameter measurements, the endometrial focal diameter in the colchicine and colchicine + melatonin group was significantly lower than the control group (p=0.026). Bcl-2 levels of the colchicine group were lower than the control group and the melatonin group (p=0.021). ConclusionColchicine and melatonin reduce adhesion to the peritoneal surface in ectopic endometrial cells. It also acts by increasing apoptosis and decreasing cell survival.