Height Measurements Research Articles

Deep learning for retrieving omni-directional ocean wave spectra from spaceborne synthetic aperture radar

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a unique remote sensing instrument imaging ocean surface waves in two dimensions with high spatial resolution regardless of sunlight and weather conditions. However, due to the nonlinear imaging process, the ocean wave spectra cannot be retrieved directly from SAR data. The emergence of deep learning (DL) techniques provides a new paradigm for addressing this challenge. In this paper, a deep-learning-based model, called Wave-Spec-CNN, is proposed for retrieving omni-directional ocean wave spectra from SAR data. This model is constructed using approximately 21,000 collocations of Sentinel-1 Interferometric Wide swath mode images matched with global in-situ buoy data. The model adapts the convolution neural network (CNN) to accommodate the multi-valued nature of omni-directional ocean wave spectra, enhances performance by integrating a calibration branch and further incorporates physical characteristics into the training process. The results demonstrate consistency with buoy measurements for significant wave height (SWH) in the range of 0.5 m to 6 m, yielding a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.51 m on the validation dataset, comparable to traditional physical-based methods. In terms of mean wave period (MWP) and peak frequency (PF), the achieved RMSEs are of 1.24 s and 0.03 Hz, respectively. The retrieved omni-directional ocean wave spectra also allow to separate swell and windsea components for respective comparisons with those derived by in-situ buoy data. The RMSEs of respective SWH comparisons are of 0.46 m and 0.42 m. This research represents an initial endeavor into utilizing DL for the long-standing challenge of SAR inversion for ocean wave spectra, as well as providing valuable insights for employing DL in multi-parameter inversion tasks in remote sensing.

Indeks Massa Tubuh Menurut Usia, Aktivitas Fisik, dan Pola Makan Pada Remaja SMP Negeri 13 Semarang

Nutritional status is a health condition that occurs as a result of a comparison between needs and the fulfillment of nutritional substances. There are several factors that can influence a person's nutritional status, namely suitability of needs with food intake, physical activity, increased nutritional needs due to various diseases, and other factors such as social and economic background. The nutritional status of adolescents can be described through measuring BMI/U. The prevalence of underweight in adolescents aged 13-15 years, based on research and development data from the Ministry of Health in 2013, is 11.1% (3.3% very thin and 7.8% thin) while for obese people aged 13-15 years was 10.8% (2.5% very obese and 8.3% obese). Data was obtained by interviews regarding identity, student age, weight and height measurements, exercise and physical activity habits, eating patterns and interpretation of nutritional status on Z-Score BMI according to Age. The results of this study showed that 59.5% of students had good nutritional status, 15.7% of students had overweight nutritional status, 13% of students have poor nutritional status, 10.3% of students have poor nutritional status, 1.6% students have obesity nutritional status.

A novel cervical vertebral bone quality score can independently predict cage subsidence after anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion

ObjectivesTo optimize cervical vertebral bone quality (C-VBQ) score and explore its effectiveness in predicting cage subsidence in Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF) and identify a new method for evaluating subsidence without different equipment and image scale interference.MethodsCollecting demographic, imaging, and surgical related information. Measuring Cage Subsidence with a new method. Multifactorial logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with subsidence. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between C-VBQ and computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield units (HU). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess C-VBQ predictive ability. Correlations between demographics and C-VBQ scores were analyzed using linear regression models.Results92 patients were included in this study, 36 (39.1%) showed subsidence with a C-VBQ value of 2.05 ± 0.45, in the no-subsidence group C-VBQ Value was 3.25 ± 0.76. The multifactorial logistic regression showed that C-VBQ is an independent predictor of cage subsidence with a predictive accuracy of 93.4%. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between C-VBQ and HU values. Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between C-VBQ and cage subsidence. Univariate analyses showed that only age was associated with C-VBQ.ConclusionsThe C-VBQ values obtained using the new measurements independently predicted postoperative cage subsidence after ACCF and showed a negative correlation with HU values. By adding the measurement of non-operated vertebral heights as a control standard, the results of cage subsidence measured by the ratio method are likely to be more robust, perhaps can exclude unavoidable errors caused by different equipment and proportional.

Septal Extension Spreader Graft Combined With Warped Alar Batten Graft for Improvement of Nasal Tip and Alar Asymmetry in Adult Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity.

This paper presents the findings of an observational study involving 38 patients to evaluate the application of a surgical technique utilizing an autologous costal cartilage scaffold for correcting nasal tip and alar asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip-nasal deformity. Nasal septum extension spreader grafts (SEG) and warped alar batten grafts, both made from autologous costal cartilage, were utilized in open rhinoplasty procedures. The warped alar batten graft was fixed to the caudal end of the SEG, with the lower lateral cartilage on the cleft side suspended to the free part of the newly created warped alar batten graft to lift the collapsed nasal alar further. Measurements of nasal tip height, nostril height, and the intersection angle of the nasal sill and alar (α) were taken before and after surgery, comparing the ratios between the normal and cleft sides. Patients were followed up for 2.5 to 5.5 years, with all cases showing successful healing and no complications. Postoperative improvements in nasal tip and nostril asymmetries were significant, with statistically significant changes observed in nasal tip height, nostril height, and the intersection angle of nasal sill and alar (α) ( P <0.05). The combined use of SEG and warped alar batten graft, both crafted from autologous costal cartilage, effectively corrected nasal tip and alar asymmetry in adult cleft lip nasal deformity cases.

INCIDENCE OF HYPERTENSION IN ADOLESCENTS IN THE WORKING AREA OF PACCERAKKANG HEALTH CENTER AND SUDIANG HEALTH CENTER, MAKASSAR CITY

Hypertension generally occurs in advanced age, but some studies suggest that hypertension can appear as early as adolescence and its prevalence has increased over the past few decades. However, many do not realize that it is the cause of hypertension in adults and the elderly. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension in adolescents at the Sudiang Raya Health Center, Makassar City. The method used is carried out by observation with a Cross Sectional approach. The research sample was 147 adolescents using Two Stage Cluster Sampling. Data collection using questionnaires, measurements of weight, height and blood pressure. The data were analyzed univariately using a frequency distribution table. The results of the study obtained 73 male respondents (49.7%) and 74 female respondents (50.3%). Most (77.6%) of the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge. The results of blood pressure measurements showed that as many as 9 people (6.1%) were in the stage 2 hypertension category, as many as 18 people (12.2%) were in the stage 1 hypertension category, as many as 22 people (15.0%) were in the pre-hypertension category and as many as 98 people (66.7%) had normal blood pressure. Conclusion: The results showed that one-third of the respondents already had hypertension.

Somatic Structure and Ultrasound Parameters of the Calcaneus Bone in Combat Sports Athletes in Relation to Vitamin D3 Levels.

Background/Objectives: Physical activity is widely recognized for its beneficial effects on bone density during adolescence, which could lead to enhanced bone density in later life, thus acting as a health-promoting activity with long-lasting implications. However, not all studies are conclusive regarding the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of the most effective physical activities. This study focuses on combat sports athletes and examines the relationship between their somatic build and heel bone parameters using ultrasound (USG) and their vitamin D3 levels. Methods: The study included 40 male athletes specializing in various combat sports. The measurements of body height, body mass, skinfold thickness, and bone widths at multiple sites were performed to estimate the somatic build. The USG parameters of the heel bone and the blood levels of vitamin D3 were also recorded. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA, with differences among sports disciplines also examined. Results: The study found significant differences in the body composition and USG bone parameters among athletes from different combat sports (p ≤ 0.05). The calcaneus stiffness index (SI) and speed of sound (SOS) were significantly higher in athletes with normal vitamin D3 levels compared to those with below-normal levels (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.001, respectively). These findings suggest that vitamin D3 may influence bone stiffness and density. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D3 levels to support bone mineralization in athletes, particularly those training indoors with limited exposure to sunlight. It also highlights the potential of using USG as a non-invasive method to assess bone health, aiding in the optimization of training programs to prevent injuries and improve performance.

Intra- and interobserver reliability of ocular surface analyzer LacryDiag®.

To invastigate intra- and interobserver reliability of interferometry, tear meniscus height (TMH) measurement and meibography (MBG) of an ocular surface analyzer, LacryDiag (Quantel Medical, France). Five consecutive measurements and subsequent analysis of interferometry, TMH, and MBG were recorded by two examiners using the LacryDiag. To assess intra- and interobserver reliability, we used Cohen's kappa for categorical variables (interferometry), or intraclass correlation coefficient for continuous variables (TMH, MBG). Thirty eyes of 30 examinees were included. For both observers, there was excellent intraobserver reliability for MBG (0.955 and 0.970 for observer 1 and 2, respectively). Intraobserver reliability for observer 1 was substantial for interferometry (0.799), and excellent for TMH (0.863). Reliability for observer 2 was moderate for interferometry (0.535) and fair to good for TMH (0.431). Interobserver reliability was poor for interferometry (0.074) and fair to good for TMH (0.680) and MBG (0.414). LacryDiag ocular surface analyzer in our study proves to be a reliable noninvasive tool for the evaluation of TMH and MBG. As for interferometry, poor interobserver reliability, fair to good intraobserver reliability for observer 1, and moderate for observer 2, leave room for improvement.

Development of a correction coefficient for radiographic evaluation of the alveolar bone crest: a pilot study.

To analyze the differences in cusp height on radiographs, establishing proportional relationships between cusp and alveolar bone crest (ABC) measurements. The goal of this study was to develop a correction coefficient by considering this proportion. Twenty-one artificial teeth, molars and premolars, and bovine ribs were used. Interproximal radiographs were taken with the aid of a positioner. The vertical angles used were: 0°, + 5°, and + 10°, and processed using three spatial resolutions measured in line pairs per mm (lp/mm): 20, 25 and 40. The Perio filter was applied to each image, in addition to the original one. Combinations of angle, resolution, and filter were made. Eighteen images were analyzed by three specialists, resulting in 252 measurements for each evaluator, totaling 756 measurements. The overall variability of the measurements can be explained mainly by the variation in tooth anatomy. The 0° 25 lp/mm Perio filter method was the closest one to the actual clinical scenario for both cusps and ABC. The correction factor managed to explain 71.45% of the errors. The variation in vertical angulation interferes with cusp and ABC measurements, and the angulation at 0º and spatial resolution of 25 lp/mm showed better results. The use of correction coefficients allowed approaching actual measurement values. More accurate ABC height measurements are essential even in radiographic exams that do not meet the standard of excellence because the need to repeat radiographic exams is then eliminated.

Gap distance sensing for non-magnetic medium based on magnetoelectric effect under spatial separation condition

This paper presents a novel non-contact spatial gap distance sensing (GDS) method that can provide distance information in spatial separation conditions. In many applications, such as enclosed environments, it could not provide the desired measurement of gap distance of internal non-magnetic medium due to the constraints of physical barriers and poor accessibility. Therefore, a non-invasive sensing system is designed to measure spatial gap distance for non-magnetic medium. The developed sensor system consists of a pair of heteropolar permanent magnets (PMs), a non-magnetic medium, a magnetostrictive-piezoelectric composite unit and an external space, which has the function of spatial separation measurement. By exploiting the magnetoelectric effect, the magneto-machine-electric conversion is achieved by sensing the spatial magnetic field generated by the heteropolar PMs. The coupling modeling, analysis and calibration of sensing system are conducted, and the system prototype is designed and manufactured. Additionally, the performances of the GDS are experimentally validated. Static gap distance (plate thickness) measurements of the plate and variable gap distance (instant water height) measurements of water are performed, and resolution, vibration, and drift tests are carried out. The results show the accuracy and stability of non-contact spatial gap distance detection for non-magnetic medium, highlighting its potential in various applications.

Hybrid Bright-Dark-Field Microscopic Fringe Projection System for Cu Pillar Height Measurement in Wafer-Level Package.

Cu pillars serve as interconnecting structures for 3D chip stacking in heterogeneous integration, whose height uniformity directly impacts chip yield. Compared to typical methods such as white-light interferometry and confocal microscopy for measuring Cu pillars, microscopic fringe projection profilometry (MFPP) offers obvious advantages in throughput, which has great application value in on-line bump height measurement in wafer-level packages. However, Cu pillars with large curvature and smooth surfaces pose challenges for signal detection. To enable the MFPP system to measure both the top region of the Cu pillar and the substrate, which are necessary for bump height measurement, we utilized rigorous surface scattering theory to solve the bidirectional reflective distribution function of the Cu pillar surface. Subsequently, leveraging the scattering distribution properties, we propose a hybrid bright-dark-field MFPP system concept capable of detecting weakly scattered signals from the top of the Cu pillar and reflected signals from the substrate. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MFPP system can measure the height of Cu pillars with an effective field of view of 15.2 mm × 8.9 mm and a maximum measurement error of less than 0.65 μm.

Enhancing Crop Harvesting with Ultrasonic Stubble Height Sensing Technology

Crop stubble refers to the residual plant material, primarily stems and leaves, that remains in the field after the harvest of the primary crop. In modern farming practices, considering the customer requirement, knowing the crop stubble height is a critical variable in agricultural management to plan for uniform crop cuts by adjusting the header’s cutter height of the harvester. The potential outcome of this research includes an accurate and non-contact stubble height measurement system utilizing ultrasonic sensing technology. The study involves the design and development of an algorithm to calculate short-range and long-range distances using ultrasonic sensors by processing the raw ultrasonic reflections. The proposed algorithm has different signal processing options to convert the raw ultrasonic signal to the distance. These distances are then mapped to the distance from the ground, distance from the cut end of the stubble and resulting stubble height. Setup with the sensor mount is created to mimic the actual field environment and the height detection algorithm is evaluated on corn and wheat crop stubbles. Multiple trials are carried out using the static and dynamic setup for different heights of the stubble. For these trials, the calculated stubble height closely matches with the actual stubble height. Keywords: Combine harvester, stubble height sensing, ultrasonic sensing, Non-Contact Sensing, uniform crop cut, Stubble Management, Agricultural Sensors, Harvest Residue Detection.

Estimation of urinary volume through ultrasonography in dog cadavers and experimental models.

The urinary volume and residual urine volume are pieces of information that can provide relevant clinical data for dogs and cats, especially those hospitalized. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate mathematical formulas described in human and veterinary literature to estimate urinary volume in dogs and experimental models. For this purpose, nine male dog cadavers and twelve experimental models were used to evaluate residual volume, small, medium, and large, using three different formulas. Data were obtained by three different examiners: two ultrasonographers and one nonultrasonographer. Each examiner recorded three longitudinal and transverse images, obtaining measurements of width, length, and height at each proposed volume. The measurements were then averaged, and the result was added to the formulas, thus estimating urinary volume. All three formulas achieved higher accuracy in estimating smaller volumes, with a gradual decrease as urinary volume increased. The error of all formulas was less than 10%, even when compared with evaluations in experimental models and dogs. There was variation in estimation between ultrasonographers and nonultrasonographer examiners; however, this variation was low, allowing for the assertion that both can apply the technique. Thus, it is concluded that estimating urinary bladder volume using mathematical formulas and 2D ultrasound is accurate and, therefore, an alternative and viable option for evaluating the urinary tract.

ANALYZİNG SEATED AND STANDİNG POSTURES WİTH ANTHROPOMETRİC MODELİNG FOR ERGONOMİC DESİGN

The design of workstations and workplaces for ergonomics can be challenging when determining anthropometric parameters such as standing height. This study aimed to develop model equations for determining standing height (SH) using regression analysis as an alternative to measurement. The study involved 406 healthy young adults (206 male and 200 female) aged between 19 and 27years from Abeokuta south western Nigeria. Seated-at-shoulder level (SSL), seated-at-knee level (SKL), popliteal height (PH) and standing height (SH) measurements were taken for each participant. Multivariate regression analyses was used to determine the SH with correlation coefficient (R), coefficient of determination (R2) and Standard error of estimation (S.E.E) calculated. Study results showed a strong correlation (P

A better performing algorithm for identification of implausible growth data from longitudinal pediatric medical records

Tracking trajectories of body size in children provides insight into chronic disease risk. One measure of pediatric body size is body mass index (BMI), a function of height and weight. Errors in measuring height or weight may lead to incorrect assessment of BMI. Yet childhood measures of height and weight extracted from electronic medical records often include values which seem biologically implausible in the context of a growth trajectory. Removing biologically implausible values reduces noise in the data, and thus increases the ease of modeling associations between exposures and childhood BMI trajectories, or between childhood BMI trajectories and subsequent health conditions. We developed open-source algorithms (available on github) for detecting and removing biologically implausible values in pediatric trajectories of height and weight. A Monte Carlo simulation experiment compared the sensitivity, specificity and speed of our algorithms to three published algorithms. The comparator algorithms were selected because they used trajectory information, had open-source code, and had published verification studies. Simulation inputs were derived from longitudinal epidemiological cohorts. Our algorithms had higher specificity, with similar sensitivity and speed, when compared to the three published algorithms. The results suggest that our algorithms should be adopted for cleaning longitudinal pediatric growth data.

Bacilli load in PTB- intestinal helminths co-infected and PTB non -infected patients at selected public health facilities in Jimma zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths are diseases that pose a dual burden on public health in low-income countries. Previous studies have shown that helminths can affect the shedding of bacteria or the bacterial load in the sputum of active TB patients. However, there is limited information on bacterial load in TB patients with helminth infections.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare bacterial load in helminths-infected and non-infected pulmonary tuberculosis patients at selected public health facilities in Jimma zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was conducted in Jimma Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was employed from August 01, 2020, to January 2021. A total of 124 (55 intestinal helminths-infected and 69 non-infected) newly diagnosed smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients were included in the study. A convenience sampling technique was employed to recruit study participants, and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding socio-demographic characteristics and possible risk factors for intestinal helminths co-infection. Stool examination was performed using both wet mount and Kato Katz technique. Additionally, weight and height measurements, sputum, and blood samples were taken to determine body mass index, bacilli load, and diabetic mellitus, respectively. Data were entered into Epi-Data software version 3.1 and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. A statistically significant difference was defined as a P-value of less than 0.05.ResultsIntestinal helminths reduced bacilli load 3 times more than intestinal helminths non-infected PTB (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI; 1.52, 7.79; P = 0.003) However, diabetes mellitus, HIV, drinking alcohol and cigarette smoking were not associated with bacilli load. The rate of co-infection TB with intestinal helminths was 44%. The three most prevalent parasites detected were Trichuris trichiura 29 (66%), hookworm 19 (43%), and Ascaris lumbricoides 11(25%)). Among co-infected patients about 36 (81.8%) had a single parasite infection, and 19 (43.2%) had multiple infections. A body mass index < 18.5 (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI; 1.25, 8.56;P = 0.016) and untrimmed fingernail status (AOR = 3.63; 95%CI;1.32,9.93;P = 0.012) were significantly associated with PTB- intestinal helminth –co-infection.ConclusionHelminth infection was associated with a lower bacilli load compared to helmenths non-infected PTB. The rate of co-infection TB with intestinal helminths was 44%. Trichuris trichiura was the most prevalent helminth. Untrimmed fingernail and a body mass index were associated with PTB-intestinal helminth co-infection.

Evaluation of Normal Ranges of Wrist Radiologic Indexes in Jordanian Population.

The wrist is a complex joint that plays a role in several everyday tasks. Various radiological indices have been created to assess the alignment and structure of the wrist using standard X-ray images. Nevertheless, these indicators may differ based on variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, handedness, and wrist position. This research aimed to assess the radiological indices of the wrist in a group of healthy people from Jordan and investigate the impact of age and gender on these indices. We obtained data from a sample of 385 patients who presented at our hospital with minor non-specific wrist pain and satisfied the specified criteria for inclusion. We conducted measurements of radial inclination, radial height, volar tilt, ulnar variance, and carpal height ratio using both anteroposterior and lateral views of the wrist. We used linear regression and independent sample t-test to examine the correlation between age, gender, and radiological indicators. The reliability of the measurements was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Our study revealed a negative correlation between age and carpal height ratio (r = -0.13, p = 0.03). However, no significant gender differences were seen in any of the radiological indices (p > 0.05). Our findings indicate that ulnar variance had the greatest level of reliability across observers, with an intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.95 and an inter-observer ICC of 0.8. Conversely, volar tilt exhibited the lowest inter-observer reliability, with an ICC of 0.1.Our results provide a valuable point of reference for the wrist morphology and alignment in the Jordanian population. Our suggestion is that the carpal height ratio might indicate alterations in the wrist joint due to aging, whereas ulnar variation may serve as a dependable indicator of wrist alignment. We suggest doing more research to investigate the biological and anatomical factors behind these results and to compare them with other demographic groups.

The Feasibility of Condylar Screws for Occipitocervical Fusion in Arabs: Computed Tomography-Based Morphometric Study.

Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Occipitocervical fusion is indicated for various conditions. Some techniques require placement of screws in the occipital condyle. The objective of this study was to analyze the morphometric features of the occipital condyle among Arabs. Computed tomography (CT)-based morphometric analysis of occipital condyles of 200 Arab skeletally mature patients (400 condyles) was done. Axial width of at least 8mm and coronal height of at least 6.5mm are the cutoff values for feasibility of condylar screw placement. The mean age of the patients was 48.0 ± 18.3years. Males were 53.5% (107) of the sample. The mean axial condylar width and length were 8.5 ± 1.5mm and 20.3 ± 2.6mm, respectively, while the mean axial screw angle was 35.9° ± 5.5° from midline. The mean sagittal condylar length and height were 16.1 ± 1.9mm and 8.8 ± 1.5mm, respectively. The mean condylar coronal height was 8.2 ± 1.4mm. Based on axial width and coronal height measurements, 150 (37.5%) condyles could safely fit a 3.5mm condylar screw. One hundred and four (55.9% female condyles) condyles cannot fit a screw in females, while 46 (21.5% male condyles) condyles cannot fit a screw in males. Condylar screw for occipitocervical fusion is feasible for the majority of Arabs in our sample; however, this applies to slightly less than half of the female condyles. Detailed preoperative radiological planning is critical to avoid complications related to occipital condyle screw placement.

Comparison of preoperative aortic valve imaging techniques for patients with aortic insufficiency undergoing aortic valve repair surgery

ObjectiveTo report the accuracy of preoperative 4-dimensinal cardiac computed tomography angiogram (CTA), real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intraoperative techniques in aortic valve (AV) measurement and phenotype determination in patients undergoing surgery for aortic insufficiency and/or root aneurysm. MethodsThis is a prospective, observational study of preoperative AV imaging for AV repair surgery. Twenty-two patients were accrued over 12 months. Preoperative TEE and CTA were obtained and measurements provided by dedicated imaging cardiologists. Intraoperative measurements were obtained from the arrested heart and reported by the surgeon before repair. Intraoperative assessment was considered the gold standard of height measurements, with CTA being the standard assessment for commissural orientation. Correlation coefficients were used to describe agreement of measurements. ResultsBaseline characteristics and assessment of phenotype and measurement of commissural orientation, geometric height and commissural heights are reported. TEE (κ = 0.833; P < .01) and CTA (κ = 0.729; P < .01) both agreed with intraoperative assessment of AV phenotype. TEE appeared more accurate than intraoperative measurement at predicting commissural orientation (rs = 0.79; P < .01 vs rs = 0.58; P = .01). CTA and TEE were unlikely to predict and measured shorter than intraoperative geometric height measurement. Measurements of commissural heights by CTA did not agree with and were shorter than intraoperative measurement. ConclusionsTEE and CTA both appear accurate in predicting the AV phenotype identified intraoperatively. CTA and TEE predicted shorter heights than intraoperative measurement.

Biopsy Proteome Score Performs Well as an Effect Measure in a Gluten Challenge Trial of Celiac Disease

Background and aimsDevelopment of novel treatments for celiac disease (CeD) is dependent on precise tools to monitor changes in gluten-induced mucosal damage. Current histology measures are subjective and difficult to standardize. Biopsy proteome scoring is an objective alternative to histology which is based on robust changes in biological pathways that directly reflect gluten-induced mucosal damage. In this study we aimed to evaluate biopsy proteome scoring as an effect measure in a clinical trial setting by measuring intestinal remodeling in response to oral gluten challenge. MethodsWe analyzed biopsies from a 14-day gluten challenge trial of treated CeD patients that consumed 3 g (n = 6) or 10 g (n = 7) gluten per day. Sections from individually embedded biopsies collected before and after challenge were processed for proteome scoring (n = 109) and measurement of villous height to crypt depth (Vh:Cd) ratio (n = 58). Proteome scores were compared to histology, intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) frequency and plasma interleukin-2 (IL-2). ResultsChange in proteome scores were significant for the group of patients who consumed 10 g gluten, but not for the group who consumed 3 g gluten. Altogether, 8 of 13 patients had changes in delta proteome scores above cut-off. Proteome scores correlated with Vh:Cd ratios both at run-in and at day 15. Proteome scores at day 15 correlated with IEL frequency and with plasma IL-2 levels measured 4 hours post gluten intake. ConclusionBiopsy proteome scoring is a simple and reliable measure of gluten-induced mucosal remodeling in response to 14-day oral gluten challenge (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03409796).

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.