Inferior Components Research Articles

Physicochemical characteristics of air classification products of sprouted wheat (Zhoumai 27) flour

SummarySprouting negatively impacts wheat processing and edibility. Sprouted wheat flour (SWF) was air‐classified into three categories based on particle sizes, F1 (>45 μm), F2 (20–45 μm), and F3 (<20 μm). The sizes were examined using a laser particle size analyser and scanning electron microscopy. Their components, such as starch, protein properties, rheology, and dough microstructure, were also examined. After air classification, reducing sugar, damaged starch, amylase, protease, and inferior gluten components were primarily concentrated in F3. Decreasing particle size considerably impaired gelation strength, gluten quality, rheology properties, and dough microstructure. Compared with SWF, these characteristics significantly improved in F1. The results suggested that air classification could induce SWF component fractionation. The inferior components that reduce the quality of SWF were enriched in fine flour. Thus, removing these inferior components can considerably improve SWF rheological quality and dough structure. These results can provide useful information on the important effect of air classification on the quality of SWF products. Moreover, the study findings provide a reference for future application of air classification of SWF.

Fuzzy dissimilarity color histogram equalization for contrast enhancement and color correction

Many statistical histogram-based methods perform intensity transformation on gray levels in the statistical histogram. This may cause over-enhancement due to dominating portions of the histogram. Various methods tackle this problem by overwhelming the dominating portions and improving the inferior components. Though, this may change the natural appearances of the image and results in degraded visual quality. In order to attenuate such limitations, an efficient method called Fuzzy Dissimilarity Adaptive Histogram Equalization with Gamma Correction (FDAHE-GC) algorithm is proposed. In this work, a Fuzzy Dissimilarity Histogram (FDH) is obtained from the neighborhood characteristics of an intensity. An intensity mapping function, constructed from FDH is applied to enhance the contrast and natural characteristics of an image. Finally, the gamma correction is employed to enhance the dark regions. In order to tune the fine details and to improve visual appearance of an image, the proposed FDAHE-GC algorithm is applied to the intensity value of HSI space. The performance of the presented method is evaluated with different existing methods using image quality assessment tools such as entropy, Colorfulness (C), Hue Deviation Index (HDI), Saturation, Contrast Enhancement Factor (CEF) and Gradient (G). The investigational results tested on standard benchmark test images with visual inspection shows the superiority of the proposed FDAHE-GC algorithm.

The over-the-top subscapularis repair in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: biomechanical evaluation of a novel technique

BackgroundWe evaluate the effect of repairing the upper subscapularis tendon at an alternative location on the anterior greater tuberosity above the center of rotation using a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) muscle model.MethodsWe compared an innovative subscapularis repair on the anterior aspect of the greater tuberosity with the standard repair on the lesser tuberosity in a previously validated digital linear RSA muscle model. Standard repair vs. a new repair datasets were compared for 3 RSA designs. Each model was run through humeral abduction from 0° to 140° in 2.5° increments; the resulting moment arm measurements (model of tendon efficiency) were recorded in millimeters for 3 sections (superior, middle, inferior). An isolated upper two-thirds subscapularis repair to the anterior greater tuberosity was also evaluated (the over-the-top repair).ResultsThe new over-the-top subscapularis repair significantly increased the abduction moment arm lengths in the superior, middle, and inferior subscapularis components compared with the standard repair to the lesser tuberosity at all levels of glenohumeral abduction and for all 3 RSA designs. Repair of the upper two-thirds of the subscapularis to the new location was an abductor at a much lower level of abduction compared with the native subscapularis repair.ConclusionBy repairing the upper subscapularis tendon above the center of rotation (over-the-top repair) in an RSA muscle model, the subscapularis has an improved movement arm and functions as an abductor through a greater range of motion that may result in clinically increased muscle efficiency and improved strength.

Weightbearing CT and MRI findings of Stage II Flatfoot Deformity: Can We Predict Patients at High- Risk for Foot Collapse?

Category:HindfootIntroduction/Purpose:Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is characterized by concurrent bony deformities, tendinous and ligamentous insufficiencies. Weightbearing CT (WBCT) allows excellent dynamic evaluation of the relative three-dimensional positioning of the tarsal bones. MRI provides accurate evaluation of soft tissue integrity in the unloaded foot. Study’s objective was to evaluate the correlation between bone deformity and soft tissue insufficiency in patients with stage II AAFD, using WBCT and MR images. We hypothesized that significant correlation would be found between WBCT measurements of increased longitudinal arch collapse, hindfoot valgus, peritalar subluxation and forefoot abduction, with MRI findings demonstrating degree of soft tissue involvement.Methods:This retrospective comparative study included 55 patients (56 feet) with stage II AAFD, 20 men and 35 women, mean age of 52.5 (range, 20 to 78) years. Multiple WBCT and MRI variables related to the severity of the deformity were evaluated by four blinded and independent readers (two radiologists and two foot and ankle surgeons), including: arch collapse (navicular-floor distance and forefoot arch angle), hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), forefoot abduction (talonavicular uncoverage angle), subtalar joint subluxation, sinus tarsi and subfibular impingement, and soft tissue insufficiency (posterior tibial tendon, spring and talocalcaneal ligaments). Tendinous and ligamentous involvement on MRI were graded from zero (normal) to four (complete tear). Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed by Pearson/Spearman’s and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. A multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between bone alignment (WBCT variables) and soft tissue injury (MRI variables). P-values of less than 0.05 were considered significant.Results:We found overall good to excellent intra (range, 0.83-0.99) and interobserver reliability (range, 0.71-0.97) for WBCT measurements and MRI readings. Spring ligament superomedial component involvement was the only finding to correlate with medial column collapse and decreased navicular-floor distance (p=0.03). Superomedial spring ligament and PTT degeneration were also significantly correlated with increased HAA (p<0.01). Involvement of the talocalcaneal interosseous ligament significantly correlated with increased forefoot abduction as measured by the talonavicular uncoverage angle. Spring ligament degeneration, of both superomedial and inferior components, and talocalcaneal interosseous ligaments significantly correlated to subtalar joint subluxation (p<0.001). Involvement of the talocalcaneal interosseous ligament was the only one to significantly correlate to the presence of subfibular impingement (p=0.02). Degeneration of the PTT was significantly associated with sinus tarsi impingement (p=0.04).Conclusion:This study is the first to evaluate correlation between bone, tendinous and ligamentous involvement in AAFD patients, using WBCT and MR images. Our results demonstrated that progressive bone deformity in WBCT is significantly correlated to MRI involvement of the PTT and other important restraints such as the spring and talocalcaneal ligaments. The implications are that WBCT can predict ligamentous injuries and that MRI can predict dynamic bone deformity in AAFD patients. Furthermore, the correlation of bone and soft tissue involvement could impact surgical planning of flatfoot patients, decreasing thresholds for additional soft tissue procedures such as a spring ligament reconstruction.

Food Fraud: A Simple and Efficient LC–MS/MS Approach for Peptide-Based Food Authentication

Abstract Food fraud includes the addition of inferior components or the substitution of substances. Besides being of economic concern, this might furthermore pose a health risk for consumers. Therefore, the detection of replacements is of high importance. For the identification of species, in recent years proteomic methods gained more and more importance. In this work, an easy and efficient approach of targeted peptide analytics for revealing food fraud is presented. One of the most common workflows for protein analytics was improved by the application of urease to hydrolyze the urea in the extraction buffer; therefore, no further cleanup is required. By considering only selected compounds and the use of open-source databases for the selection of the target peptides for the adoption of the analytical methods, no time-consuming basic research is required. For the detection of the substitutes, it is not necessary to know the absolute concentration of the component. In these cases, the calculation of the proportion of a species in relation to the total content of all analyzed compounds is sufficient.

Food Fraud: A Simple and Efficient LC-MS/MS Approach for Peptide-Based Food Authentication.

Food fraud includes the addition of inferior components or the substitution of substances. Besides being of economic concern, this might furthermore pose a health risk for consumers. Therefore, the detection of replacements is of high importance. For the identification of species, in recent years proteomic methods gained more and more importance. In this work, an easy and efficient approach of targeted peptide analytics for revealing food fraud is presented. One of the most common workflows for protein analytics was improved by the application of urease to hydrolyze the urea in the extraction buffer; therefore, no further cleanup is required. By considering only selected compounds and the use of open-source databases for the selection of the target peptides for the adoption of the analytical methods, no time-consuming basic research is required. For the detection of the substitutes, it is not necessary to know the absolute concentration of the component. In these cases, the calculation of the proportion of a species in relation to the total content of all analyzed compounds is sufficient.

Skill and knowledge retention after training in cardiopulmonary ultrasound in Ghana: an impact assessment of bedside ultrasound training in a resource-limited setting

ObjectiveBrief training courses in bedside ultrasound are commonly done by visiting faculty in low-income and middle-income countries, and positive short-term effects have been reported. Long-term outcomes are poorly understood. We...

Weightbearing CT and MRI findings of Stage II Flatfoot Deformity

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is characterized by concurrent bony deformities, tendinous and ligamentous insufficiencies. Weightbearing CT (WBCT) is a new imaging technique that allows excellent evaluation of the relative three-dimensional positioning of the tarsal bones in dynamic deformities such as AAFD. MRI, on the other hand, provides an accurate evaluation of soft tissue integrity in the unloaded foot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between bone deformity and soft tissue insufficiency in patients with stage II AAFD, using WBCT and MR images. We hypothesized that a significant correlation would be found between WBCT measurements of increased longitudinal arch collapse, hindfoot valgus, peritalar subluxation and forefoot abduction, with MRI findings demonstrating degree of involvement of ligaments and posterior tibial tendon (PTT). Methods: This retrospective comparative study included 55 patients (56 feet) with stage II AAFD, 20 men and 35 women, mean age of 52.5 (range, 20 to 78) years. Multiple WBCT and MRI variables related to the severity of the deformity were evaluated by four blinded and independent readers (two radiologists and two foot and ankle surgeons), including: arch collapse (navicular-floor distance and forefoot arch angle), hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), forefoot abduction (talonavicular uncoverage angle), subtalar joint subluxation, sinus tarsi and subfibular impingement, and soft tissue insufficiency (posterior tibial tendon, spring and talocalcaneal ligaments). Tendinous and ligamentous involvement on MRI were graded from zero (normal) to four (complete tear). Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed by Pearson/Spearman’s and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. A multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between bone alignment (WBCT variables) and soft tissue injury (MRI variables). P-values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: We found overall good to excellent intra (range, 0.83-0.99) and interobserver reliability (range, 0.71-0.97) for WBCT measurements and MRI readings. Spring ligament superomedial component involvement was the only finding to correlate with medial column collapse and decreased navicular-floor distance (p=0.03). Superomedial spring ligament and PTT degeneration were also significantly correlated with increased HAA (p&lt;0.01). Involvement of the talocalcaneal interosseous ligament significantly correlated with increased forefoot abduction as measured by the talonavicular uncoverage angle. Spring ligament degeneration, of both superomedial and inferior components, and talocalcaneal interosseous ligaments significantly correlated to subtalar joint subluxation (p&lt;0.001). Involvement of the talocalcaneal interosseous ligament was the only one to significantly correlate to the presence of subfibular impingement (p=0.02). Degeneration of the PTT was significantly associated with sinus tarsi impingement (p=0.04). Conclusion: This study is the first to evaluate correlation between bone, tendinous and ligamentous involvement in AAFD patients, using WBCT and MR images. Our results demonstrated that progressive bone deformity in WBCT is significantly correlated to MRI involvement of the PTT and other important restraints such as the spring and talocalcaneal ligaments. The implications are that WBCT can predict ligamentous injuries and that MRI can predict dynamic bone deformity in AAFD patients. Furthermore, the correlation of bone and soft tissue involvement could impact surgical planning of flatfoot patients, decreasing thresholds for additional soft tissue procedures such as a spring ligament reconstruction.

An investigation into surface integrity of AISI P20 machined under the influence of spindle forced vibrations

Vibrations are an undesirable yet inherent aspect of conventional machining which adversely affect the surface integrity of machined components ultimately resulting into inferior quality components. This study purposely introduces spindle forced vibrations while machining AISI P20 with high-speed steel (HSS) end-mill cutter to evaluate the extent of their influence on ensuing surface integrity aspects. Taguchi L9 array has been employed for experimentation followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression modeling to predict the effect of spindle forced vibration together with other milling parameters (axial depth of cut and feed rate) on the machined component’s surface roughness (Ra). Additionally, micro-hardness and microstructure have been evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is used to augment the findings as deduced by microstructure analysis. It is found that spindle forced vibration is most significant parameter at 95% confidence interval for surface roughness whereas the same parameter along with feed rate is mainly responsible for strain hardening of the milled part. Results are discussed in light of physical phenomenon involved. Discussion is supplemented with results of additional experimentation done at higher feed rate regime wherein catastrophic failure of tool is encountered whose reasons are sought with the help of scanning electron microscopy images.

Functional Connectivity of Ventral and Dorsal Visual Streams in Posterior Cortical Atrophy.

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) induces progressive dysfunction of ventral and dorsal visual networks. Little is known, however, about corresponding changes in functional connectivity (FC). To investigate FC changes in the visual networks, their relationship with cortical atrophy, and the association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Ten PCA patients and 28 age-matched controls participated in the study. Using resting state fMRI, we measured FC in ventral and dorsal cortical visual networks, defined on the basis of a priori knowledge of long-range white matter connections. To assess the relationships with AD, we determined AD biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and FC in the default mode network (DMN), which is vulnerable to AD pathology. Voxel-based morphometry analysis assessed the pattern of grey matter (GM) atrophy. PCA patients showed GM atrophy in bilateral occipital and inferior parietal regions. PCA patients had lower FC levels in a ventral network than controls, but higher FC in inferior components of the dorsal network. In particular, the increased connectivity correlated with greater GM atrophy in occipital regions. All PCA patients had positive cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for AD; however, FC in global DMN did not differ from controls. FC in PCA reflects brain structure in a non-univocal way. Hyperconnectivity of dorsal networks may indicate aberrant communication in response to posterior brain atrophy or processes of neural resilience during the initial stage of brain dysfunction. The lack of difference from controls in global DMN FC highlights the atypical nature of PCA with respect to typical AD.

The variable roles of the upper and lower subscapularis during shoulder motion

BackgroundThe varied roles of the subscapularis muscle as an internal rotator of the humerus, a shoulder abductor, a humeral head depressor and an anterior stabiliser may be a result of differing innervation and lines of torque between its superior and inferior components. The aims of the study were to investigate the differences in the level of muscle activation between the upper and lower subscapularis during abduction, flexion, internal and external rotation movements, and temporal characteristics during abduction and flexion. MethodsIntramuscular electrodes recorded electromyographic muscle activity from the upper and lower subscapularis muscles of the dominant throwing arm of twenty-four normal subjects. Participants completed ten repetitions of four shoulder movements — abduction, flexion, internal rotation and external rotation. Muscle activity was expressed as a percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction. FindingsThe lower subscapularis was found to activate at a higher level than the subscapularis during abduction, flexion and external rotation movements and this was significant during concentric and eccentric phases of abduction and flexion (<0.001). During internal rotation, upper subscapularis muscle activity mirrored that of lower subscapularis, with a mean difference of 1.14%. Neither upper nor lower subscapularis had onset data commencing prior to the abduction movement; however upper subscapularis activated significantly later than lower subscapularis (P=0.018). InterpretationThe lower subscapularis has significantly higher muscle activity during shoulder elevation and this might reflect its greater role as a humeral head depressor and anterior stabiliser.

A selective assembly strategy to improve the components’ utilization rate with an application to hard disk drives

In this paper, we focus on ways to optimize the manufacturing of products whereby the final product performance is measured by the aggregated performances of its components. Specifically for hard disk drives, the final recording capacity is the aggregate of the components’ achievable capacities. As is the case for hard disk drive, a drive normally has a targeted capacity such that if it falls below its target, it will be rejected or downgraded. Similarly, products achieving well above the target will still be sold at the target capacity. At both extremes, it results in loss of profits. Hence, the aim of this paper is to propose a novel selective assembly strategy which can improve profitability by reducing the variation of components in the final product assemblies and achieving the target performance. As our case study, the assembly of hard disk drive (HDD) is used to demonstrate its feasibility in real manufacturing settings. Two theorems, (1) discarding theorem and (2) binning theorem, are formulated to guide the selective assembly strategy. They provide the rules for discarding inferior components before assembly to ensure the quality of the starting population and the rules for selecting matching pairs of components to prevent producing over qualified product. The improvement in component utilization rate over random binning is guaranteed by the two theorems.

Effects of cervical arthrodesis and arthroplasty on neck response during a simulated frontal automobile collision

Background contextWhereas arthrodesis is the most common surgical intervention for the treatment of symptomatic cervical degenerative disc disease, arthroplasty has become increasingly more popular over the past decade. Although literature exists comparing the effects of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and cervical total disc replacement (CTDR) on neck kinematics and loading, the vast majority of these studies apply only quasi-static, noninjurious loading conditions to a segment of the cervical spine. PurposeThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of arthrodesis and arthroplasty on biomechanical neck response during a simulated frontal automobile collision with air bag deployment. Study designThis study used a full-body, 50th percentile seated male finite element (FE) model to evaluate neck response during a dynamic impact event. The cervical spine was modified to simulate either an arthrodesis or arthroplasty procedure at C5–C6. MethodsFive simulations of a belted driver, subjected to a 13.3 m/s ΔV frontal impact with air bag deployment, were run in LS-DYNA with the Global Human Body Models Consortium full-body FE model. The first simulation used the original model, with no modifications to the neck, whereas the remaining four were modified to represent either interbody arthrodesis or arthroplasty of C5–C6. Cross-sectional forces and moments at the C5 and C6 cervical levels of the neck, along with interbody and facet forces between C5 and C6, were reported. ResultsAdjacent-level, cross-sectional neck loading was maintained in all simulations without exceeding any established injury thresholds. Interbody compression was greatest for the CTDRs, and interbody tension occurred only in the fused and nonmodified spines. Some interbody separation occurred between the superior and inferior components of the CTDRs during flexion-induced tension of the cervical spine, increasing the facet loads. ConclusionsThis study evaluated the effects of C5–C6 cervical arthrodesis and arthroplasty on neck response during a simulated frontal automobile impact. Although cervical arthrodesis and arthroplasty at C5–C6 did not appear to significantly alter the adjacent-level, cross-sectional neck responses during a simulated frontal automobile impact, key differences were noted in the interbody and facet loading.

Involvement of 1-Methylcyclopropene in Plant Growth, Ethylene Production, and Synthase Activity of Inferior Spikelets in Hybrid Rice Differing in Panicle Architectures

Chlorophyll content (SPAD values) of leaves, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) activities and ethylene production of inferior spikelets, aboveground biomass, grain yield, and yield components were studied to compare the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on plant growth, and inferior spikelet development in hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) differing in panicle architectures. There were four hybrid rice cultivars in this trial, including two lax-panicled cultivars, Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ) and Guodao 6 (GD6), and two compact-panicled cultivars, Yongyou 9 (YY9) and Yongyou 12 (YY12). Results showed that chlorophyll content of leaves in 1-MCP treatment was higher than control (CK) after application of 1-MCP. ACS activities and ethylene production in 1-MCP treatment for LYPJ, GD6, and YY9 were significantly decreased compared to their corresponding CK. Aboveground biomass and grain yield of cultivars were increased with the increase of chlorophyll content of leaves, but decreased with the increase of ACS activities and ethylene production of inferior spikelets. On average, grain yield in 1-MCP treatment for LYPJ was increased by 7.3 % compared to CK, GD6 was increased by 2.6 %, YY9 was increased by 3.2 %, and YY12 was increased by 0.8 %, respectively. Application of 1-MCP showed marked effects on increasing spikelet fertility and harvest index of cultivars, but exhibited little effects on improving sink capacity and 1,000-grain weight. Our results indicate that 1-MCP could play a positive role in regulating the growth and development of hybrid rice with lax panicles or with compact panicles.

Body center of mass displacements during walking with low- and high-heeled shoes

Walking is a natural activity that is very often performed wearing shoes. Among many other kinds of footwear, high-heeled shoes induce increased ankle plantar flexion, greater knee flexion, anterior pelvic tilt, and trunk extension [1]. The modifications in the arrangement of body segments cause an altered position of the body centre of mass (CoM). In the current study, we quantitatively compared the 3D displacement of CoM during flat-heeled and high-heeled gait. Eleven volunteer women (mean age, 24 years) walked wearing either low-heeled and high-heeled shoes (minimum height, 70 mm). On each subject, the 3D coordinates of 14 body landmarks were recorded by an optoelectronic motion analyzer. The body was segmented in 10 independent masses: head, torso, two upper arms and two lower arms (upper body); two upper legs and two lower legs (lower body). Using mean anthropometric data, the whole body CoM was computed, as well as its superior (uCoM) and inferior (iCoM) components [2]. The body CoM was evaluated during normalized stride cycles. High-heeled gait, compared to flat-heeled gait, had a significantly lower CoM at Right heel strike (p=0.024) and Left heel strike (p=0.030). The same findings were also observed for uCoM and iCoM. No significant differences were found at Right toe off. In addition, a significant forward displacement of the iCoM in high-heeled gait was observed at each of the three stages (R heel strike, p=0.017; L heel strike, p=0.034; R toe off, p=0.003). Similar results were found for the whole CoM (p=0.024, p=0.038, p=0.004). The uCoM in high-heeled gait, instead, was significantly more anterior than in flat-heeled gait only at R toe off (p=0.024). Our findings confirmed that wearing high-heeled shoes significantly alters the normal displacement of both components of the human CoM.

Evaluation of Indian rural solar electrification: A case study in Chhattisgarh

Despite the considerable efforts spent on village electrification schemes in India, there is a general lack of evaluation of impacts, successes and of failures. A case study in Chhattisgarh state in India has been carried out to assess what effect village electrification through solar power has had for the beneficiaries and whether technical and maintenance factors provide for the desired results set by Indian rural electrification policy. Consequences for the beneficiaries have been investigated through a field survey conducted in eleven villages with 158 respondents, maintenance factors have been investigated through interviews with engineers and operators, and technical factors through analysis of electricity output from micro-grids.In villages where the systems had been installed in the past two years, children studied on average 41min more in the evenings, more than twice as much as before electrification. Dinner cooking commenced on average 36min later, a sign of higher flexibility of time use and thus of women's empowerment. Furthermore, the median household monthly kerosene use decreased by 2l, or 67%, but commercial productive activities were found to be limited.75% of the 69 micro-grid power plants evaluated were found to have too little output to supply for the stated 6h of daily light per household, and the capacity installed per household decreased with village size. Plant capacity factors were found to vary greatly, most likely an effect of poor installation and/or inferior components. A tendency to replace energy-saving lights with incandescent lights requiring more power per lumen was found, leading to a decrease in obtainable light output.

Horizontal effect of the surgical weakening of the oblique muscles

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of the oblique muscles surgical weakening on the horizontal alignment in the primary position (PP) and its efficacy on the correction of the "A" and "V" anisotropies. METHODS: In order to study the influence of bilateral superior oblique muscles (SO) weakening on the horizontal alignment in PP, we analyzed the files of 12 patients who underwent only that operation; no other muscle was operated on. We took the opportunity of those 12 patients to analyze the effect of their operation on the correction of "A" incomitance. For evaluating the effect of the inferior oblique muscles (IO) weakening on the correction of the "V" pattern, we analyzed retrospectively the files of 67 anisotropic patients who underwent a bilateral SO weakening. In 10 of them, the only operation was the oblique muscles weakening and, in 57 patients, the horizontal recti were also operated on for the horizontal deviations in primary position. These patients were divided into two groups: 50 were esotropic and 17 exotropic. There was not any mixed anisotropy. RESULTS: The mean value of the preoperative "V" incomitance of the 50 esotropic patients was 24.25∆ ± 10.15∆; the mean postoperative correction was 15.56 ∆ ± 8.74∆. The mean correction between the PP and upgaze was 7.52∆ ± 7.47∆ and from the PP to downgaze was 8.56∆ ± 9.21∆. The same values of the 17 exotropic patients was: preoperative 31.88∆ ± 9.4∆; primary position to upgaze was 13.11∆ ± 4.9∆ and primary position to downgaze 14.11∆ ± 12.48∆. The mean preoperative value of the "A" incomitance among the 12 patients who underwent isolated SO weakening was 30.50∆ ± 19.25∆ and the postoperative was of 9,92∆, therefore a mean correction of 22.58∆ ± 17.54∆. Among these ones, in 5 there was no alteration of the deviation in primary position, in 4 there was an exo-effect and in 3 there was an eso-effect. The mean alteration of the deviation in PP was an exo-shift of 2.25∆. CONCLUSIONS: 1) There was no difference in the relative correction of "V" pattern between the esotropic and exotropic patients, although the absolute numbers were greater in the exotropic ones. 2) The correction of the "V" pattern was between 65 and 75 % from the initial values. 3) The IO weakening corrected similarly the anisotropia between the superior and inferior components among the esotropic patients, but among the exotropic ones the correction was greater in the inferior component. 4) The SO weakening did not cause an eso-effect in the deviation in primary position.

Horizontal effect of the surgical weakening of the oblique muscles

To evaluate the influence of the oblique muscles surgical weakening on the horizontal alignment in the primary position (PP) and its efficacy on the correction of the "A" and "V" anisotropies. In order to study the influence of bilateral superior oblique muscles (SO) weakening on the horizontal alignment in PP, we analyzed the files of 12 patients who underwent only that operation; no other muscle was operated on. We took the opportunity of those 12 patients to analyze the effect of their operation on the correction of "A" incomitance. For evaluating the effect of the inferior oblique muscles (IO) weakening on the correction of the "V" pattern, we analyzed retrospectively the files of 67 anisotropic patients who underwent a bilateral SO weakening. In 10 of them, the only operation was the oblique muscles weakening and, in 57 patients, the horizontal recti were also operated on for the horizontal deviations in primary position. These patients were divided into two groups: 50 were esotropic and 17 exotropic. There was not any mixed anisotropy. The mean value of the preoperative "V" incomitance of the 50 esotropic patients was 24.25∆ ± 10.15∆; the mean postoperative correction was 15.56 ∆ ± 8.74∆. The mean correction between the PP and upgaze was 7.52∆ ± 7.47∆ and from the PP to downgaze was 8.56∆ ± 9.21∆. The same values of the 17 exotropic patients was: preoperative 31.88∆ ± 9.4∆; primary position to upgaze was 13.11∆ ± 4.9∆ and primary position to downgaze 14.11∆ ± 12.48∆. The mean preoperative value of the "A" incomitance among the 12 patients who underwent isolated SO weakening was 30.50∆ ± 19.25∆ and the postoperative was of 9,92∆, therefore a mean correction of 22.58∆ ± 17.54∆. Among these ones, in 5 there was no alteration of the deviation in primary position, in 4 there was an exo-effect and in 3 there was an eso-effect. The mean alteration of the deviation in PP was an exo-shift of 2.25∆. 1) There was no difference in the relative correction of "V" pattern between the esotropic and exotropic patients, although the absolute numbers were greater in the exotropic ones. 2) The correction of the "V" pattern was between 65 and 75 % from the initial values. 3) The IO weakening corrected similarly the anisotropia between the superior and inferior components among the esotropic patients, but among the exotropic ones the correction was greater in the inferior component. 4) The SO weakening did not cause an eso-effect in the deviation in primary position.

The pterygopalatine ganglion in humans: A morphological study

As a rule the pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) is considered to be a single structure of the parasympathetic nervous system, associated with the maxillary nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). A few structural studies in humans are available in the indexed references. We designed the present study of the PPG in order to provide evidence of possible variations in morphological patterns of the PPG. We performed dissections of the PPF on 20 human adult heads, using different approaches. The dissected specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and silver (Bielschowsky) or prepared for immunohistochemistry for synaptophisin and neurofilament. Four morphological types of the PPG were defined macroscopically: A (10%): partitioned PPG, the upper partition receiving the vidian nerve; B (55%): single, the upper part (base) receiving the vidian nerve; C (15%): single, but the vidian nerve reaches the lower part (tip) of the ganglion; D (20%): partitioned, the lower partition receiving the vidian nerve. We propose that it may be inappropriate to invariably regard the PPG as a single morphological structure. From individual to individual the PPG may present either as a single ganglion or as a partitioned one, with distinct superior and inferior components. Nevertheless, the presence of the dispersed pterygopalatine microganglia (DPPG) evidenced by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry serves to complete an individually variable morphological pattern of a structure usually described as single. The individual variation may be the reason for failures in ablation procedures of the PPG; partitions of the PPG and/or the DPPG may functionally correlate with specific territories and targets and further tracing studies may be helpful in validating or invalidating this theory.

Anatomy of the ansa cervicalis: Nerve fiber analysis

Ansa cervicalis complex, which innervates the infrahyoid muscles, is formed by the union of two roots derived from the anterior primary rami of the first three or four cervical spinal nerves. According to its relationship with the internal jugular vein, there are three ansa types: medial, lateral, or mixed. Nerve fiber microscopy was carried out in 18 ansa cervicalis complexes after staining with Sudan Black, in order to study composition and structural arrangement in detail. Fibers from both first and second cervical nerves (C1, C2) joined the hypoglossal nerve and later left it partially in the superior root of the ansa, which also contained ascending fibers derived from the inferior root components; usually the second and third cervical nerves. Those ascending fibers, together with the C1 and C2 fibers remaining in the hypoglossal nerve, innervate thyrohyoid and geniohyoid muscles. Cervical nerve fibers could be observed within the hypoglossal nerve even after the ramification of those branches. Further, cervical nerve fibers were continuously issued to the peripheral layers of the hypoglossal nerve where the fibers of the two nerves intermingled, forming a complex structure. The general arrangement of the ansa did not change according to its type or segmental composition. Although the hypoglossal nerve does not make any significant contribution to the formation of the ansa, the close relationship between the two nerves observed in the present study calls for the use of a more descriptive term such as ansa hypoglosso-cervicalis. The pattern of innervation of the infrahyoid muscles is also discussed.