Length Measurements Research Articles

Exploring Density in a New Way: A Problem-Solving Activity with Increasing Complexity, Based on Length Measurements

Exploring Density in a New Way: A Problem-Solving Activity with Increasing Complexity, Based on Length Measurements

Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of postnatal clinical scoring methods and foot length measurement for estimating gestational age and birthweight of newborns in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to update systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of postnatal clinical scoring (PCS) methods and foot length (FL) measurement for assessing gestational age (GA) and...

How students interpret points and positions in graphs of functions: an intersection of theoretical frameworks

In this paper, we examine the intersection of two previously recognised dimensions of students’ interpretations of symbolic notations within graphs of functions. One dimension distinguishes location-thinking, where notations refer only to a point’s location on a graph, from value-thinking, where such a point is treated as a multiplicative object. The other dimension distinguishes a nominal interpretation of expressions, where expressions refer to positions in the plane, from cardinal and magnitude interpretations, where expressions describe a discrete count of units, or measure of length, respectively. Taken together these dimensions provide six distinct ways students interpret expressions, especially those involving function notation, on graphs. Further, the frameworks offer suggestions about the ways of thinking underlying each interpretation. Each case reveals new meanings and affordances indicated by the interplay between the two dimensions. We provide both a theoretical account and empirical example of each case.

Measurement of Axial Length in the Calculation of Intraocular Lens Power for Biometry

Measurement of Axial Length in the Calculation of Intraocular Lens Power for Biometry

Changes in Craniofacial Morphology Induced by Unilateral Nasal Obstruction in Mice of Different Ages.

Nasal obstruction in humans leads to mouth breathing and subsequent hypoxia in the entire body. Furthermore, nasal obstruction in growing children affects craniofacial growth and development. To investigate the effects of unilateral nasal obstruction (UNO) on craniofacial growth in mice of different ages, particularly on the morphology of the nasomaxillary complex and mandible. Mice aged 3, 6 and 12 weeks were selected as representatives of juvenile, adolescent and adult stages, respectively. A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice (10 mice each at the ages of 3, 6 and 12 weeks) were used in this study for a 3-week experiment. The mice in each age stage were randomly and evenly assigned to either the control group (C3+3, C6+3 and C12+3) or the experimental group (E3+3, E6+3 and E12+3). The UNO model in experimental group was constructed by plugging the mouse's left nostril, thereby disrupting its normal nasal breathing pattern and inducing hypoxia. The control group underwent the sham procedure. After 3 weeks, the length, width and height of the cranium, nasomaxillary complex and mandible of each group were measured on two-dimensional images constructed by micro-computed tomography. Furthermore, the impact of UNO on mouse growth was evaluated through the measurement of femoral length. In juvenile mice, UNO inhibited the growth of cranial width, cranial height and mandibular length. In adolescent mice, UNO impeded the growth of the femoral length, cranial length, nasomaxillary length and mandibular length. In adult mice, no significant negative effects of UNO on craniofacial growth were found. Referring to the experimental results, in addition to actively treating nasal obstruction in patients, it is important to monitor the growth of the mandible in juveniles, as well as the nasomaxillary and mandibular growth in adolescents during orthodontic clinical practice.

Comparing transabdominal and transvaginal cervical length measurements at mid‐trimester fetal anomaly scan: The impact of bladder fullness and lower uterine contractions

Comparing transabdominal and transvaginal cervical length measurements at mid‐trimester fetal anomaly scan: The impact of bladder fullness and lower uterine contractions

Analysis of Short Fiber Measurements Calculated from the Length Distribution from an HVI Fibrogram

ABSTRACT Cotton fiber length is one of the most important fiber quality attributes, as it has a direct impact on the quality of spun yarn. Of particular interest is information regarding the shorter fibers in the sample, as research has shown that shorter fibers adversely affect yarn quality. In a previous work, some authors proposed a method whereby a complete fiber length distribution can be calculated from the fibrogram produced by the USTER High Volume Instrument (HVI). In this paper, we perform an exploratory analysis on a large set of over 5,000 samples, focusing on short fiber measurements provided by the new method of reconstructing the fiber length distribution from the HVI fibrogram. Overall, the results demonstrate that the short fiber measurements based on the reconstructed distributions of HVI fibrograms reveal structure in the data not present in other short fiber measurements from the HVI or the USTER Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS). Additionally, we show that the new fibrogram-based measurements can detect fiber breakage that occurs as a result of AFIS testing. In short, the results indicate that the length measurements based on the new method offer an improvement over the existing measurement techniques.

Introduction of universal transvaginal cervical length measurement does not decrease spontaneous preterm delivery rate compared to universal transabdominal screening with reflex cut‐off: A pre‐post study

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of our study is to examine cervical length measurements, identification of short cervix, vaginal progesterone use, and rate of spontaneous preterm delivery before and after departmental transition to a universal transvaginal ultrasound screening protocol from a universal transabdominal screening protocol.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational pre–post study examining the year prior to and year following a transition to a universal transvaginal ultrasound screening protocol to assess cervical length at the time of the anatomy survey. Prior to this transition, universal transabdominal cervical length screening was performed, with reflex transvaginal ultrasound measurement if transabdominal measurement was <35 mm or was unable to be obtained.ResultsA total of 1760 charts were reviewed; 962 charts were from the pre‐transition/transabdominal year and 798 charts were from the post‐transition/transvaginal year. In the post‐transition/transvaginal year, cervical length less than 20 mm was identified in 1.5% of cases, compared to 0.7% of cases in the pre‐transition/transabdominal year (p = 0.114). There was no difference in the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery between the two groups (5.1% in the pre‐transition/transabdominal year vs. 6.9% in the post‐transition/transvaginal year; p = 0.111).ConclusionsIn this pre‐post study, introduction of a universal transvaginal cervical length screening did not decrease spontaneous preterm delivery rates or detection of short cervix <20 mm, compared to a protocol of universal transabdominal cervical length screening with reflex to transvaginal for measurement <35 mm.

The influence of environment on invasive Carpobrotus sp. populations across genetic clusters

The study aims to explore the natural variation in the metabolome of different populations of the invasive plant Carpobrotus from different genetic clusters and geographical origins to enhance our comprehension of its involvement in the adaptation process and phenotypic diversity. The metabolomic profile of shoots was analysed in four populations from two different genetic clusters (Cluster A: Cádiz and A Lanzada; Cluster B: La Marina and Samil) and two different biogeographical regions in Spain (Atlantic: Samil and A Lanzada; Mediterranean: Cádiz and La Marina), collected in the field and subsequently grown in the greenhouse. In addition, climatic, and physiological parameters were analysed. The Mediterranean populations (Cádiz and La Marina) showed lower initial weight and length measurements in morphological parameters than the Atlantic populations. On the contrary, only root parameters showed significant differences in growth parameters among populations. The analysis of ion levels revealed a consistent pattern of higher concentrations in shoots compared to roots, with significant differences among populations, particularly in sodium (Na+) and chlorides (Cl−) levels. Regarding metabolomic analysis, clear correlations between the metabolome, genetic and climatic conditions of Carpobrotus sp.pl populations are described. Pairwise comparisons using t-tests and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the differences in metabolomic profile between the Samil and La Marina populations, which correspond to the same genetic cluster (cluster B), were smaller than in the rest of the comparisons indicating that populations from the same genetic cluster were more similar metabolically than those from the same climatic region. The study identified key metabolites representative of each cluster, with significant differences in amino acids, organic acids, and sugars contributing to the variation among populations. Pathway analysis highlighted the impact of climatic conditions on metabolic pathways, particularly in populations from Cluster A. In conclusion, the different populations were more similar according to the genetic cluster than to the climatic region of origin when studied at the metabolomic level. Consequently, the metabolites more representative of each cluster were also identified.

Analysis of very small-small theropod footprints data from Imilchil tracksite (Hig Central Atlas. Morocco). A concordance model for a global scale

In the ensemble of theropod footprints from the Imilchil macrosite, a group of small size separated from the rest is distinguished. We had detected this grouping in other sites studied by our team in La Rioja and in the work of drawing up scatter plots and frequency histograms of the measurements, on a global scale, of the length and width of the theropod footprints (these data are available on request from Farlow [farlow@pfw.edu]). We analyze the particular grouping of small footprints, providing the study of the theropod footprint measurements of 14 new sites with dinosaur footprints in Imilchil and the graphical representation (frequency histograms and scatter plots) of the global data. The work has been done by projecting and comparing the length and width measurements of the Imilchil footprints and the global ones of what we call circumscribed geographical environments (TGC or Temporal Geographical Circumscriptions [cf. Mínguez Ceniceros et al., 2022]). The ichnotaxonomic study of the footprints referred to in this work can be found in Masrour et al., (2023). Finally we interpret the position of maxima and minima in the frequency diagrams, both of Imilchil, and of the other areas in which Farlow has found records (up to the year 2022).

Double ended frequency-scanning heterodyne interferometer for absolute length measurement of opaque blocks

A new contactless method based on frequency-scanning heterodyne interferometry is proposed to measure the absolute length of opaque blocks with fragile reflective surfaces. This method is significant in scientific research, such as determining the absolute length of torsion pendulums in gravitational experiments or test masses in gravitational wave detection programs. In addition to avoiding possible damage caused by contact measurement, this optical setup has the potential for higher measurement accuracy compared to contact measurement apparatuses. Two gauge blocks with nominal lengths of 40 mm and 50 mm are used to test the performance of the proposed interferometer, and the measurement results closely match their nominal lengths. The combined uncertainty is 0.62μm and 0.48μm for the 40 mm and 50 mm gauge blocks respectively.

Risk factors for prolonged length of hospital stay following elective hip replacement surgery: a retrospective longitudinal observational study

ObjectivesOur aim was to identify which patients are likely to stay in hospital longer following total hip replacement surgery.DesignLongitudinal, observational study used routinely collected data.SettingData were collected from an NHS...

Effects of no-ozone cold plasma and mouse mesenchymal stem cell treatments on wound healing in a mouse skin model

Skin wounds heal faster during stem cell differentiation. Cold plasma reportedly enhances cell proliferation and differentiation and enhances the efficacy of stem cell therapy. However, the exact mechanism of action involved remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a combination therapy involving the transplantation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) into mice with wounds followed by their activation using no-ozone cold plasma (NCP). Balb/c mMSCs were transplanted into BALB/c mice and treated with NCP for 5 min. The animals were divided into four groups based on treatments received: no treatment (Wound), mMSCs only (mMSC), NCP only (NCP), and both mMSC and NCP (mMSC + NCP). NCP treatment was administered six times over two weeks, and tissue samples were prepared by sacrificing the mice in the 1st and 2nd weeks. The wound healing efficacy was assessed using morphological, histological, and molecular approaches including wound healing length measurements, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The wound healing effect was better in the mMSC + NCP group than that in the groups treated with either. Tracking the injected mMSCs in mice also revealed that the mMSC + NCP group had a greater survival rate. Furthermore, upon wound healing, the mMSC + NCP group exhibited elevated levels of growth factors, like platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These results suggest that NCP stimulated transplanted mMSCs, resulting in faster wound healing. Therefore, further studies are warranted in preclinical and clinical studies to confirm this effect.

The Effect of Maternal Parity on Preterm Birth Risk in Women with Short Mid-Trimester Cervical Length: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of maternal parity on the association between mid-trimester cervical length and preterm birth to elucidate the potential intricacies of this relationship. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) data. The study population included pregnant women with a singleton fetus and a short mid-trimester cervical length, recorded in the EMR system at a large health maintenance organization. Women were categorized by parity in the current pregnancy, and a statistical analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between parity and premature delivery. Results: Data were collected from 1144 records of cervical length measurements of 738 pregnancies obtained from the HMO database. The study population consisted of 259 nulliparous women (35.1%), 451 multiparous women (61.1%), and 28 grand multiparous women (3.8%). The results from the multivariate analysis of the primary outcome showed that nulliparity was significantly associated with an increased risk of premature delivery, with a risk of 1.557 for nulliparous women compared to parous women. Conclusions: In this study, a statistically significant association was found between nulliparity and preterm birth among women with a short mid-trimester cervical length. Nulliparous women were found to have a higher risk of preterm birth in the current pregnancy compared to parous women. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop targeted interventions to reduce the risk of premature birth in this population. These findings highlight the need to consider nulliparity as a potential risk factor in the management of pregnancies with a shortened cervix.

A preliminary study on the stability of bare footprint linear measurements in four motion states

In some crime scenes, there may be bare footprints. Analyzing and testing the linear measurements of bare footprints in crime scenes can play an important role in personal analysis and individual identification. However, the linear measurements of bare footprints may be influenced by different motion states, leading to changes in length and width or even significant deviations. Previous studies focused on the linear differences between static and dynamic footprints, and failed to take the speed factor into consideration. This paper studied the stability and change regularities of the linear measurements of bare footprints in four different motion states: standing, normal walking, fast walking and trotting. Dust footprints of the right feet were collected from 80 healthy young adults under these four motion states. Seven linear measurements were obtained for each footprint using the Reel method, totaling 2240 data sets. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the measurement variations across the four states. The results showed that there were statistically significant variances in the length measurements (A1-A5) between the standing state and other motion states, whereas no statistically significant variances were observed between the three dynamic states. It was found that the mean values of the five length measurements (A1–A5) increased from static to dynamic state, and then gradually decreased slightly as the walking speed increased. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the two width measurements (MPJ Width and Calc Width) between the four motion states. As a preliminary study, this study can provide a reference for the analysis of bare footprints in different motion states extracted from crime scenes.

Automated Method for Growing Rod Length Measurement on Ultrasound Images in Children With Early Onset Scoliosis

ObjectiveTo develop and validate machine learning algorithms to automatically extract the rod length of the magnetically controlled growing rod from ultrasound images (US) in a pilot study. MethodsTwo machine-learning (ML) models, called the "Boundary model" and "Rod model," were developed to identify specific rod segments on ultrasound images. The models were developed utilizing Mask Regional Convolutional Neural Networks (Mask RCNN). Ninety US images were acquired from 23 participants who had early onset scoliosis (EOS) surgeries; among those, 70 were used for model development, including training and validation, and 20 were used for testing by comparing the AI-based vs. manual measurements. ResultsThe average precision (AP) of the ML models was 88.5% and 60.2%, respectively. The inter-method correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.98, and the mean absolute difference ± standard deviation (MAD ± SD) between AI and manual measurements was 0.86 ± 1.0 mm. The Bland-Altman analysis showed no bias, and 90% of the data were within the 95% confidence interval. The automated method was reliable, accurate, and fast. Measurements were displayed in 4.6 seconds after the US image was inputted. ConclusionThis was the first AI-based method to measure the MCGR rod length on US images automatically.

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.

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.

Anisometropia and its correction in children in northwest China: A study based on autorefraction data.

To investigate the prevalence and correction of anisometropia among primary school children in northwestern China. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in Shaanxi Province. Visual acuity (VA) and autorefraction without cycloplegia were assessed in all participants, and some received axial length (AL) measurements. Anisometropia was categorised based on spherical equivalent (SE), cylindrical (CYL), and AL. The prevalence of anisometropia and refractive correction across different ages and sexes, and correlations between ocular parameters, were analysed. The study included 29 153 children aged 6-12 (mean age 9.52 ± 1.73 years) for VA and autorefraction measurements, and 1176 children for AL measurements. The prevalence of myopia (SE ≤ -0.50 D), hyperopia (SE ≥ +0.50 D), and anisometropia (interocular SE difference ≥1.00 D) was 65.26%, 15.09%, and 16.50%, respectively. Anisometropia severity, based on SE (χ2 = 443.758, p < 0.001), CYL (χ2 = 41.669, p < 0.001), and AL (χ2 = 95.505, p < 0.001), increased with age, with no significant differences between sexes. Interocular SE difference correlated with interocular spherical power (r = 0.806, p < 0.001), CYL (r = 0.21, p < 0.001), and AL (r = 0.365, p < 0.001). Additionally, interocular CYL difference was positively correlated with interocular AL difference (r = 0.16, p < 0.001). Despite the high prevalence of anisometropia, less than 30% of affected children received refractive correction. Anisometropia of SE, CYL, and AL increased progressively with age. Despite the elevated prevalence of anisometropia, the utilisation of refractive correction remained strikingly low.

Description of Two New Species of Stauroneis Ehrenberg (Naviculales, Bacillariophyceae) from the Russian Far East Using an Integrative Approach.

Stauroneis (Naviculales, Bacillariaceae) are widespread, mostly in fresh-water habitats, and account for 343 species. They are described mainly on the basis of morphology and morphometric traits. These characteristics vary during life cycles and may overlap between species, making their identification difficult. We isolated two strains of naviculoid diatoms and examined them using an integrative approach (phylogenetic, morphological, ultrastructural data, and life cycle). Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast rbcL gene data showed affinity of the new strains to the genus Stauroneis. Our algae share morphological features typical of Stauroneis but differ from similar species in minimal valve length measurements, valve apex shape, and minimal number of striae in 10 μm. Two strains are distinct from each other in maximal valve length and width, partially valve shape, the number of areolae in 10 μm, and cingulum structure. It was revealed that the strains reproduce via isogamy. Three species delimitation methods (ASAP, PTP, and GMYC) also confirmed that the two closely related new strains represent distinct species. Based on molecular data and phenotypic traits examined within the framework of an integrative approach, we describe two new isolates as Stauroneis urbani sp. nov. and Stauroneis edaphica sp. nov.